How to Read a Walmart Receipt: Explained Step By Step

I have always been a mystery fan. I enjoy solving puzzles and deciphering codes. Shopping at Walmart sparked my interest in the cryptic codes on receipts. I wanted to understand their meaning.

I found that many other customers struggled with these codes too. They couldn’t make sense of the abbreviations on their receipts. This confusion stopped them from using the information provided.

To help others, I wrote a comprehensive guide. It explains the codes and abbreviations on Walmart receipts. My guide shows readers how to use this information. It helps enhance their Walmart shopping experience.

How to Read a Walmart Receipt

Learning how to read a Walmart receipt is like learning a mini-language. Each section on the receipt has significant information that can benefit the buyer.

What do the letters mean on a receipt?

Here are some Codes that you must understand first!

Letter Codes

The letter codes on your Walmart receipt indicate the tax information on the items you purchased.

• N: This code indicates that an item is nontaxable. Nontaxable items include food, clothing, and most medical products.
• X: This code indicates that an item is taxable. Taxable items include electronics, home goods, and most other items.
• O: This code indicates that a sale item is nontaxable. This means that the item is on sale and is not subject to sales tax.
• A: This code indicates that the only tax on the item is the general merchandise tax. General merchandise tax is the standard sales tax rate in most states.
• B: This code indicates that the only tax on the item is on food products. Food tax is a lower sales tax rate applied to food products in some states.
• P: This code indicates that there were two taxes on an item. The two taxes are those for general merchandise and prepared foods. Prepared foods tax is a higher sales tax rate applied to prepared foods in some states.
• R: This code indicates that there were two taxes on an item. These two taxes were for general merchandise and wine products. Wine tax is a higher sales tax rate applied to wine products in some states.
• S: This code indicates that there were two taxes on an item. These two taxes were for general merchandise and beer products. Beer tax is a higher sales tax rate applied to beer products in some states.

Number Codes

The number codes on your Walmart receipt provide important information about the transaction.

• ST#: This code indicates the store number where you purchased.
• OP#: This code indicates the cashier number who checked you out.
• TE#: This code indicates the register number where you checked out.
• TR#: This code is the unique transaction number.
• TC#: This code is the ticket number for returns and exchanges.
• UPCC: This code is the Universal Product Code, which is a unique identifier for each product.
• SKU: This code is the Stock Keeping Unit number, which is a unique identifier for each product that is sold at Walmart.
• DEPT: This code indicates the department where the product was purchased.
• TAX: This code indicates the tax code for the item.
• DISC: This code indicates the discount code for the item.
• RET: This code indicates the return code for the item.

Other Codes

Other codes that you may find on your Walmart receipt include:

• QR Code: This scannable code can be used to access your receipt online.
• Gift Card Barcode: This barcode can be used to redeem a gift card.
• Money Order Barcode: This barcode can be used to redeem a money order.

How to Understand the Payment Information on Receipt?

The payment information on your Walmart receipt is also quite simple. Here is a breakdown of each section:

• Type: This section shows the payment you used to purchase items (cash, credit card, debit card, etc.).
• Amount paid: This section shows how much you paid for your purchase.
• Change due: This section shows the amount of change you received back, if any.
• Total: This section shows your purchase amount, including taxes.

How Walmart Receipt Codes Identify Your Payment Method?

The payment method section of your Walmart receipt includes a variety of codes and details, such as:

• TEND: Short for “tendered,” this indicates the total amount you paid. If you paid with cash and a card, both payment methods and amounts will be listed.
• CASH TEND: Represents a cash payment, followed by “Change Due.”
• DEBIT TEND: Denotes a bank card or EBT card payment.
• MCARD TEND: Indicates a payment made with a Mastercard credit card.
• VISA TEND: Represents a payment using a Visa credit card.
• AMEX TEND: Denotes an American Express payment.

For card payments, the last four digits of the card number will be listed, along with authorization reference codes, which may include:

• APPROVAL#: Indicates that the bank has approved the payment.
• REF#: A unique reference number for the transaction.
• TRANS ID: A unique transaction number.
• VALIDATION PAYMENT SERVICE AID: A code that identifies the payment processor.
• AAC: A code that identifies the type of card used for payment.
• TERMINAL#: The register number where the transaction occurred.

The receipt also includes a 20-digit transaction code, starting with “TC#,” followed by a barcode, the transaction date and time, and a QR Code that you can scan with the Walmart app to save your purchase details to your Walmart account.

You’ll find information regarding Walmart’s return policy on the back of your receipt.

Tax Information

The tax section gives a breakdown of the taxes paid on the purchases. It’s essential for those who need to keep a record for taxation purposes.

Savings Catcher QR Code

This feature allows you to scan the QR code and compare prices with other retailers, ensuring you get the best deal.

Contact Information

The contact information of the store is usually printed at the bottom of the receipt, which is useful in case you need to get in touch with the store.

Additional Information on Walmart Receipts

• Transaction code: A 20-digit number followed by a bar code. This unique receipt number is crucial for returns or inquiries.
• Location details: City and state of the Walmart store you visited and the store manager’s name. This information is often located at the top of the receipt under the Walmart logo.
• Return policy: A summary of Walmart’s return policy.

