The best gas loyalty programs in Canada – which ones offer the easiest instant savings at the pump?

Gas loyalty programs are far more complicated than most people realize. Unlike grocery or financial rewards, maximizing your return often requires linking accounts to partner programs, paying with specific credit cards or even choosing higher‑tier gas grades.

With all these layers, the program that ranks highest for one driver could easily be the worst for another. Adding to the complexity, many apps now include challenges and limited‑time promotions that can boost your rewards and shift the overall ranking.

I’ve been covering credit cards and loyalty programs for more than a decade and have followed their evolution from basic rewards into full-fledged loyalty coalitions. To evaluate the gas programs, I focused on the base earning rate, the additional value unlocked when paying with a top co‑branded credit card, and how easily points can be redeemed for instant savings at the pump.

The Globe’s Big Guide to Canadian Credit Cards

Because there are so many variables, I excluded any extra points earned on fuel purchases that can’t be redeemed for fuel discounts, but I do acknowledge the value. I also didn’t give additional weight to CAA members, since that’s a paid membership even though it does unlock extra savings at certain gas stations.

The bottom line is that my ranking will differ from others, but this guide gives you everything you need to maximize your savings. And while some people argue that gas stations should simply lower prices instead of offering loyalty points, that’s not how the industry works.

As consumers, it’s on us to stay informed. If you’re not collecting points, you’re effectively leaving money on the table, because the cost of these programs is already baked into pump prices.

Petro-Canada and participating Gas+ locations / Petro-Points

It’s almost funny that Petro‑Points ranks last in my system, yet I fully acknowledge that it’s the top choice for many drivers, depending on their fuelling habits.

Earning Petro-Points is simple as you get the following at Petro-Canada and participating Gas+ locations across Canada:

• 10 points per litre on fuel
• 10 points per dollar spent on eligible convenience store and car wash purchases

Since 1,000 points equals $1 in rewards at Petro‑Canada (fuel, car washes and convenience store items), it can take time before the value feels meaningful.

What holds Petro‑Points back is the lack of a co‑branded credit card and the fact that it isn’t part of a larger loyalty ecosystem where points could stretch further.

That said, Petro‑Canada offers stacking opportunities that significantly improve the value proposition.

Members earn 20-per-cent more Petro‑Points when they link their accounts with RBC and/or Triangle Rewards.

RBC‑linked members instantly get three cents off per litre plus 20-per-cent more Avion points on eligible cards – a return of seven cents per litre.

Triangle‑linked members get three cents per litre in Canadian Tire Money, plus $2 in bonus CT Money on every 25‑litre (or more) fill‑up on Tuesdays. You can even convert your Petro-Points to Triangle Rewards for more flexibility.

In addition, Petro‑Canada also has a frequent‑fueller program. Drivers who pump 1,000 litres per quarter – roughly twice a week – reach Platinum status, which unlocks:

• 50-per-cent more Petro-Points on purchases for fuel, car washes and convenience store purchases
• $25 in bonus Canadian Tire Money each qualifying quarter
• Exclusive monthly offers through the Petro‑Canada app (e.g., 65-per-cent off VIP events at SportChek)

For high‑mileage drivers, Platinum status can easily make Petro‑Points the most valuable program. But for people who simply want savings at the pump, these stacking perks may feel less compelling. If I factored in the overall value from stacking opportunities, Petro-Points would rank closer to the top.

Co-Op – Membership only, no loyalty program

Co‑Op gas stations are concentrated in Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba and British Columbia. They don’t offer a traditional loyalty program, but you can still save money by becoming a member.

While I tried to ignore any discounts that include a membership fee, becoming a Co-Op member is a one-time cost and is usually around $10, depending on the local Co‑Op.

As a member, you’re technically an owner, which makes you eligible for annual cash‑back payouts at both Co-Op gas stations and grocery stores.

Your refund depends on the Co‑Op’s yearly income, how much the board decides to return to members, and how much you personally spent.

Since the fee is paid only once and Co‑Ops often operate in smaller communities with limited fuel options, joining typically pays for itself if you fill up there regularly.

While savings vary by region, lower pump prices and annual member cash back – combined with a strong cash‑back credit card – can outperform traditional gas loyalty programs.

