The cost of groceries has continuously increased with little hope of going back down in price. With loyalty point programs and promotional offers, some of these costs can be cut down using points. Additionally, arming yourself with the right credit card will give you even more earning power to take on the large grocery giants!
Let’s look at what grocery loyalty program and credit card combo will be the right fit for the ultimate supermarket savings!
Why Should You Care About Grocery Store Rewards Programs?
Canadians spend a minimum of $250 on groceries per month, accumulating to at least $3,000 in potential spend per year. Not only could that potentially be 15,000 American Express Membership Rewards points with the use of the American Express Cobalt Card, but there’s a lot of untapped value from grocery rewards programs that could be used towards travel and cutting costs.
Grocery Rewards Programs and Their Brands
Canada has four main grocery reward programs: PC Optimum, Scene+, Moi Rewards, and More Rewards. PC Optimum and Scene+ have partner stores nationwide, whereas Moi Rewards and More Rewards are more regional in Eastern and Western Canada respectively.
| PC Optimum | Moi Rewards (Eastern Canada) | More Rewards (Western Canada) | Scene+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loblaws No Frills Real Canadian Superstore Fortinos Independent Wholesale Club Valu-Mart Zehrs Shoppers Drug Mart (drugstore) | Metro Food Basics Super C Jean Coutu (pharmacy) Brunet (pharmacy) Première Moisson (bakery) | Save On Foods PriceSmart Foods Choices Markets Nesters Market Urban Fare Quality Foods Buy-Low Foods Pure Pharmacy(pharmacy) | Sobeys Safeway Foodland FreshCo Thrifty Foods Participating IGAs Rachelle Béry Les Marchés Tradition Voilà (online) |
On top of the four giants, there are other memberships that you can take advantage of while shopping for groceries, including assorted loyalty programs like Canadian Tire Triangle Rewards, Walmart Rewards, or even your local supermarket chains.
PC Optimum
PC Optimum has the most significant retail footprint out of Canada’s four major grocery rewards programs. With stores in almost every province and territory, you will likely come across a PC Optimum-affiliated retailer. You can learn more about PC Optimum in our in-depth PC Optimum loyalty program guide.
Basic Accumulation
At PC Optimum grocery stores such as Loblaws, No Frills, and Real Canadian Superstore, there is no base earning rate unless you have a PC Financial credit card. For those without their credit card products, you can only earn through promotional offers and events at these retailers.
Shoppers Drug Marts, Pharmaprix, and Esso or Mobil fuel stations are the only retailers that allow base point earning. Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix carry a minimal grocery selection that includes some fruits and pre-packaged deli products, though sometimes at a higher markup than you can find at a PC grocery store.
| Store | Base Accumulation | Redemption |
|---|---|---|
| Shoppers Drug Mart & Pharmaprix | 15 pt/ $1 | 10,000 pts/$10 Minimum 10,000 pts to maximum 500,000 pts ($500) |
| Esso and Mobil Fuel Stations | 10 pt/$1 | |
| Other PC Grocery Stores and Joe Fresh | No base earning, accumulation only through promotions or offers |
It should also be noted that Loblaws owns T&T Supermarkets; however, they run their rewards program separately from PC Optimum.
Accumulation with a Credit Card
Pairing a PC Optimum membership with a PC Financial credit card will be the best way to earn points at a Loblaw retailer.
With earning rates of up to 4% cash back at Loblaw grocery stores, plus a welcome bonus of 150,000 PC Optimum points and an often waived first-year annual fee at signup as part of the welcome bonus, the PC Insiders World Elite Mastercard offers the best ROI for shopping at PC Optimum grocery stores.
The PC Insiders World Elite Mastercard earns 40 PC Optimum points per dollar spent at Loblaws grocery stores and offers cardholders a complimentary PC Express Pass for free grocery delivery and pickup.
Check out our PC Insiders World Elite Mastercard review for more details.
150,000 PC Optimum
$3,000
$150+
$120 (FYF)
Yes
Dec 31, 2025
That being said, there are several other credit cards available that earn PC Optimum points, and we’ve compared their earning rates in the table below:
| Credit Card | PC Optimum Grocery Stores | Shoppers Drug Mart + Pharmaprix | Esso + Mobil Fuel | Joe Fresh | Everywhere Else |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PC Insiders World Elite Mastercard | 40pts/$ or 4% back | 50pts/$ or 5% back | Up to 70 pts/L +10 pts/L for premium grades | 40 pts/$ or 4% back | 10pts/$ or 1% back |
| PC Financial World Elite Mastercard | 30 pts/$ or 3% back | Up to 45 pts/$ or 4.5% back | At least 30 pts/L +10 pts/L for premium grades | Up to 30 pts/$ or 3% back | 10pts/$ or 1% back |
| PC Financial World Mastercard | 20 pts/$ or 2% back | Up to 35 pts/$ or 3.5% back | At least 30 pts/L +10 pts/L for premium grades | Up to 30 pts/$ or 3% back | 10pts/$ or 1% back |
| PC Silver Financial Mastercard | 10 pts/$ or 1% back | Up to 25 pts/$ or 2.5% back | At least 30 pts/L +10 pts/L for premium grades | Up to 30 pts/$ or 3% back | 10pts/$ or 1% back |
Most Loblaw banner stores, except for Shoppers Drug Mart, do not accept American Express credit cards at checkout. However, see our article on how to navigate around their Amex unacceptance here.
