# Walgreens has pissed me off - requiring a loyalty card to use any store coupons or sales **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [October 3, 2012, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walgreens-has-pissed-me-off-requiring-a-loyalty-card-to-use-any-store-coupons-or-sales/636621 "2012-10-03T20:53:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tastes_of_chocolate/32/3232_2.png) [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tastes_of_Chocolate)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2012, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walgreens-has-pissed-me-off-requiring-a-loyalty-card-to-use-any-store-coupons-or-sales/636621/1 "2012-10-03T20:53:59Z")
Walgreens is a largish drug store chain in the US. In addition to the pharmacy, they sell greeting cards / makeup / candy / cigarettes / batteries etc. Today I went into my local store to pick up a tube of toothpaste. At the register, I was asked if I had a customer loyalty card, and when I said I didn’t want one, I was told that as of next week, if I don’t have a card, I won’t be able to use in store sales, or store coupons. Really? What the hell? It’s not like Walgreens is the only place to buy this stuff. It’s not even always the cheapest. When I need one or two items, I tend to go there because it’s smaller and easier to get in and out of. Heck, in the 1/4 mile between the Walgreens and my office, there is a Target store and a grocery store. Instead of luring customers to their card, by offering additional discounts, they are now beating us by taking away those that already exist. So Walgreens, shove your card. I’m not going to stuff another item in my wallet just so I can be your free market survey. I’ll be spending my money with your friendly neighbors. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2012, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walgreens-has-pissed-me-off-requiring-a-loyalty-card-to-use-any-store-coupons-or-sales/636621/2 "2012-10-03T21:24:16Z")
> [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](#): > > I was told that as of next week, if I don’t have a card, I won’t be able to use in store sales, or store coupons. If this turns out to be true, I’ll be just as pissed off as you are. But I’ve been looking for a cite for this, and the only thing I’ve found has been articles like [this one](http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-08-24/business/chi-walgreen-is-finally-ready-to-launch-a-loyalty-card-20120824_1_loyalty-card-walgreen-cvs-program) that say Walgreens is launching a loyalty card program that will award “points” for purchases. No mention of any penalties or restrictions for **not** having a card. Anybody know the straight dope? ---
**Author:** ![Enderw24](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ba9def/32.png) [@Enderw24](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enderw24)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2012, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walgreens-has-pissed-me-off-requiring-a-loyalty-card-to-use-any-store-coupons-or-sales/636621/3 "2012-10-03T21:27:00Z")
They’re free to do so if they wish. But it needs to be made clear on the coupon or else if be complaining to the FTC. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2012, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walgreens-has-pissed-me-off-requiring-a-loyalty-card-to-use-any-store-coupons-or-sales/636621/4 "2012-10-03T22:01:14Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > If this turns out to be true, I’ll be just as pissed off as you are. But I’ve been looking for a cite for this, and the only thing I’ve found has been articles like [this one](http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-08-24/business/chi-walgreen-is-finally-ready-to-launch-a-loyalty-card-20120824_1_loyalty-card-walgreen-cvs-program) that say Walgreens is launching a loyalty card program that will award “points” for purchases. No mention of any penalties or restrictions for **not** having a card. > > Anybody know the straight dope? I don’t know about ALL sales, but I picked up a card last week because the buy one get one free cider special only applied to Walgreens loyalty card members. ---
**Author:** ![D\_Odds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/d_odds/32/2882_2.png) [@D\_Odds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Odds)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2012, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walgreens-has-pissed-me-off-requiring-a-loyalty-card-to-use-any-store-coupons-or-sales/636621/5 "2012-10-03T22:15:03Z")
All the drug store chains here already require a card for many of their sale items. My key ring has more loyalty cards on it than keys. You are not required, however, to give them true and accurate information. ---
