Shopping at a discount retailer is often about finding the right product at the right price. For many shoppers, loyalty programs have traditionally added another way to save through member offers, coupons, special promotions, or purchase-based rewards. Big Lots has also had a loyalty program known as BIG Rewards, which became an important part of the company’s customer experience for many years.

However, there is an important distinction to understand today. Big Lots’ current FAQ states that the company does not offer a rewards program at this time. That means shoppers should be careful when reading older articles or pages describing benefits that may no longer apply.

This guide explains the history of Big Lots Rewards, what the former program offered, how the situation has changed, and what shoppers can currently do to keep track of Big Lots savings and promotions.

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What Was Big Lots Rewards?

BIG Rewards was Big Lots’ customer loyalty program. The program was designed to encourage repeat shopping by providing members with special offers and rewards based on their shopping activity.

Big Lots introduced the BIG Rewards program in 2017, replacing its previous Buzz Club Rewards program. Company reports later described BIG Rewards as a major customer loyalty initiative, with millions of active members.

The basic idea was straightforward. Customers could create a rewards account and use it when shopping at Big Lots. In return, members could receive promotional benefits that were not necessarily available to every shopper.

Over the years, the exact benefits changed. Older versions of the program included purchase-based rewards, coupons, birthday offers, and other promotional opportunities. Because these benefits belonged to earlier versions of the program, shoppers should not assume that an old offer is still active today.

Is Big Lots Rewards Available Now?

This is the most important question for anyone searching for Big Lots Rewards today.

According to Big Lots’ current FAQ, the retailer does not offer a rewards program at this time. The same page instead encourages shoppers to sign up for email and text alerts to hear about promotions, deals, and new merchandise.

This is significant because many older websites still discuss BIG Rewards as though it is an active loyalty program. Those pages may contain information that was accurate when the program was operating but is no longer applicable.

Big Lots’ current website focuses on weekly deals, closeouts, promotions, and email alerts rather than presenting BIG Rewards as a current loyalty program.

For shoppers, the safest approach is simple: check Big Lots’ current official information before relying on any specific reward, coupon, percentage discount, or membership benefit.

How the Former BIG Rewards Program Worked

The previous BIG Rewards program was built around repeat shopping and personalized promotions.

Big Lots’ corporate materials said the program rewarded customers for frequent and high-value purchases and included a special birthday reward. The company also used information from the program to tailor promotions to customers’ shopping habits.

Earlier versions of the program offered other benefits as well. A 2022 Big Lots announcement described a free-to-join program that included a joining discount, purchase-based rewards, promotional coupons, birthday surprises, and exclusive offers.

These details are useful for understanding what BIG Rewards was, but they should be treated as historical information rather than current benefits.

Retail loyalty programs frequently change their terms. Offers can be introduced, modified, suspended, or discontinued as a retailer changes its business strategy.

Why the Program Was Popular

BIG Rewards became a significant part of Big Lots’ customer relationship strategy.

The company reported approximately 20 million active BIG Rewards members as of February 2024, defining active members as customers who had made a purchase in its stores during the previous 12 months.

A major attraction of a loyalty program is convenience. Instead of searching for separate discounts every time they shop, customers can receive promotions through their account or communications from the retailer.

For frequent shoppers, that can make a difference over time. A discount on an occasional purchase may be helpful, while several relevant offers throughout the year can have a larger effect on a household shopping budget.

The former BIG Rewards program also allowed Big Lots to understand customers’ shopping patterns and deliver more targeted promotions. The company’s own reports described customer data as an important marketing tool for personalized communications.

What Can Shoppers Do Today?

Since Big Lots currently says it does not offer a rewards program, shoppers should focus on the savings tools that the retailer currently promotes.

One of the clearest options is Big Lots’ email signup. The company’s website says subscribers can receive its advertising information, early access to deals, and information about new closeouts.

Big Lots also promotes its weekly deals, which can be useful for shoppers who want to compare current prices before making a purchase.

The retailer’s current website also highlights closeouts, everyday essentials, furniture, home products, seasonal merchandise, pets, toys, electronics, and other categories.

This means that, even without an active rewards program, shoppers can still use a simple strategy: check current promotions before buying and compare the advertised price with other available offers.

Check Deals Before Shopping

One of the easiest ways to save is to look at current promotions before visiting a store or placing an online order.

Big Lots describes itself as a retailer focused on closeouts and value, with new merchandise arriving regularly. Its current website also promotes weekly deals.

