The Verdict
Is It Worth It?
Honest, no-BS verdicts on common Canadian purchases and financial decisions. We do the math so you don't have to.
Air Miles vs Scene+: Which Canadian Loyalty Program Is Worth It?
Scene+ wins for everyday grocery and banking rewards. Air Miles is better if you shop heavily at specific partners like Shell, Sobeys, and Staples.
Best for: Scotiabank customers (Scene+ pairs with banking)
Is Amazon Prime Worth It in Canada?
Worth it if you order frequently
Best for: Families or households ordering 8+ times per year from Amazon
Are Annual Fee Credit Cards Worth It in Canada?
Worth it for heavy spenders and travellers
Best for: People spending $2,000+/month on credit cards who pay the balance in full
Is a CAA Membership Worth It in Canada?
Worth it if you drive regularly, especially an older vehicle. The peace of mind and discounts can justify the $80-170/year cost.
Best for: Drivers with older vehicles (5+ years)
Is a Costco Membership Worth It in Canada?
Worth it for families — savings stack across groceries, gas, and more
Best for: Families spending $200+/month on groceries with pantry and freezer space
Is a Dashcam Worth It in Canada?
One-time purchase, indefinite protection
Best for: Every Canadian driver — it’s a one-time purchase that protects you indefinitely
Is an Extended Car Warranty Worth It?
Rarely pays for itself
Best for: Buyers of European luxury brands with expensive repair histories (BMW, Mercedes, Audi)
Is a Gym Membership Worth It in Canada?
Only if you actually go consistently
Best for: People who go 3+ times per week consistently — the per-visit cost becomes very low
Is a Home Warranty Worth It in Canada?
For most Canadian homeowners, a home warranty is not worth the cost. An emergency fund is a better use of the $400-700/year premium.
Best for: Buyers of older homes (15+ years) with aging appliances
Are Meal Kit Services Worth It in Canada?
Costs 2–3x more than grocery shopping
Best for: People who currently order takeout 3+ times per week (meal kits are cheaper than delivery)
Is Buying a New Car Worth It?
Depreciation makes it a bad deal for most
Best for: People planning to keep the car for 10+ years, spreading depreciation over a long period
Is a NEXUS Card Worth It for Canadians?
At $50 for 5 years ($10/year), NEXUS pays for itself after one or two border crossings. It also gives you TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.
Best for: Anyone who crosses the Canada-US border regularly
Is the PC Optimum Program Worth It in Canada?
It's free to join and earns 1-15% back on purchases at Loblaws-owned stores. If you already shop there, not using it is literally leaving money on the shelf.
Best for: Anyone who shops at Loblaws, No Frills, or Superstore
Is Premium Gas Worth It?
No benefit for most cars
Best for: Only owners of vehicles where the manual says "premium required" (high-compression or turbocharged engines)
Are Streaming Subscriptions Worth It in Canada?
One or two services are usually worth it. Three or more and you are paying cable prices for content you barely watch.
Best for: Cord-cutters replacing cable TV
Is Tenant Insurance Worth It in Canada?
Essential protection at minimal cost
Best for: Every renter in Canada — the cost is minimal relative to the protection
Is a TFSA or RRSP Better?
Depends on your income level
Best for: TFSA first: Income under $55K, young workers early in career, anyone who needs flexibility to withdraw
Is Canadian Tire Triangle Select Worth It?
Great for regular CT shoppers and homeowners
Best for: Homeowners who shop Canadian Tire regularly for seasonal, automotive, and home maintenance items
Is Walmart Delivery Pass Worth It in Canada?
Great for families who order groceries online
Best for: Families who do weekly or biweekly online grocery orders
Are Winter Tires Worth It in Canada?
In most of Canada, winter tires are a safety essential that also save you money through insurance discounts and avoided accident costs.
Best for: Anyone driving in Canada from November to April