**Author:** ![mlees](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba8739/32.png) [@mlees](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mlees)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2012, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walgreens-has-pissed-me-off-requiring-a-loyalty-card-to-use-any-store-coupons-or-sales/636621/6 "2012-10-03T22:18:40Z")
Yes, I was told yesterday that the special sale prices on the shelf stickers applied to members only. (San Diego store.) Albertsons (supermarket chain) has been doing this for years, so it didn’t bother me much. I’m already used to the idea. ---
**Author:** ![JackieLikesVariety](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackielikesvariety/32/296_2.png) [@JackieLikesVariety](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JackieLikesVariety)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2012, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walgreens-has-pissed-me-off-requiring-a-loyalty-card-to-use-any-store-coupons-or-sales/636621/7 "2012-10-03T22:30:57Z")
> [@D\_Odds](#): > > All the drug store chains here already require a card for many of their sale items. My key ring has more loyalty cards on it than keys. You are not required, however, to give them true and accurate information. this is what I do for the damn grocery store card they made me have to get the sale prices: I make sure all the info is incorrect. still, it pisses me off. ---
**Author:** ![Pai325](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Pai325](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pai325)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2012, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walgreens-has-pissed-me-off-requiring-a-loyalty-card-to-use-any-store-coupons-or-sales/636621/8 "2012-10-03T22:34:19Z")
My dogs have quite a few loyalty cards. I never put my own information on them. ---
**Author:** ![johnpost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f17d59/32.png) [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2012, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walgreens-has-pissed-me-off-requiring-a-loyalty-card-to-use-any-store-coupons-or-sales/636621/9 "2012-10-03T22:54:01Z")
> [@Pai325](#): > > My dogs have quite a few loyalty cards. I never put my own information on them. how do you redeem the rewards. do they require a paw print. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2012, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walgreens-has-pissed-me-off-requiring-a-loyalty-card-to-use-any-store-coupons-or-sales/636621/10 "2012-10-03T23:00:05Z")
> [@Pai325](#): > > My dogs have quite a few loyalty cards. I never put my own information on them. I just say I lost my card, get a new one. Swipe it. Then throw it away on the way out and start the process again next time. ---
**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2012, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walgreens-has-pissed-me-off-requiring-a-loyalty-card-to-use-any-store-coupons-or-sales/636621/11 "2012-10-03T23:01:13Z")
Hopefully, they’ll let you use a phone number at checkout, rather than requiring the actual card. If someone in every area code sets up a dummy account with 867-5309 as the phone number, all will be well. ---
**Author:** ![Silophant](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a698b9/32.png) [@Silophant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silophant)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2012, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walgreens-has-pissed-me-off-requiring-a-loyalty-card-to-use-any-store-coupons-or-sales/636621/12 "2012-10-03T23:13:22Z")
CVS tells you that it’s required to scan your loyalty card to get discounts and sales, but they also allow you to look it up by phone number, and even have a “courtesy card” button on their self-checkouts. Hopefully Walgreens will implement this system soon. ---
**Author:** ![Smeghead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f1d935/32.png) [@Smeghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smeghead)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2012, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walgreens-has-pissed-me-off-requiring-a-loyalty-card-to-use-any-store-coupons-or-sales/636621/13 "2012-10-04T00:32:17Z")
I loathe loyalty cards with the white-hot fury of a thousand suns, at least when I can muster up the energy. I try very hard to avoid shopping any place that has them, although that’s getting more and more difficult. ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2012, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walgreens-has-pissed-me-off-requiring-a-loyalty-card-to-use-any-store-coupons-or-sales/636621/14 "2012-10-04T00:37:56Z")
