Whether you’re a casual moviegoer or a dedicated film buff, understanding the AMC Stubs membership options can save you significant money on tickets, concessions, and exclusive perks. As a member, you can earn points on every purchase, enjoy free popcorn refills, watch free movies, and access special birthday rewards – but choosing the right tier is crucial for maximizing these benefits.

We’ve thoroughly analyzed each membership tier, from the free Insider program to the premium A-List subscription, to help you make an informed decision. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the costs, benefits, and features of each AMC Stubs membership level so you can choose the perfect option for your cinema experience.

Understanding AMC Stubs membership tiers 

AMC offers four distinct membership tiers⁹, each designed to match different movie-watching habits and preferences. Let’s explore each in turn:

Tiers overview

The primary difference between the tier benefits is the earning potential and exclusive perks, while the cost increases as the benefits improve:

• Insider (Free tier): Earn 20 points per dollar spent⁹
• Premiere GO: Points earned 2x faster than Insiders⁹
• Premiere: Enhanced point earnings plus waived online ticket fees⁴
• A-List: Up to three movies weekly with premium format access¹⁴

Choosing the right tier 

Selecting the ideal tier depends on your movie-watching frequency and perks preferences. Here are our recommended considerations for choosing your membership level:

1. Casual moviegoers: The free Insider membership offers basic rewards and Tuesday discounts
2. Regular viewers: Premiere GO unlocks after 8 visits or 5,000 points annually⁹
3. Frequent visitors: Premiere membership saves approximately $45 annually⁹
4. Movie enthusiasts: A-List proves most valuable for watching multiple movies monthly

If you enjoy premium formats like IMAX and Dolby Cinema, A-List membership includes these without additional charges¹⁴. Correspondingly, if you primarily want to earn rewards on occasional visits, the free Insider membership serves as an excellent starting point.

Premiere tier particularly appeals to families, since it offers waived online ticket fees for 4+ guests⁹. Meanwhile, A-List members appreciate the flexibility to watch up to three movies every week with no blackout dates¹⁴.

AMC Stubs Insider benefits explained

AMC Stubs Insider tier offers fairly generous value without any membership fees¹.

Free membership perks 

As a member, you’ll receive:

• Free large popcorn refills on every visit⁹
• Access to exclusive screenings and events⁹
• Special Discount Tuesday pricing on movies⁹
• Online ticket fee waivers when buying 4+ tickets³⁰

Points earning structure

As a member, you’ll earn 20 points for every dollar spent on eligible purchases at participating AMC locations¹. Points can be accumulated via:

1. Box office transactions
2. Concession stand purchases
3. Online ticket purchases
4. Dine-in theater orders

Once earned, Points are credited immediately for concession and dine-in purchases¹. 

Points expire after 24 months of account inactivity, meaning members can retain all their points by making a single transaction within that period¹. Once you accumulate 5,000 points, you’ll receive a $5 reward that can be used toward concession purchases⁹.

Birthday rewards and discounts

Throughout your birthday month, you’ll receive special treats to celebrate. The birthday gift automatically loads to your account on the first day of your birth month1, and includes a complimentary large popcorn³¹.

As a step to reduce fraud, AMC have introduced a rule which states that new members must maintain their account for at least one calendar month before becoming eligible for birthday rewards³³. Once qualified, these perks remain valid throughout the member’s entire birthday month¹.

Discount Tuesdays

As a member, you can take advantage of Discount Tuesdays. On these days, you can purchase movie tickets at reduced prices³². 

Additionally, a special Tuesday combo offering a small fountain drink or ICEE® and small popcorn is available for just $5.00 plus tax³².

AMC Stubs Premiere GO rewards

Starting January 2025, AMC introduced a new middle-tier membership that bridges the gap between Insider and Premiere memberships⁸.

Qualification requirements

Members can earn Premiere Go through one of two methods:

1. Complete 8 qualifying visits within a calendar year, or;
2. Earn 5,000 points through eligible purchases³

Once qualified, members retain their status for the remainder of the current year plus the entire following calendar year³.

Enhanced benefits overview

Premiere GO delivers several exclusive perks, including:

• Free size upgrades on popcorn and fountain drinks
• Priority lane access at participating theaters
• Waived online fees when purchasing 4+ tickets
• Large popcorn and fountain drink during birthday month
• Points that never expire⁸

Points acceleration features

The points earn rules represent a significant upgrade from the basic Insider tier. Premiere GO members earn points at double the rate – 40 points per dollar spent compared to an Insider’s 20 points³. Therefore, reaching reward thresholds becomes notably faster.