Shell / Scene+

Those who may have not been paying attention to the loyalty landscape might be surprised to learn that Shell gas stations are now partnered with Scene+, having dropped Air Miles (now Blue Rewards) earlier in the year.

This new affiliation with Shell is a major reason the program tops Canada’s grocery loyalty rankings. The points are incredibly flexible, and adding Shell into the mix gives members even more practical ways to save across everyday spending.

To maximize your return, you need to link your Scene+ account with Shell Go+, Shell’s loyalty program.

Once your accounts are linked and you pay with an eligible Scotiabank or Tangerine card that earns Scene+ points, you get:

• Three cents off per litre on all grades of gas
• An extra four cents off per litre on Shell V-Power fuel
• Three cents per litre in Scene+ points on Shell V-Power fuel

You would also get the points and cash back as part of the standard rewards on your spending, based on your card. For instance, a Scotiabank Gold American Express card gives three Scene+ points per dollar spent on gas. That means cardholders can get up to 10 cents in value on gas purchases, plus three Scene+ points per dollar spent.

Tangerine cash-back credit card holders who also have a Scene+ membership get slightly lower perks:

• Three cents off per litre instantly on all grades of gas
• Up to three cents per litre in cash back when fuel is selected as a 2-per-cent cash back category
• Up to two cents per litre equivalent in redeemable Scene+ point value on Shell V‑Power gas when a Scene+ membership is linked to a Shell Go+ account

To save at the pump, you can redeem 1,000 points for $10 off gas, car washes and convenience store purchases. Since this is the same redemption value as other Scene+ options – such as groceries, travel, and movies – there’s no need to worry about maximizing value.

Plus, if you’re a CAA member, you get an additional 3 cents off per litre. With the right credit cards, fuel grade, and CAA membership, Shell could offer the biggest savings for some.

Costco – No loyalty program

Costco Gas doesn’t have a formal loyalty program, but it’s still worth including in any comparison because the value proposition is hard to beat.

To gas up at Costco, you need to be a member, but the prices are often significantly cheaper than at major gas stations – sometimes by as much as 10 cents per litre. When the gap is that large, no combination of credit card multipliers or loyalty bonuses and partnerships elsewhere can match the savings.

Pairing Costco’s lower prices with a credit card that has a multiplier on gas purchases – such as the BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard and RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard – which both give 3 per cent cash back, can make the savings even more compelling.

However, there’s a trade-off that every Costco member knows well: the lineups. When gas prices drop noticeably, queues can stretch to 30 to 60 minutes, particularly during peak times or on weekends.

While the savings can be meaningful, your time has value too. For instance, if you have a 50-litre tank, and you need to wait 30 minutes to save five cents per litre, you’ve valued your own time at $5 an hour. Unless you love a deal or aren’t in a rush, it’s probably not worth the wait.

Costco’s limited number of fuel locations keeps it mid-pack in the rankings, yet for a lot of drivers it remains the most cost‑effective choice.

Esso and Mobil / PC Optimum

PC Optimum is one of the most popular loyalty programs in Canada, so many people are naturally attracted to Esso and Mobil gas stations since you can earn points on every fill-up.

The number of points you can earn depends on how integrated you are with PC Optimum, PC Financial and the Esso and Mobil App.

You can earn the following:

• 10 PC Optimum points per litre of gas for all PC Optimum members
• 10 PC Optimum points per litre of gas if you have your PC Optimum number linked with the Esso and Mobil app
• 10 PC Optimum points per litre of gas when paying with a PC Financial Mastercard
• 20 PC Optimum points per litre of gas when paying with a PC Financial World Elite Mastercard
• 20 Additional PC Optimum points per litre of gas when filling up at least 150 litres of gas each month and paying with a PC Insiders World Elite Mastercard
• 10 Additional PC Optimum points per litre of premium gasoline when paying with any PC Financial Mastercard

If this feels too complex, that’s because it is. Esso and PC Optimum claim you can earn up to seven cents per litre with a PC Financial Mastercard, and they’re not wrong, but they’re also factoring in the regular points you earn just by using your card.

Fortunately, redemptions are less complicated – sort of. When redeeming 10,000 PC Optimum points at Loblaw-owned grocery stores or Shoppers Drug Mart, you get $10 off your purchase.

