Club+ vs Everyday Rewards: Best Supermarket Loyalty Card

Emma de Groot · 2026-06-10

Choosing between supermarket loyalty cards can feel like a waste of time. But if you're shopping in New Zealand and want to save money, understanding the difference between the new Club+ and Everyday Rewards is key. Let's break down which card actually puts more cash back in your pocket. ### What Are These Cards? Both Club+ and Everyday Rewards are loyalty programs offered by major supermarket chains. Club+ is the premium version of the standard Club card, while Everyday Rewards is the program used by Countdown. They both aim to reward you for your regular shopping trips. But here's the thing: they work differently. Club+ charges a membership fee, while Everyday Rewards is free. That alone can make a big difference in how much you actually save.  ### How Do You Earn Points? With Club+, you earn points on every dollar you spend. The exact rate depends on your membership tier, but it's usually around 1 point per $1 spent. Everyday Rewards gives you 1 point per $1 spent as well, but you can also earn bonus points on selected products. - Club+: Earn points on all purchases, plus bonus points on certain categories. - Everyday Rewards: Earn points on all purchases, with targeted bonus offers. Both programs let you redeem points for discounts on future shopping trips. But the value of those points can vary.  ### What About the Fees? Club+ isn't free. You pay an annual fee, which can be around $50 to $100 depending on the level. Everyday Rewards has no fee at all. That's a huge difference if you're on a tight budget. Think about it: if you spend $200 a week on groceries, you'd earn about 10,400 points a year with either card. But with Club+, you're paying up to $100 just for the privilege. That means you need to earn at least $100 worth of rewards just to break even. ### Which One Saves You More? For most people, Everyday Rewards is the better deal. It's free, easy to use, and you still get points on every purchase. The bonus offers can be quite generous, especially if you buy a lot of fresh produce or household staples. Club+ makes sense only if you spend a lot and can take advantage of its premium perks, like exclusive discounts or faster point accumulation. But for the average shopper, the fee eats into your savings. > "The best loyalty card is the one that gives you value without costing you money upfront." ### Tips for Maximizing Your Savings Here are a few simple ways to get the most out of whichever card you choose: - Always scan your card before paying. Even if you forget, most stores let you add points after the fact. - Look for bonus point offers on items you already buy. Don't buy things just for the points. - Combine your loyalty card with store sales and coupons. That's where the real savings are. - Set a budget for groceries and stick to it. Points are nice, but they shouldn't drive your spending. ### The Bottom Line If you're in New Zealand and trying to decide between Club+ and Everyday Rewards, go with Everyday Rewards unless you're a heavy spender who can justify the fee. It's free, easy, and gives you real savings without any upfront cost. For most of us, that's the smarter choice. Remember, loyalty cards are tools, not magic. Use them wisely, and they'll help you save. But don't let them trick you into spending more than you planned.