Loyalty cards used to simply be about earning points for every purchase. These points could then be used to redeem money off vouchers. You could also accumulate points to earn cash value that you can use to buy items.
These days, loyalty cards do so much more. While you can still earn points, loyalty cards can offer more. You can unlock discounts, receive money off deals, and get exclusive rewards. It can be difficult to find the best deals on cards. Do you shop around for the best deals? Or should you stay loyal to your favorite shops and get the most out of each card? Are rewards cards worth the effort?
We have compiled a list of some of the most popular loyalty apps and cards, along with tips on how to make the most of your shopping experience.
SupermarketsHigh-Street BeautyHight-Street Books and StationaryHigh-Street ClothingCoffee Shops
Supermarkets
Tesco Clubcard
CARD or both
POINTS: 1 point per PS1 spent in a store and 2 points for each PS2 spent on fuel. You can also collect points via Tesco Bank or Mobile.
150 points are worth PS1.50. Clubcard vouchers can be used in-store, but they are more valuable if you spend them with Clubcard partners. This is what Clubcard vouchers have become well-known for. Clubcard has over 300 partners, including restaurants, hotels and theme parks.
BENEFITS: Clubcard members have access to many in-store promotions. Another reason to sign up is
EXTRAS: Clubcard Plus is available for PS7.99 per month to regular shoppers who wish to save even further. Clubcard Plus allows you to save 10% on two large shops per month and 10% on most Tesco brand goods.
VERDICT:
Tesco Clubcard Vouchers cover everything – from shopping discounts to member exclusive promotions to money off your purchase. But they really shine when you use them to pay for meals and days out. For example, you can convert 50p worth Clubcard vouchers into reward partner vouchers worth PS1.50 to be used at Prezzo and Zizzi. This is one of the best schemes available.
Sainsbury Nectar
CARD or both
POINTS: 1 point per PS1 spent in-store, online, or on Sainsbury’s fuel.
500 points equal PS2.50 and can be used in-store or online.
BENEFITS – Weekly personalised offers
EXTRAS: You also have the option to spend and collect points with Sainbury’s major brand partners. These include Vue, eBay, Sky Store, Argos and eBay. While most partners offer 2 points per PS1, some partners offer more. For more information, visit the website.
VERDICT:
Even if you don’t shop often at Sainsbury’s it’s worth getting the Nectar card to earn points from Sainsbury’s partner stores. You should always check the places where points can be earned. These points add up quickly and can be spent in many places.
sda Reward
CARD or App
REWARDS: Customers have the opportunity to earn ‘Asda Pounds” by purchasing Star Products and completing Missions.
VALUE: Star Product and Mission earnings, also known as the ‘Asda Pounds,’ are collected and displayed in your Cashpot. You can convert the balance into vouchers that you can use in-store.
BENEFITS
EXTRAS: Asda offers a Christmas Savings card. A few additional PSs can be added to a savings account in the lead up to Christmas.
VERDICT:
It is only worthwhile if you are a loyal customer of Asda. The app will be of great benefit if you shop weekly at Asda. If you don’t, there are probably not many benefits.
Membership in the Co-op
CARD or the APP: You can join both for PS1
REWARDS: While the Co-op loyalty cards don’t award you points, you can earn money back for your purchases. Members have the option to choose from 2 money-saving vouchers per week. These can be added to their app or card.
VALUE: 2p per PS1 spent on select Co-op products or services
BENEFITS: The Co-op matches what you earn and donates the same amount to local charities and community organizations.
EXTRAS: This loyalty program offers members exclusive deals and personalised offers as well as discounts for Co-op services like insurance and funerals.
VERDICT:
Small shops can benefit from the weekly money off vouchers. The rewards are also very good. The co-op card is especially beneficial for people with a social conscience, as it allows you to give money to charitable causes each time you use your card.
Iceland Bonus
CARD or both
REWARDS: Iceland doesn’t offer points, but their loyalty card works like a savings account. They give you a PS1 bonus for every PS20 that you save. The cashier will ask how much you would like to save, and then they’ll upload it to your app or card. If you save PS2 per week, you can have PS109 within a year.
BENEFITS: Your Bonus Card can be used to purchase in-store or online. Just let the cashier know how much money you wish to spend. This makes it easier to budget and save, according to Iceland. There is no maximum or minimum amount that you can save on each shop.
EXTRAS: Get a bonus card and free delivery to your home if you spend more than PS25 online or in-store. You will also receive special birthday treats and offers for card holders.
VERDICT:
This card is best for Icelandic customers who are very loyal and not those who only visit occasionally. The card’s savings feature is an alternative to other loyalty programs. It could be especially useful in the lead up to Christmas.
Lidl Plus
CARD or App
REWARDS: Lidl doesn’t offer points. Customers who use the app receive 4 coupons per week. They are released every Thursday. Coupons included 15% off chocolate bars, 15% on tinned fish, and 10% off Manuka Honey at the time of writing.
