Loyalty cards: The good, the bad and the ugly

Rachel Hazelwood


twenty second Aug 2023

Studying Time: 14 minutes

It was once that loyalty playing cards have been nearly amassing factors if you spend. These factors would then accumulate and be transformed into money-off vouchers. Alternatively, the factors would accumulate as a money worth which may then be knocked off your procuring. 

As of late, loyalty playing cards achieve this rather more. You’ll be able to nonetheless acquire factors, however you too can unlock reductions, get cash off offers and earn unique rewards. Nevertheless, it may be so complicated to work out which playing cards provide the perfect offers. Is it price procuring round to get the perfect out of various playing cards, or do you have to stick along with your favorite retailers and profit from being a loyal buyer? What about playing cards that don’t provide factors however offer you rewards as a substitute – are they price it? 

Under we spherical up a number of the hottest loyalty playing cards and apps, in addition to what to look out for and learn how to get probably the most out of your procuring. 

Supermarkets

Tesco Clubcard

CARD or APP: Each

POINTS: One level for each £1 spent in retailer, and each £2 spent on gas. Factors can be collected through Tesco Financial institution and Cellular. 

VALUE: 150 factors is price £1.50. Vouchers might be spent in retailer however Clubcard vouchers are price much more if spent with Clubcard companions – that is in all probability what they’re greatest recognized for. Clubcard boasts over 300 companions – from eating places to theme parks and resorts. 

BENEFITS: One other profit is that numerous in retailer promotions are actually solely out there to Clubcard members. One other good cause to enroll. 

EXTRAS: For normal consumers who wish to save much more, you will get Clubcard Plus for £7.99 a month. With Clubcard Plus you will get 10% off two huge retailers a month, 10% off most Tesco branded items and F&F in-store.  

VERDICT:

Tesco Clubcard Vouchers actually cowl all bases – from cash off your procuring to member-only promotions, however they arrive into their very own when used to pay for days out and meals. You’ll be able to flip 50p price of Clubcard vouchers into £1.50 price of reward accomplice vouchers to spend at Prezzo or Zizzi, for instance. Used this manner, it is among the most beneficiant schemes round. 

Sainsbury Nectar

CARD or APP: Each

POINTS: One level for each £1 spent in retailer, on-line or on Sainsbury’s gas. 

VALUE: 500 factors are price £2.50, which might be spent in retailer or on-line.   

BENEFITS: Weekly personalised gives.

EXTRAS: You can even acquire and spend factors with Sainbury’s huge model companions. They embrace Argos, eBay, Sky Retailer and Vue. Most companions give prospects two factors for each £1, however some provide extra. Try the web site for extra info. 

VERDICT:

Even for those who don’t store at Sainsbury’s fairly often, it’s price getting a Nectar card for the factors you may earn from Sainsbury’s companions. Ensure to test the place you may earn factors. They mount up and you’ll spend them in so many locations it actually does make sense. 

Asda Rewards

CARD or APP: App 

REWARDS: Prospects can acquire ‘Asda Kilos’ by shopping for Star Merchandise or finishing ‘Missions’. 

VALUE: Star Product and Mission earnings (the ‘Asda Kilos’) are collected and displayed as a complete sum in your Cashpot. The steadiness might be transformed into vouchers to spend in retailer. 

BENEFITS: There may be generally the choice of changing a portion of your Cashpot steadiness right into a Enhance voucher, which will increase its worth by a sure proportion. 

EXTRAS: Asda additionally has a Christmas Financial savings Card. Within the run as much as Christmas, consumers can add a number of additional kilos right into a ‘financial savings’ account. 

VERDICT:

Solely actually worthwhile if you’re an everyday and constant Asda buyer. In the event you do your weekly store there you’ll profit from the app. In any other case, there’s in all probability not rather a lot to be gained.  

Co-op Membership 

CARD or APP: Each (It prices £1 to affix)

REWARDS: The Co-op loyalty card doesn’t offer you factors. As an alternative, you earn a reimbursement in your purchases. Members may also select two cash off-vouchers per week, that are added to their card or app. 

VALUE: 2p for each £1 spent on chosen Co-op services.

BENEFITS: Co-op matches the cash again you earn and provides the identical quantity to help group organisations and native causes.

EXTRAS: The loyalty scheme gives unique membership offers and personalised gives, in addition to reductions on Co-op companies akin to insurance coverage and funerals.

VERDICT:

The weekly money-off vouchers are helpful for small retailers and the rewards do mount up. Co-op is especially good for these with a social conscience as you might be giving cash to good causes each time you employ your card. 

