With virtually everything costing more, between groceries, gas, dining out and travel, fighting inflation is a battle that requires being strategic. The loyalty programs behind certain rewards cards available for free in Quebec are worth exploring and it is in your best interest to take advantage of offers that are likely to provide you with the maximum benefits, depending on your spending habits.
The point systems of this type of card have several subtleties; there are often conditions and deadlines to respect, as promotions vary regularly. Hence the idea of keeping your eyes open to save more while getting the maximum number of discounts and rewards for your purchases. Plus, it could give you a serious financial boost for your next trip!
Here is an overview of the seven cards that you can take out of your wallet – or show using your smartphone – during your next shopping in store or online.
Plane Rewards
Where to use it: At several partners, in-store and online
Rewards: This program created by the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) is offered to everyone: no need to be a client of this institution to join. Members can sign up by email and link the bank or credit card of their choice to enjoy discounts and cash back at over 2,000 retailers, in addition to being able to purchase gift cards valid at Apple, DoorDash, Old Navy or even Sephora.
It is also possible to obtain a credit for certain travel reservations, including a hotel stay or car rental. To do this, however, you must have one of the eligible RBC credit cards. Additionally, all new registrants can get a $10 welcome bonus as of this writing.
To find out more about this loyalty program
Scene+
Where to use it: IGA, Cineplex, Expedia, Apple, Best Buy, Home Hardware, Harvey’s, East Side Mario’s and more
Rewards: The Scène+ card allows you to collect points on several food purchases at the IGA, in addition to being entitled to exclusive discounts on certain products. If you’re a fan of movie nights, this rewards program is for you! You can get discounts on a ticket or food and drinks at Cineplex network theaters (for example, $1 off your ticket with every 100 points or 500 points for a savings of $5 on your pop corn).
As for restaurants, it’s possible to accumulate points more quickly – up to 15 times more – during your visits to Harvey’s or East Side Mario’s. And for hotel reservations, members with an eligible RBC credit card can earn points for every dollar spent via the Voyage Scène+ platform, developed in collaboration with Expedia.
To find out more about this loyalty program
PC Optimum
Where to use it: Maxi, Provigo, Esso, Pharmaprix and Joe Fresh
Rewards: People who are used to shopping at Maxi and Pharmaprix have a better chance of accumulating as many points as possible and reducing the amount of certain bills, i.e. $10 off for every 10,000 points accumulated. Each week, members receive personalized offers based on their grocery and pharmacy purchasing history, allowing them to benefit from even better targeted benefits.
This program is also advantageous for filling up with gas at Esso service stations, because you always get ten points per liter of fuel – and this offer is sometimes multiplied by other promotions (for example, 5,000 points on the purchase of two full tanks of gas for at least $40). In addition, ten points are added for each dollar spent on certain convenience store and car wash purchases.
To find out more about this loyalty program
Me Program
Where to use it: Metro, Super C Jean Coutu, Brunet and Première Moisson
Rewards: Launched in spring 2023, this program is also profitable at the grocery basket level, but on the Metro and Super C side this time.
As soon as your balance reaches 500 points, you obtain $4 in rewards and it is possible to accumulate more quickly during certain promotions (for example: double the points on purchases of $75 or more at Metro or 100 points on all Quebec products purchased in a Jean Coutu pharmacy). In addition, this program regularly organizes contests that give you the chance to win all kinds of gift cards.
To find out more about this loyalty program
Aeroplan
Where to use it: At Air Canada and other Star Alliance member airlines, for hotel reservations or car rentals, Uber rides and Uber Eats deliveries as well as other partnerslike Starbucks, Bell and Ultramar
Rewards: This loyalty program is not only ideal for your travel plans, but also for many of your everyday purchases. In addition to earning points when you book a flight with Air Canada or another Star Alliance airline, you can increase your balance through other eligible transactions during your stay in Canada or abroad. Then, it’s possible to use your points for a meal delivered by Uber Eats (for example, 3,500 points for $25) or various gift cards – which are sometimes offered as a discount.
You also have the option of linking your Aeroplan account to that of the Journie program (see point below) to obtain points when you fill up with gas at Ultramar.
To find out more about this loyalty program
Journie
Where to use: Ultramar, Marché Express and M&M Foods
Rewards: Each liter of fuel earns one point through this rewards program. Once you reach 75 points, you can earn rewards at participating convenience stores, including free refreshing drinks and snacks – plus earn two points for every dollar spent in-store.
It’s also possible to use your balance for discounts on M&M foods online or in-store (for example, 150 points for $5 off any $20 purchase).
To find out more about this loyalty program
Air Miles
Where to use it: At Shell as well as around sixty retailers across the province
Rewards: Although it is well known to Quebecers, this program has nevertheless undergone some changes very recently. For the past few weeks, you can scan your grocery receipts to get points on several eligible purchases. This is in addition to the 2 cents/litre savings you can make every time you visit Shell by linking a Bank of Montreal (BMO) bank account or credit card.
In addition, you are likely to increase your balance more quickly by making online purchases at Amazon, Walmart, Dollarama or even H&M. You also have the possibility of treating yourself to a flight or a stay abroad at a lower price thanks to your use of this card.
To find out more about this loyalty program