BENEFITS
EXTRAS: Every time you shop, you receive a scratchcard giving you the chance to win PS20 on your next purchase. You can also get discounts from our partners, such as a 3 month Kids Pass membership or up to PS150 off your Loveholidays bookings.
VERDICT:
Even with all the tempting temptations of the centre aisles, spending PS100 in Lidl every day is quite a lot. The savings aspect isn’t as appealing as other store points schemes. Coupons are also limited in time. The scratch card adds excitement and fun to your weekly shopping.
MyMorrisons
CARD or App: Both (Morrisons launched their loyalty program in May 2021).
REWARDS: Morrisons does not give you points, but will send you personalized offers about the items you purchase most often. You can get money off regular items, or money off the entire shop.
EXTRAS: You have the chance to win a Basket Bonus every time you scan your digital cards. This can be anything from a PS5 discount on your next purchase to a bouquet of flowers or a treat at the bakery.
VERDICT:
Customers who sign up for the loyalty program receive their coupons digitally. This is great for people who use apps regularly, but less for those who can’t afford one. With a wide range of surprises prizes, the Basket Bonus is a great way to keep customers using your cards.
M&S Sparks
CARD OR APP
REWARDS: Sparks cards don’t give you points, but you can get perks like personalised offers, the chance of winning a gift, and free shopping.
BENEFITS – The money off coupons are well worth it. Offers can range from 15% off bread, 20% off underwear, or 10% off clothing. These are updated frequently, but it is not always easy to know when they will be posted.
VERDICT:
Sparks is still being questioned. Many shoppers prefer to collect points and earn money on vouchers that they can spend however they like, instead of being directed towards savings. The downside to Sparks cards is the fact that you must remember to load any offers you wish to use. Although cashiers are able to do this for you, they may not always ask. The savings you can make – if they are loaded onto your card and available – are well worth it. It’s worthwhile to have the card and the app. Just make sure you check it often.
MyWaitrose
CARD OR APP – Both. You can also purchase a key fob version.
REWARDS: A MyWaitrose Card does not earn you points. Instead, you receive regular money off vouchers that can be used on your entire shop, personalised vouchers that are based on your shopping habits, and occasionally a freebie.
BENEFITS: MyWaitrose Card holders receive 20% off meat and cheese counters each day, and 20% off Friday fish counters. You also get extras such as dry-cleaning or a magazine for free.
EXTRAS: Cardholders used to receive a free newspaper and a hot drink. Waitrose has stopped offering the free paper and halted the offer of a hot drink. According to the website, they are trying to restore this perk.
VERDICT:
Waitrose is considered a premium supermarket, and has a lower share of the market. Customers are loyal without the benefit of a loyalty card and lots of money off deals. Even if you don’t shop there often, the MyWaitrose Card is worth it. You can still make money at fresh food counters and get your personalized money off vouchers.
High Street Beauty –
Boots Advantage Card
CARD or both
POINTS: For every PS1 purchased, you get 4 points.
VALUE: 1 Point = 1p. So for every PS1, you get 4p.
BENEFITS: Your points can be spent at any time as long as there are enough points to cover the entire transaction. You can’t use points to pay a portion of your total purchase, your points must be used to cover the entire transaction. While you can still use your advantage card to pay for some items, the rest of your purchase can be made with cash or your bankcard.
EXTRAS: Advantage cardholders receive a complimentary health and beauty magazine. There are often many offers, so you can earn extra points if you spend a certain amount or buy certain brands. You can also earn 8 points per PS1 for many Boots products if you are over 60.
VERDICT:
Boots Advantage is one of the most well-known loyalty cards. It really pays to shop with this card. You can accumulate points quickly and they are more valuable than other loyalty programs.
Superdrug Beauty & Health Card
CARD or both
POINTS: 1 point per PS1 spent.
VALUE: 1 point equals 1p. Points cannot be combined with more than 100. So 100 points = PS1 Off, 200 Points = PS2 Off, and so forth.
BENEFITS: You can combine your Superdrug points with cash, unlike the Boots Advantage Card. If your shopping total is PS7.45, and you have 500 Superdrug points, these points can be used to reduce your total bill by PS5 and then you can pay the rest in cash.
EXTRAS: All members get standard delivery for orders above PS10, while non-members must spend PS15 to receive free delivery. Every Thursday, you will receive special discounts and a birthday treat.
VERDICT:
Although you won’t receive as many pennies with the Boots Advantage Card as you would with the Superdrug Card, you can still use your points to make money at your store. This is a huge plus for us.
High Street Books and Stationery
Paperchase Treat Me
CARD OR APP
REWARDS – There are no points. Just perks. For every PS50 spent, you get a PS5 credit to your card (limit one reward per transaction). Customers who are new to the card will also receive 15% off their first purchase.
BENEFITS Online orders above PS30 qualify for a free delivery upgrade.
EXTRAS: Get one for every 7 cards you purchase within the 12 month period.
