genius travel rewards

The Booking Genius Program

• Post last modified: February 14, 2024

The Genius program by Booking.com gives you 10 to 20% extra discount on prices that other customers won’t get. If you reach Booking Genius Level 2, you will also qualify for complimentary breakfast and free room upgrades at selected locations. Read more and find out how the Genius reward system works below.

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About Booking.com

Booking has been around for a long time. It was established in 1996 and is today offering more than 28 million listings located all over the world.

The properties on offer range from small, family-run bed and breakfasts to grand luxury resorts. In other words, you have an extremely wide selection of options to choose from when using Booking.

The Booking Genius Levels

The Genius reward program is offered to the most frequent bookers, and the rewards are better the more frequent of a booker you are. It contains three different Booking Genius Levels.

Booking Genius Level 1 members receive 10% discount off the best available rates at hotels that take part in the program. This is the basic level that new members can unlock instantly.

If you reach Genius Level 2, you will receive 15% off, complimentary breakfast and free room upgrades at selected properties. To be upgraded to Genius Level 2, you need to complete 5 stays within two years.

If you accomplish Genius Level 3, you will receive 20% off, complimentary breakfast and free upgrades at participating properties as well as priority support. To reach Genius Level 3, you need to complete 15 stays within two years.

So you will have to use Booking for a certain amount of stays within a two year window to be upgraded from the basic Genius Level 1. Simply reach 5 stays to unlock Genius Level 2 and 15 stays to be upgraded to the highest level, Booking Genius Level 3.

The Booking.com Genius Levels aren’t more complicated than that.

But pay attention to that it’s stays and not nights that you need to collect to be upgraded. Also notice that any type of stay will count. So you don’t have to book your stays with a particular hotel category to be upgraded to the next Genius Level.

Is there a Booking Genius Level 4 or even Genius Level 5 or 6?

Genius Level 3 is currently the highest level. Maybe more levels will be added to the existing three in the future. But as of now, Booking Genius Level 3 is the highest level in the reward system.

The Booking Genius hotels

For a property to make offers within the Booking Genius program, it needs an average guest review score of at least 7.5 out of 10. That is to ensure your Genius stays get as comfortable as possible.

However, you maybe have noticed that some hotels are Genius hotels but have lower guest score than 7.5. That is because exceptions are made from this rule if the average review score in an area is lower than 7.5 on average but the hotel in question is above average.

In other words, all Genius hotels are options that perform well. Either they have 7.5 or higher in guest score, or they have a better score than the average hotel.

Best price guarantee on Booking

If you find your reservation on another website with a lower rate, then contact Booking right away and they will match the price as long as a few requirements are fulfilled.

You don’t need to be a part of the Genius program to get the price match. It’s available from the first time you use Booking.

Booking Genius Rewards review

So are the Genius rewards by Booking a great option for you or not?

Right from signing up the Genius program gives you 10% discounts. That’s a good start.

It takes five stays to unlock Genius Level 2. From that point, you will receive 15% extra discount on your bookings.

If you shoot for the stars, you can bump that up to 20% off instead as you reach Booking Level 3. That’s just really, really great.

And the free breakfast and free room upgrades at selected locations for Genius Level 2 and Genius Level 3 members make this reward system even better.

It’s also positive that the reward system is so easy to understand. The number of stays you collect get you upgraded. So you avoid the hassle of converting your stays to points, which many other loyalty systems require.

Overall the Genius program is a great reward system. Especially to get 20% off but also to get free breakfast and room upgrades at various locations really makes a big difference.

Signup instructions

• Go to Booking.com and make sure to sign up or log in if you already are a member.
• Choose your stay and make your reservation while being logged in to your account.
• Collect stays and get upgraded to the Booking Genius Levels.
• Enjoy 10%-20% off, complimentary breakfast, free room upgrades and priority support.

Booking Genius Program FAQ

So far there are three Genius Levels. These are Genius Level 1, Genius Level 2 and Genius Level 3. This means that the highest Genius Level is Genius Level 3. There’s no Booking Genius Level 4 or higher.

The discount you get is 10% in Genius Level 1, 15% in Genius Level 2 and finally 20% in Genius Level 3. On top of that, you from Booking Genius Level 2 can receive free breakfast and room upgrades.

Yes, if you reach Genius Level 2, you have access to free breakfast and free room upgrades at selected locations.

Within two years, you need to collect 5 stays for Genius Level 2 and 15 stays for Genius Level 3. Pay attention to that it’s the amount of stays and not nights that you need to collect to be upgraded.

Currently Booking Genius Level 3 is the highest level. If you have reached the third Genius Level, you’re in the top bracket. But stay posted as another Genius Level could very well be added by Booking.com in the future.

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How works Genius, Booking.com’s loyalty program?

For who is Genius, Booking.com's loyalty program?

Booking.com’s loyalty program Genius is for casual travellers who:

• don’t earn enough nights to get a status with a hotel program like Marriott Bonvoy
• want to book the hotels of their choice
• are interested in collecting rewards
• switch between Airbnb rentals and hotels

Booking.com Genius Levels

Booking.com ‘s Genius program has three status levels. All members enjoy free access to discounts for life, depending on their level:

Here are some of the bookings we made with Booking.com :

• South Africa: Oceansong Beach House Noordhoek Cape Town
• In New Zealand: The Winedrinkers Cottage

Casual travellers

As you can see from the requirements, Booking.com’s Genius program is perfect for casual travelers.

The benefits of Booking.com's Genius Statuses

Here’s a summary of the benefits offered based on your Booking.com Genius status level:

Best price guarantee

Booking.com offers the guarantee of the best price and the refund of the difference if you find your booking at a lower rate on another site.

That is, if you find a lower price for the same hotel room booked with Booking.com , submit a claim up to 24 hours before the start date of your stay . Booking. com will then refund the difference.

In your booking confirmation email, look for the option You found this accommodation cheaper elsewhere. Or go to your account, in the View all reservations section.

Book on Booking.com with milesopedia

Want to support milesopedia? With your next reservation made through our affiliate link with Booking.com , we will be able to continue to give you lots of tips on how to save money when traveling!

Discover our multiple partners you can store with.

Get points for your bookings on Booking.com

Get flying blue miles with booking.com.

