Australia has a new favourite rewards program. OnePass has taken home the crown for the first time, ending Flybuys’ three-year reign at the top.
The paid rewards program was named Australia’s best-rated in a Canstar survey of 4,710 respondents, who rated rewards programs on value, rewards range, ease of points redemption and more.
OnePass is partnered with major retail brands, including Bunnings, Kmart, Target, and Officeworks. It gives members free delivery, 365-day change-of-mind returns and 5 x Flybuys points on in-store purchases and online click-and-collect.
All these benefits will cost you though. OnePass membership fees are $4 per month, or $40 for one year.
Canstar spokesperson Eden Radford says Aussies are keen to earn rewards points anyway they can.
“The rewards landscape in Australia is competitive, and this year's award result shows consumers aren't simply sticking with the familiar, with OnePass taking top spot and ending a three-year winning streak from Flybuys,” she said.
“Canstar’s research shows Australians are engaged with rewards programs across every part of their weekly routine, earning points from the supermarket to the service station.”
How do Australians earn their rewards?
When asked where they collect their rewards points for rewards, Canstar’s survey showed:
- 47% of respondents earn points at supermarkets
- 39% earn points at department stores
- 23% earn points at liquor stores
- 23% of respondents earn points at petrol stations
- 10% earn points at other retailers
- 3% earn points through their energy or NBN providers
Physical cards remain the most popular way Aussies collect their rewards points, used by 40% of rewards members. Just under one-third (30%) store their card in a digital wallet or as a saved photo, while the remaining 30% scan directly through a dedicated app.
How rewards are redeemed
For the majority of respondents (47%), rewards points will be cashed in for discounts, while 30% use their points to buy products, and just under one-fifth (18%) redeem them for vouchers.
However, not everyone is making the most of their points. Canstar’s data shows just over one in five rewards program members (21%) have yet to redeem any points at all.
While hoarding points might be a strategic move for some hoping for a big return, it’s worth checking the fine print as some programs apply expiry dates to points. Points also, almost never increase in value over time.
Canstar’s tips for maximising reward program points
- Make sure you’re set up for success: Take a few minutes to ensure you’re set up on any apps and that your cards are easy to access. Where possible, link your rewards card or details to shopping profiles, like adding your Flybuys number to your Coles account. It’s a small investment of time now that could help deliver savings later.
- Check if your points expire: Understand what you need to do to make sure they stay active. It could be as simple as collecting or redeeming points once a year is enough to keep them active.
- Get the right rewards for you: Programs like Everyday Rewards and David Jones Rewards let members choose how they earn points. It's worth reviewing your settings to make sure you have the right preferences in place.
- Automate the points: Some programs offer automatic transfers. For example, Flybuys' Auto Transfer converts every 1,000 Flybuys points into 500 Velocity Points across linked accounts.
- Check the network: Make sure you know which stores are linked to your rewards program’s network to help ensure you get the most out of your shopping.
