Top 10 Loyalty and Freebie Schemes

In the UK we have A LOT of loyalty schemes and it can feel a bit overwhelming as to which ones are best to use, especially with so many cards and apps floating around! If you have a lot of loyalty cards taking over your wallet then download the ‘Stocard’ app to keep them all together in one place – it’s free to download on iOS and Android and saves you carrying a tonne of cards around.

In this guide, we look at some of our favourites to help you make the most of your money.

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1. Nectar

One of the more well-known loyalty schemes, Nectar gives its users the opportunity to collect points from a selection of over 400 different retailers including Sainsbury’s, Argos, eBay, GWR, Esso and ASOS. Input your nectar card number to collect the points and then spend them in 24 different places such as Argos, Sainsbury’s, VUE and Pizza Hut. Essentially, you are earning points from purchases you would already be making but with the added bonus of some ‘free money’ to spend now and then when you cash your points in!

2. Boots Advantage Card

You’ll earn points every time you make a purchase at Boots online or in-store and you’ll receive four points for every £1 you spend. This means a £20 spend would get you 80 points. Each point is worth 1p to spend in-store or online, so the 80 points from a £20 spend would be worth 80p. It doesn’t sound a lot but it is one of the most generous schemes on the UK market! There are often ‘Mega Deals’ weekends too where extra points are on offer.

3. McDonalds Coffee Stamps

So, there’s a little trick here that will help you earn a free coffee twice as fast! Order your coffee using the new McDonalds app (Free on iOS and Android) and you’ll earn a sticker on screen as well as the physical sticker on the cup. Basically giving you two stickers for every coffee you buy and let’s face it, McDonald’s coffee is some of the best around for the price and its Rainforest Alliance Certified. Some McDonald’s franchises also offer 40% off a medium meal for emergency service workers.

4. Morrisons More

You’ll automatically get your money-off vouchers at the till in stores or petrol stations once you’ve accumulated 5,000 points with your More card. You’ll get points on in-store shopping, online shopping and at the fuel station. Again, if you are shopping at Morrisons anyway it’s worth picking up the Loyalty Card for some money off now and then.

5. Tesco Clubcard

Probably one of the oldest but well-known schemes here in the UK. Clubcard points can be collected by shopping instore at Tesco or by using its Tesco Credit Card on other purchases. You’ll then get vouchers sent to you to spend instore, or if you prefer ‘boost’ them on the website to get more for your money and put towards products and services such as Magazine Subscriptions, Days out and Meals out.

6. Nando’s

Each time you spend £7 or more, you’re given a ‘chilli’ on your card or app, after three chillies you are entitled to a free 1/4 chicken, six chillies equals 1/2 chicken, a burger or pitta and 10 chillies give you a whole chicken or single combo meal. If you’re eating at Nando’s anyway it makes sense to have a loyalty card!

7. Co-op

Although co-op is usually more expensive than other shops, as a matter of convenience it is sometimes a necessity. Sign up to a co-op card and you’ll get 5% added to the account each time you buy certain items. Your community project of choice also benefits each time the card is swiped so pick a charity or cause close to you to benefit them as well as yourself. Additionally, a TOTUM student card gives you 10% off in co-op stores.

8. Subway

Register your sub card and you’ll get one point for every 10p spent in-store. Meaning that 500 points will get you a free six-inch sub. One good bonus is that new members get a welcome bonus of 250 points when registering online or via the app.
You’ll also earn double points if you go back to make another purchase within seven days of your previous purchase – so if you were to buy a Subway each week, you’ll essentially be earning double points each time.

9. Ikea Family Card

Although you won’t earn points with this card, you will be able to take advantage of a multitude of other benefits such as free tea or filter coffee (Monday to Friday), 10% off Cafe food and an extra 10% off of sale items and free product insurance to cover any damage during delivery or assembly. You’ll also get vouchers emailed now and then with money off coupons.

10. Waterstones Plus

If you are a book lover, the chances are that you love Waterstones! With it’s ‘Plus’ scheme you’ll earn one ‘Plus stamp’ for every £10 you spend in-store or online, and every 10 stamps will give you £10 on your Plus balance. Essentially, for every £100 you spend, you’ll get £10 off.
If you’re a student you can sign up to a Waterstones Plus Student card, and you’ll get an extra 5% off all purchases, as well as collecting the Plus stamps.