Flying Blue, Air France - KLM ’s loyalty program, is partnering with Booking.com. You can get Flying Blue miles for your reservations on Booking.com!

To do this, you will have to go to this specific link between Flying Blue and Booking.com and you will earn 1 mile per euro.

Get AIR MILES Bonus Miles with Booking.com

There are several tips for getting points, miles or cash back for your reservations on Booking.com.

You can earn AIR MILES miles for your Booking.com reservations through the airmilesshops.ca shopping portal.

To do this, you will need to log in to airmilesshops.ca before being redirected to the Booking.comwebsite. You’ll get 1 mile for $35. And regularly promotions are offered.

Check out this article to learn more about online shopping portals .

Redeem travel points for Hotels.com bookings

The online travel agency Booking.com is recognized by all travel points rewards programs. You will, therefore, be able to redeem your points to save on your reservations made on Booking.com .

For example with:

• American Express Membership Rewards
• HSBC Rewards

Bottom line

Booking.com’s Genius loyalty program is very simple. This program is for occasional travellers who do not necessarily book in a branded-hotel or who wish to be free to choose the hotel they want.

Plus, signing up for Booking.com’s Genius program is free!

Finally, in our opinion, the best credit card to use for Booking. com is the American Express Cobalt ® Card :

• 2 points per dollar for your travel purchases (including on Booking.com )
• travel points you can apply to on Booking.com reservations
• Reliable travel insurance
• No minimum income required

All posts by Jean-Maximilien

Suggested Reading

Rebels Travel

Genius Rewards Program: Exclusive Benefits with Booking.com

Posted Date:

Embark on a Traveler’s Journey with Booking.com’s Genius Program

As a seasoned traveler navigating through a sea of options, one platform stands out—Booking.com! With an authentic voice, let me share my journey and discoveries with this tried, tested, and trusted booking aggregator.

The Genius Program: Elevating Your Booking.com Experience

Every adventure starts with a simple sign-up. Join Booking.com’s Genius Level 1, and instantly avail a 10% discount on stays and rental cars. The best part? It’s free!

Navigating the Levels

Progress through levels by indulging in what you love—travel! Just a total of five stays in two years unlocks Genius Level 2, bringing forth enhanced benefits like 10-15% discounts on stays, free breakfast, and room upgrades on select stays.

Moving up the ladder to Genius Level 3 requires 15 stays in two years. At this apex, relish up to 20% discounts, priority support, and free upgrades alongside other exclusive perks.

Insider Tips for Maximizing Your Booking.com Experience

The power of filters.

The side panel’s filter tabs are your secret weapon. Trim your search to minutes, not hours, by customizing your preferences—budget, amenities, guest count, and more.

Flexible Payment Options

Booking.com offers the flexibility to pay upfront, at the resort, or upon arrival, adding convenience and peace of mind to your travel plans.

Exclusive Offers and Tracking

Opt-in for email alerts to receive enticing offers, intensifying as you climb up the Genius levels. Keep track effortlessly with Booking.com’s accurate tracking system.

Diverse Accommodation Options with booking.com

Explore over 390,000 diverse properties worldwide, from homes, resorts, and villas to hostels and unique stays. Reviews for each option aid in informed decision-making.

Understanding booking.com Cancellation Policies

Pay attention to cancellation policies—Booking.com clearly outlines these, ensuring flexibility in case of unforeseen changes to your itinerary.

Beyond Accommodations

Discover Booking.com’s comprehensive offerings, including stays, flights, attractions, and airport taxis. Delve into their array of stay options, from holiday vacations to unique accommodations.

Maximize Savings, Maximize Adventures

With Booking.com’s streamlined platform and diverse offerings, your journey becomes not only seamless but also cost-effective. As part of Booking Holdings Inc., it forms a robust network catering to various travel-related needs.

Unlock the Door to Enhanced Travel

As you plan your next escapade, let Booking.com’s Genius program elevate your experience. With exclusive benefits, tailored results, and a vast array of accommodations, let your wanderlust thrive without breaking the bank.

Happy travels, and may your adventures be as limitless as your savings!

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Genius is the most powerful marketing program for partners on Booking.com. By joining Genius, you’ll amplify your visibility to different groups of travelers who display attractive booking patterns and are less likely to be acquired on any other platform.

Through Genius, you’ll drive incremental growth and increase your revenue. You can do this with broad flexibility and control over how you participate in the program – by offering different levels of Genius discounts and varying Genius value-adds.

Join Genius

Boost your visibility

We highlight Genius properties with the Genius logo in search results and on the property page. On average, partners who join receive 70% more search result views from Genius travelers. What’s more, 30% of bookings at Genius properties are for non-Genius room types, meaning the visibility boost also benefits your undiscounted rooms.

Genius further boosts visibility through:

• Ranking boosts
• Search filters that allow travelers to see only Genius properties
• Marketing campaign investments from Booking.com (including individual global campaigns, year-round targeted marketing initiatives, and communications through email, social media, and PR)

After joining Genius, partners see on average:

increase in search result views

more bookings

more revenue

Stay in control

You can tailor Genius to your business goals, using traveler insights and other resources to optimize your Genius product offering. Monitor your performance and optimize for conversion using insights from the Genius Report . Use different discounts and value-adds to choose who you target and how , and protect your peak dates by pausing Genius for up to 30 days a year .

See your Genius report

If you’re not part of Genius, you’ll still see a monthly breakdown of Genius vs. non-Genius bookings with Genius bookings at zero.

Reach unique  audiences, 75% of genius bookings come directly from the booking.com platform, via our strategic partners or through our booking holdings sister brands., this means you’re reaching unique audiences you wouldn't otherwise be able to capture., target higher-value travelers.

Genius has three levels. Each offers progressively more travel rewards to travelers and more focused targeting to you. At higher levels, travelers are less likely to be acquired through other channels, giving you access to progressively more exclusive, higher-value audiences.

On average, Genius travelers:

• Spend 15% more when booking
• Book up to two times further in advance
• Leave 29% more reviews

Meet your Genius travelers

By joining Genius, you agree to offer Genius travelers 10% off your least expensive and most popular room type(s). You can choose to offer additional Genius incentives that help you target more exclusive audiences and meet your business needs.

Dynamic pricing

Genius Dynamic Pricing optimizes the way your discounts are offered, helping to further boost occupancy and increase revenue.