VERDICT:
This is the perfect gift for those who have a pen or card obsession. Although the treat is not redeemable for one month after activation, it is worth it for a PS5 voucher on your birthday.
Waterstones Plus
CARD OR APP
POINTS: For every PS10 purchased, you earn a Plus Stamp.
VALUE: 10 Stamps = P10 to be spent in-store, at the cafe, or online
BENEFITS – Every year, receive an exclusive treat
EXTRAS: Members of loyalty cards are first to be notified about sales and offers, as well as special events.
VERDICT:
It is a generous reward program. Even if you buy a few paperbacks and one hardback per month at Waterstones you can still get PS10 back a year later! You could even get a free book! This is a great way to read if you love reading.
High Street Clothing
TXMaxx Treasure
CARD OR APP
REWARDS: Every time you shop, collect ‘keys. You don’t earn rewards based on how many times you shop at a TXMaxx store or HomeSense store. However, your spending habits can affect how often you collect keys online. You can collect 5 keys to choose your reward.
BENEFITS: You may collect as many keys as you like from the shops and online. You can win an experience, an item or a gift card.
VERDICT:
Another card that rewards you for frequent visits rather than spending a lot, this card allows you to quickly accumulate keys and start earning your rewards. You don’t have to spend a minimum amount, so if you are a dedicated customer, you can visit a store once a day and get a reward every week. It’s worth it.
H&M
CARD OR APP
POINTS PS1 = 1 point
VALUE: You can earn reward vouchers and other offers by accumulating between 0-299 points. You can become a Plus member once you have 300 points. This gives you access even more benefits and offers.
BENEFITS: Receive 10% off your first order when you sign up.
EXTRAS: All orders above PS20 qualify for free delivery, click & collect and 25% discount on your birthday. Members get free delivery, exclusive access to special collections and surprise offers.
VERDICT:
Even if H&M is not your favorite place to shop, it’s still worth downloading the app and earning points every time you shop. You don’t have to be a member to get any perks.
Urban Outfitters – UO Rewards
CARD OR APP
POINTS: There are many ways to earn UO Points. Check out the website for more information. Sign up and you get 75 points. 50 points are for downloading the app. 50 points is for subscribing via email. 30 points is for enabling push notifications. This is just a starter list. When you purchase, you also get 25 points.
While entry level members enjoy perks, it takes only 300 points to become Silver Member, and 600 to attain Gold. You’re well on your way towards Silver, considering you only have to join the scheme for 230 points.
VALUE: One PS5 voucher per 100 points
BENEFITS: Members get early access to sales and new collections launches. You can find all the details on the website.
EXTRAS: Denim Days is a current perks – Get 10 bonus points when shopping for jeans, and the same when you shop Urban Renewal (the brand’s vintage arm).
VERDICT:
UO Rewards is a great loyalty program. It rewards loyal customers for being loyal. Points can be earned by shopping for anything (scrunchies to coats), so you don’t have to break the bank. You get great value for your points.
Coffee shops
Costa Coffee Club
CARD OR APP
POINTS: 5 points = PS1 (collect in-store or at Costa Express machines).
VALUE: 5 points equals 5p. To earn a PS1, you would need to spend PS20.
BENEFITS
VERDICT:
Points expire after 12 months. You must spend at least PS60 to earn enough points to get a free drink. However, if you are a frequent customer, it is worth downloading the app and using your card to swipe.
Starbucks
CARD OR APP
POINTS: Starbucks doesn’t offer points, they offer stars. PS1 = 3 stars.
VALUE: 150 stars are required to get a free drink.
BENEFITS: When you reach 450 stars, you can become a gold member. This means you get extra shots of milk alternatives and expresso for free. Gold members get a birthday drink for free.
VERDICT:
This is a limited offer. To get a free beverage, you must spend at least PS50. Although there are better loyalty programs out there, Starbucks is the best. You have nothing to lose by earning stars.
Caffe Nero
CARD or APP: You can use both (you can transfer stamps to the app from your card).
POINTS: Every time you order a drink, get a stamp (made by the barista).
9 stamps = one free drink
BENEFITS – Get an extra stamp if your reusable cup is used. The app also allows you to add money so you can still purchase your coffee even if your wallet or bag is lost.
VERDICT:
This is one of the best loyalty programs for coffee shops – you just need to purchase 9 drinks to get 9 stamps before you can get your freebie.
There are many loyalty programs, apps, and cards available. Many of these cards and apps are free to use, and you don’t have to pay anything. These are loyalty programs – you get rewarded for being loyal. Pick one or two to suit your shopping needs and then stick with them. This will increase your chances of getting the benefit. You will still be able to get rewards and points if you shop everywhere and use all the loyalty card options. It will just take longer.
What should you be looking out for? Keep an eye on your card app and website to see if there are any bonus offers. Nothing is more frustrating than finishing a large purchase and realising that you could have saved money by using your card or uploading an offer.
Loyalty cards: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly MoneyMagpie.
