Many of us have wallets or keychains brimming with loyalty cards from various stores. Retailers love these rewards programs because they encourage repeat business and provide valuable data. But are they always worth the effort for us, the consumers? The truth is, some programs offer genuinely valuable perks, discounts, and even cashback shopping opportunities, while others might not provide much benefit unless you’re a very frequent shopper. As savvy consumers with years of experience, we want to make sure we’re investing our loyalty (and our shopping dollars) where it truly pays off.
This article isn’t about signing up for every card offered at the checkout. Instead, it’s about highlighting some popular and well-regarded loyalty programs that consistently deliver real value, especially for everyday purchases or for stores many of us frequent. The key is to be selective and focus on programs that align with your actual shopping habits and offer rewards you’ll genuinely use. Let’s explore some loyalty programs that are often considered worth the space in your wallet or the tap on your phone.
(Please note: Program details can change, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest terms and conditions directly with the retailer.)
Grocery Store Loyalty Programs (General)
Nearly every major supermarket chain (like Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway, Publix, Stop & Shop, etc.) offers a free loyalty card or digital program. These are almost always worth signing up for if you shop at that store regularly.
Why they’re often worth it: These programs are typically the key to unlocking weekly sale prices, digital coupons you can “clip” online or in their app, and sometimes fuel points that can save you money at the gas pump. For example, Kroger’s Fuel Points program can lead to significant savings on gasoline if you’re a regular grocery shopper there. Many of us buy groceries weekly, so these savings can add up quickly. Some programs also offer personalized discounts based on your past purchases or even a small birthday treat.
What to look for: Ease of use (is it easy to load digital coupons?), valuable weekly specials, and any extra perks like fuel rewards or pharmacy rewards if applicable to you.
1. Target Circle (Target)
Target Circle is Target’s free loyalty program. It offers a variety of ways to save and earn rewards without needing a Target credit or debit card (though those offer additional benefits).
Why it’s worth it: Members earn 1% back in Target Circle earnings on eligible purchases to redeem on future Target trips. You also get access to hundreds of “Circle offers” (digital coupons) for specific items, a 5% discount on your birthday, and opportunities to vote for local non-profits to receive Target community support donations. For those who shop at Target for household essentials, clothing, or gifts for grandchildren, these savings can be quite good.
What to look for: Regularly check the Circle offers in the Target app before you shop, as they change frequently and can include discounts on groceries, cleaning supplies, and more.
2. CVS ExtraCare
CVS Pharmacy’s ExtraCare program is well-known for its long receipts, but also for its potential savings. It’s free to join.
Why it’s worth it: You earn 2% back in ExtraBucks Rewards on most purchases, which can be used like cash on future CVS transactions. They also frequently offer personalized coupons and special deals based on your shopping history, sent via email or available in their app. If you fill prescriptions at CVS, you can also earn ExtraBucks through their Pharmacy & Health Rewards program. For many seniors managing medications or regularly purchasing health and beauty items, these rewards can be very valuable.
What to look for: Pay attention to the “ExtraBucks” promotions (e.g., “Get $5 ExtraBucks when you spend $20 on select items”). Combining these with manufacturer coupons can lead to significant savings.
3. Walgreens myWalgreens
Similar to CVS, Walgreens offers the myWalgreens loyalty program (formerly Balance Rewards), which is also free.
Why it’s worth it: Members earn 1% Walgreens Cash rewards storewide and 5% on Walgreens-branded products. They frequently have bonus point offers on specific categories or products. Like CVS, it’s particularly beneficial if you use Walgreens for prescriptions and other health-related purchases. They often have senior discount days as well, which can be stacked with some rewards.
What to look for: “Clip” digital coupons in their app and watch for “Bonus Points” events. Walgreens Cash can be redeemed in various increments on future purchases.
4. Kohl’s Rewards (Kohl’s)
Kohl’s department store offers Kohl’s Rewards, a free program that works alongside their famous Kohl’s Cash promotions.
