The Blood Matters Blog ·

    How to Stack Your OBI Donor Points Faster

    Shhh! Alright, lean in close — we’re about to let you in on a little secret that most donors don’t know.

    Share

    Here’s the deal: In Our Blood Institute's new rewards program, how you plan your blood donation matters.

    Every time you:

    • Book your appointment early
    • Show up for that appointment
    • Donate what patients need most

    ... you earn donor points, which you can turn into rewards you love. And when demand is especially high, we’ll add even more points — helping you reach your next reward even faster.

    Here’s the best part: With a little planning, you can redeem your points for rewards after just one donation. No complicated math. No hidden fine print. Just a simple way we show how much we value your time and generosity.

    Heads up! This trick only works if you've created a profile in OBI's donor portal. If you haven't already, take a moment to do that right now.

    Step 1: Know Your Super Power

      Blood types come with their own special superpowers. None are better or worse — they just help patients in different ways!

      Some types of blood, plasma and platelets are in higher demand, so your donation can make an even bigger impact — for patients AND for you — when it’s exactly what hospitals need most.

      A single donation can earn up to 1,500 donor points! Here's the most rewarding donation for each blood type:

      • Types A and B: Earn 1,500 points per platelet donation
      • Type AB: Earn 1,500 points per platelet donation OR platelet/plasma donation
      • Type O Positive: Earn 1,500 points per platelet donation
      • Type O Negative: Earn 1,500 points per power red donation

      Step 2: Stack Points Like a Pro

      With power-ups and perks that grow as you hit milestones, give more often and make the most of your blood type, our donor rewards program is next-level. We’re here to help you get every point you deserve.

      For easy bonus points, book your own appointment seven or more days in advance. You'll earn 1,000 bonus points when you show up and successfully donate.

      But here’s the ultimate hack: When demand is high or history tells us donations might dip — like during holidays, back-to-school season or inclement weather — we may offer bonus points to encourage donor turnout.

      Donate on one of these days and you'll level up faster than ever.

      We announce these pop-up promotions via email and text messages to qualifying donors, so sign up for alerts — and keep your notifications on!

      Example Donor Rewards

      Step 3: Redeem Your Hard-Earned Points

      Points will hit your profile about three days after you give and can immediately be exchanged for rewards in OBI's donor store.

      Our most popular choice is a $25 gift card. Donors have two options:

      • Our friends at Mission Market are offering a 25% discount on their gift cards, meaning you get a full $25 value for just 3,750 points! Mission Market offers a variety of OBI and blood donor swag, plus purchases support Global Blood Fund!
      • You can redeem 5,000 points for a $25 VISA gift card, which works anywhere VISA is accepted.

      Plus, OBI’s donor store is now open year-round — no waiting for special “shopping weeks” anymore! It’s our way of saying thank you when it matters most — right after you’ve helped save lives.

      Don't Care About Gift Cards?

        There's a way to turn your points into another generous gift.

        Every day in the world’s poorest countries, people die because of a shortage of blood. Global Blood Fund helps blood collectors in these countries by providing money, equipment, training and support.

        If gift cards aren’t your thing, donating your points to Global Blood Fund is a powerful way to multiply your impact. Even a $1 donation can have a life-changing impact.

        More on GBF

        Step 4: Make It a Habit

        This isn’t a one-time trick. You can donate platelets every seven days (up to 24 times per year) — meaning you get to use this hack often!

        Combine the self-booking bonuses with our milestone rewards — and the possibility of bonus point days — and you’re basically hitting the jackpot every few donations.

        Bonuses reset at the start of each rewards year — so keep donating to stay on a roll!

        So, what are you waiting for?

        Donor points aren’t just a reward — they’re a secret VIP pass to prizes. The best part? You’re saving lives while cashing in.

        Take advantage of this by scheduling your next appointment today.

        Book An Appointment

        Note: Information accurate as of August 21, 2025. Donor rewards are subject to change without notice.