Update 11/6/24: The signup bonus for new members who sign up using a referral code has changed. Previously it was double points for 15 days while now it’s a flat $20 bonus after spending $200 (presumably the bonus gives you $20 in Pepper points to use on a future purchase). You can triple dip by, (1) signing up with a referral code for a $20 bonus (my code is 584255), (2) meeting the spend with an Amex card that has the $15 discount, and (3) buying gift cards which are already on sale.
Pepper Rewards
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The Pepper Rewards app is a new app for buying gift cards and getting cash back. They offer a percentage back in Pepper points when buying a gift card from many brands. This includes top brands like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Best Buy, Nike, Airbnb, Nordstrom, Chevron, Delta, Ikea, Instacart, Meijer, Giant Eagle, Netflix, Texaco, Uber, and dozens more.
They use a confusing points system where each point is worth 1/20 of a penny toward a future purchase. But it’s easier to just think in terms of percent back: merchants that show “3x points” are 3% back in Pepper points, merchants that show “15x points” are 15% back in Pepper points, etc.
Currently (8/1/24), most of the top retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy are between 2-4% back. Some smaller merchants can be up to 8% back. On special promotions we sometimes see 15% back or possibly higher.
To use your Pepper Rewards, be sure to click the plus sign (+) at checkout, and continue clicking the plus sign until all rewards are applied.
Referral Bonus – Double Points
The referral bonus offers double points for 15 days. For example, if Amazon has a regular 4% back, new members will get 8% back. And if Petco has a regular 8% back, new members would get 16% back. Note: the regular points will be available immediately for use, and the signup offer points will become available after the 15 period is over. Also note: it’s not clear if special promotions on Pepper get doubled; e.g. if they are offering 10% back on Amazon, it’s not clear if new signups will get 10% back or 20% back or 14% back.
The referrer gets $20 worth of Pepper points (as of 8/13/24). No referrals in the comments below.
Our Verdict
At launch Pepper was offering 5% back on all brands. In July 2024 they changed things up and offer differing rates by merchant. There are times Pepper can be a great deal, especially for someone on the new signup offer which doubles points for 15 days.
Reports are that Amex Business Gold to earn 4x if it’s one of your top two categories as part of the Computer Software category. And it counts as Computer Software category for BofA Customized Cash Rewards cards for 3%/5.25% and for 1.5x on the Business Platinum card. And reports are that it counts as Online Shopping for BofA cards and Blue Cash card and ShopYourWay card and the legacy Citi AT&T card
Also, it’s been said that Pepper purchases can trigger Chase Offers since the charge shows up with the merchant listed. For example, I have a Chase Offer for 5% back at Walmart, up to $5. I’ll buy $100 Walmart gift card in the Pepper app, and I’ll get the 5% (or 10%) back from Pepper, plus the 5% back from Chase Offers, plus my regular credit card rewards. (This is unlikely to work with most AmEx Offers due to the way their system works differently than Chase.)
Note: There are no official limits as to how much you can purchase per day in Pepper. Some people mention getting stopped at $500 or $1,000 per day. Or possibly $2000/month and $5000/year. Many people are able to purchase more than these limits, it seems to vary by account/history/whatever. From what I’m told, you can just keep buying until the account gets frozen, and then call in to verify and get unfrozen. (There should not be risk to the rewards points earned or referral credits accrued, from what I’m told.) They might increase your buying power through the verification.
My thanks if you enter my signup code 584255 during the initial signup process. No referral links or references in the comments below, please.
Post History:
DoubleTriple points on Uber and UberEATS todaySeparately there are reports of a targeted 10% everywhere offer being sent out again via email.
$5$2.50 bonus when you spend $100 at Airbnb, Delta, Southwest, Olive Garden, Cracker Barrel, Texas Roadhouse. That’s on top of the regular 5% earn.