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The 30 Best Customer Rewards Programs

From fast food to pharmacies, these are the most recommended store rewards programs around. Score freebies, coupons, and more!
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Staff Writer
Best Rewards Programs

These days, it seems like every business has a customer rewards program. But which loyalty cards are actually worth keeping in your wallet, and which apps should you never delete from your phone? We've compiled a list of all the best rewards programs for you to take advantage of.

But First: Read the Fine Print

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

SEE ALSO: The Best Birthday Freebies: A Complete Guide

Still, we recommend reading the fine print before you sign up. True, that's easier said than done when you have a cashier pushing you to add yet another card to your keychain, but it's worth learning what the customer rewards program is about before you join.

Make sure the customer rewards are actually attainable. 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 30 Best Customer Rewards Programs

So, without further ado, here are the 30 best rewards programs! Are there any you think we should add to the list?

Insiders Level

Points/Dollar Cost to Join Perks Rewards
Earn 20 points for every dollar spent Free Receive a large popcorn refill for free every visit, plus save up to $2 off tickets every Tuesday. Redeem 5,000 points for a $5 reward

Premiere Level

Points/Dollar Cost to Join Perks
Earn 100 points for every dollar spent $15 per year Receive free size upgrades on popcorn and fountain drinks, and save up to $5 on tickets every Tuesday.


B&N Membership

Cost to Join Perks
$25 per year When you sign up, you'll receive $60 in bonus coupons. Members also receive free express shipping online, and save 40% off hardcover bestsellers, and 10% off almost everything else.


Millionaire's Club

Cost to Join Perks
$25 per year Members receive free shipping, save up to 40% off bestsellers and up to 20% off other items, as well as a 10% in-store discount on almost everything else. Also receive free WiFi access in stores, exclusive email offers, and $100 in bonus coupons.


Chick-fil-A One

Cost to Join Perks
Download the app for Android or iOs for free Order and pay through the app to skip the line and earn free treats


Movie Club

Cost to Join Perks
$8.99 per month Receive one 2D ticket every month, with unused tickets rolling over. Plus, receive 20% off concessions, waived online fees, and add-on tickets for only $8.99.


CVS ExtraCare

Cost to Join Perks
Free Receive 2% back in ExtraBuck Rewards, plus extra savings on your favorite items and email-only deals when you provide an email address during sign up.


Scorecard

Points/Dollar Cost to Join Perks
Earn 1 point per dollar spent Free Receive exclusive coupons and access to events and redeem 300 points for a $10 reward. It's also valid at Golf Galaxy and Field & Stream.


DD Perks

Points/Dollar Cost to Join Perks
Earn 5 points per dollar spent Download the app for free on Android or iOS Receive free beverages when you sign up, as well as on your birthday and every 200 points.


JCPenney Rewards

Points/Dollar Cost to Join Perks
Earn 1 point for every $2 spent; JCP cardmembers earn 1 point for every dollar spent Free Redeem 200 points for a $10 reward. Plus, receive a birthday offer and bonus rewards.


Shore Points

Points Per Purchase Cost to Join Perks Rewards Redemption
Earn 3 points for a Kid's Meal, 4 points for a mini sub or breakfast sandwich, 6 points for a regular sub, wrap, or sub-in-a-tub, and 12 points for a giant sub. Free Receive text offers Redeem 48 points for a mini sub, 72 points for a regular sub, wrap, or sub-in-a-tub, and 144 points for a giant sub.


Yes2You Rewards

Points/Dollar Cost to Join Rewards
Earn 1 point for every dollar spent. Free Redeem 100 points for $5 Rewards Cash.


Krispy Kreme Rewards

Points Earned Cost to Join Perks
Points earned vary based on your purchases. Download the app for Android or iOS for free Receive exclusive offers and a free gift on your birthday. Redeem points for free beverages and doughnuts.


McDonald's App

Cost to Join Perks
Download the app for Android or iOS for free Receive exclusive offers in the app


Moosejaw Rewards

Cost to Join Perks
Free for Basic Level Receive 10% back on every order and 2.5% back on sale items. Redeem points for rewards including t-shirts, fleece, Smartwool socks, and more.

