Canadian drivers looking to stretch their fuel dollars face a surprisingly complex landscape of loyalty programs, according to a new ranking from The Globe and Mail that compared how easily points from major gas retailers can be turned into instant savings at the pump.
Unlike grocery or banking rewards, the guide notes that getting real value from gas loyalty programs often requires linking multiple accounts, using specific co-branded credit cards, or even choosing premium fuel grades. That complexity means a program that works well for one driver’s habits could be the weakest option for another, and limited-time promotions or in-app challenges can shift the rankings further.
The methodology behind the ranking focused on three factors: the base rate at which points are earned, the extra value unlocked by pairing a purchase with a top co-branded credit card, and how straightforward it is to redeem points for savings at the pump. Extra points that can’t be converted into fuel discounts were excluded from the analysis, as was any added value tied to paid CAA memberships.
Petro-Canada’s Petro-Points Ranks Last, But Not for Everyone
Petro-Canada’s Petro-Points program came out at the bottom of the ranking, despite the guide acknowledging it remains the top choice for many drivers depending on how much they fuel up. At Petro-Canada and participating Gas+ locations, members earn 10 points per litre on fuel and 10 points per dollar on eligible convenience store and car wash purchases. Since 1,000 points equal $1 in rewards, the guide notes it can take time for the value to feel meaningful.
The program’s ranking is held back by the absence of a co-branded credit card and its lack of integration into a broader loyalty ecosystem. However, stacking options improve its value: members linking accounts with RBC and/or Triangle Rewards earn 20 per cent more Petro-Points. RBC-linked members get three cents off per litre plus 20 per cent more Avion points on eligible cards, working out to a seven-cent-per-litre return. Triangle-linked members receive three cents per litre in Canadian Tire Money, plus $2 in bonus CT Money on fill-ups of 25 litres or more on Tuesdays, with the option to convert Petro-Points into Triangle Rewards.
Petro-Canada also runs a frequent-fueller program: drivers who pump 1,000 litres per quarter — roughly twice weekly — reach Platinum status, unlocking 50 per cent more Petro-Points on fuel, car wash and convenience store purchases, $25 in bonus Canadian Tire Money per qualifying quarter, and exclusive monthly app offers such as discounted VIP event access at SportChek. The guide notes that for high-mileage drivers, these stacking perks could push Petro-Points much closer to the top of the ranking.
Co-Op’s Membership Model and Shell’s Scene+ Partnership
Co-Op gas stations, concentrated in Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba and British Columbia, don’t run a traditional loyalty program. Instead, drivers can pay a one-time membership fee — typically around $10 — that makes them technically an owner eligible for annual cash-back payouts at Co-Op gas stations and grocery stores. The size of that refund depends on the Co-Op’s yearly income, board decisions on distributions, and an individual’s own spending. Because the fee is paid only once, and many Co-Ops operate in smaller communities with fewer fuel options, the guide suggests membership often pays for itself for regular customers, particularly when combined with a cash-back credit card.
Shell’s loyalty setup has shifted this year, with the retailer now partnered with Scene+ after dropping Air Miles, now rebranded as Blue Rewards. The guide points to this change as a major factor behind Scene+ topping Canada’s grocery loyalty rankings, since it broadens the ways members can earn value across everyday spending.
To maximize returns at Shell, drivers need to link their Scene+ account with Shell Go+. Paired with an eligible Scotiabank or Tangerine card, members can get three cents off per litre on all fuel grades, an additional four cents off per litre on Shell V-Power fuel, and three cents per litre in Scene+ points on V-Power purchases. Standard card rewards apply on top of that — for example, a Scotiabank Gold American Express card earns three Scene+ points per dollar spent on gas, which the guide says can bring total value up to 10 cents per litre.
Weighing the Options
The guide emphasizes that no single program suits every driver, since results depend heavily on fuelling frequency, location, and which credit cards a person already carries. It notes that the cost of these loyalty programs is generally built into pump prices, meaning drivers who don’t participate are, in effect, forgoing savings that are already priced in.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Consult a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions.
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