Loyalty Programs That Actually Work and Those That Don’t
Loyalty programs sound great in theory, but the reality can be wildly inconsistent. Some truly help your money go further, while others hide behind confusing rules and low-value points that feel designed to frustrate. If you’re going to stay loyal to a brand, the rewards should be worth it—not just a birthday coupon or another marketing email. In this piece, we’ll look at 15 loyalty programs: the first eight are the best and worth joining, while the next seven are the ones you’ll want to avoid.
Starbucks Rewards Gives You Free Drinks and More
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Each coffee gets you closer to something free. Members earn 1 to 2 stars per dollar, and the app shows exactly what you’re working toward. Redemptions span from brewed coffee to tumblers, with a birthday treat and surprise app offers sweetening the deal. It’s simple and rewarding for regular customers.
Chipotle Rewards Keeps It Clear and Consistent
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No confusing points-to-dollars voodoo here. You earn 10 points per dollar spent, and a burrito starts at 1,250 points. Bonus point challenges occasionally pop up, and redemptions are straightforward.
REI Co-Op Pays Members Back in Real Cash
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REI’s program costs a one-time $30 fee. Members receive 10% back annually on eligible purchases as store credit. Additional benefits include discounts on rentals, shop services, and access to exclusive events and gear sales. It’s a long-term benefit for outdoor shoppers.
Best Buy’s Program Rewards Big Tech Purchases
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The rewards here get better the more you spend. Every 250 points gets you a $5 reward, and high-tier members get free shipping and longer return windows. For people dropping hundreds on electronics, it quietly returns value over time.
National Car Rental’s Emerald Club Speeds Things Up
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National’s Emerald Club might be the only car rental program that feels like a true time-saver. At over 50 U.S. airports, you skip the counter, pick your car, and drive off. After seven rentals, you earn a free rental day. For frequent travelers, it’s one less headache at baggage claim.
Neiman Marcus InCircle Suits Frequent Luxury Buyers
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InCircle rewards start after spending $3,000. Members get perks like early access to sales, special events, and free gift packaging. Top-tier members (spending $600,000+) receive personal shopping, concierge access, and five points per dollar. It’s highly tiered, but generous.
H&M’s Program Gives Regular Discounts and Early Access
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If you shop here regularly, their program tacks on points for every dollar you spend. Once you’ve built up enough, you’ll find steady discounts, early access to sales, and birthday perks. There’s no cost to join, and everything works through the app, which is simple and transparent.
Ulta’s Ultamate Rewards Sneaks In a Real Benefit
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Ulta gives you 1 point per dollar or 1.25 if you hit Platinum status. The kicker is that those points don’t convert into measly samples but actual dollar discounts. Stack them with sales and coupons, and you can stretch your beauty budget surprisingly far.
Subway’s Rewards Are Hard to Earn and Unclear
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The old sandwich stamp card was easier. Now you get one point per dollar spent, and you’ll need around 400–500 points to score a free sub. Redemption rates vary by location, and that inconsistency drives regulars crazy. You might forget you’re even in the program until the app pings.
Sofitel’s Program Has Too Many Restrictions
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Part of the Accor Live Limitless program, Sofitel’s loyalty setup is packed with brand exclusions, geographic restrictions, and slow-moving perks. Even after spending hundreds, you may find your points can’t be used where you actually want to go. Guests frequently report confusion and a lack of real benefits.
Celebrity Cruises Doesn’t Share Points Across Brands
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Celebrity Cruises runs its Captain’s Club separately from Royal Caribbean, even though both share the same parent company. That means your points don’t transfer, and you start at zero if you switch brands. The early perks aren’t much to talk about, and real benefits don’t show up until you’ve logged several cruises. Compared with competitors that reward loyalty sooner, the program feels thin.
Amtrak Guest Rewards Earn Slowly and Give Little
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You earn 2 points per dollar, but redemptions for trips take a while, especially on popular routes. Top-tier status gets you a 50% bonus and some lounge access. That’s not exactly dazzling. Add in weak point conversions from partner programs, and it’s tough to get ahead unless you’re a weekly commuter.
Supermarket Cards May Not Offer True Savings
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Stores like Albertsons or Kroger boast weekly “deals,” but watchdogs have flagged them for inflating regular prices. You might save on soda this week, but pay more on staples like bread or milk. Compared to non-loyalty stores, the math doesn’t always shake out in your favor.
eBay Bucks Ended Without Strong Alternatives
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eBay Bucks once gave 1% back on eligible purchases, paid quarterly. The program ended in 2021 with minimal notice and no replacement. Long-time buyers who relied on the small rebate lost a program that had quietly offered consistent value.
Walgreens Balance Rewards Faded Into Irrelevance
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Walgreens scrapped its old Balance Rewards program and replaced it with myWalgreens, but the change left shoppers cold. Points vanished, offers showed up less often, and the new expiration rules cut into whatever value was left. For most customers, the system feels watered down enough that it’s hardly worth paying attention to.