As we all know, every cent counts when it comes to managing our household budgets, and for those of us who’ve seen more than a few decades, we’re always on the lookout for clever ways to stretch our dollars further. Well, it’s time to perk up your ears because Coles has rolled out a nifty little trick that could see you saving a tidy sum on your grocery bill or even jetting off on a free flight courtesy of Virgin Australia.
Here’s the scoop: Coles is offering a tempting deal that involves their Mastercard gift cards and the Flybuys rewards program. Until January 21, shoppers can earn a whopping 2,000 Flybuys points for each Coles Mastercard gift card they purchase, either in the $100 or $250 denomination. Now, you might be thinking, ‘What’s the big deal about a couple of thousand points?’ Well, let me tell you, those points can add up to some serious savings.
For starters, every 2,000 Flybuys points you collect can be redeemed for $10 off your next Coles grocery shop. That means if you play your cards right, you could be looking at a $50 discount on your groceries. But that’s not all. If you’re bitten by the travel bug or planning a visit to family or friends, those same points can be converted into Velocity Points, which you can then use to book flights or upgrades with Virgin Australia.
One savvy Coles customer, known online as SavvyNotStingy, has shared his strategy for maximising this deal. By purchasing five of the $250 gift cards, he’s set to rake in 11,250 Flybuys points, which translates to 5,625 Velocity points. To put that into perspective, a flight from Sydney to Melbourne could cost you between 5,900 to 8,000 Velocity points, and a trip from Melbourne to Bali might set you back 22,300 points when booking reward seats. So, with a bit of planning, you could be well on your way to a discounted or even free flight.
But before you rush out to your nearest Coles, there’s a small catch to consider. There’s a fee associated with purchasing these gift cards – $5 for the $100 card and $7 for the $250 card. However, the math still works out in your favour, especially if you opt for the $100 cards, as you’ll pay less in fees for the same amount of bonus points.
Now, what can you do with these Mastercard gift cards? They’re incredibly versatile. You can use them almost anywhere, including to pay off your HECS or ATO bills, and since the start of the year, there are no fees for such transactions. And if you’re feeling particularly strategic, you can use these gift cards to purchase other gift cards from places like Woolworths or discounted gift card websites, though you can’t use them to buy more Coles gift cards.
The response to this hack has been overwhelmingly positive online, with Flybuys themselves dubbing it the ‘best hack.’ And it’s easy to see why – who wouldn’t want to save on groceries or score a free flight?
But remember, this offer is only available while stocks last, and it’s capped at five gift cards per Flybuys account. So, if you’re keen to take advantage of this deal, you’ll need to act fast. Head to your local Coles, pick up those gift cards and start racking up those points.
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you tried this deal, or do you have any other money-saving tips to share? Drop a comment below, and let’s support each other in making the most of our hard-earned money. Happy shopping, and here’s to even happier flying!
Also read: How one man’s savings reveal the stark truth about Australia’s wealth divide
