Flybuys Review - Pros, Cons and How to Best Redeem for Maximum Value

Important: Flybuys is closing down on 31 December 2024. Members will continue earning Flybuys across its network until October 31, and have until December 31 to spend their remaining points.

Maximise your rewards with our comprehensive guide on Flybuys, New Zealand's popular loyalty scheme. Uncover how to earn points, understand their worth, and learn strategies for the best value redemptions.

Updated 31 May 2024

Summary:

Flybuys is a popular loyalty program in New Zealand that rewards members with points for their purchases at participating retailers and service providers. We argue that while Flybuys is widely known as a loyalty scheme, it's rarely understood.
Our guide is published to bring transparency to how points are earned and the best way to spend them. 100 Flybuys points is worth different amounts depending on what you redeem it on.
The Flybuys program was initially designed to reward customers for their existing purchasing habits. In other words, when customers regularly shop at places like New World, the Flybuys points rewards serve as a form of gratitude for their loyalty. As such, we believe it is a loyalty rewards system rather than a discount program. The dollar value of the rewards may be relatively small, and consumers focused on obtaining the best value may find more substantial savings through price comparison and deal hunting.
We see Flybuys a 'good to have' loyalty scheme, and you'll something for being a member. However, it's not cost-effective to 'chase' points and bonus offers - dollar savings always beat any points bonus.
Not all Flybuys partners offer the same earning rates: Some credit 1 Flybuys point for every $25 spent (e.g. Liquorland, New World, and State Insurance) while others only offer 1 Flybuys point when you spend $50 (helloworld Travel, Noel Leeming, Torpedo7). This makes a big difference in how fast you'll earn Flybuys points.
The best 'bang for a Flybuys point' occurs when redeeming for vouchers with helloworld Travel ($0.138 per point value) and New World ($0.133 per point value). Arguably the worst voucher redemption value is from movie passes ($0.10 per point value).
Flybuys NZ offers a diverse range of rewards and it's free to join, convenient, and there's no opportunity cost when you swipe a Flybuys card at a partner merchant. You earn around 0.20% to 0.53% (or even as high as 0.70%+ in a couple of cases) on every $1 spent, which is useful although not lucrative.
Converting points to gift cards allows you to get more value by using them on discounted items at relevant stores, with New World and helloworld offering the highest value per Flybuys point (behind converting Flybuys points to BNZ KiwiSaver contributions).
Flybuys points are frequently earned in New World. New World Club Cards also integrate into the Flybuys program, but understanding how it works is complicated, and we have outlined the details in a dedicated section below.

This guide explains what Flybuys are, how you can sign up, and the benefits and drawbacks of the Flybuys programme. We also look at the best and worst ways to redeem, as well as listing top facts and frequently asked questions. We cover:

Know This First: Despite its name, the days of redeeming Flybuys for Air New Zealand flights directly with Flybuys are long over. You're unable to convert Flybuys into Airpoints. To use Flybuys for flights, you'll need to redeem your balance with helloworld Travel; you have the option to book directly on their website without any booking fees or purchase a helloworld Travel voucher on the Flybuys website. These vouchers can be used in-store or by contacting helloworld Travel.

Your points do expire: Flybuys points expire after three years if there is no activity on the account. You can avoid this risk by occasionally spending and earning Flybuys points every three years.

Flybuys Basics

Background: Flybuys is a loyalty program in New Zealand that rewards members with points for their purchases at participating retailers and service providers. The program is operated by Loyalty New Zealand, a company that manages several loyalty programs in the country. Flybuys is one of the most popular loyalty programs in New Zealand, with over two million members and more than 60 participating retailers and service providers.
Rewards: Flybuys points are virtual rewards points that members can earn by making purchases at participating retailers and service providers. The points can be redeemed for various rewards, including gift vouchers, physical goods, discounts on products and services, travel rewards, and experiences. Each point has a different value driven by how it is redeemed.
Earning: Flybuys points are earned when members purchase at participating retailers and service providers. The number of points earned per dollar varies by retailer, with some retailers offering more points for certain purchases. Members can also earn points by participating in promotions and special offers or referring friends to the program.
Redeem points online: Members can redeem their points online through the Flybuys website, or the Flybuys app for 6,000+ options.

