What Build-A-Bear Bonus Club Is
Build-A-Bear Bonus Club is a free membership program that rewards you with points every time you make a purchase at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores or online. You earn one point for every dollar spent, and those points convert into rewards you can use toward future purchases — typically a $5 reward for every 50 points you accumulate.
The program is designed to give regular customers a way to offset the cost of their next visit. There is no annual fee, no credit card requirement, and no minimum spending threshold to join or stay active. You sign up once with your email address, and your account tracks purchases automatically if you provide your membership number at checkout.
Build-A-Bear also sends Bonus Club members exclusive offers and early notice of sales, which can stack with your point rewards. The program is separate from any credit card the store may offer — you do not need one to earn or redeem points.
Key Takeaways
- You earn one point per dollar spent at any Build-A-Bear Workshop location or on their website, with no enrollment fee or spending requirement.
- Every 50 points converts to a $5 reward that you can use on any purchase, including stuffed animals, clothing, and accessories.
- Bonus Club members receive exclusive coupons and sale notifications by email that are not sent to non-members.
- You can join online or in-store using just your email address, and your account syncs across all Build-A-Bear locations.
- Points do not expire as long as your account remains active, though the store may have specific terms about account dormancy.
How to Join Build-A-Bear Bonus Club
You can sign up for Bonus Club either online or in a physical store. The online route is fastest: go to the Build-A-Bear Workshop website, find the Bonus Club section (usually in the footer or account menu), and enter your email address. You will receive a confirmation email with your membership number.
If you prefer to join in-store, ask a staff member at any Build-A-Bear Workshop location. They can sign you up on the spot using a tablet or register. Bring a valid email address — that is the only information required. Your membership becomes active when ready, and you can start earning points on that same visit if you make a purchase.
Once you are enrolled, provide your membership number at checkout every time you shop. If you shop online, log into your account before purchasing and your points will post automatically. If you forget your membership number, you can look it up using your email address at the register or on the website.
How Points Accumulate and Convert to Rewards
You earn one Bonus Club point for every dollar you spend, whether you buy a stuffed animal, clothing, accessories, or gift cards. This includes purchases made in-store and online. The points appear in your account within a few days of purchase.
Once you reach 50 points, you can convert them into a $5 reward. This reward shows up as a credit in your Bonus Club account that you can use like a discount code at checkout. You do not have to wait until you hit 50 points — you can redeem smaller amounts if the program allows it, though the standard conversion is 50 points for $5.
There is no limit to how many points you can accumulate, and points do not expire as long as you remain an active member. However, Build-A-Bear's terms may specify that accounts inactive for a certain period (often 12 to 24 months) may be closed or points forfeited, so check the program rules if you have not shopped in a while.
Exclusive Offers and Member-Only Deals
Bonus Club members receive email notifications about sales, new products, and member-exclusive coupons that are not available to the general public. These offers often include percentage discounts, free items with purchase, or bonus point multipliers during specific periods.
The frequency and value of these offers vary by season. Build-A-Bear typically sends more promotions around holidays, back-to-school season, and special events. You can control how often you receive emails by adjusting your communication preferences in your account settings.
Some member offers can be combined with your point rewards, meaning you could use a 20% off coupon and then explore your $5 reward on top of that discount. Always check the terms of each offer to see whether it stacks with other promotions.
Using Your Rewards at Checkout
When you are ready to redeem your points, log into your Bonus Club account online or tell the cashier in-store that you want to use your reward. Your $5 credit will be applied to your total purchase before tax. You can use multiple rewards on a single transaction if you have accumulated enough points.
Rewards work the same way whether you shop in a physical store or online. For in-store purchases, the cashier can look up your account by email or membership number and explore the credit at the register. For online orders, log into your account, add items to your cart, and your available rewards will appear as a payment option at checkout.
Rewards are non-transferable and can only be used by the account holder. If your account is closed or deleted, any remaining points and unused rewards are forfeited.
Bonus Club vs. Build-A-Bear Credit Card
Build-A-Bear Workshop also offers a branded credit card through a third-party lender. This card typically earns rewards at a higher rate than Bonus Club (often 2 to 3 points per dollar) and may include additional perks like birthday bonuses or early access to sales.
However, the credit card requires a credit check and approval, carries interest if you carry a balance, and may have an annual fee depending on the card tier. Bonus Club requires none of these — it is purely a free points program tied to your email address.
If you shop at Build-A-Bear frequently and can pay off a credit card in full each month, the card may earn rewards faster. If you prefer to avoid credit products or shop only occasionally, Bonus Club alone is sufficient and costs nothing.
What Happens to Your Points If You Move or Change Email
If you change your email address, contact Build-A-Bear customer service to update your Bonus Club account. Your points and membership history will transfer to the new email address. Do not create a second account with a different email — this will split your points across two separate memberships.
If you move to a different state or country, your Bonus Club account remains valid as long as Build-A-Bear operates in that location. Your points and rewards carry over to any Build-A-Bear store you visit, since the program is national.
If your account becomes inactive (no purchases for an extended period), Build-A-Bear may close it and forfeit your points. The exact timeframe varies by the store's policy, so review the program terms or contact customer service if you have not shopped in over a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use a credit card to join Bonus Club?
No. Bonus Club is a free membership that works with any payment method — cash, debit card, credit card, or gift card. You only need an email address to sign up. The store offers a separate credit card product, but it is not required to earn or redeem points.
Can I use my Bonus Club points to buy gift cards?
Yes. Your $5 rewards can be applied to any purchase, including Build-A-Bear gift cards. This is a way to build up store credit if you plan to shop again later or want to give a gift card to someone else.
What if I lose my membership number?
You do not need to memorize it. At any Build-A-Bear location or on the website, you can look up your account using your email address. The staff can retrieve your membership number and explore your points to your purchase. Online, you can log into your account directly with your email and password.
Do my points expire?
Points do not expire as long as your account is active. However, if your account goes unused for a long period (typically 12 to 24 months, depending on Build-A-Bear's policy), the store may close it and forfeit your points. Check the program terms or contact customer service if you have questions about your specific account.
Can I combine my Bonus Club reward with a coupon or sale?
In most cases, yes. Member coupons and sale discounts typically stack with your point rewards, meaning you can use both on the same purchase. Always read the fine print of each offer to confirm there are no exclusions, as some promotions may not combine.