The 58 Best Customer Rewards Programs in 2023

Customer rewards programs may be better known as loyalty programs, and they can be a great way to get your money's worth and enjoy exclusive perks. The best rewards programs make customers feel valued and important, like they're getting something special. But not every program is worth joining. Some are well thought out and meaningful, while others waste your time and money by discouraging you from shopping around.

We've gathered up 58 of the best rewards programs available to consumers. Read on for all you need to know about the top programs in the travel and entertainment, dining, paid, and miscellaneous categories.

What to Do Before Signing Up for a Rewards Program

A lot of stores offer amazing customer rewards and birthday freebies. But even the best rewards program is only as valuable as you make it, and not all store rewards programs are worth your time or cash. That being said, programs that are for a store you frequent — whether that's every day, week, or month — can be well worth looking into.

SEE ALSO: The 154 Best Birthday Freebies of 2023: Celebrate With Free Stuff!

Still, we recommend reading the fine print before you sign up. Make sure the customer rewards are actually attainable, too. If a store has super-cheap merchandise but is stingy with their point payouts, you could end up spending more than you normally would just to reach that next rewards threshold or membership tier. And when you've earned your customer rewards, use them (wisely).

The Best Travel and Entertainment Rewards Programs

Alaska Airlines

Some say airlines started the loyalty program trend. And with ones like the Mileage Plan from Alaska Airlines, it's easy to see why it's been successful. First of all, it only takes 20,000 miles to reach the elite status, and then you get to keep that status for a full calendar year. But even at the lowest status, known as MVP, you still get a lot of great perks.

It's also important to note that your account can be closed with no activity for two years. But if that happens, you have a year to reinstate it.

AMC

AMC's popular rewards program, called Stubs, allows users to see three movies a week on select levels. Even the free tier is worth joining if you enjoy seeing movies frequently, though.

Barnes & Noble

Barnes & Noble for years only had one membership program, and it was priced at $25 per year. Recently, they overhauled it and now there are two tiers — one free and one paid.

Note that rewards do not expire except unless your account is terminated or cancelled. Stamps do not expire unless there's no activity on the account for over 12 months or the account is terminated or cancelled.

Best Western

The Best Western Rewards Program is even better now, as they've recently overhauled the qualifications to reach Elite status. Now program members can get there even sooner and start taking advantage of even better rewards.

Better World Books

Better World Books rewards is considered one of the best in the biz, with both the app and online portal being user-friendly.

Note that you must spend $75 or more to reach the Silver membership level, and $200 or more to reach Gold. Points will expire one year after being acquired and coupons will have expiration dates, as well. Check the email when redeeming points for a coupon to see the specific date.

Chevron Rewards

Chevron Texaco Rewards is a relatively new rewards program, but if you frequent these gas stations, it's worth signing up.

Download the app to easily earn and track points at the pump, as well as for access to exclusive offers.

Cinemark

For movie fans who have easier access to Cinemark rather than some other chains, this is a solid program to join. The free tier gets many of the same perks as the paid one, although there are definitely benefits to going the paid route as well.

Visit a qualifying theater 25 times or purchase 60 tickets within a year and you'll be upgraded to Movie Club Platinum. This tier offers extra perks like increased concessions savings, bonus credits, and more, in addition to the regular Movie Club perks.

Expedia

Expedia Rewards launched in 2011, but in 2022, the company announced a new program is on the way. This year Expedia promises to expand their offerings into a service they call One Key, which will bring together multiple brands under Expedia Group, including Expedia itself, Hotels.com, and Vrbo. One Key is set to be launched in mid-2023.

However, for now, Expedia Rewards is still in place. Note that in order to rise to the Silver or Gold tiers, you must collect 10 and 25 Trip Elements, respectively.

If you're interested in One Key, here's what we know about it so far.

Experts tend to suggest looking into the loyalty programs of larger chains. But for more remote options and broader choices, One Key may be the rewards program to join.

Hyatt Hotels

The World of Hyatt Rewards program uses points and three elite tiers to reward members, among offering other perks.

In order to move up from the free Member tier, you'll need to either accrue a certain number of base points, stay a certain amount of nights, or host a meeting or event that meets the criteria for earning.

Another perk of joining the World of Hyatt is you'll also automatically receive status with other rewards programs, including MGM Rewards, Small Luxury Hotels of the World Benefits, and American Airlines AAdvantage bonuses.

MGM Rewards are based on your World of Hyatt level, with Members receiving Sapphire level MGM Rewards, Discoverists receiving Pearl, and Explorists and Globalists both receiving Gold.