High Altitude Tiers

Aconcagua Denali K2 Everest
Spend $500 annually and receive access to the High-Altitude Lounge in all stores, access to private promotions (25% off on full priced item, with some exclusions) once a year, and early access to key promotions. Spend $1,000 annually, and receive the same benefits as Aconcagua, plus an annual madness gift, and free 6 to 10 day shipping on all orders. Spend $1,500 annually, and receive the same benefits as the previous two levels. Additionally, receive access to private promotions twice a year, 4 to 5 day free shipping on all non Reward Dollars orders over $35 and free 6 to 10 day shipping on non Rewards Dollars under $35, plus access to VIP phone support. Spend $2,000 annually and receive the same benefits as previous levels. Plus, receive 3 day free shipping on non Reward Dollars orders over $35, and free 4 to 5 day shipping on non Reward Dollars orders under $35. Plus, receive free return shipping on all orders.


Nordstrom Notes

Points/Dollar Cost to Join Perks
Earn 1 point per dollar spent; Nordstrom cardmembers earn 2 points per dollar spent. Free Redeem 2,000 points for a $20 Nordstrom Note that can be spent in-store and online at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, and HauteLook.


Office Depot Office Max Rewards

Cost to Join Perks
Free Earn 2% back on furniture, supplies, tech, and more. Receive members-only savings, recycling rewards, and rewards for reviews.

VIP

Cost to Join Perks
Spend $500 in 12 months Receive the basic level of perks, as well as 5% back in rewards on ink, toner, paper, and print/copy/ship services. Additionally, receive free delivery with no minimum purchase, and exclusive perks, including birthday offers, free product samples, and more.


Steaklover Rewards

Cost to Join Points/Dollar Perks
Free Earn 1 point per dollar spent, or 2 points per dollar spent on Private Reserve items Receive rewards for purchases and referrals, as well as email exclusive offers

Premium Level

Cost to Join Points/Dollar Perks
Spend $300 in 12-month period Earn more points on every purchase Receive access to private offers, as well as a free dessert on your birthday


Pastels Level

Points Earned in Past Year Points/Dollar Spent Perks
0 points Earn 2 points for every dollar spent Receive $10 for referring a friend, and provide input on new colors and kits.

Vibrants Level

Points Earned in Past Year Points/Dollar Perks
500 points Earn 4 points for every dollar spent Receive pastel-level perks, as well as birthday gift points

Extremes Level

Points Earned in Past Year Points/Dollar Perks
1,200 points Earn 6 points for every dollar spent Receive vibrants-level perks, plus free US shipping, early access to sales, and early access to new colors


Pals Rewards

Points/Dollar Cost to Join Perks
Earn 1 point for every dollar spent Free Receive 5% back on purchases, plus free shipping on repeat deliveries and a free gift on your pet's birthday.


Hut Rewards

Points/Dollar Cost to Join Perks Rewards
Earn 2 points per dollar spent Free Receive unlimited points on every order, exclusive offers, birthday rewards, and faster checkout. Redeem 150 points for a medium 2-topping pizza, 200 points for any medium pizza, and 250 points for any large pizza.


REI Co-op Membership

Cost to Join Perks
$20 for a Lifetime Membership Receive 10% back on purchases in the form of an annual member dividend. Additionally, receive members-only special offers, access to in-store REI Garage sales, and special pricing on REI outdoor classes and events, rentals, shop services, and REI Adventures.


Wellness Rewards

Points/Dollar Cost to Join Perks
Earn 1 point for every dollar spent on non-prescription purchases. Additionally, earn up to 25 points for every prescription filled. Free Receive members-only pricing, exclusive email offers, and automatic savings on participating items. Earn up to 20% off almost the entire store of a year.


Beauty Club

Cost to Join Perks
$5 per year Receive a $5 reward when you join, plus a 15% savings reward each month you spend $25. Additionally, receive members-only discounts, in-store and online deals, birthday offer, and email exclusive deals and discounts. Plus, renew your membership on time and receive a free item.

Beauty Students

Cost to Join Perks
Free when you present your beauty school ID and complete an application Receive Pro pricing on every item, exclusive monthly discounts, and special email offers

Pro Level

Cost to Join Perks
Free when you present your professional beauty license or proof of salon ownership and complete an application Receive the lowest prices on items, price match guarantee, auto ship plus an extra 10% off, exclusive offers and deals, personal shopper, and birthday offer


Insider Level

Cost to Join Perks
Free Receive a birthday gift, Rewards Bazaar, access to the Beauty Insider Community, and free beauty classes. Plus, receive flash 2-day shipping on all orders for $10 per year.

