Earning Qantas Points at Woolworths just got better
How you'll earn more points per transaction and get them faster.
Two welcome changes have kicked in for frequent flyers topping up their Qantas Points total through Woolworths Rewards.
From 1 October 2019, every 2,000 Woolworths Rewards points will convert to 1,000 Qantas Points. Previously, 2,000 points were worth 870 points. Effectively, that's a 15% increase.
"A third of Frequent Flyers who shop at Woolworths have enjoyed a holiday on points in the past 12 months," Qantas Loyalty CEO Olivia Worth said in a statement announcing the increase. "As we move to make this partnership more rewarding and easier, we look forward to bringing even more Australians closer to their dream trip."
The change gives Qantas an edge on rival Virgin Australia, which is in partnership with Coles and flybuys. Virgin's earn rate remains 870 points for 2,000 flybuys points, though it's possible to increase that by looking out for bonus offers. I'll be watching with interest to see if Virgin matches Qantas here with a similar permanent change.
The other change is more subtle but just as welcome. Previously, Woolworths Rewards points were converted to Qantas Points once every quarter. Now, if you've opted in to turn your Woolworths Rewards to Qantas Points, that will happen automatically every time your Woolworths Rewards total hits 2,000 points.
While the increase in redemption value was a surprise, Woolworths had flagged the when-you-get-points change ahead of time in emails to customers. "From 1 October you'll get Qantas Points automatically, every time your balance reaches 2000 Woolworths Points," one recent email read.
I say it often, but converting supermarket rewards points to frequent flyer points offers much better value. If you don't opt in, 2,000 Woolworths Rewards points becomes a $10-off voucher. If you convert it, you can redeem the same number of points for a value from $20 to $80 by using them for flights.
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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