Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer
@CLoop
Some of the best free rewards programs include Kohl’s Rewards, Dunkin DD Perks, and CVS ExtraCare, among others, because they offer high rewards rates and other benefits. Kohl’s Rewards, for example, offers 5% rewards on every purchase and $10 in rewards for every $50 you spend. Frequent flyer programs and hotel loyalty programs are good options, too.
Free rewards programs are valuable to businesses that want to build customer loyalty and can be just as valuable for members. Common benefits of free rewards programs include cash back, coupons, discounts, and other special promotions. Rewards credit cards with no annual fee can also be considered free rewards programs. One of the best options is the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card.
Some of the Best Free Rewards Programs
No-fee rewards credit cards: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card.
Earn 2% cash rewards on purchases. This card requires at least good credit for approval.
A good alternative for people with good credit is the Citi Double Cash® Card, which offers 2 - 5% cash back on purchases.
Airline: Alaska Atmos Rewards.
Alaska Atmos Rewards is the best frequent flyer program, according to WalletHub’s editors. Members earn one bonus mile for every mile flown on Alaska Airlines or its partner airlines. Miles are redeemable for airfare, cabin upgrades, hotel stays, and more. Miles are also transferrable to hotel loyalty programs such as Marriott Bonvoy, IHG One Rewards, and Choice Privileges Rewards.
Delta SkyMiles is also worth considering, as it offers 5 miles per $1 spent on Delta flights. Miles are redeemable for airfare, cabin upgrades, merchandise and more.
Hotel: World of Hyatt.
World of Hyatt is the best hotel rewards program, according to WalletHub’s editors. Members earn 5 points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels and affiliated properties. You could also get either a complimentary breakfast for up to 2 adults and 2 children or club lounge access, in addition to late check-out up to 4 p.m., depending on your membership tier. Points are redeemable for free nights, room upgrades, airline miles, car rentals, and more.
Another good choice is Wyndham Rewards, which gives 10 points per $1 spent at Wyndham properties. Points are redeemable for free or discounted nights, tours and activities, gift cards, and more.
Fuel: Shell Fuel Rewards.
New members get complimentary Gold Status and save at least 5 cents per gallon at the pump initially. Members also earn additional rewards on purchases at participating merchants and restaurants.
BPme Rewards is also a good choice, as it offers savings of 5 cents per gallon.
Department store: Kohl’s Rewards.
Earn 5% rewards on every purchase, plus $10 in additional bonus rewards for every $50 you spend.
There’s also Target Circle, which gets you automatic deals, personalized offers, access to digital coupons, and more.
Entertainment: AMC Stubs Insider.
Members get 20 points per $1 spent on AMC purchases. Rewards can be redeemed for theater concessions. Get a free large popcorn refill with every visit.
Another good option is Cinemark Movie Rewards, which gives you 1 point per $1 spent at Cinemark theaters and member access to screenings and advance tickets.
Pharmacy: CVS ExtraCare.
Receive 2% back on purchases. Earn $1 back on every two filled prescriptions.
Another good option is my Walgreens, with 1% in Walgreens Cash rewards on purchases storewide and 5% back on Walgreens branded products.
Fast food: Dunkin DD Perks.
Earn 5 points per $1 spent at Dunkin Donuts. Receive a free beverage for every 200 points earned.
Similarly, Starbucks Rewards gives you 1 point per $1 spent and free brewed coffee and tea refills while in-store.
Office supplies: Office Depot OfficeMax Rewards.
Earn 2% back on purchases. This program also offers members-only savings opportunities as well as rewards for writing product reviews and recycling ink and toner cartridges.
Also consider Staples Easy Rewards, which offers 1 point per $1 spent on Staples purchases and 2x or more points on the three bonus categories you buy most.
While these are among the best free rewards programs out there, it’s important to note that not all free rewards programs are equal. That’s why you should always read the fine print before you sign up for a free rewards program. Be sure to familiarize yourself with earning and redemption rates, and make sure the program you’re signing up for really is free. You don’t want to find a surprise membership charge among your bills.
Finally, remember that free loyalty programs offer incentives to attract and retain customers, so be sure to resist the temptation to overspend just to earn rewards, as you may end up losing money in the process.
People also ask
Does Walmart have a free rewards program?
Yes, Walmart offers a free rewards program called Walmart Rewards, integrated into the Walmart+ membership. Members can earn rewards on eligible purchases by shopping on Walmart.com or through the Walmart app. These rewards can be banked in the Walmart wallet and redeemed for discounts on future in-store or online purchases.
Members need to sign into their Walmart+ account, clip eligible rewards, and shop. The earnings automatically accumulate and can be applied at checkout, either in-store...
read full answer by Dan Whitmer, Rewards Programs AnalystIs Amazon Prime considered a loyalty program?
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read full answer by Dan Whitmer, Rewards Programs AnalystWhat are the best rewards programs?
The best rewards programs are Alaska Atmos Rewards for free flights, World of Hyatt for free hotel nights, Capital One Rewards for credit cards with a lot of cash back or miles, and apps like Swagbucks and Shopkick for online shopping rewards and discounts. There are roughly 4 billion U.S. consumers enrolled in customer rewards programs. But you can’t just join them all. It would be too difficult to manage.
The best approach is to find a select number of...
read full answer by Chip Lupo, Credit Card WriterDid we answer your question?
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