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Canadians belong to an average of 15 loyalty programs, but a large share of their points sit unused in inactive accounts. That is the main takeaway from the new Canadian snapshot jointly published by Scene+ and Bond Brand Loyalty, ahead of the full release of the 2026 Bond Loyalty Report scheduled for June. This Scene+ loyalty program, one of the most widely used in the country, highlights a major trend: members now want rewards that are simple, accessible, and usable in everyday life.
According to the data shared, 28% of Canadians surveyed redeem their points once a year or less. In other words, the gap is widening between earning and actually using rewards. For cardholders, understanding this shift helps them choose the right program and optimize redemptions.
Bond Brand Loyalty is a Canadian firm specializing in customer intelligence and loyalty. Based in Mississauga, Ontario, the company advises brands worldwide on the design and management of their rewards programs. Each year, Bond publishes its loyalty report, considered one of the most comprehensive references in the industry.
The 2026 edition of the report is based on impressive data: more than 9,500 Canadian consumers surveyed, 165 programs analyzed across more than 20 sectors, and over 100 attributes evaluated. Globally, the study draws on 15 years of data, 80 million members across five continents, and more than 7 billion transactions. That speaks to the scale of the analysis.
The Bond report identifies the moment of redemption as the key indicator of a program’s perceived value. In other words, what matters to members is no longer just how easy it is to earn points, but how easy it is to use them. This nuance changes the game for card issuers and loyalty programs.
The figure is striking: Canadians collectively hold between $13 and $15 billion in unredeemed points. This estimate is based on Bond’s analysis of liabilities published by loyalty programs and its proprietary models covering the Canadian market.
This buildup raises an obvious question: why are members not using their rewards? The report points to two main causes. First, the growing complexity of some programs discourages redemption. Second, the options offered do not always match members’ everyday needs.
The report reveals a marked shift in Canadians’ attitudes. While many still save points for aspirational goals such as travel, 60% of respondents now prefer small- to mid-value rewards. That is more than double the share of those saving for large rewards.
This preference represents a 20-percentage-point increase since the 2018 Bond report, when only 40% of respondents expressed this preference. The shift is clear: Canadians want to get tangible value from their everyday spending, without giving up the option to save for what matters.
Scene+ positions itself as a program designed for everyday life. Tracey Pearce, President of Scene+, sums it up in the release: “Canadians want rewards that are easy to use and relevant to their day-to-day lives, as well as their aspirations.” The program is built on two pillars: simplicity and choice.
On the simplicity side, the rule is clear: 1,000 Scene+ points are worth $10 for most redemptions. However, some gift cards and certain credits may offer a lower value. On the choice side, the partner ecosystem covers groceries, fuel, dining, entertainment, home improvement, banking services, travel, and online shopping.
Beyond positioning, the program provides concrete data on the behaviour of its active members. These figures contrast with the Canadian average, where 28% of members redeem only once a year or less.
A growing share of members also use their points with several different partners. This behaviour illustrates the strength of a connected ecosystem where choice becomes a true driver of engagement.
Sean Claessen, Chief Strategy Officer at Bond, highlights an interesting point in the release: partnerships are a powerful lever for incremental value in Canada. Data from the 2026 report show measurable year-over-year increases, with a 53% gain in experience and a 49% gain in spending compared with the 2025 report.
For members who want to earn faster, using a Scene+ credit card issued by Scotiabank or Tangerine remains the most effective approach. These cards let you earn points on all purchases, in addition to those earned directly with participating partners.
If you would like to compare the different options available, see our selection of the best Scene+ credit cards for 2026. You will find a detailed comparison of welcome offers, point multipliers, and related benefits.
The standard ratio is 1,000 points for $10. However, some redemptions may offer a different value. To get the most out of the program, here are a few practical tips.
The Bond report delivers a clear message: programs that make it easier to use points will be best positioned to retain their members. Earning has become the norm, but redemption remains the true indicator of satisfaction. For cardholders, this means a program must now be assessed not only on how generous it is, but also on how simple its reward options are.
Scene+ appears to have understood this equation. However, the true measure of the program will be over the long term, when members can compare the real value obtained over several years. The full Bond report, expected in June, should provide more precise comparative data across Canadian programs.
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