Over 50 of the best loyalty cards and programmes in the UK

The best discount and loyalty cards in the UK

Gary Wilson introduced the first loyalty card to the UK in the early 1980s, and it was called the Passcard. Homebase introduced its own that same decade with its Spend and Save card. Now, over 85% of us belong to some kind of loyalty scheme.

I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with loyalty cards. Yes, it’s great that you get something back when you stay loyal to a certain shop, but you know that deep down, you’re paying extra for your goods. These schemes aren’t cheap to run, so they have to be paid for somehow.

But you usually can’t avoid them, so I always recommend joining up with as many as you can. With some of the schemes, it’s a great way to save up money to pay for special occasions or an extra treat.

I have a total of 6 cards in my wallet at the moment and another five apps on my phone. But they all come with different rewards and bonuses, so below, I’ll go over the best points cards and loyalty programmes in the UK and explain how they work.

Supermarket loyalty cards

The easiest way to build up some loyalty points as we all have to eat, most of the major supermarkets have some kind of loyalty scheme.

Tesco Clubcard

Introduced back in 1995, it is thought that there are now over 17 million users in the UK. You’ll earn 1 point for every £1 you spend in Tesco, with each point worth a penny.

Your points will be awarded to you every quarter through a voucher.

Perks

You can use your vouchers to pay for your shopping. However, Tesco partnered with several companies, which will triple the value of your points.

Clubcard holders also receive discounts on certain grocery items.

Downsides

Vouchers are only valid for two years after they are issued. If they expire, you will lose your points.

Earn extra

There are several ways to boost the number of points you can collect with your Clubcard.

• Tesco Mobile – earn 1 point for every £1 you spend on your contract (includes SIM only).
• Tesco Bank Credit Card – earn 1 point for every £4 you spend at Tesco or 1 point for every £8 you spend elsewhere.
• Tesco surveys – when you complete a shop at Tesco, visit www.tescoviews.com and fill out a short questionnaire. You’ll be given 25 points and a chance to win a £1000 gift card.
• Esso petrol stations – Earn points when you spend at Esso.

Take a look at some of the best ways to spend Clubcard points.

Tesco Clubcard

Nectar Card

The Nectar card was released in 2002 and although strongly associated with Sainsbury’s, you can collect and spend points in many retailers.

Argos and Sainsbury’s will reward you with 1 point for every £1 you spend. Each point is worth 0.5 pence.

Perks

No need to wait for vouchers, you can spend your points straight from your Nectar card. But Nectar also partners with other companies so that you can boost the value of your points.

Your Nectar points never expire, so there is no rush to spend them.

Sainsbury’s sometimes offers events in November, which allow you to double up your points.

Downsides

Although your points don’t expire, if you fail to use your Nectar card over two years, your points could be lost. The partner offers aren’t as generous as those of Tesco.

Earn Extra

Again, there are various ways to increase your Nectar balance.

• Shop through the Nectar website – before you make a purchase at certain retailers, click on a link on the Nectar site to earn extra points.
• Nectar credit card – earn bonus points when you spend using your credit card.
• eBay – earn 1 point for every £1 you spend at eBay.

Take a look at other ways to earn extra Nectar points.

Nectar

Morrisons More

This is another supermarket loyalty scheme which gives you access to discounted prices on selected products. However, Morrisons More also rewards you with points when you purchase certain items or fill up your car. When you collect 5,000 points, you’ll be given a £5 voucher to spend.

Perks

• Receive discounts on certain products.
• You can earn £5 vouchers.

Downsides

Morrisons More can only be used through an app – no physical cards are available.

Morrisons More

Iceland Bonus Card

The Iceland card will give you £1 back for every £20 you spend. When you’re shopping, you can deduct the £1 straight away or leave it on your card for another day.

Perks

• Exclusive product discounts.
• 1000’s of chances to win great prizes.
• Free Home Delivery in-store or online.
• A gift for your birthday.
• Over 60s receive 10% discount in-store every Tuesday.

