Latest news with #Customers
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Huge cashback site ‘sneakily' axes key perk for thousands of customers leaving them furious
QUIDCO customers have slammed the service for 'sneakily' removing a key perk which has left thousands of customers furious. Cashback sites like Quidco pay users a percentage of the cost of an online purchase. 1 Retailers use services like these in a bid to win over customers, by giving them something back in return for their custom. Up until this month, Quidco offered a ' Highest Cashback Guarantee ', which offered to match any other rates from a UK-based competitor. The pledge meant they not only matched the top rate available, but also added more on top, so the customer would get the highest rate of cashback. Basic users could get an extra 2 per cent of the competitor's rate as a bonus, while Premium users could get double the difference. This was a significant perk for users, typically adding a few more pounds back on a big ticket spend. If for example a Premium member found Quidco's rate was 10 per cent on a purchase, while a competitor was offering 15 per cent, then the site would take the difference - 5 per cent - and then double it to 10 per cent. This would then be added to Quidco's advertised rate of 10 per cent, meaning they would have got a total 20 per cent cashback. So on a £100 spend - £20 would be given back. Basic members got an extra 2 per cent of their rate on top. So in the example above, they would have got the top rate of 15 per cent, plus 2 per cent of that, which works out to 0.3 per cent. The final rate on a £100 spend would have been 15.3 per cent, or £15.30. Switch bank accounts for free perks To claim the difference, users had to submit a form within 72 hours of making the purchase, and supply a dated screenshot showing the competitor's rate. But members, who pay £1 of their cashback earnings per month to be a Premium member, have recently discovered that any mention of Quidco's guarantee and the claim form has disappeared from its website. One said on 'It appears Quidcon have sneakily removed the "Highest Cashback Guarantee" and the double the difference for Premium members. 'I think they're very dishonest since as far as I know they have not notified me of this fact even though it is a significant change in their terms.' Another added: 'I am surprised they pulled it though because that was the only thing good about them but I gave up on them many months ago & only used them if there was a significant difference but I still lost more than I benefited.' Discussing the same issue on another Quidco fan said: 'It's been removed completely, and the chatbot confirms they do not offer it. 'Like it never existed, they could have given a notice to say no longer offered. I have paid premium too, not worth it imo.' Quidco said: "We regularly check to make sure we're giving Quidco members the best possible value. 'As part of this ongoing review, the cashback guarantee has recently been withdrawn and we've introduced new rewards, including double cashback days, flash rewards and increased bonuses, that are even more tailored to our members' shopping needs. "We value the feedback from our members, which plays a vital role in helping us improve our offers and products.' Quidco's Premium service still includes higher cashback rates, with a 10 per cent top-up at over 4,500 retailers, and bigger payout bonuses of up to 20 per cent more if you withdraw your money as an e-gift card. What is cashback? CASHBACK is a type of reward offered by banks, credit card providers, and retailers where customers receive a percentage of their spending back as cash. Essentially, it's a way to earn money while making purchases. For example, if your card offers 1% cashback and you spend £100, you'll earn £1 back. Cashback can be credited to your account, deducted from your balance, or saved up for future use, depending on the provider's terms. It's often offered on everyday purchases, such as groceries, fuel, or online shopping, and may be part of a promotional deal or an ongoing benefit of your account. However, remember to check the terms and conditions, as some transactions may not qualify for cashback rewards. By using cashback offers wisely, you can usually make your money go further on purchases you'd already be making. The news comes after a major bank axed its cashback scheme. Customers were fuming when Santander announced its Santander Edge or Edge Up account will no longer earn 1% cashback on certain spending from September 9. The bank confirmed it's cutting this perk due to increased costs. The Santander Edge account currently gives 1% cashback on certain household bills and spending with a debit card on supermarket shopping, fuel, and travel. Best cashback cards available Many major banks and credit card providers now include cashback rewards as part of their account perks—helping you stretch your money a little further every