Woolworths vs. Coles: Loyalty scheme shift you need to know about

Navigating the world of supermarket loyalty programs can be as tricky as finding the shortest queue at the checkout during peak hours.

Recently, Coles significantly changed its Flybuys program, causing a stir among shoppers who were suddenly prompted to claim a $10 discount for every 2,000 points accumulated at the checkout.

This alteration has confused many customers and, frankly, a bit miffed.


While Coles' new system allows you to redeem a $10 discount as soon as you hit the 2,000-point mark, this discount affects the number of points you can collect on that shop.

A Coles spokesperson explained that customers would continue to earn points on the value of their shop.


1721783712931.png
Coles offered a $10 discount for every 2,000 Flybuys points after other discounts, while Woolworths applied Everyday Rewards points before discounts. Credit: Shutterstock


‘When customers opt-in to take $10 off their shop, they will still collect points on the value of their shop, but after the $10 off, and any other discounts and savings are applied,’ the spokesperson said.

Woolworths, on the other hand, has taken a different approach.

‘Shoppers will still accumulate the points on the full shop before the $10 discount,’ a Woolworths spokesperson stated.


A Sydney mum's experience illustrated this perfectly. Her $13.25 purchase earned her $14 points after the $10 discount was applied at Woolworths.

In response to customer feedback, Woolworths removed the automatic prompt on self-service screens that asked customers if they wanted to use their $10 discount after collecting 2,000 points.

‘We have removed the automatic prompt on the self-service screen in Woolworths supermarkets and at BIG W, following significant customer feedback showing our members prefer to save their Reward dollars to use after they have accumulated a higher reward amount, as opposed to redeeming $10 each time they reach 2,000 points,’ a spokesperson announced.

‘This allows our members to apply a larger saving to their shop when they need it most.’

‘Customers can easily redeem their rewards dollars at the checkout by selecting ‘Reward dollars’ on the payment screen.’


But what's the best way to use these points? According to Angus Kidman, a personal finance expert at Finder:

‘You'll actually get maximum value from supermarket rewards by converting them into frequent flyer points - Qantas from Everyday Rewards or Velocity from Flybuys - rather than the $10 off offer,’

‘For instance, 16,000 Everyday Rewards can be converted into either $80 off or 8,000 Qantas Points.’

‘Those 8,000 points will pay for a one-way reward flight from Sydney to Melbourne - which can easily cost $150 or more. Even when you factor in paying the carrier charges, the flight option is much better bang for buck.’

‘That said, if you’re definitely not planning to travel, getting the $10 off is still a welcome bargain.’


Finder's research indicates that 40 per cent of Aussies experience a significant financial stressor due to grocery bills, a figure that has more than doubled over the past four years.

Every little saving counts, with the average household spending nearly $10,000 yearly on groceries.

‘Aussies are having to fork out more than ever on everyday groceries, so it’s great to be able to enjoy some perks in return,’ Kidman added.

In related news, Qantas and Woolworths unveiled the largest points giveaway in Qantas Frequent Flyer program history, offering 50 million points.

Fifty fortunate Woolworths, Big W, and BWS shoppers can win one million Qantas Points each. Read more about it here.
Key Takeaways
  • Coles changed their points redemption process for Flybuys, where shoppers can claim a $10 discount for every 2,000 points earned, which applies after other discounts and savings.
  • Woolworths, however, allows their Everyday Rewards customers to accumulate points on the total value of the shop before any $10 discount is applied.
  • Woolworths removed the automatic prompt to redeem $10 discounts after customer feedback, allowing customers to save their points and apply a larger saving later.
  • Using supermarket rewards points for frequent flyer points, such as Qantas from Everyday Rewards or Velocity from Flybuys, may offer better value than a $10 discount, especially for travellers.
Have you noticed these changes at the checkout? Which loyalty program do you prefer, and why? Feel free to share your experiences and tips with our community in the comments below.
 
Sponsored
Ssometimes it's useful to be able to spend what you need to rather than the whole $10 in one shop. Sure, it saves a bit of money, but on a fixed income it's handier to be able to pop into Coles for some bread or butter. Flybuys used to allow that. Rewards forces you to spend the whole $10.
 
But you dont have to accept the $10 discount it just asks you if you want to you can decline. Plus flybuys loyalty program is being cancelled by the end of the year so better to use up your points
 
But you dont have to accept the $10 discount it just asks you if you want to you can decline. Plus flybuys loyalty program is being cancelled by the end of the year so better to use up your points
It cancelling in New Zealand not in Australia. We are not affected
 
Did you notice this sneaky change to Woolworths' loyalty program?

Where did this heading come from in the story, your worse than most of the media companies. I'm really getting tired of your misleading storylines. Either your promoting some company to line your own pockets, or making up storyline headings.

In relation to what the story was actually about, its up to each individual to decide what works best for them at the time of checkout, its good they both now offer you the choice to select saving $10 on the shop, or you choose not to so that you can use the points later for something you want.

Personally I convert my Woolies points to QFF, and Coles I use each time as Velocity doesn't interest me.
 
If you go into your Flybuys account on the internet, you can turn off being offered to redeem the points at the register. I did this.
 

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×