Gift Certificate vs. Coupon – Bright Stores

Below is a table that illustrates the differences between Gift Certificate and Coupons.

For additional information on adding Gift Certificates, click here

For additional information on adding Coupons, click here

*Function*	*Gift Certificate*	Coupon
Is a user account required?	Yes, must have an account and be logged in to redeem a code.	No, both guest users and logged in users can redeem a code.
How are codes redeemed?	Codes can be added to the user’s account in their account dashboard or redeemed at checkout.	Code is entered at checkout.
How long do funds remain on user’s account?	Once redeemed, gift certificate funds are loaded as a balance and remain on the user’s account. For example, if the user has a $100 balance and only uses $75 towards an order, the remaining $25 stays on their account for use in the future.	Used per order and no cash/point balances remain.
Can the code be used more than once?	Gift Certificate Codes are automatically set to one-time use.	Coupons can be configured for either one-time or multiple uses.
Can the code have an expiration date?	Expiration date is the last date a Gift Certificate can be redeemed. Once redeemed, the funds on the user’s account never expire.	Coupons can be assigned an expiration date or have no expiration date.
Can an administrator control what the code can be applied towards?	Admins have no way to control what is purchased with a gift certificate, or when.	Coupons can be configured to apply to an order, order and shipping, shipping only or one product. Use coupon permissions to apply the discount to products, groups, and categories.
How are taxes applied to the order when the code is used?	Since Gift Certificate codes/account balances act as a method of payment, the full tax amount is applied.	Since Coupon codes are a discount code, only the remaining order amount after the coupon is applied is taxed.

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