AMC Stubs Premiere membership details

Premiere membership is the first of the paid tier options, and provides compelling value.

Annual membership benefits

Premiere membership costs an annual fee of $17.99 plus tax⁴. 

Members earn points at an accelerated rate of 100 points per dollar spent1, plus enjoy a range of additional benefits:

• Waived online ticket fees on all purchases
• Free size upgrades on popcorn and fountain drinks
• Same-day free refills on large popcorn
• Priority lane access at participating locations
• Points that never expire
• Tuesday ticket discounts

Cost analysis and ROI

For regular moviegoers, Premiere membership quickly pays for itself. AMC analysis shows that members save approximately $45 annually on average⁹. The savings typically come from:

1. Eliminated online ticket fees
2. Free size upgrades on concessions
3. Birthday rewards (large popcorn and drink)
4. Accelerated points earning

Just two movie visits can offset the annual membership cost¹⁰. The value becomes even more apparent considering that a large popcorn and drink combination typically costs around $20¹¹, although members may also choose to bring their own snacks to save on costs.

Premium perks breakdown

The premium perks are attractive, as is the priority service through specially marked shorter lines at both box office and concession stands¹².

One of our favorite design features is the points acceleration – members earn rewards 5 times faster than basic Insider members⁴. This means reaching the $5 reward threshold requires just $50 in spending⁴ representing a 10% return on spend.

The birthday celebration package includes both a free large popcorn and large fountain drink, loaded automatically to your account on the first day of your birthday month⁴. 

For families and groups, the waived online ticket fees provide substantial savings, regardless of the number of tickets purchased¹.

AMC Stubs A-List complete guide

AMC’s premium A-List subscription is the most comprehensive (and costly) offering in their membership options. This top-tier program delivers exceptional value for obsessed moviegoers.

Movie reservation system

A-List members can make up to three movie reservations at any time¹³, with several key features:

1. Book tickets months in advance
2. Reserve multiple showings for the same day
3. Cancel up to 30 minutes before showtime²
4. Watch the same movie multiple times¹⁴

A member’s weekly movie count resets every Friday¹⁴, allowing you to maintain a consistent viewing schedule. Plus, there are no online booking fees¹⁵, which typically cost $5.00 per ticket¹⁶.

State coverage options

The pricing structure varies based on your location, with three distinct tiers:

• $19.95 monthly: Available in most states¹⁷
• $22.95 monthly: Covers additional states except for select locations¹⁷
• $24.95 monthly: Full coverage across all states and Washington D.C.¹⁷

These price variations reflect market differences and theater availability. Loyalty & Reward Co recommend checking your local pricing before committing to membership.

Premium format access

One of the most valuable aspects is unlimited access to premium formats. Members can enjoy any showing format without additional charges¹⁸, including:

• IMAX® experiences
• Dolby Cinema presentations
• RealD® 3D screenings
• BigD® formats
• D-Box motion seats²

Alternatively, members can opt to pay for tickets separately and save their A-List reservations for premium showings². This flexibility maximizes the membership’s value, considering premium format tickets often exceed $20.00 per showing¹⁶.

The program also includes exclusive perks at concession stands. Members receive free size upgrades on popcorn and drinks¹⁸, plus earn 10% back on all food and beverage purchases¹⁶. Similarly, priority lanes at participating locations help reduce wait times¹⁶.

Additional considerations

For Premiere members, the billing cycle runs annually, with a 30-day grace period for renewals¹. A-List memberships operate on a monthly recurring charge until cancelation⁷.

For those considering membership changes, fees are non-refundable unless canceled within the first 30 days of the current term1. Members can update their payment information anytime through their AMC Stubs dashboard, and automatic renewals can be managed online1.

Points earning and redemption system

Understanding the intricacies of AMC’s point system can significantly enhance your movie-going experience. Let’s dive into how you can make the most of this rewarding program.

Points calculation by tier

The point earning structure varies markedly across membership levels. As previously mentioned, Insider members earn 20 points per dollar spent¹, Premier Go earn 40 points per dollar, while Premiere and A-List members collect 100 points per dollar¹. Points appear instantly for concession purchases, although ticket purchase points process the next business day¹.

There are some important limits to consider. Members can earn up to 50,000 points daily for Premiere and A-List accounts, or 10,000 points for Insider and Premier GO accounts¹. Accounts are limited to 10 transactions per day¹.

Redemption options

Once you’ve accumulated 5,000 points, you can activate a $5 reward¹. These rewards remain valid for 270 days after activation¹.