Maximising Flybuys (and other loyalty points) when shopping at a Flybuys retailer
With Flybuys, you can potentially "double-dip" or even "triple-dip" to earn more points with each purchase. Here's how you can do that:

Flybuys Partner Points: Shopping with a Flybuys partner allows you to earn Flybuys points directly from the partner at an agreed amount (e.g. New World credits you with 1 Flybuys point for every $25 spent).
Credit Card Points: When you shop at a Flybuys partner and pay with a credit card with a rewards program, you'll earn both Flybuys points from the partner and credit card points from your card issuer. For instance, if you use an Airpoints Dollars-earning credit card, you'll earn Airpoints Dollars at your card's rate.
Special Offers and Promotions: Special offers and promotions run by Flybuys or its partners can, when live, allow you to earn extra Flybuys points - an example appears in the image below:

To maximise your points, we suggest considering these strategies:

Always Use Your Flybuys Card: Always present your Flybuys card when shopping at Flybuys partners to ensure you earn points on each purchase.
Choose the Right Credit Card: Choose a credit card that offers rewards if you can always repay the balance month after month. While banks have devalued their credit card rewards earning rates, there are still options - our rewards cards comparison has more details.
Leverage Promotions: Keep an eye on the Flybuys website and sign up for the newsletter to stay informed about promotions that can help you earn extra points.
Please pay Attention to Expiry Dates: Keep track of the expiry dates for your points and redeem them before they expire.

How Many Flybuys do Retailers Give You NZ

How Many Flybuys do Retailers Give You? Who is the Most (and Least) Generous?

Most generous partners (lowest spend per Flybuys point earned):

Retail stores:

$10 = 1 Flybuys: Animal Kingdoms Toy Store
$20 = 1 Flybuys: Clearly.co.nz
$25 = 1 Flybuys: A1 Containers NZ Limited, Beds4U, Liquorland, New World, Petcover and State Insurance
$30 = 1 Flybuys: Elgas
$50 = 1 Flybuys: Gilmours (excl GST), Harrisons Carpet & Flooring/Curtains & Blinds/Solar, helloworld Travel, Noel Leeming, Torpedo7, Trents (excl GST)
20 litres of fuel (approx $50 to $60) = 1 Flybuys: Caltex, Z and Z Business
$100 = 1 Flybuys: Harrisons Commercial

Online stores:

$25 = 1 Flybuys: Hallenstein Brothers, Merchant 1948, Scotch & Soda, Agoda, Atmosfar, Boody, Canningvale, Celebration Box, Retailer Logo (Fashion & Accessories), ECCO
$40 = 1 Flybuys: Onceit, Healthpost, NZSale, Ally Fashion, Dr. Martens

BNZ - Flybuys earning rates:
Credit Cards:

BNZ Advantage Visa Classic: Spend $40 on eligible purchases to earn 1 Flybuys.
BNZ Advantage Visa Platinum: Spend $20 on eligible purchases to earn 1 Flybuys.
BNZ Advantage Visa Business: Spend $15 on eligible purchases to earn 1 Flybuys.

Insurance:

With BNZ's PremierCare Home, Contents, Vehicle, and/or Boat insurances, you can earn Flybuys on the premiums paid. Specifically, a spend of $20 on premiums earns you 1 Flybuys.

Home Loans:

The Flybuys you earn are based on the size of your loan each month. The rates are as follows:

If your loan size is less than $50,000, you earn 100 Flybuys per year.
If your loan size is between $50,000 and $149,999, you earn 400 Flybuys per year.
If your loan size is $150,000 or more, you earn 1000 Flybuys per year.

Flybuys earning rates with Europcar:

In New Zealand: Earn 1 Flybuys for every NZ$20 spent.
In Australia: Earn 1 Flybuys for every AU$20 spent.
At selected international destinations beyond New Zealand and Australia: Earn 20 Flybuys per rental. This makes Europcar the first and only car rental partner to offer Flybuys overseas. As always, it's recommended to check with Europcar for the most accurate and current information.

