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Keeping up with schooling and living expenses can be really daunting sometimes. The Student Price Card (SPC Card) is a discount program that helps Canadian students save money on necessities.
If you have an SPC Card and are a full-time student, you can get discounts at almost 6,000 places in Canada. With this card, you can save more than 10% off your total.
Your student discount kicks in when you want to purchase things. This could be food, clothes, or even gadgets. You don’t have to worry about overspending when you shop.
Learn how the Student Price Card works in this article. We’ve also included the price of getting a card and the stores that accept it.
What is the SPC Card?
The student price card is a special card for students that gives you incredible discounts at lots of stores in Canada. You can save money on food, clothes, movies, and concerts with your student card. You can get the card for free for all Canadian college and university students.
If you have a student price card, you can save around 10% on things you buy at certain stores. Another great thing about owning an SPC is the points you earn when you trade for gift cards or merchandise.
How does the SPC Card work?
The student price card is a membership program. When you get the card, you can use it to get discounts, usually ranging from 10% to 50% off the regular prices. You must show your card when you buy something in a store or online to get these discounts.
The store checks your card and gives you a discount if the card is valid. The discount is taken off the total cost, so you save money immediately.
How much is an SPC Card?
A student price card costs a nominal fee, a small investment considering the potential savings it can offer throughout the year. As of the last available data, the card was priced at around $10 to $15 CAD. Given the scope of discounts available, the card often pays for itself after just a few uses.
How to get an SPC Card
Acquiring a student price card is a hassle-free process. However, you must be enrolled in a full-time or part-time program at a Canadian university, college, or CEGEP. As a legal student, you can apply for the student price card through the following channels:
- Online Purchase: Students can visit the official student price card website and purchase a card online. After completing the registration process and payment, the card will be shipped to the provided address.
- In-Store Purchase: Many retail partners that accept the student price card sell it in their physical stores. Students can inquire at these locations and purchase the card on the spot.
- CIBC: You can get a free student price card with a CIBC bank account.
- School Campaigns: Educational institutions sometimes collaborate with student price cards to run campaigns, allowing students to buy the card directly from their campuses.
- Promotional Events: Student price cards may participate in student-oriented events, fairs, or exhibitions, providing students with the chance to sign up for the card on-site.
Once approved, you can use your student price card to save 10% on regular-priced items at participating stores. You can rack up points toward future discounts or other perks for all your purchases.
How to get student price card online
Getting a student price card online is as easy as visiting the official website. Here’s a step-by-step process on how to get your student price card:
- Visit the website
- Click on Join Now to create your account.
- Sign up with your email, Google account, or Facebook account
- Fill out a quick form with your birthdate, gender, and other personal information
- Purchase your membership (currently priced at $11.99).
Remember, you can’t get your money back if you join SPC. Before buying a card, make sure the stores you like to visit are on the list of places to use it.
How to get the student price card for free
If you thought the $11.99 price was a bit much, you’re not the only one. Some students might not have enough money to pay for the discount card. In Canada, SPC and CIBC work together to give SPC+ and CIBC access to people who use CIBC’s banking services.
If you’re a student with a CIBC product or plan to get one, you’ll get a free SPC membership. You can also get special deals, contests, and promotions while enjoying CIBC’s perks and benefits for student accounts.
How to activate SPC membership
After purchasing your card from a retail shop or a school campaign, you’d need to activate it to enjoy its benefits. Follow the following steps to start using a digital membership:
- Visit the SPC website and log into your account
- Click on Activate at the top of the page
- Enter your 16-digit membership number and CSV.
Alternatively, you can also start your membership by doing what it says in these instructions that come with your membership package:
- To begin the activation process, use your phone to scan the QR code on the SPC package.
- Use your phone to scan the square bar code on the package to get a special website link.
- Next, type in the CSV number on the package, and your 16-digit membership number will show up immediately.
Who is eligible for SPC?
In Canada, college and university students can get SPC. You might need to show your student ID to get the deals, but all students can save money. If you’re younger than 13, you can’t join the SPC because of privacy issues.
The SPC app has a safe spot for your student ID. This way, you can easily show it in stores when they ask to see it and prove you’re a member. You can get the app by searching for “SPC Student Savings” in the App Store or Google Play.
Pros and cons of the SPC Card
Like any financial decision, getting a student price card has advantages and disadvantages.
Pros of the SPC Card
- Savings: This is the most noticeable benefit. The best part is that it applies to many products and services.
- Exclusive Offers: Student price card holders can access exclusive discounts unavailable to the general public.
- Variety: The Student Price Card’s partner network spans various industries, ensuring students enjoy discounts on frequently used items.
- Convenience: The card is easy to carry and use in-store and online.
- Potential for Long-Term Savings: The cumulative effect of multiple discounts can result in substantial long-term savings.
Cons of the SPC Card
- Membership Fee: While the card pays for itself through savings, some students may initially find the membership fee an extra expense.
- Participating Locations: Discounts are subject to participating locations, which may limit the card’s utility depending on the student’s location.
- Expiration: Student price cards typically have an annual expiration date, meaning students must renew their membership to enjoy discounts.
What stores accept SPC Cards?
One of the standout features of the student price card is its extensive network of participating retailers. A wide range of industries is represented, ensuring students can benefit from discounts on items that align with their needs and preferences. Some notable categories and examples of participating stores include:
- Fashion and Apparel: Popular clothing retailers like Forever 21, American Eagle, Addidas, and H&M offer discounts on trendy outfits and accessories.
- Technology and Electronics: Brands like Dell, Lenovo, and Samsung provide student-friendly deals on laptops, smartphones, and accessories.
- Dining and Food: Major fast-food chains like Burger King, Pizza Hut, and KFC, as well as local eateries, offer discounted meals and treats.
- Entertainment: Cineplex movie theatres and attractions like Canada’s Wonderland provide entertainment options with reduced admission prices.
- Beauty and Wellness: Sephora, The Body Shop, and other beauty retailers offer discounts on skincare, makeup, and grooming products.
- Travel and Transportation: Some travel partners offer discounted rates on flights and transportation services. You’ll also find some good deals on accommodations.
Keep in mind that this isn’t an exhaustive list. Also, new partners may join the SPC participation list. You can check the official student price card website for an up-to-date list of partners in your area.
Conclusion
Getting a Student Price Card can help you save on purchases while studying in Canada. It’s an excellent investment because you only get to renew your membership once a year. If you study in Canada, you should get a student price card to help reduce the financial burden.
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