Ucount Rewards

UCount Rewards: Complete Guide to Standard Bank’s Loyalty Programme

How to earn and use rewards points on groceries, fuel, and everyday shopping

Last updated: November 2025

Quick Facts

  • Costs R25 per month for Standard Bank customers
  • Earn up to 40% back in rewards points on Sixty60 shopping
  • Get up to 30% back at Checkers and Shoprite stores
  • Save up to R10 per litre on fuel at Astron Energy
  • 10 rewards points = R1 in value

What is UCount Rewards?

UCount Rewards is Standard Bank’s loyalty programme. When you shop using your Standard Bank cards, you earn rewards points. You can then use these points like cash at many shops across South Africa.

The programme started in 2013. Since April 2025, it has a major partnership with Checkers and Shoprite. This means you can earn and use points at these popular stores.

Important: 10 rewards points equals R1. So if you have 1,000 points, that’s worth R100.

How UCount Rewards Works

The programme has two main parts:

Earning Points

You earn points when you use your Standard Bank card to pay. The amount of points depends on:

  • Where you shop
  • What tier level you’re on
  • Which card you use (credit cards earn more)
  • What category you chose (groceries, fashion, or lifestyle)

Using Points

You need a UCount Rewards Card to spend your points. This is a separate card from your bank card. You swipe it at partner stores to pay with points instead of money.

You can also use points for school fees, charity donations, travel bookings, and airport lounge access.

💰 Costs and Fees

Monthly Fee: R25 per month

This fee comes off your Standard Bank account automatically. You must be a Standard Bank customer to join.

💡 Is It Worth It?

If you spend R1,000 per month on groceries and earn 30% back, you get 3,000 points (R300 value) per month. That’s R300 minus the R25 fee = R275 monthly benefit. But this only works if you actually use your points before they expire.

✅ How to Earn Rewards Points

1. Checkers and Shoprite (Best Value)

Starting April 2025, these stores offer the highest rewards:

  • Sixty60 app: Up to 40% back in points
  • In-store shopping: Up to 30% back in points
  • All products included: No exclusions or limits

Important: You must select “Groceries” as your Choose Your Own Rewards category to get these rates.

2. Fuel Purchases

At Astron Energy and Caltex stations:

  • Up to R10 back per litre (depends on your tier level)
  • Earn on fuel and oil purchases
  • You can also pay for fuel using your rewards points

3. Other Retailers

Earn points at many stores including:

  • Makro
  • Builders
  • PetBabies
  • Petshop Science
  • Hirsch’s
  • Olympic Cycles
  • Checkers LiquorShop and Shoprite LiquorShop

Earn rates vary from 2% to 30% depending on the store and your tier.

4. Everyday Card Spending

You also earn basic points on all other card purchases. Credit cards earn more than debit cards.

Tier Levels Explained

UCount Rewards has five tier levels. Your tier depends on how many Standard Bank products you use. The more products, the higher your tier. Higher tiers earn more points.

How to Move Up Tiers

You earn “tiering points” by:

  • Having a Standard Bank credit card
  • Having savings or investment accounts
  • Using Standard Bank insurance products
  • Having a vehicle finance agreement with Standard Bank
  • Using Standard Bank mobile services (Standard Bank Connect)
  • Having international banking products with balances

Tier Benefits Example

For fuel rewards at Astron Energy:

  • Lower tiers: Up to R2 per litre back
  • Middle tiers: Up to R5 per litre back
  • Highest tier: Up to R10 per litre back

You can check your current tier level on the Standard Bank app or UCount website.

Where to Use Your Rewards Points

First step: You must activate your UCount Rewards Card. Do this on the Standard Bank app or call 0860 826 868.

1. Shopping at Partner Stores

Swipe your UCount Rewards Card to pay with points at:

  • Checkers and Shoprite (in-store and on Sixty60 app)
  • Astron Energy and Caltex fuel stations
  • All partner retailers listed above

2. School Fees

Pay for family members’ school or university fees using your points through School-Days platform.

