FedEx Rewards Explained: How the Program Works for Shippers

• FedEx Rewards is a loyalty program for enrolled business shippers, not individual consumers
• Points are earned on eligible shipments during specific promotions, not every package
• Surcharges and accessorial fees typically do not qualify for rewards
• Points can be redeemed for shipping credits, gift cards, or merchandise
• Rewards provide incremental value, but rarely offset major shipping cost drivers

FedEx Rewards is often presented as an easy way to earn perks for shipping. But for business shippers, the real questions go deeper: What actually qualifies? How much are the rewards worth? And do they meaningfully offset rising shipping costs?

This guide is written for shippers evaluating FedEx Rewards as part of their broader parcel strategy, not for individual consumers or one-off shipments. Below, we break down how the FedEx Rewards program works, what shippers can earn, and how rewards compare to the real drivers of shipping spend.

What Are FedEx Rewards?

FedEx Rewards is a loyalty program that allows enrolled business customers to earn points for qualifying FedEx shipping activity. Those points can be redeemed for shipping credits, gift cards, merchandise, and other rewards.

The program is designed to encourage shipping volume, but rewards are typically tied to specific promotions and eligible services, not automatically earned on every shipment.

How Does FedEx Rewards Work?

At a high level, the FedEx Rewards program works in four steps:

1. Enroll in the FedEx Rewards program
2. Ship using eligible FedEx services during active promotions
3. Earn points based on qualifying activity
4. Redeem points through your FedEx Rewards account

Shippers manage activity through the FedEx Rewards login, often referred to as My FedEx Rewards or My FedEx Rewards login.

Is Enrollment Required for FedEx Rewards?

Yes. FedEx Rewards is not automatic.

Business shippers must enroll before they can earn points.

Once enrolled, points, promotions, and redemptions are tracked through your FedEx account.

Which FedEx Services and Shipments Earn Points?

Eligibility varies by promotion, but in general:

• Some FedEx Express services may qualify
• Select FedEx Ground shipments may qualify
• Economy, consolidated, or Freight services are often excluded

A key consideration for shippers: not all shipping spend earns rewards, even during promotional periods.

Do International Shipments Qualify for FedEx Rewards?

Sometimes, but not consistently.

Most FedEx Rewards promotions are focused on U.S. domestic shipping. International shipments may qualify only during select promotions and may earn points at different rates, if they qualify at all.

Are Surcharges and Accessorial Fees Included?

In most cases, surcharges and accessorial fees do not earn FedEx Rewards points.

This often includes:

• Fuel surcharges
• Residential delivery fees
• Peak season surcharges
• Additional handling charges

Because these fees represent a growing share of parcel spend, their exclusion can significantly reduce the real-world value of rewards for shippers.

How Many Points Do You Earn Per Dollar Spent?

There is no fixed points-per-dollar formula.

Points are awarded based on:

• Promotion rules
• Eligible services
• Shipping volume thresholds

This variability makes it difficult for shippers to predict rewards value without close tracking.

What Is the Dollar Value of a FedEx Rewards Point?

There is no universal dollar value for a FedEx Rewards point.

In general:

• Shipping credits offer the most direct and practical value
• Gift cards and merchandise typically provide lower effective value
• Rewards usually offset only a small portion of total shipping spend

For high-volume shippers, FedEx Rewards tend to be incremental rather than transformative.

What Can You Get With FedEx Rewards?

Shippers can redeem FedEx Rewards points for:

• FedEx shipping credits
• Gift cards
• Merchandise and promotional items

Among these options, shipping credits are often the most useful for businesses that ship regularly.

How Do You Redeem FedEx Rewards?

Redemptions are handled through your My FedEx Rewards login.

Rewards must be actively managed and redeemed to avoid expiration.

Do FedEx Rewards Points Expire?

Yes. FedEx Rewards points can expire if they are not redeemed within the program’s defined timeframe.

Expiration policies vary, which means unused points can quickly turn into unrealized value.

Can FedEx Rewards Be Combined With Discounts?

Yes. FedEx Rewards are generally separate from negotiated pricing agreements and are considered additive.

However, rewards:

• Do not replace contract discounts
• Do not reduce base rates
• Do not eliminate surcharges

They function more like a rebate than a pricing strategy.

Are FedEx Rewards Worth It for High-Volume Shippers?

For most business shippers, the answer is nuanced.

FedEx Rewards can:

• Provide incremental value
• Offer modest offsets to shipping spend

But they typically:

• Do not offset General Rate Increases (GRIs)
• Do not address surcharge growth
• Do not improve service selection

On their own, rewards rarely move the needle on total parcel costs.

Here’s How to Get the Most Out of FedEx Rewards

• FedEx Rewards work best when treated as a bonus, not a cost-saving strategy. To maximize value:
• Enroll and monitor promotions closely—points are only earned during active offers.
• Redeem for shipping credits first, which provide the most practical value.
• Use points before they expire to avoid losing earned value.
• Evaluate rewards alongside total shipping spend, not in isolation.
• Pair rewards with shipment-level data to understand what qualifies—and what doesn’t.

FedEx Rewards can add incremental value, but real savings still come from controlling service mix, surcharges, and rate increases.

FedEx Rewards vs. Shipping Cost Optimization

FedEx Rewards focus on earning points after you ship.

Shipping optimization focuses on reducing cost per package before and after shipment.

Optimization strategies include:

• Service-level analysis
• Surcharge visibility
• Invoice accuracy reviews
• Ongoing performance monitoring

Key Takeaways for Shippers

• FedEx Rewards require enrollment and active management
• Not all shipments or fees qualify for points
• Points expire if unused
• Rewards provide incremental value, not guaranteed savings
• Real cost control comes from visibility into shipping data