Here’s what you can redeem your rewards for:

• Insider & Premier GO members: Food and beverage items only
• Premiere members: Tickets and eligible concessions
• A-List members: Additional tickets beyond membership and eligible concessions¹

Some purchases don’t qualify for point earning or redemption:

• Pre-paid discount tickets
• Membership fees
• Gift card purchases (points earned upon redemption only)
• Tips to employees
• Arcade purchases
• Sales tax
• Alcohol (restrictions vary by location)¹

Maximizing point value

As loyalty consultants, we’ve identified several strategies to optimize your point earnings:

1. Always scan your virtual card at concessions
2. Purchase tickets through approved partners
3. Combine purchases into fewer transactions to avoid daily limits
4. Activate rewards strategically before expiration
5. Use points on higher-margin items like concessions

Points expire after 24 months of account inactivity1. Henceforth, maintaining regular activity ensures you retain your hard-earned points. Premier, GO, A-List and Premiere members benefit from accelerated earning – reaching rewards five times faster than Insider members¹⁴.

The most efficient way to accumulate points is through A-List or Premiere membership, as these tiers earn points at the highest rate1. It is worthwhile considering your movie-going frequency when choosing your tier, as frequent visits can rapidly accumulate significant rewards.

Managing your AMC Stubs account

We’ve simplified the process to set up and manage your AMC Stubs account effortlessly.

Account setup process

Getting started with your AMC Stubs membership involves several essential steps. First and foremost, you must be at least 16 years old with a valid photo ID¹⁵.

Here’s how to begin:

1. Download the AMC Theaters mobile app
2. Tap “My AMC” in the app
3. Enter your email and personal information
4. Select your preferred theater locations
5. Choose notification preferences
6. Set up your password
7. Add payment method for premium tiers

Importantly, ensure your membership name matches your photo ID exactly, as theater staff may verify this information when transacting or entering the theater¹⁵.

Profile management tips

Here’s several useful profile management strategies to help get the most out of your membership:

• Update your favorite theaters regularly for personalized recommendations
• Keep your notification preferences current for special offers
• Review your points balance and rewards monthly
• Monitor your reservation history (for A-List members)
• Maintain accurate contact information for important updates

You can access all relevant settings through your account dashboard on either the website or in the mobile app¹⁵.

Updating payment information

Managing your payment details requires specific steps to ensure uninterrupted service. To modify your payment method:

1. Log into your AMC account
2. Navigate to the “Wallet” tab in your dashboard
3. Select “Edit primary card” option
4. Add your new payment method
5. Set it as the primary payment option
6. Remove old card information if desired

For accounts with recurring billing (Premiere or A-List), you must first add and designate your new card as primary before removing the old one¹⁵.

It is important to note that recurring charges will automatically process through your primary payment method²¹. Thus, keeping this information current is important to ensure you maintain your membership benefits.

For billing inquiries or technical support, AMC provides dedicated customer service through their help center. Members experiencing login issues or password problems can request assistance directly through the account management portal²².

Gift memberships

Gift memberships are also available. These pre-paid memberships provide the opportunity give the gift of cinema to friends and family.

They operate slightly differently – they’re available in 3, 6, and 12-month periods and can be purchased through either the website or mobile app¹⁵.

What do members say?

After reviewing numerous testimonials from AMC Stubs members, we’ve gathered insights reflecting real user experiences with the program.

Positive Feedback:

• One A-List member highlights the convenience of online reservations: “The reserving process is fast, seamless, and being able to reserve days in advance has made life so much easier.” ³⁴
• Another user appreciates the value of premium format access: “In my area, IMAX tickets are about $18, so if you want to watch three IMAX films in a week, the A-List pays for itself right there.” ³⁴
• A satisfied member notes the encouragement to explore diverse films: “The ability to see up to three movies a week will encourage you to see more movies since you’re already paying for it monthly, and the more movies you see a month means the more you save.” ³⁵

Negative Feedback:

• Some members express concerns about the program’s commitment period: “A-List requires a minimum three-month commitment, which is about $60. That’s not too bad if you’re planning to commit for the long term anyway, but some people might find it irritating that you have to commit three months to a service you haven’t used yet.” ³⁶
• Others mention limitations for families: “A-List is not a family friendly plan… My guess is this is to prevent kids from camping out at AMC Theatres all summer, since kids have a lot more time than adults to watch movies.” ³⁶
• Additionally, the program’s weekly reset schedule has been a point of contention: “Unlike a regular calendar which typically begins on Sunday and ends Saturday, the ‘week’ for A-List begins on Friday and ends on Thursday… You must spread [your movie viewings] out over those days.” ³⁶

Member Feedback Patterns:

• Positive Aspects:
  • Advance online reservations
  • Access to premium formats without extra fees
  • Encouragement to watch a broader range of films
• Common Concerns:
  • Mandatory commitment period
  • Lack of family-friendly options
  • Non-traditional weekly schedule

In summary, members report AMC Stubs, particularly the A-List tier, offers substantial value for frequent moviegoers who can navigate its specific terms and schedules.