Central Co-Op

CARD or APP: App

REWARDS: Whenever you obtain the app, you obtain 1000’s of money-off reductions on branded items. They’re the equal of ‘money-off’ vouchers or coupons, however the huge distinction is that they’re mechanically utilized to your basket if you store and pay with the app. 

VALUE: You can entry 25% off on 1000’s of branded items and you should buy as much as 4 of every merchandise. Reductions on sure gadgets that you simply haven’t purchased initially can enhance over time to an even bigger low cost. 

BENEFITS: There are financial savings to be made on round 4,000 merchandise together with meals, cleansing merchandise and pet meals. Employees members don’t want to use reductions and there are not any kinds to fill.

VERDICT:

This card is nice for individuals who store at Central Co-Op areas, with financial savings to guess made often. An app means you may take it wherever you go, and you’ll get an ideal low cost everytime you store.

Iceland Bonus

CARD or APP: Each  

REWARDS: Iceland doesn’t provide factors however its loyalty card acts like a financial savings account. For each £20 you save, they add a £1 bonus. It really works by letting the cashier understand how a lot you wish to save they usually add it to your card or app. So for those who save £2 every week, you may have £109 in a yr.  

BENEFITS: You’ll be able to spend out of your Bonus Card in retailer or on-line – simply let the cashier understand how a lot you wish to spend. Iceland says this makes it simpler for individuals to finances and save. There is no such thing as a minimal or most quantity it can save you per store. 

EXTRAS: Unique Bonus Card costs and free house supply on orders over £25 instore on £35 on-line. Card holders additionally get particular gives and treats on their birthday. 

VERDICT:

Finest for very loyal Iceland prospects, relatively than those that pop in often. The financial savings factor of the cardboard is a special tackle the same old loyalty schemes – it may work notably effectively within the run as much as Christmas. 

Lidl Plus

CARD or APP: App

REWARDS: Lidl doesn’t provide factors. Prospects who’ve the app get 4 money-off coupons every week, launched on a Thursday. On the time of writing, coupons included 15% off chocolate bars, 15% off tinned fish and 10% off manuka honey.  

BENEFITS: Utilizing your Lidl Plus app additionally means you earn money again (much like the Iceland Bonus card) – spending £100 offers you £2 credit score, £200 offers you £10 credit score. 

EXTRAS: Every time you store you get a scratchcard providing the prospect to win £20 off your subsequent store. There are additionally reductions from companions –  akin to 3 month Youngsters Move membership and as much as £150 off bookings with Loveholidays. 

VERDICT:

Even with the temptations of the centre aisle, spending £100 in Lidl often is a tall order so the financial savings facet is just not as enticing as different shops factors schemes. The coupons are additionally time restricted. Nevertheless, the scratch card is enjoyable and provides a bit of pleasure to your weekly store. 

MyMorrisons 

CARD or APP: Each (Morrisons relaunched their loyalty scheme in Might 2021) 

REWARDS: Morrisons not give factors however sends you personalised gives on the belongings you purchase most frequently. Rewards are both within the type of money-off vouchers for normal gadgets or cash off your complete store.  

EXTRAS: Each time you scan your digital card, you’ve the prospect of profitable a ‘Basket Bonus’ which might imply something from £5 off your subsequent store to a bunch of flowers or a deal with from the bakery. 

VERDICT:

Prospects who’re signed as much as the loyalty scheme obtain their coupons digitally – which is ok for individuals who often use apps, probably much less so for individuals who don’t or can’t afford a sensible cellphone. The Basket Bonus is an effective solution to maintain prospects utilizing their playing cards, with a superb vary of shock prizes. 

M&S Sparks

CARD OR APP: Each 

REWARDS: You’ll be able to’t earn factors with a Sparks card, as a substitute you get perks akin to personalised gives, the prospect to win a free present and the prospect to get your looking for free.

BENEFITS: The cash-off vouchers are price having – gives might be something from 15% off bread, 20% of underwear to 10% off clothes. They modify pretty often however you don’t all the time know when they will be uploaded.

VERDICT:

The jury continues to be out on the Sparks card. A number of consumers would relatively acquire factors and get money-off vouchers to spend as they please, relatively than being directed in the direction of particular financial savings. One other main draw back is that it’s a must to keep in mind to load the gives you wish to use onto your Sparks card. The cashiers can do that for you however they don’t all the time ask. Nevertheless, the financial savings available – when they’re out there and loaded onto your card – are undoubtedly price having. Total, it’s price carrying the cardboard or downloading the app, simply don’t overlook to test it often.  

MyWaitrose

CARD OR APP: Each (You can even get a key fob model) 

REWARDS: You’ll be able to’t earn factors with a MyWaitrose card. As an alternative, you get common money-off vouchers (to make use of in your complete store), personalised vouchers primarily based in your procuring habits and the occasional freebie. 