Moi Rewards
Moi Rewards is primarily offered in Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick. Some of the notable retailers include Metro, Jean Coutu, and Food Basics. Being a more regional program, residents of Eastern Canada can take advantage of Moi Rewards the most.
Basic Accumulation
Moi Rewards points allow earning at most affiliated stores, except budget retailers like Food Basics and Super C. Although most can earn points at a 1:1 ratio, Metro stores in Ontario have a decreased earning rate of 1 point per $3 spent.
| Store | Province | Base Accumulation | Redemption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jean Coutu | QC, ON, NB | 1 pt/ $1 | 125 pts/$1,Minimum 500 pts ($4) per redemption |
| Premiere Moisson | Quebec | 1 pt/ $1 | |
| Brunet | Quebec | 1 pt/ $1 | |
| Metro | Quebec | 1 pt/ $1 | |
| Ontario | 1 pt/ $3 | ||
| Food Basics | Ontario | No base earning, accumulation only through promotions, offers, or affiliated credit card | |
| Super C | Quebec |
Accumulation with a Credit Card
Moi Rewards has partnered with RBC to collect even more points. Linking your RBC card such as the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card with your Moi account will earn 1 extra Moi point per $2 spent with a minimum spend of:
- $60 at Metro, Food Basics, Super C
- $40 at Jean Coutu, Brunet
- $20 at Premiere Moisson
The same card can earn RBC Avion Rewards and Petro-Canada Petro-Points, allowing users to triple-dip their points. RBC credit cards also receive a 3c/L discount plus a 20% bonus in Petro Points earning. Learn more about this program with our RBC Avion Rewards loyalty program guide!
Moi also has a co-branded credit card as well, issued through RBC, the moi RBC Visa card. The card earns 2 Moi points for every $1 in purchases at participating Metro, Brunet, and Première Moisson stores in Quebec, and participating Jean Coutu stores everywhere.
More Rewards
Similar to Moi Rewards, More Rewards is another regionalized loyalty points program, mainly for residents in Western Canada, spanning from Yukon, BC, and the Prairies to Manitoba. The major grocery stores are part of the Pattison Food Group, which includes Save-On-Foods and PriceSmart foods. To learn more about the More Rewards loyalty program, take a look at our More Rewards loyalty program guide!
Basic Accumulation
Unlike the other programs with specific earning rates for different stores, More Rewards makes it as simple as earning 1 point per $1 spent at any participating retailer. The earning rate is not the most ideal however, products on the shelf will often have signs for bonus point earning when you purchase specific items or a combination of products.
Redemptions start at 10,000 points per $15 when redeeming at checkout, or you can redeem More Rewards points for other incentives like gift cards and travel.
Accumulation with a Credit Card
More Rewards recently started a partnership with RBC in launching two co-branded Visa credit cards. With no annual fees for either card, they might be worth picking up for the extra points that you can earn and redeem.
The More Rewards RBC Visa Infinite card has the best earning rate, as it earns 8x More Rewards at participating retailers, plus 8x More Rewards points on gas, EV charging, and dining purchases.
The More Rewards‡ RBC® Visa‡ Infinite card earns 8x More Rewards points at participating retailers, plus 8x points on gas, EV charging, and dining purchases.
50,000 More Rewards
$500
$225+
$0
Yes
Jun 25, 2025
Moreover, similar to the Moi Rewards Visa also offered by RBC, the More Rewards RBC Visa cards can also receive the same discount of 3c/L off plus 20% more Petro-Points. Both More Rewards RBC Visa cards, with their earning rates, are captured in the table below.
| Credit Card | More Rewards Retailers | Gas, EV Charging, Dining | Everywhere Else |
|---|---|---|---|
| More Rewards RBC Visa Infinite Card | 8 pts/ $1 | 4 pts/ $1 | |
| More Rewards RBC Visa Card | 5pts/ $1 | 3 pts/ $1 | |
If you aren’t interested in applying for a More Rewards branded credit card, using the American Express Cobalt Card can earn you 5x American Express Membership rewards points back on each dollar spent. With one of the most versatile travel rewards redemption partnerships out of any credit card in Canada, including transferability to Air Canada Aeroplan and Marriott Bonvoy.
