Coupon Terminology Explained: Per Purchase vs. Per Transaction in Canada
- Dee Coupon Couple
- Sep 27
- 3 min read
Confused by coupon terminology in Canada? Learn the difference between “per purchase” and “per transaction,” how to read coupon fine print, and how to use multiple coupons correctly to maximize your grocery savings. Watch this full video here.
Why Coupon Terminology Matters
If you’re new to couponing in Canada, the fine print can feel overwhelming. Terms like “one per purchase” and “one per transaction” often confuse shoppers — but once you understand them, you’ll unlock the full savings potential of your coupons.
Coupon terms and conditions refer to the particular rules that dictate how a coupon can be used, covering aspects such as expiration dates, applicable products or services, minimum purchase requirements, limits on usage, and restrictions on combining it with other promotions. It's important to read the fine print to comprehend these conditions, as they can greatly affect a coupon's validity, the overall purchase cost, and possible exclusions.
Per Purchase vs. Per Transaction
This is where things often get confusing. Let’s break it down simply:
Per Purchase → Means per product or per set of products (depending on the coupon requirement).
Example: “$1 off per purchase of one box of cereal.”
You could use multiple coupons if you buy multiple boxes.
Per Transaction → Means all your purchases at checkout.
Example: “Limit one per transaction.”
No matter how many qualifying items you buy, you can only use one of those particular coupons in total for that transaction in a single checkout. BUT you can still use other coupons within the transaction for other products. Just not one those products the coupon states.
Per Customer or per person → A stricter rule. You can only use one coupon for that deal per customer, often per day
Example of a "per set" Coupon: Buy 3, Save $3
Let’s break down a real example. Imagine you have a coupon that says:
“Buy 3 participating products, save $3.”
On the back, it might read:
Valid on the purchase of three products.
Limit one coupon per purchase of three participating products.
Here’s what that actually means in practice:
You must buy three (3) participating products to use one coupon.
Those three items count as one purchase.
You can use one coupon per group or set of three items.
So if you buy six of those products, you can use two coupons — one for each group of three.
Quick Way to Remember
👉 Per Purchase = Per Product (or product set) Purchased.
👉 Per Transaction = Your Whole Checkout. But keep in mind, you can still use other coupons in the same transaction for other things. It's just that particular coupon can only be used once within the transaction.
Once you keep that in mind, the rules make much more sense.
Remember to Check Expiration Dates
Every coupon must display an expiration date. Many coupons have lengthy expiration periods. While some may expire in a few weeks, others remain valid for over six months to a year. It's crucial to pay attention to expiration dates when using coupons to ensure they are still valid. You can utilize a coupon until its expiration date. For instance, numerous coupons expire on December 31st of a given year, allowing you to use them until midnight on that day.
Why This Matters for Canadian Couponers
Understanding these terms is the key to avoiding frustration at checkout. It also ensures you’re using coupons correctly, maximizing your savings, and staying within store policies.
Final Thoughts
Coupon terminology doesn’t have to be intimidating. By learning how to read the fine print — especially the difference between “per purchase” and “per transaction” — you’ll feel more confident and organized when couponing in Canada.
Once you’ve got this down, you’ll find couponing a breeze and start stacking up real savings on your grocery bills.
👉 Follow along for more Canadian couponing tips to stretch your grocery budget further every week!
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