Well, we all knew it was coming…Gah. Here’s our information about the new Walgreens Balance Rewards Program.
Enrollment will begin online or via their mobile app from September 6-15th and we may sign up in-store starting September 16th, 2012.
Basic features include:
- Earning points for healthy choices (Walk with Walgreens, immunizations and prescriptions (where allowed by law)
- Points may be earned and redeemed in-store or online
- Exclusive AARP bonus benefits
- A very lenient expiration policy – points don’t expire as long as you shop at Walgreens either in-store or online once every six months and redeem your points within three calendar years.
- Exclusive coupon savings
- Access to the Walgreens online pharmacy chat service 24/7/365
How Do I Join?
You can join in store at the checkout counter or any photo kiosk or online either via desktop or mobile device when the program is available. Points begin to accrue immediately.
How Do I Earn Points?
We earn them by purchasing items that earn them (see example #1). Show your Balance Rewards card, scan your mobile phone or provide your telephone number to earn points on your transaction.
OK, here’s the exception. Let’s say you’ve got 5,000 points you want to use on an item, but want to earn more points. Well, you can’t.
Example Scenario:
1 – Nature Made Calcium $5.00
Earns 5,000
You decide to use your 5,000 points you’ve been saving to purchase it.
You earn nothing. You only use your saved points.
You can, however, use points to pay for items that generate a Register Reward and use Register Rewards to purchase items that earn points. The best way to save is to roll back and forth between them.
Here is the point scale:
How Many Balance Reward Items Can I Buy?
There are no limits to the number of weekly sale items you can purchase. Individual stores still reserve the right to limit you to a specific number per day. Monthly promotional items are limit one.
If I Use Manufacturer Coupons, Will I Still Receive My Points?
Yes. Manufacturer coupons do not reduce the Balance Reward points you’ll receive on your purchase.
How Do I Redeem Points?
They can be redeemed immediately in-store or online or you can allow them to build for a larger reward. However, be sure and make sure that you spend the full amount comparable to the points you plan to redeem. Any points over and above your total will be forfeited.
For example, you want to redeem 5,000 points ($5 equivalent), and you’re only spending $3, you will lose the difference.
Do I Have to Participate?
Unfortunately, yes. You must be a Balance Rewards member to receive the sale price.
Are there still Register Rewards?
Yes and no. The new point system will ultimately replace Register Rewards, but Walgreens will still participate in National Catalina offers.
[...] them by purchasing items that earn them (see example #1). Show your Balance Rewards card, scan your mobile phone or provide your telephone number to earn points on your [...]