time you spend. These rewards work by refunding a percentage of your spending back to you, essentially giving you a small rebate on everyday purchases. One of the most competitive options is the Chase debit card, which gives users 1% cashback on most purchases, capped at £15 per month. It's simple to sign up as just an ID check is required and while a few exclusions apply, the overall offer is easy to use and rewarding. Another solid contender is the Amazon Barclaycard. Regular Amazon shoppers will benefit most here, earning 1% cashback on Amazon purchases, which increases to 2% during special events like Prime Day and Black Friday. You'll also receive 0.25% cashback on all other spending (rising to 0.5% in the first year), and there's usually a £20 Amazon voucher just for being approved. Do note, however, that after the first 12 months, you'll need to deposit £1,500 monthly to keep the cashback coming. If you're leaning toward a credit card, the American Express Cashback Everyday Credit Card is ideal for higher spenders or those planning a big purchase. It offers a generous 5% cashback for the first five months, capped at £125. Once the intro period ends, ongoing cashback of up to 1% is available, but only if you spend over £10,000 annually. If you're unlikely to meet that spending threshold, the American Express Cashback Credit Card might be more suitable. It also starts with 5% cashback for three months (again, up to £125), then shifts to 0.75% cashback on the first £10,000 per year, and 1.25% on anything above that. There is, however, a £25 annual fee to consider. For online shoppers, particularly those loyal to Amazon, the Amazon Barclaycard continues to be a standout choice for its consistent and event-based cashback boosts.
Forbes
20-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Five Ways To Support Small Businesses During Small Business Month
National Small Business Month May is National Small Business Month, a time to celebrate the contributions of small business owners to their community. In an era where confidence in institutions is lagging, small business remains the most trusted institution in America. Gallup's annual survey in 2024 found that 68% of Americans have a large amount of trust in small businesses. To add context, the same survey found that only 36% feel that way about the medical system, along with 16% for big business and 12% with broadcast news. Most importantly, small business owners and their employees are friends and neighbors whose success often depends on the relationships they forge with their customers. Here are five ways you can support small business owners in your community during National Small Business Month. 1. Visit a Least One New Small Business in Your Community Is there a new restaurant that you have been meaning to try or a store that you have been wanting to visit? Make it a point to try to do so in the next two weeks. You'll be glad you did and that business may have a new repeat customer. 2. Leave Positive Reviews for Business Online Many businesses either do some or all their work online so positive reviews are becoming more important to new customers who are learning about them for the first time. Whether you have just visited it once or have been going for years, take a few minutes to leave some positive praise for the businesses that deserve it. 3. Avoid Third-Party Purchases Using a third-party purchaser or delivery service does make it easier to buy from a number of stores and restaurants in one central location. However, part of what you pay is going to that third party instead of the business. It may take a few extra minutes, but purchasing directly from the business means they get 100% of the profit. 4. Purchase Merchandise and/or Gift Cards One of the longest-running businesses in Washington, DC, is Frager's Hardware, which has been operating on Capitol Hill since 1920. Part of the reason for this is that the community is invested in its long-term success, and it is rare to walk through the neighborhood on a Saturday or Sunday and not see someone wearing Frager's gear. Your favorite store or restaurant probably has T-shirts or caps too and if you buy one, not only will you be supporting it, you will be a walking advertisement as well. Purchasing gift cards is another way you can help. 5. Advocate for Them When new policies are implemented that affect the economy, they often hit small businesses the earliest and hardest. A recent interview with Pashion Footwear CEO Haley Pavone highlighted how recent tariffs are threatening her business's ability to operate. If you are hearing from businesses about how policies are negatively impacting them, you will be doing them and your community a service by letting your lawmakers know. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and account for nearly half of all U.S. jobs and represent a broad spectrum of industries and perspectives. Your support of them is paid forward in countless ways.
