Loyalty Programs in Australia 2026: Are They Still Worth It?

Loyalty programs are everywhere—from supermarkets and airlines to petrol stations and online retailers. Most Australians are members of at least one program, and many juggle several at once. In 2026, these programs have evolved in a few key ways:

More Personalised Offers

Thanks to advances in technology, loyalty programs now use data to deliver more tailored offers. You might receive discounts or promotions based on your shopping habits, sometimes triggered as soon as you enter a store. While this can mean more relevant deals, it also raises questions about how much personal information you’re sharing.

Integration with Digital Wallets and Banking

Many loyalty programs now connect directly with your digital wallet or banking app. This makes it easier to earn and redeem points automatically, without needing to scan a card or enter a code. For some, this convenience is a major benefit. For others, it’s another layer of data sharing to consider.

New Privacy Regulations

Recent changes to privacy laws in Australia require loyalty programs to be clearer about how they use your data. You now have more control over what information you share and can often opt out of certain types of data collection. However, some programs have reduced the range or value of rewards in response to these rules.

The Impact of Inflation

Rising prices have affected the value of many loyalty programs. In some cases, the number of points needed for a reward has increased, or the value of each point has dropped. This means you might have to spend more to get the same benefit as in previous years.

Example Changes in 2026

Some major programs have updated their offerings in response to these trends. For instance, supermarket loyalty schemes have introduced new tiers for high spenders, while also adjusting the value of basic rewards. Airline programs have added new partners but increased the points required for popular redemptions. These changes reflect a broader shift towards more targeted, but sometimes less generous, rewards.

Not all loyalty programs are created equal. To make sure you’re getting real value, consider these strategies:

Stack Your Rewards

Look for opportunities to combine rewards. For example, you might be able to earn supermarket points and credit card rewards on the same purchase. This can help you accumulate benefits faster without changing your usual spending habits.

Redeem Points Wisely

In many programs, using points for everyday discounts—such as money off your groceries—often provides better value than saving for big-ticket items. Larger rewards can come with restrictions or require more points than they’re worth.

Keep Track of Expiry Dates

Points can expire if you don’t use them within a certain timeframe. Many programs now have rolling expiry policies, so it’s important to check your balances and set reminders to use your points before they disappear.

Control Your Data Sharing

With new privacy rules, you can often choose how much information you share with loyalty programs. Limiting data sharing may mean fewer personalised offers, but it can also give you greater peace of mind.

Don’t Overspend for Points

It’s easy to get caught up in chasing points, but buying things you don’t need just to earn rewards can quickly outweigh any benefits. Focus on programs that fit naturally with your regular spending.

Everyday Example

Consider someone who uses supermarket and fuel loyalty cards but only redeems points for direct discounts. By avoiding programs with high annual spend requirements or complicated redemption rules, they keep things simple and avoid unnecessary spending.

Whether a loyalty program is worth your time depends on your shopping habits and your comfort with sharing personal information. For regular shoppers who pay attention to the details, loyalty programs can still offer real savings—though often less than in previous years. For occasional users, the effort involved may not be justified by the rewards.

Look for Simplicity

Programs that automatically apply discounts or rewards—such as those linked to digital wallets—are becoming more popular, especially among people who don’t want to keep track of multiple cards or offers.

Watch Out for Low-Value Rewards

Some programs now offer more frequent but less valuable rewards. It’s worth focusing on those that provide meaningful, regular savings rather than a flood of minor offers.

Be Cautious with New Schemes

New loyalty programs from fintech companies and buy-now-pay-later providers are appearing in 2026, sometimes with attractive sign-up bonuses. However, it’s important to read the terms carefully, especially regarding fees and data sharing.

Loyalty programs in 2026 are less about sticking with one brand and more about making informed, strategic choices. Here are some final tips to help you get the most out of these schemes:

• Review your current memberships and decide which ones are truly valuable.
• Update your preferences and privacy settings regularly.
• Focus on programs that fit your lifestyle and spending habits.
• Don’t be afraid to drop programs that no longer offer good value.

By staying informed and selective, you can still benefit from loyalty programs—just be aware that the landscape is changing, and not every scheme will be worth your time or data.