Do you use/lose incentives from stores/sites?

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

I've had a few incidents today of monetary incentives for purchases. One of them didn't work out, and I'm annoyed by it. 

• Amazon sometimes grants a "digital credit" if you switch to a shipping day that benefits them. I've had the credits range from $1 to $3. If I don't mind that something gets delivered a day or two later, then I will switch to that shipping option. DH has a collection of Amazon Prime movies that he keeps adding to. They're movies that have to be rented or purchased, even with an Amazon Prime membership. He has Tora, Tora, Tora; Midway; Gettysburg; Band of Brothers; Apollo 13, and probably a few more I've lost track of. They generally run $15 to purchase, so anytime I can get a discount I figure it's worth it. He's going to buy them anyway.   I've never had that one expire. 
• Amazon Prime also has a free book every month. It's a pre-release. Their goal is that you read it and rank it and possibly review it. They're only accessible during that month. In the last year, I missed at least one month because I was too busy with work and school. 
• Today, I went to Dick's Sporting Goods to buy a new pitching wedge. (I left mine on a course 300 miles from my house, and I'm annoyed with myself.) Dick's Sporting Goods has a reward program, but heck if I can figure it out. I know I earn points/stars/whatever but I swear that every time I try to use them they're expired. I know they want me to shop their more often, but I only go there a few times per year. Anyhoo, I think I'm out like $20 bucks. 
• I was sorting through my home desk pile today. I found my annual membership rewards from REI. It's for $37.50. It's not expired yet. I hate to give up $37.50! But, I don't want to spend money I don't need to spend. Grrr...!
• While I'm not nearly as coool as andi9899, I do have an Ulta rewards account. I think that one expires/restarts annually. I've had at least $10 worth of credit each year for the past few years. I need to order more night face cream, so I'll probably go there for it. 
  

Anyhooo...what do you store incentives do you use or lose? 

[msventoux]

I pretty much lose any incentives. It’s too much for my little brain to keep track of.  I miss out on the Amazon/Kindle related stuff. I miss out on Fred Meyer fuel rewards all the time as I get my groceries in the town closest to me (usually) but the gas station is at the store in the next town over and is out of my way anytime I go there.  The local refuse site sends out coupons annually for a free day up to a certain value, and I never remember to redeem it.  For some reason I had a stack of Target gift cards that were some sort of rebate on cleaning supplies.  I rarely go to Target and never remembered to use those cards so gave them to someone that shops there frequently. Yet another reason my YM card should be revoked.  

[wvugurl26]

We don't go to Dick's Sporting Goods enough for it to add up. I did get my first good Columbia winter coat with those. My college boyfriend his mom bought him a workout/weight Bowflex there. Plus I think somehow I had 2 accounts and they supposedly merged them.

Ulta if you are platinum they don't expire.

Grocery store gas station ones we never spend enough to get those. My grandma used to save hers for me or my aunt/uncle.

I do usually remember to use the Hallmark ones.

The Walgreens points have expired before but I try to use them.

If it's an emailed coupon I try to stick those in a separate folder so I can find them later when I might use them.

[giramomma]

 I try to.

I have Ulta rewards. I got down to 0 when I had cancer. I mostly shop for hair care. Which was a moot point for a while. DD1 doesn't do cheer anymore, So we don't go as often.

We have the RE credit card. So we use those points, plus coupons to pay little to nothing for the kids or stuff we need.

Our Local St. Vinnies (Thrift store) has $5 coupons when you spend $100. I have three of them. I mentioned before. I'm saving those for their yarn event.  I really can't pass up free or deeply discounted yarn. (The designer yarn is usually 50% off retail. Basics are like 75% off retail).

DH has incentives for grocery stores.

DS loves his quick trip/quick star.

[resolution]

I am a miserable failure at using any rewards that expire quickly, because I don't shop enough.

