This secret Woolworths change sucks: How to make sure you don’t lose out
Everyday Extra is losing a major benefit.
I've long been a big fan of the Woolworths Everyday Extra scheme.
For $7 a month, you can score shopping discounts and bonus Everyday Rewards points that are worth a lot more than $7.
But a forthcoming change has me somewhat peeved.
From 1 June 2025, Everyday Extra members will no longer receive 10% off a monthly shop at BIG W.
According to Woolworths, this is because the prices are already so cheap there the discount doesn't make sense.
Yes, really.
"Over the past 12 months, BIG W has reduced prices on thousands of products," the not-very-prominent announcement on the Everyday Rewards site says. "With this focus on keeping the lowest possible prices every day, we are removing the Everyday Extra 10% discount at BIG W.
Emails promising this bonus from BIG W will soon be a thing of the past. Image: Supplied
Honestly, I can't say I've noticed that price difference in my regular BIG W purchases.
My colleague and Finder's family finance expert Sarah Megginson of Money Margarita is very unhappy about the change too.
"I'm really disappointed about the decision to remove the BIG W discount from this membership," she says. "As a parent it offers so much value, especially around Christmas and back to school seasons. I also felt like this discount gave Everyday Rewards program an edge over the Coles program, which didn't offer any additional discounts."
As a member I'm yet to see any official emails about this change, but I expect that will happen before June.
I've already used my 10% off for April, so it looks like May is going to be my last chance there.
Woolworths says it will be replacing the 10% off with other member benefits.
"We will be providing more ways for subscribers to enjoy value through new subscriber-only deals at BIG W and other partners as part of Extra Perks, starting from June," it says.
Extra Perks at Woolworths sometimes involves free items. That's potentially appealing, but in practice I've often found Extra Perks offers either aren't stocked at my local supermarket or have already run out. Getting 10% off was a lot more reliable.
Why Everyday Rewards is still worth it
Despite all that grumbling, Everyday Rewards still makes good economic sense.
Everyday Rewards continues to offer 10% off one monthly shop at Woolworths.
Finder consumer research shows the average household spends $293 a week on groceries.
Do that at Woolworths and you'll get $29.30 off, meaning you're still ahead by $22.30 even after considering the membership fee.
On top of that, you'll earn double the Everyday Rewards points on your regular shop.
Want more points right now?
Supercharge your points with a credit card sign-up bonus.
I always convert those into Qantas Points for maximum value, but even if you just use them for $10 off vouchers, you'll get there faster with the extra points.
So if you ever shop at Woolworths, Everyday Extra remains a good way to save money.
But feel free to grumble a little come June.
Image: Finder/Photographer: Angus KidmanAsk a question
how do I get the rewards app on my phone when its half broken?
Hi there, Not sure if you mean your phone is broken or the app is, but you can download the app via the app store.
do you have to be a certain age to get a rewards card for woollies?
To become an Everyday Rewards member, if you are under 18, you need the consent of your parent or guardian to join. Hope this helps!
Have you noticed that when you buy gift cards the 3% discount has disappeared. I would always purchase prior to shopping just to save a little more. Do you know anything about this too?
Yes, this happened a few weeks ago, we noticed this change too! An alternative is RACQ lifestyle membership. It’s only $5 per year and you can get 4% off Woolworths gift cards and 5% off at Big W!