With just a little effort, we can turn our everyday spending into handy rewards and discounts with Loyalty Schemes
Feeling the pinch? Whether it’s the rising cost of food, petrol, or just keeping the lights on, every penny counts. That’s where loyalty schemes come in.
Loyalty schemes are simple. Shops and businesses give us points, discounts, or freebies when we shop with them. It’s their way of saying “thanks” for coming back. Some schemes give us points we can save up and spend later, like Tesco Clubcard or Nectar from Sainsbury’s.
Others offer instant savings or freebies, like the McDonald’s app, which gives free coffee after buying six. It’s like getting a little bonus for doing what we already do.
Moving Online
Many loyalty schemes are moving online, with apps becoming the main way to access deals. This might feel a bit tricky if we’re not confident with smartphones or computers.
If we’re new to apps, asking a friend, family member, or even a friendly library or community worker for help can make a big difference. Age UK also had a beginners guide to using apps. Click here to see the full guide.
So How Do We Make the Most of Them?
- Sign Up for Free
Most loyalty schemes are completely free to join – all we need to do is register. Many schemes are digital these days, so it’s helpful to have a smartphone or access to the internet. - Use the Apps
Apps like the Costa Coffee or Boots Advantage app often give us extra rewards that physical cards can’t. For example, apps might offer exclusive discounts or bonus points on certain days. Plus, we can track our points, so we always know when we’ve earned a reward. Look for Special Offers
Shops often have deals where we earn extra points for buying certain items. For example, if we’re shopping at Tesco, we can check their Clubcard app to see which products are on offer that week. It’s a great way to save on things we’re already buying. - Stack the Savings
Some schemes let us combine offers. For example, we can use Nectar points at Sainsbury’s during a promotion to double their value. Others, like Boots Advantage, let us save points over time for a bigger treat. - Don’t Forget Freebies
Who doesn’t love a freebie? Apps like Greggs Rewards give us free treats on our birthdays, and Pret’s subscription offers endless coffee for a set monthly fee. It’s worth keeping an eye out for these kinds of perks.
To compare loyalty schemes and see savings, Save the Student has a list of best loyalty cards and apps plus their biggest perks.
The trick is to use loyalty schemes for things we already need, not to buy extras just for points. If we stick to our usual shopping and let the rewards build up, we’ll see the benefits without spending more.
Image: Kaspars Grinvalds / Shutterstock