Understanding the Value of Gift Voucher Rewards

Among the wide array of reward options available on the Flybuys store, you'll find over 40 gift vouchers from popular retailers. To help you assess their value:

We have assumed a dollar-for-dollar equivalence when calculating the worth of these vouchers.
We then determined the '$ per point' ratio by dividing the dollar value of the voucher by the number of points required for redemption. A higher ratio indicates a higher dollar value per point, making those options relatively more rewarding if you desire a voucher from that retailer.
For instance, when comparing the redemption of New World vouchers (yielding $0.133 per point) to movie cards (yielding $0.10 per point), the New World vouchers offer around 33% more value per point. This calculation considers the fact that you would need fewer Flybuys points to obtain a voucher of similar worth.

Our calculations for the '$ per point' ratios are as follows:

$20 Vouchers/Cards

BNZ KiwiSaver Scheme ($20 contribution): 108 points ($0.185 per point)
New World (Club Card Conversion): 112 points ($0.179 per point, as 28 Flybuys points = $5 New World Dollars)
helloworld Travel: 145 points ($0.138 per point)
New World: 150 points ($0.133 per point)

$25 Vouchers/Cards

New World (Club Card Conversion): 140 points ($0.179 per point, as 28 Flybuys points = $5 New World Dollars)
isubscribe Gift Voucher: 200 points ($0.125 per point)
Xbox Store: 180 points ($0.139 per point)
Columbus Coffee: 180 points ($0.139 per point)

$30 Vouchers/Cards

New World (Club Card Conversion): 168 points ($0.179 per point, as 28 Flybuys points = $5 New World Dollars)
Torpedo7: 265 points ($0.113 per point)
Z Energy: 270 points ($0.111 per point)
Caltex: 270 points ($0.111 per point)
Hoyts: 300 points ($0.1 per point)
Movie Card & Event Cinema: 300 points ($0.1 per point)
The Warehouse: 300 points ($0.1 per point)
Give a Garden: 300 points ($0.1 per point)

$40 Vouchers/Cards

New World (Club Card Conversion): 224 points ($0.179 per point, as 28 Flybuys points = $5 New World Dollars)
Xbox Store: 290 points ($0.138 per point)

$50 Vouchers/Cards

New World (Club Card Conversion): 280 points ($0.179 per point, as 28 Flybuys points = $5 New World Dollars)
$50 Roadside Rescue - 12-month subscription: 325 points ($0.154 per point)
Columbus Coffee: 340 points ($0.147 per point)
New World: 375 points ($0.133 per point)
Europcar (New Zealand): 365 points ($0.137 per point)
helloworld Travel: 365 points ($0.137 per point)
Torpedo7: 425 points ($0.118 per point)
isubscribe Gift Voucher: 395 points ($0.127 per point)
Europcar (Australia): 405 points ($0.123 per point)
Xbox Live: 495 points ($0.101 per point)
The Warehouse: 500 points ($0.1 per point)
Hoyts: 500 points ($0.1 per point)
Movie Card: 500 points ($0.1 per point)
Event Cinema: 500 points ($0.1 per point)
Give a Garden: 500 points ($0.1 per point)
Hunting & Fishing: 500 points ($0.1 per point)

$70 Vouchers/Cards

New World (Club Card Conversion): 392 points ($0.179 per point, as 28 Flybuys points = $5 New World Dollars)
Xbox Live: 495 points ($0.141 per point)

$100 Vouchers/Cards

New World (Club Card Conversion): 560 points ($0.179 per point, as 28 Flybuys points = $5 New World Dollars)
helloworld Travel: 725 points ($0.138 per point)
Hunting & Fishing: 1,000 points ($0.1 per point)
Hammer Hardware: 1,000 points ($0.1 per point)

Best Redeeming Options

These lists are calculated using the $ per point ratio, with the top 5 giving the highest dollar value per point and the bottom 5 giving the lowest dollar value per point.

