Frequently asked questions
SAQ Inspire
What is SAQ Inspire?
SAQ Inspire offers a personalized experience that evolves along with your preferences and enhances your discoveries. You can enjoy access to content that matches your tastes, as well as earn points that can be exchanged for discounts and other perks.
What are the advantages of signing up?
- Receive content related to your tastes and interests: tips, recipe ideas, new arrivals, contests, limited-time promotions, personalized offers and more.
- Earn points on all products purchased in an SAQ store or on SAQ.COM and the SAQ mobile application, and redeem them to reduce your bill.
- Consult your points balance, exclusive offers, purchase history and more in the My account section.
- Allow in-store employees to access your summarised profile for even more personalized service.
Is it free?
Yes! Signing up for SAQ Inspire doesn’t cost a cent.
Signing up
How can I register for SAQ Inspire?
Registration is done in-store (via a QR code) or online at saq.com. In-store, scan the QR code and fill out the form to receive a virtual card by email. Online or in the mobile app, fill out the registration form — your virtual card will then be available in the app. If you already have an SAQ.COM account, use the same email address.
Is there an age requirement?
You must be 18 or older to register.
I already have an SAQ.COM account. What happens when I register for SAQ Inspire?
Simply use the same email address as your existing SAQ.COM account to link everything together. If you use a different email address, a second SAQ.COM account will be created, which will prevent you from earning points on online orders through your original account.
Why do I need to provide my email address?
Your email address serves as your username for SAQ Inspire and SAQ.COM, and is where you’ll receive promotions, personalized offers, and event invitations. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Can I have a physical Inspire card?
Yes. The virtual card gives access to all Inspire services, but you can request a physical card at any SAQ store by presenting your virtual card. Up to two physical cards can be issued per account.
Can I register for SAQ Inspire without an email address?
No. An email address is required to register.
How can I be sure my personal information will remain confidential?
The SAQ processes your information carefully and in compliance with all confidentiality regulations. Please refer to the SAQ confidentiality policy for full details.
I have a liquor permit. Can I register?
No. SAQ Inspire is available to individuals only. Permit holders, companies, associations, and other legal entities cannot register or participate.
I am not a Quebec resident. Can I still register?
Yes! As long as you are 18 or older and acting as an individual, you can register and enjoy all SAQ Inspire benefits regardless of your province or country of residence.
Earning SAQ Inspire Points
What’s the difference between base points and bonus points?
Base points are earned for every dollar of the net value spent on eligible purchases. Bonus points are awarded on top of base points during promotional offers — the number varies depending on the promotion.
How many base points can I earn?
You earn 5 points for each dollar of net value spent at any SAQ banner, on SAQ.COM, or through the SAQ mobile app. In SAQ Dépôt stores, points are issued per number of eligible products: 500 points for the first 23 products, plus 500 additional points for every 12 additional products.
What is the specific tax?
When you buy alcoholic products in Quebec, a specific tax applies in addition to GST and QST. Points are not earned on taxes. The current specific tax rate is $1.05 per product or service purchased.
What do I have to do to earn points?
Present your valid Inspire card before the end of each in-store transaction. For SAQ.COM and the mobile app, log in with your Inspire-linked account before completing your order. Points cannot be awarded retroactively.
Can I earn points on every purchase?
Almost everything! Points cannot be earned on gift cards, Ateliers SAQ, cellar rentals, shipping costs, fundraising donations, deposits on beer bottles and cans, or certain excluded products.
Can I earn points in any SAQ store?
You can earn points at all SAQ banners (including SAQ Dépôt), on SAQ.COM, and in the SAQ mobile app. Points cannot be earned at SAQ agency or SAQ Restauration stores.
Can I transfer my unused points to a friend?
No. Points are not transferable under any circumstances, including as a gift or in the event of death, separation, or divorce.
Where can I see my points balance?
