Co-op member? You've got until New Year's Eve to use your rewards balance – or lose it

The supermarket chain's loyalty scheme, which has five million members, used to let you earn 2p in rewards for every £1 spent on Co-op branded goods or services. These rewards could then be spent on future purchases at Co-op.

However, as part of a shake-up announced earlier this year, you can no longer earn cash rewards – and any you've previously built up must be used by the end of the year.

Instead of the rewards, you now get discounts on your shopping through Co-op's "Member Prices" scheme, plus personalised offers based on what you buy.

Independent co-operatives – such as the Central England, Chelmsford Star, Southern and Midcounties co-ops – have their own separate schemes which aren't affected by the shake-up.

How to check your Co-op rewards balance

You can find out how much you have left to spend:

• On a receipt from the Co-op;

• In the 'Wallet' section of the  Co-op app (which you can download for free on iOS and Android); or

• By logging in to your online Co-op account.

You can choose to spend your balance or donate it

To spend your balance at Co-op, scan your digital or physical membership card at the checkout and ask to redeem your rewards (or select that option at the self-checkout).

You can't spend your rewards balance on home delivery orders or when buying Co-op products through Deliveroo or other third-party platforms.

Alternatively, you can choose to donate some or all of your rewards to help local community projects. You can do this through your online Co-op account or using the Co-op app – note that your donation will be shared between the various causes supported by the Co-op (you can't choose a specific one).

Co-op no longer lets you earn rewards for charity directly – instead you can choose a local cause to get a share of the Co-op's profits (again, you can do this through your online account or the Co-op app).

Want to do more good this Christmas? Try the Reverse Advent Calendar Challenge, plus see our Foodbank donation tips.