Since we spend countless hours connected through our smartphones, laptops, tablets – you name it – wouldn’t it be incredible if we got rewarded for being online? Whether we’re browsing the web, shopping for necessities (or things that intrigue us), or scrolling through social media, imagine receiving something in return for our time and engagement.
Because the digital realm has evolved so quickly, companies have turned to online rewards to gain a competitive advantage, engage users, and offer incentives for customer loyalty. These rewards programs exist to benefit both the company and the consumer, allowing consumers to earn access to exclusive deals, get cashback on purchases, or receive discounts on future transactions.
If you’re thinking, “I’m online a lot, and I want to get rewarded for it,” read on to discover the various types of online rewards, including travel, food, and casino rewards, to make the most out of your time online.
Credit card rewards have become an important way for consumers to benefit from the financial industry. If you use credit cards responsibly, they can provide great value by earning you valuable incentives and perks, all while helping you manage your finances. These rewards can come in the form of cashback, travel points or miles, or even a bank-specific points system where you can redeem them for items or services.
For example, the DoorDash Rewards Mastercard is ideal if you’re a big fan of ordering food, while those who want an everyday rewards card can take advantage of the Discover it Cash Back card. This Discover card offers cash back on all everyday purchases and matches all the cash back earned after your first year. If you’re looking for more substantial rewards, credit cards with annual fees offer more. For example, with an annual fee of $95, the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card gives frequent travelers airport lounge access and an intro bonus of 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points.
Some e-commerce platforms have changed the game and offer exclusive benefits every time you hit that ‘checkout’ button. We’re talking about free and fast shipping, access to entertainment content, and even personalized deals for next time.
The best-known and used e-commerce rewards program that does this? Amazon Prime. What many know about Prime is often just the tip of the iceberg. The membership boasts same-day (when available) and two-day delivery on millions of items, access to Amazon Prime Video, savings on prescriptions, a Try Before You Buy program, and many more perks. It’s a loyalty program that’s truly set the standard for other retail stores all over the internet.
Another useful rewards program is Target’s Target Circle, which offers hundreds of exclusive deals, a 5% off birthday coupon, and 1% earnings every time you shop at Target. With these earnings, you can apply them to future purchases.
Big on makeup, fragrances, or skincare? Sephora’s famed Beauty Insider rewards program has three tiers based on how much you spend a year. Essentially, the more you spend, the bigger the rewards. Seasonal savings events get you 10% - 20%, point multiplier events get you 2X - 4X the points, and there’s a free birthday gift to collect every year.
For the thrill-seekers, risk-takers, and casual players out there, casino and gambling platforms traditionally come with a wide selection of bonuses, promotions, and VIP programs to entice players and enhance their experiences. Unlike other online rewards, casino rewards focus on perks like welcome bonuses, free spins, faster withdrawal times, and even personalized account managers.
Plenty of established mobile casino platforms, like LeoVegas, BetVictor, BetMGM Casino, and Bet365, keep their offerings fresh and competitive while catering to fans of classic table games, slots, and even sports betting so that there’s something for everyone.
The best thing about online casino rewards is that they aren’t static but continuously evolving. Promotions are updated daily with new rewards so that players always have something new to look forward to. Whether it’s themed promotions relating to the holidays or special events, or game-specific bonuses, the dynamic nature of casino rewards keeps players on their toes and eager to check out what’s on offer.
Travel rewards are one of the most popular online rewards categories, providing frequent travelers with perks through airline and hotel loyalty programs. Airlines such as Delta Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines allow travelers to earn miles or points for every flight they take, which can be redeemed in the future for free flights, upgrades, and other travel-related benefits. And if you’re an extremely frequent flier, you can earn elite or premium status with these rewards programs and up the benefits.
For example, top elite members with the United MileagePlus program can receive PlusPoints and use them to upgrade to high-end cabins like Polaris business class. Similarly, AAdvantage elite status holders can redeem big rewards through the AAdvantage shopping portal from 1200+ stores such as Apple and Nike.
Hotel loyalty programs are another complementary type of travel rewards. Guests who often stay at specific hotel chains can earn points every time they stay at participating hotels and redeem them for room upgrades, hotel experiences, and even free nights. One of the most acclaimed programs is the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, a robust program that covers a portfolio of 30 hotel brands around the world.
While some of these online rewards programs might sound like they come with higher stakes, there’s an enticing category that involves more of an everyday experience: food and dining. Thanks to the evolution of food delivery apps, these loyalty programs can offer incentives for simply indulging in your favorite takeout. Food delivery platforms such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub reward customers with discounts on food and delivery and access to specific benefits with a monthly or yearly subscription.
Restaurant chains often have their own rewards programs in the form of an app to incentivize customer loyalty too. For instance, Starbucks Rewards lets customers earn stars for every purchase made through the Starbucks app or at a Starbucks location. These points can then be redeemed for free food, drink, or merchandise.
Give Your Feedback