Points Pulse for Feb. 9, 2026: Shell partners with Scene+, WestJet travellers can now BNPL
In this edition of NerdWallet Canada’s Points Pulse series:
Fly now, pay later: WestJet rolls out BNPL plans
On Jan. 15, 2026, WestJet announced a shiny new buy now, pay later (BNPL) partnership that lets travellers split payments into smaller monthly installments. Flex Pay, now available in WestJet’s online booking platform, can be used to cover the cost of tickets, seat upgrades and baggage fees with terms that span three, six, nine, 11 or 18-month terms. You can earn WestJet points on dollars spent through the program, too.
Program access is pretty frictionless. Travellers select “Pay Monthly” at checkout, enter some personal information and receive an immediate decision. Approval isn’t guaranteed, though, and accepting an offer results in a hard credit check, which can impact your credit score.
You’ll be charged interest, too. Rates range from 14.99% to an eye-watering 34.99%, though WestJet says promotional financing may occasionally be available for as little as 0% APR.
I’m not surprised to see WestJet rolling out the red carpet for Flex Pay. BNPL programs are becoming more ubiquitous across the payment processing landscape. Plus, this helps WestJet compete with Air Canada and Porter — both of which already offer Flex Pay.
Nerdy take: There are no late fees or prepayment penalties associated with WestJet’s new BNPL program, but that hardly matters if you’re paying nearly 35% interest on what you owe. Splitting high-ticket airfare into smaller, bite-sized chunks may help the financial burden feel more manageable, but at what cost? Flex Pay’s considerably steep interest rates mean you’ll pay more in the long run than you would have upfront.
Shell changes lanes from Air Miles to Scene+
In Dec. 2025, Shell ended its fuel discount partnership with BMO and Air Miles before shortly thereafter announcing a new deal with Scene+. Bad news for BMO cardholders and Air Miles collectors — good news for Scotiabank and Tangerine customers.
Cardholder perks, including fuel discounts and Scene+ points earned on dollars spent at Shell, will be available on eligible Scotiabank and Tangerine cards for Albertans on Mar. 3, 2026 and nationwide by May 26, 2026.
It’s also worth noting that Air Miles collectors won’t be able to earn or redeem Air Miles at Shell beyond Mar. 2, 2026, for Albertans and May 26, 2026, for the rest of Canada, so if you’ve got Miles to burn at Shell, spend ‘em while you can.
Save more at the pump with the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card. Starting May 26, 2026, cardholders get extra fuel value at participating Shell stations. In the meantime, earn 10% cash back for your first 2 months (up to $100). After that, get unlimited 2% cash back in up to three categories, including gas, with a Tangerine Savings Account, plus 0.5% back on everything else. Click Apply Now for details.
Nerdy take: If you’re a Scotiabank or Tangerine cardholder, there’s not much to do besides hold tight and wait for the new perks to roll out. BMO cardholders lamenting the loss of Shell discounts may want to consider gas credit card alternatives, though.
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Shannon Terrell
Shannon Terrell