Aeroplan vs Rakuten vs GCR in Canada: Cash or Points?
Choose between Aeroplan eStore, Rakuten Canada and Great Canadian Rebates by comparing the eligible offer for your purchase, the reward you want and when you can use it. Rakuten and GCR offer cash back; Aeroplan eStore offers points. No portal is the highest-paying option for every store and every purchase.
Start with our live store comparisons, then use the differences below to decide which eligible offer suits you.
Cash and points at a glance
| Factor | Rakuten Canada | Great Canadian Rebates | Aeroplan eStore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reward | Cash back | Cash back | Aeroplan points |
| Timing | Quarterly payout schedule | Monthly near the 28th, after the 58-day hold | Points for redemption; check the current earning terms |
| Minimum | $5.01 qualifying cash back; bonus rewards excluded from the minimum | $12 for PayPal or direct deposit; eGift cards start at $10 and depend on the card | Not a cash withdrawal program |
| Decision | Is the eligible cash rate competitive? | Is the eligible cash rate competitive, with a payout method that suits you? | Is the expected redemption worth more to you than the cash alternative? |
Payment details come from Rakuten's Canadian FAQ and GCR's FAQ. GCR payments are automatic when its conditions are met; they are not on-demand withdrawals. See Air Canada's eStore overview for its shopping program.
A purchase example
Imagine the same eligible $500 purchase has these offers:
- 3% cash back: $15.
- 2.5% cash back: $12.50.
- 2 Aeroplan points per dollar: 1,000 points.
These rates are illustrative. The points option matches $15 only if you obtain 1.5 cents of value per point. At 1 cent per point, the points are worth $10 to you instead. Use the redemption you expect to make, including its costs, rather than treating a points total as cash.
The comparison also depends on the eligible purchase amount. Check exclusions before multiplying the headline rate by your entire basket. A larger advertised rate can apply to a narrower product category.
Compare the restrictions on the same basket
Open the store's current offer on each provider you are considering. Check product categories, customer eligibility, coupon restrictions and the treatment of subscriptions or gift cards. Confirm that the merchant serves your address and compare the final price, including shipping.
A useful first step is a retailer you already know: compare PetSmart offers or Kobo offers, then read the provider's conditions for your item. Keep the chosen offer and order confirmation together in case you need to ask about tracking.
Choose based on the purchase you plan to make
Cash can be easier to compare because the amount is stated in dollars. Points may suit someone with a specific redemption in mind. Neither consideration removes the need to check eligibility and current rates.
For provider-specific questions, use our GCR guide, Rakuten guide and cashback tracking checklist. If you are comparing more options, start with the Canadian cashback sites guide.
Canada Cashback Monitor may earn a commission from partner links. Compare the offers on their merits and verify current terms before buying; the examples above are not promises of a current rate or a successful payout.