As for the Small Luxury Hotels benefits, those include a complimentary continental breakfast for two, complimentary WiFi, early check-in at 12 pm when available, late checkout at 2 pm when available, and one category room upgrade when available.

American Airlines AAdvantage members will receive one Hyatt bonus point per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines flights as long as they are World of Hyatt Discoverist, Explorist, or Globalist members.

Shell

The Fuel Rewards Program can be used with an app, but you can also swipe a Fuel Rewards card or use a credit card that you've added to Link & Save. Note that while you receive Gold status automatically, this is for an introductory three month period. After that, you must fill up six times during the second three-month period in order to maintain your Gold status for the next three months.

The Best Dining Rewards Programs

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse

Bruster's Ice Cream

Chick-fil-A

If you join Chick-fil-A's Chick-fil-A One rewards program, you can earn points toward discounts and free food with every order. Note that you must download the app in order to earn points on your purchases.

Note that you must earn a specific number of points to advance through the different tiers. You have until December 31 to reach or maintain your status, and then points reset on January 1.

Cold Stone Creamery

Simply create an account to join Cold Stone Creamery's rewards program and then for each purchase you'll need to input your phone number in order to earn points.

Corner Bakery Cafe

You can sign up for Corner Bakery Rewards via the website or app. To earn points you'll need to place orders via the app, give your phone number during checkout, or order through the website while logged in.

Every tier also offers members the ability to earn either $25 off your next purchase or a $10 Amazon gift code for every $500 in catering orders. Advance from Green to Silver tier with 380 points earned, from Silver to Gold with 1,250 points earned, and from Gold to Platinum with 2,500 points earned.

Dippin' Dots

It's called the Dot Crazy! Email Club, and it's punctuated like that too. So how can it not be fun? It doesn't seem like the best rewards program around, but it also doesn't seem like the worst.

Dunkin'

This reward program makes sense if you hit a Dunkin' at least once every six months, because that's when your points expire if not used. You can boost your earnings when you visit 12 times in a calendar month — that's when you'll be able to earn 12 points per dollar spent for three months.

Jersey Mike's

MyMike's reward program offers free food in exchange for "Shore Points." It's not a game changer, but why not? The birthday freebie is pretty good.

Jimmy John's

Jimmy John's rewards program can be used however you place an order. If you're ordering online or via the app. you'll need to make sure you're signed in, but if you're ordering over the phone or in-store, you can just provide the phone number associated with your account. That way, you'll be able to earn points on all your purchases.

Krispy Kreme

The "Sweetest Rewards Around" gives you a free doughnut just for signing up, so how can this rewards program not be worth it?

The program is built around four rewards tracks: Single Doughnuts, Coffees, Specialty Coffees, and Dozens. Provide your phone number or email during checkout, or scan the rewards app on your phone to earn rewards and you can claim them using the same methods. Rewards expire 90 days after they're earned, although you can defer them by turning off the redeem option in the app. The exception is the birthday reward, which is valid from the first day of the birthday month through the last day of the month. If you forget to use the rewards program during checkout, you can claim rewards after the fact as long as you have your receipt and do so within 30 days of the transaction.

Marble Slab Creamery

You can sign up for Slab Happy Rewards online or via the app, but you'll need to download the app anyway to start earning points. Complete you profile in the app, too, as that'll be where you note your birthday, and you won't want to miss out on that freebie!

Noodles & Company

You can sign up online, but you'll need to download the app to earn rewards on your purchases. When you order in-restaurant, scan the code in your app to rack up the points. Rewards are available at as little as 150 points and every purchase gets you closer to the next tier. Earn 1,601 points to get to Signature Tier and 6,601 points to get to Premier Tier. You'll also earn freebies and discounts every single day just for being a Noodles Rewards member.

Omaha Steaks

Once you join Steaklover Rewards, you'll earn points on every purchase. However, there are other ways to earn, too; refer up to 5 friends a year to earn 400 points each, download the mobile app to receive 100 points, and share products on social media to earn 10 points each time. While the normal cost of a Gold membership is $39.99, watch for offers that drop the yearly price to just $19.99.

Note that if you want to advance to the Premium Tier, you must spend $300 within 12 months to be automatically upgraded.

Panera Bread

If you enjoy lunch at Panera, consider joining their free MyPanera program. You'll earn rewards on every order and being a member of the loyalty program opens up membership into the Unlimited Sip Club. There are two payment options for the latter: either $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year. The Unlimited Sip Club allows you to enjoy endless drinks which you can fill up on every 2 hours, plus you'll earn exclusive rewards. For the free MyPanera program, see the benefits below.

