Find out about how to earn and redeem points at one of Australia’s largest loyalty programs: flybuys
Flybuys is Australia’s largest customer loyalty program. At the time of writing, there are over ten million flybuys members – partly due to the relaunch of the flybuys program in 2012, when a countless number of Coles customers were enticed into the flybuys loyalty program through the Coles / flybuys My5 promotion, which offered (now discontinued) 10% of five items at Coles of the customer’s choosing.
A note on the flybuys loyalty program
A joint venture between Shell, Coles Myer (Wesfarmers) and National Australian Bank, the flybuys program is the ying to the Qantas and Virgin frequent flyer program’s yang. Whereas the Qantas and Velocity programs predominantly focus on offering flight rewards, contrary to their name (flybuys = buy… flights), flybuys focuses more on rewards members can use in their everyday life. Although flybuys members can redeem flybuys points for travel rewards, including flights with Etihad Airways, accommodation through business like Best Western and travel merchandise, the flybuys program has a greater scope on non-flight rewards when compared to the Qantas and Velocity loyalty programs.Customers can redeem their points for a range of goods in technology, homewares, entertainment, experiences, fashion, and beauty... or they can redeem their points for flybuys dollars and knock a few bucks off the grocery bill at Coles.
Think of the flybuys program as a Qantas or Velocity frequent flyer program and the Woolworths Everyday Rewards program all rolled into one.
It’s also pretty easy to earn flybuys points, too. They have the usual systems in place (shop here or there and earn points), but they also incentivise bundling multiple products and services together by offering bonus points to customers. For instance, you can earn extra points by taking out a car or/and home and contents insurance policy with Wesfarmers insurance and by paying from your Coles grocery bill with a Coles MasterCard.
Curious to know what flybuys points are worth?
For every 2,000 flybuys points you earn you can get $10 off your Coles supermarket shop.
Unlike the Qantas and Velocity frequent flyer programs, flybuys is free to join, so there’s no initial amount you have to spend before you’ve recouped the cost of joining the program with the rewards on offer.
If you’re asking yourself whether it’s worth joining the flybuys program, you’ll need to ask yourself, ‘what’s in it for flybuys?’ Flybuys is owned by a conglomerate consisting of Coles, so naturally it’s in the best interest of Coles to get you shopping at their stores regularly. If you do this anyway, then, on face value, there’s nothing sinister in getting something for nothing when you do your weekly grocery run, just keep in mind that you have to spend some serious dollars to see a return, and information about your spending patterns is being captured by flybuys – but there’s no real privacy anymore anyway, right?
Back to topHow does the flybuys program work?
Simply put: become a member of the program, spend at certain stores, swipe your card and you’ll increase your flybuys points balance.
You can become a flybuys member for free, but there's extra flybuys points to be earned if you're also using a credit card that rewards you with flybuys points. You can find a comparison of credit cards that are linked to the flybuys loyalty scheme below.
Earn more points with flybuys credit cards
Earning flybuys points
In most cases, you get one flybuys point for every dollar you spend. Say you spend $100 on groceries at Coles, or you spend $100 on booze at Liquorland, then you get 100 flybuys points.
There’s no rocket science here. However, there is little more involved when it comes to earning bonus points.
Flybuys have an extensive range of partners where points can be earned. Their partners cover the full gamut of a consumer’s needs. To name a few:
- Hotel bookings through Best Western
- Planning an experience like a Dream World or theme park ticket through Travelworld or Jetset Travel
- Communications services with Telstra
- Insurance needs with Medibank, or
- Purchasing everyday items at Target and Kmart
The number of flybuys partners and the scope of the goods and services offered through said partners is significant. Flybuys rewards its members for the grocery shop and filling up the tank by giving points for food and petrol purchases at Coles supermarkets and Shell (Coles) petrol stations.
flybuys partners
| Partner | Point Value |
|---|---|
| Adidas | 3 points per $1 spent |
| AGL Energy | 1 point per $1 spent |
| Budget | 3 points per $1 spent |
| Coles | 1 point per $1 spent |
| Coles Credit Cards | 2 points per $1 spent |
| Coles Express | 1 point per $2 spent |
| Coles Insurance | 1 point per $1 spent |
| Coles Prepaid Cards | 1 point per $2 spent |
| Etihad Airways | 1 point per $1 spent |
| First Choice Liquor | 1 point per $1 spent |
| Fitbit | 10 points per $1 spent |
| flybuys dining (when you book a table with flybuys Dining) | 500 points |
| flybuys eshops | 1 point per $1 spent |
| Garmin | Link any Garmin Activity Tracker and collect 10 points every day you reach 10,000 Steps. |
| Goodlife Health Clubs | 2 points per $1 spent |
| Jawbone | 10 points per $1 spent |
| Kleenheat | 1 point per $1 spent |
| Kmart | 1 point per $1 spent |
| Kmart Tyre & Auto Service | 1 point per $1 spent |
| Liquorland | 1 point per $1 spent |
| Medibank | 1 point per $3 spent |
| National Australia Bank | 1 point per $1 spent |
| OPSM | 1 point per $1 spent |
| Polar | 10 points per $1 spent |
| Target | 1 point per $1 spent |
| Telstra | 3 points per $1 spent |
| Weight Watchers | 1 point per $1 spent |
How to earn even more flybuys points with Coles
There’s a good opportunity for flybuys members to earn bonus points when they take out a financial product and make a purchase at Coles Supermarkets.
