South Africa’s Best Rewards Programs: Are They Worth It?

eBucks

eBucks from FNB is probably the most well known of all – 

Mechanism: It basically gives you eBucks for your everyday use of your bank card. You can also use more FNB services to earn more eBucks. You can then spend the eBucks on the eBucks store and supporting retailers.

Returns: This is worked out on spending, but for myself, this could easily cover my bank costs. 

FNB eBucks website

Clicks club card

Clicks is one of the oldest rewards cards of all the ones mentioned in this post. It’s been consistently giving people value for buying things they really need in the healthcare and cosmetic industry. It’s also now at Shell – so when you fill up your petrol tank, remember to swipe your Clicks card.

Mechanism: For every R 5 you spend at Clicks, you earn 1 cash-back point, which is the equivalent of 10c. There are also competitions and specials they run for members. 

Returns: 2 % of products bought

Clicks Website

WRewards – Woolworths

How It Works: While Woolworths doesn’t use a traditional points system, it offers exclusive member-only discounts and vouchers via its app, particularly for items like long-life milk or popular desserts.

Returns: The return is not quantified, but frequent shoppers benefit from solid savings.

My Take

Every time I buy long-life milk or indulge in one of those Woolies desserts (you know the ones), I’m grateful for the savings. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done for frequent shoppers.

WRewards Website

Smart Shopper – Pick n Pay

How It Works: Earn 1 point for every R2 spent at Pick n Pay, with 1,000 points equaling R10 in savings. You can use the points for discounts on future purchases or combine them with BP Rewards for extra savings at the pump.

Returns: Approximately 0.5% cashback on every purchase.

My Take: The system’s simple, but I’ll admit the returns are modest-roughly 0.5% back on your shopping. That said, every little bit counts, especially when food prices seem to rise weekly.

Smart Shopper Website

Dis-Chem Loyalty Benefits

How It Works: Earn points on all purchases at Dis-Chem, with 1 point for every R10 spent. When you reach 100 points, you get R10 back, and points can accumulate for further rewards.

Returns: Potentially up to 15% back on qualifying purchases, though actual returns are typically lower.

My Take

When I’m stocking up on skincare or vitamins, this program is a lifesaver. The savings aren’t always obvious at first, but they build up faster than you’d expect.

Dis-Chem Website

SPAR Rewards

How It Works: SPAR Rewards is a straightforward loyalty program in which you earn rewards by shopping at participating SPAR stores. Points can be earned on every purchase, and members who shop more frequently receive extra benefits.

Returns: Points earned can be redeemed for discounts or used to claim rewards such as vouchers or gifts.

Best For: SPAR shoppers looking for simple, rewarding savings on groceries.

Spar rewards

Checkers Xtra Savings

How It Works: This program offers instant discounts at Checkers stores on selected products when you swipe your Xtra Savings card. There’s no points system involved—just immediate savings.

Returns: Up to 40% off on selected products.

It’s Best For: Shoppers who want immediate savings on everyday items without worrying about points or complicated systems.

Checkers Xtra savings

Starbucks

How It Works: Earn stars with every purchase at Starbucks. The stars accumulate toward free beverages, food, and other perks. On double-star days, you can earn more stars per purchase.

Returns: 10% back in rewards when you redeem your stars for a free coffee or treat.

My Take

Let’s be honest—I love my coffee, but it’s even better when my 10th latte feels like it’s “on the house.” The 10% back in rewards is a nice perk, especially for coffee addicts like me.

Starbucks Rewards Website

Krispy Kreme

How It Works: Krispy Kreme rewards members by earning points for every purchase. Members can redeem these points for free doughnuts, discounts, or other rewards. The program also includes special benefits like a free doughnut with a coffee.

Returns: 2.5% back on purchases, redeemable as doughnuts or discounts.

My Take

This program feels like a reward in itself! Free doughnuts for buying coffee? Yes, please. It’s perfect for those indulgent days when you’re craving sugar and caffeine.

KrispyKreme Website

Vitality from Discovery

With Vitality, you can access half-price movie tickets at Ster-Kinekor, reduced gym fees at Virgin Active or Planet Fitness, and rewards for purchasing healthy foods at Pick n Pay or Woolworths.

Members also enjoy savings of up to 75% on flights and travel bookings. Starting at the Gold tier, you can earn up to 15% back on eligible purchases, while the Platinum tier offers discounts of up to 75% on select items and services. For Vitality Drive members, benefits include up to 50% back on fuel purchases at BP and Shell and up to 25% off Uber rides.

Returns:

• HealthyFood: Up to 25% back in Discovery Miles at Checkers and Woolworths.
• Fitness: Discounts on gym memberships (up to 75% off at Virgin Active or Planet Fitness).
• Travel: Up to 25% off on flights and holidays.
• Lifestyle: Discounts on sports gear, personal care, and various lifestyle products, along with rewards for achieving exercise goals.

My Take: This program is on another level. Discounts on healthy groceries, gym memberships, movies, flights. It’s like the ultimate life hack. But it does require effort-you can’t slack off and expect the rewards to flow.

Comparison Table: Loyalty and Petrol Rewards Programs

Program	How It Works	Cashback/Rewards Rate
Pick n Pay Smart Shopper	1 point for every R2 spent; 1,000points = R10	~0.5%
Woolworths WRewards	Exclusive member discounts, no points system	Instant discounts
Dis-Chem Benefit Program	1 point for every R10 spent; 100points = R10	Up to 15% on qualifying purchases
eBucks (FNB)	Earn eBucks by using FNB products and services	Varies; can offset banking costs
Vitality (Discovery)
Starbucks Rewards		~10% when redeemed for specific items
Krispy Kreme Rewards		~2.5% plus additional perks
BP Rewards	20c per litre + 10c more with PnP Smart Shopper	Up to 30c per litre cashback
Shell V+ Rewards	15c per litre; Capitec users earn up to 40c on certain days	15c per litre; up to 40c with Capitec
Engen eBucks (FNB)	Earn eBucks depending on reward level	10c to R4 per litre, based on reward level
Caltex UCount	Up to R5 per litre with Standard Bank Credit Card	Up to R5 per litre in Rewards Points
Sasol Rewards	Earn points equal to up to 30c per litre	Up to 30c per litre equivalent
Nedbank Greenbacks	25c cashback per litre at BP	25c cashback per litre