Dear colleague,
Qdos is changing to give you more value for your points!
We are writing to let you know about changes to the Qdos Reward Scheme which means you will get more value from your points.
One of the reasons why the Qdos Scheme is an excellent way of earning more is that British Gas pays the tax due on your behalf making the value to you greater. In order to make the scheme more effective we have made a few minor changes to deliver even more valueto you.
What are the changes?
Personal cheques
From the 1st June 2010 we are removing the personal cheque as a redemption option. This will change the classification of the Qdos scheme by HMRCto a ‘non cash’scheme which meansyou will not have to pay the related National Insurance (NI) cost.
Payslips
As you will no longer have to pay NI contributions, we will stop reporting the value of redemptions you make via monthly payroll soyou will not see details on your payslip.You will be able see the details of your Qdos account onlineas usual.
Points Adjustments
We need to ensure the programme is sustainable and can be delivered cost effectively going forward. We will therefore need to introduce cost savings in the form of a small points adjustment. This is more than off set by the savings generated by the change in NI resulting in an overall benefit for you. This is illustrated below.
Points Balance in your Qdos account
The value of points you earn into your account will be adjusted by 5% so, for example, 100 points earned will give you 95 points available to spend. This reduces the tax liability and still leaves you with more value in your pocket.
Here’s an example to show you how you will benefit from the changes.
What do I need to do?
If you currently redeem your points onto your Qdos Visa Debit card or for retail vouchers, merchandise or charity giving, you do not need to do anything. All adjustments to the system are automatic and you will simply enjoy an increase in the take home value of the rewards redeemed from the 1st June.
If you redeem your points for cheques, you will need to choose an alternative method of receiving your reward. Your last opportunity to redeem your points for a personal cheque will be Friday 28thMay.
There are plenty of options available, including retail vouchers, merchandise and charity giving. The quickest and easiest way to get hold of your points is through the Qdos Visa Debit Card.
The Qdos Visa Debit Card
Just some of the benefits of the Qdos Visa Debit Card are:
Instantaccess to the value of your Qdos points – no more waiting for cheques to arrive or the hassle of having to cash them!
Accepted everywhere you see the Visa sign displayed – including onlineand all major shops and supermarkets.
Instant transfers to the card from your Qdos account available 24/7 either online or via the automated phone service.
Access to your card balance via the website and automated phone line 24/7, with access to statements online.
Acceptedabroad (NB. 2.75% charge for transactions in foreign currency).
Automated PINretrieval – available 24/7 via the automated phone line or you can change your PIN at any high street bank ATM with the Visa sign.
Peace of mind –With no bank details linked to the card and spend limited to the value transferred on to the card, online shopping couldn’t be safer.
Fraud monitoring – any unusual activity is flagged for further investigation. Cards can be blocked 24/7 using the dedicated automated cardholder services phone line in the case of lost/stolen cards.
Ordering your Qdos Visa card is easy and can be done online at via the ‘My Qdos Card’ tab. Once you have completed the online form your new Qdos Visa card will take 5 working days to arrive. Please ensure that you read the terms and conditions of the Qdos Visa Debit card before ordering.
For further information on these changes, or to choose any of the alternative methods of receiving your reward simply go online at
If there is anything you are still unsure about please speak to your Manager.
Yours faithfully,
Nicola Mayling
Head of Qdos