
Many businesses, from supermarkets to gas stations and others, offer frequent shopper programs where customers can make purchases that earn perks, Robertson says.
"These rewards programs are designed to give point values for basic purchases, like groceries and gasoline, to attract customers," she says.
The prizes earned can be similar to what's offered with debit card rewards programs, such as free merchandise, so they may be good substitutes if your bank's program is eliminated, she says.
But you may have to change your shopping behavior to earn the biggest bonuses. "The only time you're going to earn a reward is when you shop at that particular merchant. So, you have to be very merchant-focused," Cohen says.