Checking promotions first can help shoppers avoid making an unnecessary purchase simply because an item looks inexpensive.

It is also worth remembering that a low price is only useful when the product is something you actually need or want. The goal should be better value, not simply buying more because something is discounted.

Sign Up for Store Updates

Although the current FAQ says there is no rewards program, Big Lots does provide ways for customers to receive promotional updates.

The company says shoppers can sign up for email communications to receive promotions and special offers. It also promotes text alerts that can provide information about deals and early access to certain promotions.

For someone who shops at Big Lots regularly, these updates may be more useful than relying on an old rewards account or outdated coupon information.

However, promotional communications can change, so customers should always read the terms attached to a specific offer.

Watch for Changing Promotions

Big Lots’ current shopping model places considerable emphasis on closeouts and changing merchandise.

That means an item available today may not be available later, and a promotion may have a limited period. The company’s website describes its shopping experience around closeouts, bargains, and regularly changing merchandise.

This creates a slightly different approach to saving.

Instead of waiting for a permanent rewards discount, shoppers can compare current deals, consider whether the purchase is necessary, and act when the price makes sense.

For furniture and larger household purchases, taking a little extra time to compare prices can be especially useful because the dollar difference can be greater than it would be on a small everyday item.

Be Careful With Old Rewards Information

Searching for Big Lots Rewards can bring up information from several different years.

Some older pages describe rewards after a certain number of purchases, joining discounts, birthday offers, or special coupons. These details were associated with earlier versions of BIG Rewards. For example, Big Lots’ 2022 announcement described rewards after every three purchases and several other member benefits.

Those historical details should not automatically be treated as current rules.

This is an important point for shoppers because search results can remain online long after a promotion or program has ended.

Always prioritize current information from Big Lots when checking whether a reward, discount, or membership benefit is available.

Is Big Lots Rewards Worth It?

If you are asking whether Big Lots Rewards is worth joining today, the answer depends on what you mean by the name.

The former BIG Rewards program offered meaningful benefits for frequent shoppers, including promotional offers and purchase-based rewards. Big Lots itself reported that the program had millions of active members.

But the current situation is different. Big Lots’ official FAQ says there is no rewards program at this time.

Therefore, there is no current membership program to evaluate in the same way as the older BIG Rewards system.

Instead, today’s shopper should look at weekly deals, email promotions, text alerts, and current offers when deciding how to save.

A Simple Way to Save at Big Lots

Saving does not always require a complicated strategy.

Start by checking the current Big Lots website for weekly deals and available promotions. Then decide what you actually need before shopping.

If you regularly shop at Big Lots, consider signing up for the retailer’s promotional emails or text alerts so you can hear about new deals and special events.

For larger purchases, compare the current price carefully and review any applicable terms before completing the transaction.

Most importantly, do not let the word “sale” automatically determine whether you should buy something. A good deal is one that provides value for something you genuinely need.

Final Thoughts

Big Lots Rewards has an interesting history as one of Big Lots’ major customer loyalty programs. The former BIG Rewards system offered members various incentives, including promotional discounts, purchase-based rewards, and special offers. Big Lots’ own corporate reporting shows how important the program became to its customer strategy.

However, shoppers looking for the program today need to understand that Big Lots’ current FAQ says the retailer does not offer a rewards program at this time.

That makes current information especially important. Rather than relying on older BIG Rewards articles, shoppers should look at Big Lots’ current weekly deals, promotional communications, and official store information.

The best approach is simple: check current offers, compare prices, understand the terms, and buy based on genuine value. That way, you can make smarter shopping decisions whether or not Big Lots brings back a formal rewards program in the future.

FAQs About Big Lots Rewards

Does Big Lots currently offer a rewards program?

No. According to Big Lots’ current FAQ, the company does not offer a rewards program at this time.

What happened to the old BIG Rewards program?

Big Lots previously operated the BIG Rewards loyalty program, which offered members various promotions and rewards. Those benefits belong to the former program and should not be treated as current offers.

How can I find Big Lots deals today?

Shoppers can check Big Lots’ current deals and sign up for email alerts. The company says subscribers can receive promotions, new-arrival information, and early access to certain deals.

Can I still receive Big Lots promotional alerts?

Yes. Big Lots currently offers email and text alerts for promotions, deals, and other updates. Customers can opt out of these communications when they choose.

Where should I check for the latest Big Lots savings information?

The best source is Big Lots’ current official website and FAQ because promotions and store policies can change. Checking current information helps avoid relying on outdated BIG Rewards details.