Big Changes for eBucks: Shoprite Partners with Standard Bank as FNB Teams Up with Pick n Pay

South Africa’s loyalty rewards landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as Shoprite ends its long-standing eBucks partnership with FNB and joins forces with Standard Bank’s UCount Rewards. Meanwhile, FNB has onboarded Pick n Pay to its eBucks programme, expanding its offerings to customers. These changes, effective from 1 April 2025, aim to provide shoppers with enhanced savings and rewards amid rising living costs.

Shoprite and Standard Bank: A New Partnership

Shoprite, South Africa’s largest retailer, has announced a new partnership with Standard Bank’s UCount Rewards programme. Starting 1 April 2025, qualifying UCount Rewards members will enjoy the following benefits:

• Up to 30% back in UCount Rewards Points on every product, every day, at Shoprite and Checkers stores.
• Up to 40% back in UCount Rewards Points on Sixty60, Shoprite’s on-demand delivery service.

These rewards can be redeemed both in-store and online, complementing existing benefits like the Discovery Vitality HealthyFood programme and Shoprite’s Xtra Savings rewards. For example, Vitality members can earn up to 75% back in Discovery Miles on over 2,500 products at Checkers and Sixty60.

“Shoprite and Checkers customers saved a combined R16.9 billion on their grocery bills in the last financial year alone,” Shoprite said. “Xtra Savings has been the number one supermarket rewards programme in South Africa since 2019.”

Standard Bank sees the partnership as a strategic move to boost transaction volumes at Shoprite Group stores and increase its share of grocery spend—a category where consumers spend most frequently. The collaboration comes at a time when South African households are under financial pressure, with food prices continuing to rise despite slowing inflation.

FNB and Pick n Pay: A New Alliance

Following the termination of its eBucks partnership with Shoprite, FNB has teamed up with Pick n Pay, which joined the eBucks rewards programme in October 2024. From 1 April 2025, FNB eBucks customers will automatically earn rewards on their Pick n Pay spend, including online purchases and clothing.

Here’s what FNB customers can expect:

• FNB Easy Customers: Swipe your FNB Easy debit card to get a voucher allowing you to pay 99c for a 600g loaf of Pick n Pay bread. Customers receive four vouchers per month.
• FNB Aspire Customers: Earn up to R150 per month back in eBucks on in-store spend, Pick n Pay asap!, and Pick n Pay Clothing.
• FNB Premier Customers: Earn up to 30% back in eBucks on Pick n Pay asap!, 20% back on in-store spend, and up to 20% back at Pick n Pay Clothing.
• FNB Private Clients, Private Wealth, and RMB Private Bank Customers: Earn up to 30% back in eBucks on Pick n Pay asap!, 20% back on in-store spend, and at Pick n Pay Clothing. These customers will also continue to earn up to 15% back in eBucks when shopping at Spar stores.

Pick n Pay customers can still benefit from swiping their Smart Shopper card at till points, stacking rewards on top of the new eBucks offers.

Why These Changes Matter

The shift in loyalty rewards partnerships reflects the competitive nature of South Africa’s retail and banking sectors. For consumers, these changes mean more opportunities to save on everyday expenses, especially as the cost of living continues to rise.

According to the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Household Affordability Index, the average Household Food Basket cost 2% more in January 2025 compared to the previous year, adding R1,032 to household expenses over three years. Initiatives like these rewards programmes are crucial in helping households stretch their budgets further.

The shake-up in South Africa’s rewards landscape marks a new era for loyalty programmes. Shoprite’s partnership with Standard Bank’s UCount Rewards and FNB’s alliance with Pick n Pay aim to deliver greater value to customers. As households navigate financial pressures, these programmes offer a lifeline, helping shoppers save on groceries and everyday essentials. Whether you’re a Shoprite, Checkers, or Pick n Pay shopper, there’s never been a better time to maximise your rewards.

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