Magic plastic card (Boots Advantage Card)

Member Name: cazkins

Product:	Boots Advantage Card
Date:	29/09/08 (101 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Free & simple, great offers and rewards!

Disadvantages: None :)

This is one of a few store loyalty cards where you can't lose out as it's free to get one and there are no obligations to fulfil.

The Advantage Card is a plastic, credit-sized card, that offers you a gateway of store offers. When you purchase something from Boots, be it make-up, toiletries, vitamins, jewellery etc, you are rewarded with points that go on your card. For every £1 you spent, you get 4 points. Each point is worth 1p. If you find something in store you'd like, for example there's a funky nail varnish you want to treat yourself to at £2.99, and you have 299+ points on your hard, you can get this for free. Just take your purchase to the till, hand over your card, and ask for it to be bought using your points. You can't, however, buy something that costs more than the amount of points you have and add cash to it, which is the only downside. It sounds as if it'll take forever to have enough points to be able to use them to buy anything, but you'll be surprised how the points mount, especially if you regularily visit Boots.

Cardholders get extra benefits from this card other than just the points. Collecting points is the biggest plus from the card and Boots help you to boost your points by offering deals. For example, some items on offer will give you more points, or spend x-amount and get x-amount of points. So look out for these, especially around christmas. If you know there's a lot of gifts and bits&bobs you want to buy then save them up for a double points event and watch the points shoot up on your card.

Cardholders can use kiosks that feature in many Boots stores to search for exclusive offers & check your points balance. Just insert your card and browse the catagories using the touch screen. If there's something that takes your fancy, you can print off the voucher and collect your offer. This can be extra points or special discounts.

The monthly magazine usually costs £1 and is packed with great articles, advice and offers on the back page. If you're a cardholder however, you can pick one up for free with your purchase.

Cardholders can also get free membership to some of the Boots clubs, such as their Health or Parenting club.

If you're a bit peckish, most Boots stores offer food in their meal deal section. If you buy these regularily for lunch then as a cardholder when you buy 5 in one month you get your 6th free! Free food can't be a bad thing! :)

The Advantage card can be used both instore and online, and you can sign up for one instore and online too. It's easy to register and quick to arrive, and like I've said, you can't really lose out by getting one.

Make sure you keep your card in your purse so you can use it each time you are in store. If however you do forget it, you can tell the cashier that you've left your card at home and they will print you a special receipt. Keep hold of this and take it with you the next time you're in store along with your card and they'll scan it and add those points to your card.

If you lose or damage your card you can get it replaced for free and the replacement card will arrive within 2-3 weeks.

All around I think this is fab! Because it's so simple to sign up and use this card, there's nothing to put you off getting one. You get rewards, special discounts and offers, so I would definitely recommend it!

Summary: Highly recommended because you can't go wrong with this card!