Walgreens: My Balance Rewards opinion

So far, it's been a few weeks since Walgreens instituted the Balance Rewards program.  What do I think of it so far?

So far, I'm not impressed.

The deals that give Balance Rewards have not been particularly good.  Often an item is cheaper at ALDI, even when taking the Balance Rewards into account. 

So far I've only earned 500 Balance Rewards points for a prescription.  And I don't plan to purchase items that give Balance Rewards just for the Balance Rewards points.  If it's a good deal without them, I'll get it, and the Balance Rewards will be an extra perk.  But I won't take the Balance Rewards into account when figuring out whether it's a good deal or not.

Here's what I did get this week at Walgreens:

2 Bumble Bee tuna @ 79¢ (with in-ad coupon) = $1.58
- $1/2 Bumble Bee Product (Recyclebank)
= 58¢ for two, or 29¢ each

1 Nutella @ $2.99 (with in-ad coupon)
- $1/1 Nutella Product, exp. 10/31/12 (RP 08/05/12)
= $1.99

3 Nice! plastic bags @ 99¢ (with in-ad coupon) = $2.97

Total before RRs:  $5.54
Pay with $2.50 in RRs ($1.50, $1) from previous weeks

Total after RRs: $3.04
Tax: 18¢

Total out of pocket: $3.22
Amount saved compared to Walgreens full prices: $10.82

(This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.)