eBucks members spent a record R46 million worth of eBucks on travel and shopping during the festive season. The record spend was largely driven by higher member activity levels and the increased number of first time shoppers.

"More members, earning and spending more eBucks - we couldn't ask for a healthier rewards programme," says Lezanne Human, chief executive officer of eBucks. "eBucks has always led the way in the rewards industry by offering attainable, relevant rewards."

• Travel spend increased by 23%
• Retail spend using the eBucks card increased by 16%
• 26% increase in eBucks spent at eBucks' eCommerce partners

Despite these high growth figures, eBucks spent on the www.eBucks.com website still accounted for the largest percentage of member spend during the past festive season.

Human says that the spin-offs relating to the greater proliferation of ADSL have been highly gratifying and eBucks has noticed an increase in the average size of member shopping baskets.

eBucks travel enjoyed growth of 23% compared to the 2005 festive season, a trend which has continued into the new year with a massive 48% year-on-year increase in eBucks travel revenue in January 2007.

Airline ticket bookings are still the most popular eBucks travel items, but accommodation, car rentals and special holiday packages are becoming increasingly popular spend choices with members.

Member activity and a robust spend-to-earn ratio are key indicators of a healthy rewards programme, explains Human. "The more members take part in a rewards programme and enjoy its benefits, the greater value they get. Unlike other programmes we do not benefit from breakage in that our points do not expire. We want our customers to spend their eBucks and experience the reward of getting stuff for free."

During the 2006 financial year, the spend-to-earn ratio grew to over 70%, and the total eBucks allocated since inception grew to over R800million in January 2007.

About eBucks:

eBucks, the rewards programme offered by First National Bank (FNB) and RMB Private Bank, is acknowledged as one of South Africa's leading rewards programmes with highly active members spending in excess of 80% of the eBucks earned in any given month.