Downsides

The exclusive discounts aren’t particularly thrilling.

Iceland

Lidl Plus

This is an app-only loyalty card which will give you discounts on your shopping. Occasionally, Lidl also offers games where you can find extra discounts.

Perks

• Complete spending targets each month to receive free products and discounts.
• Receive new coupons every Thursday.
• Get exclusive discounts and benefits from Lidl partners.

Downsides

Not a loyalty scheme as such. You will also need to link it to your phone.

Lidl Plus

Marks & Spencers Sparks Card

Introduced in 2015, the Sparks card can be used in both the clothes section and the food courts in M&S. Originally, you were able to collect points but this was scrapped in 2020. Although it’s no longer strictly a loyalty card, you can find some decent offers.

Perks

• Chance to win free shopping.
• Personalised offers, just for you.
• Every week, some customers will receive a little gift.
• A charity donation with every purchase.

Downsides

Apart from the personalised offers, there’s little else on offer. The chances of winning one of the bonuses are very slim.

Asda Rewards

Rather than earning points for every pound you spend, you’ll need to complete certain missions to earn cashback. For example, this could be that if you buy 15 pieces of fruit, you’ll be given £1 back.

The money you earn can be exchanged for Asda Pounds vouchers, which can be spent in-store and online.

Perks

• Some generous offers are available.
• Earn 10% back on certain items.

Downsides

Can only be used with an app, no physical card is available. Asda Pounds only last for six months.

Asda Rewards

Mobile phone rewards

Voadafone VeryMe Rewards

Available to all Vodafone mobile phone customers, this scheme offers a whole range of treats and freebies.

Perks

• Just use the VeryMe app to find the latest rewards.
• Enjoy a special treat evry Friday.
• Plenty of discounts available.

Downsides

The offers might not always be relevant to you.

VeryMe Rewards

O2 Priority

This loyalty scheme works in a very similar way to VeryMe. Available to only O2 customers, it gives a wide range of benefits and discounts.

Perks

• Discounted cinema tickets.
• Free food each week.
• Early access to gigs and concerts.

Downsides

Again, like VeryMe, the offers might not always be relevant to you.

O2 Priority

Boots Advantage Card

Boots will give you 3 points to your Advantage card for every £1 you spend. It used to be 4, but was reduced in 2023. Each point is worth 1 penny, which works out at 3% back for each shop. You can upgrade to Advantage Plus for £20 per year, giving you a 10% discount on almost anything in Boots.

Perks

• One of the best-paying loyalty cards you will find.
• Receive personalised offers through the Boots app.
• Health & Beauty magazine for free.
• Collect double points from the parenting club.
• Students receive a 10% discount.

Downsides

You can’t make part payments with your points. That means you need to make sure you have enough points on your card before making a payment.

Boots Advantage Card

Superdrug Health & Beautycard

Launched back in 2011 as the Beautycard, it was renamed the Health & Beautycard in 2015 to appeal to a wider audience. You’ll earn 1 point for every £1 you spend in Superdrug. Once you reach 100 points, you can exchange them for £1.

That means you earn 1% back on each shop.

Perks

• Lower prices for members.
• Bonus points offers.
• 10% off for students and NHS staff.
• Free delivery when you spend £20 or more online.

Downsides

Points will expire after two years of earning them. Plus, you must use your card once every 12 months or your points will be removed.

The Body Shop – Love Your Body Club

You’ll earn 10 points for every £1 you spend and when you reach 500 points, you can exchange them for £5. That means you earn 10% back every time you shop.

Perks

• Get £5 worth of points on your birthday.

Downsides

You’ll be invited to ‘exclusive members-only parties and sneak previews of new collections’. So, an excuse to try and sell you extra products.

Love Your Body Club

Holland & Barrett Rewards For Life

With Holland & Barrett, you’ll collect 4 points for every £1 you spend. Each point is worth 1 pence, meaning you earn 4% from your shopping.

