The ultimate guide on how to use Paylab

You've heard about loyalty and reward programs before, but how does supercharging savings at 25,000 retail outlets across Australia sound? We'll show you how to use Paylab for discounted gift cards and start accumulating instant rewards.

Why Paylab and how does it work?

Paylab is an innovative app-based platform designed to help you save on everyday (plus gifts and even splurge!) purchases of goods and services.

With exclusive savings at top retailers and instant rewards, Paylab empowers you to stretch your budget further.

Paylab has partnered with 140+ retailers across Australia which enables you to buy digital gift cards (at a discount) and store them conveniently within the app, ready to use whenever you need it. The gift card can be used immediately or later, either in-store or online.

The amount saved from your gift card purchase through Paylab, translates into you earning 'instant rewards' – a cash amount automatically credited to your Paylab account.

Key benefits of using Paylab to stretch every dollar further include:

• Quickly and conveniently buy digital gift cards in an easy-to-use app.
• Save on purchases at a wide range of retailers, with shopping discounts of up to 15%.
• Paylab gift card purchases are variable (not set amounts), so you can choose the exact amount and avoid leftover balances.
• Purchased gift cards are immediately available to redeem, unlike some other gift card providers where it may take significantly longer to receive the gift card.
• Use gift cards in-store or online at a range of top retailers.
• Ability to send and schedule e-gift cards to family and friends.
• Earn instant rewards, with flexibility in how you choose to use them.
• Complement other shopping loyalty/reward programs (e.g. Everyday Rewards, Flybuys).
• Earn your normal frequent flyer points when making purchases using a points-earning credit card.

Top tip: Have a read of our 'Save money with Paylab shopping rewards' blog article for a scenario on how much your savings can really add up.

How to purchase a gift card with Paylab

Buying a gift card through Paylab is quick and easy:

1. Open the Paylab app.
2. Tap 'Go Shopping' and select a retailer.
3. Enter or select the gift card value.
4. Confirm whether you're buying the gift card for yourself, or sending it to someone else as an e-gift card.
5. Complete payment for the gift card.

Once the transaction clears, within seconds your gift card will be available to use in your Paylab app or emailed to the recipient.

Top tip: If you're planning to send an e-gift card, you can choose to delay the send until a specific date for whenever you'd like them to receive it.

How to earn Paylab rewards

Every time you make a gift card purchase in the Paylab app, your account will be automatically credited with an instant reward – this is the cash amount you've saved through the corresponding retailer discount via Paylab. The reward value varies depending on the retailer, but typically ranges from 2% to 15%.

For example, if you purchased a $100 gift card in the Paylab app for Priceline Pharmacy where a 5% retailer discount was offered, a $5 instant reward would be credited into your Paylab account.

How to manage and use your Paylab rewards

You can view the balance of your Paylab shopping rewards you've earned in the app.

It's your choice to either apply your rewards to your next gift card purchase, or accumulate and save them for future use, offering you maximum flexibility.

Additionally, you can use your rewards with Paylab's Reward Partners – like RentPay to go toward your rent payments – or Donation Partners to make tax-deductible charitable donations.

How to transfer Paylab rewards to your RentPay account

If you joined Paylab through RentPay, both accounts will already be automatically linked.

Follow the steps below to transfer rewards toward your rent payments:

1. Open the Paylab app.
2. Tap 'Reward Balance'.
3. Select the 'Transfer to' RentPay option.
4. Enter the value you wish to transfer into your RentPay account.
5. Tap 'Transfer'.

Important note: It may take up to 24 hours for your Paylab rewards to show in your RentPay account.

How to check a gift card balance

If you find remembering how much money is left on a gift card or multiple gift cards, we hear you!

To check the balance on a gift card:

1. Open the Paylab app.
2. Select the gift card and then 'Check Balance'.
3. You'll then be redirected to the retailer’s website.
4. Enter the required details, such as the Gift Card Number and PIN, to view the available balance.

Top tip: Use the 'Notes' function in the Paylab app to record the remaining balance immediately after each transaction. This makes it a lot easier to track your gift card balance over time.

How to maximise your Paylab experience

Here are a few tips and tricks to get the most out of Paylab:

• Use Paylab for essential expenses: Focus on earning rewards from purchases you make regularly, like groceries, fuel or dining, to accumulate savings faster.
• Stack Paylab rewards with other retailer discounts: Use Paylab in conjunction with other promotions, such as store sales or discounts, to maximise your total savings.
• Plan big purchases: When you’re planning to make a significant purchase, especially holidays or expensive electronics, check if the retailer is available on Paylab to earn rewards on that transaction.
• Check new offers regularly: Paylab frequently updates rewards and promotions, so make sure you check back regularly to find new deals and limited-time offers.
• Don't forget to use your Paylab rewards: You can use your Paylab rewards immediately or wait for the balance to accumulate (e.g. use toward a gift card purchase or grow the balance to cover a full rent payment), but the most important thing is to use it!

Have more Paylab questions?

More information on using RentPay with Paylab (whether you're a current RentPay user or looking to join RentPay) is available on our 'Shopping Rewards' webpage.

If you're not finding what you're after or need help with your Paylab account, check out some FAQs or contact Paylab directly.

You might also like:
> Save money with Paylab shopping rewards
> Pay rent your way: Choosing your preferred payment method
> RentPay: Build a savings nest egg with buffer