Loyalty and rewards programs are everywhere, offering enticing points and perks for everything from groceries to movie tickets. With so many different programs out there, it can be confusing and overwhelming to keep track of which one offers the best rewards and how to actually use them. This blog is here to help simplify the process and provide clarity on three of Canada’s most popular points programs: Scene+, PC Optimum, and Fresh! Rewards. Whether you’re trying to save money on your groceries, earn discounts on entertainment, or take advantage of exclusive deals, we’ll break down how each program works, where you can sign up, and all the amazing benefits they offer. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to maximize your rewards and start getting the most value from your everyday grocery shopping purchases.
Scene+ is one of the most widely known points programs offered throughout Canada, and their list of partners continues to grow. You can use points on things like groceries, movie tickets, entertainment or dining, retail, pharmacy, travel, home improvement, and even just gift cards. There are multiple ways to enroll for a Scene+ card, but the simplest remains doing it in person at any of their participating stores: Sobeys, Chalo Fresh, Safeway, Foodland, Fresh Co, Thrifty Foods, IGA, Rachelle Bery, and Voila. The system for points is very simple, and it is important to understand how to use your points to your benefit – so no discount is left on the table. Just 1,000 points equals $10 off groceries! Whichever grocery store you shop at the most, we recommend downloading their app and becoming a member for free. This allows you to maximize on your money, and receive member only discounts and coupons, as well as lower member only pricing.
The PC Optimum card is also another very widely known points program offered throughout Canada. You can receive PC points at over 4,500 store locations, and their website has an amazing search engine tool built into their website that allows you to see if the store you’re going to participates! Unlike Scene+, PC points can be earned when purchasing gas at any Esso or Mobil location, so if you frequent these gas stations it can just provide you with even more points. Similar to the Scene+ card, rewards can be used on retail, dining, and entertainment. Downloading the PC Optimum app, or visiting their website would be the easiest way to sign up and see all of your points, reward options, and discounts in one place.
Fresh Rewards! is a lesser known option for a points program, but the benefits it provides are unmatched. Fresh Rewards! works in hand with Sunterra Market, where you can shop for local and healthy grocery options in a smaller, less overwhelming store, that also features a café to either eat a sit-down meal or a quick cup of coffee. This loyalty program, just like the others, is free to register. Every dollar spent, is a point earned. Points can be redeemed on free grocery items in the store, free items from the café, loaded gift cards, or you can even give your points away to charity! This is a very unique feature that ties Sunterra Market into their communities by giving shoppers the opportunity to give back to local Ronald McDonald houses. If you earn over 4,000 points within the first 365 days of opening your account, you get promoted to a “connoisseur status” that allows you even more perks like a free drink from the café upon any visit, an exclusive annual gift, and 10 per cent more points per dollar. Many grocery stores and markets offer points programs, and it is important to know that the big, well-known companies are not your only option!
There are so many loyalty and points programs out there, it can definitely seem very confusing and overwhelming on where to even get started. Many times offers and deals get left on the table, or forgotten about and expired. In reality, using these points programs and being a member for your grocery store where you shop can provide you with a lot of benefits to put money back in your wallet that you were going to spend anyway. Downloading apps, visiting websites, and staying up to date with offers and deals will allow you to not only save money, but put the rewards to something else fun like a night out or going to see the newest movie. We recognize it can be challenging, but taking the time to use and understand these available resources is also very rewarding, literally.