PDQ

As far as rewards programs go, the PDQ's is actually pretty decent. You can earn points by ordering online or in the app and being logged in or showing your check-in code when ordering in person. There's a good point to dollar ratio and you can earn plenty of freebies pretty easily. For example, you'll earn free rewards when you accrue 200, 250, 400, 500, 750, 1,000 points, and more. These offers must be redeemed via the app, so download it before taking advantage of one. Additionally, they're valid for food items and expire after 30 days, so don't wait to use them!

Pizza Hut

Join Hut Rewards and start earning points to redeem for all your favorite Pizza Hut treats. Note that points expire after 6 months of inactivity, but if you remain active by earning points and/or redeeming points, they never expire. Every purchase earns points, so be sure you're signed in when placing orders online. And provide your phone number when ordering by phone or in-person to earn rewards.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop

Sign up for Potbelly Perks online and download the app to start tracking your rewards and earning points. When you earn a reward, you'll receive a notification and you can use it on your next order. Watch for special days to earn even more points with 2X and 3X the amount per dollar spent. Plus the app allows you to order and pay ahead for pickup, curbside, or delivery.

Rita's Italian Ice

Download the Rita's Ice App to start earning rewards for every single visit. Scan your app or provide the phone number associated with your account whenever you stop in to make sure your visits are being counted. After seven visits, you'll earn a free small Italian ice, frozen custard, or gelati. Note that you can only receive 1 credit per visit once per day but you can redeem up to 3 loyalty rewards during the same transaction. Loyalty rewards will expire 6 months after earning, but birthday (or half-birthday) rewards will expire 6 days after receipt.

Starbucks

Even with the recent overhaul, this program is still worth it for anyone who's a Starbucks regular.

The program has changed in the last year, with rewards being available at 25, 100, 200, 300, and 400 points now. Some items may have also changed tiers, so check if your favorite requires more (or even less!) stars to redeem now. Plus, earn points even faster with Bonus Star challenges, Double Star Days, and games. Additionally, if you're a member of Delta SkyMiles, you can link that account to your Starbucks Rewards to earn 1 mile per dollar spent at Starbucks and double stars on Delta travel days.

SweetFrog

Sign up online or in-store and earn a credit for every visit as long as you spend a minimum of $3 each time. Simply enter your phone number when ordering in-store to have your visit counted and after 10 eligible visits, you'll receive a free 12oz cup. The free cup reward expires 30 days after it's earned while your birthday reward expires 7 days after receipt. Other rewards tend to expire within 3 days so be ready to use them as soon as you see them!

TCBY

This program is going to be best for those that truly love TCBY and visit often, as it can take a bit to earn the rewards. However, downloading the app will provide chances for more freebies in addition to those listed here, and it'll allow you to pay with it instead of having to use a separate method.

TGI Fridays

It should be a universal acceptance that any rewards program that kicks things off with free food just for signing up is a good rewards program. Order online, through the app, or show your server the phone number associated with your rewards account when being seated to earn points for your visit.

Note that points do not expire as long you remain an active member. Simply make a purchase in-store or online, or redeem earned points at least once every 12 months to remain active.

Village Inn Restaurants

While you can sign up for this reward program online, you're better off downloading the app and signing up that way, as you'll receive a special offer for doing so. When dining-in or paying at pickup, go to the "Rewards" tab in the app and select "Earn" — then you can opt to scan your barcode or manually enter the 12-13 digit code. When paying online, as long as you're logged into your rewards account, you'll earn points automatically. You can also earn extra perks by signing up for text messages.

Note that you can earn a maximum of 300 points per transaction, and receipts must be scanned within 7 days of the transaction. So take care of them immediately! Each reward should have an expiration date listed at the top of the specific reward, but if you have outstanding rewards dollars, those expire 365 days after being earned.

Yogurtland

This is another tiered program but it's well worth it if you enjoy Yogurtland. Advance from the basic Signature tier to Premium when you earn 200 points and from Premium to Ultimate when you earn 600 points. You can sign up online or via the app, but you'll want the app to make earning points in-store easier. If you forget to use the app when you visit, you can also take your receipt and use the Recover Points form on the website. Just take that step within 30 days of the transaction.

