Scene+ Rewards Guide: Free Movies and More

Scene+ has evolved far beyond its origins as a movie rewards program. Now partnered with Scotiabank, Empire Company (Sobeys, FreshCo, Safeway), and Cineplex, Scene+ is one of Canada's most versatile loyalty programs. Here's how to maximize your points for free entertainment, groceries, and more.

How Scene+ Points Work

Scene+ points are earned through Cineplex purchases, Sobeys-family grocery stores, Scotiabank financial products, and various retail partners. The base earn rate varies by partner, but the key value proposition is the breadth of earning and redemption options. One thousand points equals roughly ten dollars in value depending on redemption method.

Sign up for a free Scene+ account online or through the app. Link your existing Sobeys or Cineplex accounts to consolidate your points. If you're a Scotiabank customer, linking your Scene+ card to your bank accounts and credit cards dramatically accelerates your earning rate.

Earning Points on Groceries

Shopping at Sobeys, FreshCo, Safeway, Foodland, and other Empire banner stores earns Scene+ points on every purchase. Base earn rates are modest, but weekly bonus offers in the store flyer and personalized app offers significantly boost your accumulation. Load digital offers in the Scene+ app before every grocery trip.

Watch for bonus points events where specific product categories or spending thresholds unlock accelerated earning. Sobeys' weekly flyers often feature products with bonus Scene+ points that make them better value than competing stores, even when the shelf price appears higher.

Scotiabank Partnership

Scotiabank credit cards and bank accounts earn Scene+ points on everyday spending. The Scotiabank Gold American Express earns five points per dollar at grocery stores and restaurants, and one point per dollar everywhere else. Over a year of normal spending, this can accumulate tens of thousands of bonus points.

Scene+ Visa Debit from Scotiabank earns points on debit purchases — a rare feature among Canadian loyalty programs. Even your bank account can earn points through Scotiabank's Scene+ banking offers. If you're not a Scotiabank customer, the loyalty program alone may justify switching.

Free Movie Strategies

A regular Cineplex movie ticket costs roughly 1,250 Scene+ points, making it one of the best-value redemption options. IMAX and premium format tickets cost more points but still represent good value. Tuesday discount days still apply to points redemptions, meaning you can see movies for fewer points on Tuesdays at select locations.

Combine Scene+ free movie tickets with Cineplex promotions like Scene+ member pricing on concessions. Some locations offer discounted popcorn and drinks for Scene+ members, further reducing the cost of a night at the movies.

Beyond Movies

Scene+ points can be redeemed for Sobeys groceries, Expedia travel bookings, gift cards from major retailers, and merchandise. The travel redemption through Expedia can offer strong value for flights and hotels. Compare redemption rates across categories before spending your points to ensure you're getting the best value. Grocery redemption during bonus events often provides the highest per-point return.