Reward Points Value in Canada: How Much Are They Worth

Value-Of-Rewards-Points-In-Canada
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    How much are your reward points actually worth? Loyalty programs and rewards credit cards are a great way to save money on your purchases and earn free stuff. But the competition for your cash is fierce and there is no shortage of reward programs to choose from. The redemption value of your reward points will differ considerably across credit cards and retailers.

    How quickly you earn reward points, number of points per redemption, and what you can use them for is only part of the equation. The other part depends on your needs, preferences, and shopping habits. It’s hard to know if you’re getting the best value for your money. That’s why we calculated the reward points value for some of Canada’s most popular programs, so you don’t have to. Get the best bang for your buck and never miss another great deal.

    Monetary value of reward points per program

    PROGRAMVALUE IN ¢Main categoriesHow to earn points
    Aeroplan Rewards1.7Travel Register to the Aeroplan program
    Use a credit card such as the Aeroplan American Express
    AIR MILES Rewards10.5TravelUse a credit card like the BMO AIR MILES Mastercard
    American Express Membership Rewards0.7-1.3Travel, ShoppingGet an American Express credit card like the American Express Cobalt card
    Rewards Zone (Laurentian Bank)1.0ShoppingGet a Laurentian Bank credit card
    À la carte Rewards (National Bank)0.4-1.0Travel, Financial products, Eco-friendly rewardsUse a credit card like the National Bank Platinum Mastercard
    Scene Plus Rewards1.0Shopping, EntertainmentUse the no-fee Scotiabank Visa Scene card
    BMO Rewards0.5-0.7Travel, Financial products, ShoppingUse a credit card like BMO’s Ascend World Elite
    Capital One Rewards1.0Account credit, Gift cards, TravelUse a Capital One credit card
    CIBC Aventura Rewards1.7TravelGet the no-fee Visa Aventura CIBC
    BONUSDOLLARS Rewards100Travel, Restaurants, DonationsPick a Desjardins credit card
    Marriott Bonvoy Rewards0.8Marriott expensesUse the Marriott Bonvoy American Express credit card
    MBNA Rewards0.9Shopping, Gift cardsShop with the MBNA Platinum Plus Rewards credit card
    moi Rewards Program0.8Groceries, Drug storesGet your moi card
    Use the moi RBC Visa credit card
    PC Optimum0.1Groceries, Drug stores, GasApply for a PC Optimum card
    Use a PC Finance Mastercard credit card
    RBC Avion Rewards2.0Travel, ShoppingRegister for the Value Program
    Get an RBC Avion Visa Infinite credit card
    Second Cup Rewards0.9-1.2CoffeeCreate your account in the Second Cup app
    Starbucks Rewards2.0-5.0CoffeeCreate your account in the Starbucks app
    TD Rewards0.5Travel, ShoppingUse a TD Rewards credit card
    Tims Rewards0.5Coffee, MealsCreate an account in the Tims app
    Expedia Rewards1.0TravelReach higher member status (Silver, Gold) for more discounts
    Mileage Plan1.6TravelGet an Alaska Airlines credit card
    Avios0.8-1.5TravelJoin one of the following programs: AER Club, British Airways Executive Club, Vueling Club, Iberia Plus
    Use the RBC British Airways Visa Infinite
    Hilton Honors0.5HotelsUse a Hilton affiliated credit card

    Why should I know the value of my points?

    Rewards programs like AIR MILES and Aeroplan have been around for quite a long time. It is relatively easy to get an idea about the monetary value of your points. However, reward program offers and redemption values have grown and shifted rapidly over the past few years. This may make it difficult to evaluate a program based on a single reward.

    This highlights the need to compare rewards programs. In any comparison of these programs, it is helpful to consider the number of points needed to redeem a flight, the other rewards offered, welcome bonuses and how to earn points.

    How to choose a rewards program?

    There are many rewards programs out there and it can be difficult to find the right one for you. These offer a variety of benefits, but how do you know which one is right for you?

    The first step would be to determine what type of rewards program you want. Do you want a points-based program that offers discounts on airfare or hotels? Or would a cash back or cash equivalent program better suit your needs? Once you’ve made that decision, it’s easier to figure out which specific programs offer the most relevant type of reward for you. Besides the value of the points, take into account how you can earn them. Will you find it easy to collect your points? Is there a welcome offer to give you a boost?

    What is the difference between rewards points and cash back?

    The value of your rewards points varies depending on the type of program you are enrolled in. If you’re part of a points-based program, you earn points on your purchases and redeem them for rewards, usually a discount on the price of an item or service.

    If you are part of a cashback program, your rewards points will depend on the cashback amount or percentage. Some programs offer better value than others and it is worth clicking on the links in the table above to see if there are any additional or special offers before deciding which program you want to join.

    FAQs about reward points value

    What is the value of Aeroplan points?

    Each Aeroplan point is worth approximately 1.7 cents ($0.17).

    What is the value of AIR MILES points?

    AIR MILES are worth 10.5 cents ($0.105) each.

    How to calculate Marriott points value?

    For all rewards programs, you can count the number of points needed to get an item at a given price. In the case of Marriott Bonvoy, we arrive at a value of approximately 0.8 cents per point ($0.008).

    How to calculate points redemption value?

    For any rewards program, start by checking the terms and conditions. Sometimes, the value of a point is clearly indicated. If not, calculate the number of points you’ll need to purchase the items whose prices are displayed. Repeat the process for all reward categories, giving you an average or range of dollar value for 1 point.

    What is the dollar value of AMEX points?

    American Express rewards points are worth between 0.7 and 1.3 cents each ($0.007 – $0.013), depending on the reward category.

    What is the dollar value of Avion points?

    Avion points are worth approximately 2 cents each ($0.02). Also use other air travel hacks.

    What is the value of Avios points?

    Avios points are worth between 0.8 and 1.5 cents each. Also use other air travel hacks.

    What is the value of Expedia points?

    The exchange value of Expedia points is 1 cent, since 100 points give you $1. Also use other air travel hacks.

    What is the value of Hilton Honors points?

    Hilton Honors points are worth 0.5 cents each ($0.005). Use more air travel hacks to save on airfare.

    How to calculate credit card points value?

    The credit card’s website usually gives the main information, for example if card allows you to accumulate 2x the points. The value of your points may vary depending on the type of credit card reward (travel, entertainment, etc.). The terms and conditions of each program generally allow you to calculate the value of your points. Some redemption values are also displayed on the website, for example when they provide the number of points required to get a free flight of a given maximum value.

    What is the dollar value of Scene+ points?

    Scene Plus points are worth 1 cent each ($0.01).

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    Charles is a digital marketing enthusiast with a knack for search engine optimization (SEO). He is responsible for content optimization and data analysis. In addition to his marketing responsibilities, he also assists other departments when possible. He is also a true fan of personal finance. Since he was very young, he has been interested in this field.