Step 2: Sign Up for Reward Programs

Many deals that we find and blog about involve store-specific reward systems. So, if you haven’t already, make sure to sign up to the reward programs to stores in your area. Many of these programs can be signed up online and all of them can be signed up in-stores.

I prefer signing up online whenever possible. I like it because when you sign up online, it forces you to sign up for an online user account. Since most of these program has online/mobile access, the online user account lets you access mobile tools and online status, which are super handy. You can track points or load digital coupons. The majority of these programs also have a matching Mobile App from the same store, so make sure you check for that during the signup process.

The only downside to signing up for all of these rewards programs online is that this means that you will also have a lot of online usernames and passwords to remember. I recommend storing your username and password information in a secure and centralized location. For example: Dropbox, Google Doc, or Evernote. These are all free and so you can access your files from any computer or mobile device.

Here are the major stores we primarily cover and, thus, suggest you get a loyalty card for:

A) CVS

Sign up to CVS’s Extra Care program. Once you do this, you will be able to start receiving ExtraBucks (ECBs) for sales that give Extrabucks. It also allows you to use the Red Coupon Machine to print out weekly CVS coupons. It’s simple to sign up. Link a phone number to your account, so you can use your number to pull up your account anytime. No need to even bring your CVS card into the store!

Once you signed up to your Extra Care account and online access, sign up to Beauty Club. This will allow you to earn extra ECB with cosmetic and hair care purchases. Specifically, you’ll get $5 in ECB when you spend $50 in beauty and personal care, cumulatively. Signing up to either Extra Care or Beauty Club doesn’t mean you are automatically enrolled in the other. You must sign up to both.

B) Walgreens

Sign up to their Balance Reward Program. You can do this online. Once again, use a phone number you can remember, since that’s how you pull up your account when making a purchase.

Once you sign up, you can start tracking points to your account. See more about couponing at Walgreens here.

C) Rite Aid

Sign up to Rite Aid’s Wellness+ Plenti program to start earning Wellness+ and Plenti Points. These are two separate programs that work in tandem to get you fantastic deals at Rite Aid. Once again, use a phone number you can remember.

Once you’re signed up, you can link your Plenti card to other participating stores to start earning big on so much stuff. Learn more about couponing at Rite Aid here.

D) Kroger Affiliate Stores

Kroger Card ownership gets you exclusive digital coupons (Including Freebie Friday offers) and so much more! Sign up online: Ralph’s, Kroger, QFC, Fred Meyer, Food4Less, Smith’s,Foods Co, Fry’s Food Stores, Baker’s, City Market, Dillons, King Soopers, Pay Less Super Markets, Jay C Food Stores, Owen’s, Gerbes.

E) Target RedCard

So, this is a little bit different from other loyalty cards. However, since we cover SO MANY Target deals, it’s a good idea to get a Target RedCard. This is actually a payment card (either a debit card or a credit card). I recommend signing up for the debit card; it’s totally free and links directly to your existing checking account. It works just like any other debit card, but is only usable at Target stores and on Target’s website. The reason you’ll want to sign up for RedCard is that it gets you a flat additional 5% off of everything you purchase. You’ll also score FREE shipping from Target.com on all orders when paying with the RedCard.

F) Safeway Affiliate Stores

Safeway, Vons, Pavillions, Randalls, Tom Thumb.  You have to sign up for new reward cards in store only. Then link your reward card to a username online or via mobile app to access digital coupons.

Homework:

Go through each of the stores above. If you have this store in your city, then sign up to their reward program (online if available).

• Got a Question? Click Here to Ask Me. 🙂
• Subscribe on YouTube For Future Videos

►NEXT: Step Three: Find Sales & Deals