15 Best Canadian Rewards Programs to Maximize Your Savings

Looking to maximize your savings on everyday purchases like groceries, gas, and travel? Top Best Canadian rewards programs offer incredible perks, from free flights to essential discounts. Whether you are a frequent traveler or a savvy shopper, these programs let you rack up points and unlock amazing rewards. Ready to stretch your dollar further? Dive into our guide to the best loyalty programs in Canada and start earning big today!

In this post, you’ll learn:

• How to earn points on groceries, gas, and travel with Canada’s top loyalty programs.
• The best rewards programs for frequent flyers and savvy shoppers.
• Expert tips for maximizing points and unlocking exclusive bonuses.
• Key benefits and redemption options for each program.
• Pro tips for stacking rewards and getting the most value.
• Which rewards programs offer the highest savings potential across various categories.

1. PC Optimum

The PC Optimum program is Canada’s leading loyalty program for grocery shopping, offering a wide range of earning opportunities across popular stores like Loblaws, No Frills, and Shoppers Drug Mart. You can also earn points at Esso and Mobil stations, making it one of Canada’s most versatile rewards programs. Every 10,000 points is worth $10, which you can redeem directly at the register during your next purchase. Frequent bonus points events make it easy to rack up points quickly.

• Participating Stores: Loblaws, No Frills, Shoppers Drug Mart, Esso, Mobil
• Earn rate: 10,000 points per $10 spent
• Sign-up bonus: None
• Best redemption value: Groceries, beauty, and health products

Benefits of PC Optimum:

• Flexible redemption: Points can be used at various participating stores.
• Exclusive offers: Get personalized offers through the PC Optimum app weekly based on your shopping habits.
• Stackable points: Earn points at multiple store chains, including groceries, gas stations, and pharmacies.

Pro Tip: Take advantage of PC Optimum offers tailored to your spending habits via the app. Look out for 20x the points events at Shoppers Drug Mart for massive savings.

Tip: Checkout out our Shoppers Drug Mart coupons & special offers

2. Air Miles

Air Miles is one of Canada’s most popular and longstanding rewards programs. Members earn Miles at various retailers and service providers. They can redeem Air Miles for travel rewards, merchandise, gift cards, and entertainment. The program offers two primary options: Cash Miles for everyday savings at partner stores and Dream Miles for more significant redemptions like flights and vacation packages. This flexibility makes Air Miles a top choice for Canadians looking to stretch their spending.

• Participating Stores: Sobeys, Shell, Rexall, Staples, and more
• Earn rate: 1 Mile per $20 spent at most partner stores
• Sign-up bonus: 25 Bonus Miles for new members
• Best redemption value: Flights, vacation packages, and experiences

Benefits of Air Miles:

• Cash Miles vs. Dream Miles: You can choose how you want to use your miles—to get discounts on daily purchases or to save them for travel rewards.
• Wide acceptance: Air Miles can be earned at many partner stores and services across Canada.
• Frequent promotions: Look for Bonus Mile offers and promotions to rack up Miles faster.

Pro Tip: Opt for Dream Miles if you’re looking to book flights or vacations, as the value per Mile is generally higher for travel rewards than everyday purchases.

3. Scene+

Scene+ is one of Canada’s most versatile rewards programs. Initially known for providing points for movies, it has now expanded to include dining, groceries, travel, and more. With Scene+, you can earn points at Cineplex theatres, Empire Company grocery stores like Sobeys, and partner restaurants. The points can be redeemed for movie tickets, restaurant discounts, groceries, travel bookings, and even gift cards.

• Participating Stores: Cineplex, Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Swiss Chalet, Harvey’s, and more
• Earn rate: 1000 points per $10 spent on groceries and restaurants, 5 points per $1 on Cineplex movie tickets.
• Sign-up bonus: 250 Scene+ points
• Best redemption value: Movie tickets, groceries, and travel

Benefits of Scene+:

• Diverse earning opportunities: Earn points on groceries, dining, travel, and entertainment.
• Flexible redemption: Redeem points for movies, dining, groceries, travel, and more.
• Exclusive offers: Scene+ members enjoy access to exclusive movie screenings and bonus points events.

Pro Tip: Link your Scene+ account to a Scotiabank credit card to earn additional points on everyday purchases, helping you accelerate your points balance faster. Look for Scene+ promotions at Cineplex and Empire grocery stores for extra savings.

