We all appreciate finding ways to make our money go further. One of the simplest and most effective strategies is by joining loyalty programs. Many of us are already familiar with these, but are we truly tapping into the best loyalty programs that offer real perks and even cash back?
These programs are designed by businesses to reward you, their valued customer, for your repeat business. The benefits can range from discounts and free products to exclusive access and, yes, even cash back on your purchases. For anyone looking to manage their budget wisely while still enjoying life’s pleasures, understanding the perks of loyalty programs is key.
The good news is that many of these programs are free to join and easy to use. Forget complicated rules or points that never seem to add up to anything worthwhile. We’ve sifted through the options to bring you eight loyalty programs known for providing genuine value. Let’s explore how you can start saving and earning rewards today!
1. CVS ExtraCare
What it is: CVS ExtraCare is the loyalty program for CVS Pharmacy, a go-to spot for prescriptions, health and wellness products, beauty items, and everyday essentials.
How it works: You earn 2% back in ExtraBucks Rewards on most purchases every time you shop and scan your ExtraCare card or use your phone number. You also get access to special sale prices and personalized coupons. ExtraBucks are like store cash that you can use on future purchases.
The Perks You’ll Love:
- Earn ExtraBucks: That 2% back adds up, especially on regular purchases like vitamins or household supplies. Plus, you often get bonus ExtraBucks for specific promotions or by filling prescriptions.
- Personalized Deals: CVS sends coupons based on your shopping habits, often for items you actually buy. These can be found on your receipt, in the CVS app, or sent to your email.
- Birthday Treat: Enjoy a special reward during your birthday month, often a few dollars in ExtraBucks.
- Sale Prices: Members get exclusive access to lower prices on many items throughout the store.
Getting Started: You can sign up for free in any CVS store at the register, online at CVS.com, or through the CVS Pharmacy app. Linking your phone number makes it easy to access your account without needing the physical card.
A Friendly Tip: Always scan your card or app, even for small purchases. Check the bottom of your receipts for coupons and keep an eye on the weekly ad for ExtraBucks promotions. Many find the app helpful for managing digital coupons. Remember, ExtraBucks do expire, so be sure to use them!
2. Walgreens myWalgreens
What it is: Similar to CVS, myWalgreens is the loyalty program for Walgreens, offering rewards on pharmacy, health, beauty, and general merchandise.
How it works: Members earn 1% Walgreens Cash rewards storewide and 5% on Walgreens-branded products. These rewards can then be redeemed on future purchases. You’ll also receive personalized deals and sale prices.
The Perks You’ll Love:
- Walgreens Cash: The straightforward percentage back on purchases is easy to understand and accumulates nicely. The bonus on Walgreens brand items can be a great way to save on quality alternatives.
- Personalized Offers: “Only for You” digital coupons are tailored to your shopping history, meaning more relevant savings.
- Health Goals Rewards: You can earn bonus Walgreens Cash for participating in health and wellness challenges through the app, like tracking activity or vaccinations.
- Bonus Points Days: Walgreens frequently has special days or offers where you can earn significantly more Walgreens Cash on your purchases.
Getting Started: Signing up is free and can be done at any Walgreens store, on Walgreens.com, or via the Walgreens app. You can link your phone number for easy access.
A Friendly Tip: The Walgreens app is very user-friendly for clipping digital coupons and tracking your rewards. It’s often easier than dealing with paper coupons. Remember to “clip” digital offers before you shop to ensure you get the savings.
3. Kroger Rewards Program (and its affiliates)
What it is: Kroger operates a vast network of supermarkets under various names (like Ralphs, Fred Meyer, King Soopers, Smith’s, Fry’s, and more). Their loyalty program is a powerhouse for grocery savings and fuel rewards.
How it works: You use your Kroger card or alternate ID (like your phone number) at checkout to get sale prices. You earn 1 fuel point for every $1 spent on groceries and qualifying pharmacy purchases. You also earn fuel points on gift card purchases (often at 2x or 4x bonus rates).
The Perks You’ll Love:
- Fuel Points: This is a major draw. Every 100 fuel points typically get you 10 cents off per gallon of gas at Kroger Fuel Centers or participating Shell stations. These savings can be substantial, especially if you buy gift cards for other places you shop or dine. Imagine saving on gas just by buying groceries for a family dinner!
- Digital Coupons: Kroger’s website and app offer a huge selection of digital coupons you can load directly to your card. No clipping needed!
