Set and Forget
TL;DR: Simply set up these programs then forget about them; you’ll get rewards automatically if you happen to use them.
Lazy score: 5 sloths
Loyalty programs are a double-edged sword. On the one hand, they are a great way to defray the costs of money you are already spending. On the other hand, companies do not offer them just out of the goodness of their hearts: ultimately, they are profitable for the companies that offer them. So you want to take advantage of the benefits they offer while minimizing the risk that they will successfully induce you to spend money.
That’s what’s great about the following programs: you don’t have to think about them to take advantage of them. By setting up these links, you’ll get bonuses every time you happen to spend with one of these companies, but you don’t actually have to engage with the rewards programs to get those benefits.
Starbucks & Delta: Simply go to their partnership site to link your Skymiles and Starbucks Rewards accounts and earn 1 Delta mile for every $1 you spend at Starbucks.
Lyft & Delta: Likewise, you can visit the Delta/Lyft site and link your accounts to earn 1 Skymile for each $1 spent on Lyft (2x to/from US airports).
Uber & Marriott: Uber and Marriott have a similar program, which you can sign up for in the Uber app (note that only certain purchases qualify for rewards).
Shell: Download the Fuel Rewards app and link your credit card to save at least 3¢ per gallon. Unlike most other gas apps, you don’t need to open the app at the pump to save; it will recognize your card.
Burger King: If you eat at Burger King, you can link credit cards in their app to earn rewards anytime you use your linked card in-store.
Dining Programs: Almost every airline and hotel chain has a dining program that will allow you to earn miles/points when you dine at certain restaurants. Even if you never look at the restaurant list, you can occasionally get some bonus points. Just be careful to take advantage of the bonus welcome offer (see link for details).
Dosh: Dosh works similarly to the dining programs above, but has some different restaurants and, importantly, when they overlap with the dining program restaurants you can receive rewards from both programs.