Late in 2018, The Sunday Times released the results of a survey asking South African consumers which reward programmes were their favourite. These were the top 10:
1. Pick n Pay Smart Shopper
2. Clicks ClubCard
3. Vodacom Rewards
4. Woolworths WRewards
5. FNB eBucks
6. Nedbank Greenbacks
7 Standard Bank UCount
8. Jet Thank U
9. Dis-Chem
10. Edgars Thank U
These programmes are popular because they can go a long way to relieving financial pressure for South Africans. If you’re keen to save money this year, here is an overview of three of the most popular reward programmes under the categories of Banking, Health, and Grocery Shopping.
Banking
FNB eBucks
10 points = R 1.00
How it Works
This is a tiered reward system where you can earn points and advance through the levels by performing certain actions. Some of these actions include transacting on the FNB app, using an overdraft facility, or shopping at their many retail partners such as Checkers, Dis-Chem or Makro,
Qualifying Criteria
You’ll need an active FNB Gold cheque account/credit card, or a Fusion account/credit card in good standing. You also need to have a certain amount of money deposited into your account every month, which differs depending on your account type.
Advantages
FNB has numerous partners on their eBucks programme, such as petrol stations and even airlines, where you can use your accumulated points to pay for items and services using your eBucks.
Disadvantages
It can be difficult to move up a tier, as the criteria for multiple FNB products may not be feasible for everyone.
Health
Clicks ClubCard
1 point = R 0.10
How it Works
For every R5 you spend at Clicks, Claire’s, or The Body Shop, you get one point; the more you spend, the more points you accumulate.
Qualifying Criteria
You need to accumulate at least 100 points within a two-month period, after which your points are converted to money and loaded onto your card.
Advantages
It’s free to join and you can apply for a card either via the Clicks app or in-store.
If you earn 300 points in a 12-month period, you automatically get upgraded to a Gold ClubCard where you may have access to extra rewards as well as a printed copy of the ClubCard magazine every two months.
Disadvantages
The points are valid for only 12 months, so depending on how much you spend, you might not be able to collect enough points to save for something big.
Groceries
Pick n Pay Smart Shopper
100 points = R 1.00
How it Works
For every R2 you spend at Pick n Pay, you earn one Smart Shopper point. You can also earn 10 points for every one litre of fuel you buy at a BP station.
You get personalised discounts, based on items you buy frequently, that you load onto your Smart Shopper card using the Pick ‘n Pay app.
Qualifying Criteria
Simply ask for a card in-store and register with your details. If you want the personalised discounts, download the free Pick n Pay app and login with your profile.
Advantages
There is no complex tiered system where you need to jump through hoops to get something back. Smart Shoppers also get one free copy of Fresh Living, a popular in-house monthly magazine.
Disadvantages
Points are valid for only 12 months, leaving consumers little time to save enough points to buy something big.
More about Pick n Pay Smart Shopper
Rewards
programmes in South Africa seem to be becoming more competitive, which means better
benefits for consumers who are struggling to get by financially. If
accumulating reward points is not giving you enough room to save money monthly,
have you considered getting a personal loan? It might just be the cash injection
you need.
Sources:
Business Tech; eBucks; Clicks; Pick n Pay
Prices quoted are correct at the time of publishing this article. The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or medical advice.
This post and content is sponsored, written and provided by Hippo.