Cancelling Grocery Reward Cards After a Death in Canada

In the event of a loved one's passing, managing their affairs becomes a critical responsibility for the executor or family members. Among the various tasks involved, canceling or transferring grocery reward cards is an essential but often overlooked aspect. These cards, offering discounts, points, or other benefits on grocery purchases, may need to be addressed to prevent any misuse or to transfer accumulated rewards to the appropriate beneficiaries.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the steps involved in canceling or transferring grocery reward cards after a death in Canada, providing specific examples and instructions for some of the most common grocery reward programs.

Understanding Grocery Reward Cards

Grocery reward cards are loyalty programs offered by various supermarkets and grocery chains across Canada. These programs typically offer benefits such as discounts on purchases, points accumulation for future rewards, cashback, or special promotions exclusive to members. Examples of popular grocery reward cards include the PC Optimum program by Loblaw Companies Limited, Air Miles offered by various retailers, and the More Rewards program by Save-On-Foods.

Step 1: Gather Necessary Information

Before proceeding with the cancellation or transfer of grocery reward cards, gather all relevant information related to the deceased's membership accounts. This may include physical cards, account numbers, login credentials for online accounts, and any documentation related to the reward program.

Step 2: Contacting the Grocery Retailer

The first step in canceling or transferring a grocery reward card is to contact the respective grocery retailer or customer service department associated with the reward program. Provide them with the necessary information, including the deceased's name, account number, and any other details requested.

PC Optimum Program (Loblaw Companies Limited):

• To cancel or transfer a PC Optimum account, contact the PC Optimum customer service team at 1-866-727-6468. Provide them with the necessary information, and they will assist you in canceling or transferring the account balance.

Air Miles:

• To cancel or transfer Air Miles rewards, contact the Air Miles customer service team at 1-888-AIR-MILES (1-888-247-6453). They will guide you through the process of canceling or transferring the Air Miles account balance.

More Rewards (Save-On-Foods):

• For More Rewards program inquiries, contact Save-On-Foods customer service at 1-800-242-9229. They will provide assistance in canceling or transferring the More Rewards account balance.

Longo's Thank You Rewards:

• Longo's Thank You Rewards program offers points for every dollar spent at Longo's grocery stores. Points can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases, free products, or special promotions. To cancel or transfer a Longo's Thank You Rewards account, contact Longo's customer service at the respective store or through their website.

No Frills PC Optimum Program:

• No Frills is part of the PC Optimum program, which allows members to earn points on purchases at participating stores, including No Frills locations. Points can be redeemed for discounts on groceries and other merchandise. To cancel or transfer a PC Optimum account associated with No Frills, contact PC Optimum customer service at 1-866-727-6468.

Metro & More Rewards:

• Metro grocery stores offer the More Rewards program, which allows members to earn points on purchases at Metro locations. Points can be redeemed for discounts, free products, or other rewards. To cancel or transfer a More Rewards account associated with Metro, contact Metro customer service at 1-833-505-3777.

Sobeys Air Miles:

• Sobeys is part of the Air Miles program, which allows members to earn Air Miles on purchases at Sobeys grocery stores. Air Miles can be redeemed for flights, merchandise, or other rewards. To cancel or transfer an Air Miles account associated with Sobeys, contact Air Miles customer service at 1-888-AIR-MILES (1-888-247-6453)

These are just a few examples of grocery store rewards programs available in Canada. Each program may have its own set of benefits, earning rates, and redemption options, so it's essential to review the terms and conditions of each program before enrolling or making purchases.

Step 3: Provide Documentation

In some cases, the grocery retailer may require documentation to process the cancellation or transfer request. This may include a copy of the death certificate, proof of executorship or legal authority, and any other relevant documents requested by the retailer.

Step 4: Confirm Cancellation or Transfer

Once the cancellation or transfer request has been processed, confirm with the grocery retailer that the account has been successfully canceled or transferred. Obtain confirmation in writing if possible, and keep records of all communication related to the process.

Step 5: Dispose of Physical Cards

If the grocery reward cards are physical cards, safely dispose of them to prevent any potential misuse. Shred or destroy the cards to ensure that personal information is protected.

Canceling or transferring grocery reward cards after a death in Canada is an important administrative task that ensures the deceased's affairs are properly managed. By following the steps outlined in this guide and contacting the respective grocery retailers or reward program providers, you can effectively cancel or transfer the accounts and prevent any potential misuse of the rewards.

Remember to gather all necessary information, provide documentation as required, and confirm the cancellation or transfer to ensure a smooth process.

At Eirene, we believe that end-of-life planning should be comforting, transparent, and dignified. Too often, families struggle with the chaos, opacity, and expense of conventional funeral arrangements. We envision a better way - one centered on the belief that the end of life deserves as much beauty, grace, and meaning as the moments that came before.