4. RBC Rewards

RBC Rewards is one of Canada’s most flexible and valuable loyalty programs. It allows members to earn points on various everyday purchases. The program is tailored toward travelers, but the rewards can also be used for merchandise, gift cards, financial services, and even charity donations. RBC Rewards points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and car rentals through RBC’s travel booking platform or transferred to partner programs like WestJet Rewards and British Airways Avios.

• Participating Retailers: Points are earned through purchases made with eligible RBC credit cards
• Earn rate: 1 point per $1 spent (varies depending on the card)
• Sign-up bonus: Varies by credit card (up to 100,000 points in some cases)
• Best redemption value: Travel, merchandise, and gift cards

Benefits of RBC Rewards:

• Travel versatility: Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and vacation packages through RBC Rewards Travel.
• Financial flexibility: Redeem points for financial products, including mortgage and credit card payments, or invest in your future with RBC services.
• Transferability: Points can be transferred to partner airline and hotel programs, increasing travel redemption options.

Pro Tip: Use RBC’s partnership with WestJet to combine RBC Rewards with WestJet Dollars, boosting the value of your flight points. Also, use the RBC Rewards Travel Portal to book flights and vacation packages for optimal point value.

5. American Express Membership Rewards

American Express Membership Rewards is widely regarded for its premium travel benefits and exclusive offers. With the Membership Rewards program, you can earn points on everyday purchases and redeem them for travel, statement credits, merchandise, and gift cards. The program is highly flexible, allowing you to transfer points to airline and hotel partners and giving you greater flexibility when booking travel. Amex also offers unique experiences and perks that cater to luxury travelers and high spenders.

• Participating Retailers: Earn points on all purchases made with eligible American Express cards
• Earn rate: 1000 points per $10 spent (depending on the card and purchase category)
• Sign-up bonus: Varies by card (up to 50,000 points or more for some premium cards)
• Best redemption value: Travel bookings, statement credits, and point transfers to airline partners

Benefits of American Express Membership Rewards:

• Flexible point transfers: Transfer points to airline partners like Aeroplan, Delta SkyMiles, and British Airways Avios or hotel partners like Marriott Bonvoy.
• Premium travel benefits: Amex cardholders can access airport lounges, travel insurance, and concierge services.
• Exclusive offers: Access to Amex Invites for presale tickets, luxury shopping events, and exclusive dining experiences.

Pro Tip: Use the Amex Fixed Points Travel Program to book flights at a fixed points rate, which often offers better value than flexible points redemptions. Also, transfer points to airline and hotel loyalty programs when you find bonus transfer promotions to maximize your point value.

6. Aeroplan

Aeroplan is Air Canada’s premier loyalty program, offering exceptional value for frequent travelers. As a member, you earn Aeroplan points on flights with Air Canada and its Star Alliance partners and through purchases with various retail and travel partners. Points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and merchandise. Aeroplan is well-known for offering Canada’s best redemption options, especially for long-haul international flights. Best Canadian rewards programs

• Participating Partners: Air Canada, Star Alliance airlines, Aeroplan-affiliated retailers
• Earn rate: 1-3 points per $1 spent on flights with Air Canada and Star Alliance partners.
• Sign-up bonus: Up to 50,000 points with affiliated credit cards
• Best redemption value: Flights, upgrades, and travel experiences

Benefits of Aeroplan:

• Star Alliance network: Redeem points for flights on Air Canada and 25+ Star Alliance partners, which offer a wide array of destinations worldwide.
• Travel perks: Fly with Air Canada or Star Alliance airlines and enjoy priority boarding, extra baggage allowances, and lounge access.
• Flexible redemptions: Use points for flights, hotels, vacation packages, and merchandise from the Aeroplan store.

Pro Tip: Earn more points by shopping through the Aeroplan eStore, which partners with major online retailers. Also, maximize your value by booking long-haul flights or business class upgrades to get the most out of your Aeroplan points.

7. TD Rewards

TD Rewards is a versatile loyalty program offering reward points for travel and everyday purchases. Whether you’re booking a vacation, shopping online, or redeeming gift cards, the program offers a wide range of redemption options. Cardholders earn extra points for booking travel through Expedia for TD, providing flexibility and great deals on travel arrangements.

