10 Best Loyalty Cards For Students In The UK

By UniAcco
May 8, 2023 •
best loyalty cards for students

As a student, it’s important to find ways to save money wherever you can. One great way to do that is by taking advantage of loyalty programs that offer rewards and discounts for your regular purchases. In fact, using the best loyalty cards for students can be a smart strategy to get the most out of your spending while enjoying some perks along the way.

Thankfully, there are many loyalty cards available in the UK that cater specifically to students, with benefits like cashback, exclusive discounts, and freebies. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the top options for the best loyalty cards for students in the UK, so you can make an informed decision and start reaping the benefits of your shopping habits. So, let’s dive in and explore the best loyalty cards for students!

What Are Loyalty Cards?

Loyalty cards are small plastic cards, typically issued by retail stores, supermarkets, and other businesses to incentivize repeat customers. These cards are designed to encourage customer loyalty by offering rewards, discounts, and special offers to cardholders. The cards usually feature a unique identification number or barcode that the customer scans at the checkout to earn points, which can then be redeemed for discounts or other benefits. 

Benefits Of Student Loyalty Cards in The UK

Student loyalty cards are a popular marketing tool in the UK, designed to retain a consumer base among university students. These cards offer a wide range of benefits, including discounts on food, clothing, entertainment, and travel, as well as access to exclusive events and promotions. One of the primary benefits of student loyalty cards is that they help students save money on everyday expenses. By offering discounts and rewards on a range of products and services, these cards can help students stretch their limited budgets further. 

best loyalty cards for students

List Of The Best Loyalty Cards For Students

The table below is a list of loyalty cards to look out for as a student in the UK –

Loyalty CardSpeciality
Tesco ClubcardDiscounts and points to redeem with Tesco’s Rewards Partners like Pizza Express, 16-25 Railcard, and more. 
Nectar cardOffers on Nectar website
Paperchase Treat Me5 pounds off next shop in spending 50 pounds within 6 months
Boots Advantage CardMega points weekends 
IKEA Family cardFreebies and discounts in-store
Starbucks Reward CardFreebies on reaching certain levels
Costa Coffee ClubBeans can be used to get free drinks
Superdrug Health and BeautycardPoints for part-payments
Subway RewardsPoint scheme
Co-op Membership5% on your future purchases at Co-op food stores

Tesco Clubcard

Tesco Clubcard is considered one of the best loyalty cards for students in the UK for several reasons. Firstly, it offers a generous points system, where you can earn one point for every £1 you spend in-store and online at Tesco, as well as with partner retailers. These points can then be exchanged for rewards such as money-off vouchers or days out. Secondly, Clubcard members can access exclusive deals and offers, including discounts on groceries and meals. Tesco also offers a mobile app, which makes it easy to keep track of your points and offers, and even provides suggestions for items you may be interested in based on your purchase history. 

Nectar Card

Nectar Loyalty Card is a popular loyalty card in the UK and one of the best loyalty cards for students due to its wide range of benefits. With this card, you can earn points on your purchases from over 400 retailers across the UK, including Sainsbury’s, Argos, and eBay. Nectar loyalty card also offers exclusive discounts and deals for its members, as well as the ability to collect points on online shopping through its website. Additionally, Nectar Loyalty Card can be used to pay for your shopping in-store or online, making it a convenient and versatile option. Points earned can be exchanged for rewards such as discounts on shopping, travel, and dining, making it a valuable asset for students looking to save money on everyday expenses. 

Paperchase Treat Me

Paperchase Treat Me card is one of the best loyalty cards for students in the UK, offering several benefits that make it a profitable option. Their Treat Me cardholders receive a £5 voucher for every £50 spent, which can be used on any future purchase. Additionally, cardholders receive a free birthday gift and early access to sales and new products. Another benefit of the Treat Me card is that it provides an extended return period of 35 days, making it easier to return unwanted items. Students who sign up for the Treat Me card can get a 10% discount on all full-priced items, both in-store and online. Overall, the Paperchase Treat Me card offers a range of benefits that make it a profitable option for students looking to save money on stationery, gifts, and other products.

best loyalty cards for students

Boots Advantage Card

The Boots Advantage Card is considered the best loyalty card for students in the UK due to its many benefits. With this card, students can earn four points for every pound they spend at Boots, which can then be redeemed for discounts on future purchases. This is especially helpful for students who are on a tight budget and want to save money on everyday essentials like toiletries and health products. Additionally, Advantage Card holders receive personalized product recommendations and exclusive offers, making it easier for students to find the products they need at affordable prices. 

