(BPT) - Summer is the peak season for fun-in-the-sun adventures like traveling, camping, sports, cookouts, tailgates and other outdoor activities. However, the costs of these seasonal activities can quickly add up.
The good news is that you don't have to pick between budgeting and summer fun. You can stock up on summer essentials and save when you use a loyalty rewards program. One great example is CVS ExtraCare, an industry-leading, free loyalty program that combines the quality, convenience and value of CVS Pharmacy while giving members access to personalized deals, member-only promotions, pharmacy rewards and ongoing savings on nearly every purchase.
That said, before you shop, it's important to understand how to get the most out of a loyalty program's benefits. Whether you're a loyalty program member already or need to sign up, check out these simple tips to make the most of your rewards this summer.
Review your benefits
The best way to make the most of your loyalty program is to know what benefits it offers. How do you earn rewards? How can you track your rewards? Can you maximize your savings with rewards and discounts? How and where can you redeem your rewards? Knowing the answer to these and other questions about your loyalty program benefits can help you better understand your potential savings and rewards and best plan for your next purchase.
As an ExtraCare member, you'll have access to personalized deals, member-only promotions, pharmacy rewards and ongoing savings on nearly every purchase, all of which you can track through the CVS Health app and online at CVS.com. ExtraCare rewards and offers can be redeemed in the app, online or in-store — so savings are always in reach, no matter how you shop.
If you want added convenience and access to premium perks, you can sign up for ExtraCare Plus for just $5 a month. Members get additional benefits such as 20% off CVS Health brand products and free delivery options. Plus a $10 monthly ExtraBucks bonus reward as a thank you.
Search for opportunities to use toward future purchases
Loyalty programs may offer members rewards to use toward future purchases. ExtraCare members can earn 2% back in ExtraBucks Rewards on all qualifying purchases across store offerings, including health, beauty, household essentials, snacks and more.
So, when you need to pick up sunscreen and swim diapers, you'll potentially earn ExtraBucks to spend on future purchases, like those chips and water bottles you'll need for an upcoming barbecue.
Check out personalized deals
Look for rewards programs that offer personalized deals, so you can save on the items you buy most often.
As an ExtraCare member, you'll receive "Deals for You," tailored offers and rewards based on what you buy so you can maximize your savings over time. For example, if you regularly buy and pack CVS Strawberry Lemonade Hydration Powder for a day at the beach, you may find a coupon or deal waiting for you. That's the beauty of ExtraCare. You won't have to dig for relevant savings — they'll find you.
Become a savings pro
ExtraCare rewards are designed to be used together, so members can use their savings and weekly deals together to make their dollars go further. This summer, ExtraCare members can take saving to the next level during the CVS Pharmacy "Extra Extra Big Deals" event. From June 21 through July 4, customers can save on seasonal essentials with buy-one-get-one (BOGO) offers and sales prices. ExtraCare members can use these special promotions with their personalized deals and perks, like "Spend $30, get $10 Extrabucks," offering more ways to save. That means you can buy a few boxes of your favorite General Mills Cereal for $1.99 each (compared to the typical $7.59 sale price), snag a BOGO deal on Raw Sugar Kids 2 in 1 Shampoo & Conditioner and use your personalized deals, all in one transaction.
Earn rewards through daily health activities
Purchases aren't the only way to rack up rewards. Look for opportunities to turn your day-to-day routines — like regular visits to the pharmacy — into savings. For example, through the free ExtraCare benefit, rewards at pharmacy, you can earn ExtraBucks through eligible pharmacy actions, such as prescription refills and vaccinations.
"Customers today are savvy shoppers, and they expect loyalty programs to deliver real, everyday value — not just occasional rewards, especially during busy seasons like summer — when you need extra sunscreen, road trip snacks or the latest trending item to keep the kids busy while school is out," said Hannah Roshetko Raser, Assistant Vice President, Retail Strategy and Loyalty, CVS Health.
"That's why we continue to focus ExtraCare around personalization and consistent value. Whether it's our Extra Extra Big Deals event or a deal just for you, we want customers to feel like saving money is easy."
Are you ready to maximize your savings and summer fun? Visit CVS.com, download the CVS Health app or head to your local CVS store to sign up for ExtraCare.