BENEFITS: MyWaitrose card holders get 20% off the meat and cheese counters day by day and 20% off the fish counter on Fridays. In addition they get cash off extras like dry-cleaning and a free journal.

EXTRAS:  Card holders used to get a free newspaper and a free sizzling drink. Waitrose not gives the free paper and have paused the free sizzling drink. The web site says they’re working to convey this perk again. 

VERDICT:

Waitrose is considered as a high-end grocery store and as such has a smaller share of the market. Prospects are usually loyal – with out the pull of a loyalty card or plenty of money-off offers. The MyWaitrose card is worth it even for those who solely do occasional ‘deal with retailers’ there; you may nonetheless get your cash off the contemporary meals counters and use your personalised cash off vouchers. 

  

Excessive road – Magnificence

Boots Advantage Card 

CARD or APP: Each 

POINTS: 4 factors for each £1 spent.  

VALUE: One level = 1p (so for each £1, you earn 4p). 

BENEFITS: You’ll be able to spend your factors at any time, so long as you’ve sufficient factors to cowl the entire transaction. In different phrases, you may’t use your factors to pay a bit in the direction of your complete store; they must pay for every part you’re shopping for. You’ll be able to nonetheless pay for a few gadgets along with your Benefit Card and pay for the remainder of your store in a separate transaction utilizing money or your financial institution card. 

EXTRAS: Benefit Card holders obtain a free well being and wonder journal and there are sometimes plenty of gives on, which means you may earn additional factors if you purchase sure manufacturers or spend a specific amount. Over-60s can earn eight factors per £1 on many Boots personal merchandise too. 

VERDICT:

Among the finest recognized loyalty playing cards, with Boots Benefit it actually does pay to buy. Factors accumulate shortly and are price greater than most different loyalty schemes. 

Superdrug Health & Beauty Card 

CARD or APP: Each 

POINTS: One level for each £1 spent.

VALUE: One level = 1p. Factors can solely be utilized in multiples of 100. So 100 factors = £1 off, 200 factors = £2 off, and so forth.

BENEFITS: Not like the Boots Benefit Card, you should use your Superdrug factors together with money. So, for those who’re procuring involves £7.45 and you’ve got 500 factors, you should use these factors to knock £5 off your complete invoice, then pay the remaining £2.45 in money. 

EXTRAS: Members get free commonplace supply on on-line orders over £10 (non-members must spend £15 to get free supply). You additionally get particular reductions each Thursday and a birthday deal with. 

VERDICT:

You don’t get as many pennies on your factors as you do with a Boots Benefit Card, however the Superdrug card does can help you use your factors to knock cash off your store. It is a huge plus level for us.  

 

Excessive road – Books and stationery

Paperchase Treat Me 

CARD OR APP: Card  

REWARDS: As the web site says: no factors, simply perks! You get a £5 credit score in your card for each £50 you spend (restricted to at least one reward per transaction). New prospects additionally get 15% off their first store. 

BENEFITS: You’ll be able to earn cash off your procuring, get additional perks on the finish of month and a £5 birthday present voucher. You can even get a free supply improve on-line, on orders over £30. 

EXTRAS: Whenever you purchase seven greeting playing cards inside 12 months, you’ll get one free. 

VERDICT:

Excellent for anybody with a stationery fetish however not a lot for those who simply purchase the odd card or pen. Treats are solely redeemable for a month after they’re activated, which is a minus level, nonetheless it’s price having for a free £5 voucher in your birthday.  

Waterstones Plus

CARD OR APP: Each 

POINTS: Earn a ‘Plus Stamp’ for each £10 you spend.  

VALUE: 10 Stamps = £10 to spend in retailer, within the café or on-line.

BENEFITS: Get an unique deal with yearly. 

EXTRAS: Loyalty card members are notified first about gives and gross sales, in addition to unique occasions. 

VERDICT:

It’s a beneficiant reward scheme. Even for those who solely purchase a few paperbacks or one hardback a month at Waterstones, you may nonetheless successfully get £10 again a yr! This might get you a free e-book. For anybody who loves studying, that is all the time going to be price it. 

 

Excessive road – Clothes

TKMaxx Treasure

 

CARD OR APP: Each 

REWARDS: Accumulate ‘keys’ each time you store. Rewards will not be primarily based on how a lot you spend, however on how typically you go to a TKMaxx or HomeSense retailer, you too can acquire ‘keys’ on-line. Accumulate 5 keys after which select a reward.

BENEFITS: You’ll be able to acquire as much as three keys per day – one from every of the shops and one on-line. Rewards might be an merchandise, an opportunity to win an expertise or a visit or you may donate to charity. 

