A&W Rewards is a free-to-join loyalty program that offers members points on qualifying food and drink orders. These points can later be redeemed for favourites like root beer, burgers, breakfast, and more.
This article explains how to earn and redeem A&W Rewards points for maximum value. It also recommends credit cards that allow you to earn accelerated rewards, so you can squeeze even more value from your next fast food run.
Key Takeaways
- The A&W Rewards program allows members to earn points on eligible food and drink orders at participating A&W restaurants.
- Program members earn 10 points per $1 spent.
- You can start redeeming points for free food and drinks once you’ve accumulated at least 300 points.
- A&W Rewards points are worth an average of 0.7 cents per point.
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What is A&W Rewards?
A&W operates the A&W Rewards program, which is free to join for any Canadian aged 13 and up. All you have to do is download the app and scan the QR code whenever you make purchases at the restaurant.
You'll earn 10 points for every $1 you spend, but points don't accumulate on taxes or fees. The number of points you earn is calculated after any discounts and offers are factored in.
Once you've accumulated at least 300 reward points, you can redeem them for free A&W food or drinks. Simply log in with the app to see your available rewards.
Pros:
- 1,000+ locations across Canada
- Nearly 100 menu items
- 15 reward items to choose from
- 4 redemption tiers
- Points worth up to 0.96 cents each
- Accepts American Express, Mastercard, Visa credit cards, and virtual wallets
- Free membership
Cons:
- Points worth as little as 0.47 cents each
- Limited redemption options
- No official credit card
- No points on third-party delivery
- Points expire 12 months after you earn them
What are A&W Rewards worth?
A&W Rewards doesn't have extensive options, but there are 4 reward levels. For a fixed cost, you can redeem your points for your choice of several menu items, yielding an overall average of 0.7 cents per point (CPP).
| Cost | Menu Items | Average Value | Most Valuable Menu Item |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 points | * Apple Turnover * Small Coffee * Regular A&W Root Beer * Hash Brown | 0.81 CPP | Hash brown (0.96 CPP) |
| 600 points | * Small Latte (brew bar locations only) * Buddy Burger * Russet Thick-Cut Fries | 0.67 CPP | Russet Thick-Cut Fries (0.83 CPP) |
| 900 points | * Small Fruit Smoothie (brew bar locations only) * Onion Rings * Mama Burger * Kids' Pack | 0.71 CPP | Mama Burger (0.84 CPP) |
| 1,500 points | * Teen Burger * Chubby Chicken Burger * Mama Combo * Classic Bacon & Eggs Combo | 0.66 CPP | Mama Combo (0.91 CPP) |
These results came from consulting A&W menu pricing and applying the following formula:
Cost of reward in $ / cost of reward in points x 100 = value in cents per point (CPP)
Although menu prices can vary by province and even city, our research shows that you'll get the most value from your points by redeeming them for items at the 300-point redemption level.
You should avoid cashing in your hard-earned points for a Buddy Burger, since this only gives you a CPP of 0.47.
To get the most value for your money, redeem your points often – and try to select the most expensive options in each category.
Remember, you can't redeem points on delivery fees.
How to earn A&W Rewards
To begin earning A&W Rewards points, download the app and register. Then, all you have to do is scan the QR code on the "Scan" tab when you order at the restaurant.
You can also order ahead on the mobile app for dine-in, pickup, or A&W Delivery.
As long as you're logged in to your account, you'll automatically earn 10 points per $1 spent for your order. You'll earn points for purchases before tax and fees, but you won't earn any points for deliveries made by third-party platforms.
Best credit cards to earn A&W Rewards
These are our top picks for credit cards that earn accelerated rewards for restaurant purchases and therefore can add value to your purchases at A&W:
| Card name | Annual fee | Rewards | Welcome Bonus | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Cobalt Card | $191.88 | * 5 points per $1 spent on eligible groceries and restaurants (up to $2,500 spent per month) * 3 points per $1 spent on eligible streaming services * 2 points per $1 spent on eligible gas, transit, and ride share purchases * 1 point per $1 spent on foreign currency purchases * 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases | Up to 15,000 bonus points (terms) | Learn more |
| MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard | $120 | * 5 points for every $1 spent on restaurants, groceries, and select recurring bills (up to $50,000 spent annually per category) * 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases |  $40 GeniusCash + Up to 30,000 bonus points (terms) | Learn more |
| RBC ION+ Visa | $48 | * 3 points per $1 spent on groceries, dining, food delivery, daily transit, rideshares, EV charging, streaming, digital gaming, and subscriptions * 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases | 28,000 Avion points (terms) | Learn more |
| Neo World Elite Mastercard - Shop & Dine | $149 | * Average of 5% cash back at partner retailers * 5% cash back on restaurants, up to $1,000 spent monthly * 3% cash back on various shopping retailers, up to $1,000 spent monthly * 1% cash back everywhere else | $20 GeniusCash + $100 bouns cash back, first year free (terms) | Learn more |
American Express Cobalt® Card
It's hard to top the American Express Cobalt Card's high average rate of return, which is largely due to the card's generous restaurant rewards. You'll get 5 points per $1 spent at A&W along with other restaurants and groceries. The card also gives bonus earning for everyday spending categories like streaming services, gas, transit, and rideshares.
