Being a new immigrant to Canada means you may have a harder time preparing for long-term financial goals as your expenses quickly mount. By participating in Canada’s loyalty programs at your favorite stores, you can save money, maintain your spending plan, and enjoy benefits.
A little research may lead you to reward programs tailored to your shopping preferences and could help you save money on groceries, household goods, petrol, transportation, and even monthly bills.
Several things to consider are discussed in this article, including how loyalty programs operate. Additionally, we discuss the most well-known customer loyalty programs in Canada and how to make the most of them.
Canada’s loyalty programs – What is it?
Businesses, such as stores, banks, or brands, create customer loyalty programs to reward their customers for qualifying transactions. You receive points when you use your personalized loyalty card—or a barcode from a mobile application—to complete a transaction. With more points, you’re more likely to receive discounts on purchases and maybe even free goods.
Loyalty programs that businesses provide encourage customers to purchase goods and services. Depending on how you sign up, a loyalty program may include a physical card or an app with a digital barcode. Your credit card could be usable as a loyalty card for programs provided by financial organizations. As well as apps and online platforms usually allow you to track your points, find out about promotions, and redeem them.
Canada’s loyalty program – Its benefits
You will gain from a loyalty program based on how well it suits your preferences for spending, savings, and shopping. By doing most of your grocery shopping at one store, you will easily accumulate points that can be redeemed for any item you want or need through its loyalty program.
It is likely that you will have extra expenses if you have just moved to Canada from another country. For example, living expenses, purchasing one-time items like winter gear, and saving money for a car may be necessary. Canada has a variety of loyalty programs that can help you cut costs and benefit from your membership. Taking advantage of rewards programs offered by the stores you already shop at and plan to shop at can save you money on essential items and even provide incentives to help you cover larger expenses like the travel home.
Even though each client loyalty program has its own advantages, here are some ways you can benefit from them:
- Spend less on groceries and other everyday purchases.
- Your favorite brands or stores will give you free products.
- Driving a car will save you fuel.
- Your shopping habits will be taken into consideration when you learn about promotions.
- Become a member of a membership program to earn points.
- Take advantage of free or reduced-rate flights.
- Where permitted, combine loyalty points from different programs.
By joining loyalty programs sponsored by banks, you can earn points that can be used to redeem rewards. Paying for your purchases is what determines how points are earned instead of where you shop. If you use your RBC Rewards credit card, for instance, every time you make a purchase, you will be able to earn points toward your account. A bonus program like this allows you to exchange your points for gift cards, trips, shopping, and even to make payments on your bills.
Canada’s grocery and pharmacy loyalty programs
PC Optimum
Optimum PC works at the following locations: PC Optimum members accumulate points when they shop online or in person at Shoppers Drug Mart or Loblaws supermarkets when they join. In addition to Fortinos, Independent, No Frills, Loblaws, and Real Canadian Superstore, four chains are participating in the program. Joe Fresh clothing, sold in grocery stores and online, earns points when you purchase items.
Collecting PC Optimum points: You can use the points that you’ve earned from these merchants at any partner retailer by logging into your account. Whenever you spend a dollar or more at Shoppers Drug Mart or Pharmaprix in Quebec, you will earn 15 points for each dollar spent. Special offers and occasions may earn you points when you purchase at a grocery store.
Points can be redeemed in the following ways: When you accrue 10,000 points in your PC Optimum account, you receive $10 CAD to spend at the register. When you spend your points during an event called “Spend Your Points,” you’ll get more value for your points.
Rexall Be Well
You earn points towards the Rexall Be Well program when you make a purchase at any Rexall drugstore or through Well.ca.
Furthermore, each dollar you spend on Rexall Be Well earns you 15 points. Your purchase frequency can be reduced, points can be earned, or your redemption value can be increased with personalized deals.
You will receive a $10 CAD credit at the checkout every time you earn 25,000 Rexall Be Well points.
Air Miles
Where Air Miles work: You can earn points (also called “Miles”) for presenting your card at a number of renowned grocery stores that offer the Air Miles Reward Program. You will find supermarkets such as Sobeys, Foodland, IGA, and Metro, as well as a pharmacy called Jean Coutu Pharmacy. Additionally, there are hundreds of brands in travel, entertainment, retail, technology, and cosmetics available at the Air Miles online store, where you can spend and earn points.
Collecting Air Miles: Air Miles also offers one Mile for every $20 CAD spent at food stores and the online shop and at Jean Coutu, one Mile for every $15 CAD spent. You have the opportunity to earn more during promotions, exactly like in other loyalty programs. To make it easier for you, all of your points are accumulated in your account.
Redeeming Air Miles: Redeeming your Miles can be done in two ways: with Dream Miles or Cash Miles. As a member, you decide how you want your Miles split between Cash Miles and Dream Miles, and at any time, you can change the allocation. When you purchase groceries at the checkout, you can exchange Cash Miles for savings. You can exchange 95 miles for $10 CAD. Lodging and airfare can be paid for with Dream Miles. A choice of 25 airlines is available when you book online through the rewards program. Air Miles can also be used to pay for items ordered online with Dream Miles. Check your airline’s website often when making travel plans since Dream Miles requirements differ from flight to flight.
