Stores Reward Programs

If you have ever shopped in a store, you have more than likely been asked if you had said stores rewards card.  Looking down at all the rewards cards hanging on your key ring already you tell them you're not interested.  What benefits could you be passing up? Stores like Best Buy, Toys R Us, Staples after you reach a certain amount spent you could have a reward certificate waiting to print out.  Game Stop if you pay a yearly amount you could save on used games.  Old Navy you have to get their credit card to reap in their rewards.  The list can go on and on.

One of the many rewards cards I have is Best Buy.  I recently got sent an e-mail telling me I have a $5 certificate available for me to print.  I have big plans for that certificate.  I am planning on pairing that with a Best Buy Gift card to bring down the cost of a Kingdom Hearts Video Game that is being released soon.  I am hoping to pay very little out of pocket.  It is a game I was planning on paying full price for anyways, but with the certificate and gift card options before me why not take advantage of it and save. 

So, before passing up on a rewards card find out the benefits.  If the rewards program costs, do you frequent it enough and spend enough for it really to save you money?