Perks

• Earn 300 points just for joining.
• Receive exclusive offers.
• Earn bonus points for purchasing certain products.

Downsides

You can only spend your points when you receive your vouchers, which are sent out four times per year.

Rewards For Life

Fast food loyalty schemes

The last few years have seen large fast-food chains jump on the bandwagon of loyalty schemes to attract returning customers. Most have opted for an app rather than a physical card.

KFC Rewards Arcade

KFC scrapped their original (and better, in my opinion) loyalty scheme in 2022 and replaced it with Rewards Arcade.

With this app, every time you make a purchase of £3 in-store or £7 with delivery (not including third parties, such as Uber Eats or Deliveroo), you’ll get a chance to play their arcade game with a chance to win:

• 2 SINGLE WINGS
• REGULAR FRIES
• BBQ DIPPED BITES
• MINI FILLET BURGER
• FLAMIN’ WRAP
• FILLET BURGER
• ZINGER BURGER
• REGULAR POPCORN
• 6 PIECE ORIGINAL RECIPE BARGAIN BUCKET
• 2 PIECES OF ORIGINAL RECIPE CHICKEN
• 3 PIECE BONELESS CHICKEN WITH DIP
• MIGHTY BUCKET FOR ONE

Perks

• Free to play.

Downsides

You won’t always win a reward. You only have 40 days to redeem.

Apple Users Android Users

McDonald’s Rewards

McDonald’s was unusually slow in releasing its app compared to its competitors but has finally done so. You’ll earn 1 point for every penny you spend and the rewards are tiered. For example, earn 1,500 points and claim a smaller item like a McFlurry or a hash brown. But hold on to your points and when you reach 4,000, you can swap them for something larger like a Big Mac.

You can also find extra discounts through the app.

Perks

• Receive discounts – such as £5 off £15 spend.
• Earn bonus points for purchasing certain items.

Downsides

The discounts don’t seem to come very often.

Apple Users Android Users

YourBurgerKing app

Another major company, which seemed to be a little slow in releasing a loyalty scheme. For every £1 that you spend, you’ll earn 10 points. These can then be exchanged for food. For example, 400 points can be swapped for a Whopper.

Perks

• Good deals on food.

Downsides

Most of the best deals are for 2+ people. You can also find some of these offers listed in major papers.

Apple Users Android Users

Greggs Rewards

The Greggs app took a bit of an upgrade in 2020 and instead of collecting stamps for hot drinks only, you earn rewards for almost anything. There are 6 different stamp categories and once you receive 9 stamps in one of these categories, you can redeem them for a free item.

Perks

• Free food and drink.

Downsides

You can only collect stamps for specific categories. For example, buy a drink, a sausage roll and a sandwich and you’ll earn 1 stamp in each category. You will need to visit 8 more times to earn your free items.

Apple Users Android Users

Subway Rewards

Many years ago, Subway offered a physical card on which you could collect stamps. Once you reached a certain number, you could use it towards a buy one get one free on 12-inch Subs. However, Subway soon realised that people were selling lots of these cards already filled with stamps on eBay for next to nothing. So, that scheme was scrapped and we now have a digital card.

Earn 10 points when you spend £1. Once you reach 100 points, you can start redeeming your points for free items.

• 100 points can be redeemed for any regular hot drink
• 200 points can be redeemed for a side or snack
• 500 points for a regular 6-inch Sub, Salad or Wrap
• 1000 points for a Footlong Sub

Perks

• Earn double points on a 2nd purchase if you return within 7 days.
• Join Subsquad with up to 8 friends. If they make a purchase within 4 hours of you, you both receive bonus points.
• Receive exclusive offers through the app.

Downsides

You must use your card at least once per year or your points will expire.

For new members, use the code X-6JDNLUE when you join for an extra 200 points.

Subway for Android Subway for Apple

Find out more about Subway Rewards.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell gives you 10 points for every £1 that you spend. These points can then be exchanged for certain items:

• 200 points = free side, dessert or regular drink
• 300 points = free Cravers items
• 500 points = any product under £6

Perks

• Earn 1,000 points and you’ll receive exclusive offers and experiences.