Pros:
- Best credit card in Canada
- Annual fee paid out monthly
- 4 ways to redeem points for high value
Cons:
- Lower acceptance as an Amex
MBNA Rewards World Elite® Mastercard®
×7 Award winner 
GC: $40
7x Award winner Another credit card that earns 5 points per $1 spent at restaurants is the MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard. As a World Elite Mastercard, you'll get some premium credit card benefits along with those high earn rates for restaurants, groceries, and recurring bills. This means extensive insurance coverage, a generous welcome bonus, and an annual birthday bonus.
Pros:
- 10% annual birthday bonus
- Mobile device coverage
- Welcome bonus worth up to $300
Cons:
- High income requirements
RBC ION+ Visa
Although the RBC ION+ Visa only gives 3 points per $1 spent at restaurants, you'll earn that accelerated rate for lots of everyday spending categories like groceries, rideshares, digital gaming, and more. This card has a handy food-related benefit, too: a free 6-month DashPass subscription.
Pros:
- Petro-Canada fuel savings
- Earn flexible Avion points
- Bonus Be Well points at Rexall
Cons:
- Limited insurance
Neo World Elite® Mastercard - Shop & Dine
GC: $20
The Neo World Elite Mastercard - Shop & Dine is one of Neo's newer products, offering users 5% cash back on restaurant purchases and up to 15% back with Neo partners. This cash back card also comes with 12 types of insurance, and it's available as a secured credit card for guaranteed approval.
Pros:
- Up to 15% cash back with partners
- Redeem cash back on demand
- Extensive insurance package
Cons:
- High income requirements
How to redeem A&W Rewards
There are 3 options for turning your A&W Rewards into delicious food. Simply log in with your app and choose 1 of the following redemption methods:
- Select "Explore A&W Rewards" from the home screen. Tap the eligible reward you want to redeem and select "Add to Bag" or "Scan at Restaurant".
- Tap "Scan" at the bottom of the home screen. Then, add a reward or offer that you can instantly redeem in the restaurant.
- Place an order and navigate to the checkout page. Tap "Available Rewards" and select from your available rewards.
Want to double (or even triple) dip? A&W allows you to redeem up to 3 rewards in a single transaction.
FAQ
Does A&W have a rewards program?
Yes, A&W has a rewards program that's easy to participate in. Download the mobile app and register, then scan the app when ordering in store or submit your orders directly through the app. You'll earn points on all qualifying orders, and can redeem points for free menu items.
Do I have to use the A&W Rewards app to get points?
Yes, the A&W Rewards app is the only way to register and participate in the program. You've also got to remember to scan the app if you're ordering at a restaurant. If you forget, A&W can't credit you the reward points.
Does A&W have senior discounts in Canada?
Since A&W locations are individually-run franchises, it's up to the discretion of the franchise owner. Some locations might offer a 10% senior discount, while others may not. The best thing you can do is to ask when placing your order.
Does A&W give you anything free for your birthday?
Currently, U.S. A&W locations reward you with a free root beer or root beer float on your birthday through the Rooty's Mug Club Program. However, Canadian A&W locations don't give out birthday rewards – at least not right now.
How do I get my A&W birthday reward?
Unfortunately, Canadian A&W locations don't currently give out a designated birthday reward like American A&W locations do. Instead, you'll just have to earn and redeem points through the app to get free items from the A&W menu.
How do I check my A&W balance?
It's easy to see how many A&W reward points you have. Just log in to the mobile app – near the top of the home page, you'll see how many points you have. You can also tap "More" to see your recent orders and points activity.
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