VIB Level

Cost to Join Perks
Spend $350 per calendar year Receive Insider-level perks, plus monthly gifts, one free custom makeover, and flash 2-day shipping on all orders for $10 per year.

Rouge Level

Cost to Join Perks
Spend $1,000 per calendar year Receive VIB-level perks, plus free custom makeovers, free flash 2-day shipping on all orders, private hotline access, and invitations to exclusive events.


Sonic App

Cost to Join Perks
Download the app for Android or iOS for free Receive a free slush reward when you create an account, and monthly rewards when you reload your MySONIC card


Green Level

Cost to Join Number of Stars Earned Stars/Dollar Perks
Download the app for Android or iOS for free 0-299 stars Earn 2 stars per dollar spent Pay and order ahead by phone, and receive birthday rewards, free in-store refills, and member events and offers.

Gold Level

Number of Stars Earned Perks
300+ stars Receive Green-Level perks, plus monthly double-star days, personalized gold card, and reward every 125 stars


Ultamate Member Level

Cost to Join Points/Dollar Perks
Spend $0 per calendar year Earn 1 point for every dollar spent Receive a free birthday gift, and double points during your birthday month

Platinum Level

Cost to Join Points/Dollar Perks
Spend $450 per calendar year Earn 1.25 points per dollar spent Receive Member-level perks, plus a $10 birthday coupon. Additionally, your earned points will never expire.

Diamond Level

Cost to Join Points/Dollar Perks
Spend $1,200 per calendar year Earn 1.5 points for every dollar spent Receive Platinum-level perks, plus free shipping on $25, and an annual $25 beauty services reward card.


Balance Rewards

Points Earned Cost to Join Rewards
Varies, but you can earn points for purchases as well as making healthy choices like walking, managing your weight, tracking blood pressure, and more. Free Redeem points for dollars off future purchases


Wendy's App

Cost to Join Perks
Download the app for Android or iOS for free Receive access to exclusive offers in the app


The Key

Valid Stores Cost to Join Perks
Use at Pottery Barn, pottery barn kids, PB Teen, Williams-Sonoma, Williams-Sonoma Home, West Elm, and Mark Graham Free Earn 3% back in Reward Dollars, as well as exclusive Key Holder offers, plus free in-store gift packaging, and free in-home design consultations.


Readers, what are the best rewards programs you know about? Share your favorites in the comments below.

Related DealNews Blog Posts:
Staff Writer

Julie joined DealNews in 2015, after many years of becoming well-versed in technology issues as a communications professional for a software company. She first entered journalism in college, reporting on issues facing frugal students for CollegeCandy.com. Julie lives in DealNews' hometown of Huntsville, AL.
DealNews may be compensated by companies mentioned in this article. Please note that, although prices sometimes fluctuate or expire unexpectedly, all products and deals mentioned in this feature were available at the lowest total price we could find at the time of publication (unless otherwise specified).
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16 comments
Eighthman
Firehouse Subs has a great rewards program. Double points on Monday (which is why I am here now) and lots of other promos. I will get 4,000 points for eating here 4 times this month. Round up to support your community.

A local BBQ joint has a rewards program in which I received a free T-shirt for joining. Beat that.
March 26, 2018
BlueOak
Regarding Shop Your Way - Sears/Kmart has been out of business for years but simply hasn't admitted it. The shocking thing - how their investor/banks continue to subsidize their continued existence. So sad. Arrogant, clueless CEO Antonini put Kmart on its path to destruction.

While there were stretches a couple years ago where we were getting almost free tools, they seem to have tightened up a bit.

Craftsman tools are a dim shadow of what they were. Will be interesting to see if new brand name owner Stanley can rejuvenate them.
March 25, 2018
BlueOak
1) If McDonalds and Wendy's are on the list why not Burger King? The promos in their apps are similar or better than Wendy's. McDonalds has been very aggressive lately. There's been a $1 for *any* sandwich deal in the app for use once every single week.

2) Agreed w/@pbsheth below, why isn't Red Robin on the list? Free birthday burger and free burger every tenth entree. With a family those add up fast. You can sign up your minor kids for free birthday burgers. And last December if you were on their email distribution, you grabbed a huge gift card discount before they quickly sold out: $99 for 12 x $15 eCards, delivered on the 1st of each month. No expiration date. That's $180 for $99 or 45% off!

