Brits could be sitting on up to £1.2 billion in unused supermarket loyalty points, according to research.
A survey of 2,000 adults found 75 per cent currently have cash available across an average of three supermarket loyalty schemes.
And among those, shoppers have nearly £31 banked, ready to help their spending stretch further.
Reasons for storing up points varied, with 45 per cent planning to save them for bigger seasonal spends, while 32 per cent want to maximise the value of their points throughout the year.
Almost two thirds (64 per cent) are also applying the same value driven mindset beyond the supermarket aisle.
These include timing big purchases around the best deals (43 per cent), cancelling subscriptions when not in use (32 per cent) and rotating streaming services (13 per cent).
Many are even exploring other areas which could help them save money with 79 per cent of bill payers interested in using their energy more flexibly.
Customers who prepay for their energy are especially interested, with 93 per cent interested in moving their energy use to a different time of day if it could save them money.
Victoria Bacon, director at Smart Energy GB, which commissioned the research, said: “People are becoming increasingly smart about how they make their money go further – whether that’s building up supermarket loyalty points for a bigger shop, or timing purchases to get the best possible value.
“What we’re seeing is that same value-focused mindset in other parts of everyday life too.
“For some people that includes their household energy, with more attention being paid not just to what things cost, but when gas and electricity are used.”
According to the data by OnePoll.com, 63 per cent think they have become savvier about how and when they spend their money compared to five years ago.
With 77 per cent adding this extends to how they manage their household energy.
To help with their energy costs, 60 per cent of bill payers are switching off anything they aren’t using.
Victoria added: “Many are exploring different types of flexibility in their household when it comes to their spending and energy use.
“Tools like smart meters can allow you to access tariffs and schemes which reward you for shifting your energy use to different times of day.
“They also come with other everyday benefits, such as accurate bills based on actual usage – and those with smart prepay meters can top up their energy from home and keep track of remaining credit more easily.”
It also emerged from the survey that 31 per cent have tried to make their home more insulated so they don’t waste heat.
And 24 per cent have swapped out low efficiency gadgets and appliances for more economical options.
Victoria concluded: “From supermarket rewards to flexible tariffs and schemes, there are more tools than ever that could help people manage how they spend and use their money.
“For some households, using energy more flexibly could help them make savings, but it’s important to take the time to understand how these options work and whether they’re the right fit for your home and lifestyle.”