> [@Silophant](#): > > CVS tells you that it’s required to scan your loyalty card to get discounts and sales, but they also allow you to look it up by phone number, and even have a “courtesy card” button on their self-checkouts. Hopefully Walgreens will implement this system soon. Walgreens is signing up people via phone number. I signed up and don’t even have a card from them. ---
**Author:** ![Zakalwe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zakalwe/32/270_2.png) [@Zakalwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zakalwe)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2012, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walgreens-has-pissed-me-off-requiring-a-loyalty-card-to-use-any-store-coupons-or-sales/636621/15 "2012-10-04T00:51:52Z")
> [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](#): > > I’ll be spending my money with your friendly neighbors. But. But. Walgreens has the best beer prices!\* \*\* \*This is actually true. On most beer (that they stock) Walgreens is the cheapest. \*\* Also, Walgreens is only about 2 years behind every other store\*\*\* around here on this. Fortunately all of them take a phone number. \*\*\* Okay, not Publix, Target, or Wal-Mart. But pretty much everybody else. ---
**Author:** ![KermitTheFrig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/47e85d/32.png) [@KermitTheFrig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KermitTheFrig)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2012, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walgreens-has-pissed-me-off-requiring-a-loyalty-card-to-use-any-store-coupons-or-sales/636621/16 "2012-10-04T01:30:04Z")
Beside store cards tracking your purchases and helping the store build up a data base on each of its customers, they add overhead and in the long run result in somewhat higher prices. The supermarket around here that has no customer loyalty cards is also the one with the lowest prices. ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2012, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walgreens-has-pissed-me-off-requiring-a-loyalty-card-to-use-any-store-coupons-or-sales/636621/17 "2012-10-04T04:20:37Z")
Ha! I just stopped in to Walgreens the day before yesterday on my way home to grab a couple bottles of water. When I was at the checkout paying for the water, the cashier told me she was going to give me the form (or whatever) I needed for my loyalty card. I told her her “No thanks, not needed.” She said “Oh but you’ll need it to save on all our sale items, etc.” I looked at her blankly for a sec and said, “It’s just one extra thing in my wallet that I don’t need; no thanks. I rarely even come into this place anyway.” But she persisted!! “Oh but you don’t even need to have a card, you can do it all online.” I was ready to go at this point. “I’m really ok, ma’am.” Unbelievably, she said, “Well, I’ll just put it in your bag anyway.” :eek: Wha…wha…_what?_ At that point I just shrugged my shoulders and threw up my hands in defeat. “Whatever.” I don’t even go into Walgreens. I sure as shit ain’t going again. :eek: Weird. ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2012, 11:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walgreens-has-pissed-me-off-requiring-a-loyalty-card-to-use-any-store-coupons-or-sales/636621/18 "2012-10-04T11:22:49Z")
> [@Zakalwe](#): > > But. But. Walgreens has the best beer prices!\* \*\* > > \*This is actually true. On most beer (that they stock) Walgreens is the cheapest. That’s probably about the only thing they have the best prices on. I only go in there to pick up our prescriptions, really. ---
**Author:** ![Darth\_Panda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ee7513/32.png) [@Darth\_Panda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Panda)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2012, 11:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walgreens-has-pissed-me-off-requiring-a-loyalty-card-to-use-any-store-coupons-or-sales/636621/19 "2012-10-04T11:37:11Z")
> [@Ferret\_Herder](#): > > That’s probably about the only thing they have the best prices on. I only go in there to pick up our prescriptions, really. Beer and drugs are covered, what the fuck else do you really want? 😛 ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2012, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walgreens-has-pissed-me-off-requiring-a-loyalty-card-to-use-any-store-coupons-or-sales/636621/20 "2012-10-04T11:57:39Z")
> [@Zakalwe](#): > > But. But. Walgreens has the best beer prices!\* \*\* > > \*This is actually true. On most beer (that they stock) Walgreens is the cheapest. And if you’re a Big Flats beer drinker, Walgreen’s is your place! Doesn’t [that](http://www.delish.com/cm/delish/images/5391288626_873642f249_web.jpg) look tempting? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walgreens-has-pissed-me-off-requiring-a-loyalty-card-to-use-any-store-coupons-or-sales/636621.md?page=2)