Flybuys has been one of New Zealand’s oldest loyalty programmes. Here’s how it works, what your points are actually worth, and whether it’s worth participating in 2026.
Flybuys is worth joining — it costs nothing and earns approximately 1% effective cashback at Countdown, BP, and other partners. 2,000 points = $20 redemption. The programme is free; scan your card at every eligible purchase. At Countdown, choose between Flybuys and Everyday Rewards (not both on the same transaction at most stores).
What Is Flybuys?
Flybuys is a NZ coalition loyalty programme — meaning points are earned across multiple partner brands using one card. It’s operated in NZ by Loyalty New Zealand.
Key partners:
- Countdown / Woolworths NZ (supermarkets)
- BP (petrol)
- Z Energy (petrol at some stations)
- AA (NRMA Insurance partner)
- Selected other retail partners
How to Earn Flybuys Points
| Partner | Earn rate |
|---|---|
| Countdown / Woolworths NZ | 1 point per $1 spent |
| BP | 1 point per $1 spent on fuel |
| Z Energy (select) | Varies — check current promotions |
| Other partners | Varies by partner |
Bonus Points Events
Countdown regularly runs bonus points promotions — where specific products earn extra points (e.g., “earn 5× points on all ice cream this week”). These promotions can significantly boost your earn rate if timed with regular shopping.
What Are Flybuys Points Worth?
The redemption rate is straightforward:
$$2{,}000 \text{ points} = $20 \text{ redemption}$$
This means 1 point = $0.01 (1 cent).
Effective earn rate at Countdown:
- $1 spend = 1 point = $0.01 value
- 1% effective return on Countdown shopping
At $200/week grocery spend at Countdown:
- $200 × 52 = $10,400/year
- 10,400 points earned
- 5 × $20 = $100 in redemptions per year
That’s a free grocery shop roughly every 10 weeks.
How to Redeem Flybuys Points
| Redemption | Value |
|---|---|
| Countdown in-store vouchers | $20 per 2,000 points |
| Flybuys online store (merchandise) | Varies — often lower than $0.01/point |
| Partner vouchers | Varies |
Best redemption: Countdown in-store vouchers at the 2,000 points = $20 rate. Merchandise redemptions often deliver less than the $0.01/point cash equivalent.
Flybuys vs Everyday Rewards at Countdown
Countdown is transitioning through loyalty programme changes — both Flybuys and Everyday Rewards have been available at Countdown stores.
| Feature | Flybuys | Everyday Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Available at Countdown | Yes | Yes |
| Point earn rate | 1 per $1 | 1 per $1 |
| Airpoints transfer | Check current options | Yes — transfer to Airpoints |
| External partners | More (BP, Z Energy, etc.) | Countdown-focused |
| Promotional offers | Frequent | Frequent |
Which to choose at Countdown: If you value Airpoints, Everyday Rewards (which allows Airpoints transfer) is often more valuable. If you prefer cash-equivalent redemptions and use BP/Z Energy, Flybuys earns across more partners.
Many NZers carry both cards and choose which to scan based on current promotions.
The Flybuys-Airpoints Link
Historically, Flybuys offered a link to Air NZ Airpoints — converting Flybuys points to Airpoints Dollars. Check the current Flybuys programme terms to see if this conversion is still available and at what rate, as programme structures can change.
Is Flybuys Worth Joining?
Yes — joining Flybuys is free, and scanning your card costs you nothing.
| Scenario | Flybuys worth it? |
|---|---|
| Regular Countdown shopper | ✅ Yes — ~1% return on grocery spending |
| Regular BP customer | ✅ Yes — 1% return on fuel |
| Shop exclusively at New World | ❌ No — OneCard is the relevant programme |
| Shop mix of Countdown + New World | ✅ Yes — join both Flybuys and OneCard |
Maximising Flybuys
- Scan on every Countdown or BP purchase — no minimum spend
- Stack with your credit card — earn Flybuys points AND credit card rewards (Airpoints or cashback) simultaneously
- Watch for bonus point weeks — buy your regular grocery items during double or triple points promotions
- Redeem for Countdown vouchers — the best rate is the $20 voucher per 2,000 points
- Don’t let points accumulate indefinitely — redeem regularly in $20 increments
Next Steps
- Everyday Rewards NZ guide — Countdown’s other loyalty programme
- OneCard New World guide — for New World and Pak’nSave shoppers
- How to maximise NZ loyalty programmes — stacking strategies
- Loyalty programmes overview — all NZ programmes compared