How does it rate against Loyalty & Reward Co’s Essential Eight® Principles?

As a global loyalty consulting company, Loyalty & Reward Co have developed the Essential Eight® Principles. These are elements which appear in all best-practice loyalty programs. We use them to guide the program design or audit process to identify areas for improvement.

Let’s see how AMC Stubs rates:

Is it Simple?

AMC Stubs is definitely not a simple program. The four membership tiers design is complex. The rewards are diverse. Some tiers are free while other require either monthly or annual payments. The points earn rates are different per tier. A-list involves substantial rules regarding access to the three movies per week.  

AMC do their best to make it easier for members to understand by highlighting the main benefits for each tier and ensuring they are easy to access. The redemption process remains equally uncomplicated: every 5,000 points converts to a $5 reward1. Through the mobile app, members can easily track progress and manage reservations²³.

Is it Valuable?

This is where AMC Stubs really shines; the program delivers very attractive value. Higher tiers receive at least 10% of their spend back in points plus account credits²⁴. The additional perks such as popcorn & drinks upgrades and free refills, Discount Tuesdays, priority lanes, and promotional offers are generous. For families, the waiving of booking fees is appealing. And for avid movie goers, A-list provides exceptional value with three free movies a week.

From a loyalty theory perspective, AMC have access to ‘efficient rewards’, where the perceived value to members is high but the cost to AMC is low. This has enabled them to develop a very appealing loyalty program that would be challenging in other industries.

Is it Stimulating?

With the large number of benefits and the regular releasing of new movies, AMC have developed a highly stimulating program. By incorporating progress tracking and tiered benefits, they tap into the psychology of motivation⁶, which keeps members coming back. The four membership tiers with increasing benefits provide options to engage more deeply to improve the moving experience. The anticipation of earning additional perks with Premiere GO drives increased visits and spending.

Is it Emotional?

AMC Stubs creates emotional connections with members which acts to boost share of wallet spend amongst members as they prioritize AMC over competitors. The program offers surprise rewards and recognition, triggering delight, a core driver of emotional bonding between members and a brand. Birthday rewards and exclusive member screenings foster a sense of belonging⁶.

Is it Complementary?

The program seamlessly integrates with the core movie-watching experience, ensuring it is highly complementary. This extends to all aspects of the experience, including candy bar and off-peak periods, while ensuring full omnichannel integration. Around 30% of all AMC tickets are purchased by members²⁶, demonstrating successful integration with regular theater operations. The program enhances the customer journey, making the transaction process easier and less painful (via the removal of fees).

Is it Differentiating?

AMC Stubs stands out as a best-practice loyalty program that genuinely differentiates AMC. It’s one of the few paid movie theater loyalty programs globally²⁷. As a loyalty program it is often cited as a case study for subscription loyalty programs and programs that deliver incredible value. It locks in members with its perks and points, making it a very valuable asset for AMC when competing with rivals.

Is it Cost-Effective?

Due to AMC’s extensive range of ‘efficient rewards’ the program is incredibly cost effective. Many of the perks, from free movie tickets to popcorn and drinks refills, cost AMC very little to provide. From a business perspective, the program shows strong financial performance. For every million subscribers, AMC generates between $15 million and $25 million in annual EBITDA²⁸. Furthermore, 45% of A-List members were not previously enrolled in AMC Stubs²⁴, indicating successful customer acquisition.

Is it Evolving?

AMC is a standout for loyalty program evolution. The introduction of new features like A-List Entourage for group bookings and Premier GO shows ongoing innovation¹⁵. Most importantly, the program actively collects and analyzes customer data to enable targeted promotions based on:

• Movie genre preferences
• Favorite concession items
• Visit frequency patterns
• Special event attendance⁶

AMC Stubs does an impressive job of transforming casual customers into loyal patrons by providing ongoing rewards and exclusive benefits⁶. Despite being complex, it is a truly standout loyalty program that can definitely be considered best-practice based on Loyalty & Reward Co’s Essential Eight® Principles review.

Conclusion

AMC Stubs stands out as a well-designed loyalty program that delivers real value to moviegoers. Through our detailed analysis, we found that each membership tier offers meaningful benefits aligned with different viewing habits and budgets.

