How two Aussie mums have saved money via Woolworths Everyday Rewards’ Bank for Christmas scheme

These two Aussie mums have unlocked hundreds of dollars in Christmas savings, which more than 800,000 shoppers can also access from today.

Queensland mum Chantelle Ellem is one of many Aussies who have a share of more than $80 million in banked supermarket savings — which she is about to access to buy her kids their Christmas gifts.

Ms Ellem managed to save $470 through using Woolworths Everyday Rewards’ Bank for Christmas scheme.

The online creator, who often shares money-saving tips to her Instagram channel Fat Mum Slim, said a little bit of extra cash can go a long way during the festive season.

“Everyone’s stressing we’re coming to the end of the year with the money we just feel like we’re bleeding money so anything we can do to make our lives easier is so important,” she said.

Queenland mum and content creator Chantelle Ellem said the rewards scheme feels like ‘free money’. Picture: Supplied.

Everyday Rewards members earn points when shopping at stores like Woolworths and BIG W and normally, 2,000 points equals $10 off a shop.

But by choosing the Bank for Christmas option, members can save those rewards through the year to spend during the Christmas period – with the cash unlocked today.

This year, more than 800,000 Everyday Rewards members banked their points, with $100 saved on average per member. More than $80 million has been bnaked overall.

Ms Ellem told her 135,000 Instagram followers that one of her top supermarket saver tips is the Woolworths boosters.

Boosters are limited bonus points you can manually activate through the app to earn extra points and get even more bang from your buck.

The supermarket giant Woolworths has unlocked ‘banked’ points on their loyalty scheme today. Picture: Supplied

She has now racked up enough to cover half her Christmas presents.

“I’ll have $500 by that so that is the shop so do not have to pay for that,” she added.

“It feels like free money even though I know I’ve earned it myself but it just takes so much pressure off.”

The savvy shopper said next year she’s aiming to save $1,000 when the scheme rolls around again in 2026 – and it still going strong this year.

“I’m thrilled with my $470 savings, but I’m not done yet, I’m hoping to get to $500 in the next couple of weeks.”

Primary schoolteacher and mum-of-three Ciarne Brooks said the extra cash was a ‘relief.’ Picture: Supplied

Primary schoolteacher and mum-of-three Ciarne Brooks also said the Woolies boosters were the best way to save money.

The Lake Macquarie local managed to bank $250 through Everyday Rewards and described the extra cash as a “relief.”

”It just a bit of relief when I could just pay for a whole grocery shop with my bonus points,” she said.

Being a casual worker, Ms Brooks says the scheme is especially helpful over the summer holidays.

“This time of year is expensive, especially with kids,” she said.

“You’ve got nothing to lose, really.”

Shopping experts suggest keeping your eyes peeled during the Black Friday sales. Picture: Supplied

Finder personal finance expert Sarah Megginson said Woolworths’ Bank for Christmas scheme is a low-effort way for shoppers to ease financial stress at the end of the year.

“The value and benefit really depends on your goals … there are very few drawbacks, because even casual shoppers are likely to earn enough credits throughout the year to put to good use.”

Despite the Christmas deadline, she praised the schemes flexibility across various stores, including Woolworths, BIG W, BWS and suggested the best way to optimise the program is by covert your points – which can be done through your Everyday Rewards Account.

“You’ll usually get better value by converting your points to Qantas points,” she said.

If your looking for other ways to save over Christmas, Ms Megginson suggesting being wary of chocolate – as it “skyrockets” over the festive season.

She also said it’s great to keep an eye out Black Friday to bag a bargain, which is coming up on November 28.

Woolworths is also extending its Lower Shelf Price initiative on more than 130 new products for at least six months from today.

Woolworths Group CEO Amanda Bardwell said they have locked-in lower shelf prices on more than 800 items - including olive oil, cheese, tuna and rice.

“We are seeing a strong response from customers building their weekly shop around lower shelf price goods, with rising item sales of those on the program as well as very positive customer feedback about the value it’s delivering,” she said.

“We plan to continue expanding the range, and providing value that our shoppers can count on.”

Originally published as How two Aussie mums have saved money via Woolworths Everyday Rewards’ Bank for Christmas scheme