🎥Supermarket loyalty apps worth the space it takes up on your phone
Some apps save you money, and others save you cents. We dug into which ones are worth the data (and space on your phone).
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Liz Thorne
Liz Thorne
Your phone storage is a battlefield. Between memes, screenshots you’ll never look at again, and TikTok videos of dogs dancing to amapiano, do you really have space for another loyalty app? The short answer: yes, but only if it pays for itself in real rands.
Delete your ex’s photos, keep the apps that shave money off your groceries.
Pick n Pay's Smart Shopper (Smart Combos)
Pick n Pay’s Smart Shopper app isn’t new, but the revamped “asap! + Smart Shopper” makes it harder to ignore. You get personalised discounts, points you can redeem as cash-off, and the kicker: partners. When you swipe at BP, it’s 10 points per litre, and when you pay with TymeBank, it’s double points.
Oh, and if you’re with FNB? From April 1, you could be getting up to 30% back in eBucks when you shop at PnP. That’s not pocket change, but a week’s groceries if you play it right.
Why it’s worth the download:
If you shop PnP at least once a month, the app is a no-brainer. Stack it with BP fuel and bank perks, and you’re suddenly the person who brags about “getting paid to shop”, except this time it’s true.
Checkers & Shoprite's Xtra Savings for instant gratification
Checkers’ Xtra Savings doesn’t waste your time with points. You swipe, you save, done. Discounts appear on your till slip, and yes, sometimes it can be the difference between splurging on a bottle of gin or going home with Castle Lite.
Then there’s Xtra Savings Plus. For R99 a month, you get unlimited Sixty60 deliveries, double deals, and 10% off one in-store shop. Quick maths: at R36 per delivery, the subscription pays for itself after three orders. If you are a heavy Sixty60 user, it's proper value.
Why it’s worth the download: If you order Sixty60 three times or more a month, Plus is worth it. If not, stick with the free version and enjoy your discounted braai meat.
Groceries first, gym membership later.
Woolworths' WRewards (and the promise of MyDifference)
Woolies WRewards gives you instant discounts on selected items. Throw in a Woolies credit card and you get an extra 5% on some lines. That’s decent if you already live in the Food aisle.
They’re also rolling out “MyDifference”, a tiered loyalty scheme with annual vouchers and VIP-style perks. Basically, the more you spend at Woolies, the more they pat you on the back with vouchers. If Woolies is your religion, this will feel like tithes coming back.
Why it’s worth the download: If you shop Woolies weekly, yes. If you’re only there for payday sushi or emergency Malva pudding, maybe not.
SPAR Rewards with WhatsApp vibes
SPAR Rewards is simple: sign up for free, activate via WhatsApp, USSD, or the app, and you get instant discounts at the till without faffing. Add “SPAR Mobile” and you can get free data linked to your grocery spend. Bread, milk, and a few gigs of data? That’s a lekker South African special right there.
Why it’s worth the download: If your local SPAR is your corner store, keep it on your phone. If you only stop in for rolls before rugby, the discounts might not be worth it.
Food Lover’s Market's Sticker shock (literally)
Food Lover’s hasn’t gone full loyalty-app nationwide. Instead, you’ll find sticker promos on cookware, knives, and even plushies if you collect enough. Some branches run the “Food Lover’s First” rewards app, but it’s patchy. If your local has it, great. If not, save your storage for something else.
Why it’s worth the download: Only if your branch participates. Otherwise, you’re better off collecting the stickers your gran gives you.
Quick take: Which apps deserve your storage space?
- Must-haves: Pick n Pay Smart Shopper and Checkers Xtra Savings (especially if you Sixty60 hard).
- Good for brand loyalists: Woolies WRewards, SPAR Rewards.
- Meh: Food Lover’s app - unless your branch runs the programme.
Delete Candy Crush level 678, keep the apps that pay you in rands.
Two rules for saving big in ZAR
- Combine your perks. FNB plus Pick n Pay is a power couple. Three Sixty60 orders and Plus pays for itself.
- Choose instant savings first, points second. A discount on milk today beats 200 points in 2025.
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Liz Thorne
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