The free Insider membership provides a solid entry point, while Premiere GO rewards regular visitors with accelerated earnings. Premiere members enjoy enhanced perks that quickly offset the annual fee. Additionally, A-List proves incredibly valuable for frequent moviegoers who appreciate premium formats.

The straightforward points system makes earning and redeeming rewards simple, while the mobile app streamlines account management. Overall, AMC Stubs successfully transforms casual viewers into loyal patrons through its mix of immediate perks and long-term rewards.

We believe AMC Stubs sets the standard for theater loyalty programs through its tiered structure, valuable benefits, and continuous evolution. The program’s remarkable growth to over 24 million members certainly validates its appeal. Start with the free Insider tier to experience these benefits firsthand, then upgrade as your movie-watching habits increase.

Loyalty & Reward Co’s Essential Eight® Principles

Want to know more about the Essential Eight®? Read our whitepaper.

Do Loyalty Programs Work?

Looking for examples of best-practice loyalty programs from around the world that have delivered outstanding results? Check out our ‘Do Loyalty Programs Work?’ series.

References

[1] – https://www.amctheatres.com/amcstubs/terms-and-conditions
[2] – https://www.atomtickets.com/help/entry/amc-stubs-a-list
[3] – https://www.amctheatres.com/faqs/amc-stubs
[4] – https://www.amctheatres.com/amcstubs/premiere
[5] – https://www.amctheatres.com/pay-your-way
[6] – https://loyaltyrewardco.com/?s=psychology+of+motivation
[7] – https://www.amctheatres.com/amcstubs
[8] – https://www.amctheatres.com/amcstubs/premiere-go
[9] – https://www.amctheatres.com/amcstubs/insider
[10] – https://thekrazycouponlady.com/tips/money/amc-stubs
[11] – https://www.reddit.com/r/AMCsAList/comments/14v01hs/is_amc_stubs_premiere_worth_it/
[12] – https://celluloidjunkie.com/wire/amc-theatres-rewards-program-amc-stubs-crosses-5-million-member-mark-membership-base-doubles-with-programs-relaunch/
[13] – https://screenrant.com/amc-a-list-regal-unlimited-best-movie-subscription-service/
[14] – https://www.amctheatres.com/amcstubs/alist
[15] – https://www.amctheatres.com/faqs/amc-stubs-a-list
[16] – https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/streaming/amc-a-list-tips-tricks-price-features
[17] – https://www.moneydigest.com/1548760/amc-stubs-a-list-subscription-worth-price/
[18] – https://9meters.com/entertainment/movies/amc-a-list-costs-and-benefits
[19] – https://www.thestreet.com/entertainment/theater-subscription-programs-compared-moviepass-vs-regal-unlimited-vs-cinemark-movie-club-vs-amc-stubs-a-list
[20] – https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/amc-raise-price-stubs-a-list-subscription-select-states-1158187/
[21] – https://www.reddit.com/r/AMCsAList/comments/15xw5ak/changing_payment_method/
[22] – https://www.amctheatres.com/help
[23] – https://www.businessinsider.com/amc-stubs-theater-moviepass-like-subscription-impressions-2022-1
[24] – https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180816005658/en/After-Only-Seven-Weeks-AMC-Stubs-A-List-Records-More-Than-1-Million-in-Attendance-and-More-Than-260000-Members
[25] – https://celluloidjunkie.com/wire/amc-theatres-crosses-20-million-amc-stubs-households-a-700-percent-increase-during-the-last-3-years/
[26] – https://investor.amctheatres.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/217/amc-theatres-achieves-milestone-as-amc-stubs-loyalty-program-crosses-above-10-million-member-households
[27] – https://www.slideserve.com/tea/amc-theaters
[28] – https://celluloidjunkie.com/2018/06/20/all-about-amcs-new-subscription-program-and-what-it-means-for-the-cinema-industry/
[29] – https://www.under30ceo.com/amc-membership-cost/
[30] – https://www.reddit.com/r/AMCTheatres/comments/u2dzqy/can_anyone_explain_the_different_tier_of_stubs/
[31] – https://cyberguy.com/best-gift-picks/how-to-get-free-birthday-rewards/
[32] – https://www.amctheatres.com/discount-tuesdays
[33] – https://www.reddit.com/r/AMCsAList/comments/wxny7z/how_to_redeem_free_popcorn_and_fountain_drink_in/

[34] https://www.imore.com/my-experience-amc-stubs-list-bye-bye-moviepass

[35] https://www.fourkents.com/blog/why-i-recommend-the-amc-stubs-a-list

[36] https://www.slashfilm.com/559301/amc-stubs-a-list-review/

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