13 Retail Rewards Programs That Can Save You Big Money

One of my favorite personal finance savings hacks is to join rewards programs when they're available. If there's a brand I shop with regularly, chances are good I'm a part of their rewards program.

Over the years, however, I've definitely found that some programs are better than others. (And some that used to be good are...less good now. I'm looking at you, Best Buy.) So here's a list of some of the retail rewards programs that can actually save you money.

1. AMC Stubs

AMC's Stubs rewards program offers three tiers, only one of which is free.

• Stubs Insider: This is the free option. Perks include waived ticketing fees for up to four tickets, a free large popcorn on your birthday, and all other shared benefits.
• Stubs Premiere: This is an annual subscription that costs $15 a year. The main perks over the free tier include priority lanes at the box office and concessions, free size upgrades on popcorn and fountain drinks, and unlimited waived online ticketing fees.
• Stubs A-List: This is a monthly subscription with costs ranging from $19.95 to $24.95 a month. The key perk that separates it from other tiers is up to three movies for free each week.

All three tiers earn points for each $1 spent (20x for the free tier, 100x for other tiers); you need 5,000 points for a $5 reward. Members also enjoy discount Tuesdays, free large popcorn refills, and free member wifi.

2. Barnes & Noble Rewards

Barnes & Noble has offered a paid membership for many years that can be quite beneficial if you shop there frequently. It now offers a free rewards program option as well.

• Barnes & Noble Rewards: The free option is a spend-based rewards program. You'll earn 1 "stamp" for every $10 you spend. Every 10 stamps equals a $5 reward (that's $5 in rewards for every $100 you spend, or 5% back).
• Barnes & Noble Premium Membership: The membership costs $39.99 a year, but offers a number of extra perks, including a 10% storewide discount -- including Nook purchases -- free upgrades on cafe drinks, free shipping with no minimum purchase, and exclusive early access to special titles and events.

The paid membership will also come with a membership in the purchase rewards program.

3. Dunkin' Rewards

If you can't go without that Dunkin' coffee every morning, make sure you join the Dunkin' Rewards program. Members earn 10 points for every dollar spent on orders in-store or in the app. Frequent visitors -- those who visit 12 or more times a month -- will earn 12 points per dollar.

It takes 150 points ($15 in spending) to earn the cheapest reward (3-count Munchkins or a 6-count hash browns). A free hot or iced coffee comes in at 500 points, and a frozen drink or Signature Latte will cost 900 points.

4. Hibbett Rewards

Folks who go through a lot of sporting goods may want to join the Hibbett Rewards program. There are two member tiers, which are based on annual spend.

• MVP: This is the base tier. MVP members earn 1 point for every dollar spent. 200 points earns you a $10 award (that's 5% back). You'll also get an annual birthday offer, as well as exclusive member deals.
• VIP: After you earn 200+ points, you'll become a VIP member. At this tier, you earn 1.5 points for every dollar spent (the same 200 points are required for the $10 award, which comes out to around 7.5% back). Plus, you'll get access to private sales, as well as early access to select offers and sales.

5. Jersey Mike's myMike's Rewards

We've got breakfast covered, so how about lunch? The myMike's Rewards program offers Shore Points with every sub purchase. How many points you earn varies by the type of sub; a kid's meal is 3 points, for instance, while a giant sub is 12 points.

Redeeming points also varies by type of order. A free mini size sub costs 48 points, while a giant size sub costs a whopping 144 points.

Members can also enjoy annual birthday rewards, as well as exclusive offers and promos.

6. Kohl's Rewards

Regular Kohl's shoppers can get some decent cash back from the Kohl's Rewards program. Regular members earn 5% in rewards on every purchase, plus a special birthday gift each year.

The best rewards are reserved for Kohl's Charge Card owners, however. They get 7.5% in rewards (when the card is used to pay for the purchase), plus exclusive coupons, monthly free shipping events, and an annual anniversary gift.

7. Nordstrom Nordy Club

Folks who prefer the Nordstrom aesthetic can join the Nordy Club for purchase rewards. You'll earn 1 point per dollar spent (or more if you use the Nordstrom Credit Card). You'll need to collect a fairly high number of points to get a Nordstrom Note -- 1,000 points equal a $10 Note -- but given the price point of most Nordstrom items, this shouldn't be too hard.

