Holidays to hairdryers: How Aussies are redeeming their rewards points
From flight upgrades to everyday discounts, Australians are reward-points obsessed, according to new research by Finder.
A Finder survey of 1,005 respondents – 744 of whom collect rewards points – revealed more than 2 in 3 (70%) Australians have cashed them in over the past year.
The research shows almost half of those who collect rewards points (48%) used them to save money off their everyday expenses.
More than 1 in 10 (13%) cashed them in on flight rewards seats, while 10% opted for money off of consumer goods such as household appliances and clothing.
Stays in hotels (8%), points plus pay for flights (9%) and flight seat upgrades (5%) rounded out the top ways Aussies redeemed their hard earned points in the last 12 months.
Sarah Megginson, personal finance expert at Finder, said Aussies love getting rewarded for their spending.
"Australians are increasingly savvy with their points, using them to offset day-to-day costs like groceries and fuel, which can be a smart way to stretch the household budget.
"The great thing is you can usually 'stack' rewards. So at the supermarket, you might activate a points booster, shop the half-price specials, use a 10% reward discount and then pay using a discounted gift card, and you'll earn rewards points on the whole shop, too.
"When you stack all the deals and discounts together, it adds up to substantial savings.
"While travel perks are really popular, many are opting for practical rewards – like discounts on appliances or gift cards – to get that immediate value."
Finder's research shows 30% of points collectors have not redeemed any of their rewards in the past year.
Megginson said it's worth looking at your points balances to see what options you have.
"Consumers are looking for ways to make their money stretch further, especially with rising living costs.
"Many don't realise you can use your rewards points for a range of redemptions, not just flights.
"Even small rewards can add up – whether it's a few dollars off a grocery store bill, $10 off a burrito or a free movie ticket."
Megginson said for those not in a rewards program, there's an opportunity to unlock hidden value in regular spending.
"For many Aussies, rewards programs deliver great value and frequent flyer points are the golden ticket to affordable travel – whether it's a free flight to Bali or a business class upgrade to London.
"The key is knowing how to earn, track, and redeem them effectively."
Have you spent your rewards points on any of the following in the last 12 months?
| For money off on everyday expenses | 48% |
| Flight rewards seats | 13% |
| For money off on consumer goods (e.g. household appliances, clothes, electronics, etc.) | 10% |
| Booking stays at hotels | 8% |
| Points plus pay for flights | 9% |
| Flight seat upgrades (e.g. from economy to business class) | 5% |
| Booking rental car hire | 4% |
| Holiday packages (e.g. TripADeal) | 4% |
| I have not used any rewards in the past 12 months | 30% |
| Source: Finder survey of 744 Australians who collect rewards points, April 2025 |  |
Methodology
- Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker is a monthly recurring nationally representative survey of more than 60,000 respondents.
- Figures in this release are based on 1,005 respondents, 744 of whom collect rewards points, from April 2025.
- The Consumer Sentiment Tracker is owned by Finder and operated by Qualtrics.
- The survey has been running monthly since May 2019.
Sources
Check out some of the best frequent flyer credit cards on offer in July.
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