• Powered by machine learning technology: The discount you offer ​​adjusts based on your business needs, whether it’s switching the discount off during periods when we expect you to meet your occupancy targets or switching to more compelling discounts if occupancy goals aren’t being met.
• Peace of mind: Only offer discounts when needed to meet your occupancy target. You can apply blocked dates and opt out anytime.
• Finessed targeting: Similar to other discounting options, higher discounts will only be shown to smaller and more exclusive audiences.

Overview of Genius  discounts and value-adds  per level

Start your Genius journey today.

Visit the Extranet

Learn more about Genius

• Start offering free breakfast to Genius Level 1 and 2 travelers
• Learn how to use your Genius Report
• Watch an Elevate masterclass on the newly extended Genius

Related topics

Pricing     visibility.

Preferred Program

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As my list of “places to visit once lockdown is over” extends, so does my curiosity about how to get there, where to stay, and what to do – and how to save or earn with loyalty and reward programs of course. Read my Club Jetstar article to find how to get there. This article focuses on where to stay, and more specifically where to book accommodation.

The Dutch Online Travel Agency (OTA), Booking.com , is a major player in the online travel bookings space. Although Booking.com holds a large share of many markets around the world, there is some tough competition in the industry from the likes of Expedia, Airbnb and Webjet.

In a move to increase their member base, Booking.com updated their Genius loyalty program to provide member benefits right from the get-go.

A few clicks to sign-up

Sign-up for a Booking.com account using Facebook, Google, an email address, or an Apple ID.

Then, a prompt to enter a name and mobile number appear, but this can be skipped.

Ta da! Account created and immediate benefits are ready for members who make a booking.

Lifetime benefits

The Genius program has two levels. Once reached, each level is maintained for life.

• To access Genius level 1 – Sign up.
• To access Genius level 2 – Complete 5 stays in 2 years.

Genius Level 1

• 10% discount: on the price of a stay before taxes and charges.

Genius Level 2

• 10%–15% discounts: on the price of a stay before taxes and charges.
• Free breakfast
• Free room upgrade

Not all accommodation is created equal

Previously, to reach Genius Level 1, a member was required to complete two stays within 2 years. This was considered a low entry level into the program. Now, it’s even easier! A member can sign-up in a few minutes and receive the same 10% discount on future bookings – for life. Great value for members.

Not all accommodation providers participate in the genius program. To be eligible, a provider must have a rating of 7.5 or above. In any case, providers are not obliged to participate.

When browsing, there is a ‘Genius’ label to indicate an accommodation providers program participation.

It’s also important to note that not all Genius Level 2 benefits apply to each stay. For example, a hotel could choose to offer a 10% discount for a Genius member and a free room upgrade but is not obliged to offer a free breakfast.

Einstein level loyalty design?

Some may throw around the word ‘genius’ to describe Booking.com’s program. The program generates a loyal member base, and the accommodation providers foot the bill. Why? In the hopes of better visibility on Booking.com, of course. As Genius’ popularity rises, providers will have to join the program and take on the discount to at least maintain their current visibility.

For Booking.com, Genius enables growth and protects share of wallet in a highly competitive market, it helps build a database on who is travelling, when and where, and drives advocacy for the brand – given members are happy with the savings and the experience (considering members will stay at highly rated accommodation by design).

Genius sits in a sweet spot for less frequent travellers. A program tailored to those who may not travel enough to earn rewards from the big hotel programs, such as Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors , but are willing to make infrequent bookings from the same OTA over time (if it means they are rewarded). It also caters for those who want to stay at different types of accommodation across different brands.

Enticing members to use the product once, and then five times in two years, may induce behavioural commitment. The question is can Booking.com can turn this into attitudinal commitment? If they can, that would mean that members don’t opt for a competitor when a better deal comes along.

All in all, Genius is a win for travellers and the OTA. Unfortunately, it is the lowly rated accommodation providers and the margins of accommodation providers in general, that will take a hit.

Hunter Murray

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Genius faqs, what is my genius level and why do i have this level, why is my genius level lower than it was before, i have completed more than 5 bookings, why didn't i level up, why am i at a different genius level on my computer than i am on mobile, how do i unlock the next genius level, which bookings contribute to my progress in genius, how are my bookings counted, where can i use my genius discount, how are genius discounts and rewards applied, what rewards do i get at my level, how does the genius loyalty programme work, are there types of bookings that don't count towards my progress, find your next stay, save time, save money.

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Booking.com's Genius Partner Program: Everything You Need to Know

Tobias Roelen-Blasberg

The Booking.com Genius Partner Program is one of the most lucrative ways to generate higher and continuous sales on Booking.com. While other partner programs are designed to attract new guests, the Genius program gives select hotels and properties a chance to connect with frequent travelers, thus opening the opportunity of gaining loyal customers. This blog will discuss how to make the most of Booking.com Genius program.

What is the Booking.com Genius Program?

Booking.com is one of the leading online booking platform among travelers, hotels, and online travel agencies. It was hailed as the most visited travel and tourism website in the world, with 511 million unique visits in the last quarter of 2022. Aside from its numerous advertisement efforts, the website doesn’t fall short of creating marketing campaigns to increase customer retention for its partners.

One of Booking.com’s most popular marketing campaigns is the Genius Partner Program, which is as alluring to guests as it is for partners. The program connects businesses to avid travelers who have reached a certain number of required stays. These “Genius” users are granted exclusive discounts and other travel rewards in exchange for their loyalty and support to Booking.com. Thus, it works like a hotel loyalty program to encourage more people to book Genius partners.

The discounts granted by the partners range from 10-20% of the regular booking rate. While these discounts are based on the Genius level of the users, businesses are also eligible to do special tagging, ranking boosts, and other marketing promos to maintain a competitive edge among other Genius partners.

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What are the benefits of the Genius Partner Program?

While the Genius program requires fixed discounts and perks from partners, it’s actually a highly lucrative way to generate more sales. Here are some of the benefits enjoyed by Genius partners:

Increased booking rates.

Genius users would always prefer Genius hotels compared to other hotel chains. Aside from the perks they’ll get, most users actually book accommodations just to reach their quota and get into the next Genius level. This gives Genius partners a boost in their booking rates.

Better visibility to relevant searches.

