Your Canadian Guide to Gas Station Rewards (2024)

You can maximize your rewards on gas station purchases by following a few easy steps. Gas station rewards are very helpful for Canadians.

Growing up in the city, there was a gas station at every corner. I usually went to the location which had the cheapest gas. The brand didn’t matter much to me. I lived equidistant from a Shell, Petro, Canadian Tire, and Esso, and I would rotate through them without thinking twice. 

I would pay with my debit card, not bother to swipe my rewards card and be on my way. 

Eventually, I realized that if I’m going to be spending roughly $300 a month on gas, I should probably see SOME return. Swiping your debit card and moving along does help. 

With numerous rewards programs, credit cards, and apps in the market today, it can be difficult to understand if you’re getting the best deal. 

Let’s walk through the 5 largest gas station rewards programs in Canada, the best credit cards to use at the pump, and other pieces of technology that you can use to ensure you’re getting great value on your monthly gas budget.

Why are Gas Station Rewards Important?

Gas station rewards programs can be important for several reasons, both for consumers and gas station owners. Here are some key reasons why gas station rewards are considered important:

Customer Loyalty: Gas station rewards programs are designed to encourage customer loyalty. By offering incentives such as discounts, cash back, or points for every purchase, gas stations can build a loyal customer base. Customers are more likely to return to a gas station where they can earn rewards for their regular purchases.

Increased Customer Retention: Rewards programs can help retain customers by providing an additional incentive to choose a particular gas station over competitors. Customers who participate in a rewards program are more likely to stick with the same gas station to accumulate points or benefits.

Competitive Advantage: In a competitive market, gas stations are constantly vying for customers. A well-structured rewards program can give a gas station a competitive edge by offering something extra that sets it apart from other stations. This can attract new customers and retain existing ones.

Encourages Higher Spending: Gas station rewards programs often encourage customers to spend more. For example, a customer might choose to fill up their tank more frequently or purchase additional items at the convenience store associated with the gas station in order to earn more rewards.

Data Collection and Marketing: Gas station rewards programs provide an avenue for collecting valuable customer data. Gas stations can use this data to understand customer behavior, preferences, and spending patterns. With this information, they can tailor marketing efforts and promotions to better meet the needs of their customers.

Partnerships and Cross-Promotions: Gas station rewards programs often involve partnerships with other businesses, such as retail stores, restaurants, or travel services. This allows customers to use their earned rewards in a variety of ways, expanding the appeal of the program and creating cross-promotional opportunities.

Customer Engagement: Rewards programs create ongoing engagement with customers. Whether through a mobile app or a physical rewards card, customers stay connected to the gas station brand. This ongoing engagement can lead to increased brand awareness and positive associations.

Brand Building: A well-executed rewards program contributes to positive brand perception. Customers may view the gas station as more customer-friendly and value-driven, contributing to long-term brand loyalty.

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1. Petro Points 

Petro-Points is a loyalty program associated with Petro-Canada. Petro-Points allows customers to earn points on their purchases at Petro-Canada locations and then redeem those points for various rewards. Here are some key features of the Petro-Points program:

Earning Points: Customers can earn Petro-Points by making eligible purchases at Petro-Canada locations. Points can be earned on fuel purchases, convenience store items, car washes, and other eligible products and services.

Redeeming Points: Accumulated Petro-Points can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including discounts on fuel, car washes, in-store purchases, and partner rewards. The available redemption options may vary over time, and new promotions or partnerships may be introduced.

Partnerships: Petro-Points often have partnerships with other companies, allowing customers to earn points or redeem them for rewards beyond Petro-Canada services. These partnerships may include deals with restaurants, travel services, and retail outlets.

Special Promotions: Petro-Points may run special promotions or bonus point offers during certain periods, encouraging customers to make specific purchases or participate in promotional activities.

Earning & Redeeming Petro Points

Petro Points is a fairly straightforward program as it allows you to earn 10 points per Litre, and 10 points per dollar spent at their convenience store. For every 1,000 points you earn, you can receive $1 off purchases

Pros	Cons
Extremely easy program to comprehend	Gift cards not eligible
The mobile app doesn’t provide many additional benefits	Mobile app doesn’t provide many additional benefits
OLG eligible purchases	Tobacco products not eligible
Points do not expire	Petro points not transferable to other stores

It’s also worth noting that Petro Canada has a relationship with RBC that will allow you to save 3 cents/liter if you link your RBC debit or credit card with your Petro Points account. Needless to say, you should be taking this initial step if you own an RBC credit card. 

