How to Maximize the DQ Rewards Program

DQ Rewards is Dairy Queen Canada's free loyalty program that lets members earn points on eligible purchases, redeem them for free menu items, and access app-exclusive offers. It also includes a birthday reward, bonus point opportunities, and games and challenges that can help you earn rewards even faster.

The best part? Rewards start at just 150 points, so you won't have to spend months collecting before getting something back. You'll hit 150 points after spending just $15.

This article reviews the DQ Rewards program, including discussions on how to earn points, how to redeem them, and what they're worth.

What is DQ Rewards?

DQ Rewards is a popular loyalty program for Canadians that helps members save on Blizzards, sundaes, burgers, and other tasty treats. Along with earning points, members receive:

• App-exclusive coupons
• Bonus offers
• Occasional promos for free delivery
• A birthday surprise

One thing to keep in mind is that DQ Rewards points expire after 365 days, so you should redeem them regularly rather than letting them sit in your account.

If you're a fan of restaurant rewards programs, DQ Rewards is an easy one to add to your rotation.

Overview

Currency: DQ Points

Redemption options: Free menu items

Pros:

• Free to join
• Earn 10 points per $1 spent
• Rewards start at just 150 points
• Birthday reward every year
• Regular bonus offers and in-app exclusive deals
• Points can be earned on delivery orders placed through the DQ app
• Bonus points earned for referrals
• Receipt-scan feature to earn missed points

Cons:

• Points expire after one year
• Rewards are limited to Dairy Queen purchases
• No co-branded credit card to help earn

What are DQ Rewards points worth?

While exact values vary, DQ Rewards points are worth about 1.62 cents per point (CPP).

We used the following formula to determine the value of DQ Rewards points:

Value of reward in CAD / cost of reward in points x 100 = value in cents per point (CPP)

Of the options we checked, the best redemption value is for a Dilly Bar – it's worth 2.59 CPP. But at 1.05 CPP, the least valuable redemption option is an 8" Blizzard Cake. Prices vary from location to location, but based on our research, this is how much value you get for your points for some popular DQ menu items:

<sup>* Based on prices for a location in Dartmouth, NS

How to earn DQ Rewards

You can earn DQ Rewards points in several different ways, though you'll always earn 10 points per $1 spent. These are the ways you can earn rewards:

• Buying food or treats at participating DQ locations
• Ordering through the DQ app or website
• Ordering eligible delivery through the DQ app
• Completing app challenges
• Participating in games and sweepstakes
• Taking advantage of bonus point promotions

Every eligible purchase helps build your DQ Rewards points balance, and the app regularly offers promos and additional ways to collect bonus points.

While there isn't a DQ Rewards co-branded credit card available in Canada, there are several excellent restaurant credit cards that can help stretch your dollars even further when ordering your Dairy Queen treats.

DQ purchases and delivery

Every eligible purchase earns 10 DQ points per $1 spent. If you prefer delivery, ordering directly through the DQ app still allows you to earn points.

Members also periodically receive promotions, such as free delivery days, so it's worth checking the app before placing an order.

Bonus offers and challenges

The DQ app offers extra earning opportunities, including:

• Regular bonus-point events
• Exclusive coupons
• Limited-time promotions
• Games
• Challenges
• Sweepstakes

These promotions change often, so make sure you check the app before ordering.

How to redeem DQ Rewards

You can redeem your DQ Rewards points by ordering food through the app or at the counter at a participating DQ restaurant. The average redemption value is 1.62 CPP.

As mentioned above, our tests showed that you'll get top value – 2.59 CPP – by redeeming for a Dilly Bar, and 8" Blizzard Cakes provide the worst value, at just 1.05 CPP.

This is how to go about redeeming your DQ Rewards points:

• Order ahead through the DQ app. Apply the available reward at checkout
• Sign in to your DQ Rewards account online, then place an order.
• Visit a participating DQ restaurant, open your DQ app, and select the reward you want to redeem. Present the app, showing the reward barcode for the staff member to scan.
• Activate eligible offers in the app before paying to redeem special promotions or bonus rewards

You may also have "unlocked" rewards. You can view these by tapping "Scan" in the upper right corner of the Order or Rewards tab – if you do have unlocked rewards, a number will appear next to the "Scan To Redeem" link at the top of the page, showing how many you have available.

Simply tap Scan To Redeem to see the unlocked options.

Food at DQ

DQ Rewards can be used for nearly all items on the Dairy Queen menu, though you can only choose from the items featured on the app at any given time. Not all items are available for redemption at all times, but there's always a decent variety of options available.

At the time of writing, these are some of the items available for redemption:

• DQ Sandwich
• Dilly Bar
• Vanilla Cone
• Dipped Cone
• Fries
• Onion Rings
• Shake
• Blizzard Treat
• Kids' Meal
• Double Original Cheeseburger
• Chicken Strip Basket
• Treatzza Pizza
• DQ Cake
• Blizzard Cake

Redemption options are organized by value, starting at just 150 points and going up to 4,000 points.

Is DQ Rewards worth it?

The DQ Rewards program is free, rewards are easy to earn, and redemption thresholds are pretty low – so yes, it's definitely a worthwhile program. Add in regular app promotions and a birthday reward, and it's one of the stronger restaurant loyalty programs available in Canada.

If Dairy Queen is one of your regular summer stops, there's really no downside to becoming a DQ Rewards member.

FAQ

How do Dairy Queen Rewards work?

With DQ Rewards, members can order through the app or scan their unique barcode when ordering at participating restaurants to earn points. Points can also be earned through exclusive app offers and bonus promotions, and birthday treats are awarded too. Points can later be redeemed for featured food, drinks, and ice cream treats.

How many DQ points do you earn per $1?

DQ Rewards members earn 10 points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made through the DQ app, website, or at participating restaurants. These points add up quickly, helping you unlock free menu items and rewards faster. There aren't any DQ-branded credit cards available, but you can use rewards and/or restaurant cards to maximize the value of your purchases.

What is the DQ birthday reward?

DQ Rewards members receive a special birthday reward each year. The exact offer varies by person and location, and certain promos may affect it. Typically, though, your reward will appear in the DQ app around your birthday and can be redeemed during the promotional period.

Do DQ Rewards points expire?

Yes, DQ Rewards points expire 365 days after they're earned. To make the most of your points, it's a good idea to check your balance regularly through the app and use your oldest points first. Staying on top of this simple habit can help you avoid losing any rewards you've worked hard to earn.

Can you tell me how to get a DQ Blizzard for 85 cents?

The 85-cent Blizzard deal was a limited-time promotion DQ ran to celebrate its 85th anniversary. Unfortunately, that offer has since expired and is no longer available. The good news is that DQ regularly rolls out new deals and promotions, so keep an eye on the app to catch the next big savings opportunity.

Can you tell me how to get a free Blizzard from Dairy Queen?

The easiest way to score a free Blizzard is by collecting enough DQ Rewards points through everyday purchases, then redeeming them for a Blizzard in the app. Beyond points, Dairy Queen also occasionally rolls out special promotions offering free or discounted Blizzards exclusively to DQ Rewards members, so it pays to check in often.