Canada has one of the most developed loyalty program ecosystems in the world, offering consumers countless ways to save money and earn rewards for everyday purchases. For Ukrainian newcomers, understanding these programs can mean annual savings of hundreds of dollars and access to exclusive privileges that will significantly improve their quality of life in their new country. Canadian loyalty programs are not just analogues of global systems — they often surpass them in terms of generosity, flexibility, and integration into everyday life.

The most popular loyalty programs in Canada

The Canadian loyalty program market is characterized by intense competition between large coalition programs, which leads to constant improvements in conditions for consumers. According to experts, the loyalty program market in Canada will reach $1.78 billion in 2025, growing by 14.6% compared to the previous year.

Air Miles — the oldest and largest program

Air Miles remains the most popular loyalty program in Canada with over 11 million members and partnerships with over 200 retailers and travel providers. The program has been around since 1992 and has become a true Canadian icon, despite some turbulent periods in its history.

Air Miles' main partners include:

• Grocery stores: Sobeys, Metro, IGA
• Gas stations: Shell (exclusive triple miles partner)
• Pharmacies: Jean Coutu
• Credit cards: BMO Air Miles World Elite Mastercard and BMO Air Miles Mastercard

Unique features of the program:

• Dual rewards system: members can choose between collecting miles for travel or using Cash Miles for purchases
• 95 miles = $10 in Cash Miles, meaning each mile is worth approximately $0.105
• Exclusive triple miles partners: some partners offer up to 3x miles on every purchase

The program underwent a major overhaul in 2023 when BMO acquired Air Miles after the bankruptcy of its previous parent company. This led to integration with BMO banking products and an improvement in the overall value of the program.

PC Optimum — the largest grocery program

PC Optimum is one of Canada's largest loyalty programs with approximately 16 million active members. The program is part of the Loblaws network and covers the country's widest network of grocery stores, as well as Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacies and Esso/Mobil gas stations.

PC Optimum partner network:

• Grocery stores: Loblaws, No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore, Fortinos, Independent, Wholesale Club, Valu-Mart, Zehrs
• Pharmacies: Shoppers Drug Mart (15 points for every dollar spent)
• Gas stations: Esso and Mobil
• Clothing: Joe Fresh
• Specialty stores: Pharma Prix in Quebec

Unique program benefits:

• Personalized offers: the program uses artificial intelligence to create personalized offers based on purchase history
• 10,000 points = $10: a simple ratio where each point is worth $0.001
• No base earning rate: points are only earned through special promotions and personalized offers (except Shoppers Drug Mart)

PC Optimum is especially valuable for Ukrainian newcomers, as it covers basic needs such as groceries, pharmacy items, and fuel.

Scene+ — entertainment and everyday shopping

Scene+ is the evolution of Cineplex's original Scene program, which merged with Scotiabank in 2021 to create one of Canada's most flexible rewards programs. The program is unique in that it allows points to be used for travel at full value.

Scene+ partner network:

• Movie theaters: Cineplex (the program's original focus)
• Bank: Scotiabank and all its credit cards
• Restaurants: a wide network of partner restaurants
• Products: select grocery stores through partnerships
• Travel: booking available through Scene+ Travel

Point value: 1 point = $0.01, transparent system. The ability to use points for full-price travel is particularly attractive.

Triangle Rewards — the digital evolution of a Canadian classic

Triangle Rewards is the modern digital version of the legendary Canadian Tire Money, Canada's oldest loyalty program, which has been around since the 1950s. The program has expanded far beyond Canadian Tire to include sports and fashion stores.

Triangle partner network:

• Main stores: Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, Mark's, L'Équipeur
• Specialty stores: Atmosphere, Sports Experts, Hockey Experts, Pro Hockey Life, Party City
• Gas stations: Gas+, Essence+, Petro-Canada (partnership)

Unique features:

• $1 CT Money = $1 in free merchandise
• Personalized weekly offers
• Triangle Bonus Days: exclusive days with bonus rewards
• No-receipt returns at partner stores

In 2023, Canadian Tire launched a paid version of Triangle Select for $89/year with accelerated accumulation, a $50 welcome bonus, and additional privileges.

Industry loyalty programs

Fuel programs — save on fuel

Fuel loyalty programs are especially important for Ukrainian newcomers to Calgary, where a car is a necessity and fuel prices can significantly impact the budget.

Petro-Points from Petro-Canada

Petro-Points is a free rewards program that allows you to earn points with every fuel purchase. The program awards 10 points per liter of fuel or per dollar spent on car washes and in-store purchases.

Unique benefits:

• RBC integration: Link your Petro-Points to your RBC credit card for extra points.
• Triangle partnership: Link your Triangle and Petro-Points accounts to get an extra 20% Petro-Points on eligible purchases.