Best Travel Credit Card to use at Petro Canada

If you are looking to build out your credit card portfolio and frequently fly within Canada, the RBC Avion Visa Infinite could be something you want to consider.  

Sign up here

The $120 annual fee is offset by the following perks & benefits:

• Sign-up Bonus:
  • 35,000 Avion points upon approval
• Earn Rate: 
  • 1.25 Avion points per dollar spent on travel
  • 1 Avion point everywhere else
• Insurance:
  • Emergency Medical Travel Insurance
  • Trip Interruption insurance – up to $5,000
  • Cancellation Insurance – up to $25,000
  • Flight delay insurance – up to $500
  • Mobile device insurance – up to $1,500
• Perks
  • Special discounts throughout the year

Read our full review here

2. Shell Canada (AIR Miles)

Rather than having their own in-house solution, Shell Canada has partnered with Air Miles for their rewards program.

Air Miles is a loyalty program that allows members to earn points, often referred to as “Air Miles,” on their everyday purchases. These points can then be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including travel, merchandise, entertainment, and more.

Here are some key features of the Air Miles program:

Earning Air Miles: Members can earn Air Miles by making purchases with participating retailers, using affiliated credit cards, or taking advantage of promotional offers. The more members spend, the more Air Miles they accumulate.

Participating Partners: The Air Miles program typically has a wide network of participating partners, including grocery stores, gas stations, retailers, travel providers, and more. Members can earn Air Miles at these partner locations.

Redeeming Air Miles: Accumulated Air Miles can be redeemed for rewards such as flights, hotel stays, car rentals, merchandise, gift cards, and experiences. The redemption options may vary by region and change over time.

Online Platform and App: The Air Miles program often provides members with an online platform or mobile app where they can track their points, view available rewards, and manage their accounts.

Loyalty Tiers: Air Miles has tiered membership structures. Members can progress through different tiers based on their level of engagement and the number of Air Miles earned, unlocking additional perks and benefits.

Read: Your Complete Guide to Air Miles

Earning Air Miles at Shell

You get 1 Air Mile for every 10 dollars spent at Shell Convenience, and 1 Air Mile upon purchasing 15L at the pump. Air Miles are valued at roughly 15c per point.

Pros	Cons
Collecting Air Miles allows for a wider variety of redemptions compared to other Canadian gas station programs	1 Air Mile upon reaching 15L opens up the possibility for not getting rewarded on every trip (nothing at 14L)
Air Miles can also be transferred to “cash rewards”	Air Miles is not a strong travel program when compared to programs like Aeroplan
Frequent in-store points promotions	1 Mile for a fill up is not great value
Extra Air Mile bonuses for Shell V-Nitro Premium (20 bonus miles for 25L)	Tobacco products not eligible

It should be noted that Shell doesn’t have a partnership with one of the big banks, but does have a branded credit card through Mastercard. My personal belief is that there are other Mastercards in the market where you can extract a lot more value, including the one mentioned below.

Best Travel Credit Card to use at Shell Canada

If you regularly collect Air Miles, the BMO Air Miles World Elite Mastercard is the top Air Miles card in the market.

Sign up here

The annual fee of $120 is waived for the first year and is offset by the following benefits:

• Sign-up Bonus:
  • 2,000 Air Miles upon spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
• Earn Rate: 
  • 3 Air Miles per 12 dollars spent at Air Miles partner retailers
  • 2 Air Miles per dollar spent at grocery & gas stations
  • 1 Air Mile per 12 dollars spent everywhere else
• Insurance:
  • Emergency medical travel insurance – up to 15 days
  • Flight delay insurance – up to $500
  • Car rental damage insurance 
  • Trip cancellation insurance – up to $2,500
• Perks
  • DragonPass membership
  • 15% discount on all Air Miles flights within North America

3. Esso

Unlike Shell and Petro, Esso gas stations give you the ability to earn through 2 rewards programs, Esso Extra and PC Optimum. 