More Rewards
Where More Rewards are used: Save-On-Foods in British Columbia runs a customer loyalty program by the name of More Rewards. You can also earn points at a number of additional companies that are members of the More Rewards program, such as Panago Pizza, Coast Hotels, Jim Pattison Auto Group, PriceSmart Foods, Urban Fare, and Pure Pharmacy.
It is possible to earn rewards points by shopping at Save-On-Foods, PriceSmart Foods, and Urban Fare stores. Download the additional Rewards app to receive alerts about sales of goods that may earn you additional points.
Redeeming More Rewards points: Among the items you can redeem points for include gift cards, dining out, hotel stays, trips to local attractions, tickets to sporting events, and vehicle services, as well as the purchase of gift cards at the grocery store checkout or online. Redeeming points during a More Rewards offer determines the value of the points.
Canada’s travel loyalty programs
RBC Avion: Customers with RBC Avion credit cards are eligible to participate in RBC Avion loyalty programs. As a member of RBC Rewards, you can earn rewards on your credit card wherever you shop.
Collecting RBC Rewards is as easy as spending a credit card transaction. With an RBC Avion Visa Platinum or an RBC Avion Visa Infinite card, you are able to collect RBC Rewards points similarly to spending a credit card transaction. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to earn double or triple rewards points on certain purchases, as well as receive discounts if you make certain purchases.
Redeeming RBC Rewards: Besides flights, you can also book hotels and car rentals with RBC Rewards points. Tickets within Canada and the U.S. for round-trip travel start at 35,000 points.
Additionally, you can convert your RBC Rewards to other currencies such as WestJet dollars, AAdvantage miles with American Airlines, Avios points with British Airways, and Cathay Pacific Asia miles, which will greatly enhance your redemption options. Travel insurance benefits are available to RBC Avion cardholders, such as trip interruption and cancellation insurance. You can also use your RBC Rewards to pay your credit card bills, purchase merchandise, or purchase gift cards.
Aeroplan
Where Aeroplan works: As part of its loyalty program, Air Canada offers a loyalty program called Aeroplan. There are multiple ways to earn Star Alliance points when you make a qualifying flight reservation with Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, Air Canada Express, or any other Star Alliance member.
Collecting Aeroplan points: Depending on how far you fly, you will earn points. You can earn points when you spend money on lodging, car rentals, trip insurance, and duty-free goods that you order through AirCanada.com after joining Aeroplan. Aeroplan points can also be earned when you use your Aeroplan credit card and purchase from the Aeroplan eStore.
Redeeming Aeroplan points: Air Canada is one of the many partners that allows you to use your points for flights. Dollars and points are correlated with the price of an airline ticket. Moreover, Aeroplan eStore items can be purchased using points.
WestJet Rewards
Where WestJet Rewards Work: With WestJet Rewards, you can earn WestJet Dollars when you fly with us or one of our many partner airlines. Additionally, you can earn WestJet Dollars every time you use your WestJet RBC Mastercard.
Collecting WestJet Rewards: As a member of WestJet Rewards, you can choose from four tiers according to your spending. WestJet Dollars are reimbursed for 0.5% of your flight cost when you enlist at the Teal level. You can earn WestJet Dollars as you spend, as well as other benefits, including free checked baggage, when you reach the Platinum membership level.
Redeeming WestJet Rewards: A Canadian dollar is equal to one WestJet dollar for the purpose of purchasing the base fare of a qualifying flight or holiday package.
The Canadian retail loyalty program
RBC Rewards
When you use your credit card, you can earn points easily through RBC Rewards, which is a program that allows you to earn points quickly and easily. It does not matter what your preferences are or what your habits are, you can earn points for every purchase you make.
Collecting RBC Rewards: RBC credit cards may reward you for every dollar spent depending on your card. With an RBC Value Program-qualified debit card, you can earn even more points when you access an RBC bank account.
Using RBC Rewards points: There are several ways in which you can redeem your RBC Rewards points. A variety of goods and gift cards can be exchanged for points in its online catalog. Additionally, you can pay your credit card payments with the points you have acquired. Apple and Best Buy both accept RBC Rewards, which can be exchanged for Hudson’s Bay Rewards.
Hudson’s Bay Rewards
Where Hudson’s Bay Rewards Work: It is likely that you will be spending a lot of time shopping for clothing, furniture, and household items as you settle into your new home. Whether you shop at the Bay in person or online, Hudson’s Bay Rewards lets you earn points on every purchase.
Collecting Hudson’s Bay Rewards: You accrue points at a faster rate based on your membership level. Almost every dollar spent at check-in earns members a point. The program allows you to earn 1.5 points for virtually every dollar you spend in a calendar year if you spend $400 or more. Spending up to $1,200 CAD in a single calendar year will earn you two points.
