Loyalty programs are designed to reward customers for their continued support of a brand, offering a range of perks, discounts, and exclusive benefits. These programs can be a game-changer for frequent shoppers, allowing you to earn points, access members-only deals, and enjoy special privileges. With so many loyalty programs available, it can be difficult to know which ones provide the most value. In this guide, we’ll explore the loyalty programs that offer the best perks and benefits, helping you choose the ones that deliver the most bang for your buck.
1. Sephora Beauty Insider
Sephora’s Beauty Insider program is one of the most well-known loyalty programs in the beauty industry, offering generous perks for makeup, skincare, and fragrance lovers. With tiered membership levels, the more you spend, the more benefits you unlock.
Key perks:
- Points for every dollar spent: Earn points with every purchase that can be redeemed for beauty products and exclusive samples.
- Birthday gifts: Choose from a selection of free birthday gifts each year, regardless of your tier.
- Exclusive access: Get early access to product launches, Sephora sales, and members-only events.
- Tier-based benefits: As you move up to VIB and Rouge tiers, you’ll enjoy free shipping, larger discounts, and private shopping events.
Why it stands out:
- The tiered structure incentivizes spending, with higher levels unlocking more exclusive benefits like 20% off sales and early access to the biggest discounts of the year.
2. Starbucks Rewards
Starbucks Rewards is one of the most popular loyalty programs for coffee lovers. The program allows you to earn stars with every purchase, which can be redeemed for free drinks, food, and more. Plus, members get personalized offers to help them earn stars faster.
Key perks:
- Earn stars with every purchase: Pay with your Starbucks app to earn stars, which can be redeemed for free items.
- Free birthday reward: Enjoy a free drink or food item on your birthday.
- Exclusive offers: Get personalized promotions to earn bonus stars or discounts on select products.
- Order ahead: Skip the line by ordering ahead through the Starbucks app.
Why it stands out:
- The flexibility of redeeming stars for a wide range of menu items, including drinks, food, and merchandise, makes it a highly versatile program for frequent visitors.
3. Target Circle
Target Circle is a free loyalty program that rewards shoppers with savings, birthday surprises, and charitable contributions. Unlike many store loyalty programs, Target Circle is free to join and offers cashback on every purchase.
Key perks:
- 1% cashback: Earn 1% on every purchase, which can be applied to future purchases.
- Personalized offers: Receive exclusive deals tailored to your shopping habits.
- Birthday perks: Get a special discount on your birthday.
- Community giving: Vote to direct Target’s charitable donations to local nonprofits.
Why it stands out:
- The simplicity of earning cashback on every purchase makes Target Circle a no-brainer for frequent Target shoppers. Plus, personalized discounts help you save on items you already buy.
4. Amazon Prime
While Amazon Prime is technically a paid membership, its loyalty program aspect offers numerous perks and benefits that make it a must-have for regular Amazon shoppers. The program goes beyond free shipping, offering entertainment, exclusive deals, and more.
Key perks:
- Free two-day (and sometimes same-day) shipping: Get fast, free shipping on millions of items.
- Prime Video: Access Amazon’s streaming service with thousands of movies and TV shows.
- Prime Early Access: Shop Amazon’s sales 30 minutes before non-members, including lightning deals.
- Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods discounts: Enjoy grocery delivery and in-store savings for Prime members.
Why it stands out:
- Amazon Prime is packed with value, offering not just shopping perks but also entertainment, food delivery, and cloud storage benefits, making it an all-in-one membership for many households.
5. Ulta Beauty’s Ultamate Rewards
Ulta Beauty’s Ultamate Rewards program is a favorite among beauty enthusiasts, offering points for every dollar spent, along with exclusive discounts and rewards for loyal shoppers. Unlike many other beauty loyalty programs, Ultamate Rewards allows you to redeem points for cash off your purchases.
Key perks:
- Points on every purchase: Earn points with every purchase, which can be redeemed for dollars off future purchases.
