The Desjardins BONUSDOLLARS program is a straightforward rewards program that lets you earn dollars to spend on gift cards, financial products and services, or statement credits. Earning points couldn't be easier – simply use your qualifying Desjardins credit card for purchases.
We'll dive into the BONUSDOLLARS rewards program, including details about the best Desjardins credit cards that will earn you points. We'll also mention some of the limitations of this reward program, so you can decide if you want to participate.
Key Takeaways
- Desjardins is the largest credit union in Canada.
- It operates the BONUSDOLLARS loyalty rewards program.
- The only way to earn BONUSDOLLARS is by using a Desjardins credit card, which limits the program’s usefulness.
- 1 BONUSDOLLAR is worth $1 CAD regardless of which redemption option you pick.
Never miss an amazing deal again + get our bonus 250+ page eBook for FREE. Join 50,000 other Canadians who receive our weekly newsletter – learn more.
What is Desjardins BONUSDOLLARS?
Desjardins BONUSDOLLARS is a flexible rewards loyalty program offered by the Desjardins Group.
It's simple: You earn points for every dollar you spend using a Desjardins credit card. Then, you can redeem the points for Desjardins financial products, gift cards, and statement credits.
Desjardins BONUSDOLLARS pros:
- The program is simple and easy to use.
- It offers consistent value for each redemption option.
- You can earn BONUSDOLLARS with 4 Desjardins credit cards.
Desjardins BONUSDOLLARS cons:
- You can only earn BONUSDOLLARS with a Desjardins credit card.
- You can't use BONUSDOLLARS for installment plan payments.
- You're unable to use BONUSDOLLARS to pay the card's annual fees.
You can't put BONUSDOLLARS towards your statement balance (unless you have the Desjardins Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege). However, you can use BONUSDOLLARS toward select purchases via statement credits.
How to redeem Desjardins BONUSDOLLARS
Once you've earned Desjardins BONUSDOLLARS, redeeming them is easy. You can choose gift cards, Desjardins financial services, or pay off purchases through statement credits.
Gift cards
To get a gift card, simply head over to the BONUSDOLLARS Rewards Catalog website, log in, and choose your redemption options. You can exchange your BONUSDOLLARS for gift cards for restaurants, movie theatres, travel, merchandise, groceries, and more.
Desjardins financial products
If you want to take advantage of Desjardins' financial offerings, you can use your BONUSDOLLARS to:
- Pay insurance premiums: Savings-Life Insurance, loan, home, auto, travel, and accident insurance
- Invest in savings: Deposit into RRSP, RESP, or TFSA accounts
- Make a capital payment on a loan: Mortgages, car loans, or personal loans
Note: You must redeem a minimum of 20 BONUSDOLLARS.
Statement credit
You can also use your BONUSDOLLARS to pay off a purchase on your card – but only in certain categories. To be eligible, your purchase must fall into one of the following categories:
- Restaurants
- Entertainment (e.g., shows, movies, attractions)
- Travel (e.g., plane tickets, accommodations)
- Alternative transportation (e.g., buses, commuter trains, taxis, metros, and public charging stations for electric vehicles)
- Charitable donations
Note: You have 60 days after the purchase to use your BONUSDOLLARS, even if you've already paid off your account balance.
How much are BONUSDOLLARS worth?
BONUSDOLLARS are worth the same amount regardless of the redemption option you select. This makes it easy to redeem rewards since you don't have to worry that you're losing out on value.
Desjardins sets a $1 BONUSDOLLAR = $1 CAD reward value.
Desjardins reward calculator
Unlike flexible rewards programs, it's fairly easy to figure out how much your Desjardins rewards are worth.
Nonetheless, we put together an easy-to-use calculator to show you exactly how much you'll get when you redeem your BONUSDOLLARS. Just enter the amount of BONUSDOLLARS you want to redeem, and you'll instantly see how much they're worth.
How to earn Desjardins BONUSDOLLARS
There's only one way to earn Desjardins rewards: spend money on a Desjardins credit card. Although you have 4 credit card options for earning BONUSDOLLARS, these are the best ones to choose from:
| Credit card | Rewards | Annual fee | Income requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard | * 3% cash back on groceries * 2% cash back on restaurants, entertainment, travel, and public transportation * 1% cash back on all other purchases | $130 | $80,000 personal or $150,000 household |
| Desjardins Visa Odyssey Gold | * 2% cash back on restaurants, entertainment, transit, travel, and pre-authorized payments * 0.65% cash back on all other purchases | $110 | None |
| Desjardins Bonus Visa | * 2% back on restaurants, entertainment, transportation, and bill payments * 0.5% back on all other purchases | $0 | None |
Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard
If you want a premium card with a lower annual fee, the Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard offers up to 3% in BONUSDOLLARS on select purchases. You'll still get perks like 9 types of insurance and World Elite Mastercard benefits, but you'll be on the hook for a much lower annual fee: just $130.
Desjardins Visa Odyssey Gold
If you don't meet the high income requirements mentioned above, the Desjardins Visa Odyssey Gold might be a good choice. It has no income requirements and an annual fee of $110, but you'll still earn up to 2% in BONUSDOLLARS on eligible spending.
Desjardins Bonus Visa
The final Desjardins option is its most basic card, the Desjardins Bonus Visa. Though it has the lowest earn rate – up to 2% on select categories and 0.5% on everything else – it also has no annual fee. Everything you earn goes directly into your pocket. Plus, as a cardholder, you'll still enjoy 8 types of included insurance coverage.
FAQ
What are BONUSDOLLARS?
BONUSDOLLARS are the reward currency of the loyalty program operated by Desjardins. You'll earn BONUSDOLLARS for using Desjardins credit cards. When you redeem your rewards, each BONUSDOLLAR is worth $1 CAD, regardless of which redemption option you choose.
How do I use my Desjardins BONUSDOLLARS?
You can put your BONUSDOLLARS towards gift cards of almost any kind, pay off specific purchases through a statement credit, or apply them toward financial products and services, like insurance coverage, Desjardins savings accounts, or financing for mortgages, car loans, and personal loans.
Do Desjardins BONUSDOLLARS expire?
If you haven't made a purchase with your Desjardins credit card in the last 12 months, your account is considered inactive, and your points will expire. However, Desjardins will notify you 30 days before your accounts expire, so you can make a purchase and keep them.
What is the Desjardins Bonus Visa?
The Desjardins Bonus Visa is a no-fee Desjardins credit card that allows you to earn up to 2% back on restaurants, entertainment, transportation, and bill payments. All other purchases earn 0.5% back. While the card doesn't have a welcome bonus, it comes with a pretty solid insurance package.
Is BONUSDOLLARS a good rewards program?
The Desjardins BONUSDOLLARS program is simple, though not as lucrative as alternatives. BONUSDOLLARS have redemption options with consistent value across the board, which is rare for rewards programs. If you hold a Desjardins credit card, there's no downside to collecting BONUSDOLLARS – but the program isn't compelling enough to justify applying just for BONUSDOLLARS.
creditcardGenius is the only tool that compares 126+ features of 233 Canadian credit cards using math-based ratings and rankings that respond to your needs, instantly. Take our quiz and see which of Canada's 233 cards is for you.
GC: 
Comments
Leave a comment
Required fields are marked with *. Your email address will not be published.
Showing 11 comments