Woolworths customers have been informed that the retailer's WRewards and MySchool cards will be phased out at the end of June, bringing a long-standing loyalty programme to a close and affecting members of Discovery Vitality who rely on the cards for rewards.

From 30 June 2026, the existing WRewards and MySchool cards will no longer function. As a result, Discovery Vitality will stop receiving the transaction information required to calculate and allocate certain member rewards.

The move signals the end of Woolworths’ original loyalty programme, which has been in place for more than 15 years. It is being fully replaced by the retailer’s newer MyDifference rewards platform, introduced in June 2025.

While WRewards first launched in 2010, it underwent several changes over the years, including a significant refresh in 2015. Together with the MySchool programme, the cards allowed shoppers to support selected charitable causes while also receiving access to promotions and discounts.

Under MyDifference, customers can still contribute to chosen causes, but the programme adds features such as instant discounts and personalised vouchers, bringing it more in line with rival loyalty offerings such as Pick n Pay Smart Shopper and Shoprite Xtra Savings.

The programme is available through both physical and digital cards. Customers can collect a physical card in-store or use a virtual version via the Woolies app.

However, Woolworths has emphasised that customers must register through the Woolies app to unlock the full range of MyDifference benefits. Shoppers who use only a physical card without linking it to the app will still receive selected in-store and online discounts but will miss out on personalised offers and exclusive app-based rewards.

The retailer said customers who successfully complete registration and link their accounts will continue earning HealthyFood rewards through Discovery Vitality.

MyDifference cards can be used across Woolworths stores as well as Country Road, Trenery, Witchery, selected WCafés, NOW NOW and participating partner outlets in South Africa.

How MyDifference Reward Levels Work

Membership tiers are determined by annual spending at Woolworths and participating brands. Spending is only counted when customers scan or swipe a linked MyDifference card during purchases.

There are three reward levels, with annual spend thresholds set at R12,000 and R36,000. Customers spending more than R36,000 per year qualify for VIP status.

Woolworths calculates annual spend from the first to the last day of each calendar year. Members are automatically upgraded when they reach a higher spending threshold, while downgrades are reviewed only once per year.

Loyal Level – Up to R12,000 Annual Spend

Customers spending up to R12,000 per year qualify for the Loyal tier.

Benefits include:

• Instant savings on selected products;
• Access to promotional offers;
• A minimum of four vouchers annually;
• Entry to selected Play & Win games; and
• The ability to support linked causes at no additional cost.

Ambassador Level – R12,000 to R35,999 Annual Spend

Shoppers spending between R12,000 and R35,999 annually qualify for Ambassador status.

Additional benefits include:

• All Loyal-tier rewards;
• At least 16 vouchers per year;
• Access to all Play & Win games; and
• Shopping goals that unlock extra rewards.

VIP Level – More Than R36,000 Annual Spend

Customers who spend more than R36,000 a year achieve VIP status.

VIP members receive:

• All Loyal and Ambassador benefits;
• A minimum of 24 vouchers annually;
• Early access to selected online promotions;
• Additional Play & Win bonus games;
• The option to request extra reward goals after completing assigned ones; and
• Invitations to exclusive events and other special experiences.

Whatsapp