There are three tiers of Nordy Club membership, based on your annual spend.

• Member: This is the base level, and it's free to join. The most interesting perk is the free basic alterations on Nordstrom purchases. You'll also get exclusive early access to select deals.
• Influencer: You'll need to spend at least $500 a year (or be a cardholder) to get to this tier. Most of the perks are the same as the lower tier, except you'll get three annual double points days, and priority access to style events.
• Ambassador: If you're a frequent Nordstrom shopper -- to the tune of $5,000 a year -- you can reach the top level. This unlocks an extra double points day, as well as invite-only event access and Nordstrom to You, an in-home stylist program.

8. Office Depot OfficeMax Rewards

Here's a program ideal for the small business owner. Members receive 2% back in rewards on their purchases, including supplies, furniture, and technology. You'll also get $2 back when you recycle ink and toner cartridges (a $10 purchase is also required), and $2 back for reviews (up to three reviews a month). Perhaps the best part is these rewards will stack with your business credit card rewards.

9. Petco Vital Care

Petco can be a great place to get deals on pet products. And their Vital Care rewards program can help even more. There are two tiers, one free and one paid:

• Vital Care Core: This is the free tier. It unlocks member-only pricing and offers, and the ability to earn Vital Care points on every purchase. Plus, you'll get free food (every 10th bag is free) and grooming (every eighth visit).
• Vital Care Premier: You can upgrade to the Premier tier for $19.99 a month. Notable perks include $15 in Vital Care Rewards every month, extended reward expiration, 10% off food purchases, 20% off grooming visits, and unlimited routine vet exams at all Vetco Total Care locations.

It takes 167 Vital Care points (what a weird number) to earn a $5 Vital Care Reward.

Note: The Vital Care Premier service is not pet insurance. It offers some similar features -- like routine care -- but has key differences, especially when it comes to emergency services.

10. Popeyes Rewards

If you're in the mood for a spicy chicken sandwich, this one's for you. Popeyes Rewards members earn 10x points for every dollar spent on the Popeyes mobile app or on Popeyes.com (you can also earn points in-store by paying with a linked credit card -- makes it a dining rewards card for an even better return!). Points can be redeemed for select menu items.

Another interesting perk: Members can enjoy Happy Hour Tuesday/Thursday, during which you can get $1 sides, as well as earn bonus points on combos and family meals.

11. REI Co-op Membership

The REI Co-op membership is an excellent investment for the outdoor enthusiasts. A lifetime membership costs $30, though REI has regular deals where you can get a $30 gift card when you purchase a membership.

Once you join, you'll unlock a ton of deals and discounts. This includes exclusive member sales, annual coupons, and an annual gift card for 10% back on your full-price purchases the year before. You can also get discounts on rentals, bike and snow shop services, and free flat tire repair on bicycles.

12. Target Circle

Target devotees and casual shoppers alike can get some use out of a Target Circle membership -- especially since it's free. Members get 1% back on Target purchases, which can be redeemed for future purchases. You'll also get access to exclusive offers and discounts, as well as an annual birthday gift.

(Want to boost your savings at Target? The Target RedCard gives you 5% off eligible Target purchases.)

13. Wawa Rewards

One of the only gas stations with a cult following, Wawa also has one of the better rewards programs. The free Wawa Rewards program gives you free food and drinks for every $50 you spend. Plus, earn exclusive bonus rewards throughout the year. You can also download the Wawa app to unlock extra gas discounts. (The Wawa Credit Card can also unlock additional gas rewards. Or use a regular gas rewards card at any gas station, any time.)

Honorable mention: Cash back apps

While the rewards programs on our list are all branded, there's another way to earn big rewards across retailers: cash back apps. These third-party mobile apps offer coupons and rebates for hundreds of products from dozens of popular brands and retailers. Some of our favorites include:

• Ibotta
• Fetch Rewards
• Dosh
• Rakuten
• Checkout 51

With most of these apps, you'll scan your receipt after you shop to earn cash back rewards. How you redeem varies by app, but most will let you simply cash out into a bank account.

There are tons of great ways to earn rewards and cash back on your regular purchases. Let this list be the inspiration for you to seek out rewards programs with all of your favorite brands.