Booking.com gives better visibility to businesses that are in their partner programs. After all, their programs follow strict membership guidelines, ensuring they provide nothing less than an exceptional guest experience. So, suppose you’re still starting to fully optimize your listing and collecting more reviews to boost your ranking. In that case, the Genius program may significantly increase your visibility in relevant searches.

To learn more about optimizing your profile, read our complete article, Optimizing Your Booking.com Profile for Maximum Visibility .

Decreased cancellation rates.

Guest cancellation is Booking.com’s biggest problem. According to recent surveys, cancellations on Booking.com are 104% higher compared to direct channels and 31% higher compared to Expedia websites. While this is genuinely scathing to the website, it poses even more significant risks to partners.

Considering these figures, hotels must explore various solutions to mitigate revenue loss because of cancellations, such as the Genius program. Since users are granted the Genius membership based on their previous bookings and customer behavior, they are the least likely to cancel bookings.

Achieve customer loyalty.

Genius users are avid travelers. So, they’re the ones who are most likely to book properties in the future. Once you provide them with an excellent guest experience, they will definitely book your property again. For businesses, this isn’t just an opportunity to generate sales but also a great chance to upsell your services.

Opportunity to collect reviews.

Collecting guest reviews is one of the most crucial strategies to increase your visibility and conversion rates on Booking.com. Unfortunately, some guests don’t have the time and willingness to do this.

Genius users are considered experts on the website due to their booking history. For this reason, most of them are more than willing to post reviews about their accommodations, especially if they were granted the perks and privileges.

How does the Genius Partner Program work?

Booking.com applies the Genius rates to their partners’ least expensive or most popular listings. If they are the same, the discount will only apply to one of them. Furthermore, they set the required discounts in reference to the Genius Rewards Program of the users.

Here’s a quick guide to Booking.com’s Genius Loyalty Program:

Booking Genius Level 1

This entry-level membership is granted to users immediately after signing up. Users get 10% discounts on their accommodations after taxes and charges. Once completed, the user will get a lifetime membership without any further requirement to maintain Genius Level 1.

Booking Genius Level 2

Granted to users who have completed five stays within two years. It comes with a 15% discount, complimentary breakfast, and free room upgrades on Genius partners.

Booking Genius Level 3

Users must complete 15 stays within two years. Users are awarded a 20% discount, priority assistance, complimentary breakfast, and free room upgrade on select accommodations.

The free room upgrades are subject to the approval of the partners. However, it’s worth noting that most users expect these Genius benefits as they are stipulated on the website. Aside from this, the discount can also be stacked with other discounts, including the Early Booker Deal, Last Minute Deal, Basic Deal, Secret Deal, and Free Nights Deal.

How do you qualify for Genius on Booking.com?

As mentioned a while ago, the Genius Partner Program is free. No subscription fees, application payments, or commission rate increases. However, Booking.com ensures that they provide nothing less than the best accommodations for their loyal users, so they observe strict eligibility guidelines for their partners.

Here’s how you can get into the Genius Partner Program:

• Ensure your listings are open and bookable through the website.
• Collect at least three guest reviews.
• Maintain an average Review Score of 7.5. (Booking.com makes an exception for specific cities. As long as your Review Score is above average within your area, you will be considered for the program.)

If you meet these criteria and wish to enter the Genius Partner Program, proceed to the “Opportunities” tab on your Extranet dashboard and submit your application.

How can you remove your Genius discount?

While the Genius program requires a specific set of discounts, partners can block out related deals for up to 30 days each year. This allows brands to optimize their listings or modify price lists before re-activating Genius promos.

Here’s how to temporarily suspend your Genius discount:

• Log in to the Extranet.
• Click the Genius Partner Program under the Opportunities tab.
• Select Suspend Genius discount and choose dates when you want to block out the Genius promos.
• Click Suspend dates to confirm

You can choose 30 consecutive or non-consecutive dates. However, note that Genius users who booked their stay before you blocked out dates can still claim discounts.

How do I get out of Genius Program on Booking?

Booking.com also allows partners to opt out of the program whenever necessary. All you have to do is send Booking.com a message through your Extranet inbox requesting the removal of your Genius membership. Remember that it will take six months to rejoin the program.

What is the difference between Genius Partner Program and Booking Preferred Partner Program?

As of this writing, Booking.com has two major marketing campaigns for its partners, the Genius Partner Program and the Preferred Partner Program.

The Genius Partner Program is designed to boost customer retention of businesses by giving users additional benefits. Since it caters to frequent travelers, companies can connect with people with the highest likelihood of rebooking your property. So, if your business doesn’t have difficulty attracting new customers but finds it challenging to retain them, this program may be the answer. Most importantly, the Genius program is free of charge as long as your business meets the requirements.

According to the website, partners who join the Genius program see an increase of 70% in search result views, 45% in bookings, and 40% in revenue with the cost of the discount accounted for.

On the other hand, the Booking Preferred Partner Program is designed to help businesses attract new customers, as it automatically grants greater visibility in search results. Furthermore, if you get into the program, Booking.com will give a special ‘thumbs-up’ seal of approval on your property page, which increases your competitiveness among users.

Booking.com claims that businesses under the Preferred Partners Program receive up to 65% more page views and a 20% increase in booking rate. Despite this, it’s worth noting that this program isn’t free. In exchange for the increased visibility and the thumbs-up seal, Booking.com will charge higher commission rates for your listings.

Businesses don’t really have to choose between the two programs, as they can join them simultaneously. Both programs are designed to achieve different business goals, ultimately leading to an increase in revenue. However, due to its additional benefits, the Genius Program is significantly more popular among users.

How to make the most out of the Genius Partner Program?

Numerous businesses claim that the Booking.com Genius program is, in fact, counterproductive for hotels and properties. The fixed discount rates, the required freebies, and the selection of the least popular listings aren’t that fruitful for some companies. However, just like any marketing campaign, the program’s effectiveness relies on how the Genius partners implement it.

Here are some of the tips to maximize the Genius Partner Program:

Promote your Genius discount to your social media accounts.

Like any promo, it’s highly recommended to promote your Genius discounts to your social media accounts. Aside from making a buzz among your followers, it’s also an excellent opportunity to reach out to other Genius users who are yet to book your property.

Engage with Genius users.

