This Christmas and during the sales period, Brits could be set for huge savings thanks to loyalty cards and rewards schemes.

Zsuzsa Kecsmar, the co-founder of loyalty programme platform Antavo, told Express.co.uk her top tips to securing the best deals.

She said: "Look at whether you can trade your loyalty points for a third party reward or a money-off voucher.

“Lots of schemes, like Tesco Clubcard, offer vouchers at other places, such as Pizza Express, by trading in your Clubcard points.

“If you have an app, there will probably be a separate section where you can look at all the options. Look into them all and work out which offers the best value for money.”

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The expert went on to advise against assuming that brands will proactively notify you of excellent discounts.

She recommended staying alert and consistently checking for updates, particularly during the festive period when promotions frequently change.

Nowadays, loyalty programs extend beyond mere money-off vouchers in exchange for spending.

Grasping the mechanics of diverse loyalty programs can assist in unlocking optimal rewards.

For instance, KFC acknowledges both time spent gaming on its app and money spent in its restaurants, while Rip Curl offers rewards based on the time spent surfing.

Invest a few minutes to explore where the most enticing offers are available.

Loyalty cards serve as an excellent resource for discounts, and the best part is that they are frequently tailored to your shopping preferences throughout the year.

Loyalty programs provide a range of benefits, including money-off vouchers, exclusive freebies, and the potential for early access to highly sought-after toys or gifts.

This enables you to secure those “must-have” items without having to overspend.