Subway Australia has announced the end of its Subcard customer loyalty program after seven years, leaving customers frustrated amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
End of an era for Subcard members
The fast food giant revealed that the popular Subcard program, which allowed customers to earn reward dollars on purchases, will be discontinued. From June 30, 2026, customers will no longer be able to accumulate rewards at Subway restaurants across the country. However, any remaining credits can be redeemed until August 31, 2026, after which they will expire.
The multinational sandwich franchise, which operates 147 stores in Western Australia, informed Australian and New Zealand customers of the change via email on Wednesday morning.
“We’re reaching out to inform you the Subcard Loyalty and Gift program will be closing from 31 August 2026,” the email stated. “Any Rewards Dollars remaining in your account after then will expire and be unable to be redeemed.”
History of the Subcard program
The Subcard loyalty scheme was first introduced globally in 2010, but Australian customers were only able to sign up in 2019. The program allowed members to earn reward dollars on every purchase, which could be used for future discounts or free items.
The announcement comes as a blow to customers who have increasingly relied on loyalty programs to manage non-essential spending during the cost-of-living crisis. Many have taken to social media to express their disappointment.
“Why would you get rid of the rewards program?!” one Australian questioned on Subway’s social media pages.
“Not going since you ended the rewards, goodbye Subway,” another commented.
What happens next?
Subway has stated that it will release more information about the Subcard closure and the handling of expired points in the coming months. Loyalty members are advised to use their remaining rewards dollars before the August deadline.
The decision marks a significant shift for the franchise, which has used the program to build customer loyalty over the past seven years in Australia.