The Sun
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
HSBC to make huge change to eight bank accounts used by millions of customers in weeks
HSBC is making a major change to eight of its bank accounts within weeks. The bank and lender is slashing interest rates on a number of its savings accounts from June 3. It comes after the Bank of England (BoE) reduced its base rate from 4.5% to 4.25% this month - the fourth cut since 2020. The base rate is charged to smaller high street banks and any falls are usually echoed in savings rates. HSBC is reacting to the base rate change by dropping rates on eight of its savings accounts, but the drops come into effect on different dates. The interest rate on its Online Bonus Saver is being cut on July 21 from 4% AER to 3.75%, for balances between £1 - £50,000. Meanwhile, anyone with the same account and a balance over £50,000 will see the rate cut from 1.5% to 1.3% on the same date. The interest rate on the bank's Flexible Saver is also being cut from 1.35% to 1.3% from July 21. Anyone with a Help to Buy ISA and balance over £12,000 will see their interest rate reduced from 1.35% to 1.30% from June 3. HSBC non-Premier customers will see the interest rate on the Loyalty Cash ISA cut (standard rate) from 2.15% to 2.10% from June 3. Meanwhile, the rate on the same ISA (loyalty rate) for non-Premier HSBC customers will drop from 2.35% to 2.30% on the same date. The full list of affected accounts and the new rates coming into force can be seen via: A spokesperson for HSBC said it was "firmly focused on supporting customers with their savings". They added: "We provide overall value on our savings accounts that goes beyond interest rates to provide flexibility, convenience, simplicity and organisational and financial stability for customers who want to save with a trusted high street brand. "There are several factors taken into account when setting savings rates. "We have designed our savings accounts to make it easy for our customers to start and maintain a savings habit so they can save towards longer term goals. "We also proactively remind customers of the need to review their savings, highlighting products that might also be suitable for them and where they could benefit from a higher rate." MAJOR BANKS CUTTING RATES HSBC joins NatWest and Nationwide in cutting rates on its savings accounts as the BoE continues to slash its base rate. Nationwide is cutting interest rates on over 60 savings accounts from June 1 including a number of ISAs and easy access accounts. NatWest is also cutting rates on a number of accounts from the end of this month. Meanwhile, The Sun exclusively revealed how Virgin Money is lowering the interest rate on its M Plus Saver account next month. If you've got a savings account with an interest rate set to drop, it might be worth shopping around for a better deal now. Check out comparison sites like and to browse the best on the market. According to Moneyfacts, Chip is offering the best rate on an easy access savings account, with a rate of 4.77%. Meanwhile, the best easy access cash ISA is with Trading 212 and offering a rate of 4.86%. Always look beyond just the headline interest rate on any savings account though. Some offer additional perks which can make them more cost-effective and suited to you, based on your circumstances. For example, the Club Lloyds Silver account comes with a £11.50 monthly fee and extra £3 monthly Club Lloyds fee that's waived every time you pay in £2,000 or more in each month. However, the account comes with AA breakdown cover, European and UK family travel insurance and mobile phone insurance. SAVING ACCOUNT TYPES THERE are four types of savings accounts fixed, notice, easy access, and regular savers. Separately, there are ISAs or individual savings accounts which allow individuals to save up to £20,000 a year tax-free. But we've rounded up the main types of conventional savings accounts below. FIXED-RATE A fixed-rate savings account or fixed-rate bond offers some of the highest interest rates but comes at the cost of being unable to withdraw your cash within the agreed term. This means that your money is locked in, so even if interest rates increase you are unable to move your money and switch to a better account. Some providers give the option to withdraw, but it comes with a hefty fee. NOTICE Notice accounts offer slightly lower rates in exchange for more flexibility when accessing your cash. These accounts don't lock your cash away for as long as a typical fixed bond account. You'll need to give advance notice to your bank - up to 180 days in some cases - before you can make a withdrawal or you'll lose the interest. EASY-ACCESS An easy-access account does what it says on the tin and usually allows unlimited cash withdrawals. These accounts tend to offer lower returns, but they are a good option if you want the freedom to move your money without being charged a penalty fee. REGULAR SAVER These accounts pay some of the best returns as long as you pay in a set amount each month. You'll usually need to hold a current account with providers to access the best rates. However, if you have a lot of money to save, these accounts often come with monthly deposit limits.
