Walgreens has been a mobile shopper’s hot spot ever since it rolled out its app that lets you refill prescriptions, send photos to print, access weekly ads, and (yes!) redeem exclusive mobile coupons. (Read my full review of the Walgreens app here.) Walgreens store ads are also filled with tons of print coupons, so it’s easy to snipsnap additional deals. And because Walgreens has recently updated all its stores’ hardware, redeeming coupons off of your mobile phone screen is a breeze.
But it gets better, because now Walgreens gives you Balance Rewards, a free customer loyalty program that lets you earn points on qualifying purchases that you can redeem for store dollars. How does Balance Rewards work?
First you have to sign up. You can register in-store, online, or over the phone, but it’s best to sign up through the Walgreens app. You won’t have to worry about keeping tabs on bulky plastic store cards – your card will be immediately activated and available, plastic-free, in the Walgreens app. To scan it and get your points, just present your card’s unique bar code to your cashier from your mobile phone.
How do points work?
You can study up on all items that qualify for points in the weekly ad on your phone and plan your shopping trips accordingly. Each week, Walgreens offers 40,000 points in its ad, or $50 dollars in store rewards. You can start redeeming your points as soon as you bank 5,000, or $5 dollars worth but, since points grow in dollar value the more you accumulate, it’s best to save them up. What kind of purchase earns you 5,000 points? This week, you can get Playtex Sport Body Wipes on sale for $2.99 (with Balance Rewards card) and each box gets you 1000 points. Buy 5, and you’ve already earned five bucks (or almost two boxes for free).
You can use your Balance Rewards online, as well as the Walgreens pharmacy (you’ll get 500 hundred points for each prescription you pick up in store and each immunization you receive). I can’t wait to start shopping with Balance Rewards and saving up for what will ultimately work out to be some serious drug store gift cards!