Big changes to Walgreens Balance Rewards starting Sunday, November 4

Walgreens is making some major changes regarding how customers redeem their Balance Rewards points starting November 4. The changes reduce the number of points you can redeem in one transaction and it does away with a valuable tiered points system.

According to their website, "Starting Nov. 4, 2018, we're simplifying our redemption levels so every 1000 points equals $1. You'll be able to redeem at any of these five tiers, including the new 4000-point tier. The maximum redemption limit per eligible transaction is 5000 points ($5 reward)."

The current points redemption rules allow for the following bonus points when you save up your points and redeem them in higher amounts:

1,000 points = $1 off your purchase

18,000 points = $20 off your purchase

30,000 points = $35 off your purchase

40,000 points = $50 of your purchase

As of November 4, 2018, there will no longer be any bonus points for higher redemption amounts and each 1,000 points will equal $1.00. This means that if you have 18,000 points, as of November 4, 2018, they will only be worth $18, instead of the $20 they are worth on the current program.

Plus, the maximum amount of points you can redeem in one transaction is 5000 (worth $5) as of 11/4/18.

If you have been saving up your points to get the higher redemption level, you may want to spend them before November 4, when that option is no longer available and your points will be worth less money when redeemed.

If you usually cash out your points as soon as you reach 1000 points, this policy change will not be an issue since it applies to those who cash out at larger amounts.