Esso Extra with PC Optimum

Esso and Mobil gas stations are integrated into the PC Optimum program, allowing you to earn points on fuel and use them to reduce the cost of your purchases. This is especially beneficial for those who already actively use PC Optimum for grocery shopping.

Coffee shops and restaurants

Tims Rewards — a Canadian classic

Tim Hortons launched Tims Rewards in 2019, replacing its old loyalty card system with a more modern digital program. The program works on a points-based system: 10 points for every dollar spent.

Features of the Tims Rewards program:

• Free reward every seventh visit.
• Personalized mobile offers.
• Advance ordering.
• Special support for Ukrainian refugees: a donation of $10,000 in gift cards and 520 copies of the book A Nest in the North.

Starbucks Rewards — a premium experience

Starbucks Rewards offers one of the most developed experiences among coffee shop loyalty programs. The program is based on accumulating “stars” for purchases.

Membership levels:

• Green Level: basic level with access to mobile ordering.
• Gold Level: extended privileges after accumulating a certain number of stars.

The program is popular among young professionals and students thanks to its mobile app and drink personalization.

Retail and technology

Best Buy Membership — technical support and savings

Best Buy Canada offers a paid membership program for $19.99 per month with a wide range of technical services and discounts.

Key benefits:

• Free 24/7 technical support.
• Significant discounts on protection plans.
• Free setup and support services.
• Up to 50% off home services.

Specialized and niche programs

Hudson's Bay Rewards — classic Canadian retail

Three tiers: Hudson's Bay Rewards, Rewards Plus, Rewards VIP. Points can be converted to Air Miles.

Plum Rewards from Indigo

Free program for shoppers at Indigo, Chapters, and Coles. Regularly offers 10x points periods.

CAA — automotive and travel support

Over 165,000 partner locations with discounts and special offers.

Regional loyalty program features

More Rewards — Western Canada network

Operates primarily through Save-On-Foods and partners:

• Save-On-Foods
• Panago
• Coast Hotels and Accent Inns
• Jim Pattison Auto Group Integration with CIBC credit cards.

Rexall Be Well — pharmacy specialization

10 points for every dollar spent. 25,000 points = $10 in rewards. Integration with RBC banking products.

Current trends in Canadian loyalty programs

Digitalization and personalization

• Use of mobile apps (PC Optimum, Starbucks Rewards).
• Artificial intelligence for personalized offers.

Subscription-based loyalty models

• Amazon Prime: delivery, discounts, streaming.
• Indigo's Plum Plus: discounts and free shipping.
• PC Insiders: exclusive benefits for PC Optimum members.

Focus on sustainability

• Aeroplan: carbon offset compensation.
• PC Optimum: support for local farmers and eco-friendly products.

Gamification

• MyMcD Rewards: challenges and milestones.
• Game elements in PC Optimum and Starbucks Rewards.

Practical tips for Ukrainian newcomers

Reward maximization strategy

Combining programs: Successful loyalty program users often combine several programs to cover different categories of expenses. A typical strategy might include:

• PC Optimum for groceries and pharmacy items
• Triangle Rewards for automotive and sporting goods
• Scene+ for entertainment and restaurants
• Air Miles for travel

Concentrate spending: Instead of spreading your purchases across many programs, concentrate your spending in one or two core programs to accumulate meaningful rewards faster.

Avoid common mistakes

• Changing shopping habits for points: Don't radically change your shopping habits just to earn points. The savings from rewards rarely offset the increased costs of shopping at more expensive stores.
• Ignoring expiration dates: Some points have expiration dates. Always check the program terms and set reminders to use your points before they expire.
• Too many programs: Managing too many programs can become burdensome. It's better to focus on 3–4 programs that best fit your lifestyle.

Mobile apps and automation

Most Canadian loyalty programs have robust mobile apps that make them much easier to use. These apps often offer:

• Automatic scanning at checkout
• Push notifications about special promotions
• Progress tracking toward your next reward
• Location-based personalized offers

Credit card integration

Many loyalty programs have partner credit cards that accelerate point accumulation:

• BMO Air Miles credit cards for the Air Miles program
• PC Financial Mastercard for PC Optimum
• Triangle Mastercard for Triangle Rewards
• Scotiabank cards for Scene+

Canadian loyalty programs are not just analogues of global systems, but often surpass them in generosity, flexibility, and integration into everyday life. For Ukrainian newcomers, these programs can be a powerful tool for saving money and adapting to the Canadian way of life. Air Miles, PC Optimum, Scene+, and Triangle Rewards form the foundation of the Canadian loyalty ecosystem, each with its own unique benefits and specializations.

Combining these programs with industry-specific offers from Tim Hortons, Starbucks, Best Buy, and others can lead to significant annual savings. The key to success lies in choosing the programs that best suit your lifestyle and spending habits and using them consistently.

With time and experience, Ukrainian newcomers can develop a personalized loyalty strategy that not only saves money but also provides access to exclusive benefits and improves their overall quality of life in Canada.