PC Optimum is a Canadian loyalty program owned and operated by Loblaw Companies Limited, one of the largest retail companies in Canada. The program was launched in 2018 as a merger of two existing loyalty programs: PC Plus (formerly operated by Loblaw) and Shoppers Optimum (formerly operated by Shoppers Drug Mart, which is now owned by Loblaw).

Here are key features of the PC Optimum program:

Earning Points: Members of the PC Optimum program can earn points on eligible purchases at various participating stores within the Loblaw banner, which includes grocery stores like Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, No Frills, and Shoppers Drug Mart, among others. Members earn points on a wide range of products, from groceries and household items to health and beauty products.

Participating Partners: PC Optimum has partnered with a variety of retailers and brands, both within the Loblaw family and external partners. This allows members to earn points not only at grocery stores but also at gas stations, pharmacies, and other participating locations.

Redeeming Points: Accumulated PC Optimum points can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases. Members can choose to use their points to reduce the total cost of their shopping at participating stores. There are often special promotions and offers that allow members to maximize the value of their points.

Bonus Point Offers: PC Optimum frequently offers bonus point promotions on specific products or through specific purchases. These promotions provide opportunities for members to earn additional points.

Personalized Offers: The program provides personalized offers to members based on their shopping history and preferences. These offers are designed to provide relevant discounts on items that members are likely to purchase.

Mobile App: PC Optimum offers a mobile app that allows members to track their points, view personalized offers, and access other program-related features. The app also provides a convenient way to redeem points at the checkout.

Tiered Membership: PC Optimum has a tiered membership structure, with different membership levels offering varying benefits. As members earn more points, they may qualify for higher tiers, unlocking additional perks and rewards.

PC Optimum has become a popular loyalty program in Canada due to its broad range of participating stores and the variety of products available for earning and redeeming points.

Esso Extra is a loyalty program associated with Esso, a well-known brand of gas stations and fuel products. Esso is a subsidiary of ExxonMobil, one of the largest publicly traded international oil and gas companies. The Esso Extra program is designed to reward customers for their loyalty by offering various benefits and incentives.

Here are key features of the Esso Extra program:

Earning Points: Members of the Esso Extra program earn points on eligible purchases at Esso stations. Points can typically be earned on fuel purchases, as well as on select in-store items and car wash services.

Participating Partners: Esso Extra may have partnerships with other companies, allowing members to earn points or redeem them for rewards beyond fuel purchases. These partnerships may include retail outlets, restaurants, and travel services.

Redeeming Points: Accumulated Esso Extra points can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including discounts on fuel, convenience store items, car washes, and partner rewards. The available redemption options may vary, and members can choose the rewards that best suit their preferences.

Bonus Point Offers: The program often features special promotions or bonus point offers to encourage members to make specific purchases or participate in promotional activities. These offers can provide opportunities for members to earn extra points.

Earning Miles at Esso/Mobil

The Esso Extra program allows you to earn points based on a tiered system (1 point for $1 spent on regular fuel, all the way to 4 points per $1 spent on Premium+ fuel). You also receive 1 point per dollar spent at the Esso convenience store. 

For those who don’t enjoy spending time filling up gas in -20 degree weather, the Esso Speedpass key can be used for quick and easy transactions that also link to your Esso Extra account. 

If you are one of the many Canadians who collect PC Optimum points, you can earn points at Esso Pumps (instead of the Esso Rewards program). The earning rate is 10 points per $10 spent at the pump.

You also earn 10 points per dollar spent at the store. 

Pros	Cons
Option for 2 different rewards programs	Tobacco products not eligible
Frequent in-store promotions	Less than 1 cpp (cent per point) on many redemption options (pretty much anything not a car wash or in-store items)
Great redemption value on car washes	Poor value on transferring out your points
Ability to redeem points for e-gift cards for other stores	Esso Rewards redemptions are limited to Esso locations unlike Optimum or Air Miles

Best Travel Credit Card to use at Esso/Mobil

The American Express Platinum allows you to earn 2 Membership Rewards per dollar spent on gas stations. Membership Rewards are the most valued travel currency in Canada, primarily because you can transfer those points to a number of travel programs, including Aeropan & Avios

Sign up here

The $799 annual fee (which comes with a $150 rebate through GreatCanadianRebates) is offset by the following perks & benefits:

• Sign-up Bonus:
  • 70,000 MR points upon spending $10,000 in the first three months
  • 30,000 MR points upon making a purchase between months 14-17 of cardmembership
• Earn Rate: 
  • 2 MR points per dollar spent on travel, groceries & dining
  • 1 MR point everywhere else
• Insurance:
  • Emergency Medical Travel Insurance – up to $5,000,000
  • Car rental damage insurance 
  • Trip Cancellation Insurance- up to $3,000
  • Hotel Burglary insurance – up to $1,000
  • Baggage delay insurance – up to $1,000
  • Lost or stolen baggage insurance – up to $1,000
• Perks
  • $200 annual travel credit
  • Access to Pearson Priority Security Lane during peak operating times
  • Complimentary valet service at the Express Park and Daily Park at Pearson Airport
  • $200 annual dining credit
  • $100 Nexus rebate
  • Instant Gold status at Marriott Bonvoy & Hilton Honors
  • Special discounts for cardholders
• Lounge Access
  • Priority Pass (+1 guest)
  • Plaza Premium Lounges (+1 guest)
  • Delta Sky Club
  • Airspace Lounges (+2 guests)
  • Centurion Lounges
  • SwissPort Lounges (+1 guest)

Read our full review here

4. Canadian Tire 

Launched in 2018, the Canadian Tire Triangle Rewards program allows you to earn Canadian Tire money at Canadian Tire & Husky gas bars. The program was launched to provide customers with rewards and benefits for shopping at Canadian Tire and its associated brands. Here are the key features of the Triangle Rewards program:

Earning Points: Members of the Triangle Rewards program earn points on eligible purchases at participating Canadian Tire stores and affiliated retailers. Points can be earned on a wide range of products, including automotive, home and garden, sports and leisure, and more.

Participating Partners: In addition to Canadian Tire stores, the Triangle Rewards program includes several affiliated brands and retailers within the Canadian Tire Corporation family. This may include Mark’s, Sport Chek, Atmosphere, and participating gas stations, among others.

Redeeming Points: Accumulated Triangle Rewards points can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases at participating stores. Members can choose to use their points to reduce the total cost of their shopping at Canadian Tire and affiliated locations.

Special Promotions: Triangle Rewards often offers special promotions and bonus point events. These promotions may provide members with opportunities to earn additional points on specific products or during certain periods.

Earning Miles at Canadian Tire

You collect 3 cents/L in CT money if you pay with a debit card or with cash, with up to 5 cents/L if you get one of the Triangle branded credit cards. You’re also able to collect Triangle rewards at Canadian Tire partner stores such as Sport Check and Marks Work Warehouse but with an earning rate of 0.4%

Pros	Cons
Able to rack up Canadian Tire money at partner stores	Only able to receive points if you pay with debit, cash, or a branded credit card
5 cents/L is a good redemption rate if you have the branded credit card	Poor earning rate within Canadian Tire & their partner locations
Frequent in-store promotions	Unable to transfer points to other rewards programs
Redemptions have more flexibility due to Canadian Tire’s vast offerings

Best Travel Credit Card to use at Canadian Tire

The American Express Platinum allows you to earn 2 Membership Rewards per dollar spent on gas stations. Membership Rewards are the most valued travel currency in Canada, primarily because you can transfer those points to a number of travel programs, including Aeroplan & Avios

Sign up here

The $799 annual fee (which comes with a $150 rebate through GreatCanadianRebates) is offset by the following perks & benefits:

• Sign-up Bonus:
  • 70,000 MR points upon spending $10,000 in the first three months
  • 30,000 MR points upon making a purchase between months 14-17 of cardmembership
• Earn Rate: 
  • 2 MR points per dollar spent on travel, groceries & dining
  • 1 MR point everywhere else
• Insurance:
  • Emergency Medical Travel Insurance – up to $5,000,000
  • Car rental damage insurance 
  • Trip Cancellation Insurance- up to $3,000
  • Hotel Burglary insurance – up to $1,000
  • Baggage delay insurance – up to $1,000
  • Lost or stolen baggage insurance – up to $1,000
• Perks
  • $200 annual travel credit
  • Access to Pearson Priority Security Lane during peak operating times
  • Complimentary valet service at the Express Park and Daily Park at Pearson Airport
  • $200 annual dining credit
  • $100 Nexus rebate
  • Instant Gold status at Marriott Bonvoy & Hilton Honors
  • Special discounts for cardholders
• Lounge Access
  • Priority Pass (+1 guest)
  • Plaza Premium Lounges (+1 guest)
  • Delta Sky Club
  • Airspace Lounges (+2 guests)
  • Centurion Lounges
  • SwissPort Lounges (+1 guest)