Scene+ Rewards
Scene Rewards was initially made for cinemagoers who frequently visited Cineplex movie theatres. However, the program was transformed and slowly became a grocery loyalty program.
With ownership shared by Cineplex’s subsidiaries (Galaxy Entertainment), Scotiabank, and Empire, Scene+ can be considered one of Canada’s strongest grocery rewards programs. Scene+ affiliated stores are across the country and include banners such as Sobeys, Safeway, Thrifty Foods, and select IGAs. Learn more about the program in our Scene+ loyalty program guide.
Basic Accumulation
Those with a Scene+ membership will be able to earn points at Empire Grocery Stores. Although not at a fixed rate, members can earn through digital app or email offers, in-store events, and promotions. Scene+ can also be earned at a variety of other category retailers as well.
| Scene+ Partner | Earning Rate |
|---|---|
| Empire Grocery Stores (including Sobeys, FreshCo, IGA, Foodland, Safeway | Various; Earn through digital offers, in-store events, and promotions |
| Scotiabank Bank Accounts | Various; Review details of various Scotiabank banking and debit card products |
| Scene+ Travel powered by Expedia | Earn 3 Scene+ points for every dollar spent on hotel and car rentals |
| Restaurants (including Harveys, Swiss Chalet, East Side Mario’s, Montana’s BBQ & Bar, Bier Markt, and Kelsey’s Original Roadhouse) | Earn 1 Scene+ point for every $3 spent on dine-in or take-out food orders |
| Cineplex & Cineplex Store | Earn 5 Scene+ points for every dollar spent on movie and entertainment purchases at Cineplex Theatres and at the Cineplex Store |
| The Rec Room & Playdium | Earn 1 Scene+ point for every dollar spent on eligible purchases |
Accumulation with a Credit Card
Scene+ offers many credit cards that can be used to multiply your points earned. Issued through Scotiabank in the forms of Visa and American Express cards, some of these cards have amongst the highest earning rates of all co-branded credit cards in Canada. You can also check out our guide on how to maximize Scene+ points for travel redemptions on Expedia!
The most notable Scene+ credit card is the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card which we named as one of the the best grocery credit cards in Canada.
| Credit Card | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
80,000 Scene+ and $200 FlyerFunds Estimated value: $1,000 Ends Oct 31, 2025 |
|
 |
40,000 Scene+ and $100 FlyerFunds Estimated value: $500 Ends Jul 1, 2025 |
|
 |
40,000 Scene+ and $150 FlyerFunds Estimated value: $550 Ends Jul 1, 2025 |
|
 |
40,000 Scene+ and $150 FlyerFunds Estimated value: $550 Ends Apr 30, 2025 |
|
 |
80,000 Scene+ Estimated value: $800 Ends Oct 31, 2025 |
|
 |
7,500 Scene+ and $100 FlyerFunds Estimated value: $175 Ends Apr 30, 2025 |
|
 |
5,000 Scene+ and $60 FlyerFunds Estimated value: $110 Ends Jul 1, 2025 |
|
 |
5,000 Scene+ and $75 FlyerFunds Estimated value: $125 Ends Oct 31, 2025 |
|
Rewards Program Summary
| PC Optimum | Moi Rewards (Eastern Canada) | More Rewards (Western Canada) | Scene+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earning Rate | 15 pts/$ at SDM 10 pts/$ at Esso Gas Stations (varies at Mobil) Varies for other Loblaw banner stores | 1 pt/$1 at most stores 1 pt/$3 at Metro stores in Ontario No base earning at FoodBasics or Super C | 1 pt per $1 Bonus earning available through in-store and app promotions | Varies, but usually earned through store events, promotions, and app offers at grocery stores |
| Best Credit Card Combo | PC Insiders World Elite Mastercard | RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card | American Express Cobalt Card | Scotiabank Gold American Express Card |
| Possible Redemptions | Grocery and Retail | Grocery and Retail | Grocery and Retail Gift Cards Travel (Expedia) Events (e.g. Hockey games) Charity Donations Activities | Grocery and Retail Gift Cards Travel (Expedia) Activities (Movies) Home Improvement (Home Hardware) |
Conclusion
Groceries are an expensive part of people’s spending, and maximizing the value of each purchase is essential to staying within budget. Learning and analyzing all the different loyalty programs can make a difference in where you should shop to reach future goals like traveling and even simple savings. Canada’s grocery prices are ever-increasing, and using loyalty programs will help offset some of the costs associated with your subsequent purchases.
Scene+ seems to have the best nationwide grocery rewards program, especially when combining their rewards points with one of their co-branded credit cards. With multipliers in other earning categories, you can earn Scene+ points at places other than the grocery store. Scene+ also seems to have the most variety in how you can use your points, from basic grocery redemptions to hotels and flights through their Expedia redemption portal.
Andy Leung
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