Maximizing Everyday Value: Loyalty Programs for Groceries, Gas, and Essentials

Maximizing Everyday Value: Loyalty Programs for Groceries, Gas, and Essentials With the cost of living on the rise, Canadians are turning to loyalty programs to save on groceries, gas, and daily essentials. The right programs and the right strategies can put real money back in your pocket. Here's how to get the most from Canada's top loyalty programs and how to stack rewards for maximum savings.
Best Loyalty Programs for Everyday Purchases PC Optimum PC Optimum is Canada's most popular grocery loyalty program, with over 16 million active members. You can earn and redeem points at Loblaws, No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore, Fortinos, Independent, Wholesale Club, Valu-Mart, Zehrs, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Esso/Mobil gas stations. While there's no base earning rate at most Loblaws grocery stores, you'll earn points through weekly promotional and personalized offers in the app. At Shoppers Drug Mart, you earn 15 points per $1 spent (1.5% back), and at Esso/Mobil, you earn 10 points per litre of fuel, with higher rates for PC Financial cardholders. Tips:
  • Always check your app for personalized offers before shopping.
  • Watch for bonus events at Shoppers Drug Mart and Loblaws banners.
  • Use a PC Financial Mastercard to boost your earning rate, especially at Esso/Mobil.
Moi by Metro Moi is Metro's coalition loyalty program, available at Metro, Jean Coutu, Super C, Brunet, and Première Moisson in Quebec and Ontario. The program offers personalized weekly deals and frequent 'accelerator' events for double or triple points. Tips:
  • Link your Moi account with an RBC Avion Rewards card for extra points.
  • Take advantage of special redemption events for higher value.
Scene+ Scene+ has expanded from movies to groceries, travel, and dining. You can earn and redeem points at Sobeys, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, and more. Scene+ points are also earned through Scotiabank credit cards, making it easy to rack up points on everyday spending. Tips:
  • Use a Scene+ affiliated credit card for accelerated earning at partner stores.
  • Redeem points for groceries or travel for the best value.
Triangle Rewards (Canadian Tire & Gas+) Triangle Rewards lets you earn CT Money at Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, Marks, and Gas+ stations. You can also link your account with Petro-Canada's Petro-Points for double-dipping on gas. Tips:
  • Use a Triangle Mastercard for up to 5/L in CT Money at Petro-Canada and Canadian Tire Gas+.
  • Stack with Petro-Points for even more savings at the pump.
Journie Rewards & Aeroplan At Chevron, Pioneer, Fas Gas, and Ultramar, Journie Rewards lets you earn points for snacks, drinks, and up to 7/L off gas. Link your CIBC card for an extra 3/L off, or link with Aeroplan to earn 300 Aeroplan points instead of the gas discount. Tips:
  • Use the Journie app to track promotions and find stations with bonus offers.
  • Decide whether you want fuel savings or Aeroplan points based on your travel goals.
Shell Fuel Rewards & Air Miles Shell stations offer Air Miles on fuel and in-store purchases. Shell Go+ can double your Air Miles earnings, and CAA members get extra discounts at the pump. Tips:
  • Combine Air Miles with CAA discounts and Shell Go+ for maximum savings.
  • Redeem Air Miles for in-store discounts or travel for best value.
How to Stack Rewards for Maximum Savings Stacking means combining multiple offers, programs, and payment methods for the biggest return. Here's how to do it:
  • Link Loyalty Accounts: Many programs allow you to link accounts (e.g., Triangle Rewards with Petro-Points, Journie with Aeroplan, Moi with RBC Avion) for double or triple earning.
  • Use the Right Credit Card: Choose a rewards or cash back card that aligns with your main loyalty program for extra points or cash back on every purchase.
  • Activate App Offers: Always check your loyalty program app for personalized or bonus offers before shopping.
  • Stack Coupons and Promotions: Combine digital or paper coupons with loyalty offers and store sales for extra discounts.
  • Watch for Bonus Events: Plan your big shops around bonus points events, such as '20x points' weekends at Shoppers Drug Mart or redemption events at Metro and Sobeys.
  • Combine with Cash Back Apps: Use cash back apps or browser extensions alongside loyalty programs for additional savings on online purchases.
Example:
Fill up at Petro-Canada using a linked Triangle Rewards and Petro-Points account, pay with a Triangle Mastercard, and use an RBC card for an extra discount. You'll earn CT Money, Petro-Points, and possibly cash back all on one transaction.
Final Tips
  • Plan Ahead: Research upcoming sales and bonus events to maximize your stack.
  • Read the Fine Print: Not all offers can be combined, so check the terms.
  • Track Your Rewards: Use apps to monitor your points and never miss an opportunity to save.
By choosing the right programs and stacking your rewards, you can make every dollar go further on groceries, gas, and essentials turning everyday purchases into real, tangible savings.