Why it’s worth it: You earn 5% Kohl’s Rewards on every purchase, every day. This reward is converted into Kohl’s Cash in $5 increments on the first day of the following month. This is in addition to any Kohl’s Cash you earn during special promotional periods (e.g., “Earn $10 Kohl’s Cash for every $50 spent”). For those who shop at Kohl’s for clothing, home goods, or gifts, these combined rewards can lead to substantial savings.
What to look for: Be mindful of Kohl’s Cash expiration dates. Strategically timing your purchases during Kohl’s Cash earning periods and then redeeming both your earned Rewards and Kohl’s Cash can maximize savings.
5. Starbucks Rewards
If you’re a regular coffee drinker and frequent Starbucks, their Rewards program can be quite beneficial. You earn “Stars” for purchases, which can be redeemed for free drinks, food, and merchandise.
Why it’s worth it (for frequent visitors): The rewards add up fairly quickly if you visit often. You also get a free birthday drink and free refills on brewed coffee or tea during the same visit. They often have “Double Star Days” or personalized offers to earn Stars faster. For those who enjoy a regular coffee outing, this can make that treat a bit more affordable.
What to look for: Link a payment method to their app for easy payment and Star tracking. Pay attention to bonus Star offers.
6. PetSmart Treats / Petco Vital Care Rewards
If you have furry, feathered, or scaled family members, loyalty programs from major pet stores like PetSmart (Treats) or Petco (Vital Care Rewards – the free tier) are a must.
Why they’re worth it: You earn points on purchases (food, supplies, grooming services) that convert to discounts or free items. They also offer a free surprise on your pet’s birthday, exclusive member-only deals, and sometimes free shipping. Given the ongoing expense of pet food and supplies, these programs can provide consistent savings for pet parents.
What to look for: Special bonus point events on brands you regularly buy. Some programs offer extra perks if you opt for auto-ship on pet food.
7. Sephora Beauty Insider / Ulta Ultamate Rewards
For those who purchase makeup, skincare, or haircare products, the loyalty programs from Sephora (Beauty Insider) and Ulta (Ultamate Rewards) are very popular and offer good value.
Why they’re worth it: Both programs offer points for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for discounts or product samples. They also provide a free birthday gift, access to exclusive promotions, and sometimes early access to new products. Ulta’s program is often cited as slightly more generous in how points convert to dollar discounts. For anyone regularly purchasing beauty products, these are worthwhile.
What to look for: Point multiplier events (e.g., 2x or 5x points on certain brands or categories). Both offer tiered status levels with additional perks for higher spenders.
8. DSW VIP (Designer Shoe Warehouse)
If you shop for shoes at DSW, their free DSW VIP Rewards program offers good benefits.
Why it’s worth it: Members earn points for every dollar spent, get free shipping on all orders, receive a $5 birthday reward, and get special offers. As you reach higher tiers (Gold, Elite), the perks increase, such as more points per dollar and more frequent reward certificates.
What to look for: Bonus point offers and special member-only sale events. The free shipping alone can be a valuable perk if you shop online.
9. Office Depot OfficeMax Rewards
For those who frequently purchase office supplies, printing services, or even tech items, the Office Depot OfficeMax Rewards program can be beneficial. It’s free to join.
Why it’s worth it: Members earn 2% back in rewards on qualifying purchases (supplies, furniture, printing). They also offer rewards for recycling ink and toner cartridges and provide special member pricing on select items. This can be useful for home office needs or if you volunteer for an organization that requires supplies.
What to look for: Bonus reward promotions (e.g., “100% back in rewards” on specific items, which means the item is essentially free after rewards).
10. Barnes & Noble Membership ($)
While not free (it has an annual fee, currently $39.99/year as of late 2023), the Barnes & Noble Membership can be very worthwhile for avid readers who prefer to buy new books or enjoy their cafes.
Why it might be worth it: Members get 10% off almost everything in-store (including cafe purchases) and online, free shipping with no minimum online, and special member-only offers and early access to sales. If you spend enough at B&N throughout the year, the 10% discount can easily outweigh the membership fee.
