Voucher vs. Coupon: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 17, 2023
A voucher is a document that acts as proof of a transaction or entitlement, often exchangeable for goods or services. A coupon is a certificate that offers a discount or rebate when purchasing a product or service.
Key Differences
A voucher serves as a type of proof for a particular transaction or entitlement. For example, when you return an item at a store, you might receive a voucher to use on a future purchase. It can also represent a prepaid service, like a gift voucher for a restaurant. On the other hand, a coupon provides a discount or some form of savings when purchasing a specific item or service. Coupons are often used to incentivize sales and attract new customers.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
In the corporate world, vouchers can be involved in more complex financial transactions, such as expense reimbursement or proof of expenditure for auditing purposes. Coupons, in contrast, are generally consumer-focused and aimed at driving sales for a particular product or service. They are often distributed through various marketing channels to encourage spending.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
A voucher is often a stand-alone document that holds value in itself. For example, a travel voucher is an exchangeable piece of paper that has a monetary value, which can be used to purchase travel-related services. Coupons, however, are generally not valuable by themselves but require a purchase to realize their value, such as a discount on a future purchase.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
In summary, a voucher is usually a document that represents an already made transaction or an entitlement to a service or good, often with an inherent value attached. Coupons are promotional tools that provide discounts or offers, aimed to incentivize a purchase. While both are forms of a certificate, their uses and implications are different.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Voucher and Coupon Definitions
Voucher
A ticket exchangeable for goods or services.
He used his travel voucher to book a flight.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 17, 2023
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Coupon
A promotional tool for businesses.
We sent out coupons to attract new customers.
Janet White
Sep 17, 2023
Voucher
A document verifying a transaction.
Keep this voucher as proof of your purchase.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Coupon
An incentive to make a purchase.
This coupon is valid for your next visit.
Harlon Moss
Sep 17, 2023
Voucher
A certificate representing a specific value.
She received a $50 voucher for her birthday.
Janet White
Sep 17, 2023
Coupon
A certificate offering a discount.
I have a 20% off coupon for that store.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 17, 2023
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Coupon
A detachable part of a ticket or advertisement.
Clip the coupon and bring it to the store.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 17, 2023
Voucher
A written record of expenditure, disbursement, or completed transaction.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Coupon
A code or detachable part of a ticket, card, or advertisement that entitles the holder to a certain benefit, such as a cash refund or a gift.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Voucher
A written authorization or certificate, especially one exchangeable for cash or representing a credit against future expenditures.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Coupon
One of a set of small certificates that may be detached from a bond certificate and redeemed for interest payments.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Voucher
To issue a voucher to
A company that vouchers employees when the payroll cannot be met.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Coupon
A section of a ticket, showing the holder to be entitled to some specified accommodation or service, as to a passage over a designated line of travel, a particular seat in a theater, a discount, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Voucher
A piece of paper that entitles the holder to a discount, or that can be exchanged for goods and services.
This voucher can be redeemed at any Walmart in the state until March 31 2013.
A voucher for a free kettle
This voucher entitles the bearer to a 20% discount on frozen goods.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Coupon
A voucher issued by a manufacturer or retailer which offers a discount on a particular product.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Coupon
A certificate of interest due, printed at the bottom of transferable bonds (state, railroad, etc.), given for a term of years, designed to be cut off and presented for payment when the interest is due; an interest warrant.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Coupon
(finance) Any interest payment made or due on a bond, debenture or similar (no longer by a physical coupon).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Voucher
(advertising) A copy of a published advertisement sent by the agency to the client as proof of publication.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Coupon
The letter sent to parliamentary candidates at the 1918 general election, endorsing them as official representatives of the coalition government.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Voucher
(historical) A mechanical device used in shops for automatically registering the amount of money drawn.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Coupon
(manufacturing) A small sample of a bulk material, prepared so that test failure will be representative.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Coupon
To use coupons to a such extent that makes the user actively looking for coupons in magazines, online and whatever they can be found.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Coupon
A certificate of interest due, printed at the bottom of transferable bonds (state, railroad, etc.), given for a term of years, designed to be cut off and presented for payment when the interest is due; an interest warrant.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Voucher
One who vouches, or gives witness or full attestation, to anything.
Will his vouchers vouch him no more?
The great writers of that age stand up together as vouchers for one another's reputation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Coupon
A section of a ticket, showing the holder to be entitled to some specified accomodation or service, as to a passage over a designated line of travel, a particular seat in a theater, or the like.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Voucher
A book, paper, or document which serves to vouch the truth of accounts, or to confirm and establish facts of any kind; also, any acquittance or receipt showing the payment of a debt; as, the merchant's books are his vouchers for the correctness of his accounts; notes, bonds, receipts, and other writings, are used as vouchers in proving facts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Coupon
A ticket or form allowing the bearer to purchase a specific quantity of rationed goods; - such coupons are typically issued by a governmental agency.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Voucher
The act of calling in a person to make good his warranty of title in the old form of action for the recovery of lands.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Coupon
A printed form, often distributed as part of an advertisement, entitling the bearer to purchase a specific item of merchandise at a discount; or, a similar form which may be submitted to the issuer to obtain goods or information. Such coupons may be issued by the manufacturer (manufacturer's coupon) or by a retail establishment; in the latter case they may then be redeemed only at that particular retail store.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Voucher
A document attesting to a credit against certain defined expenditures; a recipt for prepayment; - often used in pre-arranged travel plans, to provide evidence of pre-payment of the cost of lodging, transportation, or meals.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Voucher
Someone who vouches for another or for the correctness of a statement
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2022
Voucher
An authorization for a specific action.
I have a voucher to skip the line.
Sara Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
FAQs
What is a voucher?
A voucher is a document serving as proof of a transaction or entitlement.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
What is a coupon?
A coupon is a certificate offering a discount on a specific product or service.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Are vouchers and coupons the same?
No, vouchers represent a transaction or entitlement, while coupons offer discounts.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Can a voucher be exchanged for cash?
Generally, no, but it depends on the terms of the voucher.
Janet White
Sep 17, 2023
Can businesses use vouchers?
Yes, vouchers can be used in both consumer and business contexts.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 17, 2023
Are coupons only for consumers?
Primarily, though some businesses may use them in B2B contexts.
Harlon Moss
Sep 17, 2023
Can you use a voucher and a coupon together?
This depends on the policies of the retailer or service provider.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
How are vouchers distributed?
Vouchers are usually given directly from the seller or service provider.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Is a voucher a legal document?
A voucher can serve as a legal proof of transaction, but its status may vary.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 17, 2023
Can you use multiple coupons at once?
This varies by store policy; some allow it, some don’t.
Janet White
Sep 17, 2023
How are coupons distributed?
Coupons can be distributed through various channels, including newspapers and online platforms.
Janet White
Sep 17, 2023
Do vouchers expire?
Some vouchers have expiration dates, but it depends on the terms.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 17, 2023
Which is better, a voucher or a coupon?
Neither is objectively better; it depends on the specific need or situation.
Harlon Moss
Sep 17, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
