Walgreens Balance Rewards Program Explained

The Walgreen's Balance Rewards Program is a new loyalty program by Walgreens.  

How do I get a Balance Reward Card?

It's FREE to sign up for.  You can sign up in-store or online here.  If you sign up online, when you go to the store and ask them to attach your card to your account or just use your Balance Rewards card by giving them your phone number each time you make a purchase until Sept. 30.  After Sept. 30, you will need to have the physical card.

How does the Balance Reward card work?

With the Walgreens Balance Rewards program, you will get points for purchasing qualifying sale items (in-store or online) at Walgreens.  Points are awarded 3-5 day after purchases. FYI:  Most people have been seeing their Balance Reward points in their account right away (online) and at the bottom of their receipt.

What are the Rewards for the points I accumulate?

The table above show points/rewards balance.  Earn 5,000 points, get $5 to spend at Walgreens, earn 10,000 points, get $10 to spend at Walgreens and so on.  When you redeem your points, you will use them as redemption money to use on your purchases at Walgreens. You will not get store credit or cash back for these points.

How long are my points good for?

Your points are good for three years, but if you do not earn or redeem your points within a 6 month period, your account will be flagged as inactive and your points will be forfeited.  

How can I earn points?

Each week there will be qualifying sale items you can purchase to accumulate points.  You can earn 500 points for picking up your prescriptions in-store and immunizations.  You can also earn 10 points for every mile you walk in the Walk with Walgreens program. 

Are there items that I cannot purchase to earn points or redeem points?

You cannot earn points on the following items:   alcohol; dairy; tobacco; stamps; phone/prepaid cards; money orders/transfers; transportation passes; lottery tickets; charitable donations; or pharmacy items or services that must be excluded by law as determined by Company. Points will not be awarded if in Company’s reasonable opinion the merchandise purchased will be used for resale or commercial use and any Points awarded on such purchases will be forfeited. 

Can I earn and redeem points on the same purchase?

No, you cannot earn points on a purchase in which you are redeeming points.  Meaning if you can earn 500 points for picking up a prescription and you use your Balance Reward to pay for the prescription, you will not get 500 Balance Reward point for your prescription.

Can I combine Balance Rewards point offers with in-store discounts and coupons?

Yes, you may use Balance Rewards points along with other Walgreens coupons or Register Rewards.

Are there limits on the Balance Rewards promotional items?

No, unless otherwise stated in the sale ad.  If Nabisco cookies were on sale for $2.50 and you could earn 500 Balance Reward points, you could purchase 2 packages of Nabisco cookies for $5 and earn 1,000 Balance Reward points.


If a Balance Reward deal requires a certain amount needed to earn the reward, will using manufacturer’s coupons deduct from the total needed?

Meaning if you have to purchase $10 worth of L'Oreal products to receive 2,000 Balance Reward points, will the use of manufacturers coupon (which often bring your total below the $10 mark) affect whether or not I receive the 2,000 Balance Reward points?  No, it will not.  If you purchased $13.72 worth of L'Oreal products and use four $1 off coupons making your subtotal $9.72, you will get your 2,000 points because you hit the $10 mark before coupons.

What if I don't use all of the Balance Rewards redemption dollars?

If you redeem 5,000 points to get $5 and you purchase a $1 pack of Orbit gum, you will lose the other $4.  So make sure you are prepared to use all of redemption dollars when you redeem them.

What if I purchased something with my redemption dollars, but need to return it?

If you purchased a Revlon foundation with your redemption dollars, but find out it's not the right shade and return it, you will receive a store credit for the amount.  If you were awarded any Balance Reward points, they will be deducted from your account.  Just keep in mind that if you use the store credit to purchase something with Balance Reward points, you will not receive those points.  

Can I get a raincheck for an item with Balance Rewards points?

You can get a raincheck for the sale price, but you will not get any Balance Rewards points when you redeem your raincheck.

This is a new rewards program and there most likely may be tweaks here and there.  I will try to keep you updated as I find them out.  If you have any questions, leave a comment and I'll try my best to answer them.

You can read the full Balance Reward policy here.

Thanks Hip2Save, MoJo Savings, & Consumer Queen!