The Sun
12-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Morrisons AXES popular loyalty scheme feature that saved shoppers cash
MORRISONS has stopped two of its popular food offers- leaving customers missing their weekend discounts. Fish Fridays and Steak Saturdays have for years given customers with More Cards 20% off fish and steak from the stores' Market Street counters. 2 2 But the supermarket recently removed the offers as it says customers wanted value all week-long, not just certain days of the week. Instead it has now added 125 fish and steak products to its three for £10 offer, which is available all the time, as well as offering other deals on certain dates. Customers are not happy with the change, with one saying on Morrisons' Facebook page: 'You have finished with 20% off the fish Friday and Steak Saturday not happy.' Another added: 'Are Morrisons stopping the 20% Fish Fridays and Steak Saturdays? 'Manager last week told me they were stopping it, offers no longer showing on the app!' Morrisons' fish and meat counters carry the store's 'Market Street' branding, as well as many products sold on the supermarket's shelves. The retailer recently announced the closure of 70 of its fish and meat counters, which came as a blow to shoppers across the country. A spokesman said it will continue to offer 'great value' deals, such as its recent discount of a third off Market Street Sirloin Steak over the last May Bank Holiday weekend. Offers included saving a third on Market Street Rump Steak last weekend (May 9 -11), and a third off Silverside Joint between May 12 and 18. These deals are available on the shelves, and not from the meat counters. Savvy ways to save at Morrisons Morrisons said: 'Market street is an important part of Morrisons and we are working hard to maintain what customers really want, modernising our proposition and maintaining what is in our DNA as a company.' It's not the only supermarket to have upset shoppers planning their weekend meals. Fans of Tesco's Finest dine-in meal deal were recently upset to learn the cost had risen from £12 to £15. Last October, ready-meals fans were angry because M&S hiked its popular Gastropub dine-in deal by 25%, from £12 to £15. And earlier this year Tesco increased the cost of its deal on ready meals, with the cost of two of its Finest ready meals rising from £7.50 to £8, and more recently to £8.50 with a Clubcard. Also, the retailer recently made to its loyalty scheme which now allows loyalty card holders the ability to donate their points to charity Marie Curie. What is Morrisons' More Card scheme? The loyalty scheme, which was reintroduced in 2023, has proved popular with many shoppers. It allows customers who have saved 5,000 Points, to receive a £5 Morrisons voucher which can be redeemed on a future shop, in store or online. It can be used as a physical card or app and customers will be able to earn points on specific products and counters in store and online. That means you won't earn points on every single item. Customers can also earn five points for every litre of fuel bought in a Morrisons petrol filling station. Examples of points you would get based on purchases include: 100 More Points for every five pack of doughnuts (89p) 500 More Points for every £5 spent at the pizza counter 600 More Points for every £6 spent in a Morrisons café 100 More Points for every British BBQ meat pack from the butcher's counter Once a customer has saved 5,000 points, they will receive a "Morrisons Fiver" which can be redeemed on a future shop. Shoppers on the loyalty scheme will still be able to get exclusive prices on certain products, including Pringles, Nescafe instant coffee and Cathedral City cheese after the supermarket launched those last October. Supermarket loyalty schemes - which has one? MOST UK supermarkets have loyalty schemes so customers can build up points and save money while they shop. Here we round up what saving programmes you'll find at the big brands. Iceland: Unlike other stores, you don't collect points with the Iceland Bonus Card. Instead, you load it up with money and Iceland will give you £1 for every £20 you save. Lidl Plus: Lidl customers don't collect points when they shop, and are instead rewarded with personalised vouchers that gives them money off at the till. Morrisons: The My Morrisons: Make Good Things Happen replaces the More Card and rewards customers with personalised money off vouchers via the app. Sainsbury's: While Sainsbury's doesn't have a personal scheme, it does own the Nectar card which can also be used in Argos, eBay and other shops. You need 200 Nectar points to save up £1 to spend on your card. You need to spend at least £1 to get one Nectar point. Tesco: Tesco Clubcard has over 17million members in the UK alone. You use it each time you shop and build up points that can be turned into vouchers - 150 points gets you a £1.50 voucher. Here you need to spend £1 in Tesco to get one point. Waitrose: myWaitrose also doesn't allow you to collect points but instead you'll