Woolworths Ditch Qantas: Loyalty Points Deal Collapses
In a major shake-up to Australia’s loyalty landscape, Woolworths Ditch Qantas Frequent Flyer points in favour of instant grocery discounts. The supermarket giant has replaced its long-running partnership with Qantas with a revamped Everyday Rewards program that lets shoppers earn “dollars” and save instantly at the checkout — a move that’s sparked mixed reactions among loyal customers.
Woolworths ends its partnership with Qantas Frequent Flyer, replacing points with instant grocery discounts through its revamped Everyday Rewards program.Woolworths Ditch Qantas Frequent Flyer points to launch a new reward model offering immediate grocery savings. The shift replaces long-term point collection with instant cash-style rewards, giving shoppers discounts when they accumulate $10 through specially marked products. The move is designed to make benefits more accessible — but not everyone is celebrating.
New Program Overview
Under the revamped Everyday Rewards program, Woolworths shoppers earn “dollars” instead of Qantas Frequent Flyer points. When customers accumulate $10 in savings, they can immediately redeem it for discounts on groceries. The goal is to simplify the reward experience and deliver faster, more tangible benefits at the checkout.
The supermarket giant says this change focuses on customer convenience and instant value, positioning the program as a direct savings model rather than a points-based system tied to travel rewards.
Customer Reactions – Woolworths Ditch Qantas
The decision to ditch Qantas has triggered a strong response online. Many customers expressed frustration, claiming the Qantas Frequent Flyer partnership was the main reason they shopped at Woolworths. Several users on social media announced plans to switch to competitors like Coles, which recently partnered with Etihad Airways.
“No frequent flyer points = no Woolworths shopping for me. #HelloAldiFor2016” — Lauren Gregory, Facebook
“Not impressed that you are removing the frequent flyer rewards for a meagre grocery saving… Absolutely disgusted.” — Ellen Morgan
“So you’re removing Qantas points? Pity you didn’t ask your customers first. Bye Woolies, time to shop elsewhere.” — Julia Wells
However, a few customers supported the change. Shopper Kate Haffenden-Carr wrote, “Yay for you Woollies! Better rewards for your customers.”
Woolworths’ Research & Insights
According to Brad Banducci, Managing Director of Woolworths Food Group, research revealed that most shoppers find traditional loyalty programs too slow and complex. “Sixty-eight per cent say they want money off their shopping, while only nine per cent prefer a points scheme,” he said.
Woolworths also cited research from the Australian Consumer, Retail and Services (ACRS) unit at Monash Business School. The data suggested that members could see more than double the value through the new cash-back style program compared to the former Qantas-linked scheme.
Impact on Qantas Frequent Flyer
The end of the Woolworths–Qantas partnership marks a major shift in the Australian loyalty landscape. For Qantas, the move means losing access to millions of active supermarket shoppers who regularly earned points through Woolworths purchases. It also signals increased competition among loyalty programs as brands look for more direct engagement models.
Despite the breakup, Qantas continues to grow its loyalty network through partnerships with other major retailers, credit cards, and business reward programs.
FAQ – Woolworths Ditch Qantas
Q: Why did Woolworths end its partnership with Qantas?
A: Woolworths ended the deal to focus on providing faster, more direct rewards like grocery discounts instead of long-term points accumulation.
Q: How does the new Everyday Rewards program work?
A: Shoppers earn “dollars” on select products and receive $10 off their grocery bill once enough credit is accumulated.
Q: Will Qantas Frequent Flyer members still earn points at Woolworths?
A: No, the new program replaces Qantas points with direct cash-style rewards on grocery purchases.
Q: What do customers think about the change?
A: Many shoppers have expressed disappointment, while others welcome the chance for quicker savings at the checkout.
Rewards Reimagined for Everyday Shoppers
The decision for Woolworths to ditch Qantas marks a turning point in Australia’s retail loyalty programs. By shifting from delayed points to instant grocery discounts, Woolworths aims to appeal to value-driven consumers who want immediate savings. Whether shoppers embrace this change or migrate to competitors remains to be seen — but it’s clear that loyalty in retail is being redefined.