• Participating Retailers: Earn points on all purchases made with eligible TD credit cards, especially with travel bookings via Expedia for TD
• Earn rate: Up to 8 points per $1 spent on travel purchases through Expedia for TD, 3 points per $1 on other eligible purchases.
• Sign-up bonus: Up to 80,000 TD Rewards points (varies by card)
• Best redemption value: Travel bookings, gift cards, merchandise, and financial products

Benefits of TD Rewards:

• Travel flexibility: Book travel through Expedia for TD to earn more points and enjoy no blackout dates.
• Versatile redemptions: Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, merchandise, and credit card statement credits.
• Boost your earnings: Combine your TD Rewards credit card with other offers, such as Bonus Points events at Expedia for TD, for quicker points accumulation.

Pro Tip: Use Expedia for TD to maximize points earned on travel purchases, and look for promotions that can help you earn points faster. The program’s no-blackout dates make it easy to use your points whenever you want to travel.

8. WestJet Rewards

The WestJet Rewards program is perfect for travelers who frequently fly within Canada and to international destinations. Instead of earning points, you collect WestJet Dollars, which can be applied directly to the base fare of WestJet flights, vacation packages, and car rentals. The straightforward redemption structure makes it easy to see the value of your rewards. Members receive additional perks like free checked bags and priority boarding when flying with WestJet.

• Participating Retailers: Earn WestJet Dollars on WestJet flights, vacation packages, and with select retail partners
• Earn rate: $700 in WestJet dollars is back. With every WestJet dollar equal to $1 with the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard
• Sign-up bonus: Up to $250 in WestJet Dollars with the WestJet RBC credit card
• Best redemption value: WestJet flights and vacation packages

Benefits of WestJet Rewards:

• Simple redemption: WestJet Dollars are easy to use. You can apply them directly to the cost of your flight or vacation package, and there is no minimum redemption requirement.
• Exclusive perks: Frequent flyers enjoy free checked bags, priority boarding, and WestJet Vacations discounts.
• Partnership benefits: WestJet Rewards integrates well with RBC credit cards, allowing you to earn even more WestJet Dollars on everyday purchases.

Pro Tip: Maximize your WestJet Dollars by combining the program with the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard, which gives you accelerated earning potential on both WestJet flights and general spending. Look out for WestJet Dollar’s bonus for even more significant travel savings during promotional periods.

Tip: Checkout our 11 Proven WestJet Hacks to Save on Flights and Earn Rewards

9. CIBC Aventura

CIBC Aventura offers a flexible points system ideal for travelers who value convenience and flexibility. You can redeem Aventura points for flights with no blackout dates, hotels, vacation packages, and other travel-related expenses. Plus, the program offers access to the Aventura Travel Assistant, which can help you find the best flight options, even if you’re short on points.

• Participating Retailers: Earn points on all purchases made with eligible CIBC Aventura credit cards
• Earn rate: 1 point per $1 spent (varies by card and purchase category)
• Sign-up bonus: Up to 40,000 Aventura points (depending on the card)
• Best redemption value: Flights with no blackout dates, hotels, and vacation packages

Benefits of CIBC Aventura:

• No blackout dates: Redeem points for flights anytime, anywhere, with no restrictions.
• Transfer options: Points can be transferred to other loyalty programs like Aeroplan.
• Aventura Travel Assistant: Receive help booking flights, car rentals, and hotels with your points.

Pro Tip: To maximize your travel rewards, redeem points for flights through the Aventura Flight Rewards Chart. This chart offers the best value for points, especially for long-haul and international flights.

10. BMO Rewards

The BMO Rewards program allows members to earn points on everyday purchases, which can be redeemed for flights, vacation packages, merchandise, gift cards, and investment products. When you book travel through the BMO Rewards Travel Portal, you can redeem points with no blackout dates and enjoy competitive pricing on flights and hotels.

• Participating Retailers: Earn points on all purchases made with eligible BMO credit cards
• Earn rate: 5 points per $1 spent on travel purchases, 5 points per $1 on all other purchases.
• Sign-up bonus: Up to 70,000 BMO Rewards points (varies by card)
• Best redemption value: Flights and vacation packages through the BMO Rewards Travel Portal

Benefits of BMO Rewards:

• Travel redemption: Redeem points for flights, hotels, and vacation packages with no blackout dates.
• Versatile redemptions: Use points for gift cards, merchandise, or financial products like investment funds.
• Bonus points events: Earn extra points during promotional periods.

Pro Tip: Redeem your points through the BMO Rewards Travel Portal to get the most value, especially when booking flights and vacation packages. Take advantage of bonus points promotions to boost your earnings quickly.

