Panera Bread Loyalty Program – Surprising Benefits

This post, Panera Bread Loyalty Program – Surprising Benefits, contains references to products from one or more of my advertising partners. When you click on a link to any of these products, I may be compensated. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please visit my Earnings Disclosure & Disclaimer page for more information. Thanks for your support! Please also note that any prices, offers, and terms listed are subject to change at the discretion of the companies mentioned.

 

When it comes to loyalty programs, Panera Bread has taken it to the next level. With over 30 years in the business, Panera Bread has made a name for itself as a reputable bakery-cafe chain. What sets them apart from their competitors is their loyalty program, which offers surprising benefits to its members.

In this article, we’ll dive into the specifics of the Panera Bread loyalty program and explore the unexpected perks that keep customers coming back for more. Get ready to have your loyalty rewarded in ways you never imagined.

 

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Getting Started With the Panera Bread Rewards Program

Panera Bread Rewards Card Registration

Signing up for the MyPanera Rewards program is free and easy. You have the option of registering in person with an associate or online at Panera.com.

Although you can request a physical membership card, you can still receive your perks by using the phone number you registered with – whether you order via a live cashier or kiosk. If you download the Panera app (which I recommend), your information -including your rewards number, ordering history, and perks- are already pre-loaded.

I love the convenience and time-saving factor of using the Panera app to place orders via my phone. Because I can place an order before arriving at the cafe, there’s no standing in line or waiting for an available kiosk. The app even lets me program the time I’d like for my order to be ready. So I can essentially walk in the door and pick up my order, and be out within a few minutes.

 

Save Money with Exclusive Panera Rewards

Once you’ve signed up for the Panera Bread loyalty program, you’ll be eligible to receive exclusive deals and promotions that aren’t available to non-members.

Each time you place a Panera order, you’ll get closer to receiving a free reward. The size or amount of the order placed doesn’t matter; so whether you order order a beverage or an entree, it counts as a purchase. The exception is Panera Sip Club membership orders; those don’t get counted.

Panera has changed their rewards model, at least since I’ve been a member. When I started with the program, rewards were randomly awarded; for example, after three, four, or seven visits. It then changed to a model of a set amount of visits, and has reverted back to a random model.

Panera rewards vary and are random. Most are typically along the lines of $2 off a sandwich or Pick Two (you now have the option of swapping it out for another similarly-priced item). Other times, Panera has surprised me with a free Pick Two or flatbread pizzas.

 

 

Get Access to the Panera Unlimited Sip Club

At $11.99 a month, the Panera Unlimited Sip Club entitles you to an unlimited amount of qualifying beverage per visit, every two hours. Qualifying beverages include hot brewed coffee, iced coffee, iced tea, hot tea, fountain drinks, and lemonade chargers.

To sign up for an Unlimited Sip Club membership, you need to be a MyPanera Rewards member.

 

Receive MyPanera Rewards on Special Occasions

Once you’ve registered as a My Panera Rewards member, Panera will gift you with a free pastry, bagel, or sweet. To receive this reward, you need to place an order, which has to be completed either at Panera or on their app. The offer is valid for 60 days from the date it appears on your account, and won’t work with other offers. In other words, no double-stacking offers.

As a Panera rewards member, you’ll also receive a free treat on your birthday.

 

Receive Random Gifts from Panera Bread

Panera recently surprised me with a $5 credit on my MyPanera Rewards account. Panera’s Customer Care placed it there to apologize for any inconvenience I might have experienced due to an issue with their system.

It was a nice surprise, given that I hadn’t called to complain about any issues and didn’t notice any problems. They just wanted to show they valued me as a customer – which is something Panera Bread excels at.

Without a MyPanera Rewards account, I wouldn’t have received this bonus.

 

 

Take Advantage of Special Third-Party Offers

Panera recently offered its members a free three-month WalMart+ membership to its rewards members. With the WalMart+ membership, you receive benefits like fuel discounts and free two-day shipping. If you order a lot of merchandise from WalMart every month, the subscription fee could be a good investment. 

This particular Panera Bread special offer was available for a limited time, and you have to start paying the full WalMart+ subscription price (currently $12.95 per month) after the three months is up. It automatically renews and starts charging your credit card, so you need to cancel before the renewal date if you don’t plan to keep the membership.

And during one of their recent MyPanera weeks, Panera partnered with Shutterfly to offer its members a free personalized tote bag (the customer was responsible for shipping).

Partnering with other businesses is a relatively new model for Panera Bread, and it’s something I hope they offer more of in the future.

 

 

Take Part in MyPanera Week

Panera recently began rolling out a designated week where MyPanera loyalty members are eligible to receive a special perk on each of the seven days. Special offers have included things like BOGOs and two months of free beverages.

They’ve also run sweepstakes during these periods. The recent top prize was $750 in Panera gift cards and a free one-year Unlimited Sip Club membership; with an opportunity to win one of 250,00 instant prizes through their daily trivia contest.

Get Rewarded for Catering Events

If you’re planning to cater an event from Panera, you can earn special rewards when you use your Panera rewards card.

For every $500 you spend on catering orders, Panera will gift you a $20 reward, distributed as two $10 rewards. You’ll need to spend the entire $10 at a time (it won’t carry over), and it expires after 90 days.

You can find your catering rewards on your Panera app or account.

 

Receive Personalized Food Recommendations

Once you’re a Panera rewards member, their program analyzes your purchase history and preferences, then provides tailored recommendations for new menu items. This feature makes it easier to discover new favorites and explore different options without feeling overwhelmed.

If, for example, you frequently order a Green Goddess salad, the loyalty program might recommend a new salad with similar ingredients. Or if you’re a fan of their chocolate chip cookies or brownies, you might receive recommendations for other types of baked goods.

 

By taking advantage of these benefits, you can elevate your dining experience while saving money at the same time. Whether you’re a frequent customer or just stopping by for a quick bite, the Panera Bread loyalty program can unlock some pretty amazing rewards.

 

This post contains references to products from one or more of my advertising partners. When you click on a link to any of these products, I may be compensated. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please visit my Earnings Disclosure & Disclaimer page for more information. Thanks for your support!