Online via your SAQ.COM account or the SAQ mobile app, and in store on your receipt or by asking an employee to access your summarised profile.
Do points have an expiry date?
Points do not expire as long as your account is active. However, if your account is inactive for two years (no points earned or redeemed), it will be closed and your points cancelled.
Redeeming Your SAQ Inspire Points
Where can I redeem my points?
You can redeem points at any SAQ store (including SAQ Dépôt), on SAQ.COM, and in the SAQ mobile app. SAQ agency and SAQ Restauration stores are excluded.
What is the redemption value of points?
- 1,000 points = $1
- 2,000 points = $2
- 5,000 points = $5
- 10,000 points = $10
You must have a minimum of 1,000 points to redeem and must use your entire balance up to the purchase amount.
How can I calculate the value of my points?
Divide your points balance by 1,000 and keep the first two decimals. For example, 4,527 points = $4.52 in redemption value, with 7 points remaining in your account.
Can I use points earned during a purchase for that same purchase?
No. Points are added to your account once a transaction is finalized and can only be used on a future purchase.
Can I redeem only part of my points balance?
You cannot split your balance. You must redeem all your points, unless the purchase amount is less than the value of your full balance — in that case, only the equivalent amount will be deducted.
What can I buy with my points?
Any product available in-store or online, except gift cards and Bordeaux Primeurs event products.
Returns, Exchanges & Points Adjustments
What happens to my points if I return a product?
Points earned and/or redeemed during a purchase subject to a refund will be adjusted in your account. For exchanges, if the new product is of higher value, additional points are earned on the difference. If the new product is of lower value, the corresponding points are deducted from your balance.
What happens to points in the case of an SAQ Dépôt refund?
In the case of a refund, the SAQ will deduct the points awarded during the original transaction. In the case of an exchange, points will not be deducted.
About My SAQ Inspire Account
How can I access my SAQ Inspire account?
Log in directly on SAQ.COM or in the SAQ mobile application. From the My Account menu, you can access all your SAQ Inspire pages.
Can my account be deactivated or closed?
Yes. If your account is inactive for two years, it will be closed and your points cancelled. The SAQ will also send email reminders before closing your account. If fraudulent activity is suspected, the account may be deactivated — contact the Customer Relations Centre at 1 866 873 2020 for assistance.
How can I unsubscribe from promotions and newsletters?
Log in to your SAQ.COM account, go to My SAQ Inspire communications and adjust your preferences, or click the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any SAQ email. You can also call 1 866 873 2020.
Can I opt out of SAQ Inspire entirely?
Yes, SAQ Inspire is free and voluntary. You can opt out at any time on SAQ.COM or the mobile app. Your cards will be deactivated immediately and your points cancelled. If you re-register later, you will not be able to recover points from previous accounts.
I can’t log in to SAQ.COM. Why?
If you haven’t created an online account yet, complete the online registration form using the same email as your SAQ Inspire account. If you’ve forgotten your password, use the Forgot password link. For persistent issues, contact the Customer Relations Centre.
My SAQ Inspire Card
Can I have a digital version of my Inspire card?
Yes. Open the SAQ mobile app and scan or manually enter your SAQ Inspire card number to add a virtual card.
Is the Inspire card a credit card?
No. The Inspire card is used solely to earn and redeem points on SAQ purchases. It is not a credit card.
Can the SAQ deactivate my card?
Yes, if there’s reason to believe fraudulent activity is occurring, or if your account has been inactive for two years. Contact the Customer Relations Centre at 1 866 873 2020 to reactivate.
Can you replace my card if it’s lost, broken, or stolen?
Absolutely. Contact the Customer Relations Centre at 1 866 873-2020 to deactivate your old card. A new virtual card will be activated and appear in the SAQ mobile app.
SAQ Inspire Offers & Promotions
What is a personalized offer?
