Aeroplan vs Scene+: Which Canadian Loyalty Program Is Better?

Canada's two largest loyalty programs sit at opposite ends of the spectrum. Aeroplan is a sophisticated travel rewards program built for people who want to fly business class on Air Canada and its 40+ Star Alliance partners. Scene+ is a flexible everyday program that rewards Canadians who shop at Sobeys, watch movies at Cineplex, and want simple redemptions without learning an award chart.

Earning: Aeroplan

Aeroplan points are primarily earned through TD, CIBC, and Amex cards. The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite earns 1.5 points per dollar at groceries, gas, and drug stores — the everyday categories. Amex Membership Rewards transfer to Aeroplan at 1:1, making the Amex Cobalt (5x on dining) an indirect but powerful Aeroplan earner.

Earning: Scene+

Scene+ is earned through Scotiabank credit cards and at Sobeys/Empire grocery banners. The Scotiabank Gold Amex earns 6x at Sobeys/Safeway/IGA, 5x at restaurants, 3x on gas and transit — best-in-class grocery earn rate. Scene+ is also earned at Cineplex and directly at most Sobeys/Empire locations even without a Scotiabank card.

Redemption Value: Aeroplan Wins for Travel

Aeroplan points are worth 1.5–2.5 cents per point when redeemed for business class international flights. A Toronto–London business class seat redeemed at 85,000 points could cost $4,000+ in cash — implying ~4.7 cpp value. This is where Aeroplan dramatically outperforms Scene+.

Redemption Value: Scene+ Wins for Flexibility

Scene+ points are worth approximately 1 cent each for most redemptions — travel, groceries, Cineplex. There is no complexity: 10,000 points = $10, redeemable at Cineplex, Sobeys, or through the Scene+ travel portal. If you don't want to learn award charts and just want simple, consistent value, Scene+ is the easier choice.