Is an Entertainment Membership still a good deal?

Do you remember those fundraising appeals where you bought an Entertainment Book and tore off coupons to get a discount?

The name has changed and it's no longer a physical book - it's now an Entertainment Membership.

So is it worth buying?

Why did the Entertainment Book change its name?

The Entertainment Book first offered an app in 2018. It has now gone fully digital and changed its name to reflect its movement away from a physical book.

Rather than a book, a subscription is now referred to as an Entertainment Membership.

The change to a digital membership means it is easier to access.

You no longer need to lug a book around with you just in case you decide to go out with friends after work or a movie.

Presenting an app to redeem is simple and more socially acceptable than handing over a physical coupon: it's easy to do it discretely, such as if you are on a date.

With the digital membership your 12 months will run from when you activate it - not from the year in which the book was printed. This means the memberships are rolling, with new offers constantly being included.

The membership is also quick and easy to install. Within minutes, you can be on the app scrolling for savings (warning: this can be addictive).

Is an Entertainment Membership still good value?

In recent years, there have been a number of competing loyalty schemes and online options for saving money, such as online cashback schemes, retailer loyalty programs, mass online sales such as Singles Day and Black Friday, credit card rewards programs, automobile clubs, and even salary sacrifice companies.

Is there still a role for an Entertainment Membership?

Savvy shoppers are increasingly looking for value, and this includes comparing different options.

The Entertainment Membership has strengths in areas such as dining, travel and entertainment. As its name suggests, it has a focus on lifestyle activities - but it does also offer some other good options for things like gift cards.

It's a handy addition to your money-saving sources, and especially good to use if you are planning a holiday or a staycation.

How much can you save with an Entertainment Membership?

A basic Entertainment Group membership costs $70. Look out for special deals: the current promotion provides an upgrade to a multi-city membership plus a $20 David Jones gift card.

That said, the sooner you sign up for a membership, the sooner you can start using it - and saving money.

Potentially, you could save up to $20,000 a year but most people won't get close to that amount. The Entertainment Group calculates that an average family can save more than $960 per year.

Aussie families saved a combined $82 million last financial year.

You do need to spend to save, so the amount you 'save' depends on how much you usually spend on entertainment and activities.

If your date night is watching a free-to-air movie while dining on cheese toasties and drinking chateau cardboard (aka cask wine), this may not be for you - although you may still find a bargain with online shopping and gift card deals.

But if you enjoy socialising with family and friends and travel once or twice a year, there are bargains to unlock. They also have discounts on festive things such as Halloween costumes.

Even if you do not redeem absolutely everything in your membership, it's not too hard to save back the cost of your membership plus some more.

If you use for a few special meals out and for saving on groceries, you will easily be ahead. Plus, the purchase of your membership goes to support a good cause of your choice.

Is it still a charity fundraiser?

Now in its 30th year, 20% of every Entertainment Membership sold still goes to a nominated charity.

Since its inception, more than $110 million has been raised through the Entertainment Group for more than 50,000 not-for-profit organisations such as charities, schools, hospitals, rotary and sporting clubs, community groups, research foundations and surf lifesaving clubs.

"We are delighted to mark this momentous milestone of 30 years," says Heidi Halson, The Entertainment Group's founder and CEO.

"Entertainment is all about discovery and encouraging people to try new places. We're often told people find restaurants and experiences they never would have heard about otherwise.

"Not only are we helping people stretch their budget further, we're providing sizeable contributions to organisations in need. At a time when average Australians are struggling to pay their bills, we are glad that we can bring together communities to give back."

My top picks for Entertainment Membership discounts

Discounted airline tickets

• 10% off Emirates
• 10% off Qatar Airways
• 5% off Virgin Airways
• 5% off Hawaiian Airlines

Theme Park deals

• 15% off Dream World/WhiteWater World

Good local deals

• Nearby function on the app helps find local restaurants, including discounts of up to 50% off on informal dining options such as WoikitUp!, San Churro and the Cheesecake shop

Gift cards

• 4% off Woolworths
• 5% off Big W
• 5% off Dan Murphy's
• 4% off IKEA
• 3% off Airbnb
• 5% off Steamotion (includes Kayo, Binge, Flash etc)
• 4% off JB Hi-Fi

Win one of three free Entertainment Memberships valued at $120!

Get stories like this in our newsletters.