16 Forgotten Video Store Membership Perks That Are Extinct
These 16 perks from old-school video rental memberships brought joy to movie lovers — and now, they’re lost to time.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Before streaming took over, video store memberships were more than just cards — they came with unique, quirky perks that made the experience special. From free rentals on your birthday to secret member-only deals, these bonuses were part of the fun. Today, they’ve vanished along with the VHS aisles and “Be Kind, Rewind” signs.
1. Free Rentals on Your Birthday
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Members could walk in on their special day and pick any movie — no questions asked. It made birthdays feel extra personal. Now, you’re lucky if Netflix sends an email.
2. Punch Cards for Free Rentals
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Every rental earned a stamp, and after 10, you got one free. It felt like a movie lover’s coffee card. Loyalty programs like this are practically extinct now.
3. No Late Fees for Premium Members
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Higher-tier members got to keep rentals longer without penalties. It was a dream for chronic return-late types. Streaming has no deadlines, but also none of that forgiveness charm.
4. Exclusive “Member-Only” Preview Nights
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Stores hosted early screenings of new releases just for members. Snacks, raffles, and early dibs made it a mini event. Digital premieres don’t offer that sense of community.
5. Discounted Weekly Rentals
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Members often got week-long rental discounts that beat the daily rates. It encouraged people to linger over their picks. No one needs to return a movie anymore, but the deals are gone, too.
6. Family Plans with Shared Benefits
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Memberships could cover the whole household, with everyone racking up rentals together. Shared perks and parental controls were baked right in.
7. Free Popcorn or Candy with Rentals
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Some stores threw in snacks with a weekend rental deal — especially for members. It felt like a mini movie night starter pack.
8. Access to Rare or Out-of-Print Titles
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Video stores often held secret stashes of rare or imported films only available to loyal members. If you were “in,” you knew where to look.
9. Movie Buff Newsletters
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Members received printed newsletters with staff picks, reviews, trivia, and release calendars. It added a personal, curated feel to your viewing.
10. Two-for-One Tuesday Specials
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Midweek deals like “rent one, get one free” made Tuesday a sacred day for film fans. It kept traffic flowing on slow days. Streaming has no off days — but no two-for-one love either.
11. Reservation Services for Hot Releases
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Popular movies could be reserved ahead of time by members — no lines, no fights. It was like getting on the VIP list. Now, everything’s just a scroll away.
12. Member-Only Contests and Giveaways
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Stores ran raffles for posters, merch, or even free rentals for a year — members only. It added a fun, unexpected twist to your visits.
13. Upgrade Access to New Technology
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When DVDs or Blu-rays launched, members sometimes got early access or free format upgrades. It made trying new formats feel exciting.
14. Staff Recs and Personalized Picks
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Members got hand-picked suggestions from staff who knew their taste. Some stores even kept preference notes behind the counter.
15. Member-Exclusive Clearance Sales
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Old inventories, such as VHS tapes, posters, and even displays, were sold at a discounted rate to loyal renters first. It felt like treasure hunting. Now, there’s no physical media to hunt at all.
16. Birthday Coupons and Holiday Cards
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Stores mailed actual birthday cards with rental coupons inside. Around holidays, they’d include small gifts or notes. It made being a member feel personal — streaming platforms don’t send love like that.