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.
Â
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.
Â
The research shows almost half of those who collect rewards points (48%) used them to save money off their everyday expenses.
Â
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.
Â
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.
Â
Sarah Megginson, personal finance expert at Finder, said Aussies love getting rewarded for their spending.
Â
"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.
Â
"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.
Â
"When you stack all the deals and discounts together, it adds up to substantial savings.
Â
"While travel perks are really popular, many are opting for practical rewards – like discounts on appliances or gift cards – to get that immediate value."
Â
Finder's research shows 30% of points collectors have not redeemed any of their rewards in the past year.
Â
Megginson said it's worth looking at your points balances to see what options you have.
Â
"Consumers are looking for ways to make their money stretch further, especially with rising living costs.
Â
"Many don't realise you can use your rewards points for a range of redemptions, not just flights.
Â
"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."
Â
Megginson said for those not in a rewards program, there's an opportunity to unlock hidden value in regular spending.
Â
"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.
Â
"The key is knowing how to earn, track, and redeem them effectively."
Â
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 |  |
Â
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
Â
Check out some of the best frequent flyer credit cards on offer in July.
Ask a question