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In a significant development for shoppers and travellers alike, Triangle Rewards and WestJet Rewards have unveiled a collaboration that allows members to earn rewards across both programmes. This initiative particularly benefits those who frequently shop at Canadian Tire or fly with WestJet, promising to elevate the loyalty experience for consumers. Even for those who may not be avid users of these brands, the growing prominence of Triangle Rewards as one of Canada’s leading loyalty programmes is hard to overlook.
A New Era of Earning Rewards
The newly established partnership enables linked members to accrue one WestJet point for every two dollars spent at any Canadian Tire-owned establishments, which encompass popular chains like SportChek, Mark’s, Party City Canada, and Atmosphere. In addition, participants will also earn Canadian Tire Money—often referred to as the “currency” of Triangle Rewards—on their purchases. Moreover, when members make travel-related purchases through WestJet, they will earn an additional 0.4 per cent in Canadian Tire Money on the total eligible value, enhancing the overall appeal of this collaboration.
Triangle Rewards has also forged a relationship with the Royal Bank of Canada, allowing members to earn triple the Canadian Tire Money when payments are made using a linked RBC debit or credit card. This dual rewards structure adds significant value to a single transaction, making it an attractive option for savvy shoppers.
Strengthening Partnerships
Triangle Rewards’ network of partnerships continues to expand, with Petro-Canada being another major ally. Members who link their Triangle and Petro-Canada accounts can earn not only Canadian Tire Money but an additional 20 per cent more Petro-Points when refuelling at Petro-Canada and Gas+ stations. This synergy allows for a straightforward conversion of Petro-Points into Canadian Tire Money, further incentivising members to engage with both brands.
Despite these benefits, Triangle Rewards still operates with a somewhat limited reach compared to competitors like PC Optimum, which boasts a more extensive network that includes Loblaws, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Esso. However, Triangle Rewards distinguishes itself through unique features such as its weekly “swap offers.” This function allows members to exchange less appealing promotions for ones that better align with their purchasing habits.
For instance, a member looking to purchase a bicycle at SportChek may find an offer that rewards 10 times the points on bikes. By swapping this offer for a less beneficial promotion, they can significantly amplify their earnings. During a recent promotion, a cardholder could combine the swapped offer with a 20 times bonus for using a Triangle credit card, resulting in an impressive 12 per cent back on their purchase.
Benefits Beyond Shopping
While Canadian Tire may not always offer the lowest prices compared to American giants like Walmart or Amazon, the advantage of supporting local businesses cannot be understated. Additionally, with strategic use of weekly offers, customers can still enjoy substantial savings. Triangle credit cards present another compelling benefit, allowing users to pay utility and tax bills without incurring fees, while earning 1 per cent back in Canadian Tire Money on transactions that typically do not qualify for rewards.
This innovative approach enables Canadian Tire to process such payments through its own banking system, enhancing the value proposition for cardholders. Other companies are taking note; for example, Rogers recently announced point-of-sale integrations designed to reduce merchant fees while providing cardholders with an extra 1 per cent cash back on qualifying purchases. Similarly, EQ Bank has received approval to acquire PC Financial, hinting at a potential future where holding a PC Financial credit card alongside an EQB mortgage could unlock new opportunities for earning PC Optimum points.
The Competitive Landscape
Though Triangle Rewards may not boast the same headline-grabbing benefits as programmes that offer free travel or groceries, its competitive earning rates, diverse partnerships, and credit card advantages create a strong value proposition that requires minimal effort from users. According to Barry Choi, a personal finance and travel expert, these elements position Triangle Rewards as a formidable player in the Canadian loyalty landscape, despite its less extensive reach compared to others.
Why it Matters
The partnership between Triangle Rewards and WestJet is a strategic move that not only enhances the rewards landscape for Canadian shoppers and travellers but also exemplifies a growing trend towards collaborative loyalty programmes. As companies seek to offer more value to consumers, the fusion of retail and travel rewards could redefine how Canadians engage with their spending habits. This initiative not only benefits the participating companies but also empowers consumers to maximise their rewards, ultimately supporting local businesses while enjoying enhanced travel experiences.