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How can I use voucher codes for my article?
Last updated on August 27, 2025Voucher codes are single use discounts. Voucher codes can be used in Elsevier gold open access journals and in a small number of hybrid journals.
The voucher code can be used in either one specific journal or in multiple journals, which depends on the campaign.
When launching a new open access journal, the Editor of that journal will invite a number of authors to publish in the journal for free. Voucher codes will be sent to the authors via email from the Editor. The selected authors then use the codes when they proceed through the author journey (completing the Rights and Access Form). Authors can also receive voucher codes through marketing campaigns.
The possible error messages that that you might see if there is an error in entering the voucher code are listed below, along with suggested actions to resolve the problem.
Error detail | What does this mean? | Suggested action |
|---|---|---|
Journal not found | Journal name or number that the voucher code is associated with has not been recognised. | Check that the code has been entered correctly. |
No discount for discount code | Code has been created without any discount associated. | Please contact us via the email option below. |
Discount for discount code is expired | Expiry date for that voucher code has passed. Code therefore no longer valid. | Please contact us via the email option below. |
Discount for discount code is not valid | This will happen if the code entered is different from the one stored in the system. | Check that you entered the code correctly. If this does not work, please contact us via the email option below. |
Voucher is already claimed | This code has already been used against that journal. | Please contact us via the email option below. |
You may also get a message referring you to contact Customer Support. For further assistance, send us the details of the error message you encountered using the email option at the bottom of this page.
Voucher code can be applied during the publishing journey to get a waiver or pay the discounted Article Publishing Charge (APC). For more information, please visit the link Gold open access: Voucher code or Publishing Journey videos: How do I complete the Rights and Access form?
An open access voucher code consists of a prefix, unique code of 6-8 characters and a postfix. Either the prefix or the postfix includes "OA" or the journal acronym.
Stacking of APC discounts is not possible for a voucher code and a Research4Life discount. However, the author will still receive the best price. For example: The voucher code is 100% discount and authors from country group B are eligible for a 50% discount. In this case, the author will receive the best discount rate (100%).
Voucher codes are not shown on the invoice. Only the discounted net price is displayed.
Still have a question? We can help! When contacting us via the option at the bottom of this page, please just enter your details, and select contact reason 'Open Access' in the drop down on the form, to start a session with one of our representatives. We appreciate you providing us all the information, as much as possible when initiating the chat. This will ensure our agents to swiftly respond to your query.
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Publishing Journey videos: How do I complete the Rights and Access form?
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