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How do Walgreens rewards work?

Earn points on everyday purchases — and redeem 'em for cash value later on.

Amy Stoltenberg
Amy Stoltenberg

Posted

Fact checked
Walgreens logo

Walgreen’s rewards program — called Balance Rewards — can help you save money on things you’d buy anyway, like prescriptions, beauty products and other drug store faves. It’s worth joining if you shop regularly at a Walgreens or Duane Reade, but the perks may not pay off for occasional shoppers.

How does the Walgreens rewards program work?

With Balance Rewards, you earn points by making purchases at Walgreens or Duane Reade. On most purchases, you’ll earn 10 points per $1. However, there are a few ways you can earn more:

  • Spend $50 on beauty products to get 5,000 points (that’s 20 points per $1)
  • Pick up a 90-day prescription to get 300 points
  • Pick up a 30-day prescription to get 100 points
  • Get vaccinated to earn 100 points
  • Complete a healthy challenge — online or in the app — to get 100 points
  • Complete all four healthy challenge weeks to spin the bonus wheel and win up to 2,000 points
    Note — You’ll only earn prescription points when you pick up a prescription in-store — not if it’s delivered.

After you rack up points, you can apply the cash value to get a discount on your purchase. Here’s what Balance Rewards points are worth:

  • 1,000 points = $1
  • 2,000 points = $2
  • 3,000 points = $3
  • 4,000 points = $4
  • 5,000 points = $5
  • 10,000 points = $10
  • 20,000 points = $20
  • 50,000 points = $50

Bonus points for AARP cardholders

Adults age 50 and older can link their AARP and Balance Rewards membership cards to earn even more points.

  • 1,000 points per vaccination
  • 5X points when you buy Walgreens brand health and wellness items
  • 3x points on beauty purchases (which equals 30 points per $7)

You can link up these two memberships online or by calling 855-225-0400.

What are Balance Rewards for healthy choices?

Balance rewards for healthy choices is an aspect of Walgreens’ rewards program that gives you points for tracking good-for-you activities like weight management, walking, running, cycling, Nicotine Replacement Therapy, blood pressure checks and more. You can manually record these activities by logging in or syncing your Balance Rewards account with a fitness tracking app that you already use, like Google Fit, HealthKit (from Apple), Glow, Charity Miles or Atari Fit.

You can earn 100 points per week for completing a healthy challenge, up to 400 points total. After you complete four weeks, you’ll spin its virtual bonus wheel for the chance to earn up to 2,000 in bonus points.

Do Walgreens rewards points expire?

Yes — Walgreens rewards points expire one year after they are earned, or if your account has been inactive for longer than six months. Accounts are considered inactive if you haven’t used your Balance Rewards card when making a purchase.

How can I check on my points balance?

Check your Balance Rewards balance by logging into your account online or through the app. Your balance will also be printed on the bottom of your receipt after you make a purchase.

Signing up for a Balance Rewards account

You can sign up for a Walgreens rewards account in-store or online. You’ll need to provide your name, email, phone number, cell phone, ZIP code and birthday.

If you sign up online, you won’t automatically be mailed a physical card, though you can request one at any Walgreens or Duane Reade.

Current Walgreens deals

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Buy 1 get 1 50% off select Unisom and ZzzQuil Sleep Aids

T&Cs apply

Ends

Get deal
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Buy 1 get 1 50% off select always or tampax and $1 off coupon

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Ends

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Get $5 off select 50ct disposable face masks when you buy 2

T&Cs apply

Ends

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Bottom line

Balance Rewards is a nice way to earn points on purchases you’d make otherwise, like prescriptions, shampoo and conditioner, soap and other drug store faves. But if you’re not crazy about joining another rewards program, browse general coupons and deals to save money without signing up for anything.

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