You have entered into a rewards program agreement with a loyalty program merchant that has a specific term. The merchant may not change an essential element of the agreement without your consent.

Temporary changes that are to your advantage

In the agreement, the merchant may provide for the possibility of temporarily changing an essential element of the agreement, only if that change is to your advantage.

For example, during a given week, the merchant could decide to double the exchange units (points, dollars, stamps, etc.) received with a purchase.

Changing a non-essential element of an agreement

A merchant may provide for the possibility of changing a non-essential element of the agreement without your consent, but only if the agreement also includes:

• the elements of the agreement that can be changed;
• the fact that a written notice that includes, among other things, the date on which the change comes into effect would be sent to you at least 30 days before that date;
• information according to which you can terminate the agreement, free of any charges or penalties, by sending a written notice to the merchant no later than 30 days after the change comes into effect, if it increases your obligations or decreases those of the merchant.

Exemptions for "small" programs

Some merchants are not required to abide by the rules provided for by law that govern rewards programs. Refer to the page on programs not covered.