Loyalty programs have become a cornerstone of successful businesses, and Canada boasts some of the most innovative and customer-centric examples. From grocery rewards to travel perks, Canadian companies are leading the way in turning one-time shoppers into lifelong customers.
If you’re a business owner or marketer looking for inspiration, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore the 10 best loyalty programs in Canada that you can learn from to boost your customer engagement strategies.
Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
- Canada has some of the most innovative loyalty programs globally. AIR MILES, Scene Plus, and PC Optimum lead the market.
- The selection criteria: popularity, reward variety, ease of use, and innovative features like gamification and personalization.
- Coalition programs (AIR MILES) thrive in Canada because they let consumers earn across multiple retailers and categories.
- Grocery loyalty programs (PC Optimum) dominate due to high purchase frequency and clear cent-per-point value.
- Canadian consumers expect omnichannel experiences. Programs that work only online or only in-store lose participation.
Criteria for Selecting the Best Loyalty Programs in Canada
Here’s what we considered when choosing the 10 best loyalty programs in Canada to feature in this article:
- Popularity and membership base in Canada.
- Variety and value of rewards offered.
- Ease of use and accessibility across all channels.
- Programs that incorporate innovative elements, such as gamification, personalization, or exclusive member perks.
Before diving into each program, here’s a quick overview of loyalty programs in Canada:
| Loyalty Program | What it is best for |
|---|---|
| AIR MILES | Earn points at many stores and redeem for travel or cash rewards |
| Scene Plus | Everyday points with groceries, movies, travel, and banking |
| Aeroplan | Best for flight rewards and travel benefits |
| PC Optimum | Save money on groceries, drugstore, and fuel purchases |
| Tims Rewards | Free food and drinks for frequent visits |
| Petro Points Rewards | Instant savings on gas and car related rewards |
| Triangle Rewards | Earn and redeem points across multiple Canadian retailers |
| Marriott Bonvoy | Free hotel nights and upgrades for frequent travelers |
| BMO Rewards | Flexible points from credit card spending |
| Indigo Plum | Discounts and perks for book and lifestyle shoppers |
1. AIR MILES (Coalition Loyalty Program)
Air Miles is one of the largest and most recognized loyalty programs in Canada. It’s a coalition program, meaning you can earn and redeem reward miles across a vast network of partners, including grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, travel providers, and online retailers.
Program Structure: Points-based (miles). Members earn reward miles for eligible purchases at participating retailers and can redeem them for a variety of rewards.
Key Features
- Earning Miles: Earn miles on everyday purchases at partners like Shell, BMO, Sobeys, Metro, Rexall, and many more. Collectors can also earn miles online through the AIR MILES Shops portal.
- Redeeming Miles: Miles can be redeemed for a wide range of rewards, including merchandise, gift cards, and donations.
- Frequent Bonus Offers: Partner retailers regularly run promotions offering double or bonus points, accelerating earning potential.
Why does it work?
- Broad Earning Potential: The vast network of partners makes it easy for members to earn miles on everyday purchases.
- Flexible Redemption: Members can choose between “Dream Miles” (used for travel and merchandise) and “Cash Miles” (used for in-store discounts).
- Mobile App and Online Dashboard: Members can track their miles, discover offers, and redeem rewards with ease.
- Community and Social Responsibility: The option to donate Miles to charitable organizations fosters a sense of community involvement and aligns with many Canadians’ values.
Unique Selling Proposition
AIR MILES stands out by offering a unique “Dream” program where members can set a personalized reward goal and track their progress towards achieving it. This adds a gamified element and motivates members to engage with the program more actively.
2. Scene+ (Entertainment and Coalition Loyalty)
Scene+ is a comprehensive Canadian loyalty program. Originally focused on entertainment rewards, Scene+ has expanded to offer members the ability to earn and redeem points across various sectors, including groceries, dining, travel, and retail.
Program Structure: Points-based. Members earn points for eligible purchases at participating retailers and for everyday banking activities with Scotiabank.
Key Features:
- Earning Points: Earn points for watching movies at Cineplex theatres, using your Scotiabank debit or credit card, grocery shopping at Sobeys and Safeway, dining at participating restaurants, and shopping online through the Scene+ Rakuten portal.
- Redeeming Points: Points can be redeemed for movie tickets, meals at participating restaurants, travel bookings (flights and hotels), merchandise, gift cards, and banking rewards.
Why does it work?
- Easy Digital Access: The Scene+ app provides real-time tracking of points, offers, and redemption options.
- Multi-Category Rewards: Members can earn points across a broad range of categories, from entertainment to everyday groceries.