Downsides

The exclusive offers are a little bit of a disappointment.

Use the code PETERD6537 when you join and you’ll get a bonus 50 points.

Apple Users Android Users

Using this reward scheme, you will earn 10 ‘smiles’ for every £1 you spend. Reach 100 smiles and you will earn a free original glazed doughnut or 1000 smiles will get you a free dozen!

You can add your smiles just by scanning the code from your doughnut box.

Perks

• Free doughnut just for joining.
• Personalised rewards and birthday surprises.

Downsides

The only downside is they aren’t the cheapest of doughnuts. But so nice…

Apple Users Android Users

Restaurant loyalty cards

Not to be outdone by their fast-food competitors, plenty of restaurants also offer apps with either a loyalty scheme or exclusive discounts.

Nando’s Card

I was unsure whether to place this in the fast food or the restaurant section, but here we are. When I first visited Nando’s, they gave you a physical card and they would place stamps on it when you made a purchase. It’s all gone digital and can be done through their app. Make a purchase for £7 and above and you’ll earn a Chilli Point. When you reach 3 points, you can start to claim free food.

Perks

• Free food.
• The more points you collect, the more valuable the food.

Downsides

Your points will expire after one year. If you don’t use them, they will be lost.

Apple Users Android Users

Frankie & Benny’s App

This isn’t a loyalty app, but you can find some decent money off offers. Plus, you can pay for your food through the app. That means you can do a runner without leaving a tip…

Perks

• Discounts on food.
• An offer on your birthday.

Downsides

Many offers can be found elsewhere or by visiting on certain days.

Toby Carvery App

Personally, one of my favourite places to eat. This loyalty scheme is a little limited and only counts towards puddings. Every time you have a dessert, you’ll get a stamp. When you collect three stamps, they can be swapped for a free pudding.

The app will also give you access to some special deals.

Perks

• Access to deals available just through the app.
• Deals can include 25% off mains Monday to Friday.
• Use the app to book your table and pay bills.

Downsides

You can sometimes find vouchers online that offer better deals than the app.

Apple Users Android Users

Starbucks Card

Did you know Starbucks is owned by McDonald’s? Anyhow, spend £1 at Starbucks and you’ll collect 3 stars. Once you get to 150 stars, you can claim a free drink.

Perks

• Collect 450 stars and become a Gold member – get extra shots of espresso, dairy alternatives, selected syrups and whipped cream – all on the house.
• Gold members also receive a free drink on their birthday.

Downsides

It costs £50 before you get a free drink, so it’s not the greatest value.

Starbucks

Costa Club

At Costa, you’ll get the next one free for every eight drinks you purchase. And if you use your reusable cup in-store, you’ll get a free drink after just four purchases.

Perks

• You can use your loyalty card with Costa’s Express machines.
• Free cake on your birthday.
• The app also offers money-off deals and chances to reach your free drink sooner.

Downsides

Money-off deals are a little limited.

Apple Users Android Users

Caffè Nero loyalty card or app

You can either choose a physical card or opt for the app. You’ll earn a stamp every time you order a barista-made drink and when you reach nine stamps, you’ll earn a free drink.

Perks

• Link your debit or credit card to the app for convenience when paying.
• Earn exclusive rewards.
• Your stamps don’t expire.

Downsides

None really. Very little goes against this loyalty scheme.

Caffè Nero

Pret A Manger – Club Pret

Unlike in the USA, Pret doesn’t have a loyalty scheme in the UK. However, it does offer a subscription service too. For £30 per month, you can enjoy up to 5 coffees, teas, frappes or hot chocolates daily, plus 20% off items from their menu.

Club Pret

Fashion loyalty schemes

H&M Membership

Formerly known as H&M Club, you’ll collect 1 point every time you spend £1. You’ll become a Plus member if you collect 300 points in 1 year.

