CVS to Target: 21 best loyalty rewards programs

If you consistently frequent the same drugstore, supermarket or retailer, odds are you’re enrolled in some sort of loyalty program. In fact, according to a 2014 TechnologyAdvice study, consumers are over 80 percent more inclined to shop at stores that offer these types of incentives.

To help you save money, get more coupons and earn instant cash back, we’ve rounded up some of the best loyalty programs out there, from Starbucks and CVS to Safeway and Papa John’s. Read on to find out which retailers will give you the most for your loyalty.

21 Best Loyalty Rewards Programs

1. CVS

CVS ExtraCare provides members with ExtraSavings and ExtraBucks Rewards — allowing them to save money with coupons that are generated based on their shopping history and earn money back in rewards. ExtraCare members get 2 percent back on everyday purchases, along with $5 in ExtraBucks Rewards after filling 10 prescriptions.

In terms of accessibility, CVS offers an app for iPads, a mobile card that you can keep on your smartphone and scan at checkout, and a “scan your refill” function that allows you to request a refill remotely by scanning a barcode.

2. Starbucks

Starbucks coffee lovers can enjoy free beverages, free food, custom offers on favorite items, early access to new products and easy mobile app payments with the My Starbucks Rewards program. Members collect “stars” by paying with their registered Starbucks, Teavana or La Boulange cards at participating stores; these stars can be redeemed for different rewards (and members can gain higher levels of rewards by using their Starbucks card more frequently).

My Starbucks Rewards comes with an app that allows you to pay for your purchases, monitor your rewards status and even receive a free iTunes song each week.

3. Bloomingdale’s

Members of the Bloomingdale’s Loyallist rewards program (yes, two L’s) enjoy free shipping with no minimum purchase required, points for every dollar spent, double points for cosmetics and fragrances, a $25 Reward Card for every 5,000 points earned, and more. Signing up is free, and points can be collected via in-store shopping, online shopping or at any of the retailer’s outlet locations.

4. Walgreens

Walgreens’ Balance Rewards program allows shoppers to save money on the purchases they already make — including prescriptions. Collect points and turn them into savings of up to $50 off your next purchase at Walgreens. With access to members-only offers and electronic coupons, rewards for healthy choices, and special sales prices, this free rewards program offers a number of benefits to its members.

5. Neiman Marcus

Become a member of Neiman Marcus’ InCircle and start earning points today. InCircle is a seven-tiered program that offers rewards that increase as the amount spent goes up. All InCircle members earn two points for every dollar charged on purchases made at Neiman Marcus; once 10,000 InCircle points are reached, members receive a $100 Point Card to use toward future purchases. Higher-tiered rewards members can also receive complimentary gift packaging, free two-day online shipping, double points, an InCircle concierge and a $25 perk card, among other benefits.

6. Gilt

With more than 10 million members, Gilt connects users with dramatic sales on designer clothing and accessories, helping shoppers save as much as 70 percent, according to its site. Members can earn points by shopping, referring friends or even just visiting a sale on Gilt.com. These points can then be redeemed for exclusive sales, early access to merchandise, free shipping and more.

7. Best Buy

My Best Buy rewards members with points for all Best Buy purchases, free shipping on purchases of $35 and up, access to special sales, and the ability to track rewards with the Best Buy mobile app. The program is free to join, but the more money members spend, the more they will qualify for in points and rewards.

8. Macy’s

Macy’s Star Rewards ranks cardholders based on their spending levels throughout the year. All cardholders receive Macy’s Star Pass mailings year-round and additional surprise savings offers at the register. Higher-level members can also get birthday offers, priority customer service and exclusive shipping deals in addition to the regular rewards. Rewards members who open a Macy’s American Express card will get even more perks, including Star Rewards certificates to spend at the store.

9. Nordstrom

Earn and redeem points for spending money with Nordstrom Rewards — members get two points for every net dollar spent at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack and HauteLook. Every 2,000 points collected will get you a $20 Nordstrom Note, and with four different levels of rewards, the benefits increase with the amount spent.

10. Sephora

Sephora Rewards Boutique is simple — members earn points with their purchases, which can be redeemed for different tiers of rewards, from perfume and headphones to curated product sets. They can also request a free gift any day during their birthday month.

11. REI

New members of REI’s loyalty program will receive a $20 digital bonus card — they just need to spend $100 and buy a lifetime membership for a one-time $20 fee. Benefits for members include in-store discounts, a 10 percent annual member dividend, and deals on trips and classes.

12. Sports Authority

Join The League at Sports Authority and enjoy a $5 welcome reward, a birthday surprise, bonus offers throughout the year and additional benefits. For every dollar spent, members earn one point — 100 points can be redeemed for 5 percent back.

13. Home Depot

Pro Xtra, the Home Depot loyalty program, is ideal for contractors and DIYers. Members will save on paints, stains and primers, can track their purchases and manage their receipts, and have access to advanced business tools to work faster and smarter.

14. JCPenney

With JCPenney Rewards, purchases turn into points for future savings. If cardholders spend $100 or more in a month, they’ll receive a $10 JCPenney Reward. Additional benefits include exclusive coupons and bonus points during special JCPenney events.

15. Gap

Earn rewards with the GapCard at Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, Piperline and Athleta. For every $200 spent, members receive a $10 Reward Card. Additional perks include advance notice of sales, special birthday savings, online account access 24/7, 10 percent savings every Tuesday at Gap and other exclusive offers.

16. DSW

Earn points with every purchase when using a DSW Rewards membership. Once enough points are earned, members receive a $10 certificate to use on their next shopping trip. Rewards members also receive special birthday offers, access to Double Points events and a personalized DSW Wish List to share with family.

17. AMC

For a small fee — right now, it’s $8 a year in a limited-time offer — AMC Stubs is the perfect perks card for loyal movie-goers. Members receive free size upgrades on popcorn and soda, a $10 reward for every $100 spent, no online ticketing fees and easy account access with the AMC mobile app.

18. Papa John’s

Who can say no to free pizza? With Papa John’s Papa Rewards, members get one point for every $5 spent. After 25 points, they’re eligible for a large, three-topping pizza, free of cost — simple as that.

19. Safeway

What makes Safeway’s loyalty program unique is that the points earned by shopping at the supermarket chain go toward discounts on gas at designated stations. Spend $100 in qualifying purchases and save 10 cents per gallon, spend $200 and save 20 cents per gallon, and spend $1,000 to save $1 per gallon. If you’re in Montana, however, you’re out of luck — the rewards offer isn’t available in that state.

20. National Car Rental

Join the Emerald Club at National Car Rental and receive exclusive benefits to improve the car rental experience. With an Emerald Club membership, customers bypass the rental counter, choosing their own car and their own rewards (such as free rental days).

21. Target

And finally, the Target REDcard: a vital rewards program for those who shop at Target regularly. It’s free to join and cardholders will save 5 percent on every purchase. In addition to instant savings, cardholders will also receive free shipping and 30 extra days for returns. Simply link your checking account to a Target debit card — all purchases will simply be taken out of your bank account, without any fees or hidden catches. You’ll also be able to withdraw up to $40 from your bank account at checkout.

From GoBankingRates.com: 21 best loyalty rewards programs