For instant savings on gas, you can redeem 4,000 PC Optimum points for 10 cents off per litre, up to 40 litres. That means to match the value of grocery redemptions, you need to be filling up at least 40 litres. Anything less and you’re short‑changing your points, so it’s best to save them for a full tank.

A smarter redemption is car washes. They cost 10,000 points, including premium washes that typically run $20 to $24. That effectively doubles the value of your points compared to fuel redemptions.

Parkland / Journie Rewards and Aeroplan

Anyone chasing travel rewards should fill up at Parkland Corp. gas stations (Ultramar, Chevron, Fas Gas, and Pioneer) because they’re partnered with Aeroplan, Air Canada’s loyalty program. Each fill-up could earn you two sets of rewards (Aeroplan and Journie Rewards), giving you more flexibility and more ways to save on gas.

When you link your Aeroplan account to Journie Rewards – the loyalty program of Parkland – you’ll earn the following:

• One Journie Rewards point per litre of gas
• Two Journie Rewards points per dollar spent in stores
• 300 Aeroplan points when you earn 300 Journie Rewards points

If you choose not to link your accounts, you can simply swipe your Aeroplan card (or enter the phone number tied to your Aeroplan profile) at the pump to earn one Aeroplan point per three litres of gas or per dollar spent on convenience‑store purchases.

While the earn rate is lower for unlinked accounts, the points post immediately to your Aeroplan account – no need to wait until you hit the 75, 150 or 300‑point Journie threshold to get your points – so it’s a reasonable strategy if you casually fill up at Parkland gas stations.

If you choose to redeem Aeroplan points, 300 points gets you seven cents off per litre, up to 50 litres. Since the maximum discount is $3.50, your cost per point (CPP) works out to 1.17. The same number of points gets you $5 off in stores, a 1.67 CPP.

Aeroplan points typically deliver at least 1.5 CPP, so using them for gas isn’t the strongest value, but you could make the case for convenience store items. It’s more beneficial to redeem your Journie Rewards points, where 300 points also gives you seven cents off per litre, up to 50 litres.

Despite the lower redemption value on gas when using your Aeroplan points, Parkland is the only network of gas stations that allows you to use a different loyalty program currency to get discounts on gas – that’s why this partnership ranks a little higher.

New and existing CIBC cardholders can stack even more savings with Journie Rewards. Link an eligible card and you’ll save 20 cents per litre on your first 500 litres in the first 180 days.

After that, you still get an instant three cents off per litre, and when you redeem 300 Journie points for seven cents off, you’re saving up to 10 cents per litre.

Irving / Blue Rewards

The top gas station loyalty program will likely surprise many people. Irving Gas Stations are an Atlantic Canada mainstay, with most locations spread across New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. They use Blue Rewards (previously known as Air Miles) as well as Hometown Rewards.

As a Hometown Rewards Member, you get the following:

• 1,500 bonus points after a fill of at least 20 litres of gas within 30 days of registration
• Two times the points on gas and convenience store purchases
• 150 bonus points when redeeming 1,500 points at Irving
• Save 3 cents per litre after every three fills of 35 litres of gas or more
• A free slice of cake, or pie, at the Big Stop on your birthday

Here’s the thing: Blue Rewards is the loyalty program tied to Hometown Rewards. All Blue Rewards members earn 16 Blue Points for every 20 litres of gas, but once you join Hometown Rewards, that earn rate doubles to 32 Blue Points.

It gets even better if you pay with the BMO Blue Rewards World Elite Mastercard. The card earns 10 times the points at participating Blue Rewards partners, including Irving gas stations

Take a 40‑litre fill-up at $1.75 per litre: your total would be $70. A Hometown Rewards member paying with the BMO Blue Rewards World Elite Mastercard would earn 764 Blue Points:

• 64 Blue Points from the base earn (32 points per 20 litres × 2)
• 700 Blue Points from the credit card (10× multiplier on the $70 purchase)

Since 1,500 Blue Points can be redeemed for $10 off at Irving, those 764 points are worth just over $5.

When stacked properly, Irving delivers the highest dollar‑for‑dollar return in Canada without having to worry about fuel grades.