What to look for: Calculate if your typical annual spending at B&N would make the membership fee a good investment. The cafe discount can be a nice perk if you enjoy meeting friends there.
11. REI Co-op Membership (Lifetime, One-Time Fee)
For outdoor enthusiasts, a lifetime membership to REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) costs a one-time fee (currently $30 as of late 2023) but offers ongoing benefits.
Why it’s worth it (for outdoor lovers): Members typically receive an annual Co-op Member Reward (often around 10% back on eligible full-price purchases from the previous year), special member-only discounts on products and services (like gear rentals or classes), and access to “Garage Sales” of used or returned gear at deep discounts. If you buy outdoor gear or apparel regularly, this can pay for itself quickly and then provide ongoing value.
What to look for: The annual member reward and special sales events. It’s a good fit for active seniors who enjoy hiking, camping, cycling, or other outdoor pursuits.
12. Best Buy My Best Buy Memberships (Free and Paid Tiers)
Best Buy offers a free “My Best Buy” tier and two paid tiers (“My Best Buy Plus™” and “My Best Buy Total™”) with escalating benefits for tech purchases.
Why the free tier is worth it: The free tier offers free shipping with no minimum, member-only deals, and tracks your purchases. For occasional tech buyers, this is a good starting point.
Why paid tiers *might* be worth it: The paid tiers (with annual fees) offer exclusive member prices, extended return windows, protection plans like AppleCare+ on some products, and deeper discounts. These are best for those who make frequent or high-value tech purchases and would benefit from the added protection or steeper discounts enough to justify the fee.
What to look for: For most, the free tier is sufficient. Carefully evaluate if your tech spending habits justify the annual cost of the paid tiers. This can be relevant if you’re often buying new gadgets or helping family with tech needs.
13. Airline Frequent Flyer Programs (If You Travel)
If you fly even occasionally, signing up for the free frequent flyer programs of the airlines you use most often (e.g., American AAdvantage, Delta SkyMiles, United MileagePlus, Southwest Rapid Rewards) is a no-brainer.
Why they’re worth it: You earn miles or points for flights, which can be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, or other travel-related rewards. Even if you don’t fly enough to earn free flights quickly, miles can sometimes be used for magazines, merchandise, or donated. Some programs offer benefits like priority boarding or free checked bags once you reach elite status levels (though this requires significant travel).
What to look for: Ease of earning and redeeming miles. Consider an airline-affiliated credit card if you fly one airline predominantly, as these often offer bonus miles and perks, but be mindful of annual fees.
14. Hotel Loyalty Programs (If You Travel)
Similar to airlines, if you travel and stay in hotels, joining the free loyalty programs of major hotel chains (e.g., Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, IHG Rewards, Wyndham Rewards) can offer good value.
Why they’re worth it: You earn points for stays, which can be redeemed for free nights. Many programs also offer member-exclusive rates, free Wi-Fi, late checkout, or room upgrades depending on your status level. For seniors who enjoy traveling, these perks can enhance comfort and save money.
What to look for: The number of properties in destinations you like to visit. Ease of earning free nights. Some hotel credit cards also offer significant benefits like automatic elite status or annual free night certificates.
15. Local Independent Store Programs
Don’t forget about your favorite local independent businesses! Many small bookstores, boutiques, hardware stores, or cafes offer their own simple loyalty programs, like a punch card (“buy 9 coffees, get the 10th free”) or a discount after a certain number of purchases.
Why they’re worth it: These programs are a great way to support local businesses while also getting a little something back. The rewards might be modest, but they show appreciation for your patronage and can make your regular visits a bit more rewarding. Many of us value supporting our local communities.
What to look for: Simplicity and rewards you’ll actually use. These programs often foster a nice sense of community connection.
The key to making rewards programs and loyalty cards work for you is to be selective. Focus on stores where you already shop regularly and choose programs that offer tangible benefits you value, whether it’s direct discounts, cashback shopping opportunities, or useful perks. By being a savvy loyalty program member, you can stretch your budget further and get a little extra back for your everyday spending.
