Don’t miss out on savings from loyalty-program cards
A lack of loyalty can cost you in numerous ways. One is the $205 you didn’t claim last year.
That’s right. The average American household belongs to 18 loyalty programs, from supermarket club cards to rewards credit cards to airline miles, according to a recent report by market researcher Colloquy. But about $205 a year in rewards and value will go unredeemed. Here’s advice on how to maximize your return:
Keep organized
Many retailers don’t require you to carry loyalty cards or mini key-fob cards, allowing you to simply recite your phone number at checkout. But for those that require cards, consider combining barcodes onto a single card. A good online site to help is . You can also use a smartphone app, such as CardStar () or .
Seek high-value programs
Free stuff, discounts and cash back should be high on the priority list. But the best programs will vary by your spending habits.
Join must-have programs
Most people shop at supermarkets and drugstores, so theirs are programs worth learning about. Many grocers do not have store sales anymore; they have the regular price and the lower loyalty-card price for sale items. Gregory Karp, Chicago Tribune
