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13 Stores With Hidden Loyalty Perks Most Shoppers Miss

Avoid leaving money on the table by signing up for these free loyalty programs at major retailers.

By Laura Gesualdi-Gilmore

Edited by Esther Carlstone

Updated May 22, 2025

From high-end department stores to your favorite convenience stores, hidden perks like free hash browns and new mascara samples are out there—if you're a member. Many of the stores you already shop at have free membership programs you may be missing out on.

If you're looking for ways to keep more cash in your wallet, you can save big — and even score some free merchandise — by signing up for free loyalty programs at these 13 stores.

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1. Barnes & Noble

Book lovers can score some free money for books, stationery, and more from Barnes & Noble by signing up for their free rewards program. Members get a stamp for every $10 spent and receive a $5 reward that can be spent on anything, even eBooks and audiobooks, for every 10 stamps collected.

There's also a $39.99 per year premium membership that has additional perks like 10% off purchases and free birthday treats. You can sign up online or in-store.

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2. Best Buy

Best Buy's loyalty program has a few levels, but even the free membership can save you some serious cash, as all members enjoy free standard shipping. You can easily sign up online.

The paid memberships will get you a bit more — things like exclusive prices and access to sales for a $49.99 annual fee and 24/7 tech support and 20% off repairs for a $179.99 annual fee.

3. CVS

When you sign up for ExtraCare with CVS, which is free and easy to do online, you gain access to sale prices, personalized deals, earned rewards, and even a $3 birthday coupon.

If you're a frequent shopper or use CVS for its pharmacy, signing up for the free rewards program could amount to some serious savings over the years.

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4. JCPenney

JCPenney's free CashPass rewards system lets members earn points for each purchase and gives out a $10 credit for every 200 points earned.

Members also get a $10 gift each year to celebrate their birthday and can earn extra points through special bonus events. Sign up online or in-store.

5. Kohl's

It's free to enroll in Kohl's rewards program and it makes earning Kohl's Cash, money you can spend on anything in the store, easy. Members earn 5% back on all purchases — and that bumps up to 7.5% if you have a Kohl's credit card.

Kohl's Cash is issued on the first of every month in $5 increments.

6. Macy's

Macy's Star Rewards has four different levels, with silver, gold, and platinum perks reserved for Macy's Card owners.

However, their bronze level is free for customers to join, simple to sign up for on their website, and you can still accumulate points to earn Star Money, get a free birthday gift, and enjoy free shipping for orders over $25.

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7. McDonald's

To enjoy McDonald's member perks, you'll need to download the app, but once you have it, you'll start earning points that could earn you free Big Macs, McMuffins, coffees, and more.

Members will also get alerted to special promotions going on in their area.

8. Nordstrom

When you join The Nordy Club for free, you'll start earning points with each purchase and can earn Nordstrom Notes to spend however you want. Members also get access to beauty perks, Clear the Rack sales, and free two-day shipping.

Signing up for the free membership online is easy, and Nordstrom cardholders also enjoy additional perks like bonus points shopping days, early access to their popular sales, and access to stylists.

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9. REI

To join REI's rewards program, you will need to shell out $30 — but that small fee does cover a lifetime membership.

For outdoorsy types, the membership will more than pay for itself as members get an annual 10% back on all eligible purchases, special discounts and bonuses, and free shipping in the U.S.

10. Sephora

Sephora's Beauty Insider Program is free, easy to join online, and lets members earn rewards for each purchase. You can also earn Beauty Insider points when shopping at Sephora stores that are inside other retailers, like Kohl's.

Additional Beauty Insider perks include your choice of a free gift each year on your birthday and free standard shipping.

11. Starbucks

Customers who sign up for Starbucks rewards will earn Stars with every purchase, which can eventually be redeemed for free food, drinks, and merchandise if you save enough points.

The freebies start with as little as 25 Stars, and the coffee giant gives out free birthday gifts, too.

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12. Target

Frequent shoppers can save by joining the retailer's free Target Circle rewards program. Joining will get you access to deals and personalized bonuses, free trials from Target's partners, and a 5% off discount every year on your birthday.

Circle credit card holders get more benefits, like an additional 5% off all purchases.

13. Walgreens

Shoppers who prefer Walgreens and its affiliates (Duane Reade) can score big savings by signing up for the free myWalgreens program.

When you sign up online or in-store, it automatically qualifies you for special sales. You'll also earn 1% Walgreens cash rewards for every purchase (even at the pharmacy) and 5% cash on Walgreens-branded products.

Bottom line

Many Americans are hesitant to sign up for new rewards programs, not wanting to be bothered by text messages or overflowing email inboxes. However, signing up for rewards programs at stores you regularly shop can lead to major savings.

It's well worth it to avoid money mistakes by joining these loyalty programs to save where you can, even if that means having to delete a few more promotional emails every week.

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