3. Travel

  • Book flights on the UCount Travel Mall
  • Access Bidvest Premier Airport Lounges
  • Convert points to Avios or SAA Voyager Miles

4. Charity Donations

Donate to causes including:

  • Children and education
  • Animal welfare
  • Disability support
  • Gift of the Givers Foundation

5. Other Options

  • Pay parking fees (Admyt and KaChing apps)
  • Reduce loan balances
  • Put into savings or investment accounts
  • Buy electronic vouchers

✅ How to Join UCount Rewards

Who Can Join?

You must be a Standard Bank customer with:

  • A transactional debit card account, OR
  • A cheque card account, OR
  • A credit card
  • Your accounts must be paid up to date

Note: Minors can join but need parent or guardian consent at a branch.

Registration Steps

Option 1: Online

  1. Visit www.standardbank.co.za/UCount
  2. Log in with your Standard Bank details
  3. Complete the registration form
  4. Set up the R25 monthly debit order
  5. Order your UCount Rewards Card

Option 2: Standard Bank App

  1. Open the Standard Bank Banking App
  2. Find the UCount Rewards tile
  3. Follow the registration prompts
  4. Order your Rewards Card in the app

Option 3: Phone

  • Call 0860 UCOUNT (0860 826 868)
  • Operating hours: Monday to Friday 8am-5pm

Option 4: Branch

  • Visit any Standard Bank branch
  • Bring your ID document
  • A consultant will help you register
💡 After Registration:

Your Rewards Card will arrive within 7-10 working days. You must activate it before you can use your points. Activation is free and takes a few minutes on the app or website.

Tips for Maximising Your Rewards

1. Choose the Right Category

In your UCount profile, you can choose one category to earn extra points:

  • Groceries: Best for most people (includes Checkers/Shoprite)
  • Fashion: If you spend more on clothing than groceries
  • Lifestyle: For entertainment and dining

Choose groceries if you shop at Checkers or Shoprite regularly.

2. Use Sixty60 for Maximum Points

The Sixty60 delivery app offers 40% back – that’s 10% more than shopping in-store. For a R1,000 grocery order, you’d earn 4,000 points (R400 value) instead of 3,000 points (R300 value).

3. Consolidate Your Banking

The more Standard Bank products you use, the higher your tier. Consider:

  • Opening a savings account
  • Getting a Standard Bank credit card
  • Using Standard Bank insurance

But only do this if these products actually save you money or serve your needs.

4. Use Your Credit Card (If You Pay It Off)

Credit cards earn more points than debit cards. But this only makes sense if you pay off the full balance each month. Credit card interest will cost much more than any rewards.

5. Watch for Special Promotions

UCount runs regular promotions where you can:

  • Win bonus points or prizes
  • Earn extra points at certain stores
  • Get tiering points by using new services

Check the UCount website or app regularly for current offers.

6. Don’t Let Points Expire

Check the UCount terms for point expiry rules. Use your points regularly or they may expire. Consider using points for school fees or donations if you don’t need them for shopping.

🚨 URGENT: Scam Warnings

UCount Rewards is being targeted by scammers. Standard Bank has confirmed active fraud attempts as of November 2025.

Common UCount Scams

1. Fake Rewards Emails

Scammers send emails claiming:

  • “You’ve been allocated 200,000 points”
  • “Click here to redeem your rewards”
  • “Activate your points for free fuel”

The truth: UCount will NEVER email you links to redeem rewards. These links lead to fake websites that steal your banking details.

2. SMS (Smishing) Scams

You get an SMS claiming to be from UCount Rewards asking you to:

  • Click a link to validate points
  • Provide your OTP (one-time password)
  • Scan a QR code

3. Phone Call Scams (Vishing)

Fraudsters phone claiming to be from:

  • UCount Rewards
  • Standard Bank Fraud Department

They may use AI voice cloning to sound real. They’ll ask for your OTP, CVV number, or ask you to scan a QR code “to secure your account”.

4. QR Code Scams

Scammers send QR codes via email, SMS, or WhatsApp claiming you need to scan them to redeem rewards. If you scan these codes, criminals can access your banking app and steal money.

