Frequently Asked Questions
About the Blog
What is Rewarded or Robbed?
Rewarded or Robbed is a blog that helps you understand, evaluate, and maximize savings from U.S. loyalty programs across retail, travel, dining, and more. We break down the fine print so you can decide what’s truly worth your time, and what’s not.
What makes your authors experts in loyalty programs?
Our writers have years of experience designing and managing rewards programs. We know how to calculate the real value of a loyalty scheme, why brands structure them the way they do, and how to dissect the fine print so you’re not leaving rewards on the table.
Do you write about loyalty programs outside the US?
Rarely. If a loyalty program is global (like many hotel and airline programs) we feature it, but if a program is country specific we focus on the US program.
Are you sponsored by any brands?
Nope. Our reviews are 100% independent. We don’t take money to say nice things. We call it like we see it. 🙂
Do you actually join the programs you review?
We sign up for and experience all free loyalty programs. For paid memberships, we are sometimes members. But when we aren’t, we do our homework, conduct in-depth analysis, and often gather consumer feedback before writing a review. Our reviews are not just our own experience with a program but how we think the average consumer will experience it.
Is everything on your blog 100% accurate?
We aim for it, but let’s be real, loyalty programs change a lot. We do our best to stay current, but some details may become outdated. Plus, many of our calculations are based on national averages or estimates, especially when prices vary widely (like gas or fast food). We always call it out when a number is an estimate.
Why the name Rewarded or Robbed? Are people really getting robbed?
We’re not accusing anyone of literal theft, but some programs sure feel that way💸. Points expiring before you can use them? Rewards that require ridiculous spending? Paid memberships with weak benefits? That’s the kind of thing that makes you feel robbed: of time, money, and value.
Can I request a review of a specific loyalty program?
Absolutely! Click here to email us your suggestion. If it’s not on the site yet, we’ll add it to our list.
Do you review credit card rewards programs?
Not really. Plenty of other blogs do a great job of covering credit cards. Our focus is on loyalty programs that are free or have their own paid memberships. That said, we’ll occasionally mention a brand’s credit card if it ties into their loyalty structure.
Do you have a newsletter or podcast?
Not yet, but maybe someday . For now, you can subscribe to our weekly emails featuring our latest reviews and insights.
Where are you located?
We are based in Boston and pride ourselves on not being Massholes.
Loyalty Program FAQs
What makes a loyalty program “good”?
We look at a combination of factors: how quickly you earn points, how valuable the rewards are, how easy the redemption process is, the quality of perks, and whether the rules are clear (or sneaky). Great programs reward your natural shopping habits without making you jump through too many hoops.
How do you calculate “return value”?
We compare how much you spend versus how much value you get back. For example, if spending $100 earns you enough points for a $10 reward, that’s a 10% return. Higher percentages mean better value.
Do return values vary by industry?
Definitely. Fuel programs are usually the lowest (1–3%) because margins are tight. Retail can range from 1% (meh) to over 10% (excellent). Restaurants are the wildcards, with some programs offering 15–20%+ return—if you know how to play them (that’s where we come in).
What’s a good point expiration policy?
The best programs let your points live as long as your account stays active. You earned them, you should keep them. We’re not fans of programs that make your points vanish after a fixed time, regardless of your shopping frequency.
Using the Site
Where can I find the latest reviews?
Visit our homepage for the newest posts, or check out the All Reviews page to search by brand.
How often do you post?
We aim for 2–4 new posts each week, so there’s always something fresh to read.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Can you help me fix an issue with my loyalty account?
Sorry, we’re not customer service.
I subscribed but I’m not getting emails. What gives?
First, thank you! Second, check your spam or junk folder. Sometimes email providers block us, or your email address might have had a typo. If all else fails, try subscribing again.