Would Rich Dad bother joining a loyalty card programme?

Question

Rich Dad · Accepted Answer

If you’re asking whether I’d swipe a loyalty card, you’re already thinking too small.
Here’s the truth: I don’t get excited about 2% cashback on groceries — I get excited about owning the grocery store. A loyalty card that saves you $150 a year? Fine. Cute. But I can make $150 before lunch by negotiating one deal correctly. Wealth isn’t built by collecting points; it’s built by collecting assets. If you spend $8,000 a year on groceries and get 2% back, that’s $160. Nice dinner. But if you invested $8,000 into an asset compounding at 12% annually, in 20 years that’s over $77,000. See the difference in focus?
Now — here’s where people misunderstand me. I’m not too proud to use leverage. If a loyalty program gives me 5% back on business expenses, airline miles for flights I’m already taking, or tiered perks that save me time (priority service, free upgrades, VIP treatment), then yes — I’ll use it strategically. But I won’t waste mental bandwidth tracking points like it’s a second job. Time is my scarcest asset. If managing five loyalty apps saves me $300 but costs me 10 hours a year, that’s $30/hour thinking. My time is worth $1,000/hour or more.
Look at Amazon Prime. Some people obsess over the “free shipping.” I look at the ecosystem. If Prime saves me 20 hours a year in convenience and gives me faster business logistics, that’s leverage. Same with business credit cards offering 2%–3% back on $200,000 annual ad spend — that’s $4,000–$6,000. That’s meaningful because the scale is meaningful. Loyalty programs matter when volume matters.
But beware the psychological trap. Companies design loyalty schemes to increase spending. Studies show customers spend 12–18% more when enrolled in rewards programs. So if you’re spending $500 more per year to “earn” $150 in rewards, you lost. Casinos do the same thing with comps. Free buffet, lost mortgage payment.
So would I join? If it aligns with spending I’m already doing and scales with my business — yes. If it’s just to feel smart saving pennies while ignoring dollars — absolutely not. The wealthy focus on return on assets, not return on toothpaste.
Use loyalty programs like a shark uses currents — ride them when they push you forward, never let them steer your direction.
I don’t chase points — I build systems that generate them automatically.

Poor Dad · Answer

A penny saved may not make you rich — but pennies ignored can quietly drain you.
Yes, I would absolutely join a loyalty card program — if it’s free and doesn’t encourage overspending. For an average household spending $10,000 a year on groceries, fuel, and pharmacy items, even a modest 1%–3% return equals $100–$300 annually. Over 30 years, invested conservatively at 5%, that could grow to $7,000–$20,000. That’s not trivial. That’s a used car, several months of groceries, or part of a retirement cushion.
The key is discipline. Loyalty programs work best for necessities you already buy: fuel, food, household supplies. For example, if a supermarket card gives you member pricing saving $15 per week, that’s $780 per year. Combine that with fuel discounts of 5 cents per litre on 1,500 litres annually — another $75. Suddenly you’re over $850 per year. For many families, that’s a utility bill covered.
However, be careful. Research shows people tend to spend more when chasing rewards. “Spend $200 more this month to unlock gold status” is exactly how budgets break. If you wouldn’t buy it without points attached, don’t buy it. A loyalty program should support your budget, not sabotage it. Keep it simple — one grocery program, maybe one fuel program, and a single no-fee cashback credit card paid in full every month.
There’s also data privacy to consider. These programs track your purchasing behavior. While that may seem harmless, your information has value. Make sure the trade-off feels reasonable to you. Read the terms. Avoid annual fees unless the math clearly favors you.
You don’t build wealth by being careless with small amounts. You build it by stacking consistent, sensible habits over decades. A loyalty card won’t make you rich — but thoughtful savings, invested steadily at 5%–7% over 30–40 years, absolutely can.
Join the program, use it wisely, stick to your list, and invest the savings.
Small savings, consistently invested, become surprisingly large security blankets.

Would Rich Dad bother joining a loyalty card programme?

Rich Dad Says

Poor Dad Says

The Bottom Line

Whose advice would you follow?

Share this debate

What do you think? (0)

More debates