You are a professional basher and time waster.
USAT today gets a transaction fee 4 times out 5. USAT's customer, the vendor, is giving away a free item; essentially a 20% discount on 5 items.
USAT's cost per electronic transaction is probably zero. Their cost is in equipment, payroll and technology development. They are leveraging their base fixed costs while variable expenses are reduced as a percentage.
It's a great loyalty program. USAT is the facilitator.
Customers and connections are rising. Your dislike of the company is going to get swept under the rug as profits grow and positive Free Cash is reached in June.