America may run on Dunkin’ Donuts, but that doesn’t mean the people don’t love Krispy Kreme just as much. The doughnut chain has developed a nearly fanatical following across the countries they’ve opened in, and it’s not hard to see why. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts are made in-house throughout the day, and they even have a feature in their app to tell you when your preferred location has hot, fresh, delicious doughnuts… is there anything better? Yes! Free hot, fresh, delicious doughnuts. They are closer than you think with the Krispy Kreme Rewards loyalty program.

How does the Krispy Kreme Rewards program work?

Members of the Krispy Kreme Rewards program can earn points in the form of Krispy Kreme Smiles which can be redeemed for freebies of certain menu items.

What are the benefits of joining Krispy Kreme Rewards?

When you join the Krispy Kreme Rewards program, you will not only be able to earn Krispy Kreme smile points for freebies, but you’ll also get access to exclusive offers and receive opportunities to earn other rewards.

How do Krispy Kreme Smile points work?

The Krispy Kreme Rewards program is structured a little differently from other restaurant loyalty programs you may have seen. The smile points you earn are decided by the type of item and the amount you purchase. Smile points can only be redeemed for items in the same category that they were earned in.

The points system is as follows:

● The purchase of one doughnut of any flavor will earn you one doughnut credit.  Purchases of doughnut holes do not count.
● The purchase of your choice of hot or cold brewed coffee will earn you one brewed coffee credit.
● The purchase of your choice of hot or specialty coffee beverage will earn you one specialty coffee beverage credit.
● The purchase of a dozen doughnuts of any flavor will earn you one dozen doughnuts credit.

Unfortunately, you can’t save up doughnut credits and trade them in for a dozen doughnuts, you can only use them towards the reward of a single doughnut.

Aside from the different point categories, the program works pretty much how you’d expect. For every purchase of a qualifying item made through the app, online, or using your rewards member account in-store, Smile points will be automatically applied to your account.

If you make a purchase that qualifies for a special offer, you can also earn bonus points in the same way.

Does the Krispy Kreme Rewards Program offer a sign-up bonus?

Yes! When you create an account you will get one free doughnut of any flavor as a welcome bonus.

Are there any other benefits to joining?

Aside from earning points on applicable purchases and enjoying a free doughnut when you sign up, members will also receive a free doughnut during their birthday month. If you need more reasons to join, you’ll also get access to exclusive deals, offers, and bonus point opportunities.

How do you join?

If you want to become a member of the Krispy Kreme rewards program and start earning Smiles, and by extension, free doughnuts and coffee drinks, you can sign up in three different ways.

Head on over to the Krispy Kreme website and follow the directions to create an account. You’ll need to provide your name, email address, phone number, and birthday to get started.

Download the Krispy Kreme app for Android or iOS and follow the directions to create your account. The process is very similar to using the website, you’ll need to provide your name, email address, phone number, and birthday.

If you are already visiting a Krispy Kreme and decide to join the rewards program, talk to an employee to get started. At this time you can only pre-enroll in-store, you’ll still need to validate your account and finish sign up through the app or website before you can start earning points.

How do you check your points balance?

If you need to check your points or review any rewards you have available by signing into your account on the app or website.

Can you add points later if you forget at the checkout?

If you forget to claim your points when you place your order, you can request the points you earned be added to your account within 30 days of making the purchase by following the instructions on your receipt.

How do you redeem points?

If you’ve earned a reward and you want to cash it in and claim your free food or drink you can do so through the app or website when placing an order. If you are ordering in-store, you’ll need to present the reward in-app when placing your order.

Keep in mind, your rewards are limited to the categories they are earned in. The points needed for each reward is as follows:

● 12 Doughnut Credits can be redeemed for one Doughnut.
● 12 Brewed Coffee Credits can be redeemed for one Brewed Coffee.
● 12 Specialty Coffee Beverage Credits can be redeemed for one Specialty Coffee Beverage
● 12 Dozen Doughnut Credits can be redeemed for one Dozen Doughnuts.

Do points expire?

Points will expire if there is no activity on your account for 365 days. Activity includes points earned and redeemed. Birthday Rewards expire on the first day of the month proceeding your birthday.

Getting the most out of Krispy Kreme Rewards

Who doesn’t want as many free doughnuts or coffee beverages as possible? If you want to make the most of your Krispy Kreme Rewards membership, here’s how to do it.

Take advantage of your Welcome Offer and Birthday Reward

You get a free doughnut for signing up and another to celebrate your birthday month, claiming them both is the first step in getting the most out of the program.

Focus your Purchases In One Category

Since the Krispy Kreme Rewards system restricts your rewards to each category, you’ll be able to claim more freebies if you focus your purchases on a single category or two. You only need 12 credits, the equivalent of 12 purchases, to claim a free doughnut, dozen doughnuts, or coffee beverage.

What are the members saying?

The Krispy Kreme Rewards program is pretty popular among members, with the app maintaining a rating of 4.7-stars with nearly 40 thousand reviews on the app store. Some customers have reported issues signing up for an account using the app, but it doesn’t appear to be a widespread issue. If this happens to you, try signing up on the website instead!

Conclusions

You really can’t go wrong with free doughnuts and coffee, but it helps that the Krispy Kreme rewards program is straightforward and easy to use. If you’ve got a Krispy Kreme in your area, sign up and try it out! At the very least you’ll get a free doughnut!