How To Read A Walmart Receipt? (Codes, Meanings + More)

As you complete a transaction at Walmart, an associate will print or email a receipt as proof of purchase during a return or for your personal records.

Every receipt is jam-packed with vital information unique to you, but does anyone actually know how to read a Walmart receipt? We’ll tell you all you need to know about Walmart receipts!

How To Read A Walmart Receipt?

The most predominant feature on any Walmart receipt is the purchased product names, their unique serial numbers, and price with any discounts applied. The extended numeral code at the bottom is the receipt number. A, B, P, R, & S represent sales tax compliance. While N, X & O stands for the tax status. Duplicate receipts via Walmart’s online receipt lookup tool. 

If you’d like to find out the true meaning behind Walmart’s codes, abbreviations, or how to duplicate a receipt, read on!

What Do The Numeral Codes On Walmart Receipts Mean?

Walmart receipts are bombarded with long and short numeral codes, from top to bottom which can make them confusing to understand. So here is a breakdown of what these codes mean!

Below is a list of codes and their meanings which you can find towards the top of the receipt below the address of the Walmart store.

  • The store’s name and zip code is the first number you’ll see on the line of the receipt
  • ST# which states the store number
  • OP# that signifies the cashier
  • #TE represents the cash register number
  • TR# is the transaction number

Moving down to the most apparent numbers listed along the middle of the receipt you’ll find the 12-digit serial code, unique to every item purchased.

Individual prices are listed along the right-hand side. Underneath the products, you’ll see the total cost, debit tends (meaning a refund should go to this card), and any change due. 

What Do The Numeral Codes On Walmart Receipts Mean?

If you paid with a card, you’ll see ‘U.S credit/debit’ (depending on your usage) followed by the last 4-digits of your card.

This is to help you and the cashier specify which card was used should you require a refund. Along the same line, you’ll find the receipt’s reference (REF) number provided by the merchant. 

‘APPR’ is an abbreviation of ‘Approved,’ indicating that the bank has authorized the transaction. If you use a chip card, you may see an ‘AID’ code, which is used to address the application of a card.

Further down, you’ll see the ‘TC’ number which makes up the transaction codes. 

Lastly, the C# number is the receipt’s unique number; it is one of the essential numbers printed. Below the barcode, you’ll find the exact date and time of purchase. 

How To Figure Out What An Item Is On A Walmart Receipt?

Walmart states the names of each product purchased on that transaction and is typically shortened product names using abbreviations. For example, ‘Org’ means organic, and “VG’ and vegetables. 

You can also find an item by its unique serial code listed down the middle of the receipt. High-value goods such as radios, televisions, tablets, phones, and consoles usually imprint the serial code onto the device.

Type that number into the search bar at Walmart.com to find out a product’s alphabetical name and details. 

Alternatively, scan the QR code on your receipt using the Walmart + app. You should receive a picture of every item listed on the receipt.  

What Do A, B, P, R, & S Mean On A Walmart Receipt? 

Looking closely at the receipt, you’ll see letters such as F, R, and B. These are linked to sales tax compliance, varying from state to state. For example: 

  • A = Tax 1 Only 
  • B = Tax 2 Only 
  • P = Tax 1 & 4 
  • R = Tax 1 & 6 
  • S = Tax 1 & 7

Each tax rate stands for an item purchased: 

  • Tax 1 is the rate for General Merchandise 
  • Tax 2 is the food rate 
  • Tax 4 is the prepared food rate 
  • Tax 6 is the wine rate 
  • Tax 7 is the beer rate 

Is The Walmart Return Policy On Your Receipt? 

Walmart’s return policy is typically located on the back of the receipt. Returns can be made within 90 days, starting from the date printed on the front of your receipt underneath the barcode.  

If your local store has not printed a receipt with the return policy on the back, fear not! Head over to Walmart.com, where you’ll find the complete return policy. Alternatively, contact Walmart customer care.

What Does N, X, & O Mean On A Walmart Receipt?

Followed by the price of an item on the right side of your receipt, you may see an N, X, or O. These letters represent each product’s tax status: 

  • N means the item is nontaxable
  • X indicated the product is taxable
  • O listed products are nontaxable sale items

What Happens If You Lose Your Receipt?

Customers need their receipts if they wish to claim a full refund. However, they’re incredibly easy to lose.

Luckily, Walmart can help recover receipts by looking them up online. You’ll need to know the zip code or city and state of the store you purchased, the date of receipt, and the total amount paid.  

Walmart encourages customers to use a financial statement to authenticate the purchase date and amount.

Next, provide the card type used at purchase and its last 4-digits. Once you’ve gathered the necessary information, access the receipt lookup facility online. 

How To Use The Receipt Lookup Tool Online? 

Associates may reprint Walmart receipts provided it is straight after printing the first. However, you can use the Receipt Lookup tool online to produce a duplicate receipt. 

Firstly, select the store that printed your receipt and choose the date of purchase. Insert your card type (pick debit for all debit cards) with the last 4-digits of your unique card number. Enter the receipt amount, confirm the Captcha, and press ‘Lookup receipt’. 

If your receipt is verified, you may download and print it on the next page. You might need to contact Walmart customer services if you paid with cash, a check, or a gift card. 

To learn more, also see our other guides on who makes Walmart Great Value products, if Walmart can check your receipt when exiting, and the Walmart return policy without a receipt.

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Marques Thomas

Marques Thomas graduated with a MBA in 2011. Since then, Marques has worked in the retail and consumer service industry as a manager, advisor, and marketer. Marques is also the head writer and founder of QuerySprout.com.

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