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 gathering factors once you spend. These factors would then accumulate and be transformed into money-off vouchers. Alternatively, the factors would accumulate as a money worth which might then be knocked off your procuring. 

Nowadays, loyalty playing cards achieve this far more. You possibly can nonetheless accumulate factors, however you can even unlock reductions, get cash off offers and earn unique rewards. Nevertheless, it may be so complicated to work out which playing cards provide the most effective offers. Is it value procuring round to get the most effective out of various playing cards, or must you stick along with your favorite outlets 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 value it? 

Under we spherical up a number of the hottest loyalty playing cards and apps, in addition to what to look out for and the way 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 Cell. 

VALUE: 150 factors is value £1.50. Vouchers might be spent in retailer however Clubcard vouchers are value much more if spent with Clubcard companions – that is most likely what they’re finest identified for. Clubcard boasts over 300 companions – from eating places to theme parks and lodges. 

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

EXTRAS: For normal buyers who need to save much more, you will get Clubcard Plus for £7.99 a month. With Clubcard Plus you will get 10% off two large outlets 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 possibly can flip 50p value of Clubcard vouchers into £1.50 value of reward associate 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 value £2.50, which might be spent in retailer or on-line.   

BENEFITS: Weekly personalised gives.

EXTRAS: You may also accumulate and spend factors with Sainbury’s large model companions. They embrace Argos, eBay, Sky Retailer and Vue. Most companions give clients two factors for each £1, however some provide extra. Take a look at the web site for extra data. 

VERDICT:

Even in case you don’t store at Sainsbury’s fairly often, it’s value getting a Nectar card for the factors you’ll be able to earn from Sainsbury’s companions. Be sure to verify the place you’ll be able to earn factors. They mount up and you may spend them in so many locations it actually does make sense. 

Asda Rewards

CARD or APP: App 

REWARDS: Prospects can accumulate ‘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 stability might be transformed into vouchers to spend in retailer. 

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

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

VERDICT:

Solely actually worthwhile if you’re a daily and dependable Asda buyer. When you do your weekly store there you’ll profit from the app. In any other case, there may be most likely not quite a bit 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 a substitute, you earn a reimbursement in your purchases. Members also can 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 offers the identical quantity to assist neighborhood organisations and native causes.

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

VERDICT:

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

Central Co-Op

CARD or APP: App

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

VALUE: You can entry 25% off on hundreds of branded items and you should buy as much as 4 of every merchandise. Reductions on sure gadgets that you just haven’t purchased initially can improve 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. Workers members don’t want to use reductions and there aren’t any varieties to fill.

VERDICT:

This card is nice for individuals who store at Central Co-Op places, with financial savings to guess made frequently. An app means you’ll be able to take it wherever you go, and you recognize you’ll get an excellent 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 need to save they usually add it to your card or app. So in case you save £2 per week, you could possibly have £109 in a yr.  

BENEFITS: You possibly can spend out of your Bonus Card in retailer or on-line – simply let the cashier understand how a lot you need to spend. Iceland says this makes it simpler for individuals to funds and save. There isn’t any minimal or most quantity it can save you per store. 

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

VERDICT:

Greatest for very loyal Iceland clients, quite than those that pop in often. The financial savings aspect of the cardboard is a unique tackle the same old loyalty schemes – it might 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 per 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 provides you £2 credit score, £200 provides you £10 credit score. 

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

VERDICT:

Even with the temptations of the centre aisle, spending £100 in Lidl frequently is a tall order so the financial savings facet will not be as engaging 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 now not give factors however sends you personalised gives on the stuff 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 possibility of successful a ‘Basket Bonus’ which may 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 frequently use apps, doubtlessly much less so for individuals who don’t or can’t afford a sensible telephone. The Basket Bonus is an effective method to hold clients utilizing their playing cards, with an excellent vary of shock prizes. 

M&S Sparks

CARD OR APP: Each 

REWARDS: You possibly can’t earn factors with a Sparks card, as a substitute you get perks equivalent to personalised gives, the possibility to win a free reward and the possibility to get your purchasing for free.

BENEFITS: The cash-off vouchers are value having – gives might be something from 15% off bread, 20% of underwear to 10% off clothes. They alter pretty frequently however you don’t at all times know when they will be uploaded.

VERDICT:

The jury continues to be out on the Sparks card. Plenty of buyers would quite accumulate factors and get money-off vouchers to spend as they please, quite than being directed in the direction of particular financial savings. One other main draw back is that you must keep in mind to load the gives you need to use onto your Sparks card. The cashiers can do that for you however they don’t at all times ask. Nevertheless, the financial savings available – when they’re out there and loaded onto your card – are undoubtedly value having. Total, it’s value carrying the cardboard or downloading the app, simply don’t neglect to verify it frequently.  