11. Hudson’s Bay Rewards

Hudson’s Bay Rewards is perfect for loyal shoppers at Hudson’s Bay stores. You earn points for every purchase, which can be redeemed for discounts on fashion, home goods, beauty products, and more. Using a Hudson’s Bay Mastercard boosts your points earnings and accelerates your rewards.

• Participating Retailers: Hudson’s Bay stores and thebay.com
• Earn rate: 2 points per $1 spent on regular purchases, 4 points per $1 spent with the Hudson’s Bay Mastercard.
• Sign-up bonus: 2,000 points after your first purchase
• Best redemption value: Discounts on Hudson’s Bay Merchandise

Benefits of Hudson’s Bay Rewards:

• In-store and online: Earn and redeem points at Hudson’s Bay locations or on thebay.com.
• Bonus point events: Regular bonus points promotions make it easy to accumulate points quickly.
• Boost earnings with a credit card: Use a Hudson’s Bay Mastercard to earn points faster.

Pro Tip: Combine your points earnings using your Hudson’s Bay Rewards account during bonus points events, where you can earn double or triple points on select purchases.

12. Triangle Rewards

Triangle Rewards, offered by Canadian Tire, is an excellent rewards program for those who frequently shop for home, auto, and sports-related products. Members can earn points at Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, Mark’s, Gas+ stations, and other participating retailers. Points can be redeemed for various products, including automotive services, home goods, and sports equipment.

• Participating Stores: Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, Mark’s, Gas+
• Earn Rate:$1 Canadian Tire Money equals $1 in free stuff on purchases at Canadian Tire and partner stores
• Sign-Up Bonus: None
• Best Redemption Value: Automotive services, home improvement, sports gear

Benefits of Triangle Rewards:

• No Annual Fee: Enjoy the benefits of the program without membership fees.
• Gas Savings: Earn points on fuel purchases at Gas+ locations.
• Flexible Redemption: Use Canadian Tire Money to purchase virtually anything in-store.

Pro Tip: Combine Triangle Rewards with a Triangle Mastercard to earn even more points on everyday purchases, including gas and groceries.

13. Costco Membership Rewards

The Costco Membership Rewards program offers great value for those who regularly shop in bulk. While Costco doesn’t have a traditional points system, members can sign up for the Executive Membership to earn 2% cash back on most purchases made at Costco stores and online, up to a maximum of $1,000 annually. This program is perfect for families or businesses that buy in bulk.

• Participating Retailers: Costco stores and Costco.ca
• Earn rate: 2% cash back with Executive Membership
• Sign-up bonus: None
• Best redemption value: Annual cash-back rewards

Benefits of Costco Membership Rewards:

• Bulk shopping savings: Earn cash back on large purchases at Costco.
• Executive Membership perks: Access to special offers and events.
• Straightforward rewards: Cash back rewards are easy to track and redeem annually.

Pro Tip: Combine your Costco Executive Membership with the Costco Mastercard to earn even more cash back on purchases made inside and outside Costco.

14. CAA Rewards

CAA Rewards offers more than roadside assistance. It gives members exclusive discounts at retailers, hotels, car rental services, and more. You can also earn CAA Dollars, which can be used to pay for CAA membership renewals, travel bookings, or purchases through CAA partners.

• Participating Retailers: CAA partners, including hotels, car rentals, and retail stores
• Earn rate: Varies by partner (often 10% in cash back on spending $50)
• Sign-up bonus: Depends on regional CAA promotions
• Best redemption value: Travel bookings and membership discounts

Benefits of CAA Rewards:

• Travel perks: Discounts on hotel stays, car rentals, and flights.
• Retail discounts: Save at various retail partners like Best Buy and The Brick.
• CAA Dollars: Use rewards to pay for membership renewals or travel services.

Pro Tip: Watch for CAA Rewards promotions with major retailers, which can help you save significantly on electronics and home goods. For maximum value, use CAA Dollars for membership renewals or travel bookings.

15. More Rewards

More Rewards is a loyalty program designed for shoppers in Western Canada, especially those who frequent Save-On-Foods, PriceSmart Foods, and Urban Fare. Members earn points on groceries and other purchases and can redeem them for free groceries, travel, merchandise, and even gift cards. More Rewards points can also be redeemed for flights and hotel stays, making it a versatile option for grocery savings and travel perks.