Good marketing campaigns would always have follow-up offers to maintain the interest of their leads. In line with this, it’s best to engage regularly with Genius users. While Booking.com encrypts the email address of guests, business owners can still send them messages even after they checkout. Update your guests about your existing promos, ongoing change in facilities, or pretty much anything that will entice them to book your property again.

Grant freebies or room upgrades whenever possible.

Always give Genius users the discounts, room upgrades, and travel rewards specified on Booking.com whenever possible. However, it’s best to have backup plans whenever you can’t accommodate their requests. For instance, during the peak seasons when you can’t grant room upgrades, you can try giving room upgrade vouchers which they can use for their next booking. You can also explore complimentary lunch, additional discounts, and other freebies.

Actively collect guest reviews.

As mentioned a while ago, guest reviews are excellent marketing assets to attract potential guests. For this reason, it’s highly recommended to actively collect guest reviews from Genius users. Send follow-up emails and SMS reminders, add a welcome pack to their rooms, and respectfully ask them upon checkout. To learn more about the best strategies to collect more Booking.com reviews, read our complete article here .

Respond to guest reviews.

Your response is as important as the guest reviews–this is especially true for the travel industry. According to recent surveys, 77% of travelers are likelier to book businesses that respond to reviews.

Replying to guest reviews is an excellent way to build rapport with Genius users. It can also encourage other guests, even non-Genius members, to post reviews that can help your overall score on Booking.com.

Read our complete article here to learn more about responding to Booking.com reviews.

Amplify your Booking.com Genius Partnership with MARA

Elevating your presence and engagement on Booking.com's Genius Partner Program can be effortlessly achieved with MARA, your ultimate AI Review Assistant . Designed to streamline and enhance your Online Reputation Management process, MARA empowers you to maximize the benefits of the Genius Program efficiently and effectively.

Easy-to-manage Review Inbox for Booking.com and other websites

One of the key features of this tool is the Review Inbox . Your review inbox makes responding to reviews as simple as hitting "Generate reply" and clicking "Send". The Review Inbox connects to multiple review sources, including Booking.com, Google, and Tripadvisor, giving you a panoramic view of all your reviews. And you can even configure review response automation: Why not allow MARA to automatically respond to simple reviews, like a 5-star Booking.com review with no text, ensuring you never miss a review from a Genius Partner? Daily notifications about new reviews keep you updated and in control.

Insightful Review Analytics for informed decision-making

Unlock valuable insights from guest feedback with MARA's Review Analytics feature. This provides actionable, easy-to-understand insights tailored exclusively to your business. With MARA, you can quickly get the gist of all your reviews without needing to read each one. The analysis is so detailed that you can find out about specific issues like "water in the pool is too cold" or "lack of vegan breakfast option”. These insights help optimize guest experience without requiring you to be a data expert.

Personalized responses with Brand Voice and Smart Snippets

Personalization in responses is really important, especially when responding to Genius Partners who have already left reviews on numerous listings. The Brand Voice feature allows the AI to adapt to your tone, making sure your responses sound authentic and stand out among other listings. Plus, with Smart Snippets , you can "teach" the AI how to respond to recurring praises or complaints. Your AI then incorporates this information into its responses, but always with different words, providing more personalized, relevant replies.

Faster group Review Analytics for multiple Booking.com listings

Additionally, our group analytics overview can provide a quick evaluation of the performance of each of your listing. Other than key metrics such as response rates, ratings, and the number of reviews, MARA also offers category scores based on advanced AI analytics. In the screenshot below, you can find an analysis for hotels with category scores for areas like Food & Beverage, Front Office, and Housekeeping. This analysis aids in swiftly identifying potential weaknesses, with a preview of detailed topics appearing when you hover over a category.

Final Thought

In today's increasingly competitive tourism industry, establishing customer loyalty among frequent travelers is paramount for hotel managers and property owners. Booking.com’s Genius Partner Program provides a valuable avenue to connect with a solid customer base, offering the potential for repeat visits to your property. Moreover, the program's flexibility allows partners to opt out at any time, with no cost involved.

The transformative impact of AI Review Assistants like MARA is evident, with over 2000 customers experiencing its game-changing capabilities. From enhancing overall ratings to increasing response rates and extracting actionable insights from guest feedback, MARA offers a promising solution to streamline and optimize the management of online reviews. Managing online reviews doesn't have to be daunting. With tools like MARA, businesses can streamline processes, personalize responses, and gain valuable insights, all while saving time and resources. Don't hesitate to give MARA a try - it's free for testing , requires no credit card, and can be up and running in less than five minutes.

This article is part of our hero content on Booking.com Optimization: The Ultimate Guide for Hotel Managers .

Frequently Asked Questions:

As of this writing, there are currently two Booking.com partner programs. First is the Genius Partner Program, which allows businesses to connect with frequent travelers. The second one is the Preferred Partner Program which grants listing a Booking-approved badge to attract new guests.

Yes. The Genius Partner Program is free. However, you need a bookable listing, at least 3 guest reviews, and an average Review Score of 7.5 to qualify.

There are currently three Genius Levels on Booking.com, each with a unique set of requirements to qualify.

Users must reach the booking target set for each level to level up on Genius booking. Once completed, users don't need to apply for the next level, as Booking.com would automatically grant exclusive discounts given to each Genius Level. However, remember that only bookings done on the website will be honored.

The highest level a user can reach on the Genius Loyalty Program is Level 3. Users are awarded a 20% discount, priority assistance, complimentary breakfast, and free room upgrade on select accommodations.

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Booking.com Have Expanded Their Genius Loyalty Programme

As global industries scrabble to make changes that will better suit a post-pandemic world, Booking.com have recently updated their  loyalty programme, Genius , to include additional levels.

NB: This is an article from Net Affinity

At  annual partner summit, Click , the company discussed their vision for the future of Genius to ‘help its property partners gain even more visibility, increase bookings and grow their businesses in 2021 and beyond’.

The expansion of the Genius programme means more of an incentive for people to use Booking.com, and reap the additional benefits by doing so. Booking.com are positioning the expanded Genius programme as an optional choice partners can make based on their individual needs.

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As an independent hotelier, it’s important to be aware of Booking.com’s expanding loyalty programme. Why? Because it  may have a noticeable impact on your direct bookings .

What do I need to be aware of as an independent hotelier?