The Best Miscellaneous Rewards Programs

CVS

CVS has a free loyalty program to join and as long as you use your card during checkout. Your ExtraCare card is in the app, so it's easy to scan when shopping in-store, but if you don't have a card, you can also provide the phone number associated with your account. Plus, you'll receive email and text offers that are tailored to your shopping habits on beauty and wellness products. Considering it's totally free and you just have to remember to use it when you shop, it's worth signing up.

Note that rewards expire 90 days from the end of each calendar quarter following the date of their issue. Your birthday gift is valid for 30 days.

If you want to try the paid program, here's what you need to know about CarePass.

Dick's Sporting Goods

If you shop frequently at Dick's Sporting Goods, it's absolutely worth it to at least sign up for the free tier of the program. However, the other tiers offer upgraded perks that are even better.

To achieve ScoreCard Gold status, spend $500 in a calendar year or be an active ScoreRewards credit card holder. If you want to apply for the credit card, you can do so online or in-store.

DSW

As far as tiered loyalty programs go, DSW is pretty generous with its benefits. There are only a few differences between the basic free tier and the higher tiers, so you may not feel like advancing to the second and third levels to be a necessary step. If you are interested in hitting those higher tiers, you'll need to spend $200 annually to get to VIP Gold or $500 annually to get to VIP Elite. If you're shopping for the whole family or buying designer goods, this might be easier than you think.

Returns are easier for some customers than others. Here's the full breakdown on what to expect based on your VIP member status.

Giant Eagle

Giant Eagle is a grocery store chain with locations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana, and Maryland. The myPerks program offers rewards for a variety of activities that can all add up to help you keep your grocery budget intact.

Your perks will expire after 90 days, but if you earn the Pro level of membership, your perks won't expire for a full year. Earn 2,500 perks or make 25 trips to GetGo during six months to advance to the Pro level. A trip to GetGo qualifies as spending at least $5 inside or pumping 5 gallons of gas per trip.

JCPenney

JCPenney Rewards are well worth signing up for, even if you don't hold a credit card to the store. However, if you're interested in opening one, know that cardholders receive even more benefits.

It's important to note that the extra 30% off applies to select original, regular, and sale priced apparel, shoes, accessories, fine jewelry, and home purchases. Otherwise, you may only receive an extra 10% off select products. The bonus events also allow you to earn a $10 reward when you spend $50, but these events are short-lived and usually have a limit of how many you can earn. So read the fine print before going on a shopping spree.

Kohl's

If you enjoy shopping at Kohl's, their rewards program is a must-have. You'll bag more rewards if you have a Kohl's credit card, but it's definitely not required.

Your earned Kohl's Rewards is converted into $5 Kohl's Cash increments on the first day of the following month and they're valid for 30 days. Plus, these rewards are in addition to the $10 Kohl's Cash you receive for every $50 spent during an earning period.

Lancome

This is another tiered program, which is common, but it's best suited for those that are brand-loyal to Lancome. Otherwise, it might not pay off for those that only shop occasionally, especially when you factor in the number of points needed to advance to the mid- and upper tiers.

In order to advance through the tiers, you'll need to earn 2,000 points to upgrade to Gold status and 6,500 points to upgrade to Platinum. If you're wondering how to earn points, there are a number of different ways:

MAC Cosmetics

MAC Lover rewards are definitely worth signing up for if you consider yourself to be a makeup maven. You'll receive 15% off your next purchase just for signing up, along with all the other rewards outlined below. Note that this program is exclusive to the U.S.

Moosejaw

Moosejaw's loyalty program is made up of four tiers, which you can advance through based on how much you spend within in a year. If you make a purchase before joining the program, opt into it within 30 days to make sure you keep any rewards you earn.

Your earnings are added to your account when your order ships, then you can apply them during checkout like any other payment method. To become part of the High Altitude program, you'll need to spend at least $500 to get to Aconcagua, $1,000 to get to Denali, $1,500 to get to K2, and $2,000 to get to Everest.

Nordstrom

If you love shopping at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack, this loyalty program should be high on your list of ones to join. You'll earn rewards for shopping and if you advance through the tiers, the perks get even better.

You'll have to spend $500 per year to get to Influencer status and $5,000 per year to reach Ambassador status.

Have the iOS app? You can get Notes even faster, with $5 for 500 points, $10 for 1,000 points, and $15 for 1,500 points.

Office Depot OfficeMax

Whether you're running a traditional office or a home office setup, the rewards program at Office Depot OfficeMax can pay off in big ways.

Note that the recycling rewards are applicable when you recycle your ink and toner cartridges and make a qualifying $10 purchase in the same month. There's a limit of 10 of these per month and are available in-store only.