- Personalized Offers: Based on your shopping history, you’ll receive targeted coupons by mail or digitally for items you frequently purchase.
- Free Friday Download: Many Kroger stores offer a digital coupon for a free item every Friday (check your local store’s participation).
Getting Started: Sign up for a free card at the customer service desk in any Kroger-affiliated store or online through their website.
A Friendly Tip: Actively manage your digital coupons via the app or website before you shop. Buying gift cards for restaurants or stores you plan to visit anyway is a smart way to rack up fuel points quickly. For example, if you’re planning a home improvement project, buying a Lowe’s gift card at Kroger first can earn you significant fuel savings.
4. Target Circle
What it is: Target Circle is the loyalty program for Target, a popular retailer for everything from groceries and clothing to electronics and home goods.
How it works: Target Circle is free to join. You scan your Target Circle barcode in the Target app at checkout, or enter your phone number. You’ll receive access to hundreds of “Circle offers” (percentage-off discounts on various items), earn 1% back in Target Circle earnings rewards on eligible purchases to redeem later at Target, and get a birthday surprise.
The Perks You’ll Love:
- Circle Offers: These are digital discounts that can save you anywhere from 5% to 50% on specific items. It’s easy to browse and add them in the Target app.
- 1% Earnings Rewards: While 1% might seem small, it adds up on everyday purchases. These rewards can be applied to future Target trips. (Note: If you have a Target RedCard, you save 5% instantly instead of earning the 1%.)
- Birthday Gift: Enjoy 5% off a shopping trip during your birthday month.
- Community Support Votes: Target allows Circle members to cast votes to help direct Target’s charitable giving to non-profits in their community. It’s a nice way to feel like your shopping makes a difference.
Getting Started: You can join for free on Target.com or through the Target app. If you already have a Target.com account, you might already be enrolled.
A Friendly Tip: Before any Target run, open the app and browse the Circle offers. Adding relevant offers takes just a tap. Also, check the “Wallet” section of the app to see your accumulated earnings and apply them at checkout.
5. Starbucks Rewards
What it is: For coffee and tea lovers, Starbucks Rewards offers a way to earn free drinks, food, and other perks at Starbucks locations.
How it works: You earn “Stars” for every dollar spent when you pay with a registered Starbucks Card, through the Starbucks app, or by linking a credit/debit card. The more Stars you earn, the more rewards you can redeem.
The Perks You’ll Love:
- Free Drinks & Food: Stars can be redeemed for various items, from a simple brewed coffee or tea to handcrafted beverages, breakfast sandwiches, or packaged coffee beans. It’s a lovely treat to enjoy a favorite item for free.
- Birthday Reward: Get a free beverage or food item on your birthday. A perfect way to celebrate!
- Free Refills: Enjoy free refills on brewed coffee (hot, iced, or Cold Brew) and tea during the same visit in participating stores.
- Bonus Star Challenges: Starbucks often offers personalized challenges to earn Stars faster, making it quicker to reach reward levels.
Getting Started: Sign up for free at Starbucks.com or through the Starbucks app. You’ll need to load money onto a digital Starbucks Card in the app or use a physical gift card to start earning Stars efficiently.
A Friendly Tip: Using the app to pay is the easiest way to ensure you earn Stars on every purchase. Keep an eye out for “Double Star Days” or other promotions to accumulate Stars more quickly. Meeting a friend for coffee feels even better when you know it’s helping you earn a future treat.
6. Panera Bread MyPanera
What it is: MyPanera is the loyalty program for Panera Bread, a popular bakery-cafe known for its soups, salads, sandwiches, and baked goods.
How it works: Simply provide your MyPanera card or phone number when ordering. The program focuses on surprising members with personalized rewards based on their purchase history, rather than a strict points system for every dollar spent.
The Perks You’ll Love:
- Personalized Surprises: Rewards can vary from discounts on your favorite items, free bakery treats, or dollars off your order. It’s always a nice surprise to see what you’ve earned. Many enjoy the free pastry or coffee offers.
- Birthday Reward: Typically, members receive a free pastry or sweet treat for their birthday.
- Exclusive Previews: Sometimes, members get early access to new menu items.
- Ease of Use: Because it’s tied to your purchases, you don’t have to actively track points; rewards just appear.
Getting Started: You can join for free online at PaneraBread.com, through their app, or by getting a card at any Panera Bread cafe.
