Right now, every dollar counts, so imagine discovering a hidden stash of cash you never knew existed, or unlocking a treasure trove of discounts and freebies simply by being an everyday customer.
From forgotten superannuation to state and territory government rebates and vouchers, and even surprising perks you might not realise come with your bank account, a little digging could lead to a wallet win!
How to find lost and unclaimed money
As of 30 June 2026, there were just under seven and a half million lost or unclaimed superannuation accounts in Australia. These accounts contained a staggering $21.2 billion in unclaimed funds, according to ATO figures. The real kicker? If you have a lost super account sitting out there, fees could be eating away at your balance as we speak. Eventually, what’s left of your hard-earned money may be transferred to the ATO, which will hold onto it until claimed.
In short, it really does pay to check if you have any lost super and consolidate it into a fund of your choice. Finding it can be remarkably easy: link your myGov account to the ATO and you should be able to view any lost or unclaimed super it’s holding for you, as well as any super accounts under your name. You can also call the ATO’s automated lost super line on 13 28 65 or ask your current super fund to search for lost super on your behalf. Before consolidating, check whether your old fund includes any life or total and permanent disability (TPD) insurance you want to keep, as closing the account cancels your cover.
If you wish to close the old super account, it’s simply a matter of requesting a transfer into your primary super fund, giving you just one account to keep track of and just one set of fees to pay.
Beyond super, you may also be missing money from lost shares, bank accounts, and life insurance policies. A simple search of your own name with Moneysmart’s Find Unclaimed Money service can help reconnect you with your rightful assets.
Additionally, your state or territory government may be hanging onto unclaimed share dividends, trust accounts, and even long-lost refunds. Consider contacting the revenue office in your state or territory for more information. Many of them also have searchable online registers.
Unlock state and territory government rebates and vouchers
Most of Australia’s state and territory governments offer a range of rebates and vouchers, and these often go unclaimed, simply because people are unaware they exist!
For example, sports and creative kids vouchers can provide financial relief for eligible families, with certain criteria applying. These vouchers can be found in:
- New South Wales: Two $50 vouchers per calendar year
- Northern Territory: Two $100 vouchers per financial year
- Queensland: One voucher for up to $200 per financial year
- South Australia: Two $100 vouchers per calendar year
- Tasmania: Two $100 vouchers per financial year
- Victoria: One voucher for up to $200 per funding round; dates can vary
- Western Australia: One voucher for up to $300 per financial year
New South Wales toll rebate scheme
New South Wales drivers may be missing out on significant savings through the toll rebate scheme, which can add up to $350 per week (to a cap of $5,000 per year) for those spending between $50 and $400 a week on tolls. You’ll need to link your toll account to your MyServiceNSW account and claim quarterly to get the rebate.
Hidden perks in your bank account
Your bank account might offer you more than just a place to park your money. Many financial institutions offer customers surprising perks and discounts.
For example:
- AMP Bank: Link your Qantas Frequent Flyer account and earn 2 Qantas Points for every $10 of your average monthly balance (up to $500,000). Offer ends 31 January 2027. If you’re not already a Qantas Frequent Flyer member, AMP Bank will cover the membership fee. This perk is available for AMP Bank GO Everyday account customers.
- ANZ: If you use the ANZ Plus app, you may be able to earn Qantas Points when you link your ANZ Plus Visa Debit card to Card Offers via the Qantas Frequent Flyer Add-On. Note that customers don’t earn points through regular spending, but by making purchases via these linked offers. If you don’t already have a Qantas Frequent Flyer membership, ANZ will provide a complimentary one when you join via the add-on.
- Australian Military Bank: You could earn 1% cashback for Visa payWave purchases under $100 (capped at $25 per month), when you deposit $2,000 or more per calendar month, excluding internal transfers.
- CommBank: CommBank Yello allows you to earn Yello Points through a range of eligible banking products including credit and debit cards, home loans, and insurance, across four tiers. You can then redeem points across shopping, travel, gift cards, points transfers, and more. It also lets you access perks like discounts, presales, and other experiences.
- ING: ING Pocket Perks allows you to access cashback offers at 80+ retailers. ING also offers 1% cashback (up to $100 per financial year) on eligible utility bills when using your Orange Everyday account. In addition, it occasionally runs a friend referral program that offers a cash reward.
- NAB: Having an eligible NAB Visa card gives you access to NAB Goodies, which provides you with fuel discounts at 7-Eleven and discounted movie tickets, amongst other offers.
- Westpac: If you’re a Westpac customer, you can access discounts, cashback, and deals across travel, tech, home, fashion, and more. Westpac and its broader group of brands (Bank of Melbourne, BankSA, and St.George Bank) have a partnership with ShopBack, which offers you bonus cashback in certain circumstances when using the platform.
Loyalty programs
Loyalty programs, like Everyday Rewards and Flybuys, can also be an untapped source of freebies and discounts, provided they don’t entice you to spend more than you normally would.
Some retailers offer free gifts and discounts to encourage customers to sign up to mailing lists or loyalty programs. For example, Guzman y Gomez offers a free burrito for signing up, while Bonds offers a $5 discount.
Birthday freebies can be a particular highlight, though you’ll typically need to join the brand’s loyalty program or app first. Below is a selection of appealing birthday freebies we’ve found:
- Boost Juice: A free juice or smoothie on your birthday or within two days either side.
- Hoyts: A free small popcorn or post-mix drink, valid for 30 days from your birthday.
- Hungry Jack’s: A free Whopper on your birthday.
- JB Hi-Fi: A $10 voucher provided in the month of your birthday and valid for 28 days from receiving it.
- Myer: A $10 to $30 birthday voucher depending on your membership level.
It’s also worth keeping track of your loyalty perks and points in case they expire. For example, Qantas Points can expire after 18 months if you don’t earn or use your points within that time period.
Free entertainment, education, and events
If you’re looking for free or cheap activities to keep you or the kids occupied, local councils can be a fantastic resource. Depending on where you live, you might have access to a wealth of options, including:
- Art exhibitions
- Movie nights
- Toddler playgroups and activities
- Exercise groups and outdoor activities
- Buy, sell, swap days
- Workshops for learning new skills
- Open mic nights
Make sure to check the What’s On section of your local council’s website or sign up to its newsletter to stay informed.
Your local library may also be a good source for free events and kids’ programs, and it can lend you a variety of things, like:
- Fiction and non-fiction books
- Graphic novels and comic books
- Magazines and newspapers
- Media on CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays
- eBooks, eAudiobooks, educational tools, and streaming services
Some libraries may even lend non-traditional items like games, toys, and gardening and hardware tools.
Food freebies and discounts
With the cost of groceries and dining out so high, finding savings at the checkout is undeniably helpful for the weekly budget. Even small discounts, half-price specials, or in-app offers can quickly add up, making a noticeable difference to household spending over time.
Depending on how frugal you are, you might consider being flexible with your shop and taking advantage of marked-down items (I know plenty of people who freeze marked-down meat before their use by date) or switching from big brands to store brands (goodbye Rice Bubbles, hello Rice Pops).
There are also apps like Too Good To Go, a favourite with the Canstar office, which lets you snap up discounted ‘surprise bags’ of surplus food from local cafes, bakeries, and retailers that would otherwise go to waste. After reserving and paying through the app, you can pick up your order during a set time window. It’s a win-win for bargain hunters and those who don’t want to see perfectly good food go to waste. The app is available in most Australian capital cities.
