Is Ulta Diamond Worth It?

If you shop with the same favorite retailers regularly, it's likely worth becoming a member of their free loyalty programs. If available, these programs offer rewards and incentives to frequent shoppers to reward them for their continued brand loyalty. Program perks like freebies and discounts could help you keep more money in your checking account. 

Ulta is a popular place to shop for makeup and skincare products. The popular beauty retailer has a free loyalty program, and it's called Ultamate Rewards. The program has three tiers, and the highest tier is Ulta Diamond. But is it worthwhile to achieve Ulta Diamond status? 

What you need to know about the Ultamate Rewards program 

Don't miss out on the Ultamate Rewards program. Ulta's loyalty and rewards program has three tiers: Member, Platinum, and Diamond. It's free to join the program, but your annual spend determines your membership status level. 

As a member, perks and rewards opportunities will be available to you. The benefits you get vary depending on the status level you've achieved. But no matter your status level, you can redeem any points earned for discounts on future Ulta orders. 

As an Ultamate Rewards member, you'll earn Diamond status once you spend $1,200 on eligible purchases in a calendar year. Once you achieve Diamond status, you'll remain a Diamond member until Dec. 31 of the following year. 

Here are some of the most notable benefits you get as an Ulta Diamond status member:

• Earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on purchases
• Free shipping on orders of $25 or more
• Annual $25 beauty service reward 
• Rewards points never expire 
• Free birthday gift 
• Extra birthday gift
• Get a $10 reward for your birthday
• Exclusive deals and gifts
• Early access to new product launches 

Since Diamond is the highest tier level of the Ultamate Rewards program, you can expect more perks than at other levels. But it's worth noting that some benefits are available to both Diamond and Platinum level members -- like the $10 rewards birthday coupon. 

Other program perks, like the annual $25 beauty service reward, are only available to higher-tier Diamond members. But remember that you'll need to spend $1,200 total in a calendar year to transition from a Platinum member to a Diamond member. 

To transition from a Member to a Platinum level, you'll only need to hit a yearly spending threshold of $500. Considering the benefits offered, the additional spending threshold required to earn Diamond status may not be worth it for many shoppers. 

To help you compare each program tier, here's a breakdown of the benefits offered with each status level below: 

So, is Ulta Diamond worth it?

Do you shop for beauty and skincare products but are still unsure whether achieving Diamond status through the Ultamate Rewards program is worthwhile? Consider your shopping habits and budget and determine which program benefits are most valuable to you. 

You might also review the benefits offered through Sephora's Beauty Insider Program. The top-level tier, Sephora Rouge, requires a yearly spend of only $1,000. This loyalty program has different benefits, but the perks offered may be more attractive for some shoppers.

No matter what, don't overspend beyond your means, or you could rack up credit card debt. 

Want to get rewarded for shopping? Don't ignore loyalty programs. If you're brand loyal, these programs can be an excellent tool to add to your personal finance strategy.