A Friendly Tip: Make sure your email address is current in your MyPanera profile, as this is often how you’ll be notified of new rewards. If you visit Panera regularly, these surprise rewards can be a delightful and budget-friendly perk.
7. Hilton Honors
What it is: For those who enjoy traveling, Hilton Honors is the loyalty program for Hilton’s vast portfolio of hotel brands (including Hilton, Hampton Inn, Embassy Suites, DoubleTree, Homewood Suites, and more).
How it works: You earn Hilton Honors Points for stays at Hilton properties, as well as for spending on Hilton co-branded credit cards or with certain partners. These points can be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, and other travel rewards.
The Perks You’ll Love:
- Free Nights: The most popular benefit is redeeming points for free hotel stays. This can significantly reduce the cost of vacations or visits to family.
- Member Discounts: Members often get access to discounted room rates not available to the general public.
- Tier Benefits: As you stay more often, you can achieve elite status (Silver, Gold, Diamond), which comes with perks like bonus points, room upgrades (when available), free breakfast (at certain brands for Gold/Diamond), and late checkout.
- Digital Check-in/Choose Your Room: Use the Hilton Honors app to check in, select your specific room, and even use your phone as a digital key at many properties.
Getting Started: Joining Hilton Honors is free at HiltonHonors.com. Even if you only travel occasionally, it’s worth signing up to earn points on any stays.
A Friendly Tip: Keep an eye out for Hilton Honors promotions that offer bonus points for stays. If you have flexibility, traveling during off-peak seasons can often mean lower point redemption rates for free nights. Even earning enough points for one free night on a longer trip can be a significant saving.
8. PetSmart Treats (or Petco Pals Rewards)
What it is: If you have a furry, feathered, or finned family member, pet store loyalty programs like PetSmart Treats or Petco Pals Rewards can offer great savings on food, supplies, and services.
How it works (PetSmart Treats example): You earn points for every dollar spent at PetSmart on products and services (like grooming). These points can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases. Members also get exclusive deals and a birthday treat for their pet.
The Perks You’ll Love:
- Points for Discounts: Regular purchases of pet food and supplies can quickly earn you points that translate into real dollar savings. This is one of the key perks of loyalty programs for pet owners.
- Exclusive Member Deals: Get special pricing on various items throughout the store.
- Free Birthday Treat: Your pet gets a free surprise on their birthday!
- Free Shipping (PetSmart): Treats members often get free shipping on online orders over a certain amount.
- Donation Program (Petco): Petco Pals Rewards often links purchases to donations for pet welfare organizations.
Getting Started: You can sign up for free at PetSmart.com or in-store for Treats, and similarly at Petco.com or in-store for Pals Rewards.
A Friendly Tip: These programs are especially valuable if you consistently buy the same brand of pet food or use services like grooming. The savings can really add up over the year, making it easier to provide the best for your beloved companion.
Making the Most of Loyalty Programs
Now that you know about some of the best loyalty programs available, here are a few general tips to help you maximize your rewards:
- Be Selective: You don’t need to join every program. Focus on the stores and services you use most frequently. A few well-used programs are better than a dozen forgotten ones.
- Always Identify Yourself: Make it a habit to scan your card, use the app, or provide your phone number at every transaction. Otherwise, you’re leaving savings on the table.
- Check for Digital Offers: Many programs, like Kroger and Target Circle, rely heavily on digital coupons and offers you need to “clip” or add to your account before shopping. Take a few minutes before your trip to do this.
- Understand Expiration Dates: Some rewards, like CVS ExtraBucks or fuel points, have expiration dates. Be mindful of these so you can use your earned perks.
- Read Program Communications: Emails from loyalty programs often announce special promotions, bonus earning opportunities, or changes to the program. It might be helpful to use a dedicated email address for these sign-ups to keep your primary inbox clear.
- Don’t Overspend: The goal is to save money on things you already plan to buy. Don’t purchase items you don’t need just to earn points or reach a reward. That defeats the purpose!
Enjoy Your Well-Earned Perks!
Loyalty programs are a wonderful tool for savvy shoppers. They offer a straightforward way to access discounts, earn cash back, and enjoy special treats simply by shopping where you normally do. By choosing programs that align with your lifestyle and spending habits, you can unlock a steady stream of real, tangible benefits.
We encourage you to explore the programs mentioned or look for similar ones at your favorite local stores. It’s empowering to know that your loyalty is valued and rewarded. Happy saving, and enjoy those well-earned perks!