get access to free hot drinks, and discounts off certain brands in store. They can give away their More Points to the end-of-life charity 1,000 at a time - which is the equivalent of £1. Loyalty scheme changes at other retailers Elsewhere, Tesco made a major change to its Clubcard scheme and it's great news for pizza lovers. Customers can now exchange their points for money off drinks and food at PizzaExpress until the end of April. Any Clubcard points exchanged for money off at Pizza Express are worth double, so a £1.50 voucher will save you £3. Sainsbury's also recently made a huge change to its Nectar loyalty scheme for 18 million customers. The UK's second biggest grocery store has introduced a new security feature on its loyalty card app to prevent points from being stolen. The free scheme allows customers to earn one Nectar point for every £1 spent at Sainsbury's, both in-store and online. How to save money on your supermarket shop THERE are plenty of ways to save on your grocery shop. You can look out for yellow or red stickers on products, which show when they've been reduced. If the food is fresh, you'll have to eat it quickly or freeze it for another time. Making a list should also save you money, as you'll be less likely to make any rash purchases when you get to the supermarket. Going own brand can be one easy way to save hundreds of pounds a year on your food bills too. This means ditching "finest" or "luxury" products and instead going for "own" or value" type of lines. Plenty of supermarkets run wonky veg and fruit schemes where you can get cheap prices if they're misshapen or imperfect. For example, Lidl runs its Waste Not scheme, offering boxes of 5kg of fruit and vegetables for just £1.50. If you're on a low income and a parent, you may be able to get up to £442 a year in Healthy Start vouchers to use at the supermarket too. Plus, many councils offer supermarket vouchers as part of the Household Support Fund.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Woolies shoppers rage over new reward cut
Woolies cuts another saving policy for Everyday Rewards members. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer Woolworths has axed a major saving point for Everyday Rewards members, the second within a fortnight. Delivery Unlimited customers will no longer receive double rewards points to their Everyday Rewards accounts from June 1. Delivery Unlimited is a $15 a month subscription which gave customers free delivery on same day or next day orders of $75 or more. Shoppers were notified of the change via email, and took to social media to protest against the changes. 'I signed up for a 1 year subscription for every day rewards just to have then (sic) email me this plus remove the 10 per cent of Big W. What a joke … have emailed them back wanting a refund as they cannot keep up to their side of the deal,' a customer lamented online. Everyday Rewards members are facing a second discount cut within two weeks. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard A Wooloworths spokesperson said Delivery Unlimited is still a great service for shoppers. 'Our Delivery Unlimited service continues to be very popular with customers and with an unlimited number of deliveries for $15 per month or $119 for an annual subscription, it provides great value and convenience to customers,' the spokesperson told NewsWire. 'We are streamlining Delivery Unlimited to focus on the primary benefit for subscribers which is providing timely and convenient delivery. Direct to Boot will also become a complimentary service for members. 'As such we are removing 2x Everyday Rewards points from the program. Instead customers will receive three months complimentary Direct To Boot Now which offers Direct To Boot pick up in less than 60 minutes. Direct To Boot Now normally costs $5 per order. 'We believe Delivery Unlimited still provides compelling benefits to subscribers. However if anyone would like to cancel their subscription they can do so by contacting our customer service team.' Woolworths defended the decision and said great offers are still provided by their rewards programs. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard This comes after Woolworths rewards shoppers threatened to cancel their memberships after the major supermarket axed a Big W discount. From next month, Everyday Extra members will no longer be able to claim 10 per cent off their Big W purchases once per month. 'We're writing to let you know that, unfortunately, from Sunday June 1 2025, the BIG W monthly ten per cent off discount will no longer be part of the Everyday Extra benefits,' an email to customers said. 'Thanks for being an Everyday Extra subscriber and we hope you'll continue enjoying great value from your subscription.' Shoppers flocked to social media criticising the supermarket and threatening to cancel their subscriptions. Yeah, I've just cancelled my subscription. Second reduction in benefits in a year without reduction in cost/replacement of benefit,' a past customer lamented.