How to Spot Fake Communications

Real UCount Fake/Scam
Uses your name, never email address Greets you as “Dear Customer” or uses your email
Never asks for OTP, CVV, or PIN Requests security codes or passwords
Never sends redemption links via email/SMS Contains “click here” links
Professional formatting, correct branding Poor spelling, misaligned text, old logos
Never mentions “cashback” Uses terms UCount doesn’t use

What UCount Will NEVER Do

  • Email or SMS you links to redeem rewards
  • Ask for your OTP, PIN, CVV, or card expiry date
  • Ask you to scan a QR code
  • Call you asking for your password
  • Request you to open attachments to view points

If You’re Targeted by a Scam

Do NOT:

  • Click any links
  • Open attachments
  • Share your OTP with anyone
  • Scan QR codes
  • Provide your card details

DO:

  1. Delete the email or SMS immediately
  2. Forward suspicious emails to: [email protected]
  3. Report fraud: 0800 222 050 (24 hours)
  4. If you clicked a link or shared details, call Standard Bank fraud line immediately: 0800 020 600

How to Check Your Real Balance

Safe ways to view your points:

  • Standard Bank Banking App (download from official app store)
  • Type www.standardbank.co.za into your browser yourself
  • Call 0860 826 868 during business hours
  • Visit a Standard Bank branch

Getting Help and Support

UCount Rewards Contact Centre

  • Phone: 0860 UCOUNT (0860 826 868)
  • Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm
  • Email queries: Through the UCount website contact form

Standard Bank General

  • Client service: 0860 123 000
  • Fraud line: 0800 020 600 (24 hours)
  • Lost/stolen cards: 0860 123 000

Report UCount Fraud

Consumer Protection

  • Banking Ombudsman: 0860 800 900
  • Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA): 0800 110 443
  • SABRIC (banking fraud): Visit www.sabric.co.za

Useful Websites

Common Questions Answered

Can I use UCount without being a Standard Bank customer?

No. You must have a Standard Bank transactional account to join UCount Rewards.

Do my rewards points expire?

Check the UCount terms and conditions for current expiry rules. Points may expire if not used within a certain period. Use them regularly to avoid losing them.

Can I cancel UCount Rewards?

Yes. Call 0860 826 868 or visit a branch. There’s no cancellation fee. Your unused points may be forfeited when you cancel.

Can I withdraw cash with my UCount Rewards Card?

No. The Rewards Card can only be used to pay for goods and services at partner retailers. You cannot withdraw cash, make transfers, or check balances at ATMs.

What if I lose my UCount Rewards Card?

Call 0860 826 868 immediately (24 hours). Cancel the lost card and order a replacement. Your points balance is safe – it transfers to your new card.

Can I combine UCount with Xtra Savings at Checkers?

Yes! UCount Rewards points are additional to Xtra Savings discounts. You get both benefits when shopping at Checkers or Shoprite.

Do I need to swipe my Rewards Card to earn points?

No. You earn points automatically when you pay with your Standard Bank card. You only swipe the Rewards Card when you want to spend points.

Our Final Recommendations

UCount Rewards is worth it if:

  • You regularly shop at Checkers or Shoprite
  • You spend at least R1,000 per month on groceries
  • You’ll actually use or redeem your points before they expire
  • You already use Standard Bank as your main bank

UCount Rewards may not be worth it if:

  • You rarely shop at partner stores
  • You won’t remember to use your points regularly
  • You’re struggling to afford the R25 monthly fee

Most important: Always stay alert for scams. Never click links in emails or SMS messages claiming to be from UCount. If in doubt, contact Standard Bank directly using the official numbers listed in this guide.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and was last updated in November 2025. Financial regulations, fees, and requirements may change. UCount Rewards terms and conditions can be updated by Standard Bank. Always verify current information with Standard Bank before making financial decisions. Earn rates mentioned are maximum rates and depend on your tier level and chosen category.

For complaints or disputes, contact the Banking Ombudsman at 0860 800 900 or the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) at 0800 110 443 or visit www.fsca.co.za

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