Loyalty Points One Year Later: What’s Actually Worth It? (Australia)

Last year, I wrote about rewards and loyalty points that you can actually feel (Read here: Reward and Loyalty Points You Can Feel). After spending a year trying to maximize the benefits from these programs, I’ve realized that many of them are much harder to earn from once the initial sign-up bonuses and promos wear off.

Take Woolies Everyday Rewards, for example. Despite our family shopping regularly at Woolies for household needs, we haven’t even hit the points needed to redeem a $10 reward after several months. Sure, they offer “boosts” to earn more points, but the catch? You often have to buy specific items that we wouldn’t normally get—too much effort for too little return.

So, what loyalty programs are still worth keeping?

1. Costco: Still a No-Brainer

Even if you don’t bulk-buy, the fuel savings alone justify the membership cost. I wrote about our decision to commit to Costco here: Why We Finally Committed to Costco. No gimmicks, no hoops to jump through—just solid savings.

2. McDonald's: Surprisingly Worth It

If you have kids (or even if you don’t), McDonald's MyMacca’s Rewards actually delivers. Even as occasional visitors, we always have enough points to redeem something. Free coffees? Had plenty. Quick treat for the kids? Done.

3. Individual Brand Loyalty Cards: Still a Winner

Yes, they can be annoying to carry around (though many have gone digital), but brand-specific loyalty programs—especially for coffee shops and mini-marts—remain the most straightforward and rewarding. Buy X cups, get 1 free. No complicated point conversions, no tricky terms. Simple and effective.

The Verdict?

Some loyalty programs promise a lot but deliver little unless you meticulously plan your spending. For us, it boils down to practicality—if it’s effortless to earn rewards, it stays. Otherwise, it’s just another unused card in the drawer.

What about you? Which loyalty programs have actually worked for you over time? Let me know in the comments!