Ask the Couponing Pros is our column series featuring Heather and Joanie from The Krazy Coupon Lady. Have a question for the ladies? Post them with the hashtag #aycouponquestions and they might get featured here!
QUESTION: How can I make the most of my store rewards cards?
ANSWER: From exclusive discount prices to reward points that turn into cash and savings at the gas pump, I think it’s “krazy” not to have a rewards card—or several of them. The key to maximizing all that a rewards card, also referred to as “loyalty” card, has to offer is knowing exactly what extras are available to you and how to use them to your advantage.
I’m always looking for ways not only to save money, but to also earn extras. The more a store can offer me in perks and savings, the more likely I’m going to shop there. Fortunately, most good retailers know the value of keeping its shoppers happy is by rewarding them through reward programs.
Where to find the stores with the best rewards
Most major retailers now offer free rewards cards. Some of my favorites include Target, Kroger and Walgreens. I’m going to shop there anyway, so I might as well have the card and gain some benefits, right?
I love Target so much, my husband says I live there—and I admit, I do shop there a lot, but I make sure to take advantage of all the REDcard benefits. One of my favorite Target REDcard perks is the 5% discount I receive with every transaction. Believe me, that 5% adds up if you’re there as often as I am! Target REDcard also offers free shipping for online purchases and as a cardholder, I get an extra 30 days for returns outside of the standard 30-day return policy. What’s great is, you can choose between a REDcard credit card or a REDcard debit card. Both options give the same benefits.
Exclusive prices for loyal shoppers
Most stores offer weekly deals and in-store savings. In order to receive these specials, you’ll need to use the store’s loyalty card. Once you’ve registered for a card, it’s as easy as scanning it at the register or entering in your phone number at checkout. Savings are then automatically applied.
Turn points into money
For every dollar amount I spend at a store like Fred Meyer, I earn points that transfer into money. At Kroger, I receive my earnings every quarter in the form of a Fred Meyer check. To earn points, all I do is purchase the products that are in the promotion. The reward points I accrue will automatically be added to my card. I can verify point totals by checking my online account or even by looking at my receipt. (A running total is shown on the bottom.)
Digital eCoupons
If you haven’t visited your grocery store website, go now! There’s a section on most websites for digital coupons. These coupons are manufacturer coupons much like the ones you’d find in the Sunday newspaper or online to print. To get them, log onto your store account, access the coupon page and select whichever coupons you think you’ll use. They’ll be loaded onto your store rewards card automatically and will be applied at checkout when you input your rewards account.
Savings on gas
Many grocery stores like Kroger, Safeway, and Albertsons offer fuel perk programs. By spending a certain amount at their store, you’ll earn discounts for future gas purchases. I spend enough on groceries that it only takes a few weeks to earn up to $0.50 off per gallon at Kroger. That’s amazing! Grocery stores will sometimes feature a double-point day where your dollars count extra towards fuel credit. This is only available to cardholders.
Personalized deals
Having a store rewards card lets a store track what you buy and how much you spend. This leads to special savings or specific discounts. CVS often sends me an exclusive offer for $5 off any purchase of $20 or more along with other store coupons. Now you know why it’s important and valuable to register your card online in order to have access to these benefits and promotions.
Having a store rewards card is an easy and convenient way to earn exclusive discount prices, reward points that turn into cash, and fantastic savings at the gas pump.
— Heather and Joanie, The Krazy Coupon Lady
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