This article features the advice of our our Savings Stars. Our RetailMeNot Savings Stars panel is made up of master couponers and bargain hunters who share their personal journeys and expert advice with us every month. Learn more from them here.
There’s plenty of savings advice floating around out there, some of it reputable, some of it not. The “not” part is why we created our Saving Stars panel, made up of shopping pros. Some of them are the very people who submit coupons and promo codes to our site every day (meaning they know a thing or two about how to find discounts). Some of them are our blog writers, who have racked up years of expertise in shopping and budgeting.
Every month, we ask these savvy Savings Stars a question. Their answers will help you level up your shopping game.
This Month’s Question: What’s Your Favorite Rewards Program
Maria Lalonde, budget travel expert
“I’m all about One Key Rewards, the joint loyalty program of Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo. The program gets you members-only rates on select hotels and earns you points back on bookings you can use toward future trips. Like the best loyalty programs, One Key rewards you for spending on things you were going to purchase anyway (like hotel rooms). Since joining the free program last September, I’ve earned nearly $50 in OneKeyCash on my hotel stays, which I’ve turned right back around and used to save on my next booking. “
Hayley Brown, RetailMeNot couponer
“My current favorite rewards program is probably the e.l.f. Beauty Squad. You get 10 points for every dollar you spend. You then can redeem your points based on your tier and choose product rewards or discount rewards. You can even choose gift card or cash back rewards! Also get free shipping on orders $35+ which is easy to do when you’re buying makeup and/or skincare on a regular basis. You get two free mini gifts with that amount as well, and if you’re spending $50, you get an additional gift. I’ve gotten to sample lots of products this way without having to commit to the full-size product. Not a bad way to do rewards on things you will likely always be restocking and using!”
Aly Walansky, eating-well-on-a-budget expert
“Starbucks. I realize this probably sounds pretty basic of me, but one of the most exciting aspects of my birthday each year is waking up and knowing there’s a free beverage coupon waiting for me in my Starbucks Rewards app. I always try to make the beverage extra special and packed on with extras — oat milk, extra shots of espresso, venti sized. I go wild, and it’s free! But it’s great for so many other reasons. I link it up with my Delta SkyMiles (another great rewards program) and I earn miles for buying coffee I was going to buy anyway. You also get free refills of brewed hot coffee purchased with your Starbucks rewards app/card while in store, earn points on purchases toward future purchases (so your love of coffee gets you more coffee!), and there are constantly special promotions and deals to take advantage of, specifically for rewards members. I love it so much.”
Lisa McCulley, RetailMeNot couponer
“I really like the Michaels Rewards program. It’s so easy to sign up, and it really pays off! I earn rewards and have a discount applied with every single purchase. Members will earn 3% in rewards on eligible purchases every time they shop. Qualifying members will earn 6% in rewards if they have spent $300+ in eligible purchases in the past 12 months. Members will also be eligible to earn on weekly Rewards Specials and Bonus Rewards offers. There is also a senior discount (55+) of 10% off, along with a teacher discount (15%) and a military discount (15%). You can also earn 9% in rewards if you sign up for a Michaels credit card.”
The post Savings Stars Sound Off: What’s Your Favorite Rewards Program? appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