• Participating Retailers: Save-On-Foods, PriceSmart Foods, Urban Fare
• Earn rate: 5 points per $2 spent on BMO Eclipse Rise Visa Card:
• Sign-up bonus: Varies by location and promotions
• Best redemption value: Groceries, travel, and merchandise

Benefits of More Rewards:

• Groceries and travel: Earn points while shopping for groceries and redeem them for travel rewards or free groceries.
• Bonus points events: Frequent bonus points promotions help you earn points faster.
• Comprehensive redemption options: Redeem points for flights, hotels, vacations, or household items.

Pro Tip: Take advantage of bonus points events at participating grocery stores to rack up More Reward points quickly. Use them for travel redemptions to get the best value.

Tip: Checkout our PetSmart Promo Codes & Coupons

Pro Tips for Maximizing Savings with Rewards Programs

Stack Points and Promotions: Combine bonus points events with in-store promotions to earn more. For example, use PC Optimum’s 20x Points at Shoppers Drug Mart during a sale for maximum savings.

Redeem Points Strategically: Save your points for high-value redemptions, such as flights or vacation packages with Aeroplan or WestJet Rewards, to get better returns than redeeming for smaller items.

Use Partnered Credit Cards: Sign up for co-branded credit cards like the Scene+ Scotiabank Visa or RBC Rewards card to earn extra points on everyday purchases and access higher-tier rewards faster.

Leverage Sign-Up Bonuses: To boost points early on, use initial sign-up bonuses when joining rewards programs like American Express Membership Rewards or Air Miles.

Transfer Points for Better Value: If your program allows point transfers, move your points to partner airlines or hotels. For example, transfer Amex Membership Rewards to Aeroplan during a bonus promotion for increased travel value.

Use Mobile Apps for Offers: Many reward programs, such as PC Optimum or Air Miles, offer personalized offers through their apps. Check these regularly to maximize points on items you’re already buying.

Stack Loyalty Programs: Double-dip by using multiple loyalty programs simultaneously. For example, earn PC Optimum and Esso Extra points when filling up at Esso gas stations.

Monitor Expiration Dates: Some programs like Aeroplan have point expiration policies. To keep your account active and avoid losing points, make a small purchase or redemption periodically.

Shop Online Through Rewards Portals: Earn extra points through rewards portals like the Aeroplan eStore or Rakuten. You can earn bonus points on top of retailer offers.

Plan Big Purchases Around Bonus Events: Major retailers often offer bonus points on big-ticket items during shopping events. Plan purchases around Black Friday, Boxing Day, or special retailer promotions to maximize your rewards.

Comparison of Top Activities from Loyalty Programs in Canada

Best Things to Do	Approximate Cost	Short Description
Earn points for groceries and gas (PC Optimum)	Varies by purchase	Earn 10,000 points per $10 spent at Loblaws, No Frills, Shoppers Drug Mart, Esso, and Mobil.
Redeem Air Miles for travel (Air Miles)	Flights from 200+	Earn 1 Mile per 20 spent; redeem for flights, vacation packages, and experiences.
Get free movie tickets (Scene+)	12-15 per ticket	Earn 5 points per 1 at Cineplex and redeem for movies, dining, and travel.
Transfer points to airlines (Amex)	Flights from 100+	Earn 1 point per 1, transfer points to airline or hotel partners.
Get discounts on fashion (Hudson’s Bay)	Varies by item	Earn points and redeem for discounts on fashion, home goods, and beauty.
Save on fuel (Esso Extra)	Varies by fuel price	Earn points on fuel at Esso and Mobil and redeem them for discounts and car washes.
Earn 2% cash back on bulk shopping (Costco)	Varies by purchase	Executive Membership offers 2% cash back on Costco purchases annually.
Earn discounts at hotels (CAA Rewards)	Varies by hotel	Get discounts on hotels, car rentals, and retail services, and earn CAA Dollars.
Redeem More Rewards points for groceries	Varies by item	Earn 5 points per $2 spent at Save-On-Foods and redeem for groceries, travel, and more.

Conclusion 

Maximizing your rewards has never been easier with Canada’s top loyalty programs. Whether saving on groceries, earning free flights, or getting discounts on gas, these programs help you stretch your dollars further. Each program offers unique benefits, from flexible redemption options to bonus point events. You can unlock massive savings by stacking your rewards and choosing the right program for your spending habits. Get ready to make every purchase count with these top-rated programs.

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