The new flybuys points trick: Advance offers

"Unlocks in 6 days." Is it worth the wait?
The app for flybuys has a new trick to try and keep your spending tied to flybuys outlets.
As well as showing you bonus points offers you can use immediately, it's also showing offers that will be appearing in the future.
Here's an example I encountered earlier this week, promising 1,000 bonus points on Liquorland purchases. It looks just like the regular offers in the app, but I can't activate it yet.
The psychology is pretty clear. By promising points in the future, flybuys could make me think "Oh well, I won't stock up on Christmas champagne this week, I'll wait until next week and get the extra points."
Using bonus offers with flybuys is indeed a great way to boost your points total, as I've proven repeatedly in the past. Earning 1,000 points on a single transaction far outstrips the 1 point per dollar you usually earn.
In this case, it's particularly welcome because Virgin is currently running an offer where flybuys points converted to Velocity get 15% extra on top. I should have a healthy flybuys total to transfer by the end of next week, and those 1,000 points will probably be a part of it.
Delayed or not, the usual rules apply when deciding whether to take up these kinds of offers. Don't spend money purely to earn points. Make sure you're buying something you actually need. And don't sign up for offers that don't offer a big return.
For instance, the app is now promising me that next week, I'll be getting a triple-points offer at Coles. Thanks, but no thanks. I don't shift my supermarket spending just for points multiples. I might for a deal promising 1,000 points or more, but it does depend on the minimum spend. I want more points, but not at any cost.
Angus Kidman's Findings column looks at new developments and research that help you save money, make wise decisions and enjoy your life more. It appears regularly on Finder.
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