Verdict: You don’t have to shop high-end stores to take advantage of fantastic, easy-to-understand rewards programs. Big Lots, hailed as the nation’s largest broadline closeout retailer, introduced its own rewards program that lets you earn coupons for 20% back on purchases.
Big Lots is one store where you don’t have to worry about whether or not you are getting the best deals, either. The store sells lots of name brand merchandise at steeply discounted prices. I haven’t noticed a difference in quality between purchases from Big Lots of popular brands or purchases at other stores. So earning 20% off with a free rewards card is a nice benefit.
Overview: Big Lots keeps its rewards program very easy to follow, which is one of the key factors I look for in a rewards program. For every purchase you make over $20, the cashier will scan your card. Make 10 purchases over $20 (pre-tax, exclusions apply) within 12 months, and earn a coupon for 20% off a future purchase. It’s that easy.
You don’t even have to wait for a coupon to arrive in the mail. When the Big Lots associate scans your Buzz Club card, she can check if you have any 20% discounts waiting. If you do, you can apply it to that purchase.
If you ever forget your card, the associate can look it up for you. And if you provide your email address, you can check your Buzz Club status, or how close you are to receiving your 20% reward, online.
How this Card Works: As with any store rewards card, certain exclusions apply. However, Big Lots keeps them as simple as possible. Only one purchase over $20 per day counts toward your 10-purchase quota. This keeps people from slowing down lines by breaking up purchases of, say, $100 into five separate orders in order to get five credits. Discounts expire 60 days after they are received. You cannot “stack” discounts to receive 40% off. And you are only permitted one 20% discount per day.
Certain purchases do not count toward your $20:
- gift cards
- alcohol
- calling cards
- rentals
- charitable donations
- sales tax
Additional Benefits
When you provide your email address as a Big Lots Buzz Club member, you’ll also be treated to:
- Sneak peeks of new items
- Never miss a sale — get advance notification of clearance items so you can visit the store before the best deals sell out
- View store ads online two days before non-members after you receive an email notification
Pros:
- Very simple and straightforward program
- Earn 20% off your purchase after you make 10 qualifying purchases of $20 or more
- Hear about sales before non-members
- Big Lots already offers low prices; this card gets you even better deals
- It’s free
- Only one qualifying purchase per day
Cons:
