Loyalty Programs for Young Canadians: What's Hot for Gen Z and Millennials

Loyalty programs are evolving fast, and no demographic is shaping their future more than Gen Z and Millennials. These digital natives don't just want pointsthey crave instant rewards, mobile-first experiences, social perks, and programs that reflect their values. Here's a look at the most popular loyalty programs among young Canadians, the features they love, and how brands are using gamification, mobile design, and social rewards to win lifelong fans.

What Young Canadians Want in Loyalty Programs

Free and Easy Access: 63% of Millennials say a free program is the top reason to join2. Gen Z expects frictionless sign-ups and instant gratification5 9.
Mobile-First Design: Seamless app experiences are essential, with omnichannel access for earning and redeeming points both in-store and online8 6.
Gamification: Challenges, badges, leaderboards, and surprise rewards keep engagement high and make loyalty fun4 9 10.
Personalization: Tailored offers and experiences are extremely important�78% of Gen Z expect personalized rewards7.
Social and Experiential Perks: Gen Z values exclusive experiences, social sharing, and rewards that can be used with friends or support causes they care about9.
Sustainability: 85% of Gen Z prefer loyalty programs with a sustainability focus, making eco-friendly rewards a major draw7 5.

Most Popular Loyalty Programs Among Gen Z and Millennials

PC Optimum

Why it's hot: Personalized weekly offers, easy-to-use app, and frequent bonus events make it a favorite for grocery, pharmacy, and gas purchases.
Features: Digital card, targeted deals, and gamified events like "Spin to Win."
Pro tip: Stack with a PC Financial Mastercard for even faster point accumulation.

Scene+

Why it's hot: Originally for movies, now covers groceries, travel, dining, and more. Points are easy to earn and redeem, especially via Scotiabank cards and the Scene+ app.
Features: Mobile-first design, instant digital redemptions, and frequent bonus point events.
Pro tip: Use Scene+ for both entertainment and essentials for maximum value.

Air Miles

Why it's hot: Flexibility to earn and redeem with hundreds of partners, including Starbucks, Sobeys, and Shell. Travel and cash rewards appeal to young adults' diverse lifestyles1.
Features: App-based offers, personalized deals, and the ability to convert points for travel or everyday purchases.
Pro tip: Watch for "3x the points" promotions at select partners.

Tim Hortons Tims Rewards

Why it's hot: Ubiquitous for coffee lovers, with a simple app and instant rewards for frequent purchases.
Features: Digital ordering, exclusive app offers, and birthday rewards.
Pro tip: Redeem points for premium menu items for better value.

McDonald's MyMcDonald's Rewards

Why it's hot: Gamified app experience, instant points, and personalized challenges keep members engaged.
Features: Tiered rewards, bonus point events, and order-ahead functionality.
Pro tip: Complete app challenges for surprise bonuses.

Indigo Plum Rewards

Why it's hot: Free to join, with points earned on every book or gift purchase. App-based offers and member-only events are especially appealing to students and young professionals1.
Features: App notifications for 10x points events, easy in-store and online redemption.
Pro tip: Sign up for Plum Plus for added discounts and free shipping if you shop often.

Triangle Rewards (Canadian Tire)

Why it's hot: Digital "CT Money," personalized offers, and a mobile app make it easy to earn on everything from sports gear to gas1.
Features: App-based goal tracking, instant redemption, and stackable offers.
Pro tip: Link with Petro-Canada for extra gas rewards.

Why Gamification and Mobile-First Design Matter

Gamification is a game-changer for Gen Z and Millennials:

55% of 18�54-year-olds in Canada engage in gamification activities with loyalty programs8.
65% of Gen Zers spend at least three hours a day gaming, making challenges, badges, and leaderboards second nature4 10.
Programs with gamified features see up to 47% higher engagement and 22% more loyalty4.

Mobile-first design is non-negotiable:

Young Canadians want to earn and redeem points, access offers, and get support�all from their phones8 6.
Seamless omnichannel experiences are critical for satisfaction and ongoing engagement8.

Social Rewards and Values-Driven Loyalty

Instant Sharing: Gen Z loves to share achievements, rewards, and experiences on social media, amplifying brand reach and community10.
Values Matter: Sustainability, diversity, and social impact are key�programs that offer eco-friendly rewards or charitable donations win extra points with young members7 5 9.
Experiential Perks: "Money can't buy" rewards, exclusive access, and event invites are more meaningful than simple discounts9.

Tips for Young Canadians to Maximize Loyalty Rewards

Download the App: Always use the program's app for bonus offers, gamified challenges, and instant rewards.
Participate in Challenges: Complete streaks, badges, or missions for extra points and surprise perks.
Stack Your Rewards: Use a rewards credit card linked to your favorite programs for double-dipping.
Watch for Bonus Events: Take advantage of 10x points, double rewards days, and limited-time offers.
Personalize Your Preferences: Update your app settings for tailored deals and notifications.
Redeem Smart: Save points for higher-value rewards or exclusive experiences.

The Bottom Line

For Gen Z and Millennials, the best loyalty programs in Canada are digital, gamified, social, and values-driven. Whether you're earning points on groceries, movies, coffee, or travel, look for programs that offer instant rewards, mobile-first convenience, and perks that fit your lifestyle and beliefs. With the right strategy, every purchase can be a wintoday and for the long haul.