Superdrug Health and Beautycard

As a student in the UK, getting a Superdrug Health & Beautycard is a wise decision. This loyalty card offers many benefits, including the ability to earn points on purchases and redeem them for discounts on future purchases. Cardholders receive exclusive offers, personalized product recommendations, and early access to sales. This is especially helpful for students who are on a budget and want to save money on everyday essentials like toiletries, skincare, and makeup. With over 800 stores across the UK, Superdrug is easily accessible to students in many areas. 

IKEA Family card

As a student settling into a new home, you may be looking for ways to save money on furniture, and the IKEA Family Card is the best loyalty card for students for a number of reasons. You will get access to exclusive member-only discounts on select products, which can save you a significant amount of money. You will also receive free hot drinks every time you visit an IKEA store, which can be a great perk during those long study sessions. The card provides you with a 90-day price protection guarantee, meaning that if the price of a product drops within 90 days of your purchase, you can get a refund for the difference. This is especially useful for larger purchases, such as furniture or appliances, where the price can fluctuate over time. As a member, you will be invited to exclusive member-only events and receive early access to sales and new product launches. 

Starbucks Reward Card

The Starbucks Reward Card is one of the best loyalty cards for students who are coffee lovers. By signing up for the card, students can earn rewards and enjoy exclusive perks that can help them save money and enhance their coffee-drinking experience. Some of the specific perks include free birthday drinks, free in-store refills, and bonus stars for certain purchases. As students earn stars, they can redeem them for free drinks and food items, which can be a great way to treat themselves on a tight student budget. Additionally, students can use the Starbucks app to order and pay for their drinks ahead of time, skipping the line and saving time between classes. With the Starbucks Reward Card, students can enjoy the benefits of being loyal customers and get more out of their coffee runs.

Costa Coffee Club

If you’re a student who loves Costa Coffee, then you’ll definitely want to sign up for the Costa Coffee Club card. It’s one of the best loyalty cards for students and comes with a range of amazing benefits. By signing up, you can earn points for every purchase, which can be redeemed for free drinks and food items. Additionally, you’ll receive free bonus points on your birthday and regular offers and promotions sent straight to your inbox. As a member, you can also use the Costa Coffee app to order and pay for your drinks ahead of time, avoiding the queue during busy periods. 

best loyalty cards for students

Subway Rewards

Subway Rewards is one of the best loyalty cards for students who love Subway sandwiches. By signing up, students can earn rewards points for every purchase they make, which can be redeemed for free food and drinks. The more points you earn, the better the rewards become, with free sandwiches and drinks available at the highest level. Additionally, as a member of Subway Rewards, you’ll receive exclusive offers and promotions via email, giving you even more opportunities to save money. The Subway Rewards program is easy to use and is accessible through the Subway app, making it convenient for students who are always on the go. 

Co-op Membership

The Co-op Membership card is one of the best loyalty cards for students who want to support ethical and sustainable businesses. By signing up, students can earn a share of profits based on their spending, as well as gain access to exclusive discounts and promotions. The Co-op is a community-based business, so the profits are shared with members rather than being distributed to shareholders, making it a great way for students to support a company that aligns with their values. On top of that, the Co-op offers a range of products and services, from groceries to insurance, meaning that students can earn rewards points across a range of purchases. With the Co-op Membership card, students can feel good about where they’re shopping and earn rewards while doing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are there any age restrictions for signing up for student loyalty cards in the UK?
  • Most loyalty cards do not have an age restriction, but some businesses may require customers to be at least 16 years old to sign up. It’s always worth checking with the specific business before signing up for a loyalty card.
  • How do I earn rewards with my loyalty card?
  • Earning rewards with a loyalty card typically involves making purchases with the card at participating businesses. For example, with the Starbucks Reward Card, you earn stars for every purchase made with the card, which can then be redeemed for free drinks and food items. Each loyalty card has its own rewards system, so it’s worth checking the terms and conditions to understand how to earn rewards.
  • Are there any privacy concerns associated with loyalty cards?
  • Some consumers may have concerns about the privacy implications of signing up for a loyalty card, as it often involves sharing personal information with businesses. It’s worth reading the privacy policy of the specific card to understand how personal information is used and stored.
  • Can I earn rewards for purchases made with cash?
  • Most loyalty cards require purchases to be made with the card in order to earn rewards. However, some cards may allow you to manually add purchases made with cash to your account to earn rewards. It’s worth checking the terms and conditions of the specific card to understand how purchases are tracked and rewarded.
  • How long do loyalty card rewards last?
  • The length of time that loyalty card rewards last varies depending on the specific card. Some rewards may expire after a certain amount of time, while others may have no expiration date. It’s worth checking the terms and conditions of the card to understand how long rewards are valid.

We hope that our blog on the ‘10 best loyalty cards for students in the UK’ helps you navigate life as a student better. To get more useful information, read these 3 blogs from us:

  1. Cheapest Universities in Canada
  2. List Of Open Universities in the UK
  3. Top UK Cities by Education

Related Posts