A majority of businesses nowadays offer a loyalty program as a way to reward their regulars. You canfind these customer appreciation programs and promotions everywhere, from local restaurants to big department stores. However, not all loyalty programs are created equal. While some programs will reward you handsomely others will only give you less than 1% return.
See our best credit card bonuses here.
Not sure what programs to check out? Here are a few of our favorite loyalty programs you’ve probably never heard of.
 The Chase Freedom Unlimited® Card offers a $250 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers. In addition, you can earn: • 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase TravelSM, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more • 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service • 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase TravelSM, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. There is no minimum to redeem for cash back & your cash back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open. This card comes with no annual fee and you'll get a free credit score that is updated weekly with Credit JourneySM. Member FDIC |
1. Fuel Rewards
Fuel Rewards Network is a free loyalty program from that saves you money on gas at over 11,000 Shell stations nationwide. Earn additional Fuel Rewards savings when you shop, dine, book travel and more. Here’s how the rewards break down:
| Category | Rewards & Benefits |
| Shell Stations | Silver Status members save $0.03 per gallon. Gold Status members save $0.05 per gallon. Earn rewards when you purchase snacks, beverages, car washes and more. |
| Dine | Earn $0.10 per gallon for every $50 you spend at more than 10,000 participating restaurants, bars and clubs nationwide. |
| Shop | Earn at least $0.05 per gallon for every $50 you spend at select local and online merchants. |
| Travel | Earn $0.05 per gallon for every $50 spent when you book hotels, flights and rental cars through Fuel Rewards. |
| Etc. | Find additional promotions at select regional grocery stores, other affiliated programs and online at Fuel Rewards. |
You can stack the rewards that you earn and use them as discounts at a participating Shell or other select gas station. For example, if you earned 10¢/gal at a restaurant, 20¢/gal shopping online, and 40¢/gal on a pair of concert tickets, you could combine those with 5¢/gal from Gold Status to save 75¢/gal on your next fill-up at Shell.
2. Marathon MakeItCount
Marathon offers a fuel rewards program called MakeItCount. Points can be earned when you purchase fuel, and on select store items and more. You can see eligible promotions and achievements in the “Offers” section.
You can redeem your points with:
- Domino’s
- eGiftCards
- My CentsOff
- Petco
3. Pampers Rewards
Start using Pampers Rewards to turn your diaper purchases into rewards and gifts for you and your baby. Earn anywhere from 10 to 132 points per package of diapers or wipes, depending on diaper size and pack size.
Points can be redeemed for toys, baby gear, home goods, electronics and gift cards.
4. Pay With GasBuddy
When you use Pay with GasBuddy, you’ll receive special offers and save save up to 25¢/gal at the pump every time you fill up by activating Deal Alerts. Not only is this program free, it is also accepted at gas stations nationwide.
Pay $9.99 a month for the Pay with GasBuddy Premium membership, and you’ll:
- Save up to $0.40 per gallon by activating Deal Alerts
- If you forget to activiate Deal Alert, you will still save up to 50 gallons per month ($0.05 per gallon discount thereafter).
- Get Allstate’s 24-hour roadside assistance coverage.
5. Shop Your Way
Shop Your Way is a free membership program that rewards you 1% cash back when you make purchases at any participating store. Participating stores include:
- Nike
- GasBuddy
- Under Armour
- Peapod
Additionally, ShopYourWay.com is an online shopping portal, so you’ll get bonus points if you click through the site to get to online retail stores.
Link your credit card to your Shop Your Way account and make purchases at participating partners to earn more points.
Use your points for Shop Your Way coupons or apply them to any purchase, including sale and clearance items, at any participating Sears or Kmart store.
6. Thanks Again
Thanks Again is the only rewards program that boosts the points you earn from your loyalty programs when you shop, dine or park at thousands of retailers in and around 100+ airports.
As a member, you’ll rack up on Thanks Again points – worth approximately 1% in cash back – when you enroll your credit or debit card and spend at participating merchants.
Thanks Again points can be redeemed for a variety of gift cards, including airline and hotel rewards, retail coupons, rideshare credits and more (1% value). Alternatiely, you can trade in your Thanks Again points for airline miles at a ratio of 2:1 for most programs.
7. TruNow
Trunow is the only gas station rewards app that gives you cash back on gas station purchases. Here’s how it works:
- Find local deals on everything from gas to restaurants. Simply search by entering your zip code, city, and etc.
- Earn cash back on gas, groceries, dining and more. Just snap a photo of your receipt and upload it on the app.
- Spend your rewards at local stores, restaurants and on gas. Or, you can turn it into cash.
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Bottom Line
Travel is not the only way to earn points and miles. If you’re looking to maximize your money, then you’ll want to double dip by joining loyalty programs like the ones listed above and paying for your purchases with a rewards card.
Make sure to check out loyalty programs for retailers and restaurants that you frequent at. It’s important to read the fine print so that you know ow to maximize your return on everyday spending.
We recommend using online shopping portals to double dip. If you want to save even more money, you can purchase discounted gift cards and perhaps save even more money with the best cash back shopping portals!
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