Get carded

CVS
The deal Shoppers earn “Extra Bucks” (two percent of every purchase and one Extra Buck for every two prescriptions purchased) with this drug store’s ExtraCare card, which can be spent in the store and its website at any time.
Why it’s worth carrying In addition to getting cash back, the card also gives shoppers access to discounts on selected items.

Sephora
The deal With Sephora’s Beauty Insider program, shoppers receive one point for every dollar spent on beauty products there. Every time you accumulate 100 points, you get to choose a Beauty Insider Deluxe Sample with a purchase.
Why it’s worth carrying The program includes bigger giveaways when you accrue 500 points, plus a special gift for your birthday, such as the company’s Super Shimmer lip gloss trio.

Binny’s
The deal Cardholders get a 2 percent rebate for every $500 of eligible wine purchases, plus a 5 percent discount on mixed-case purchases of wine.
Why it’s worth carrying The store offers many members-only discounts on wine, beer, cigars and even gourmet food.

PetSmart
The deal Enrolling in this chain’s PetPerks program means you’ll get a welcome kit with coupons worth more than $100 in discounts and online-only specials.
Why it’s worth carrying Each month, the store offers discounts on more than 1,000 in-store items just for card-carrying members.

Jewel
The deal Jewel-Osco’s Preferred card givers shoppers deep discounts on a variety of groceries throughout the store (for instance, last week card members could score Seattle’s Best Coffee for $6; it’s normally $11). Rival grocery store Dominick’s offers a similar card as well.
Why it’s worth carrying This is one card you could actually get by without carrying. Every time we’ve forgotten ours, a friendly cashier swipes her card for us, passing along the savings.

Akira
The deal Spend $60 (before tax) at any Akira location (including its shoe and men’s stores) and you’ll receive a sticker on the store’s SmartCard. Five stickers earns you $30 off your next Akira purchase.
Why it’s worth carrying The card has no expiration date, so even if you’re not a shopaholic, you’ll have plenty of time to rack up stickers. The store also offers 15 percent discount cards to students and “industry” pros (which, according to Akira, includes nightclubs, restaurants and late-night fashionistas).

DSW
The deal Sign up for the free DSW Rewards, and you’ll earn ten base points per dollar on regularly priced merchandise and five base points on clearance merchandise. Once you get 1,500 points, you’ll receive a $10 reward certificate.
Why it’s worth carrying The program also includes access to double-points shopping days and special certificates on your birthday.

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