Rundown of the Scene Program (updated December 6, 2021)
It has been over 2 years since our last full rundown of the Scene Rewards program (minus a feature update). So we are long overdue for an update, so let’s get going.
Expiry Policy
As with most rundowns of loyalty programs that do, we start with the expiry policy, since this seems to be a big issues for anyone looking to get the ball rolling into the miles and points world.
Scene points has a fairly standard expiry policy where points do not expire if there is an activity (earn or redeem) once every 24 months. As you will see throughout the rest of the post, it is fairly easy to keep the points active with its variety of options. Not to mention that cashing in those hard earned points also resets the clock for 24 months.
Earning Points
This year, there was a significant change to its earning ratios for spending at the movie theatre. In the past, there was a fixed earnings program where points earned were not correlated to spending. For example, going to the movies would net you 100 points, regardless of the cost of the movie ticket.
Now, points are earned based on the dollars spent.
Cineplex and Partners
Below are the current earning methods when spending at Cineplex theatres.
- Earn 5 points for every $1 spent on buying or rent movies, as well as movie tickets, food and drinks at Cineplex theatres
- Earn 1 point for every $1 spent at The Rec Room and Playdium
- Earn 1 point for every $5 spent on The Ultimate Dining gift cards
On the one hand, I do miss the old system, because regardless of how much you paid for a movie ticket, you earned the same number of points. This is especially valuable when going out on Tuesday nights. However, we may feel short changed when paying the more expensive Saturday night tickets.
On the other hand, this new system is more fair to everyone, because it rewards members based on spending.
Co-Branded Credit Card
Currently, Scotiabank is running a promotion where new credit card holders can earn double the regular sign up bonus (5,000 instead of 2,500) with the co-branded Scotiabank SCENE Visa card, which has the following highlights:
- No annual fee
- Earn 5,000 sign up bonus Scene points after spending $750 in the first 3 months (apply before February 28, 2022)
- Earn 5 Scene points for every $1 spent at Cineplex Entertainment theatre or online
- Earn 1 Scene point for every $1 spent on all other purchases
- Have at least $12,000 in personal annual income
This card is a no-brainer for movie goers, especially since there is no annual fee. Furthermore, most data points indicate that it is a once-in-a-lifetime sign up bonus per Scene account member. So do not expect much in terms of churning. This is really a hold long term type of card that you would only really use when you are benefiting from the 5 points per dollar earning ratio.
There is a student version of the card Scotiabank Scene Visa Student Card with a lower 1,250 sign up bonus.
Scene+
On or before December 31, 2021, SCENE will become Scene+, which can turn out to be a very lucrative change to the program. Once fully converted, we will see a major expansion to the Scene program, which more features and benefits (yes… including potential travel rewards).
For now, we are already seeing some integration. Below is a list of a credit cards that offer Scene+ points:
- Scotiabank Gold American Express Card ($120 annual fee, earn 40,000 sign up bonus Scene+ points, apply before January 1, 2022 during the current promotion)
- Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card ($139 annual fee waived, earn 30,000 sign up bonus Scene+ points, apply before February 28, 2022 during the current promotion)
- Scotiabank American Express Platinum Card ($399 annual fee, earn 30,000 sign up bonus Scene+ points)
- Scotiabank American Express Card (no annual fee, earn 5,000 sign up bonus Scene+ points)
- Scotiagold Passport Visa Card ($110 annual fee, earn 5,000 sign up bonus Scene+ points)
Debit Card
Rarely in Canada do we earn points using a debit card. But the Scotiabank Scene Debit Card is a great exception where cardholders can earn Scene points. Below are the highlights of the card:
- Earn 1 Scene point for every $1 spent at Cineplex theatres and online
- Earn 1 Scene point for every $5 spent on all other purchases
Restaurant Partners
In addition to Scotiabank, Scene partners with restaurants where members can earn 1 point for every $3 spent on the purchase of food and beverages (excluding alcohol where required by law), less all taxes, gratuities and service or delivery charges.
Below is a list of restaurant partners:
- Bier Markt
- D’Arcy McGee’s
- East Side Mario’s
- Fionn MacCool’s
- Harvey’s
- Kelsey’s Original Roadhouse
- Montana’s BBQ & Bar
- Paddy Flaherty’s
- Swiss Chalet
- Tir nan Òg
Watch for bonus promotions to rack up even more points. You generally must register for these promotions inside of your Scene membership account.
The Rec Room and Playdium also allow Scene members to earn 1 point for every $1 spent at these two locations.
Just like the restaurant bonuses mentioned above, log into your Scene account if you have a trip planned to either of these two locations to see if there is a current promotion available that you can register for.
Redeeming Points
There are many options to redeem Scene points and it looks like they will be expanding to even more options. For now, these are the current reward options.
Cineplex
- Redeem 2,500 points for a free VIP movie ticket
- Redeem 2,000 points for a free Enhanced movie ticket
- Redeem 1,250 points for a free General Admission or 3D movie ticket
- Redeem 500 points for $5 off food & drink at the movies
- Redeem 100 points for $1 movies from home
Other Partners
- Redeem 1,000 points for $10 at The Rec Room
- Redeem 500 points for $5 off at restaurant partners mentioned above, as well as Playdium
- Redeem various points for other retail partner e-gift cards
Thoughts
I have been a huge fan of the Scene program since it was introduced. One of my predictions at the beginning of this year was that there will be a loyalty program in Canada that will have a major breakthrough. The jury is still out, but it looks like Scene+ may be that program.
Expect to see an expansion into the travel sphere with the Scene+ program, which has the potential to take Scene+ to another level, considering they have the backing of Scotiabank and its host of co-branded credit card.
Either way, I am just enjoying the ride as they release more details in the coming months. It will be existing to see what they have to offer.
What are you hoping to see with the Scene+ program? Please share your thoughts with us in the comment section below!