What is a Catalina?

A catalina is a little coupon that will print at the cash register. It can be an actual coupon or it can be treated as cash on your next transaction.
Catalina is simply the name of the company that markets these machines. Most stores have catalinas that can only be used at that same store. The exception is stores that accept competitor coupons- such as Publix, Albertson’s or some Walmart stores.
Walgreens has a catalina program called Register Rewards- they have quirks to their program that is unlike any other store.
In general you can “roll” catalinas- meaning you can use one to purchase the exact same product again and you will still get yet another catalina and so on.
You will want to pay attention to these coupons as they are often high in value, can be good for free products or they are worth dollars off on your next transaction. In the case of dollars off- you can literally hand them over just like cash and use them on the majority of items in a store.
If you do not get a catalina in a store that should have printed you can always contact the catalina company directly. They will ask for the information off your store receipt (and providing you purchased the correct products) they will actually mail you the catalina! Typically catalinas do not print because of an error with the machine or it might simply be out of paper. The machines will typically have a little green light on if they are functioning properly so you can also look for that indicator.
Should you need to contact catalina you will need your store details- name and store #- the date of the transaction, and your rewards card/ club card or receipt to verify the purchase. The phone # is 888-322-3814 and you will need to ask for customer service.
There is no central location that provides information on all the current catalinas by store. I am not aware of any means to track the offers other than looking for signs in your store, watching for the announcements that occasionally print at the register or reading blogs!
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Albertson’s accepts competitor coupons? as in other stores catalina’s?? this is new info for me.
No some Albertson’s will accept the catalinas. Not all of them just some. So ask at your store.
Hooray! Now I finally know about the “Catalina.” I was using them before, just didn’t realize it. THANKS!
Does Catalina have a website that can be accessed, that lists current Catalina promotions?
Thanks
No they do not.
How do you know if qualify for Catalinas? I never know until one actually prints off.
You can also email your mailing address, store name and address and date/time shopped to: coupon@catalinamarketing.com
May be a better choice than waiting on hold.
I have a question about Catalina? I got a $10.00 off your next shopping trip because I got the TP yesterday. Can I still use coupons with this and sale items?
YUP! You need $10 or more in items to use it but you can literally pay 0 for a transaction with that little lovely. Same as CVS ECBs- use all the coupons you want!
I really would like to echo the request about Catalinas – you mention the items you bought – but how does one know WHICH items trigger the catalina? It seems that often one does NOT know that there is even a Catalina program happening? How frustrating.
Isa- I try to post the catalinas and what is included. There is no central resource for finding the information other than seeing it advertised or getting the announcement in the store. Sorry you are frustrated but I can only pass along the information that comes my way.
You are awesome Charlene….I have turned ALL of my friends onto your website and they love it as well.
charlene! I too love you and all of your information! I save hundreds every week! It is not unusual for me to have a total of 144.00 at the grocery store and walk out spending 4.35!!!!! I stop people in the store and tell them about your website! I give them all the info they need to do the same thing I am doing! We need to help each other out in times such as these we are living in now! help thy neighbor! So, again, Thanks soooooo very much for all you do!!!! You are one of my favorite things in life!!!!
I have a question about the catalinas. Walgreens doesn’t let me roll my RR for the same product and generate a new catalina. Nor will it let me pay for say a proctor and gamble product with a proctor and gamble RR. Are they right or wrong?
Have a blessed day,
The Bargain Babe
Hi Laura- First off thank you! And second they are 100% right. That is pretty much the biggest pain about Walgreens. There are occasions when RR will “roll” or you can use them on the same item but it is rare. Also they can fix it at any time so you are taking a risk of losing the Reward if they fix it 10 seconds before you get in line.
You can see more about Walgreens right here:
http://myfrugaladventures.com/2009/11/walgreens-register-rewards/
Is there a list of stores that participate in the catalina program? I specifically want to know if Savemart participates….anyone know? THANKS!