How to redeem points for gift cards
Commonwealth Bank does not issue branded "CommBank gift cards" for general retail purchase. Instead, the bank operates the CommBank Awards program, which allows eligible credit card holders to redeem their accumulated reward points for various retail gift cards. These gift cards act as digital vouchers that can be used at a wide range of participating Australian retailers.
The redemption process occurs through the dedicated Awards portal, accessible via NetBank or the CommBank app. Once you have earned a sufficient balance of points, you can exchange them for a gift card, which is then typically delivered to your registered email address as a digital code.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Redemption Methods | CommBank app, NetBank, or Awards website |
| Processing Time | Digital gift cards are usually sent within a few business days |
| Eligibility | Active CommBank Awards credit card holders |
| Key Requirements | Sufficient points balance and verified email address |
Steps to redeem your rewards
Follow these steps to convert your points into a retail gift card:
- Log in to your account: Open the CommBank app or log in to NetBank.
- Access the Awards portal: Navigate to your eligible credit card account and select the "Awards" link or icon. This will redirect you to the rewards site.
- Browse available gift cards: Use the search or category functions within the portal to view the range of retail gift cards available for redemption.
- Confirm your choice: Select the gift card amount and follow the prompts to confirm your order. You will need to verify your email address to ensure the voucher is sent to the correct location.
- Await delivery: Check your inbox for the digital gift card code. This may take a few business days depending on processing volume.
Troubleshooting common issues
- MFA or Login Issues: If you are blocked from the rewards portal, check that your device's security settings are current. If you cannot log in, use the "Forgot password" function or call the bank's digital help desk to restore your access.
- Browser or App Errors: If the redemption page fails to load, try clearing your browser cache or force-restarting the app. If the error continues, try accessing the portal via a different web browser or a computer.
- Locked Account/ID Access: If your card account has a security hold or is inactive, you will not be able to redeem points. Contact 13 2221 to speak with a representative and verify the status of your account.
Pro-Tip: Before redeeming, check the expiry terms of the specific retail gift card you are selecting. While your CommBank points do not expire as long as your account is open, the gift cards you receive may have their own independent expiry dates set by the retailer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why didn't my gift card code arrive in my inbox?
Digital gift cards are sent to the email address registered with your account. If you haven't received it after a few business days, check your spam or junk folder first. If it isn't there, there might be a delay in processing, or the email address on your profile might need updating. Log in to your profile settings to verify your contact information and call the Awards support line if the code remains missing.
Q: Can I return a gift card I redeemed with points?
Once a point redemption for a gift card is confirmed, it generally cannot be reversed or returned for points. Because these vouchers are digital codes generated for your account, the bank's system treats the transaction as final. Before hitting confirm, double-check that you have selected the correct retailer and amount, as points are deducted from your balance immediately upon the request being submitted.