Top 5 (Best $/point) Retailers:

BNZ KiwiSaver Scheme: $0.185 per point ($20 contribution = 108 points)
New World (Club Card Conversion): $0.179 per point, as 28 Flybuys points = $5 New World Dollars, and $25 spent = 1 Flybuys point
helloworld Travel: $0.138 per point ($100 voucher = 725 points)
New World: $0.133 per point ($50 voucher = 375 points)
isubscribe Gift Voucher: $0.125 per point ($50 voucher = 395 points) and Xbox Store: $0.125 per point ($40 voucher = 320 points)

Bottom 5 (Worst $/point) Retailers:

Hunting & Fishing: $0.100 per point ($50 voucher = 500 points)
Hammer Hardware: $0.100 per point ($100 voucher = 1000 points)
The Warehouse: $0.100 per point ($50 voucher = 500 points)
Hoyts: $0.100 per point ($50 voucher = 500 points)
Event Cinema: $0.100 per point ($50 voucher = 500 points)

Calculating Your Rewards When Spending at Popular Retailers

To help explain the value of Flybuys points, we've computed the spend required to earn specific vouchers or contributions and calculated a 'return on spend' percentage for a range of retailers. This figure indicates how much you're essentially getting back in rewards for every dollar spent. This analysis aims to explan the spending required and the value generated in return. This could be particularly helpful when considering where to shop or how to use Flybuys points effectively:

Spending Liquorland, New World, and State Insurance (where $25 = 1 Flybuys):

BNZ KiwiSaver Scheme: Earning a $20 contribution (108 points) requires $2,700 spend (0.74% return on spend)
New World (Club Card Conversion): Earning a $5 credit of New World Dollars requires 28 Flybuys points/$700 spend (0.71% return on spend) on New World purchases only.
helloworld Travel: Earning a $100 voucher (725 points) requires $18,125 spend (0.55% return on spend)
New World: Earning a $50 voucher (375 points) requires $9,375 spend (0.53% return on spend)
isubscribe Gift Voucher: Earning a $50 voucher (395 points) requires NZD spend (0.51% return on spend)
Xbox Store: Earning a $40 voucher (320 points) requires $8,000 spend (0.50% return on spend)

Spending at helloworld Travel, Noel Leeming, Torpedo7 ($50 = 1 Flybuys) and Spending on fuel at Caltex, Z, and Z Business (20 litres of fuel = $50 = 1 Flybuys):

BNZ KiwiSaver Scheme: Earning a $20 contribution (108 points) requires $5,400 spend (0.37% return on spend)
helloworld Travel: Earning a $100 voucher (725 points) requires $36,250 spend (0.28% return on spend)
New World: Earning a $50 voucher (375 points) requires $18,750 spend (0.27% return on spend)
isubscribe Gift Voucher: Earning a $50 voucher (395 points) requires $19,750 spend (0.25% return on spend)
Xbox Store: Earning a $40 voucher (320 points) requires $16,000 spend (0.25% return on spend)

Exploring the Value: Spending and Redeeming at the Same Retailers

To help understand the true value of Flybuys, we look at New World, Torpedo7, and Z Energy and estimate the spend required to earn a specific voucher at these retailers to calculate a 'return on spend' which shows how much you're getting back in rewards relative to your spend. We publish this to bring transparency and help New Zealanders understand how much value you're truly gaining from your Flybuys points at each retailer.

Important: The figures below are all approximations and actual results may vary based on factors such as promotional offers, bonus points, changes in fuel prices, etc.

Spending and Redeeming at New World:

For every $25 spent at New World, you earn 1 Flybuys point
The New World $50 voucher costs 375 points, but this is poor value when 28 Flybuys can be converted to $5 New World Dollars.
If you redeem the $50 voucher, you'd have to spend $9,375 at New World to earn enough points; the return on spend would be $50 / $9,375 = 0.53%
However, 280 Flybuys points can be converted to $50 New World Dollars, the return on spend is 0.71% [$50 / (28 X 25)]

Spending and Redeeming at helloworld Travel:

For every $50 spent at helloworld Travel, you earn 1 Flybuys point
The helloworld Travel $50 voucher costs 365 points
This means you'd have to spend $18,250 at helloworld Travel to earn enough points for a $50 helloworld Travel voucher
So, the return on spend would be $50 / $18,250 = 0.27%

Spending and Redeeming at Torpedo7:

For every $50 spent at Torpedo7, you earn 1 Flybuys point
The Torpedo7 $50 voucher costs 425 points
This means you'd have to spend $21,250 at Torpedo7 to earn enough points for a $50 Torpedo7 voucher
So, the return on spend would be $50 / $21,250 = 0.24%

Spending on fuel at Z (or Caltex) and Redeeming at Z:

For every $50 spent on fuel at Z or Caltex (we've assumed you pay $2.50 per litre so that 20 litres = $50, but this is an example only), you earn 1 Flybuys point
The Z Energy $30 gift card costs 270 points
This means you'd have to spend $13,500 on fuel at Z or Caltex to earn enough points for a $30 Z Energy gift card
So, the return on spend would be $30 / $13,500 = 0.22%

Petrol Station Discounts

MoneyHub users have written to express their fondness for the fuel discounts Flybuys offers. It's complicated, so we asked an experienced user to explain it better. This is their guidance, which we cannot verify given the complexity and the fact no relevant company we contacted to review our research replied.

