Research from the Australian Loyalty Association found that nine in 10 Australians are members of at least one loyalty program and, on average, Aussies are members of six in total.
Customer loyalty program specialist, The Point of Loyalty, recently ranked 68 programs as part of its annual consumer research study. The highest score of 80 went to Flybuys, while the lowest score of 61 went to Accor Live Limitless. The average score was 68.6.
So, I thought I’d take a closer look at the best-scoring programs in the categories of groceries, fast food, petrol, retail and beauty…
Groceries
Coles: Flybuys
Cost: Free
Score: 80.0
Overall ranking: 1/68
How it works:
You can collect at least one point per dollar spent at Coles and other retail partners such as Officeworks, Kmart, Target, Bunnings Warehouse and Liquorland. You also boost your rewards by activating offers in the Flybuys app or looking for special offers with retail partners.
For example, at the time of writing, you could earn 50,000 Flybuys points if you take out a Coles Rewards Mastercard and spend $3000 on eligible purchases within 90 days from approval.
You can use your points in four ways. One is to get money off your shopping – every 2000 points gets you $10 to spend in-store at participating partners. You can convert your Flybuys points to Velocity Points – you will earn 500 Velocity Points for every 1000 Flybuys points you transfer.
You can also redeem your points for gift cards or spend in the Rewards Store on items like appliances, homewares, luggage and more. Finally, you can use your points towards flights and accommodation through Flybuys Travel – 2000 points will get you $10 off.
Woolworths: Everyday Rewards
Cost: Free
Score: 79.5
Overall ranking: 2/68
How it works:
You can collect at least one point for every dollar spent at Woolworths and other partners including BIG W, BWS, Ampol, Origin and Marley Spoon. You will also have opportunities to boost your rewards using “points boosters” that will give you extra points when you buy certain items.
You’ll find these offers in the app or your inbox. Sometimes there are also sign-up offers you can take advantage of to collect extra points. At the time of writing, for example, if you sign up for an eligible policy through Bupa and link your Everyday Rewards card, you could get up to 130,000 points.
There are three main ways to use your points. When you reach 2000 points, you earn $10 off a shop at Woolworths and partner stores including BIG W, BWS and some Ampol sites.
You can spend it straightaway or save it up. You can also bank your points to spend between December 1 and January 1 each year for Christmas. Or, you can convert them to Qantas Points – every time you hit 2000 Everyday Rewards points they will be converted to 1000 Qantas Points.
You might also like: Bakers Delight Dough Getters (70.0), IGA Rewards (68.7) and Dan Murphy’s My Dan’s (68.0).
Fast food
McDonald’s: MyMacca’s Rewards
Cost: Free
Score: 74
Overall ranking: 6/68
How it works:
You can earn 100 points per $1 you spend on eligible food and drink purchases. You will need to download the MyMacca’s app to take advantage of this rewards program. If you order and pay using the app, your points will be added automatically.
If you order in person – whether in-store or at the drive-thru – you’ll need to tell the staff member your MyMacca’s Rewards code. You can find the code on the app. Simply tap on “code” located in the bottom navigation bar. You can also find special deals and bonuses on the app that give you the opportunity to earn extra points.
When your points balance hits 2500 you can start redeeming them for items from the McDonald’s menu. For 2500 points you can get a McCafé beverage, hamburger, small soft drink or hot apple pie. A McFlurry, cheeseburger or large fries will set you back 5000 points.
And you’ll need 7500 points to get a Big Mac or Quarter Pounder.
You might also like: Nando’s Peri Perks (71.7) and Guzman y Gomez Gomex Rewards (70.8).
Retail
Amazon: Prime
Cost: $9.99 per month or $79 a year; you can try it for free for 30 days
Score: 76.9
Overall ranking: 3/68
How it works:
This is the only program I’ve highlighted that you have to pay for but given the relatively high score and its third overall ranking, members obviously think they are getting bang for their buck. With Amazon Prime you get free expedited delivery on eligible domestic orders and free international delivery on eligible items.
You also get access to the Prime Video streaming service, Prime Gaming which lets you enjoy a selection of free games, Amazon Music Prime where you can listen to music and podcasts ad-free, and Prime Reading which lets you choose from a rotating selection of over a thousand eBooks, comics and short works to read for free.
You might also like: eBay Plus (73.5) and Princess Polly Rewards (71.9).
Petrol
7-Eleven: My 7-Eleven
Cost: Free
Score: 72.2
Overall ranking: 9/68
How it works:
Download the My 7-Eleven app and scan your ‘My Card’ when shopping. You’ll get a reward on your seventh eligible visit. To be eligible you need to spend a minimum of $1 and it can’t be for ParcelMate parcels, tobacco or tobacco-related products if bought alone.
Another great feature of the My 7-Eleven app is Fuel Lock. Search nearby 7-Eleven Stores to find the best current local fuel price. If you find a great price, you can use the app to lock in that price for up to seven days.There are also exclusive app-only deals for members.
You might also like: BP Rewards (65.5).
Beauty
Mecca: Beauty Loop
Cost: Free but rewards are based on your yearly spend
Score: 69.5
Overall ranking: 25/68
How it works:
The Beauty Loop is free to join but rewards and benefits depend on how much you spend each year. There are four levels – the higher the level, the more rewards you’ll get in the form of Beauty Loop Boxes (curated sample boxes) and Beauty Loop Bonuses (extra beauty products).
Spend between $300 and $599.99 in a year (Level 1) and get one birthday gift and four rewards each year. Spend between $600 and $1199.99 (Level 2) for one birthday gift and seven rewards.
For Level 3, spend between $1200 and $3499.99 to receive one birthday gift, eight rewards and one complimentary MECCA natural make-up application. You’ll also get invitations to VIP events and access to products prior to launch. Spend more than $3500 for Level 4 to get an extra reward.
You might also like: Sephora Beauty Pass (68.8) and Adore Beauty Adore Society (66.7).
Tips & Traps
- Download the relevant app or add your card to a loyalty card mobile wallet app like Stocard. That way you’ll always have your card on you when you’re shopping.
- Think about adding family members to your rewards program so you can build up points faster.
- Check the app for offers before you go shopping so you can make the most of them. The Flybuys, Everyday Rewards, My Macca’s Rewards and My 7-Eleven apps all have special offers for members.
- Be aware that you’re sharing a lot of data about your shopping habits. It can be smart to find out how your data can be used and if it is shared.
- Don’t let rewards rule your decisions. Be careful not to spend more than you normally would just to get points.
