A Melbourne dad of two says he’s “cracked the code” of rewards schemes, revealing to 9News how he flies his family around the world in business class using just his Flybuys points.
John Leou, from Kew, says it’s important to first get familiar with your chosen program and the different ways you can maximise benefits.
“I think you just have to work it into your daily routine,” he said.
“There’s a bit of a learning curve initially but once you get through that hump, it’s quite easy.”
Both Coles’ Flybuys and Woolworths’ Everyday Rewards programs are best utilised if a shopper downloads the respective apps.
That’s how Leou stays across weekly “booster” specials.
“They might give you a 10-times bonus point offer if you buy a certain product or if you buy fruit and veg that week,” he said.
Leou also rakes in a mountain of extra points by being with car and home and contents insurance providers that are affiliated with the Flybuys scheme.
Big points windfalls can also come from signing up for credit cards.
“A lot of them have 100,000-point bonuses if you spend a certain amount,” he said.
Those credit cards are usually high-interest and can have annual fees so it’s important to make sure you’re organised if you decide to go down this route.
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Leou says shoppers will get the “best bang for their buck” by converting their accumulated points into flights.
Woolworths’ Everyday Rewards is linked to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program while Coles’ Flybuys is partnered with Virgin Velocity.
Leou cashes in his Flybuys points for Velocity ones and then snaps up rewards seats.
“Later this month, we’re going to Europe, business return, all paid with points,” he said.
Leou warns it’s best to book far in advance because the seats available with rewards points can be few and far between.
He also says it’s vital that shoppers keep across other deals and sales with companies that aren’t affiliated with their favoured reward scheme.
“I look for value rather than anything else.”
Canstar Blue editor Christine Seib says their research found the Everyday Rewards scheme is marginally better than rival Flybuys.
Seib also claims there are other smaller programs that also work well for shoppers.
“Dan Murphy’s and Priceline’s programs are two single brand ones that are really well-rated by users,” she said.
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