For example, flybuys members who shop at Coles will get 1 flybuys point per dollar spent. If this person also makes the purchase on a Coles Rewards MasterCard, the figure jumps up to three points per dollar spent. If the purchaser also holds a Coles Comprehensive Car and Home Insurance Policy, it’s now five flybuys points per dollar spent. The more Coles products you bundle together, the greater the potential to earn flybuys points.
Forgot to scan your card at checkout?
If you've forgotten to scan your flybuys card when shopping at an eligible store, all you need to do is keep the receipt and call flybuys on 13 11 16 to claim your points.
Other ways to earn bonus flybuys points
In addition to what’s listed above, there are a number of ways members can earn additional flybuys points. Some of these methods offer a ‘lump sum’ of points, rather than at an earn rate (for example, when shopping at Coles).
Earn points when you dine
Looking for bonus points and a night out? Make a booking through bookarestaurant.com and earn bonus points – if you're a flybuys member.
Earn flybuys points surfing the internet
Flybuys points can also be earned when a member surfs the web. The flybuys toolbar offers one point for every two searches made with a compatible browser with the toolbar installed on it.
There’s a cap on the number of points awarded, up to one hundred points per month, which comes to 1,200 points a year. To put this into perspective, the minimum redemption for $10 off your grocery bill at Coles through the redemption of flybuys dollars is 2,000 points. So the toolbar can deliver roughly about $6 worth of value per year.
Once again, ask yourself, what’s in it for flybuys? In short, the answer is on their page’s ‘frequently asked questions’ page:
“No. Individual search data is not passed on to flybuys. FreeCause, which maintains the flybuys Toolbar, collects anonymised information on internet usage. It may aggregate such data and share it with third parties for marketing and research purposes.”
So, ask yourself, would you be willing to tell a company about the things you search for on the internet for two coffees a year?
Back to topHow to redeem flybuys points
There are a number of ways to redeem flybuys points.
To redeem flybuys points for a reward, log into your ‘my flybuys’ profile and head to the rewards section of the site. Follow the steps from there.
The second option for redeeming points is by calling the flybuys service center.
Flybuys points can be used in a number of different ways, too. Like most other loyalty schemes, points can be redeemed for goods directly by choosing something from the flybuys catalog. The flybuys catalog can be viewed online on their website. Browse through the list of rewards and notice how some items can be purchased with points, while other items give the flybuys member the option of making the difference up in actual money (points + pay), if the flybuys member has insufficient points to complete the transaction.
Points can also be turned into ‘flybuys dollars’, which is kind of like monopoly money, it can only be used at flybuys partners. For example, you can redeem 2,000 flybuys points for $10 flybuys dollars to use at Coles.
There are a few steps that have to be followed to turn points into flybuys dollars, but once these steps are complete, the value of your points is turned into ‘flybuys dollars’, which are credited to your flybuys card to use at the checkout.
Redeeming flybuys for flights with Etihad Airways
While you can no longer use your flybuys points to book flights through Webjet, you can now redeem your rewards for flights with Etihad Airways. There is a transfer rate of 1 flybuys point = 0.4 Etihad Guest Miles. Given the usual value of flybuys points is around 0.5c for other redemption options, this is a pretty standard exchange rate.
For more information, please see our guide to learn how to turn your flybuys points into flights with Etihad Airways.
Back to topFrequently Asked Questions from our users
How do I change my address?
If you want to update your details, give the flybuys Service Centre a call on 13 11 16.
I have enough points, why can’t I redeem them for a reward?
The flybuys terms and conditions have changed, and because of this, all members (new and existing) are required to activate their membership as a sign of acceptance of the new terms and conditions.
Do my flybuys points expire?
flybuys points will not expire provided that you keep your account active. To keep your card active you need scan your card at least once a year and your account will remain active and your points will not expire.
How do I log into my flybuys account?
Visit the flybuys website and enter the account details you were provided with when you became a member of the program.
I’ve lost my card... How do I get a new one?
If you want to order a replacement card, give the flybuys Service Centre a call on 13 11 16.
How can I redeem a reward?
To redeem a reward, log into your flybuys account through the flybuys website and head to the rewards section of the flybuys site. You can also redeem your points for a reward by calling the flybuys Service Centre on 13 11 16.