Read our full review here

5. Journie Rewards (Chevron, Ultramar, Pioneer)

Earning Points with Journie Rewards

Journie Rewards is another fairly straightforward program as it allows you to earn points per dollar spent. Points can be redeemed for up to 7cents off per litre of gas. 

Users can avail one fill-up discount for every 300 Journie Rewards points earned, where 1 liter of gas purchased equals 1 point, and $1 spent on merchandise equals 2 points.

In collaboration with CIBC, Journie Rewards provides an enhanced offer for members using CIBC credit and debit cards, enabling them to save up to 10 cents (CAD) per liter.

Beyond gas discounts, Journie Rewards allows members to redeem accumulated points for merchandise at affiliated convenience stores, encompassing items such as beverages and snacks.

Journie Rewards & Aeroplan

At participating locations, Aeroplan members have the opportunity to accumulate Journie Rewards points through the following channels:

• Earn 1 Aeroplan point for every 3 liters of fuel purchased.
• Earn 1 Aeroplan point for each dollar spent at convenience stores.

By linking their Aeroplan account with their Journie Rewards account, members can enjoy an enhanced points accrual, resulting in the following increased earning rates:

• Earn 1 point for every 1 liter of fuel purchased.
• Earn 2 points for each dollar spent at convenience stores.

Aeroplan members gain the ability to redeem Aeroplan points in the following ways:

• Redeem 300 points for a voucher offering a 7-cent discount per liter on a single fill-up, applicable for up to 50 liters. Members can stack up to five vouchers for a maximum 35-cent discount per liter.
• Redeem 500 points for a $5 in-store purchase voucher.
• Redeem 1,100 points for a premium car wash.

Pros	Cons
Extremely easy program to comprehend	Gift cards not eligible
Frequent in store points promotions	Mobile app doesn’t provide many additional benefits
OLG eligible purchases	Tobacco products not eligible
Points do not expire	Journie points not transferrable to other stores

Best Travel Credit Card to use at Journie Reward locations

Given the relationship between CIBC & Aeroplan, Canadians should be using a CIBC-branded Aeroplan card at Journie Reward locations.

The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite card is the second-tier Aeroplan card at CIBC, but comes with a first year free rebate

Sign up here

Aeroplan points can be used on any of Aeroplan’s partner airlines, which include; Air Canada, United Airlines & Lufthansa, among others.

The Cost for the Card is $0 for the first year, and then $139 annually, & comes with the following benefits:

• Sign-up Bonus:
  • 10,000 Aeroplan points at first purchase
  • 20,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $15,000 in the first 4 months
  • 15,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $10,000 in the first year
    • Total of 45,000 Aeroplan points
• Earn Rate: 
  • 1.5 Aeroplan points per dollar spent on food, beverage, gas & travel
  • 1 Aeroplan point everywhere else
• Insurance:
  • Emergency medical travel insurance – up to $5,000,000
  • Car rental damage insurance 
  • Trip cancellation insurance- up to $5,000
  • Hotel Burglary insurance – up to $1,000
  • Baggage delay insurance – up to $1,000
  • Lost or stolen baggage insurance – up to $1,000
• Perks:
  • First bag free on Air Canada flights
  • Preferred pricing when redeeming Aeroplan points on Air Canada flights
  • Earn 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and 1 Status Qualifying Segment for every $10,000 you spend on the card

4 Tips to Help You on Your Travels

1. Get registered for a Petro Points, Air Miles & Optimum card 

2. Ensure you have a credit card that has above 1x earnings, or 1% cash back at your local gas station

3. Link your RBC card to Petro and CIBC card to Journie 

4. If you have a credit card that has a high earnings rate at gas stations, here is a friendly reminder that you can always purchase gift cards for locations that have lower earning value. For example, I have purchased Tim Hortons gift cards at Petro stores, in an effort to maximize the earnings on my American Express Gold Rewards card.