Day 7: Make Use of Loyalty Programs

For the longest time I never bothered to sign up for store loyalty programs. I went years without a CVS ExtraCare card (I know, shame on me!). I think the biggest reason why was that I had no idea about how the cards worked or the amount of savings that could be realized by using them.

Store cards are an important part of saving on the things you buy everyday. At most stores the best deals are only available to those with the store rewards cards. Grocery stores for example have the shelf price, the sale price, and the club price -- the club price with your store card will always be the best deal. The cards also give you access to coupons, additional promotions, and even money back to use on your next purchase. The best part -- they are FREE to sign up for and it only takes a few minutes of your time.

Here's a list of FREE store rewards programs and links for more information:

Drug Stores

• CVS ExtraCare Rewards
• RiteAid wellness+ Rewards

Grocery Stores

• Bloom Breeze Card
• Food Lion MVP Card
• Giant Card
• Giant Eagle Advantage Card
• Harris Teeter VIC Card
• Safeway Club Card
• Shoprite Price Plus Club
• Superfresh Club Card
• Wegmans

Craft Stores

• A.C. Moore Rewards
• Michael's Rewards

Retail Stores

• Ace Hardware Ace Rewards
• Best Buy Reward Zone
• Kmart/Sears Shop Your Way Rewards
• Office Depot Worklife Rewards
• Office Max Max Perks
• PetSmart PetPerks
• Staples Rewards

Hotels

• Best Western Rewards
• Hilton HHonors
• Holiday Inn Priority Club
• Marriott Rewards

Think a store is missing from this list? Let me know and I will add it!

It should be noted that other stores have rewards programs that charge you a small fee up front, but then give you a significant discount throughout the year (for example Lids and GNC).

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