First of all, keep an eye on your  metasearch rate s. If you’re a Net Affinity client, and  you’re using metasearch  (eg Google Hotel Price Ads), chat to us if you have any concerns.

Secondly, make sure you are not signed up to any Genius programmes you’re unaware of! If you find that you are, and you wish not to be, you will be able to ‘opt out’ by sending Booking.com a message via your extranet inbox and  following these instructions.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with using OTAs like Booking.com as part of your overall revenue strategy. They have their place within the mix. However, as an independent hotelier, direct bookings should be your number 1 goal. This loyalty programme builds loyalty to Booking.com – not to the hotels taking part. It increases dependency on Booking.com. Your weapon is  your rate  – always make sure you are reserving and using the best rate for your own channels.

Why is it so important I grow my direct booking channel?

• It gives you the ability to control your marketing message
• It gives you more control over the experience your guest has, and your ongoing relationship with them
• You will have lower cancellation rates overall
• It provides an opportunity to secure new loyal customers

What can you do to entice guests to book direct with you?

• Incentivise guests to book by offering a small discount or  unique enhancements
• Emphasise what you have to offer – your property, your area as a destination, your surrounding local attractions
• Create an engaging booking experience that ensures your guest sticks with it through until the end. Part of this is making sure you have an  intelligent booking engine  that is built for mobile, optimised for conversion and easy to integrate with other software that will collectively create a seamless user experience

Here’s a breakdown of what the Genius loyalty programme offers its users.

Genius Level 1

Complete any two stays within two years to unlock Genius Level 1 benefits on select options

Genius travel rewards

10% base-rate discount on the price of your stay before taxes and charges are applied

Genius Level 2

Complete any five stays within two years to unlock Genius Level 2 benefits on select options

10%–15% base-rate discounts on the price of your stay before taxes and charges are applied

Free breakfast with your Genius stay

Free room upgrade

Genius Level 3

Complete any fifteen stays within two years to unlock Genius Level 3 benefits on select options

20% base-rate discounts on the price of your stay before taxes and charges are applied

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Ranking the best online travel agency rewards programs

When I was in graduate school, I would book conference lodging for other students. In doing so, I collected thousands of dollars of rewards through online travel agency (OTA) programs. But, even if you're only booking for yourself, you may find value in booking through OTAs .

Many travelers use OTAs to compare prices and book travel and although OTAs are easy to use, you won't always get the best price. You may not even get elite night credits and perks at hotels when you book through OTAs. So, it's best to compare what you find through an OTA against booking directly with the travel provider.

However, not all OTAs offer rewards programs and some programs provide only minimal value. So, today I'll describe and rank the best OTA rewards programs.

Get the latest points, miles and travel news by signing up for TPG's free daily newsletter .

What to know before booking through an OTA

First off, know that booking through an OTA may not be the best option. You won't find some travel providers, such as Southwest Airlines , on most OTAs. And, you may find a lower price when you book directly.

Besides, you usually won't earn hotel points and perks when you book through an OTA . Instead, you usually must book directly with the hotel loyalty program to get elite earnings and perks. On the other hand, you'll usually earn airline miles when you buy your ticket through an OTA . But, the airline might classify your ticket as bulk or consolidated. And, this may yield fewer miles.

Finally, if things go wrong, you might find yourself caught in the middle of a finger-pointing match. Specifically, the OTA and travel provider may blame each other if your flight is canceled or your hotel is overbooked . So, both parties may claim the other needs to rebook you or provide compensation. Unfortunately, some travelers have learned this the hard way when trying to cancel travel during the coronavirus pandemic .

So, it's important to realize the potential pitfalls and consider the benefits of booking directly with the airline or hotel . But, if you decide to book through an OTA, you might as well choose one that earns plenty of rewards.

Related: Online travel agency vs. booking direct: Your guide to the best way to book your next hotel

Ranking the top OTA rewards programs

• Hotels.com Rewards : Best return on hotel bookings
• Orbitz Rewards : Best perks for frequent users
• Booking.com Genius : Best for easy to earn status that can provide confirmed upgrades and breakfast
• Expedia Rewards : Best for redeeming for a wide variety of travel
• Trip.com Rewards : Best for onsite perks when you need them

Now, let's take a closer look at each of the programs and options for maximizing your bookings.

Hotels.com Rewards

Hotels.com's loyalty program is called Hotels.com Rewards . And, in addition to being one of the most straightforward OTA rewards programs, it offers substantial value. Plus, you can book many top hotels through Hotels.com , including hotels perfect for a summer vacation or family vacation .

Earning and redeeming

The Hotels.com Rewards program offers you a reward night for every ten nights you stay. The value of your reward night is equal to the average rate you paid across the ten nights. However, this calculation doesn't include any taxes and fees. So, let's assume you:

• Stay seven nights in a hotel with a nightly rate of $100 before taxes and fees
• Stay three nights in a different hotel with a nightly rate of $200 before taxes and fees

In this case, you'd earn a reward night worth $130. However, you'll still need to pay taxes, fees and other incidental costs on your reward night. And, there's a $5 redemption fee if you redeem your reward night using the desktop or mobile web site. But, you can avoid paying the $5 redemption fee if you use the mobile app when you redeem.

Some strategy is helpful when using your reward night. If you use your reward night for a stay that costs more than the value of the reward night, you must pay the difference. But, if you use the reward night for a stay that costs less than the reward night, you'll forfeit the difference. So, you'll want to use your reward night on a stay with a nightly rate just slightly higher than the reward night. When you do, you'll get an almost 10% return on hotel spending through this program.

Related: 7 of the most interesting Hotels.com properties

Elite status

Hotels.com Rewards offers basic status and two tiers of elite status. Specifically, the base level status is called Rewards. And, Rewards status provides the following perks:

• Secret prices
• Earn and redeem as described in the previous section

You can earn Silver status by staying ten or more nights within a membership year, which is based on the date you created your account. Silver perks include the following:

• Priority customer service
• Hassle-free guarantee: Hotels.com will help minimize property charges or cancellation fees if you need to change or cancel a reservation.
• Price Guarantee Plus : If you find a better price on exactly the same stay, Hotels.com will match it and refund the difference.
• Guaranteed Wi-Fi at VIP access properties
• Extra perks at select properties

Once you reach 30 nights in a membership year, you'll earn Gold status in the Hotels.com Rewards program . Gold elites enjoy all the same perks as Silver elites, along with complimentary room upgrade, early check-in and late checkout subject to availability at VIP Access properties.