Perks

• 10% discount off your first purchase.
• £3 off for every 100 points you collect.
• Free standard delivery when you spend £30.
• 25% off your favourite item on your birthday.
• Plus members receive free standard delivery and exclusive experiences.

Downsides

Some of the perks, like delivery, come as standard from most other companies.

House of Fraser – Fraser Plus

Collect points in-store and online, with 1 point for every £1 you spend.

Perks

• 500 points can be exchanged for £5.
• Exclusive offers and events.
• Bonus points for your birthday month.

Downsides

You only have three months to spend your rewards.

Fraser Plus

Urban Outfitters Rewards

Use your loyalty card at Urban Outfitters and you’ll receive 20 points every time you spend there. Your points can then be exchanged for rewards.

Perks

• 10% off your first purchase.
• Earn points without spending (such as joining their email list).
• Move up tiers for even more rewards.
• 100 points will earn you £5.

Downsides

It’s a shame that no matter how much you spend on 1 visit, you only receive 20 points.

Urban Outfitters Rewards

Levi’s Red Tab

Probably the most famous jean brand out there, Levi’s also runs its own loyalty scheme, which gives you ten coins for every £1 you spend.

Perks

• Receive free coins when you join.
• A special gift on your birthday.
• 500 coins will give you £5 to spend.
• Early access to sales and promos.
• 10% off first order.

Downsides

Not available in every Levi’s store.

Levi's Red Tab

TK Maxx Treasure

TK Maxx claims to do it differently – you don’t collect points, but a key each time you shop.

Perks

• Collect five keys to receive a reward.
• Rewards include a private chef experience or eco-friendly straws.

Downsides

The rewards are a little hit-and-miss. There won’t always be something you want.

TK Maxx Treasure

Matalan Rewards

You don’t receive reward points with Matalan Rewards, but you can earn a voucher every time you scan your card.

Perks

• Money-off voucher for joining with an email address.
• Money-off voucher on your birthday.
• On-the-spot vouchers when you shop.

Downsides

You won’t receive many money-off vouchers when you scan in store.

Matalan Rewards

M&Co Loyalty card

M&Co claim that this is the best loyalty programme on the high street. You’ll collect 5 points every time you spend £1, which can then be exchanged for vouchers.

Perks

• 15% off for joining.
• Invitations to loyalty events.
• Exclusive discounts.
• A birthday surprise.
• 500 points earn you a £5 voucher.

Downsides

The exclusive discounts aren’t that great.

Monsoon Rewards

Another loyalty scheme will earn you 1 point for every £1 you spend. Plus, you could even become a VIP member.

Perks

• 15% off your first purchase.
• Free next-day delivery offers.
• Exclusive birthday gift.
• Monthly competitions.
• VIP members receive unlimited free next-day delivery.
• 100 points equals a £10 voucher.

Downsides

Vouchers are only valid for 12 months.

Monsoon Rewards

Accessorize Treat Yourself

This loyalty scheme pays 2 points for every £1 you spend. Earn more points and you’ll move up levels for better rewards.

Perks

• 100 points equals a £5 voucher.
• An exclusive treat on your birthday.
• Double points day.
• Move up the levels for free next-day delivery.

Downsides

You’ll need to spend £250 to receive free unlimited next-day delivery

Accessorize Treat Yourself

IKEA Family

This club brings ideas to life. Apparently. You aren’t rewarded with points for spending, but you will receive other benefits.

Perks

• Free workshops and events.
• Great offers and surprises.
• Free hot drink Monday to Friday.

Downsides

The perks are a little limited and there’s not much of an incentive to stay loyal.

IKEA Family

Pets at Home VIP

Great for all you animal lovers out there, the Very Important Pet(s) Club has over 10 million members. Although you won’t receive points for shopping there, you’ll receive plenty of other benefits.

Perks

• 10% off your first shop online or in store.
• Receive vouchers tailored for you.
• Help animals every time you swipe your card.

