My husband finds my love for points programs comical. He knows that almost everywhere we go I have a punch card, a phone number to give, or an app to make use of. Though my enthusiasm for contests and rewards programs may seem a little “intense” (Me? Intense? Never!), our household does end up saving a lot of money, and earning lots of free treats. 

I believe in using my enthusiasm to help those around me, so in the name of being helpful, here are some of my favourite rewards apps that have great pay-offs. 

PC Optimum (Click & Collect)

I love the PC Optimum card and Click & Collect. I know what you’re thinking: “You are a young-ish, married woman with no kids. Why on earth would you use Superstore’s Click & Collect?” Well, Judge Judy, let me tell you why. 

Why am I so in love with this app + feature?

• I save a butt-ton of money
• I earn free groceries
• Makes life easier

What’s the deal?

Recently, Superstore and Shopper’s Drug Mart merged their points systems from PC Points and Shoppers Optimum to the PC Optimum card, and I couldn’t be happier about it. It’s just a typical points card, but if you keep close track of your deals on the app, you can earn points quickly. I also love Click & Collect, and I believe it’s helped me earn more points and save money. When I order my groceries online with Superstore, I am home! This means I am not impulse buying, I can check my pantry as I shop, and I can sit with the PC Optimum app open next to me and check what deals I should be jumping on. It also really helps my grocery-shopping rage because few things can require me to renew my salvation than shopping inside Superstore on a Sunday afternoon. 

Check it out

Ebates

I am constantly preaching the gospel of Ebates. 

Why am I so in love with this app?

• It’s easy
• There is NO “catch”
• I make money on items I would purchase anyway
• Free money

What’s the deal? 

Basically, you start on the Ebates website to access stores you’d already be doing your online shopping on. Then you access your desired store, and shop as you’d normally do. Once you have made a purchase, Ebates will give you a percentage of the amount you spent back to you (every store has a different percentage). They literally just send you a cheque in the mail. It’s flipping amazing! I use Ebates regularly for Amazon, Sephora and Groupon purchases, but my absolute favourite was when I was booking Giddy and my trip to Uganda on Expedia. It made dropping thousands of dollars on a flight feel a bit better knowing I’d be getting an Ebates cheque at the end of it all. 

Check it out 

Groupon

Thanks to Tiffany Haddish, most people know what Groupon is. I love Groupon but probably don’t use it enough. 

Why I am so in love with this app? 

• It’s simple to use
• It saves me money 
• It helps me discover new local restaurants and activities

What’s the deal?

Simply download the app, view coupons for everything from food, spas, travel, stuff… you name it! But don’t forget: Ebates is a supporter of Groupon! Make sure you use Ebates to access Groupon and then you can save even more money! 

Check it out 

Carrot Rewards

This card requires little work, and zero money to earn points. 

Why I am so in love with this app?

• I can earn points on cards of my choosing (I use my Scene Card)
• I can earn points both consciously and unconsciously 

What’s the deal? 

Download the app, and decide which card you want to earn points for. You can earn Scene points, Save-On More points, Aeroplan, Drop rewards and Petro-Points. Once you’ve decided, there are two ways you can earn points: Carrot Rewards will track your daily step count and give you points accordingly, or complete short health questionnaire’s to earn points. The questionnaire’s take typically about 5-10 minutes; I’ll do one when I’m in line somewhere and it’s a quick way to earn some points. I have had the app for about a year, and I’ve earned 4 free movies. Totally worth a few minutes here and there! 

Check it out Use my personal bonus code when you sign up for Carrot and earn 50% more points on me! ashleym5321 http://www.carrotrewards.ca

And there you have it! Now it’s your turn: do you have a favourite money saving, points earning app? Tell me more *Ashley said as she drums her fingers together in a Jafar-like manner.*