Navigating the world of loyalty programs and rewards cards can sometimes feel like deciphering an ancient scroll—full of hidden clauses and unexpected twists. For many of us over 60, these programs offer a way to make our shopping dollars stretch a bit further, but they also come with their own set of rules that can catch us off guard.
A recent incident at a Woolworths checkout has brought to light a little-known policy about the use of Everyday Rewards cards that might have many of us questioning our own shopping practices.
Caterina Tan’s ordinary grocery run at a Woolworths store in Perth’s Murray Street turned into a bewildering confrontation when she attempted to use her partner’s Rewards card. After encountering difficulties scanning the card—which was actually a screenshot on her phone—she sought assistance from a staff member. To her surprise, the situation quickly escalated as the employee accused her of identity theft.
This incident, which occurred last June, has only recently been shared by Caterina, who admits the experience still upsets her. ‘I felt she was picking on me,’ she said, reflecting on the distressing encounter.
The staff member’s reaction was severe, with allegations of fraud and threats of police involvement. Caterina, a tourist visiting her partner in Australia, was understandably shaken. She explained that her partner had given her permission to use his card, a practice he himself had engaged in with other family members’ cards. Despite the initial resistance, the Woolworths worker eventually processed the Rewards card, allowing Caterina to complete her purchase and leave, albeit with a sour taste in her mouth.
Woolworths has since confirmed that the use of another person’s Everyday Rewards card is indeed against their policy. ‘Everyday Reward cards should only be scanned by the individual member making the transaction,’ a spokesperson for the supermarket chain stated. The terms and conditions of the membership scheme are clear: one card per person, and while points can be gifted to other members, sharing cards is a no-go.
The Everyday Rewards program is more than just a way to save a few dollars; it’s a sophisticated data collection tool for Woolworths. The supermarket giant uses the program to track shopping habits, personalise sales, and inform their marketing strategies. The data collected at checkout is linked to individual shopper profiles, making the use of someone else’s card problematic from a data integrity standpoint.
As this incident shows, even everyday moments at the checkout can lead to unexpected surprises when it comes to store policies. While loyalty programs are designed to offer added value, it’s always worth knowing the finer details.
Have you ever encountered a confusing or unexpected rule while shopping? How do you feel about restrictions on who can use loyalty cards? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Also read: New cameras in Woolworths sparks discussion: What are they for?