A personalized offer is an exclusive promotional offer for SAQ Inspire members, based on your purchase history, product preferences, seasonality, and availability at your preferred store. Offers appear automatically on your Inspire card — no coupon or activation is required.
Can I transfer an offer to a friend?
No. Personalized offers are exclusive to you and cannot be shared or transferred.
Can personalized offers be combined with other promotions?
Yes! Personalized offers can be combined with other active promotions, and you can take advantage of them multiple times during the promotional period.
Can I take advantage of SAQ Inspire promotions if I haven’t signed up?
No — Inspire-specific promotions are for members only. However, general promotions available to all customers still apply to non-members.
I want to buy a product on promotion, but it’s sold out. Can I get a voucher?
No. All offers are valid while supplies last. Vouchers are not issued.
SAQ.COM Website
What devices and browsers can I use?
SAQ.COM is designed for mobile, tablet, laptop, and desktop devices, and has been tested on all major browsers with updated versions from 2020 onward. For the best experience, ensure your browser is up to date. Visit the SAQ Accessibility page for the full list of supported browsers and devices.
What is the geolocation feature used for?
The geolocation tool identifies the SAQ store closest to your location and displays it in the site header. This makes it easy to check product availability in nearby stores. You can accept or decline location access — your preference can be saved so the prompt doesn’t appear again.
Are product quantities displayed in real time?
Yes. Quantities available for online purchase and in-store are displayed in real time on SAQ.COM and in the SAQ mobile app. For products with limited quantities at a specific store, it’s recommended to contact store staff beforehand.
Can I create a list of favourite products?
Yes. Sign in to your account and click Add to my favourites on any product page. You can create multiple lists, rename them, and add personal ratings and comments to each product. Favourites lists sync automatically between SAQ.COM and the mobile app.
How do lottery products work?
Certain rare or limited-quantity products are allocated by lottery on SAQ.COM to give all interested customers a fair chance. You can consult the Calendar of events on SAQ.COM for current and upcoming Prestige and Limited Edition arrivals. Lottery participation and purchases can only be completed on the SAQ.COM website, not in the mobile app.
SAQ Mobile Application
How can I access the SAQ mobile app?
Search for the SAQ mobile application on the App Store (iPhone/iPad) or Google Play (Android) and install it. The app supports iOS 9.0 and above, and Android version 5 and above, including tablet versions for iPad and Android tablets.
Do I need an account to use the app?
You can browse the app and find stores without an account. However, you must create an account to add favourites, add items to your cart, complete a purchase, or access your Inspire promotions and points balance. If you already have an SAQ.COM account, use the same credentials.
Can I search for products in the app?
Yes. Use the Search tab to search by keyword or filter by categories, country/region, taste tags, prices, or promotions. You can also use the Scan tab to scan a product’s barcode and go directly to its product page. The same product selection and promotions are available on both the app and SAQ.COM.
Can I earn and redeem Inspire points through the app?
Yes. You can earn points on purchases made through the app. Your virtual Inspire card is also available in the app for in-store use. To redeem points online, you must have at least 1,000 points and have completed your Inspire registration. The option to pay with points will appear at the checkout stage.
Online Shopping
How do I shop on SAQ.COM?
To buy online, you must create an SAQ account and be 18 years or older. You can purchase from outside Quebec, but delivery is only available within Quebec. SAQ.COM offers several thousand products, including web exclusives and new arrivals each week.
What is the CLICK, PURCHASE, PICK UP service?
This service lets you buy online and have your order delivered free to a participating store with any purchase of $75 or more. Over 350 stores across Quebec participate. If your order is under $75, a $6 delivery fee applies. Note that SAQ Dépôt, SAQ Restauration, and Vin en vrac stores are not available for in-store delivery. This service is for individuals only — not restaurant or permit holders.
Can someone else pick up my order in-store?
Yes. You can send someone in-store to collect your order. They must be 18 or older and bring the in-store pickup email notice or order confirmation, along with an acceptable form of identification.