• Petco will give me a $5 off reward whenever I buy cat food, which will expire in 30 days, long before I need more cat food.
• Kohls will give me Kohls cash, but I won't need any more clothes for an extended period of time, so I try to get my husband to take them to work to give away.
• I have Amazon Prime, but I've never even heard of the free book.

What I do use faithfully - the 2% cash back from my credit card and the Amazon digital credits. I shop a lot on Amazon and usually select to have all my items delivered together on Fridays, so I get a lot of digital credits that my husband uses buying tv series.

One annoying thing that my Citi Doublecash card has started doing, is asking if I want to use Thankyou points when checking out at stores. It slows down the transaction because we have to wait for the question to pop, and it sometimes tricks my husband into using points, which are worth less in the store than just getting a 2% credit on the credit card balance.

[daisylu]

I use a grocery store card for discounts and for gas points, though gas not so much anymore but points can be traded for $ discounts. I probably do Kohl's once a year and do go back to use the Kohl's cash - normally for something small or a gift to put up for holidays.

My Dick's rewards always expire. Just do not shop there enough.

I often take the shipping credits from Amazon, and have an Amazon credit card that gives cash on future purchases.

That is about it. We are not big shoppers. The bulk of our purchasing comes from the grocery store, Amazon, and lately Home Depot or Lowes for house repairs/upgrades.

[minnesotapaintlady]

Jul 26, 2023 7:15:52 GMT -5 giramomma said:

DS loves his quick trip/quick star.

I think you might need to turn in your WI resident card after that spelling error.

[giramomma]

[busymom]

We're part of a number of programs. I try NOT to lose out on the Kohl's cash.  There are also rewards through Walgreen's, CVS, and a number of other places.  Sometimes it does get hard to keep track of it all, but I try to be my best frugal self, and take advantage of any "free" money.    And don't get me started on credit cards with rewards. Last year on a road trip we managed to only pay for one night at a hotel, the rest was paid by the rewards program.  Not bad for a week on vacation. 

[giramomma]

I forgot about Kohl's Cash. I like to use those, too.

[steph08]

I always use my Kohl's cash! Free money! 

Dick's Sporting Goods - I get $10 rewards every few months because we are now there all the time with the kids in basketball and softball. I use those as well. 

Martin's/Giant gas rewards - sometimes I remember, sometimes not. I also have a Sheetz credit card that gives me 8 cents off automatically, so sometimes it is just as easy to go there instead of to the Martin's gas station, unless I have a lot of gas perks to use.

[finnime]

I used to use CVS points religiously and got a lot of very cheap and free stuff for my trouble, but their program has greatly decreased in value. I do use Amazon credits from wherever they come. And I use a .10/gallon gas discount for being a member of a regional convenience store. I think that's about it.

I don't do sports except walking and swimming. I don't use makeup enough for it to be worth anything. I buy most of my clothing online from Talbots and Nordstroms. As long as shipping is free, it's good by me.

[andi9899]

Jul 25, 2023 21:26:42 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

I've had a few incidents today of monetary incentives for purchases. One of them didn't work out, and I'm annoyed by it. 

• Amazon sometimes grants a "digital credit" if you switch to a shipping day that benefits them. I've had the credits range from $1 to $3. If I don't mind that something gets delivered a day or two later, then I will switch to that shipping option. DH has a collection of Amazon Prime movies that he keeps adding to. They're movies that have to be rented or purchased, even with an Amazon Prime membership. He has Tora, Tora, Tora; Midway; Gettysburg; Band of Brothers; Apollo 13, and probably a few more I've lost track of. They generally run $15 to purchase, so anytime I can get a discount I figure it's worth it. He's going to buy them anyway.   I've never had that one expire. 
• Amazon Prime also has a free book every month. It's a pre-release. Their goal is that you read it and rank it and possibly review it. They're only accessible during that month. In the last year, I missed at least one month because I was too busy with work and school. 
• Today, I went to Dick's Sporting Goods to buy a new pitching wedge. (I left mine on a course 300 miles from my house, and I'm annoyed with myself.) Dick's Sporting Goods has a reward program, but heck if I can figure it out. I know I earn points/stars/whatever but I swear that every time I try to use them they're expired. I know they want me to shop their more often, but I only go there a few times per year. Anyhoo, I think I'm out like $20 bucks. 
• I was sorting through my home desk pile today. I found my annual membership rewards from REI. It's for $37.50. It's not expired yet. I hate to give up $37.50! But, I don't want to spend money I don't need to spend. Grrr...!
• While I'm not nearly as coool as andi9899, I do have an Ulta rewards account. I think that one expires/restarts annually. I've had at least $10 worth of credit each year for the past few years. I need to order more night face cream, so I'll probably go there for it. 
  