If you select 'Fuel Discounts' as your Flybuys reward currency, you then have two balances - firstly, your Flybuys points balance, and secondly, your 'Pumped' (Fuel Discounts) balance which is measured in cents off per litre.
Every time you get to 4 Flybuys points, these points disappear, as they are transferred to the Pumped balance instead in the form of 3 cents off per litre.
When you redeem your Pumped balance, you get the amount of cents in your pumped balance multiplied by up to 50 litres. If you have 80c in your balance and fill 50L, you would get a $40 discount (80cents x 50L = 4,000cents or $40). If you have filled up $140 worth of petrol, this will only cost you $100.
The cents in your Pumped balance expire at the end of the following month after they are earned. For example, cents earned in June expire in July. You can manage expiring cents by redeeming the Pumped balance once a month.
You should only use the Pumped discount when filling up a large number of litres.

How does this compare to New World Dollars?
Every 28 Flybuys points can become 5 New World dollars, which means every 5.6 Flybuys earns $1. For Fuel Discounts, every 4 Flybuys points can be converted to 3c off per litre, which can be worth up to $1.50 if filling 50L. If filling 40L (which many people do), you still get $1.20 with just 4 points instead of needing 5.6 points to get $1.

Our MoneyHub user shares other relevant details and experiences:

Your Z/Caltex station might be more expensive than other alternatives. For me, they are 25c more expensive. This only matters if not earning many points. If I earn 133.3 Flybuys points in a month, that is 100 cents off, which is okay, as after I subtract the 'Z/Caltex premium' of 25 cents I am still getting 75 cents off per litre which is pretty good (75c x 40L = 3,000 cents = $30). However, if I was earning 66.7 points per month, that is 50c off, but the 'Z/Caltex premium' would lower my discount to 25c off, which I sense is not great and might push me toward New World dollars instead (25c x 40L = 1000cents = $10)".
"You can also earn extra Flybuys points (or Airpoints) when buying petrol from Z or Caltex, which can be converted into more discounts".
"The Z/Caltex 'Pumped' scheme has its own discount offering independent from Flybuys earned points - you get 6c off per litre at Z/Caltex every time you fill up. You can choose to use the discount in the moment, or if you spend over $40 you can save it for later. This leads to some people doing many $40 transactions in one petrol station visit, using the app, always 'saving the 6c'. Until another day when they go in for a full tank and use all of the saved discounts at once when getting a lot of litres".

New World Club Card vs Flybuys

Flybuys points are frequently earned in New World. New World Club Cards also integrate to Flybuys, but understanding how it works is complicated. While the conversion rate to 'New World Dollars' is superior to the Flybuys needed to convert to a New World voucher, it's not easy to follow.
This New World video explains how Club Card members have three redemption options every time they spend $25 - Flybuys points, Airpoints Dollars or Z/Caltex Fuel discounts. The complexity makes it difficult to make a decision and the video and associated pages on the New World website don't offer much guidance.
However, our conversion is follows. $25 spent at New World equals:
1 Flybuys point (28 Flybuys = 5 New World Dollars), or
0.185 Airpoints Dollars, or
An interminable discount on fuel (outlined in this incredibly complicated New World summary)

If you spend $1,000 at New World, you will earn the following:

Flybuys: You'd earn 40 Flybuys points ($1,000 divided by $25). As 28 Flybuys equals 5 New World Dollars, you'd earn about 7.14 New World Dollars (40 Flybuys points divided by 28 Flybuys points per 5 New World Dollars multiplied by 5).
Airpoints: You'd earn 7.40 Airpoints Dollars ($1,000 multiplied by 0.185 Airpoints Dollars).
Fuel discount: This depends on the specific terms of the discount which you mentioned is complicated, but it's typically a percentage off per litre, capped at a certain number of litres.