Downsides

Pets at Home isn’t one of the cheapest pet stores, so the vouchers you receive don’t help too much.

Pets at Home VIP

My John Lewis

One of the biggest retailers in the UK, My John Lewis offers exclusive rewards and discounts.

Perks

• Enjoy offers tailored just for you.
• For every £1 you spend, you are entered into a prize draw.
• Invites to member-only events.
• Receive £5 off beauty purchases when you recycle five empty beauty products.

Downsides

The member-only events aren’t much to get excited about.

My John Lewis

Waterstones Plus

If you consider yourself a bit of a bookworm, then this is the reward scheme for you. You’ll earn a Plus stamp for every £10 you spend, and the stamps can be converted into money-off vouchers.

Perks

• 10 stamps is equal to £10.
• You can earn and redeem in the shop, cafe or online.
• Stamps can be used as part payment.

Downsides

No real downsides to this scheme!

Waterstones Plus

Smiggle VIP

This is a shop that my children love to drag me into, selling all kinds of bags and stationery. When you shop in-store, you’ll receive stamps that will earn you a free gift.

Perks

• 10% off your first purchase.
• Special treat on your birth month.
• Be the first to know about offers and exclusives by email.

Downsides

The benefits are a little underwhelming in general.

Smiggle VIP

Hobbycraft Club

No matter what type of craft you’re interested in, Hobbycraft will have something for you. And their loyalty scheme makes it even better value.

Perks

• 15% off your first order.
• £5 gift on your birthday.
• Enter free prize draws.
• Receive product launches and ideas to your email.

Downsides

The rewards are fairly limited.

Hobbycraft Club

B&Q Club

The biggest DIY chain in the UK, this loyalty scheme will send you a range of offers.

Perks

• £5 off a £30 spend when you join.
• 10% discount on key cutting.
• Receive discount vouchers by email.

Downsides

You tend only to receive discount vouchers after you’ve spent in-store!

Wickes Trade Pro

Wickes Trade Pro is only available to tradespeople resident in the UK.

Perks

• 10% discount on everything.
• Be the first to know about the latest deals and discounts.

Downsides

Only available to people in the trade.

Wickes Trade Pro

Toolstation Trade Account

Toolstation sells tools and building materials and has over 400 stores in the UK. They used to offer something called a Customer Card, but this was stopped several years ago. Instead, there’s a trade account which offers 5% off.

Perks

• 5% off a total spend.

Downsides

Only available to people in the trade.

Toolstation Trade Account

Fuel loyalty cards and apps

If you drive your own car (or fill up cars at work), it’s well worth joining as many fuel loyalty card schemes as possible.

Of course, most supermarkets have their own petrol stations, so you can always use your supermarket loyalty cards there. But many of the major petrol station chains also run their own schemes.

BPme Rewards

BP used to be part of the Nectar programme but launched its own rewards scheme in 2018. You’ll earn points when you fill up or when you spend in their store.

Perks

• Special offers such as double and triple points.
• Give points to your friends and family.
• Redeem points either with BP or for a range of gift cards.

Downsides

You need to download the app to your phone to have full control.

BPme Rewards

Shell Go+

The Shell Go+ loyalty card will give you money off food, drink and more importantly, fuel.

Perks

• 10% off all hot drinks and a range of food.
• 10% off selected Car Care.
• Spend £10 or more on fuel or £2 or more in-store, and you’ll earn a visit. After ten visits, you’ll get a money-off fuel reward.

Downsides

For many of us, it could take some time before you get money off fuel.

ShellGo

Texaco Star Rewards

Apparently, this is the UK’s No.1 for guaranteed fuel rewards – you’ll save 1p for every litre of fuel you buy.

Perks

• Earn 1 point for every litre you buy.
• Exchange 500 points for £5 off fuel.
• Or, use your points for gift vouchers to use at shops such as Argos.

Downsides

You will need to use a key fob to earn your points. No app is on offer at the moment.

Texaco Star Rewards