When will my points be processed?
It can take up to four weeks before points are processed and credited to your account.
How can I check my points balance?
You can check your points balance a number of ways.
- Download the flybuys toolbar, it displays your flybuys points balance when you’re surfing the internet.
- Download the flybuys APP. It’s available for both Apple and Android devices. Once you log into your flybuys account through the APP, you can check your account balance and browse rewards all with a tap and a swipe of your finger or thumb.
- Log into your flybuys account through the flybuys website.
Is there a minimum age to join flybuys?
You will need to be at least 18 years old to join the loyalty program.
Can I have additional cardholders on my account?
You can link more than one card to a flybuys account, meaning you can earn more points with multiple cardholders. Give the flybuys Service Centre a call to find out more information on how to do this.
How long does the delivery time take if I order a gift card?
For delivery of the gift card, from once you redeem it can take up to 3 weeks.
I used your flybuys bonus points coupon a few times and always got a right amount of points but last time when I did the same I was supposed to get 1,000 points for shopping over $140 but only got 140 points. Who should I contact?
Hi Marcela,
Thank you for your inquiry.
If your flybuys points haven’t been properly credited to your account, you’d be best to contact flybuys directly on 13 11 16 to resolve the issue.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
May
I have approx 15.00 pm my fly buys card to use but it came up zero balance at the checkout.
Hi Lila,
Thanks for your question.
Your points might not have been added to your account yet. Points collected with most of flybuys’ major retail partners will be added to your account within one or two days. For other partners, you may need to allow a week or so. Bonus points will vary depending on the terms and conditions of the relevant promotion.
If this isn’t the case, you should contact flybuys directly on 13 11 16 to report your missing points.
Cheers,
Sally
Hi, forgot to scan my reward coupons for triple point or one thousand points, am I able to ring up to get it added to my flybys have done this quite a lot as I’ve totally forgotten about my flybys coupons. Thanks.
Hi Toni,
Thanks for your question.
Yes, you can reclaim those points. All you need to do is keep the receipt and call flybuys on 13 11 16 to claim the points.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Sally
Hi .I did the spend $110 for 4 weeks spend on the 4th week my docket said I qualified.That was last Wednesday it is now Monday .When will this show up on my flybuy points.
Cheers
Hi Kayte,
Thanks for your question.
Usually, your flybuys points collected with most of their major retail partners will be added to your account within one or two days. For other partners, you may have to allow a week or so.
Cheers,
May
Hi I have a qantas frequent flyer card that was linked to flybuys . I had to register a new a flybuys card . how do I link it to my qantas points as now my new flybuys balance is 0 points but my qantas card has points on it
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for your question. Just to confirm that you’ve come through finder.com.au – we are a financial comparison website, not actually flybuys.
Please note that your rewards points from your flybuys account cannot be transferred to your Qantas FF (or vice versa) as these two programs have different terms and conditions.
If you have a credit card that is linked to the flybuys program, call your issuing bank and provide them with your flybuys number. When you make purchases on your card, the points will be credited to your flybuys account.
Cheers,
May
Just trying to use flybuy points on a stay at sunshine coast. Having trouble with the site. How do I use my points for one night and then pay for the other night of a 2 night stay?
Hi Angela,
Thanks for your inquiry. You’ve come through to finder.com.au we are an Australian financial comparison website and general information service, not actually flybuys.
If you’re not able to redeem your flybuys points for booking a hotel by logging into your ‘my flybuys’ profile, you may call flybuys service centre directly and they’ll be able to help.
Cheers,
May
Can I redeem my points for Coles Gift Cards?
Hi Sarah,
Yes, you can redeem your points for Coles Gift Cards.
They start at 10,000 points for a $50 Coles Gift Card up to 20,000 points for a $100 Gift Card. You can redeem these via the flybuys website.
Cheers,
Sally
I am trying for the $100 spend per week for 4 weeks. I just did week 1 when does week 2 start ?
Hi Andrew,
Thanks for your question.
When you received the offer, you should’ve received the terms and conditions of when the weeks began and end then.
Cheers,
Sally
I lost my flybuys card and waiting for a replace and I have flybuys money to spend how do I claim the flybuys money without a card?
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for your question.
If you’re still waiting for your replacement card, you might only be able to redeem your rewards online via the flybuys shop. You’ll need your flybuys number and password to log in. You can then browse the flybuys store and select the rewards you want and follow the prompts to redeem the reward.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Sally
When do u get to use flybuys points i use to get things in the mail once a year giving me a choice of things and a letter saying how much i had made and now i get nothing. Is it still once a year?
Hi Donna,
Thanks for your question.
You can check your flybuys points balance at any time and browse the rewards you can redeem on the flybuys website.
You’ll just need your flybuys member number and password to sign in.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Sally