Big changes for Woolworths customers in South Africa
Woolworths has launched its new rewards programme, MyDifference Plus, which the group says is designed to help its customers build better financial habits.
The programme, spearheaded by Woolworths Financial Services, is a higher-tier programme for Woollies Credit Card and Store Card customers that sits on top of its new MyDifference system
MyDifference rewards programme was launched in July 2025, replacing the previous WRewards and MySchool scheme, with the older scheme no longer working by the end of June 2026.
The MyDifference Plus tier is exclusively available for Woolworths Credit Card and Store Card customers and focuses on how customers shop and manage their accounts.
Although the standard MyDifference rewards introduced discount vouchers, akin to those offered by Pick n Pay’s SmartShopper and Checkers’ XtraSavings, the Plus tier offers cash back.
Cashback earn rates are achieved by completing personalised actions, such as paying accounts on time, shopping regularly with a Woollies Credit Card or Store Card, engaging with the Woollies app, or setting up a debit order.
Customers can also unlock personalised vouchers by achieving shopping goals that are tailored to their shopping habits.
Beyond cashback, customers can also unlock personalised vouchers by achieving shopping goals tailored to their purchasing habits.
It also provides additional savings via exclusive discounts on selected Woolworths products when customers pay with their Woolies Credit Card or Store Card.
The programme is available via the Woolworths app, where customers can track their completed actions and cashback earnings, view their personal actions and goals, and access promotions.
Customers at the centre
With the launch of MyDifference Plus, Woolworths Financial Services CEO Sivendran Pillay said that the new programme places customers at the centre of everything
“For years, loyalty has largely been about rewarding customers for what they buy. We’re taking a bold step towards rewarding customers for how they build a better financial future,” said Pillay on LinkedIn.
“It’s an innovation designed to help customers make smarter financial decisions, build positive payment habits, and be rewarded for behaviours that strengthen their financial wellbeing.”
He said that Woolworths Financial Services believes that the future is not simply about responding to customer needs, but anticipating them.
He added that innovation is not simply about adding more features, but is also about solving real problems.
“Imagine a world where every payment made on time, every smart financial decision, and every positive habit is recognised and rewarded. That’s the future we’re building,” said Pillay.
“We’ve created something that shifts loyalty from being transactional to transformational.”
The new system has also been recognised by senior leaders at the Tyme Group, a current partner of Boxer, Pick n Pay, and The Foschini Group.
“A great shift in thinking. The strongest loyalty programmes don’t just reward transactions – they help customers build better financial habits over time,” said GoTyme CEO Cheslyn Jacobs.
Tyme Group Founder Coen Jonker echoed similar sentiments, noting that the most effective loyalty programmes will encourage behaviours that strengthen customers’ long-term financial wellbeing.
Loading ...