What are the Benefits of Understanding Your Receipt?

Understanding your Walmart receipt can offer a number of benefits. Tracking your spending can help you stay on budget and make informed financial decisions.

Your Walmart receipt provides a detailed breakdown of your purchases, including the price of each item, taxes, and discounts.

Your Walmart receipt can also serve as a record of your purchase in case of any discrepancy with your billing statement. This helps ensure billing accuracy and resolve any issues quickly.

By understanding the different types of discounts and promotions available at Walmart, you can save money on purchases.

Your receipt helps you identify which discounts were applied to your purchase and how much you saved.

Common Misunderstandings

Here are some common misunderstandings people have about Walmart receipts:

• Myth: My Walmart receipt’s abbreviations are secret codes only Walmart employees can understand.
• Fact: The abbreviations on your Walmart receipt are standard codes used in the retail industry. You can find a list of common Walmart receipt abbreviations on Walmart’s website or by asking a Walmart employee for assistance.
• Myth: My Walmart receipt is only useful for making returns or exchanges.
• Fact: Your Walmart receipt can be used for various purposes, such as budgeting, tracking spending, and getting refunds.

Delving Deeper

Here are some aspects of Walmart receipts that may need a deeper understanding:

• Transaction code: The transaction code is a unique number that identifies your purchase. You must provide the transaction code if you are making a return or exchange.
• Tax code: The tax code indicates the type of tax that was applied to each item on your purchase. For example, some items may be subject to sales tax, while others may be exempt.
• Discount code: The discount code indicates the discount applied to each item on your purchase. For example, you may have received a coupon or senior citizen discount.

Reading Between The Lines

Sometimes, a closer look at your Walmart receipt might reveal more information. For example:

• If you see a “Gift Card” section on your receipt, it means that you purchased or redeemed a gift card. The gift card number will be listed in this section.
• If you see a “Money Order” section on your receipt, it means that you purchased or redeemed a money order. The money order number will be listed in this section.
• If you see a “QR Code” on your receipt, you can scan it with your smartphone to view your receipt online.

What is Digital Receipts Versus Paper Receipts?

Walmart offers both digital and paper receipts. Digital receipts are emailed to you after you make a purchase, while paper receipts are printed at the register.

Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of each type of receipt:

Digital receipts:

• Benefits: Convenient, easy to store and organize, environmentally friendly
• Drawbacks: May be deleted or lost accidentally, may not be accessible without an internet connection

Paper receipts:

• Benefits: Physical record of your purchase can be used to make returns or exchanges without an internet connection
• Drawbacks: Can be easily lost or damaged, less environmentally friendly

Ultimately, your best type of receipt depends on your needs and preferences.

How to understand the itemized list of purchases?

The itemized list of purchases on your Walmart receipt can be confusing to read at first, but it’s quite simple. Here is a breakdown of each column.

Item shows the name of the item you purchased.

Quantity shows the number of items you purchased.

Unit price shows the price of each item.

Total shows the total price for each item, including the quantity and unit price.

How to Use the Walmart Receipt Lookup Tool?

If you’ve lost your receipt or need assistance identifying an item on your receipt, you can use the Walmart receipt lookup tool. Here’s how to do it:

1. Visit Walmart’s receipt lookup tool.
2. Enter the Zip Code or city of the store where you purchased it.
3. Input the purchase date.
4. Provide your card type and the last four digits of the card you used for the payment.
5. Enter the receipt total.
6. Complete the Captcha and click the “Lookup Receipt” button.

The receipt lookup tool will display your purchased items, including product images, names, and prices. You can also download a printable copy of your receipt.

You must contact Walmart customer service for assistance if you paid with cash.

How do I scan a Walmart receipt to Walmart?

You can use the Walmart app to scan a Walmart receipt to Walmart.

The Walmart app allows you to save your purchase details to your Walmart account, which can help track spending, make returns, and get refunds.

To scan your receipt using the Walmart app, follow these steps:

1. Open the Walmart app.
2. Tap the “Scan Receipt” button.
3. Scan the QR code on your receipt.
4. Review your purchase details and tap the “Save Receipt” button.

Your purchase details will be saved to your Walmart account. You can access your purchase details anytime by logging into your Walmart account and tapping the “Purchase History” tab.

How to use your receipt to return or exchange items?

Returning or exchanging an item at Walmart is easy. Bring the item you want to return or exchange and the receipt to the customer service desk at any Walmart store.

The customer service representative will guide you through the process and issue you a refund or a replacement item.

In short, having a receipt makes the whole process much easier when you return or exchange items bought through Walmart stores.

How do you use your receipt to get a refund?

If you are not satisfied with the product you purchased, you can request a refund at any Walmart store. Take the item and the receipt to the customer service desk.

If applicable, a customer service representative will help you process your refund and issue it to the original payment form.

Final Words

Grasping the details of your Walmart receipt can benefit you. It helps you keep track of your spending and budget more effectively. You gain insights into your purchases by decoding the various codes and abbreviations.

This understanding also lets you make the most of Walmart’s policies and special programs.

FAQs