Redeeming Hudson’s Bay Rewards: Upon making a purchase at Hudson’s Bay online or in person, you can redeem your awards valued at $5 CAD for every 1,000 points.
Canadian Tire Triangle Rewards
Where Triangle Rewards Work: The Canadian Tyre company is one of the most well-known retailers in Canada, offering household items, tools, outdoor life equipment, sports equipment, and automobiles. Furthermore, if you plan on shopping at Canadian Tyre locations, Markes, Sport Chek, Party City, Atmosphere, and Hockey Life. You have the opportunity to accumulate points, through the Triangle Rewards program. Your first stop might be a shop like this to purchase seasonal items like clothing or household goods when you first arrive.
Collecting Triangle Rewards: CT Money, or points, equal to 4% of your purchase is awarded on eligible products.
Redeeming Triangle Rewards: At Canadian Tyre, Mark’s, or Sport Chek, CT Money will be redeemed for one dollar.
Canadian loyalty rewards programs for food and entertainment
Tims Rewards
The Tims Rewards program works the following way: If you routinely start your day with a cup of coffee at Tim Horton’s, you may be interested in joining the program.
As a loyal Tim Hortons customer, you receive 10 points for every eligible purchase that you make when using the Tim Rewards card when ordering ahead. Get regular offers and discounts by downloading the app.
When redeemed through the app or your card, Tim Rewards points can be redeemed on menu items. The 70 points can be redeemed for a free brewed coffee or tea.
Starbucks Rewards
A Starbucks Rewards location can be found in a Starbucks store.
With Starbucks Rewards, there are points called stars that can be earned and redeemed for free coffee or food, as part of a rewards program. You receive two stars instead of just one when you preload money into your Starbucks app. Whenever regular promotions are running, you will have the opportunity to earn more stars as a member.
You can earn Stars to redeem for free drinks by participating in Starbucks Rewards. Every Starbucks Rewards member receives free refills on freshly brewed coffee or tea.
Scene+
A Scene+ subscription can help you save money on your outings to the movies if you enjoy going to the movies. With Scotiabank Scene+ credit and debit cards, you can earn Scene+ points.
The Cineplex Rewards Program gives members the opportunity to earn five Scene+ points for every dollar they spend at the facility. You may also be able to earn Scene+ points at Apple and Best Buy in addition to these two places.
There are several venues where Scene+ Points can be redeemed for immediate redemption, including Cineplex Theatres, The Rec Room, and Playdiums.
Canada’s fuel loyalty programs
Petro-Points
Petro-Points gives you 10 points for every liter of fuel you buy, and every 1000 points you earn can be redeemed for one dollar.
It can be linked to any of the supported RBC credit cards so that you can earn more points with each petrol station fill-up. By doing this, you can save up to three cents per liter on gasoline and earn up to 20% more Petro-Points.
You can exchange your Petro-Points for goods or gift cards or get free petrol by redeeming them.
Shell
Earn Air Miles Rewards miles at Shell petrol stations by filling up at a Shell petrol station and spending $5 in-store or on a car wash with your membership card.
Moreover, for gas discounts and other Air Miles Reward Miles redemptions, Shell petrol station miles may be redeemed as usual.
Esso
PC Optimum members can earn points when they fill up at Esso stations if they have this card. If you earn 4,000 points and redeem them for 10 cents off every liter up to 40 liters, you will receive 10 cents off every liter. You can redeem your Esso points like all your PC Optimum points.
Loyalty program tips for new members
Choosing a loyalty program out of so many is difficult when there are so many to choose from. To assist you in making a decision, here are some helpful factors:
- Is the loyalty card something you’ll use regularly?
- Would you rather save money or spend it on a loyalty program that does not reflect your current needs?
- What is your point earning rate per dollar? In comparison to other programs, how does it compare?
- Are your points redeemable for anything? Points are worth how much?
- What are the benefits of combining points from different programs so that you can earn more and redeem more rewards?
- Would an app be a better alternative to a card and is it user-friendly?
Does a loyalty program offer cash back?
The goal of a cash-back program is to reward you for making purchases at qualifying merchants by giving you money in the form of cashback rather than points. As with customer loyalty programs, cash-back programs usually restrict your profits to specific retailers or products.
When you’re a new customer, cashback and loyalty points aren’t necessarily your choices. By making select purchases with your credit or debit card and earning cash back from cashback applications like Ampli, you can continue to accrue loyalty points that banks and shops offer. For those who would prefer cash back instead of loyalty points on their credit cards, some offer cash back as an option.
Introducing loyalty programs to newcomers can be beneficial
Loyalty programs can be beneficial to newcomers in Canada Businesses and financial institutions across the country offer lucrative loyalty programs to entice new customers. As well as encourage loyal customers to continue using them. Taking advantage of loyalty programs provided by businesses or banks you frequent will allow you to accrue points without making extra purchases and save money as a result. In order to make a good choice when seeking loyalty perks, like travel or gas, there are several options to consider.