As you can see, Hotels.com Rewards elite status has few tangible benefits. So, the main reason to use this program is earning and redeeming. After all, getting a reward night after every ten nights is pretty sweet.

Related: Can you earn elite status and benefits when booking through Hotels.com?

Orbitz Rewards

Orbitz launched its Orbitz Rewards loyalty program in October 2013. And, like Hotels.com Rewards , Orbitz Rewards aims to be simpler than the average OTA rewards program.

Whenever you book travel through Orbitz, you'll earn Orbucks based on the kind of purchase you make:

• 1x on flights and packages (1% return)
• 3x on hotels, vacation rentals and activities (3% return)
• 5x on hotels and vacation rentals booked on the Orbitz app (5% return)

Orbitz deposits Orbucks into your account when you book. Then, you can cash in Orbucks toward hotel stays at more than 385,000 hotels worldwide. When you do, one Orbuck equals $1 off your hotel stay.

You can use Orbucks to pay for part or all of a stay. If you use Orbucks, the Orbucks you redeem will be subtracted from the total amount due. Unfortunately, you can't redeem Orbucks for anything besides hotel stays and vacation rentals.

Related: How do you cancel airline tickets issued by a travel agency?

Orbitz Rewards offers elite status to frequent bookers. You'll get Silver status just for signing up, which gets you the following perks:

• Access member-only prices
• Earn Orbucks when you book flights, hotels and packages
• Access to Rewards customer service line

You'll earn Gold status by staying four nights in a calendar year. On top of the perks provided to Silver elites, Gold elites also get unique amenities at VIP Access properties.

And, you'll get Platinum status after staying 12 nights in a calendar year. In addition to the perks available to Gold elites, Platinum status unlocks the following perks:

• Up to $50 Orbucks in reimbursement for travel expenses each calendar year
• Seat assignments and upgrades, bag fees , in-cabin pet fees and inflight Wi-Fi all count
• Apply for TSA PreCheck for free every five years
• Get free room upgrades and early check-in when available at VIP Access properties

Earning Platinum status could be worth it if you can use the $50 Orbucks credit for eligible travel expenses. This is especially true if you don't already have one of the top credit cards for TSA PreCheck .

Related: 5 reasons to get TSA PreCheck now

Credit card

If you're looking to boost your earnings with Orbitz, you could open the Orbitz Rewards Visa Credit Card. This no annual fee card earns Orbucks at the following rates:

• 10x on Pay Now properties booked on the Orbitz app (10% return)
• 8x on Pay Now properties booked on Orbitz.com (8% return)
• 6x on all flights booked on Orbitz.com (6% return)
• 5x on all other Orbitz.com purchases (5% return)
• 2x on all other purchases (2% return)

However, remember that you can only redeem Orbucks for hotel stays and vacation rentals booked through Orbitz. But, if you use Orbitz frequently, this card may be a good choice. The card also comes with lost and stolen baggage coverage . Plus, as a cardholder, you'll get a 6-month CLEAR trial membership and $60 off automatic renewal.

Related: Should you get TSA PreCheck or CLEAR — or both?

Booking.com Genius

The Booking.com Genius loyalty program is a bit different than most of the other programs described in this guide. Specifically, there aren't any chances to earn or redeem rewards within this program. And, there's no cobranded credit card for this program. But, you can earn elite status. And, best of all, it's easy to do so and lasts for life.

The Booking.com Genius loyalty program has two elevated Genius levels. And, once you earn these levels, you'll keep your status for life.

To earn the first level, Genius Level 1, you must stay twice within two years. But, this level only provides one perk: a 10% discount at select hotels.

But, Genius Level 2 isn't much more difficult to earn. To earn Genius Level 2, you must stay five times within two years. And, Genius Level 2 provides the following perks:

• 10% and 15% discounts at select hotels
• Free breakfast at select hotels
• Complimentary room upgrade at select hotels

You can see which hotels offer discounts, free breakfast and room upgrades when you search.

So, as a Genius Level 2, you can ensure an upgrade. After all, you can book into an upgraded room at select hotels for no extra cost. And, this gives much more value than a space-available upgrade.

You won't earn any rewards within the Booking.com Genius program . But, if you're looking for a deal or upgraded room , you may find it sorting by hotels with Genius perks.

Related: Booking.com makes a big move against resort fees

Expedia Rewards

Expedia's rewards program, named Expedia Rewards , provides a loyalty program that's similar to Orbitz Rewards . However, with the Expedia Rewards program, you can redeem for a wider variety of travel.

When you make travel purchases through Expedia, you'll earn points based on the kind of travel purchased:

• 2 points per $1 spent on hotels, cars, packages, things to do and cruises (1.4% return)
• 1 point per $5 spent on full-service airlines (0.14% return)

Also, you'll earn double points on all bookings made through the Expedia app. Plus, as we'll discuss in the next section, elite members can earn points faster.

When you're ready to redeem, simply sign in to your account and start the booking process. Once you get to the checkout page, select "Use my points" under the payment section. If you don't want to use all your points on this booking, enter the amount you wish to use.

However, if you are booking a hotel, you'll need to "Pay now" if you're using points. And, if you're booking airfare, you'll need enough points to cover the entire cost. For every 140 Expedia Rewards points you redeem, you'll save $1. So, each point is worth about 0.7 cents. But, points are worth double when you book a VIP Access hotel.

Related: The complete guide to the Expedia Rewards loyalty program

There are three membership tiers in the Expedia Rewards program . You'll earn Blue tier status simply for joining Expedia Rewards. And, at the Blue tier, you'll get the following perks:

• Save an extra 10% or more on select hotels with member prices
• Earn Expedia points
• Hotel price guarantee (Expedia will match any lower price you find until midnight before your stay)
• Early access to sales and other exclusive member offers

You'll move to Silver status if you spend $5,000 on eligible bookings or stay seven nights within a calendar year. In addition to the perks available at the Blue tier, Silver elites get the following perks:

• 10% more points when you book
• Extra perks at VIP Access hotels , including 250 bonus points just for booking
• 24/7 expedited customer service via the Silver member number

And, you'll earn Gold status if you spend $10,000 on eligible bookings or stay 15 nights within a calendar year. On top of the perks available at the Silver tier, Gold elites get the following perks:

• 30% more points when you book
• Free room upgrades when available at VIP Access hotels
• 24/7 expedited customer service with specialized Gold agents via the Gold member number

The perks provided by the Expedia Rewards program aren't all that impressive, nor is the earning. I'd recommend giving this program a pass unless you have a compelling reason to book through Expedia.

