Cash back and flyer apps in Canada: how Rakuten, Flipp, PC Optimum and Scene+ work

Sources: Rakuten Canada: Frequently asked questions (no date shown, last confirmed November 11, 2026); Apple App Store: Flipp: Flyers & Shopping Deals (version 114.0.0, no calendar date shown, last confirmed November 11, 2026); Canada Loyalty: PC Optimum (no date shown, last confirmed November 11, 2026; a program directory, not Loblaw's own page); Scotiabank: Redeeming Scene+ points (no date shown, last confirmed November 11, 2026).

Rakuten's page says cash back comes from shopping at participating stores, usually by starting at Rakuten.ca. Rates differ by store. It lists examples such as 11% at Carter's OshKosh B'gosh and up to 4% at KiwiCo. Most online cash back shows up within 48 hours, but some stores take up to 30 days to confirm.

Payments go out every 3 months. If you have earned $5.01 or less, it carries over to the next payment. Sign-up and refer-a-friend bonuses do not count toward that minimum.

Source: Rakuten Canada: Frequently asked questions (no date shown, last confirmed November 11, 2026).

Rakuten's page says an order can be marked ineligible. It names cancellations, returns, using competitor services, and coupons not found on Rakuten. Pending orders wait in case of returns or exclusions. Some stores exclude certain items, categories or brands.

• Start from Rakuten before you shop, not after.
• Do not add a coupon from another site unless Rakuten lists it.
• If you plan to return something, the cash back is likely to be removed.
• For in-store offers, link the offer before you pay. Rakuten says debit cards and most non-Visa cards do not qualify.
• For stores priced in US dollars, the cash back can differ from what you expected because of exchange rates.

Source: Rakuten Canada: Frequently asked questions (no date shown, last confirmed November 11, 2026).

Flipp's App Store page says the app collects weekly flyers from stores such as Walmart Canada, Save on Foods and Costco Canada. You can clip deals into a shopping list, set a watch list for items that go on sale, compare prices across stores and price match at participating retailers. It also stores loyalty cards such as PC Optimum, Air Miles and Triangle Rewards.

The page does not mention a rewards program of its own. The app is listed as free. Ask the store about its own price match policy before you count on it, because the Flipp page says only participating retailers do it.

Source: Apple App Store: Flipp: Flyers & Shopping Deals (version 114.0.0, no calendar date shown, last confirmed November 11, 2026).

Apple's privacy label is written by the app's developer, and Apple does not verify it. For Flipp it lists identifiers as data used to track you. It lists location, including precise location, contact info, search history, identifiers, usage data and diagnostics as data linked to you. The uses listed include third-party advertising, analytics, personalization and app functionality.

• Free apps are paid for in some way, often by your data. Read the label before you install.
• Check the app's location setting on your phone. Choose 'while using the app' if your phone offers it.
• Never give a rewards app your bank password or card security code.

Source: Apple App Store: Flipp: Flyers & Shopping Deals (version 114.0.0, no calendar date shown, last confirmed November 11, 2026).

• Fraud and scam protection

The Canada Loyalty page says PC Optimum points are worth 1,000 points to $1, and you redeem in multiples of 10,000 points at Loblaw banner stores and Shoppers Drug Mart. It lists a base rate of 10 points per dollar there. By our arithmetic, that is a reward of about 1 cent on each dollar, or 1%. Bonus offers can add to this. It also says points lapse after 2 years of account inactivity, and a qualifying purchase resets the timer.

Scotiabank's page says Scene+ points are worth 1,000 points to $10 at participating grocery stores and pharmacies such as Sobeys, Safeway and IGA. It says 500 points is worth $5 at 700 or more restaurants. For gift cards, Cineplex and credits to a Scene+ Visa, the page gives no point value, so we do not either.

Sources: Canada Loyalty: PC Optimum (no date shown, last confirmed November 11, 2026; a program directory, not Loblaw's own page); Scotiabank: Redeeming Scene+ points (no date shown, last confirmed November 11, 2026).

Only use them for things you were going to buy anyway. A reward is never worth a purchase you did not plan.

• Step 1: Check the flyers in Flipp for the item and the store. Compare prices first, because a lower price saves money right away.
• Step 2: For an online order, click through Rakuten before you pay, if the store is listed.
• Step 3: Scan or link your PC Optimum or Scene+ card at the store so you earn points on the same purchase.
• Step 4: Put the money you save toward a goal, such as your emergency fund, so it does not disappear into spending.

• Make a monthly budget
• How much emergency fund do you need?
• Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit

• A 1% reward does not beat a big price difference between stores.
• Rakuten pays only 4 times a year, so it is not money you can count on for next week.
• Loyalty points can encourage you to spend more than you planned. Set a weekly limit.
• None of them replace benefits you can claim, such as the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit.

We have no paid partnership with Rakuten, Flipp, PC Optimum or Scene+, and these are not ranked. How we earn money is explained on our Affiliate Disclosure page.