The Most Popular Loyalty Program in Canada, Ranked

Choose the loyalty program you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 5, 2024 06:42
Loyalty programs are a cornerstone of consumer savings in Canada, offering numerous advantages from discounts to exclusive offers. Knowing the top-rated programs helps shoppers maximize their benefits and save money. This is especially crucial in a marketplace crowded with various options, each promising rewarding experiences and savings. With a live ranking system, individuals can actively contribute their opinions and experiences, shaping the list to reflect current consumer preferences. This dynamic tool allows users to see how their favorite programs measure up against others and encourages active participation to ensure the rankings remain accurate and up-to-date.

What Is the Most Popular Loyalty Program in Canada?

  1. 1
    60
    votes
    With over 10 million active users, Air Miles is the largest and most popular loyalty program in Canada. It offers rewards for everyday purchases, including groceries, gas, and travel.
    Air Miles is one of the most popular loyalty programs in Canada, allowing members to earn reward miles from their everyday purchases and redeem them for a wide range of rewards including flights, hotel stays, merchandise, and more.
    • Membership: Individuals can sign up for a free Air Miles account and become a member.
    • Participating Partners: Air Miles can be earned and redeemed at a variety of participating partners, including grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, travel providers, and more.
    • Reward Options: Members can choose from various reward options such as travel rewards, merchandise, event tickets, car rentals, and charitable donations.
    • Reward Miles: Members earn reward miles based on their spending at participating partners. The number of miles earned varies depending on the partner and the purchase.
    • Transfer Options: Air Miles can be transferred between members and can also be converted into other loyalty program points or miles, such as hotel loyalty points or airline frequent flyer miles.
  2. 2
    38
    votes

    PC Optimum

    Loblaw Companies Limited
    A merger between Loblaw's PC Plus and Shoppers Drug Mart's Optimum, PC Optimum has quickly become one of Canada's most popular loyalty programs. It offers points for purchases at both stores and allows users to redeem their points for free groceries or health and beauty products.
    PC Optimum is a popular loyalty program in Canada that allows shoppers to earn and redeem points across various partner stores. It was created by Loblaw Companies Limited, one of the largest food and pharmacy retailers in Canada.
    • Participating Stores: Superstore, Shoppers Drug Mart, No Frills, Joe Fresh, Esso, and more
    • Earning Points: Earn points on every purchase at participating stores
    • Redeeming Points: Redeem points for discounts on future purchases
    • Point Conversion: 200 points = $1 CAD in redemption value
    • Personalized Offers: Receive targeted offers based on shopping habits
  3. 3
    23
    votes
    Scene is a loyalty program for Cineplex theatres that allows users to earn points for movie tickets, concessions, and more. It also partners with other retailers to offer additional rewards.
    Scene is one of the most popular loyalty programs in Canada, focused on rewarding members for their entertainment choices. It was introduced in 2007 as a joint collaboration between Cineplex Entertainment and Scotiabank.
    • Membership: Free to join
    • Earn points: Earn Scene points for movie tickets, concessions, and purchases at participating retailers
    • Redeem points: Redeem points for free movie tickets, concessions, and exclusive offers
    • Partners: Over 1,000 partners including Cineplex, Sport Chek, Swiss Chalet, and more
    • Scene points transfer: Transfer Scene points to other members
  4. 4
    10
    votes

