Boots shoppers can save significantly by using the Advantage Card loyalty scheme, which offers members exclusive discounts. For example, Nivea day and night creams were priced at £10 for cardholders, compared to £19.99 for non-members. This highlights the growing trend of retailers offering better deals to loyalty scheme members, making it a no-brainer to sign up for shops you already use.
Cashback websites like Quidco and TopCashback are another way to cut spending. These free-to-join sites return a percentage of your purchase price after you shop through their links. Quidco claims its average member earns £280 a year. However, consumer group Which? warns that cashback is not always guaranteed and can take months to reach your account. It advises comparing upfront costs first, as even generous cashback may not compensate for a high headline price.
For parents, KidStart offers a twist on cashback: the money earned is paid into a child's savings account. Partners include John Lewis, Waitrose, and Boots. For instance, H&M offers 4% back on most purchases, so spending £100 through KidStart adds £4 to your child's savings.
Gift cards and vouchers are also worth remembering. Keep physical gift cards in your wallet to avoid forgetting them, and add digital ones to your online account or mobile wallet. Check expiry dates and terms of use to ensure you don't lose out.
Loyalty schemes at Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Boots have become clubs where members get cheaper prices. Tesco says Clubcard holders can save up to £351 a year. However, Which? has raised concerns about dodgy tactics in some loyalty offers, giving the impression of savings that may not be genuine.
