Loyalty programs aren’t what they used to be. Once a fun way to get a free coffee or a small discount, they’ve evolved into sophisticated systems designed to collect data and nudge consumer behavior. But that doesn’t mean they’re all bad. In fact, some of today’s loyalty programs are actually quite rewarding—if you know where to look and how to use them.
With inflation putting pressure on everything from groceries to gas, it’s never been more important to make your everyday spending work a little harder. A well-chosen loyalty program can stretch your budget, unlock exclusive savings, and even stack with other cashback tools.
The trick is separating the truly valuable programs from the ones that just sound good. Below, we’ll break down which loyalty programs are actually worth signing up for in 2025, how to use them for maximum impact, and which ones may no longer be worth your time.
Grocery loyalty: where the value really lives
Grocery rewards programs have come a long way, especially when paired with mobile apps that track purchases, tailor discounts, and offer real-time deals. But not all grocery loyalty systems are equal.
The Kroger Plus Card is one of the strongest in the country for consistent value. It’s not just about earning discounts on items—you also earn fuel points and access personalized coupons via the Kroger app. For frequent shoppers, that means meaningful monthly savings on both groceries and gas.
In Texas, the My H-E-B Rewards program is particularly effective. It gives you 5% back in points on select own-brand items and personal discounts tied to your past purchases. It’s simple to use and pays off quickly if H-E-B is your primary store.
UK shoppers still enjoy strong value from the Tesco Clubcard, especially when redeeming points through Tesco’s reward partners. You can turn £10 in points into £30 worth of value at participating restaurants, attractions, and more—if you take the time to use the partnership ecosystem.
Meanwhile, some programs have slipped. The Safeway Just for U app still offers digital coupons and fuel rewards, but its personalization has been scaled back. If you’re looking for tailored deals based on actual purchase history, this program may feel more generic than it once did.
Gas rewards: quiet earners with big upside
Fuel prices remain volatile, but loyalty programs can help reduce the sting. The best programs today let you save on each gallon without complicated hoops—and the savings add up faster than most realize.
The Shell Fuel Rewards program remains a top pick for its ease of use and stackability. You get 5 cents off per gallon automatically, and can earn additional savings by dining at partner restaurants or booking through their travel portal.
For those who prefer ExxonMobil, the Exxon Mobil Rewards+ program offers similar per-gallon savings and rewards points on convenience store items, which adds flexibility if you frequently stop in for snacks or drinks.
Midwestern drivers love the Kwik Trip Kwik Rewards program. It not only gives fuel savings but also offers punch card bonuses on food and drink items. The free coffee rewards and rotating deals make this program worth using even beyond the pump.
Many users pair gas loyalty programs with cashback apps like Upside, which adds another layer of savings by offering up to 25 cents per gallon in cashback. Using both together maximizes your return on every fill-up—an especially smart move for commuters and road trippers.
Flexible cashback apps for daily wins
If store-specific loyalty programs feel limiting, general cashback platforms offer a more flexible way to earn while spending. These programs don’t care where you shop—they reward you based on category and location, not brand.
The Upside app continues to lead the way in 2025. It offers cashback on gas, groceries, and dining, and doesn’t require you to change your habits. You just activate an offer, make your purchase, and upload a receipt or connect your card. Payouts are fast, and you can withdraw to your bank, PayPal, or a gift card.
Fetch Rewards takes a slightly different approach. You scan receipts from any retailer, earn points, and redeem them for gift cards. It works best if you’re already diligent about holding onto receipts and don’t mind a few extra steps for steady rewards.
These apps are even more powerful when paired with retailer loyalty programs and a cashback credit card. If you fill up at Shell using Fuel Rewards, activate a deal on Upside, and pay with a rewards card, you’re essentially earning in three layers—all from a single transaction.
Programs that are worth your loyalty
Here are five programs in 2025 that consistently offer tangible value, especially when used strategically:
Kroger Plus Card: Robust fuel discounts, digital coupons, and personal pricing make this one of the best grocery reward programs.
Shell Fuel Rewards: Stackable savings at the pump with bonus earnings through partners.
Upside: Flexible cashback across multiple categories with no brand loyalty required.
Tesco Clubcard: Best-in-class rewards multipliers when redeemed through travel or dining partners.
Kwik Trip Kwik Rewards: Regional favorite with rewards that extend beyond fuel to snacks, drinks, and surprise offers.
Each of these programs requires minimal effort once set up and can generate serious value with regular use.
Know when to skip it
Just because a company offers a loyalty program doesn’t mean you should join. If the benefits are hard to access, the redemption process is clunky, or the rewards expire quickly, it may not be worth the hassle.
Programs that promise “exclusive deals” but really just gate regular sale prices behind a login aren’t offering real value. And if you find yourself spending more just to chase rewards or hit a threshold, the program is costing you more than it’s saving.
Stick to programs that reward your existing behavior—not ones that try to change it.
Final thought: be loyal to what works
The loyalty programs that pay off in 2025 are the ones that integrate smoothly into your daily life. They reward you for what you’re already doing—buying groceries, filling your tank, ordering dinner—and turn those expenses into savings or perks.
By combining a few smart programs, layering in cashback apps, and avoiding the ones that overpromise, you can turn everyday spending into a small but steady stream of value. And when money’s tight, that can make all the difference.
Sources
https://www.realsimple.com/supermarkets-with-good-rewards-programs-11685601
https://rankings.newsweek.com/americas-best-loyalty-programs-2025
https://legacy-gas.com/2025/04/23/are-gas-station-loyalty-programs-still-worth-it-in-2025/
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/best-gas-rewards-program-2025-093000157.html
https://www.grocerycouponguide.com/articles/6-store-loyalty-programs-that-were-secretly-changed-in-2025/