Related: Why points and miles are a terrible long-term investment

Credit cards

If you are all-in on the Expedia Rewards program, you may want to consider one of the following cards:

Expedia® Rewards Card from Citi

• 3x points on eligible Expedia purchases and 1x points on everything else
• Automatic Silver status
• Earn one elite-qualifying hotel night toward Gold status for every $2,500 in purchases on your card each calendar year
• No foreign transaction fees
• No annual fee

Expedia® Rewards Voyager Card from Citi

• 4x points on eligible Expedia purchases, 2x points at restaurants and on entertainment and 1x points on everything else
• Automatic Gold status
• $100 annual air travel fee credit
• 5,000 bonus points if you spent $10,000 in the prior cardmember year
• $95 annual fee

The information for the Expedia Rewards Voyager and Expedia Rewards Card from Citi has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: Battle of the mid-tier hotel cards: Which card outshines the others?

Trip.com Rewards

Trip.com's rewards program, named Trip.com Rewards, is similar to Expedia Rewards and Orbitz Rewards . In particular, you can earn and redeem rewards on flights and hotels. And, you can earn elite status based on your activity within the program.

When you make travel purchases through Trip.com, you can earn points in three ways:

• 25 Trip Coins per $100 spent on flights
• 80 Trip Coins per $100 spent on hotels
• Up to 140 Trip Coins per hotel review

But, as I'll discuss in the next section, members with elite status can earn 10% or 30% bonus Trip Coins.

When you're ready to redeem your Trip Coins, you have options. You can exchange Trip Coins for flight and hotel promo codes, instant savings on hotels and hotel perks. But, if you redeem for instant savings, 100 Trip Coins are worth $1. To use Trip Coins for instant savings, simply select "Save with Trip Coins" during the booking process. However, some bookings may not have this option.

It's unclear how much value can be obtained from Trip Coins when you redeem for promo codes and hotel perks. But, based on the instant savings redemption rate, I wouldn't place too much value in Trip Coins.

Related: Why you might not get housekeeping service during your next hotel stay

There are four membership tiers in the Trip.com Rewards program. And, to advance to higher levels, you must earn tier points by booking flights and hotels. Specifically, you'll earn tier points as follows:

• Flights : Earn 25 tier points for every $100 spent
• Hotels : Earn 80 tier points for every $100 spent

Now, here's what you need to know each membership tier.

Interestingly, membership tiers are adjusted each month based on the tier points you've earned in the last 12 months. As such, it requires a fair bit of spending to reach the Platinum and Diamond tiers in this program.

Additionally, members at higher tiers in the program get additional perks. You can exchange zero Trip Coins for these perks when booking hotels marked with "Trip Coin Benefits":

• Gold members : One free breakfast, room upgrade, late checkout and free cancellation
• Platinum members : Two free breakfasts, room upgrades, late checkouts and free cancellations
• Diamond members : Four free breakfasts, room upgrades, late checkouts and free cancellations

However, you must select perks at the time of booking. Perks are provided on a limited, first-come-first-served basis depending on hotel availability. Especially since the high membership tiers require a lot of spending to reach, I wouldn't put too much value in these perks.

Related: The best credit cards to jumpstart elite status

Earn airline miles with OTAs

Finally, some OTAs allow you to earn airline miles for hotel bookings. Three of these OTAs are Agoda (through its PointsMAX program), Points Hound and RocketMiles .

Some of these programs advertise up to 10,000 airline miles per night in earnings. But, in practice, I've yet to find a good enough value to use any of these programs. However, these OTAs can be a good option if you want to earn more miles in a program you already use. Likewise, you may be able to use these OTAs to generate account activity in little-used programs. And, this activity may allow you to keep your points and miles from expiring .

Related: Using Rocketmiles to earn points and miles on hotel stays

Maximize your OTA booking

When booking through an OTA , you may be able to quadruple-dip on rewards. Specifically, you may be able to earn all of the following:

• OTA rewards
• Online shopping portal rewards
• Credit card rewards on the purchase amount
• Travel provider rewards

However, there are some caveats. You can still earn airline miles when you book through an OTA . But, most hotel loyalty programs won't offer elite earning or benefits on OTA bookings . And, some OTA rewards programs may not provide rewards when you click through an online shopping portal. So, be sure to read the fine print for your OTA and travel provider.

Related: TPG reader question: Which credit card should I use in shopping portals?

Bottom line

Although I regularly used OTAs when I traveled less frequently, now I usually book directly with major airlines and hotels . After all, elite earning and perks matter at hotels now that I live on the road as a digital nomad . And, it's often easier to deal with flight cancellations or changes when you book directly with the airline.

But, I do still use OTAs in some cases. I'll book through an OTA when I stay at a hotel that isn't part of a major hotel loyalty program . And, I'll book flights through an OTA if it offers a much lower price. Plus, I often book through Priceline when I use AutoSlash for cheap car rentals .

Several OTAs offer strong rewards programs. Hotels.com Rewards earns the top spot on my list, but Orbitz Rewards and Booking.com Genius also offer solid value propositions. So, if you decide to book through an OTA, it may be worth using one that provides rewards and perks.

Additional reporting by Nick Ewen.

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Changes to Rewards Genius

Did you know that rewards genius is owned by tango card it can be confusing, so we’re simplifying things with a rebrand. we're still the same company, but now you can just call us tango..

Rewards Genius is still the same great platform, now it’s just under the Tango brand. What do you need to do? Nothing, other than be aware that rewardsgenius.com now redirects to tangocard.com.

You can still access Rewards Genius, you’ll just access it from tangocard.com or manage.rewardsgenius.com. We recommend updating your current bookmark to:  manage.rewardsgenius.com .

See answers to frequently asked questions below:

Why is Reward Genius getting rebranded?

Is the website changing, what are my next steps, i’m not yet a customer. can you tell me more about rewards genius, learn more about our company rebrand..

Please reach out to [email protected] for questions. We’re happy to help!