- Strong Brand Partnerships: Collaborations with Scotiabank, Cineplex, and Empire Company expand earning and redemption opportunities.
3. Aeroplan (Airline and Travel Rewards)
Aeroplan is the loyalty program of Air Canada, Canada’s largest airline. It’s a popular choice for frequent flyers and those who want to earn points on travel and everyday spending.
Program Structure: Points-based, tiered. Members earn Aeroplan points for flights, credit card spending, and purchases with various partners. Points contribute to both rewards and Aeroplan Elite Status (25K, 35K, 50K, 75K, Super Elite).
Key Features:
- Earning Points: Earn points for flying with Air Canada and Star Alliance partner airlines. Points are also earned through spending on Aeroplan credit cards, booking hotels and car rentals, and shopping with retail partners like Starbucks, Uber and Uber Eat.
- Redeeming Points: Redeem points for flights with Air Canada and Star Alliance airlines, hotel stays, car rentals, merchandise, and travel experiences. Aeroplan also offers “Points + Cash” options for greater flexibility.
Why does it work?
- Ease of use: Aeroplan ensures maximum convenience for members by offering no blackout dates on Air Canada flights and simple point pooling through family sharing.
- Everyday Earning: Aeroplan allows members to earn points on everyday purchases through its credit cards and retail partnerships, increasing the program’s appeal to a wider audience.
- Tiered System with Valuable Benefits: The tiered structure provides increasing benefits as members achieve higher status levels, including lounge access, priority boarding, and bonus points.
- Strong partnerships: Collaborations with major brands, airlines, and financial institutions make earning points effortless in everyday life.
4. PC Optimum (Grocery and Retail Loyalty)
PC Optimum is the loyalty program of Loblaw Companies Limited, the largest Canadian food retailer. It encompasses a wide range of grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retail brands.
Program Structure: Points-based. Members earn PC Optimum points for eligible purchases at participating stores and through personalized offers.
Key Features:
- Earning Points: Earn points on everyday purchases at Loblaw banner stores, including groceries, pharmacy items, beauty products, and more. Earn 15 points for every dollar spent at Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix. Personalized offers are tailored to individual shopping habits, allowing members to earn bonus points on products they frequently purchase.
- Redeeming Points: Points can be redeemed for discounts on groceries and other products at participating stores. Every 10,000 points is equivalent to $10 off.
- Personalized offers: Tailored offers based on customer shopping history are delivered directly through the PC Optimum app or website.
- PC Optimum app: The app provides easy access to offers and personalized rewards and allows members to track their points in real time.
Why does it work?
- Convenience: The program is available at a vast network of stores that Canadians frequently shop at, making it highly accessible.
- Personalization: By tailoring offers to individual shopping habits, PC Optimum provides highly relevant rewards that resonate with customers.
- Ease of redemption: With a simple conversion rate and no blackout dates or complicated restrictions, members can easily understand and use their points.
- Everyday Essentials: Customers can earn points on essential items like groceries and pharmacy products, encouraging frequent participation.
5. Tims Rewards (QSR and Mobile First Loyalty)
Tim Hortons, affectionately known as “Tims” for Canadians, is one of the most iconic coffee and fast-food chains, beloved for its coffee, donuts, and breakfast offerings. Tims Rewards is the brand’s loyalty program, designed to reward customers for their frequent visits and purchases.
Program Structure: Points-based. Members earn points for every eligible purchase at Tim Hortons locations.
Key Features:
- Earning Points: Earn 10 points for every $1 spent on most menu items, including coffee, tea, baked goods, and breakfast sandwiches.
- Redeeming Points: Redeem points for a variety of rewards, including free coffee and tea, baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, and lunch items. Members can choose their preferred reward level, allowing them to redeem points for smaller items more frequently or save up for larger rewards.
- Exclusive offers: Members get access to special deals and promotions available only through the program.
- Fast checkout with Scan & Pay: Members can scan their app or card for quick transactions and points accumulation.
- Surprise rewards: Occasional surprise offers add excitement to the program.
- Digital and physical card: Members can track points and rewards using a physical card or the Tims app.
Why does it works:
- Frequent earning opportunities: Since Tim Hortons is a daily stop for many Canadians, members can accumulate points quickly.
- Flexible rewards: The tiered reward system allows customers to choose how they redeem their points, catering to both casual users and frequent visitors.
- Convenience: With thousands of locations and the ability to link physical and digital cards, members enjoy a seamless rewards experience.
- Engagement: Regular contests and exclusive offers keep members engaged and incentivized to continue using the program.