- Birthday gifts and bonus points: Enjoy a free birthday gift and double points during your birthday month.
- Exclusive offers: Get access to members-only sales and promotions, as well as personalized offers throughout the year.
- Tiered rewards: Platinum and Diamond members get additional perks like free shipping and 25% more points earned on every purchase.
Why it stands out:
- The ability to redeem points for cash off any purchase makes Ultamate Rewards one of the most flexible beauty loyalty programs. You can save points for big purchases or use them on everyday essentials.
6. Best Buy My Best Buy
Best Buy’s loyalty program, My Best Buy, is perfect for tech enthusiasts who frequently shop for electronics and gadgets. Members earn rewards for every dollar spent, with Elite and Elite Plus tiers offering additional perks like free shipping and extended returns.
Key perks:
- Points for every purchase: Earn points for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for rewards certificates.
- Exclusive access: Get early access to Black Friday and other major sales events.
- Free shipping: Elite and Elite Plus members enjoy free shipping with no minimum purchase.
- Extended returns: Elite Plus members get an extended return period, allowing more time to decide on big-ticket items.
Why it stands out:
- The extended return periods and exclusive sale access make this program valuable for those who regularly buy electronics and want flexibility on returns.
7. Nordstrom’s The Nordy Club
Nordstrom’s The Nordy Club offers members a range of perks, including early access to sales, free alterations, and rewards points for every purchase. Whether you shop at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, or online, this program offers great value to fashion-conscious shoppers.
Key perks:
- Earn points on every purchase: Earn points that can be redeemed for Nordstrom Notes, which work like cash at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack.
- Early access to sales: Get first dibs on Nordstrom’s famous Anniversary Sale and other exclusive sales.
- Free alterations: Enjoy free basic alterations on Nordstrom purchases.
- Tier-based rewards: Higher spending unlocks more benefits, like exclusive access to events and personalized shopping experiences.
Why it stands out:
- The Nordy Club offers plenty of perks for those who love to shop for fashion, with opportunities to earn rewards both in-store and online at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack.
8. Hilton Honors
For frequent travelers, Hilton Honors is one of the most rewarding hotel loyalty programs, offering points for stays at Hilton properties, free nights, and exclusive member discounts.
Key perks:
- Points for hotel stays: Earn points with every stay at Hilton hotels, which can be redeemed for free nights or upgrades.
- Member discounts: Save up to 10% on hotel bookings with exclusive Hilton Honors rates.
- Free Wi-Fi and late checkout: Members enjoy free internet access and flexible check-out times.
- Tier-based benefits: As you move up the membership tiers, you unlock even more perks, including room upgrades, complimentary breakfasts, and more points per stay.
Why it stands out:
- Hilton Honors is ideal for frequent travelers, especially those who prefer to stay at Hilton properties. The ability to earn free nights and enjoy exclusive hotel perks makes it a top choice for travelers.
9. Walgreens Balance Rewards
Walgreens Balance Rewards is a simple yet effective loyalty program for those who frequently shop for health and wellness products. Members earn points on every purchase, which can be redeemed for savings on future shopping trips.
Key perks:
- Points on every purchase: Earn points on both store purchases and prescriptions, which can be redeemed for dollars off future purchases.
- Personalized offers: Receive exclusive promotions and coupons based on your shopping habits.
- Health and wellness rewards: Earn points for healthy habits, such as walking and tracking your fitness through Walgreens’ Balance Rewards for healthy choices program.
Why it stands out:
- Walgreens Balance Rewards offers a unique health and wellness focus, giving you points for everyday purchases as well as for maintaining healthy habits.
Loyalty programs are a great way to earn rewards, gain access to exclusive discounts, and enjoy special perks for being a regular customer. From beauty and coffee to electronics and fashion, the loyalty programs listed above offer some of the best perks and benefits across a variety of industries. Whether you’re looking to save on daily essentials or splurge on luxury items, joining these programs can help you get more value from your purchases while enjoying personalized rewards.
