Loyalty Programs Compared
Which memberships pay for themselves? Most don\'t.
Amazon Prime
$139/yrFree shipping, Prime Video, Photos, Music. Worth it for active shoppers.
Most-used loyalty program in US.
Costco Executive
$130/yr2% back on Costco purchases. Pays for itself if you spend $3,250+/year.
Best for big spenders.
Walmart+
$98/yrFree delivery, gas discount, Paramount+ included.
Best Walmart-loyal value.
Target Circle 360
$99/yr5% off. Free same-day delivery.
Best for Target regulars.
Sam's Club Plus
$110/yr2% back. Free shipping. Free curbside.
Sam's alternative.
Best Buy Total Tech
$200/yrUnlimited Geek Squad help. 20% off Geek Squad services.
Best for installs.
AAA
$60-100/yrRoadside + travel + restaurant + retail discounts. Often $200+ saved per year.
Most underused.
AARP
$16/yr (50+)Hotel + car rental + restaurant + insurance + Rx discounts. Cheapest membership.
No-brainer at 50.
Kohl's Rewards
FREEFree reward dollars. Birthday gift. Stack with coupons.
Free for store shoppers.
Math your money
Before paying — open the previous 12 months of statements. How much did you ACTUALLY spend at the store / category? If membership cost is more than 5% of spend, probably not worth it.
Free programs worth signing up for
- Kroger / Albertsons / Publix — every grocery has free loyalty. $50-200/year in savings.
- Walgreens Cash Rewards — free, earns ~5% on store brand.
- CVS ExtraCare — free coupons.
- Hotel chains (Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors) — free, earn points for free nights.
- Airline frequent flyer — free.
- Bank credit card cashback — already have.
Most-worth-it for seniors
AARP ($16/year) — single biggest ROI in this list. Saves on everything from car rentals to glasses to restaurants. Plus access to free tax prep, medication safety, fraud helpline.