How To Mark a Code as Used

In Coupon Carrier, every code follows a clear lifecycle — from generation, to delivery, to redemption.

Marking a code as used is what enforces single-use behavior and prevents reuse or abuse.

This article explains all the ways a code can be marked as used, when to use each method, and how to verify what happened afterward.

What does “Mark as Used” mean?

When a code is marked as used:

• It becomes invalid immediately
• It cannot be redeemed again
• The status change happens in real time
• The action is permanently recorded in the code’s timeline

This is how Coupon Carrier guarantees secure, single-use redemption — whether online, in-store, or at events.

You can always see when and how a code was redeemed by exporting or reviewing code statistics.

See: How to export code delivery and usage statistics

Overview: Ways a code can be marked as used

A code can be marked as used in several different ways, depending on your setup and use case:

1. Manually from the Code List (admin action)
2. Via the Redeem Link (“Mark as Used” button)
3. By scanning a QR code
4. Automatically via e-commerce integrations
5. Automatically via Zapier workflows

Each method is explained below.

1. Manually from the Code List (admin action)

You can manually mark a code as used directly from the Code List in the Coupon Carrier dashboard.

This is the same option shown in the app UI under the three-dot menu for each code.

How it works

1. Go to Code Lists
2. Find the specific code you want to update
3. Open the three-dot menu on the right side of the row
4. Select Mark as used

The code is immediately invalidated and cannot be redeemed again.

What happens next

• The code status updates instantly
• The action appears in the code’s timeline
• The code behaves exactly like a redeemed code from any other method

When to use this method

• Administrative corrections
• Manual or offline workflows
• Backfilling redemptions
• Testing and QA

Note This method is intended for administrators, not staff performing live redemption. For in-person redemption, use Redeem Links or QR scanning instead.

If you’re new to Code Lists, start here:

How to distribute unique codes for restaurants, physical stores, and events

2. Via the Redeem Link (“Mark as Used” button)

Each code can include a Redeem Link — a unique URL tied to that specific code.

Opening the link shows a redemption page with a Mark as Used button.

How it works

• The customer opens the redeem link on their phone
• They tap Mark as Used
• The code status changes instantly
• Staff can verify the status in real time

This works even when no visible voucher code is shown (for example when codes are randomly generated).

Redeem Links are the most common method for in-person redemption.

Learn more about Redeem Links here:

How to Distribute Unique Codes Using the Redeem Link

3. By scanning a QR code (Scanner Service)

A code can also include a scannable QR code.

How it works

• Staff opens the Coupon Carrier web-based scanner
• The QR code is scanned using any smartphone camera
• The code is validated and marked as used instantly

Why QR scanning is useful

• Faster verification during busy periods
• No app installation
• Works on any modern smartphone
• Clear visual confirmation for staff

This is ideal for high-volume locations or staff-controlled redemption.

Learn how QR scanning works:

Getting Started with Scanning & Redeeming QR Codes

4. Automatically via e-commerce platforms

When a Code List is connected to an e-commerce platform (such as Shopify or WooCommerce):

• Codes are delivered to customers
• When an order is completed using that code
• The code is automatically marked as used

No manual action is required.

This ensures:

• One code per order
• No reuse
• Accurate redemption tracking

5. Automatically via Zapier

Codes can also be marked as used automatically using Zapier.

This allows you to mark a code as used when a specific event happens in another system — for example when:

• A form is submitted
• A CRM deal is closed
• A custom workflow step is completed

This method is useful for advanced or custom workflows where redemption happens outside of a traditional checkout or in-store flow.

Viewing what happened: the Code Timeline

Every code has a timeline showing exactly what happened and when.

How to view it

1. Go to Code Lists
2. Open the three-dot menu for a code
3. Select View Timeline

What you’ll see

• When the code was generated
• When and how it was delivered
• When it was opened (if applicable)
• When and how it was marked as used
• Who performed the action (when available)

This provides a complete audit trail for verification and troubleshooting.

Can a code be un-used?

Yes — administrators can undo a manual “Mark as used” action from the code timeline.

However:

• Undoing redemption re-enables the code
• This should be done carefully
• Automatically redeemed codes (e-commerce or Zapier) should generally not be reversed

Which method should I use?

• In-person redemption: Redeem Link or QR scanning
• Online purchases: Automatic via e-commerce integration
• Custom workflows: Zapier
• Admin corrections or testing: Manual from Code List

If you’re unsure, start with Redeem Links — they require the least setup and work in most real-world scenarios.