Reward Schemes in 2025: Are They Still Worth It for Aussies?

It feels like every time you open your wallet, another retailer is offering a new reward scheme. From grocery giants to local cafes, Australians are bombarded with loyalty programs promising points, perks, and savings. But with shifting economic conditions and new regulations in 2025, do these schemes still stack up? Let’s dive into how reward schemes have evolved, what’s changed this year, and what savvy consumers should watch out for.

The Changing Face of Reward Schemes in 2025

Australian shoppers are no strangers to loyalty programs. Flybuys, Everyday Rewards, Qantas Frequent Flyer, and dozens of other schemes have long promised cashbacks, discounts, or flights in exchange for your loyalty. But 2025 has brought a new wave of changes—both from businesses and the government.

• Increased Personalisation: Using AI and big data, retailers now tailor offers based on your individual shopping habits more than ever before. This means more relevant deals, but also more data sharing and privacy considerations.

• Points Devaluation: Several major programs have quietly adjusted their points-to-dollar ratios, meaning you may need to spend more to earn the same rewards. For example, some supermarket schemes now require 2,200 points instead of 2,000 for a $10 voucher.

• Regulatory Oversight: The ACCC’s 2025 guidelines require clearer disclosure of point expiry dates and redemption hurdles, following a wave of consumer complaints in 2024 about confusing terms and sudden changes.

Real-World Examples: Winners and Losers

Let’s look at how these shifts play out in real life.

• Supermarket Schemes: Woolworths’ Everyday Rewards recently introduced ‘boosted’ offers for select members, but also reduced the value of some standard redemptions. Many shoppers report that unless they regularly activate offers and adjust their shopping habits, they’re earning less than previous years.

• Credit Card Rewards: Several banks have changed the earn rates on their premium cards—while annual fees have crept up. For instance, a leading Australian rewards card now offers 0.7 points per dollar instead of 1 point, unless you spend over $3,000 a month.

• Travel Loyalty Programs: With international travel rebounding, Qantas and Virgin have both tightened the availability of classic reward seats, making it harder for casual point collectors to find value. Savvy travellers are increasingly turning to ‘points hacking’ communities to maximise redemptions, but casual users may miss out.

How to Make Reward Schemes Work for You

With the landscape shifting, here’s how to get the most out of reward schemes in 2025:

• Read the Fine Print: Check for changes to point expiry, redemption thresholds, and any new fees or conditions. The ACCC’s 2025 guidelines mean these should be easier to find.

• Focus on Schemes That Match Your Habits: If you fly rarely, airline points may not be worth it. But if you’re a regular at one supermarket, their program could deliver real value.

• Watch for Data Trade-Offs: More personalised offers mean more of your data is being tracked. Decide what you’re comfortable sharing, and opt out where possible if privacy matters to you.

• Stack Offers: Combine rewards with sales, cashback, or partner promotions to maximise value. For example, using a rewards credit card at a participating retailer during a bonus points event can double-dip your benefits.

• Don’t Chase Points at All Costs: Spending extra just to earn points can backfire. The real value comes from earning rewards on purchases you’d make anyway.

The Verdict: Still Worth It, But Only If You’re Smart

Reward schemes can still offer genuine value to Australians in 2025, but it’s not as easy as it once was. With program devaluations and more hoops to jump through, the best benefits go to those who pay attention to the rules and align their rewards strategies with their real-life spending. For many, a ‘set and forget’ approach will deliver diminishing returns, but the engaged shopper can still come out ahead.