A Newcomer’s Guide to Couponing Acronyms

I’ve received several requests from readers to explain the acronyms I use in some of my deal posts, so here you go. If you have more questions, feel free to leave a comment or drop me an email!

PG, RP & SS: These stand for Procter & Gamble, Red Plum and Smart Source, and these refer to the coupon inserts that come in the Sunday newspaper. So, for example, when I say that you’ll find a certain coupon in the “10/26 SS insert,” that means you’ll find it in the Smart Source coupon insert of October 26.

Each coupon insert will say either Procter & Gamble, Red Plum or Smart Source right on the front page. If you’re not sure the date, look on the spine of the insert and you’ll find the date right there.

ECB: ECB stands for ExtraCare Buck, which is money that can be used only at CVS. So, let’s say an item is on sale for $5 and you get back $2 ECBs. That means you pay $5 at the cash register (or less if you have a coupon) and you’ll get back $2 at the end of your receipt (when you use your CVS ExtraCare Card). You just clip it off the end of the receipt and use it next time as cash.

CRT: This stands for Cash Register Tape, and while I rarely use this acronym, this refers to a store-specific coupon that comes out at the end of your receipt. So when you make a purchase at CVS you may receive both ECBs (CVS cash) and CRTs (coupons on the receipt that can only be used at CVS).

RR: RR stands for Register Rewards. It’s the same as an ECB, only it’s specific to Walgreens. It’s like cash that can only be used at Walgreens. It doesn’t come on your receipt like at CVS, but instead will be given as a Catalina coupon (a coupon that comes out next to the register receipt that can be used on a future purchase).

ESR: When you see someone write about an ESR they’re talking about EasySaver Rebates at Walgreens. These are cash back rebates you can apply for online or by mail. The ESR coupon and rebate catalog comes out once a month and can be found in Walgreens or online.

SCR: An SCR is a Single Check Rebate, which is the Rite Aid version of an ESR. It’s a cash back rebate on purchases made at Rite Aid. You can find the Rite Aid SCR booklet in their stores and on their web site as well.

I hope this helps. Are there any other key acronyms that I missed?