LOYALTY & REWARDS

It may be time to consider which loyalty programs work best for you. routine. A good loyalty program should virtually do this work for you. “We try to learn as much as we can about our members so we can tailor our communications for them,” says Willoughby.

Ideally, your rewards program should be your companion on the journey toward your goals. Once you sign up to Aeroplan, for example, the program is available via mobile device and website. It also provides info on special offers or tips to help you accumulate more miles and make the most of them when it’s time to redeem.

Insider’s tip: supercharge the accumulation rate by leveraging it.

Willoughby says members especially appreciate advice on increasing what the industry calls “accumulation velocity,” or how to get more miles more quickly. The most efficient way is to use a credit or charge card associated with the program.

“Not everyone is aware that you can earn miles twice by using one of these at one of our partner retailers,” Willoughby says. “You will earn miles once for using the Aeroplan-affiliated financial card and once for swiping their orange member card.”

It’s as easy as using the affiliated financial card to buy gas at an Esso station or shop at Home Hardware, for instance, or any number of online partners like Costco or The Brick. Or at the Aeroplan eStore, with over 100 top brand-name online retailers, including Apple Store Canada, Hudson’s Bay and Indigo.

It can also pay off to be a status-seeker when it comes to a loyalty program. In other words, join one that offers a chance to enter a privileged circle with extra benefits.

“I liken it to playing a video game,” Willoughby says. “When you get to the bonus level, everything is worth more.”

As Aeroplan members rise in status, they need up to 35 per cent fewer miles when redeeming for travel. Shopping through the Aeroplan eStore also gives status members double the number of miles for their purchases and they earn bonus miles when flying on eligible flights with Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge.

Reward programs that are keepers should make it easy for you to accumulate points or miles, and provide something you want.

“Loyalty should be valued, and at Aeroplan we’re always looking for better ways to do just that,” says Willoughby.