3) Also not on the list: Kroger and Meijer (admittedly a regional) have potentially very lucrative rewards programs. Not only do "card holder" only discounts apply, but these stores load you up with rich coupons (even free, both paper and digital) targeted at what you routinely buy.
March 25, 2018
frankandcatie
I am surprised not to see Shell's Fuel Rewards card on the list. Its a great free card and typically gives you the lowest gas in town if you find the right shell station to patron.
February 4, 2018
landlord33
I agree with the KMart/Sears Shop Your Way Rewards. I don't understand how they do this. It may explain why a lot of them are closing. I constantly get $15 free cash in my email. I go online, make a $15 purchase and pick it up at the store. 3 times last month. It's strange, but it's great!
February 2, 2018
snooperz
Shop Your Way Rewards, sears/kmart is fantastic.
The latest promo was that SYW would give you back 100% of your
purchase price credited back as SYW points. For an example, I earned back $20 on a $20 purchase. Combined that with a $15 off $40 purchase coupon, and scored a Ninja 900Watt Pro juicer for $15 bucks.
February 2, 2018
mnag62
You are missing Shop your Way! I know many people do not shop in Sears but this is one of the best rewards programs out there!
February 1, 2018
mwildenborg
I was going to suggest Starbucks as one to add to the "worst rewards program" list but noticed it's already on this "Best list". I cannot understand how it makes sense to require ~$215 dollars (425 stars) invested before your first free cup of coffee reward. They've made it better since it started as they now have double-star days etc. but this program is more of a hassle than a benefit in my opinion.
February 1, 2018
bre-bro
I dislike Dicks Scorecard program, as the rewards you may earn barely make up for their high prices and then they have the nerve to take all of the points you have earned away each February, rather than just roll them over. Kohls rewards are a nightmare of convoluted restrictions and Byzantine applications that also are used in place of providing actual, competitive prices. Woe unto you if you used Kohls Cash and Yes2You Rewards and coupon codes on a purchase of multiple items and then have to return one of the items. You will never figure out if you got back what you actually paid once they allot for the rewards and only give you a small amount back on your payment method. I have 5 dollars in rewards with them still that I plan to let expire, rather than deal with another purchase from them again.
February 1, 2018
Lindsay Sakraida (DealNews)
@jcelt1967

A "worst rewards program" list is an interesting idea! We'll keep that in mind. And if anyone else has suggestions for it, let us know!
February 1, 2018
jcelt1967
Cinci. Panera in my experience is terrible. As a side note, I'd love to see a worst list as well. Panera, for example, gives me $1 of a drink after say 6 visits. For one, I always drink water at your store, so you are rewarding me $1 off an item I never order with an already huge profit margin. They do have other reward but they usually aren't great. As another example, i got one in my birthday month and I had one outstanding. They wouldn't let me use both in the same order. Really? But if I went in and placed a second order right after they would let me use it. What's the point of that. Seriously, I think Panera would be better off with no rewards program because the one they have almost seems to mock you. Would be happy to hear others' experiences if they have been different.
February 1, 2018
CinciShopper
Panera?
February 1, 2018
pbsheth
Red Robin has one of the best restaurant loyalty program with free birthday burger for you and other perks for family member birthdays. Also every 10th burger is free.

Spoton and Five stars are also good loyalty programs with tie-ins to local restaurants and shops.
January 31, 2018
Lindsay Sakraida (DealNews)
@MWFplus3

You could certainly make that argument, and we did have a long discussion about whether Prime counts. When it came down to it though, these two programs feel fundamentally different, in that you're getting blanket discounts on all products, whereas Prime is a case by case service for discounted items. The free media changes and you don't get to choose it. But yeah it's a pretty fine line.
January 31, 2018
Curew05
I think Papa John's rewards program is worth mentioning. Free to join and they often send email promotions including free extra points. Rewards are attainable and I don't think they expire (unlike Pizza Hut's).
January 31, 2018
MWFplus3
If programs offered by companies like Books-A-Million and Barnes and Noble are listed here, which don't appear to really be "reward" programs but instead are membership perks, not sure why a company like Amazon wouldn't be listed as well?
January 31, 2018