Unique Selling Proposition
Tims Rewards stands out by integrating loyalty with iconic Canadian traditions such as coffee runs and the famous “Roll Up to Win” contest. Its low redemption thresholds and everyday accessibility make it an appealing and rewarding program for loyal customers who visit Tim Hortons frequently.
6. Petro Points Rewards (Fuel and Retail Loyalty)
Petro-Points is the loyalty program of Petro-Canada, one of Canada’s largest fuel and convenience store chains. Canadians rely on Petro-Canada for their fuel needs, convenience store items, and car wash services.
Program Structure: Points-based. Members earn Petro-Points for eligible purchases at Petro-Canada locations and through linked partner programs.
Key Features:
- Earning Points: Members earn 10 points per liter on fuel purchases and 10 points for every dollar spent on eligible in-store purchases, including car washes. They can also earn points by linking their Petro-Points card with partners like RBC and Hudson’s Bay Rewards.
- Redeeming Points: Points can be redeemed for fuel savings, car washes, in-store purchases, and gift cards.
- Petro-Canada app: The app allows members to track points, find locations, and redeem rewards directly from their mobile devices.
- Personalized offers: Members receive personalized deals and discounts on fuel and in-store products.
- Flexible earning and redeeming: Points can be collected and redeemed both in-store and online, offering flexibility and convenience.
Why does it work:
- Everyday Necessity: Fuel is an essential purchase for many Canadians, providing frequent opportunities to earn points.
- Partner Network: Linking with partner programs like RBC and Hudson’s Bay Rewards allows members to earn points faster and access a wider range of rewards.
- Instant savings: The ability to get immediate discounts at the pump is highly appealing to frequent drivers.
7. Triangle Rewards (Multi-Brand Retail Loyalty)
Triangle Rewards is the loyalty program of Canadian Tire Corporation, which includes Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, Mark’s, and Gas+ locations. This program offers members the opportunity to earn rewards on everyday purchases while delivering exceptional value and flexibility across multiple retail categories.
Program Structure:
- Points-based. Members earn Canadian Tire Money (CT Money) for purchases at participating retailers.
- The brand also offers a premium subscription program called Triangle Select for an annual fee.
Key Features:
- Earning CT Money: Earn CT Money on eligible purchases at Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, Mark’s, and other participating retailers. Earn bonus CT Money on select products and during promotional periods.
- Redeeming CT Money: CT Money can be redeemed on almost anything at participating retailers. $1 in CT Money equals $1 towards your purchase.
- Personalized Offers: Members receive weekly personalized offers based on their shopping habits and preferences.
- Triangle Select: This premium tier offers enhanced benefits, including more CT Money on purchases, free shipping from Canadian Tire, and exclusive perks with partners.
- Petro-Points partnership: Members can link their accounts to earn CT Money on fuel purchases at Petro-Canada locations.
Why does it work:
- Everyday Relevance: Triangle Rewards integrates seamlessly into daily spending on essentials like automotive supplies, sporting goods, and clothing.
- Ease of Use: The program’s straightforward earn-and-redeem model appeals to a broad audience.
- Flexibility: With no minimum redemption requirement and rewards usable across multiple brands, members enjoy freedom in how they use their rewards.
- Personalization: The Triangle app provides tailored offers and real-time tracking of CT Money balances, enhancing engagement.
- Strong Brand Recognition: Backed by trusted Canadian brands, Triangle Rewards enjoys widespread appeal and loyalty.
Unique Selling Proposition:
Triangle Rewards stands out by offering a unique combination of a free points-based program with the option to upgrade to a premium subscription tier (Triangle Select) for enhanced benefits. This provides flexibility and caters to different customer needs and spending levels.
8. Marriott Bonvoy (Hotel and Travel Loyalty)
Marriott Bonvoy is the award-winning travel loyalty program of Marriott International. The program is designed to reward loyal customers with exclusive benefits, free stays, and exceptional travel experiences.
Program Structure: Points-based, tiered. Members earn points for stays at participating hotels and for everyday spending with Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit cards. The program features six elite tiers, from Member to Ambassador Elite, with higher tiers unlocking more valuable benefits.
Key Features:
- Earning Points: Earn points for eligible stays at Marriott hotels and resorts worldwide. Points are also earned through spending on Marriott Bonvoy credit cards and with program partners (rental cars, cruises, etc.).
- Redeeming Points: Redeem points for free hotel nights, room upgrades, flights, car rentals, exclusive experiences (concerts, culinary events), and merchandise.
- Elite Benefits: Higher tiers unlock benefits like free breakfast, lounge access, late checkout, bonus points, and personalized service.
