28 February 2024 , 09:17
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Martin Lewis has issued an urgent “do it now” warning over a big change coming to the Nectar loyalty scheme in just under two weeks.
The number of Avios - the reward currency of the British Airways Executive Club - you need to convert into Nectar points is changing. At the moment, every 300 Avios you swap will get you 400 Nectar points, which is worth around £2.
But from March 11, you will need to convert 400 Avios points to get the same 400 Nectar points, according to MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE). In a post published on X/ Twitter, Martin said: "Got Avios points? Currently to buy 400 Nectar points you need 300 Avios, from March 11 British Airways changing it so same'll cost 400 Avios. E.g 1,200 Avios now worth £8 in Sainsburys, it'll then be just £6. So if you plan to swap do it now."
You can swap your Avios points through your Nectar account online. However, in a separate warning, MSE has urged shoppers to only convert their Avios into Nectar before the deadline if you're absolutely sure you won't use your Avios for reward flights. MSE notes: "It's possible to get much better value from your Avios by putting them towards reward flights."
The number of Nectar points you need to exchange into Avios will remain the same at 400 Nectar points for 250 Avios. It marks the second time the Avios to Nectar has been changed since the partnership was launched. You used to be able to convert 250 Avios to get 400 Nectar points.
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This isn't the only recent change to happen to the Nectar loyalty scheme. In October last year, The Mirror revealed how Nectar changed its Caffe Nero offer so you need to swap more points to get a free drink. Previously, you’d need to convert 350 points, worth £1.75, to get a hot or cold drink of any size. But this has now increased to 400 points, worth £2 normally.
However, the offer now includes speciality drinks and extras for the first time. Nectar said it increased the number of points needed as speciality drinks are more expensive. Sainsbury's shoppers get one Nectar point for every £1 spent in stores and online, or for every litre of fuel purchased. Bonus points are available if you’re a Sainsbury’s Energy or Sainsbury’s Bank customer as well. You also get points when you shop with other retailers.