Cupón vs. vale
While both cupón and vale can often be translated as "coupon" or "voucher" in English, their usage depends on whether the context is a discount or a substitute for cash. Generally, cupón is associated with discounts and lotteries, while vale acts as credit, a gift certificate, or an exchange token.
Cupón
B1This word usually refers to a promotional document or code that grants a discount or a special deal. It implies a reduction in price rather than full payment. In Spain, cupón is also widely used to refer to a specific type of lottery ticket.
Si usas este cupón en la tienda online, tendrás un descuento del diez por ciento.
(If you use this coupon in the online store, you will get a ten percent discount.)
Recorté el cupón promocional de la revista para comprar el detergente más barato.
(I cut out the promotional coupon from the magazine to buy the detergent cheaper.)
Cada viernes mi abuelo compra un cupón de la lotería en el quiosco.
(Every Friday my grandfather buys a lottery ticket at the newsstand.)
Debes escanear el código del cupón antes de pagar para activar la oferta.
(You must scan the coupon code before paying to activate the offer.)
Vale
B1Derived from the verb meaning "to be worth," vale represents a document that holds specific monetary value or allows for an exchange of goods. It represents store credit, gift certificates, or authorized exchanges rather than just a discount.
Como regalo de cumpleaños, me dieron un vale de cincuenta euros para comprar libros.
(As a birthday gift, they gave me a fifty-euro voucher to buy books.)
La tienda no devuelve el dinero en efectivo, pero te ofrece un vale por el mismo importe.
(The store does not return cash, but offers you a store credit voucher for the same amount.)
En la fiesta de la empresa nos dieron un vale por una bebida gratis.
(At the company party, they gave us a voucher for a free drink.)
Firmé un vale para confirmar que le debo dinero a mi hermano.
(I signed an IOU to confirm that I owe money to my brother.)
Summary
Use cupón when holding a piece of paper or digital code that lowers a price or enters you into a lottery. Use vale when holding a document that replaces cash, such as a gift voucher, a credit note for a returned item, or a ticket redeemable for a specific item.