    Hudson's Bay Rewards

    Hudson's Bay Company
    Hudson's Bay Rewards is a loyalty program for the Hudson's Bay department store chain. It offers points for purchases and exclusive discounts for members.
    Hudson's Bay Rewards is a popular loyalty program in Canada that offers members exclusive benefits and rewards when shopping at Hudson's Bay, Canada's premier department store. Members can earn points on purchases and redeem them for discounts or merchandise, as well as enjoy special experiences and offers tailored to their preferences.
    • Points Earned: 1 point for every $1 spent
    • Redemption Options: Can be redeemed for discounts or merchandise
    • Membership Tiers: Basic, VIP, and VIP Plus
    • Tier Benefits: Enhanced rewards, exclusive events, free shipping, and priority access to promotions
    • Personalized Offers: Customized promotions based on member preferences
  5. 5
    10
    votes
    Petro-Points is a loyalty program for Petro-Canada gas stations. It offers points for gas purchases and allows users to redeem their points for free gas or other rewards.
    Petro-Points is a popular loyalty program in Canada that allows customers to earn points on purchases made at Petro-Canada gas stations and select partner locations. These points can be redeemed for discounts, free merchandise, or even fuel. The program was created by Petro-Canada, a Canadian retail and wholesale marketing brand of Suncor Energy, in 1995.
    • Membership Type: Free
    • Earn Rate: 1 point per litre of fuel, 10 points per dollar on convenience store and car wash purchases
    • Partners: Includes select partner locations such as hotels, car rental agencies, and restaurants
    • Redemption Options: Discounts on fuel, free merchandise, car washes, and partner rewards
    • Offer Expiry: Points do not expire as long as there is account activity every 12 months
  6. 6
    7
    votes

    Shoppers Drug Mart Optimum

    Shoppers Drug Mart
    Before merging with PC Plus, Shoppers Drug Mart's Optimum was one of Canada's most popular loyalty programs. It offered points for purchases at the drugstore and allowed users to redeem their points for free health and beauty products.
    Shoppers Drug Mart Optimum is a popular loyalty program in Canada offered by Shoppers Drug Mart, a leading chain of pharmacies and drugstores. The program allows customers to earn and redeem points for purchases, providing various benefits and exclusive offers.
    • Membership: Free to join
    • Point earning: Earn points for every eligible purchase
    • Categories: Available for both health and beauty products
    • Redemption options: Points can be used for discounts or free products
    • Bonus events: Special promotions offering extra points
  7. 7
    11
    votes

    Canadian Tire Money

    Canadian Tire Corporation
    Although not a traditional loyalty program, Canadian Tire's iconic paper currency has been a popular way for customers to earn rewards for purchases at the store for decades.
    Canadian Tire Money is a loyalty program in Canada that allows customers to earn and redeem rewards at Canadian Tire stores and participating partners. It was introduced by the Canadian Tire Corporation in 1958 and has become one of the most popular loyalty programs in the country.
    • Earn Rate: Customers can earn Canadian Tire Money based on the total amount spent
    • Currency Type: Physical coupons resembling paper currency
    • Redeemability: Can be redeemed like cash towards purchases at Canadian Tire stores
    • Partner Redemption: Can also be redeemed at participating partner businesses
    • No Expiry: Canadian Tire Money does not expire
  8. 8
    6
    votes
    Aeroplan is a loyalty program for Air Canada and its partners. It allows users to earn miles for flights, car rentals, and hotel stays, and redeem them for flights, merchandise, or other rewards.
    Aeroplan is a highly popular loyalty program in Canada that allows members to earn and redeem points for various rewards. It was created by Air Canada in 1984 and has since grown to become one of the largest loyalty programs in the country.
    • Membership: Members can sign up for free and earn points through various methods such as flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and credit card purchases.
    • Redemption Options: Points can be redeemed for travel rewards including flights, hotel stays, vacation packages, and car rentals.
    • Airline Partners: Aeroplan has partnerships with over 35 airlines, allowing members to earn and redeem points across multiple airlines.
    • Retail Partners: Members can also earn points through partnerships with various retail and financial partners, including online and in-store shopping.
    • Elite Status: Aeroplan offers elite status tiers (silver, black, and diamond) with additional benefits and exclusive rewards for frequent travelers.
  9. 9
    12
    votes

