Some surprising news in the world of gas station loyalty programs today! Esso announced today they will be ending the Esso Extra program as they move to join the PC Optimum program full time. There are giving members a lot of extra notice which is great as the Esso Extra program won’t end until January 17, 2022.
This news comes as a surprise as recent trends in the world of loyalty programs has seen merchants create and run their own programs rather than join a bigger or separate program. Granted Esso Extra wasn’t part of the recent trend as its been around for quite a long time now and they have been a PC Optimum partner for several years now as well. Customers could choose which program to earn points in when filling up at Esso or buying products from their convenience stores. I would guess that Esso saw more customers choosing to earn PC Optimum points instead of Esso Extra points at their stations so decided this was the best move.
As of today (June 17, 2021) you will no longer be able to join Esso Extra or EXTRA PRIVILEGES however current members can continue to earn and redeem points right up to January 17, 2022. You’ll also be able to convert your Esso Extra to PC Optimum points and they are providing an extra window from January 18, 2022 to April 30, 2022 to do so. You will get 6 PC Optimum points for every 1 Esso Extra point when you convert.
Once January 18, 2022 comes you’ll then continue to earn PC Optimum points as Esso but then also be able to redeem your points at Esso as well. There are no details just yet as to what the redemption rates will be at Esso. Once we learn those details we’ll be sure to pass them along to you!