Our view: What's best really depends on what you value most. If you travel frequently and can make good use of Airpoints, then the 7.4 Airpoints Dollars might be the most valuable for you. On the other hand, if you shop at New World frequently, the 7.14 New World Dollars might be more beneficial.

The fuel discount could potentially save you money if you purchase a large amount of fuel but we're not convinced given the complexity; you would need to understand the specifics of the discount to determine how valuable it is which will vary day by day. You'll also need to consider factors such as how much you spend on fuel, the per-litre discount, and any caps or limitations in place.

Flybuys Pros and Cons

Flybuys is free to join, and you're not missing out on any other loyalty points or rewards by using a Flybuys card when making a purchase. For example, if you have a rewards or cashback credit card, you will still earn those points or benefits alongside your Flybuys points. We list the pros and cons to help explain the offering in detail:

Pros:

Versatile Range of Rewards: Flybuys offers many rewards, including travel, merchandise, gift cards, and more. This lets you choose the rewards that best suit your preferences and needs.
Numerous Participating Retailers: Many retailers and businesses participate in the Flybuys program, making accumulating points through everyday purchases easier.
Gift Card Flexibility: Redeeming points for gift cards allows you to use your points on discounted or sale items at the relevant stores, adding more value to your points.
Potential for Savings on Travel: Flybuys' partnership with helloworld can save you money on flights, accommodations, and package deals if you accumulate many points.
Promotions and Special Offers: Flybuys often runs promotions that allow members to earn extra points, boosting your points balance faster.

Cons:

Value Discrepancy: The value of rewards can vary widely. Some items might not offer as good value as others, meaning you might not always get the best value for your points.
Overpriced Merchandise: Some items in the Flybuys store might be priced higher than similar items available elsewhere, meaning they could offer a poorer value when redeemed with points.
Outdated Stock: Flybuys may sometimes offer older or discontinued items as rewards. While these might require fewer points, they may not be as valuable or appealing as newer items.
Hidden Fees on Services: Some services offered through Flybuys, such as car rentals or spas, might include hidden fees or surcharges that can decrease the value you get for your points.
Expiration Dates on Rewards: Some rewards, such as travel and experiences, have expiration dates. You might not get good value for your points if you cannot use the reward within the expiration period.
Non-transferability of some rewards: Certain rewards like flight tickets once purchased may not be transferable, meaning if you cannot use them, your points may go to waste.

Important: The value of a Flybuys point can change depending on what it's redeemed for. So, always compare the equivalent dollar value of a reward with its retail price to ensure you're getting the best value for your points.

Which Rewards Offer the Best Value When Redeeming Flybuys Points?

Point value is the most important thing you must focus on when redeeming Flybuys points.
Each item on the Flybuys store or partner rewards will have a corresponding ratio of points per dollar relative to the standard recommended retail price (RRP). Therefore, some rewards may offer a higher value for a smaller number of points, while others may require a larger number of points but offer a lower value. Comparing the point value of different rewards can ensure that you're getting the most out of your points.
To caveat, the best value items to redeem with Flybuys points will depend on your personal preferences and needs. However, the best value items to redeem with Flybuys points offer the highest value for the least amount.

Best Use Redemption Items:

Gift cards: Flybuys offers a range of gift cards from popular retailers, such as New World, that can be redeemed with points. These gift cards can be a convenient and flexible way to use your points, as they can be used to purchase a wide range of items at participating stores. Additionally, they can be used on items that are discounted or on sale, adding further benefit. Finally, if your points are about to expire, gift cards provide you with additional time to redeem something without them expiring.
Travel: Flybuys partners with helloworld to offer flights, accommodation, and package deals. These can be a great way to save money on your next holiday, especially if you have many points to redeem.
Merchandise, Food and More: Flybuys has a wide range of merchandise for redemption, including Accommodation & Travel, Bikes, Scooters & Skateboards, Books & Magazines, Clothing, Electronics, Fashion & Accessories, Food & Drink, Gaming, Gift Cards & Conversions, Health & Beauty, Home & Living, Home Appliances, Music, Movies & TV Shows, Musical Instruments & Equipment, Sports, Camping & Outdoors, Tools, Gardening & Automotive, Toys & Baby.