Anyhooo...what do you store incentives do you use or lose? 

It does restart annually on 1/1 as far as the rewards level you're at. For example, I'm almost to the spending level I need to be at to achieve diamond status (don't judge me). Once I get to that level, I'll be diamond through 2024. I'll then need to spend that same amount during 2024 to be that level for 2025.

I think for the base level the points also expire after so many days. They don't for the platinum and diamond levels. I currently have $208 (again, don't judge me) in rewards points which I will save for Black Friday and get Christmas presents with.

[andi9899]

If there is a free rewards program, I'm on it. Why not get rewarded for things you're going to buy anyway. I save a fair amount of money with all my Sam's cash that I get from my membership plus my credit card.

Since November is my birthday month, Black Friday is my jam! I get all kinds of birthday freebies and coupons that I use to buy stuff that's already discounted. Why pay full price for anything? If there is something I need/want and it can wait for BF, it will wait.

[bean29]

How do you find the "Free Amazon Prime books" vs. Kindle Unlimited.  As I have both, I am unsure which books are part of Kindle Unlimited, and which are the Amazon Prime offerings.  What book are you reading Now that is a pre-release?

I have trouble finding time to read nowadays.  I listen to a lot of books using Audible and Libby.

I use the Walgreens Points I earn.  I think they let you accumulate them for a year or so.  

I Meijers just changed their rewards program. I just redeemed a bunch of expiring points last month.

Kohl's is not a favorite of mine.  I somehow had $5 last week.  I let my Mom use it for a purchase.  I often let my Kohl's cash expire.  I am so damn indeciseve, If I decide to return something were Kohl's cash was used, it just feels like you are being cheated.  Since I don't shop there as a matter of choice/routine, when I earn Kohl's cash I can really have a difficult time finding something to buy that I really want/need.
When I took Mom there on Sunday, they had about 3 small racks of Petite clothing.  Since I am petite, and what they have is usually not my thing, I don't plan to shop there much.

We earned free upper deck brewers tickets this summer from one grocery store we shop at.  I sent the ticket vouchers to DS's GF.  She is a school counselor, so she has summers off.  I don't know if she will use them.  If DH and I want to attend a Brewer's game, I would probably ask for the season tickets from my work.  They are 3rd row seats     Gas points from BP from another grocery store I have never used.  I usually fill up at Kwick Trip (I almost used a Q too, and I know it is Kwick Trip), or Meijers.  I have a PHEV, and I do try to charge regularly.  DH has a Ford Lighting, so he doson't use Gas in his car, usless he is driving the Mustang.  

DD said her Boyfriend's sister and her DH watch the rewards on the American Express card, and have really gotten a lot of good deals.

[minnesotapaintlady]

I use the ones I use, but will not go out of my way to spend money I wouldn't have anyhow because I have rewards. 

[jerseygirl]

Grocery store has a good program. Has digital deals on items weekly . Also get points for sales and occasionally points for grocery order of $100
Otherwise points for hotels and airline


Nothing else

[flamingo]

We always use our Kroger fuel points. We never let those expire.

We also pick a FREE with Prime/First reads Amazon book when we get the email each month.

Oh, and as long I don't need my item in 2 days, I always take the Amazon digital credit when it's offered to delay my shipping.

I almost alway use any accumulated Macy's Star Money since it's basically "free" money.

