PSA - new Staples rewards system effective 2/7/2024

Just FYI, Staples has gone ahead and overhauled their rewards system. It's now called Easy Rewards
https://www.staples.com/lp/easyrewardsoverview

Some highlights:

• Earning points - Earn 1 point per $1 spent. In store, online and in the app. Exclusions apply. (It seems 1 point is worth 1/2 cent based on how redemption works.)
• 3 Bonus Categories - Earn 2x points in 3 categories that you select for yourself. (The terms seem to say you can reselect these categories at any time so it seems customers can "juggle" these categories before every purchase?)
• Points never expire for active members - For an account to remain active, a member must earn or redeem at least one point in an 18-month period.
• Redeeming points - Redeem 200 points for $1. Redeem in $1 increments.
• Easy Rewards "special" offers - It seems from time to time, either personalized or global offers are available where you can earn extra rewards on certain purchases. You will need to activate them before making your purchase in order to earn these extra rewards.
• Ink/Toner Recycling Eligibility [staples.com] - Their terms don't mention anything about having to purchase $50 of ink/toner in the last 180 days in order to be eligible to recycle ink/toner. So I don't know if that rule still applies in this new rewards system.
• Ink/Toner Recycling Limits Per Month (basic) - For the free basic Staples membership, you can recycle 10 cartridges per month for 100 points each (totaling 1000 points = $5).
• Ink/Toner Recycling Limits Per Month (Plus) - For the paid ($49 annual fee) Staples Plus membership, you can recycle 20 cartridges per month for 400 points each (totaling 8000 points = $40). (Note: it seems that people can't purchase Plus membership after Feb 7, 2024. Existing Plus members were grandfathered in.)

How to check/access your old rewards balances:
https://www.staples.com/hc?id=832...4cc7b6e5bb
Any Staples rewards earned up to February 6, 2024, will be received in full. As of March 14, 2024, all Staples rewards (earned under the old system) should have been issued. You will be able to use your (old) rewards up to the expiration date listed on your issued rewards (which have all been extended to April 30, 2024).
To view your remaining balance, use the app. In the app, tap the Account icon on the bottom right of the app. Scroll down and select "Other Balances" to see your remaining rewards. You may need to scroll up/down and swipe right/left to view more rewards.

Ink Recycling Rewards (under the old system):
I personally did receive my Ink Recycling Rewards (under the old system) that were issued in January and February. I recycled ink on February 2nd, and those rewards were issued on March 14, 2024.
Due to the rewards system transition, Staples members were able to "double dip" in February 2024 by recycling ink before Feb 7 (under the old system) and then recycling ink after Feb 7 (under the new system). When recycling ink after Feb 7, the rewards were issued immediately.

Other Pending Rewards (under the old system):
I purchased $50 of ink on February 1st using a promo code that would give me 50% rewards (i.e., $25 rewards). I did not see that reward when I checked my old rewards balance on Feb 7 so I contacted Staples via email (click the "Contact Us" button in the link [staples.com]). They responded with:

Upon reviewing your inquiry, you will be receiving your 50% back in rewards promotion on order # XXXXXXXXXX in March. To access previously earned Rewards statements and February 1st -7th statement, please download our Staples app and select Account, then navigate to Other Balances and Staples Rewards. You can also refer to your statement email for the full 16-digit code.

Please let me know if there's anything else I can help you with.

On March 14, I received my Staples rewards (under the old system) for purchasing ink.


I don't have all the answers. The above writeup is based on my current understanding of how the new rewards system works. Please add posts to correct/add any info.