Why does it work:
- Extensive hotel network: With thousands of properties worldwide, Marriott Bonvoy caters to a wide range of travelers, from luxury seekers to budget-conscious explorers.
- Diverse earning opportunities: Points can be earned through hotel stays, dining, car rentals, and purchases made with Marriott Bonvoy credit cards.
- Luxury Appeal: Elite benefits like room upgrades and VIP services enhance the value proposition for premium travelers.
- Cross-Category Earning: Partnerships with airlines, car rentals, and other travel services make earning points convenient beyond hotel stays.
9. BMO Rewards (Banking and Credit Card Loyalty)
BMO Rewards is the loyalty program of the Bank of Montreal (BMO). It is designed for cardholders of select BMO credit cards and offers a wide range of financial products and services.
Program Structure: Points-based, tiered. Cardholders earn BMO Rewards points for eligible purchases made with their BMO Rewards credit card. There are different tiers of cards with varying earn rates and benefits.
Key Features:
- Earning Points: Earn points on everyday purchases, with accelerated earn rates on categories like travel, dining, groceries, and gas, depending on the card tier.
- Redeeming Points: Redeem points for travel bookings (flights, hotels, car rentals) through any provider, merchandise, gift cards, and statement credits.
Why does it work?
- Flexibility in redemption: With a broad range of categories, including tech products, travel, and everyday shopping, the program caters to various customer preferences.
- Exclusive deals and discounts: Regular promotional offers, such as discounts on popular products and services, encourage ongoing engagement.
- Integrated experience: The BMO Rewards portal and app provide a seamless digital experience, making it easy to browse, earn, and redeem points on the go.
Unique Selling Proposition:
BMO Rewards stands out by offering a “Pay with Points” feature that allows members to redeem points for any purchase made within the last 90 days, providing greater flexibility and control over their rewards.
10. Indigo Plum (Book Retail and Membership Loyalty)
Indigo is a beloved Canadian bookstore chain known for its wide selection of books, gifts, home décor, and lifestyle products. The Plum Rewards program is a popular choice for bookworms and shoppers looking to earn rewards on their purchases.
Program Structure: Subscription. There’s a free membership option and a paid “Plum Plus” membership. Members earn points for eligible purchases. The paid loyalty tier unlocks more benefits.
Key Features:
- Multiple membership tiers: From the free Plum tier to the premium Plum+ and the specialized PlumTeacher program, Indigo caters to various customer needs.
- Birthday rewards: All members receive discounts and bonus points during their birthday month.
- Savings and early access: Plum+ members enjoy significant savings and early access to Indigo’s exclusive events and sales.
- Enhanced Rewards for Plum Plus: Plum Plus members earn 10% off almost everything in-store and online, in addition to earning points. Exclusive access to special events and early access to sales.
Why does it work:
- Caters to a Passionate Audience: Indigo caters to book lovers and those who appreciate unique gifts and lifestyle products, creating a strong connection with its target audience.
- Tiered System with Choice: The tiered structure, with both free and paid options, provides flexibility and caters to different customer needs and spending levels.
- Valuable Rewards: The program offers a combination of financial rewards (discounts) and experiential benefits (free shipping, exclusive events), enhancing the overall customer experience.
- Strong Brand Recognition: Indigo is a well-established and beloved brand in Canada, contributing to the program’s popularity.
Read more: Best Loyalty Programs in Australia
Five Lessons To Build Successful Loyalty Programs in Canada
Here are 5 key lessons to help you design a successful loyalty program in Canada that drives engagement, retention, and long-term customer loyalty.
- Broad Earning & Redemption Opportunities: Offer diverse ways to earn and redeem points across essential categories like groceries, fuel, and travel. Partner with well-known brands to increase program relevance and reach. Make rewards accessible to appeal to a wide customer base.
- Personalize Rewards for Engagement: Leverage data to offer tailored promotions that match individual customer preferences. Personalized offers drive loyalty and increase customer satisfaction. Show customers you understand their needs by offering relevant incentives.
- Tiered Membership for Different Customers: Introduce multiple membership levels with escalating perks, from basic rewards to premium benefits. Higher tiers motivate customers to spend more and stay loyal. Cater to different customer segments by offering something for everyone.
- Simplicity and Transparency: To maintain customer trust, make earning and redeeming points straightforward and easy to understand. Avoid complicated rules or hidden fees. A simple program encourages frequent use and long-term engagement.
- Use Technology to Enhance Convenience: Create user-friendly digital platforms for tracking points, accessing offers, and redeeming rewards. Mobile apps and websites boost engagement by offering convenience. Digital integration makes the program more accessible and engaging.
