Great Scotts convenience stores are phasing out punch cards and rolling out a new customer rewards app, set to go live Oct. 1.

The app will allow customers to earn points, redeem rewards and access digital coupons from national brands. The change means the end of the paper punch cards once used for soda purchases.

“Once you create an account you’ll attach your phone number to it, and our registers are set up for a loyalty ID,” said Brittany Culver, store manager of the downtown Rexburg Great Scotts location. “Employees will hit that button, type in the customer’s loyalty ID number, and the punch card will be automatic.”

Culver and her team have already downloaded the app to learn the system so they can answer all customer questions.

Customers will receive 500 points automatically for signing up, which puts them halfway toward the top rewards. With 1,000 points, participants can save 50 cents per gallon of fuel or get $10 off any in-store purchase.

The app also changes one of the store’s best-known promotions. Thirsty Thursday, which once offered double punch day deals, will now provide a free cookie with a soda purchase.

To redeem fuel discounts, customers can enter their phone number at the pump under the “GS Rewards” option. The same process works inside at the register. Points can be earned on nearly all purchases except tobacco, alcohol, lottery, phone cards, money orders and gift cards.

Culver said she believes customers will find the app easier to manage than paper punch cards.

“Customers don’t have to worry about losing their punch card since it’s all virtual,” Sulver said. “We’re always trying to get as many customers as possible because more customers is awesome.”

Culver has already used the app herself, redeeming a coupon for Skittles and saving 10 cents per gallon on gas.

“The gas will also bring in more customers,” she said. “If people knew that they were going to get 10 cents off every gallon and that they would gain points every time they fill up, that would help them decide that Great Scotts is the place to get gas.”

Loyal customers who have always enjoyed Great Scotts sodas expressed excitement about the upcoming app.

“Now I don’t have to worry about losing my punch card,” said Brittnia Coley, an exercise physiology major at BYU-Idaho. 

Coley’s favorite carbonated beverage from Great Scotts is the over yonder. 

“Literally best news ever,” said Leah Anderson, a physics major at BYUI. 

Anderson's go-to drink from Great Scotts is the gator bite.