VERDICT:

One other card that rewards you for frequency relatively than the quantity you spend, you may accumulate keys fairly shortly and earn your rewards. There is no such thing as a minimal spend, so for devoted prospects, you may go to a retailer a day and earn a reward every week! Value having. 

H&M  

CARD OR APP:  App 

POINTS: £1 = one level. 

VALUE: With 0-299 factors you will get reward vouchers and gives. When you’ve acquired 300 factors you turn into a Plus Member which provides you entry to even higher advantages and gives. 

BENEFITS: Get 10% off your first buy if you be a part of. 

EXTRAS: Members get free supply on orders over £20, free Click on & Accumulate and 25% off in your birthday. Plus members get free supply on all orders, shock gives and distinctive entry to particular collections. 

VERDICT:

Even for those who don’t store at H&M often it’s price having the app in your cellphone and amassing factors if you store. There are not any actual disadvantages, and also you get perks simply by being a member.  

Urban Outfitters – UO Rewards

CARD OR APP: App 

POINTS: There are many alternative ways to earn UO factors – try the web site for a full checklist. You get 75 factors for signing up, 50 factors for downloading the app, 50 factors for subscribing to the e-mail and 30 for enabling push notifications. And that’s only for starters. You additionally earn 25 factors if you make a purchase order. 

Entry stage members get some perks, however it solely takes 300 factors to turn into a Silver Member and 600 to succeed in Gold. Contemplating you get 230 only for becoming a member of the scheme, you’re already effectively in your solution to Silver. 

VALUE: £5 voucher for each 100 factors.

BENEFITS: All members get early entry to the gross sales and new assortment launches, in addition to member-only competitions and bonus level days. There’s a lengthy checklist of perks – once more try the web site for the entire particulars. 

EXTRAS: Present additional perks embrace ‘Denim Days’ – earn 10 bonus factors if you store for denims and the identical if you store City Renewal (the classic arm of the model). 

VERDICT:

As loyalty schemes go, UO Rewards actually does reward you for being a loyal buyer. You’ll be able to earn factors by looking for any gadgets (from scrunchies to coats) so the factors accumulate with out breaking the financial institution. The perks are good worth too. 

 

Espresso retailers

Costa Coffee Club

CARD OR APP: Each 

POINTS: £1 = 5 factors (acquire in retailer or at Costa Specific machines).

VALUE: 5 factors = 5p, so to earn a £1 you’d must spend £20.

BENEFITS: You’ll be able to order your espresso prematurely utilizing the app and you’ll earn generally bonus factors if you purchase a drink or snack.

VERDICT:

Factors are solely energetic for 12 months and it’s a must to spend a mean of £60 earlier than you’ll earn sufficient for a free drink. In case you are an everyday buyer, although, it is smart to obtain the app or swipe your card.  

Starbucks

CARD OR APP: App 

POINTS: You’ll be able to’t earn factors at Starbucks, it’s stars. £1 = three stars.

VALUE: For a free drink you’ll want 150 stars.

BENEFITS: When you attain 450 stars you turn into a gold member and might get additional pictures of espresso, dairy options, and different extras at no cost. Gold members additionally get a free drink on their birthday.

VERDICT:

It’s not a really beneficiant scheme – it’s a must to spend not less than £50 to get a free drink. There are higher loyalty schemes on the market, but when Starbucks is your espresso store of selection, you’ve nothing to lose by incomes your stars. 

Caffe Nero

CARD OR APP: Each (You’ll be able to switch stamps out of your card to the app in retailer)

POINTS: Get a stamp each time you order a drink (made by the barista).

VALUE: 9 stamps =  a free drink. 

BENEFITS: Get an extra stamp for those who use a reusable cup. You can even add cash to the app which means you may nonetheless purchase your espresso for those who’ve nipped out and forgotten your bag or pockets. 

VERDICT:

One of many higher espresso store loyalty schemes – it’s easy and also you solely want to purchase 9 drinks (to get 9 stamps) earlier than you get your freebie. 

 

MoneyMagpie’s view on reward schemes…

There are lots of of loyalty playing cards, apps and schemes on the market as of late. Most of them are free and don’t value you something to make use of. Nevertheless, these are loyalty schemes – they pay you again for being loyal. To get probably the most out of any of them, choose one or two for every of your wants or procuring habits and try to keep on with these. You’re much more prone to get the profit this manner. In the event you store far and wide and use all of the loyalty playing cards out there, you’ll nonetheless get factors and rewards – it’s going to simply take rather a lot longer. 

What to look out for? To get probably the most out of your playing cards, control the app or web site and see when bonus gives are operating. There’s nothing extra irritating than finishing an enormous store after which realising you may have saved cash for those who’d used your card or uploaded a proposal.