If you spend $500 in a 12-month period, you'll be upgraded to VIP status and earn new perks, including 5% back in rewards on ink, toner, paper, and print services; free 2-day delivery with no minimum purchase required; and exclusive benefits like birthday offers and more.

Rite Aid

There may be nothing better than a pharmacy loyalty program that offers perks just for picking up your prescriptions.

There's also a program for those aged 65 or older with even more benefits, including the same benefits of the regular rewards program as well as the opportunity to earn 5X the points on eligible purchases on the first Wednesday of each month. If you'd like to sign up, ask an associate, or call 1-800-RITEAID for help in upgrading.

Sally Beauty

The Sally Beauty rewards program can definitely help you save on buying the same supplies pros use.

In order to reach Elite status, you'll need to spend $200 in a calendar year. Additional benefits are available to cardholders.

Sephora

Many reward tiers share the same benefits, but the value of some increase based on your membership level which is based on your yearly spend. To advance from the Insider tier to VIB, spend $350 in a year and spend $1,000 in a year to advance to the Rouge tier. Additionally, the Auto-Replenish service allows you to set up a subscription delivery and save 5% on your favorite items. If you want same-day unlimited delivery, a subscription is available for $49 per year.

Target

Target has a loyal following for a reason, and their loyalty program makes shopping there even better.

If you have a Target RedCard, you can save even more — earn 5% back on every purchase. And since there are multiple options for the Target RedCard, it's easier than ever to be a cardholder.

The Body Shop

The Body Shop has a loyalty program with positive name but also a positive message, as you can donate the vouchers you earn if you want. You can sign up online or in-store, and if you sign up right now, you'll receive 20% off and a free mini bestselling hand balm with your first purchase via code "JOIN20".

If you want to donate your vouchers, The Body Shop has a selection of charity partners you can choose to donate your vouchers to, including ones focused on amplifying Black voices, stopping domestic violence and sexual assault, protecting threatened tropical forests and other bio-diverse habitats, protecting wildlife, and helping animal victims suffering due to Australian fires. Check out the specific charities below.

• Black Lives Matter
• No More
• World Land Trust
• Born Free USA
• Wires

The North Face

If The North Face is one of your go-to brands, this program is worth joining. Make all your direct purchases count by signing up and earning points via shopping, but also by referring friends, bringing reusable bags when you shop, downloading the iOS app, and checking in via the app at National Parks or Monuments, as well as The North Face stores. Plus, by joining now, you'll receive 10% off your first online purchase as a member.

Ulta Beauty

Ultamate Rewards is the name of the program that offers plenty of perks for buying beauty supplies, including free and heavily discounted products. You can earn even more points by opting in to emails and app notifications for exclusive bonus point offers.

Spend $500 in a year to advance to Platinum level and $1,200 in a year to upgrade to Diamond status. When you want to redeem points, you'll receive discounts of $3 off for 100 points, $8 off for 250 points, $17.50 off for 500 points, $30 off for 750 points, $50 off for 1,000 points, and $125 off for 2,000 points.

Williams-Sonoma

Members of the Williams-Sonoma loyalty program can actually receive select benefits at all their brands, including Williams-Sonoma Home, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Teen, West Elm, and Mark & Graham.

You'll have to apply and be approved for a credit card in order to receive additional Gold-level benefits.

The Best Paid Rewards Programs

Books-A-Million

The Millionaire's Club isn't about how much you buy, since you'll receive all the benefits just for signing up.

Dollar Shave Club

Sure, you can find Dollar Shave products at other retailers, but shopping direct is where you'll find the best selection — and you'll be able to earn rewards.

There's not a lot of information about this club, but since you become a member after making your first purchase, it's an easy one to join. And with their already reasonable prices, the loyalty program is only going to make things better.

GameStop

While the PowerUp Rewards Program used to have a free tier, that's no longer the case. Still, if you're someone who frequently plays games and shops at GameStop, the membership is well worth it.

If you prefer a physical subscription to Game Informer, you can opt for the more expensive Pro membership which is $19.99 per year.

REI

If you love the great outdoors — and even if you don't — the membership program for REI is pretty amazing and can help you save on a ton of products. Pick up outdoors gear for hiking and camping, but you'll also find things suitable for spending time in your backyard from items for roasting marshmallows over a fire to headlamps to bug spray to solar-powered lanterns.

Walmart

Using the app in-store or when shopping online, you can earn deals, points, and other rewards with Walmart+ Rewards. Plus, the membership comes with a ton of other benefits that make it worth the cost for regular Walmart shoppers.

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