    RBC Rewards

    Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
    RBC Rewards is a loyalty program for Royal Bank of Canada customers. It offers points for banking transactions and allows users to redeem their points for travel, merchandise, or other rewards.
    RBC Rewards is a popular loyalty program in Canada offered by the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). It allows RBC customers to earn rewards points on eligible purchases and redeem them for a variety of rewards such as travel, merchandise, gift cards, and more.
    • Membership Type: Available to RBC customers
    • Points Earning: Earn points on eligible purchases
    • Redemption Options: Redeem points for travel, merchandise, gift cards, etc.
    • Travel Benefits: Access to discounted travel bookings, travel insurance coverage
    • Merchandise Catalog: Extensive catalog of merchandise available for redemption
  10. 10
    9
    votes

    Starbucks Rewards

    Starbucks Corporation
    Starbucks Rewards is a loyalty program for Starbucks customers in Canada. It offers points for purchases at the coffee shop and allows users to redeem their points for free drinks and food.
    Starbucks Rewards is a popular loyalty program in Canada that provides customers with various benefits and rewards for their purchases at Starbucks stores. It is designed to enhance the overall customer experience and encourage repeat visits.
    • Membership Tiers: Starbucks Rewards has two membership tiers - Green and Gold, with Gold being the higher tier.
    • Points System: Members earn stars for every purchase made at participating Starbucks stores and can redeem them for free drinks, food, and merchandise.
    • Birthday Reward: Members receive a complimentary beverage or food item of their choice on their birthday.
    • Free In-Store Refills: Gold members enjoy free in-store refills on brewed coffee and tea.
    • Personalized Offers: Members receive personalized offers, discounts, and promotions based on their purchasing habits.

Missing your favorite loyalty program?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for popular loyalty program

  1. Membership size
    The number of active members in the loyalty program is an important indicator of its popularity. A larger membership base suggests that the program is well-recognized and well-received by Canadian consumers.
  2. Rewards value and redemption options
    A popular loyalty program should offer rewards that are valuable to the members and have a wide variety of redemption options, such as discounts, cashback, merchandise, gift cards, or travel rewards.
  3. Earning potential
    The ease and speed at which members can accumulate reward points or credits can significantly impact the program's popularity. Programs with higher earning potential and multiple ways to earn points, such as through everyday purchases, online shopping, or special bonus offers, are often more desirable.
  4. Partner network
    A strong partner network, including retail partners, online shopping partners, and travel partners, helps increase the program's utility, enhancing its popularity among consumers.
  5. Program accessibility
    A popular loyalty program should be accessible to a broad range of consumers, with minimal barriers to entry, such as minimum spending requirements or high annual fees.
  6. Customer experience
    The overall experience of being a member of the loyalty program, including the ease of earning and redeeming rewards, quality of customer service, and user-friendly digital tools, can impact its popularity.
  7. Exclusivity and tier benefits
    Offering exclusive benefits and experiences for higher-tier members or long-term customers, such as priority access to sales, events, or dedicated customer service, can contribute to a program's overall appeal.
  8. Flexibility
    Programs that allow members to transfer points to other loyalty programs, combine points with other members, or pool points among family members often have a competitive advantage in terms of popularity.
  9. Brand reputation
    The reputation and recognition of the loyalty program's associated brand(s) can also impact its popularity. A well-regarded brand may attract more consumers to its loyalty program.
  10. Innovation and adaptability
    Finally, popular loyalty programs should constantly innovate and adapt to consumer needs and preferences, ensuring they remain relevant and competitive in the evolving market.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular loyalty program in Canada. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or loyalty program is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1861 views
  • 182 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each loyalty program once every 24 hours. The rank of each loyalty program is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular loyalty program in canada

Canada has a thriving loyalty program industry with many major players vying for the attention of consumers. These programs offer rewards, discounts, and exclusive access to members who engage with their brands. From airlines to grocery stores, credit cards to hotels, there are countless options available to Canadians looking to earn rewards for their loyalty. With such a wide variety of programs to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which one is the most popular. However, by examining user data and industry trends, we can gain insight into which programs are resonating with Canadian consumers.

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