MyWaitrose

CARD OR APP: Each (You may also get a key fob model) 

REWARDS: You possibly can’t earn factors with a MyWaitrose card. As a substitute, 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 on daily basis 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 now not gives the free paper and have paused the free sizzling drink. The web site says they’re working to carry this perk again. 

VERDICT:

Waitrose is seen as a high-end grocery store and as such has a smaller share of the market. Prospects are typically loyal – with out the pull of a loyalty card or a number of money-off offers. The MyWaitrose card is worth it even in case you solely do occasional ‘deal with outlets’ there; you’ll be able to nonetheless get your cash off the recent meals counters and use your personalised cash off vouchers. 

Excessive avenue – 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 possibly can spend your factors at any time, so long as you’ve sufficient factors to cowl the entire transaction. In different phrases, you’ll be able to’t use your factors to pay a bit in the direction of your complete store; they must pay for the whole lot you’re shopping for. You possibly can 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 sweetness journal and there are sometimes a number of gives on, that means you’ll be able to earn additional factors once you purchase sure manufacturers or spend a certain quantity. Over-60s can earn eight factors per £1 on many Boots personal merchandise too. 

VERDICT:

Among the best identified loyalty playing cards, with Boots Benefit it actually does pay to buy. Factors accumulate shortly and are value 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, in case you’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 in your factors as you do with a Boots Benefit Card, however the Superdrug card does will let you use your factors to knock cash off your store. This can be a large plus level for us.  

Excessive avenue – 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 1 reward per transaction). New clients additionally get 15% off their first store. 

BENEFITS: You possibly can earn cash off your procuring, get additional perks on the finish of month and a £5 birthday reward voucher. You may also get a free supply improve on-line, on orders over £30. 

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

VERDICT:

Good for anybody with a stationery fetish however not a lot in case you 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 value 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 in case you solely purchase a few paperbacks or one hardback a month at Waterstones, you could possibly nonetheless successfully get £10 again a yr! This might get you a free guide. For anybody who loves studying, that is at all times going to be value it. 

Excessive avenue – Clothes

TKMaxx Treasure

CARD OR APP: Each 

REWARDS: Acquire ‘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 can even accumulate ‘keys’ on-line. Acquire 5 keys after which select a reward.

BENEFITS: You possibly can accumulate 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’ll be able to donate to charity. 

VERDICT:

One other card that rewards you for frequency quite than the quantity you spend, you’ll be able to accumulate keys fairly shortly and earn your rewards. There isn’t any minimal spend, so for devoted clients, you could possibly go to a retailer a day and earn a reward per 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 develop into a Plus Member which provides you entry to even higher advantages and gives. 

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

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

VERDICT:

Even in case you don’t store at H&M frequently it’s value having the app in your telephone and gathering factors once you store. There aren’t 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 record. 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 once you make a purchase order. 

Entry degree members get some perks, however it solely takes 300 factors to develop into a Silver Member and 600 to achieve Gold. Contemplating you get 230 only for becoming a member of the scheme, you’re already effectively in your method 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 record of perks – once more try the web site for the entire particulars. 

EXTRAS: Present additional perks embrace ‘Denim Days’ – earn 10 bonus factors once you store for denims and the identical once 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 possibly can earn factors by purchasing for any gadgets (from scrunchies to coats) so the factors accumulate with out breaking the financial institution. The perks are good worth too. 

Espresso outlets

Costa Coffee Club

CARD OR APP: Each 

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

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

BENEFITS: You possibly can order your espresso upfront utilizing the app and you may earn generally bonus factors once you purchase a drink or snack.

VERDICT:

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

Starbucks

CARD OR APP: App 

POINTS: You possibly can’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 develop into a gold member and might get additional pictures of espresso, dairy options, and different extras without spending a dime. Gold members additionally get a free drink on their birthday.

VERDICT:

It’s not a really beneficiant scheme – you must spend at the least £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 possibly can 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 a further stamp in case you use a reusable cup. You may also add cash to the app that means you’ll be able to nonetheless purchase your espresso in case you’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 a whole bunch of loyalty playing cards, apps and schemes on the market today. 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, decide one or two for every of your wants or procuring habits and try to follow these. You might be much more more likely to get the profit this manner. When you store in all places and use all of the loyalty playing cards out there, you’ll nonetheless get factors and rewards – it should simply take quite a bit longer. 

What to look out for? To get probably the most out of your playing cards, keep watch over the app or web site and see when bonus gives are working. There’s nothing extra irritating than finishing an enormous store after which realising you could possibly have saved cash in case you’d used your card or uploaded a suggestion.