Many Loyalty Programs Aren’t Worth It, but Experts Say These 8 Are

Every year we see more retailers jumping on the loyalty program trend. At this point, it’s getting a bit confusing.

We all want “points,” but the landscape of loyalty programs has become so saturated that we’re in what a new report by Upside called a “loyalty plateau.” This suggests that retailers are pushing loyalty programs on consumers who don’t see a use for them.

Good To Know: How I Cut My Grocery Bill by $100 a Month Without Giving Up Convenience

Sign Up Today: Start Growing Your Net Worth With Smarter Tracking

Additionally, shoppers may recognize these offerings as hollow marketing tactics that serve no purpose other than to entice us into overspending. Many loyalty programs aren’t worth it; however there are some that are. MoneyLion talked with shopping experts to learn about eight loyalty programs worth joining.

Kroger and Safeway

Right now, the price of both gas and groceries is, for many, just too high to cover. With the Kroger Plus Card, Kroger’s loyalty program you can save some money on both of these essentials. Steve Goeke co-founder, Kiwii, pointed to this loyalty program as one that is worthwhile. Same goes for fellow grocery giant Safeway’s loyalty program.

“The value is pretty easy to understand: You earn rewards on groceries you were already buying and turn them into a discount at the pump, roughly 10 cents per gallon for every $100 spent on groceries,” Goeke said.

Abercrombie & Fitch

You either love Abercrombie & Fitch or you hate it, but either way, it must be noted that their loyalty program is expert-approved as worthwhile.

“Abercrombie gives you cash frequently for hitting certain purchasing thresholds, and you can apply that cash directly to your existing purchase,” said Dylan Jahraus, founder and CEO at etSEOSo. It's like an immediate cash back through their own portal.

Walgreens, CVS and Target

Target, CVS and Walgreens are distinct retail chains, but they share the recipe to a good loyalty program.

“The loyalty programs of Target, CVS and Walgreens are likely to be especially efficient since there are many ways to earn and cash out on your rewards while making ordinary purchases,” said Clay Cary, senior trends analyst and finance expert at CouponFollow.

Dunkin' Donuts

Melissa Cid, consumer savings expert at MySavings.com, vouched for Dunkin’ Donuts’ loyalty program both as a shopping pro and as a mom of four.

“My family visits regularly, so the rewards add up quickly without requiring us to change our habits,” Cid said.

Chick-fil-A

For the same reason Cid likes Dunkin’ Donuts’ loyalty program: Habitual visits and ample rewards, Cid approved of Chick-fil-A’s.

5 Signs of a Good Loyalty Program

Not sure whether to join a specific loyalty program? Know the five signs of a good loyalty program, according to Christina Lindley, founder and CEO, VPRG Consulting.

1. Earning and redemption rules are easy to understand.

2. Rewards are useful and attainable without excessive spending.

3. Customers receive value quickly rather than waiting years to reach a threshold.

4. Expiration dates, exclusions and blackout restrictions are limited.

5. The program rewards existing behavior instead of manipulating customers into buying things they did not intend to purchase.

This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.

More From MoneyLion:

• 7 Boring Accounts That Quietly Outperform Most Savings Accounts

• 5 Thanksgiving Items the Frugal Middle Class Should Buy at Aldi Before Price Hikes

• The Black Friday 'Deal' Test: 5 Questions To Ask Before You Buy Anything

• Start Growing Your Net Worth With Smarter Tracking