I almost never use my Kohls cash, b/c it's rare that I shop there to begin with so when I do get the Kohl's cash, there's almost never anything I want to spend it on.

[mollyanna58]

The grocery store has gas discounts but I don't spend enough to make it worthwhile to go to their chosen gas brand. CVS Extra Bucks usually expire too quickly for me to get around to using. Walgreens register rewards are better and last longer.  Somehow I got $30+ in register rewards on $60.+ purchases twice recently, so I'm happy. I got a reminder this week that I have $5.00 in rewards at Michaels that expire on Friday. I doubt I will get over there to spend it.

[daisylu]

For those of you who have a hard time finding things to use Kohl's cash for, please consider using it to buy something to donate to a shelter or charity. I do that sometimes with a local women's center for domestic abuse victims. There is also one near me for foster kids who are aging out to get them household supplies to get them started. Those type of places are always in need, especially of clothing, as most come there with only the clothes on their backs. A cheap pack of underwear will cost you nothing, but can mean the world to someone in need.

[TheOtherMe]

I get the Amazon Prime Kindle First Reads every month.  

I don't shop enough at Kohls any more to ever use Kohl's cash.

My Amazon Prime credit card earns 5% in rewards and I definitely use those.

I usually use the Hy-Vee fuel saver rewards.  Right now I have 35 cents off a gallon and that will get used.  However those depend on what you buy.  I often earn 1 cent and I don't go out of my way to use them.

[bean29]

Jul 26, 2023 13:58:01 GMT -5 mollyanna58 said:

The grocery store has gas discounts but I don't spend enough to make it worthwhile to go to their chosen gas brand. CVS Extra Bucks usually expire too quickly for me to get around to using. Walgreens register rewards are better and last longer.  Somehow I got $30+ in register rewards on $60.+ purchases twice recently, so I'm happy. I got a reminder this week that I have $5.00 in rewards at Michaels that expire on Friday. I doubt I will get over there to spend it.

The register rewards I usually don't take advantage of.  DS says to spend them right away.  I am usually not inclined to shop any more than I already have.  See, I am not big on crafts.  I would not bother to make a special trip to Michael's just to save $5.00 on something.

Jimmy John's sends me notifications that this or that reward is expiring.  I usually let them expire.  I try to nab the freebies on DH's Panera account whenever I can though.

[Artemis Windsong]

I use the gas reward cents off from our grocer regularly.  I have to watch because they do expire. 

I use Sam's cash back if it comes up when I'm checking out.  It seldom builds up.

I got a Target $10 reward card for buying health and beauty.  I used it right away the next day for a few items on my grocery list.  Target has some other kind of reward thing but I don't know what it is or how to access it.  I probably have to have my online sign in information.

We use the cash back 11% at Menards.  They send a post card back. 

We used to get CVS cashback.  I don't remember getting it in a while.  H. picks up the scripts.  He used to get a 40% off one item coupon that we used for M&Ms!  He doesn't mention that anymore.

I haven't been in JCP in a long time.  I might have rewards sitting there.  A friend used to work there and would help me use them.  I had to have my JCP sign in information for internet.  She would look it up.

We now have a Family Fare in town.  They are supposed to have Flashfood bargains.  Not at our store yet.

[Tiny]

I have a love/hate relationship with store rewards. Some stores I shop at so infrequently (and spend very little when I do) that I don't bother with them- Michael's or Bed Bath and Beyond (they are no more), or Walgreens/CVS. I usually use a friend's phone number when shopping at Walgreens (and don't automatically use any of their rewards) so they can benefit from the $10 to $20 I spent there.

I use grocery store rewards when I can - just because I can usually use the rewards before they expire. And I typically plan my shopping so I can clip any ecoupons or whatever I have to do to access the rewards. I was really annoyed when Meijer's changed their rewards and touted "never expire" - well I had $10.00 in rewards expire because I was off my monthly shopping at Meijer's routine.