Which Flybuys items offer the worst value that should you avoid?

Regarding redeeming Flybuys points, some items may not offer as good of a value as others. Here are some examples of the worst value items you can redeem with Flybuys points:

Avoid Redeeming:

Overpriced merchandise: Some items offered through Flybuys may be priced higher than similar items available elsewhere. This price differential can make them a poor value when redeemed with points, as you may get more value for your points by redeeming them for a different item.
Outdated stock: Flybuys may sometimes offer older or discontinued items as rewards, which may not be as appealing or valuable as newer or more popular items, although the required Flybuys points will be much lower.
Services with hidden fees: Some services offered through Flybuys, such as car rentals or spas, may include hidden fees or surcharges that are not disclosed upfront. Be sure to read the fine print and consider the service's total cost before redeeming your points, as this can impact the value you are getting for your points.
Non-transferable rewards: Some Flybuys rewards, such as event tickets or package deals, may not be transferable to others. For example, if you redeem Flybuys for a trip booked through helloworld that's in your name, you usually won't be able to change the name later on. This lack of transferability can make them a poor value if you are unable to use the reward yourself or give it to someone else, as your points will be wasted.
Expiration dates: Some Flybuys rewards, such as travel and experiences, have expiration dates, which means you need to redeem them within a certain timeframe. If you cannot use the reward within the expiration period, it may be a poor value for the points required.

Flybuys Review Redeeming vs Paying Cash NZ

Should I Redeem via the Flybuys Store or Pay Cash?

Let's use the Sennheiser HD 450BT Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones as an example, which requires 1,685 Flybuys points for redemption.

First, we need to calculate the New World Dollar value of these points. Outside of Club Card, this is $0.133 (given New World vouchers provide relatively outstanding value for money). The equivalent New World Dollar value of 1,685 points is approximately $224 (1,685 * $0.133).
This means that, if you were to convert your Flybuys points to New World Dollars instead of redeeming them for the headphones, you would have around $224 to spend.
However, you can buy the same headphones for $167.99, including GST, from pbtech.co.nz.
Therefore, if you used 1,685 Flybuys points to get these headphones, you would be getting a value of only $167.99 for points that could have been worth about $224 if spent at New World. This suggests that redeeming the points for these headphones is not the best value.
In conclusion, it's generally more beneficial to convert your Flybuys points to New World Dollars rather than using them for merchandise, unless the retail price of the merchandise is higher than the equivalent value in New World Dollars.
In this specific case, using the points for the Sennheiser headphones is not a good value proposition, as the retail price of the headphones is significantly lower than what the points are worth when spent at New World.

Comparing Flybuys Store 'prices' with paying cash for the same item:
The Flybuys program allows you to redeem points for various merchandise in the Flybuys Store. But is it a good deal? One way to make a fair comparison is to use the New World rate (0.133%) as a benchmark.

To compare the value of redeeming points for merchandise versus using them at New World, follow these steps:

Determine the New World Dollar value of the item: As established above, this is $0.133.
Compare with the retail price: Look up the retail price of the same item elsewhere on an NZ-based retailer; make sure you're comparing the exact same item, including the model and specifications.
Evaluate the better deal: If the item's retail price is less than its equivalent 'price' in New World Dollars, you would get more value by using your Flybuys points at New World. Conversely, if the retail price is higher than the equivalent 'price' in New World Dollars, the Flybuys Store might offer a better deal.

Other examples:
BLUNT Metro 2.0 Umbrella: This item requires 785 Flybuys points for redemption.

First, determine the New World Dollar value of the item. Using your conversion rate of 1 Flybuys point being worth about $0.179 in New World Dollars, the umbrella is worth approximately $104.40 in New World Dollars (785 * $0.133).
Next, compare this with the retail price of the same item, which is $129 on the BLUNT umbrellas website.
Evaluate the better deal: The umbrella's retail price is more than its equivalent 'price' in New World Dollars. Therefore, you would get marginally more value by using your Flybuys points on the Flybuys Store compared to using them in New World.

Windermere 100% Mohair Throw (Glacier): This item requires 1,065 Flybuys points for redemption.

