What are Catalina Coupons and How Do They Work?

January 21, 2017December 31, 2018Coupon Tips, Couponing 101 Kristy

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here

Ever wonder how or why you got a surprise coupon when you checked out at the store? When you purchase specified items you’ll receive coupons at checkout to use on your next shopping trip. Sometimes buying certain items will prompt a money off a certain item catalina as well, as well as different weekly promotions when available (you will see listed in your store’s weekly ad). Most times at Tops Markets you can get a money off catalina and in return use it on same offer and get another catalina.

example of manufacturers catalina coupons

A catalina is a coupon that is printed at the register at participating stores when you purchase select participating items.

A Catalina is a coupon that prints out form the Catalina machine next to the registers when you cash out. Depending on your store, they are typically manufacturers coupons that are supposed to only be used at the store they printed out at. These cannot be combined with other manufacturers coupons. You can tell by the “manufacturers coupon” print on the top. If you get a catalina that is a store coupon, if will say so on the top and those you can stack!

example of an advertised catalina offer in weekly ad

Another type of catalina is a money off your purchase order. These are given when you purchase a certain quantity of items indicated. Some times we can find them in the weekly ad, and other times we find out from chance of buying items. Once in awhile we can find printed catalinas that tell us about an upcoming catalina offer as well! These money off catalinas can be used on any purchase you make after receiving them. Know that with these you can not purchase more than one set of offers and receive more catalinas. You would need to separate your purchases in order to receive more than one catalina for the offers. You can, however, use them all at once on your next order. Sometimes, you can even use them on the same items that gave you the catalina to lower your out of pocket cost, and get them back in return for purchasing them!

example of catalina telling us of upcoming offers

Catalina FACTS:

Where does a catalina come from?

The catalina coupon prints out from the catalina machines found at the registers. You will want to be sure to check the machine to see if the coupons have printed if you are expecting any. Make sure your catalina box has a (typically green) light on to know that it is on an working. If the light is red or not on they may be out of paper or off and you will not get your coupons. They will print out after you pay for bill.

Can I use coupons with my catalina deal?

Yes, you can usually use coupons on these offers and get the catalina in return unless otherwise noted.

Can I roll catalinas ?

Well rolling refers to when you purchase a catalina deal and use a catalina from the prior transaction and you will still get another catalina. Many catalinas will roll, but sometimes catalinas will not roll. Sometimes you can find out if they do by reading the fine print on the offers, or on the bottom of the catalina. Sometimes we find out by trial and error.