I do mail in for Menard's 11% rebate if I'm getting back more than $1.00 (I'm waiting for an $11.00-ish check to arrive.) I need grass seed (to put down in the fall or next spring) and garden gloves - so I will definitely use the $$.

I'm not sure how I feel about Kohl's Cash. Whenever I go back to use it, everything is back up to the "regular" highest price... when they are doing a Kohl's cash promotion I try to NOT buy anything that isn't already on Sale - and then use the Kohl's cash for something that doesn't get a big mark down a week or two later. I have not used Kohl's cash and I couldn't find anyone to give it to in the past - so it went to "waste".  I don't feel bad about it. 

I do try to keep track of my Petsmart rewards and use it when I have it. I'm sure I've lost out on rewards when they've expired.


I try to NOT buy stuff I don't need just to take advantage of "rewards". TBH, I would much rather get a discounted Gift Card that I can use anytime. Meijer's and Target have that once a year "sale" on gift cards. And Discover still offers discounted GC's when you redeem points (get a little more for your points). I just used up my last Meijer's GC I still have $100 for Target.

Amazon Prime is a waste of money for me... I may drop it the next time it renews.

[alabamagal]

We play the reward game all the time. Current plan is trying to maximize our Kroger fuel rewards.

We have one legacy Citi credit cards that offers a lot of rewards rebates, sometimes upto 10% back for certain criteria. Yesterday got an offer for 15% rebate on utilities, but you had to spend $600 a month. I was weirdly disappointed that all our utilities - electric, gas, internet, cell phone, water - did not add up to $600. I feel I am missing out with low bills.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Jul 26, 2023 11:08:56 GMT -5 bean29 said:

How do you find the "Free Amazon Prime books" vs. Kindle Unlimited.  As I have both, I am unsure which books are part of Kindle Unlimited, and which are the Amazon Prime offerings.  What book are you reading Now that is a pre-release?

I have trouble finding time to read nowadays.  I listen to a lot of books using Audible and Libby.

Ummm...I only discovered it last summer. Now I get an email each month from them, but I cannot figure out how I set the auto email. 
Go into your Prime account. 
Go to Manage Membership
Click on Read
Click on eBooks

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

I forgot about Fred Meyer (which Kroger now owns) points. We do get a lot of fuel points there, and we're good at not losing them. What frustrates me about FM rewards is that they used to mail a physical piece of paper that had the quarterly cash reward coupon. We'd get like $8 to $15 per quarter as a gift certificate to FM. But now, it's only sometimes listed at the bottom of the receipt. I DON'T KNOW WHAT MY CODE IS!!! For example, I have a prescription receipt FM receipt here on my desk in my taxes file. It says that I had $31.04 reward spending that expired 7/1/23. It also says "look for printout at checkout with Rewards Point Pin Code. I HAVE NEVER GOTTEN A PRINTOUT. I'm out a free $31.04!

[Artemis Windsong]

Yesterday gas was $3.29.  Today, $3.34. 

I check my gas rewards and I could have gotten the price down to $3.25.  Some of the cents rewards expire on Aug. 2.  Darn.

[bookkeeper]

We shop at Menards often, so we send in the 11% offers.  I also use the Walgreens rewards.  It really added up after DH had a car crash and had to have dressings changed often.  Lately we have been putting all our shopping on the Allegiant Airlines Mastercard.  We get three or four pairs of round trip tickets to AZ for the $60 annual fee this way.  You also get priority boarding and a free drink each trip.  Airline vodka is expensive, this card pays for itself. 

[susana1954]

I almost always use incentives.  This week Walgreen's had a bunch if you ordered online.  Yesterday's was $10 Walgreen's cash if you placed a $10 order.  I also got $10 another day for refilling a prescription.  

Today I got a carrot cake bar cake from Publix for my sister, who is visiting.  It was 1/2 price in "honor" of my 1/2 birthday.  I don't have sweets in the house so it was appreciated.

There are tons like these that I use.  I think the one I rarely use is the free card each month from Hallmark.  It isn't conveniently located.