Determine the New World Dollar value of the item. Using your conversion rate, the throw is worth approximately $141.65 in New World Dollars (1,065 * $0.133).
Compare this with the retail price of the same item, which is $280 on The Mohair Store.
Evaluate the better deal: The throw's retail price is more than its equivalent 'price' in New World Dollars. Therefore, the Flybuys Store might offer a better deal for this item given it's around half the price.

Our view: The decision to redeem Flybuys points for merchandise in the Flybuys Store or to use them at New World should be guided by the comparative retail price of the item. In the examples given, the BLUNT Metro 2.0 Umbrella offers better value when points are spent at New World, while the Windermere 100% Mohair Throw offers better value when redeemed in the Flybuys Store. If you make your calculation using $0.133 X the Flybuys points required for an item, you'll be able to compare the pricing against a trusted retailer.

How can I accumulate Flybuys points faster?

There are a few ways to accumulate Flybuys points faster:

Make purchases at participating retailers and service providers: The most obvious way to earn points is by purchasing at participating retailers and service providers, and those that offer the most Flybuys points per $1 spent will boost balances the fastest.
Participate in promotions and special offers: Flybuys often runs promotions and offers that allow members to earn extra points.
Use a Flybuys credit card: Flybuys has partnerships with the BNZ.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I join Flybuys?

To join Flybuys, you can either sign up online through the Flybuys website or app or visit a participating retailer or service provider and ask to join the program. Anyone in New Zealand can join Flybuys.

How do I earn Flybuys points?

Purchases at participating retailers and service providers earn Flybuys points. The number of points earned per dollar spent varies by retailer. Members can also earn points by participating in promotions and special offers or referring friends to the program.

How do I redeem Flybuys points?

Flybuys points can be redeemed online through the Flybuys website or app or in-store at participating retailers and service providers. The Flybuys store lists 6,000+ items available to redeem. In addition, a wide range of rewards is available, including discounts on products and services, travel rewards, and experiences.

Do Flybuys points expire?

Flybuys points expire after three years if there is no activity on the account. This means you'll need to make a purchase to earn Flybuys or redeem Flybuys points for an award.

Are there any restrictions on redeeming Flybuys points?

Some rewards may restrict when they can be redeemed, and some may be unavailable at certain times.

How do I check my Flybuys points balance?

Members can check their Flybuys points balance online through the Flybuys website or app or by contacting Flybuys customer service.

Can I earn Flybuys points on all of my purchases?

Flybuys points can only be earned on purchases from participating retailers and service providers. You can earn Flybuys points on sale items and discounted products.

Can I use my Flybuys points to pay for purchases made with a Flybuys partner gift card or voucher?

In some cases, Flybuys points can be used to pay for purchases made with a Flybuys partner gift card or voucher. Flybuys has partnerships with several retailers and service providers, and members may be able to use their points to pay for eligible purchases made with partner gift cards or vouchers.

Can I earn Flybuys points on purchases made online?

Yes, Flybuys points can be earned on purchases made online at around 40 online retailers. However, the number of points earned per dollar spent varies by retailer.

Can I earn Flybuys points on purchases made overseas?

It's rare - in most cases, Flybuys points can only be earned on purchases made within New Zealand. However, there may be some exceptions for certain retailers or service providers with a global presence and participating in the Flybuys program, as well as spending with a BNZ Flybuys points-earning credit card.

Can I use my Flybuys points to pay for travel or holiday expenses?

Yes - you can use Flybuys points to pay for travel or holiday expenses through the Flybuys travel partner program. Members can exchange their points with helloworld for travel rewards.

Can I earn Flybuys points on council, government or utility bills (like water and electricity) ?

No - Flybuys points can't be earned on government-related services such as water and rates. It's also rare to find power companies offering Flybuys points.

Can I earn Flybuys points on insurance premiums?

Yes - Flybuys partners with insurers like PetCover, State Insurance and BNZ. The earning rates vary between insurers.

Can I earn Flybuys points on purchases made with a Flybuys partner credit card at a non-partner retailer?

As a background, the BNZ Advantage credit cards earn Flybuys points. This means your Flybuys points can be earned on purchases when the retailer isn't a participating Flybuys retailer. If they do participate, you can 'double dip' on Flybuys by earning using your credit card (at the card earning rate) and the retailer's rate.

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