The Esso Extra Program Is Being Retired

There have been some big changes in the loyalty program department lately, with many retailers opting out of coalition programs (hello Air Miles).

And now Esso has some big news in this department too.

Esso Extra program ending on January 17, 2022

The Esso Extra program will be replaced starting on January 18, 2022.

However, unlike other stores that start their own program after leaving a coalition program, Esso is doing the opposite – dropping their own program in favour of something else.

In its place, Esso will be moving forward exclusively with PC Optimum as their loyalty program, which they’ve also been partnered with since 2018.

So, here are some questions you may have, and the answers to them. Esso has a full page setup dedicated to this change.

If you don’t have an Esso Extra card, you won’t be able to get one now – enrollment is closed for new members.

What happens to my points?

As of right now, nothing is changing. You can continue to both earn and redeem Esso Extra points until January 17, 2022.

After that date, you’ll be able to convert any remaining points to PC Optimum between January 18 and April 30, 2022. After that, if there are any remaining Esso Extra points in your account, they will be lost.

Right now, it appears as though 1 Esso Extra point will be worth 6 Optimum points.

Esso will provide full details later on making the conversion. If you don’t have a PC Optimum account, you’ll need to sign up for one – you can do so here.

Will Esso be changing what you can redeem PC Optimum points for at Esso stations?

Right now, you can’t redeem PC points at Esso stations, they can only be earned. That said, they sometimes have some occasions where PC Optimum points could be redeemed for fuel at Esso – but these aren’t the norm.

However, that will change on January 18, 2022. You will be able to redeem PC points for gas and car washes. Details will come on how many points you’ll need for these redemption options at a later date.

What will be happening to the Esso Extra privileges program?

Unfortunately, the Esso Extra Privileges program will also be ending on January 17, 2022. If you use this for some extra savings on fuel, it won’t be available anymore.

Here’s hoping Esso has some kind of replacement for it.

All about PC Optimum

It’s not great seeing one loyalty program ending, but PC Optimum is a top-notch rewards program with easy to use points.

If you’re new to PC Optimum, here’s a brief overview.

PC Optimum is the loyalty program for Loblaws. You can both earn and redeem points at Loblaws banner stores (which include stores such as Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, and Atlantic Superstore), as well as at Shoppers Drug Mart (and Esso soon).

Earning PC Optimum points

How you earn points varies by merchant.

For Loblaws stores, you earn points via weekly customized offers on various products.

At Shoppers, you earn 15 points for every $1 spent, as well as points on personalized offers.

And at Esso, you earn 10 points per litre on fuel, and 10 points per $1 spent on eligible convenience store purchases.

Redeeming PC Optimum points

When it comes to redeeming points at Loblaws and Shoppers, 10 points gives you $1 off your purchase, and you can only redeem points in $10 increments.

As to what Esso will offer, we’ll see, but we believe they’ll have a similar structure for redeeming points. As it stands now, you can’t redeem your PC Optimum points at Esso.

You can see our full guide to PC Optimum here.

Your turn

While one program is closing, Esso already has its replacement on hand.

And with PC Optimum, you’ve got more stores you can use your points at.

What are your thoughts on Esso Extra coming to a close?

Let us know in the comments below.