Voucher vs. Coupon: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || 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.
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.
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.
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.
Comparison Chart
Purpose
Proof of transaction
Promotional discount
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Target Audience
Both consumers and businesses
Primarily consumers
Monetary Value
Often has intrinsic value
No intrinsic value
Distribution Method
Direct from seller
Various channels
Grammatical Role
Primarily used as a noun
Primarily used as a noun
Voucher and Coupon Definitions
Voucher
A ticket exchangeable for goods or services.
He used his travel voucher to book a flight.
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Coupon
A promotional tool for businesses.
We sent out coupons to attract new customers.
Voucher
A document verifying a transaction.
Keep this voucher as proof of your purchase.
Coupon
An incentive to make a purchase.
This coupon is valid for your next visit.
Voucher
A certificate representing a specific value.
She received a $50 voucher for her birthday.
Coupon
A certificate offering a discount.
I have a 20% off coupon for that store.
Voucher
A piece of substantiating evidence; a proof.
Coupon
A detachable part of a ticket or advertisement.
Clip the coupon and bring it to the store.
Voucher
A written record of expenditure, disbursement, or completed transaction.
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.
Voucher
A written authorization or certificate, especially one exchangeable for cash or representing a credit against future expenditures.
Coupon
A periodic interest payment due to the holder of a bond.
Voucher
To substantiate or authenticate with evidence.
Coupon
The interest rate of a bond that pays a coupon.
Voucher
To prepare a voucher for
Properly vouchering each transaction.
Coupon
One of a set of small certificates that may be detached from a bond certificate and redeemed for interest payments.
Voucher
To issue a voucher to
A company that vouchers employees when the payroll cannot be met.
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.
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.
Coupon
A voucher issued by a manufacturer or retailer which offers a discount on a particular product.
Voucher
A receipt.
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.
Voucher
One who or that which vouches.
Coupon
(finance) Any interest payment made or due on a bond, debenture or similar (no longer by a physical coupon).
Voucher
(advertising) A copy of a published advertisement sent by the agency to the client as proof of publication.
Coupon
The letter sent to parliamentary candidates at the 1918 general election, endorsing them as official representatives of the coalition government.
Voucher
(historical) A mechanical device used in shops for automatically registering the amount of money drawn.
Coupon
(Scotland) A person's face.
Voucher
(transitive) To establish the authenticity of; to vouch for.
Coupon
(manufacturing) A small sample of a bulk material, prepared so that test failure will be representative.
Voucher
(transitive) To provide a vouch for (an expenditure).
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.
Voucher
(transitive) To provide (a beneficiary) with a voucher.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Coupon
A negotiable certificate that can be detached and redeemed as needed
Voucher
Someone who vouches for another or for the correctness of a statement
Coupon
A test sample of some substance
Voucher
A document that serves as evidence of some expenditure
Coupon
A code for online savings.
Enter this coupon code at checkout.
Voucher
A negotiable certificate that can be detached and redeemed as needed
Voucher
A form used to make payments.
Fill out this voucher to get reimbursed.
Voucher
An authorization for a specific action.
I have a voucher to skip the line.
FAQs
What is a voucher?
A voucher is a document serving as proof of a transaction or entitlement.
What is a coupon?
A coupon is a certificate offering a discount on a specific product or service.
Are vouchers and coupons the same?
No, vouchers represent a transaction or entitlement, while coupons offer discounts.
Do coupons have cash value?
Typically, coupons have no intrinsic cash value.
Can a voucher be exchanged for cash?
Generally, no, but it depends on the terms of the voucher.
Can businesses use vouchers?
Yes, vouchers can be used in both consumer and business contexts.
Are coupons only for consumers?
Primarily, though some businesses may use them in B2B contexts.
Can coupons expire?
Yes, coupons usually have an expiration date.
Can you use a voucher and a coupon together?
This depends on the policies of the retailer or service provider.
How are vouchers distributed?
Vouchers are usually given directly from the seller or service provider.
Is a voucher a legal document?
A voucher can serve as a legal proof of transaction, but its status may vary.
Can you use multiple coupons at once?
This varies by store policy; some allow it, some don’t.
How are coupons distributed?
Coupons can be distributed through various channels, including newspapers and online platforms.
Do vouchers expire?
Some vouchers have expiration dates, but it depends on the terms.
Which is better, a voucher or a coupon?
Neither is objectively better; it depends on the specific need or situation.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
