The DSW VIP program is a free loyalty program that earns you 5% back in rewards on every purchase and gives you free shipping on all online orders, no minimum required. It costs nothing to join, and the perks get stronger the more you spend each year.
If you shop at DSW Canada even occasionally, there's no downside to signing up (not to mention the 5% welcome discount when you sign up for emails).
What Is DSW VIP Canada?
DSW VIP Canada is a tiered rewards program run by Designer Brands Canada. You earn points on every purchase at DSW stores and on dsw.ca, then redeem those points for $5 reward certificates. The program has three tiers (Club, Gold, and Elite), and your tier is based on how much you spend in a calendar year.
Signing up is free and immediately unlocks the entry-level tier (VIP Club), which includes free ground shipping on all online orders. There's no annual fee at any tier.
DSW VIP Tiers: Club, Gold, and Elite
Your tier is determined by how much you spend at DSW Canada in a single calendar year.
| Feature | VIP Club | VIP Gold | VIP Elite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual spend required | $0 (free to join) | $200-$499 | $500+ |
| Points per $1 spent | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Reward conversion | 100 points = $5 | 100 points = $5 | 100 points = $5 |
| Free ground shipping | Yes, all orders | Yes, all orders | Yes, all orders |
| Birthday reward | $5 (expires in 30 days) | $5 (expires in 30 days) | $10 (expires in 30 days) |
| 365-day returns | No | No | Yes |
| 2x Points Days (you pick the day) | No | 2 per year | 2 per year |
| 3x Points Day (you pick the day) | No | No | 1 per year |
| Early access and exclusive events | No | Yes | Yes |
The jump from Club to Gold at $200/year unlocks 2x Points Days (two per year, and you pick the day), plus early access to product releases and promotions. Elite at $500/year doubles your earning rate to 2 points per dollar, adds a 3x Points Day, and includes free 365-day returns on all purchases.
One thing to note: Elite members effectively earn a $5 reward for every $50 spent (because 2 points per dollar means 100 points after $50). Club and Gold members earn that same $5 reward after every $100.
How DSW Free Shipping Canada Works
All DSW VIP Canada members get free ground shipping on every online order, regardless of order size. There's no minimum spend threshold. A $10 pair of socks ships free, same as a $150 pair of boots.
Most Canadian retailers require $50 to $100 in cart value before waiving shipping fees, so this is a meaningful perk at the free Club tier.
To get the free shipping, you need to be logged into your VIP account at checkout. If you check out as a guest, the shipping fee will apply.
2x and 3x Points Days
Gold and Elite members each get two 2x Points Days per year, where every purchase earns double the usual points for an entire day. Elite members get an additional 3x Points Day on top of that. The key detail: you choose which day to activate the bonus. That means you can line it up with a big purchase, a seasonal sale, or a clearance event to stack the savings.
For an Elite member, using a 3x Points Day on a $200 purchase would earn 600 points (normally 400 at Elite rate), which is $30 in rewards from a single transaction.
Earning Points by Donating Shoes
DSW VIP members earn 50 points for donating a pair of new or gently worn shoes (any brand) at a DSW store location. The donated shoes go to Soles4Souls, which redistributes them to people in need.
At 50 points per donation, two donations add up to 100 points, which converts to a $5 reward. If you have old shoes sitting in your closet, this is an easy way to clear them out and earn store credit at the same time.
Kids' Shoe Bonus Reward
DSW VIP members who buy three pairs of eligible kids' shoes in a calendar year receive a $20 reward. Eligible kids' shoes include youth sizes 11 to 7 and toddler sizes 5 to 10. The $20 reward is valid on footwear purchases of $20 or more at DSW stores and on dsw.ca, and it expires 30 days after it's issued.
Birthday Rewards
DSW sends a birthday reward to VIP members each year. Club and Gold members receive $5, and Elite members receive $10. Your birth date needs to be in your profile, and the reward expires 30 days after it's issued. Check your email or the DSW app around your birthday so you don't miss it.
Donating Rewards to Charity
If you have unexpired reward certificates you don't plan to use, you can donate their full value to a charitable cause through your member profile on dsw.ca. DSW makes a donation to the charity you select in the amount of the reward's face value. This feature is available to all VIP tiers.
Stacking DSW Canada Coupon Codes with VIP Rewards
DSW allows you to combine VIP reward certificates with a DSW Canada coupon or DSW promo code Canada in a single transaction. You can also stack multiple reward certificates together. The general rule is one promotional coupon code plus as many reward certificates as you have available, and both apply on top of sale and clearance prices.
That means the most savings in a single order comes from buying items already on sale, applying a promo code at checkout, and redeeming your VIP rewards on top.
Is DSW VIP Worth Signing Up For?
The Club tier is free and includes free shipping on every order. There's no spending commitment, no annual fee, and no reason not to sign up if you shop at DSW Canada even occasionally.
For frequent shoppers, the Gold tier at $200/year adds 2x Points Days and early access to sales. Elite at $500/year doubles your point earning rate and includes free 365-day returns. Whether Gold or Elite is worth targeting depends on how often you buy shoes, but the entry-level Club tier pays for itself the first time you save on shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points do I need for a DSW reward?
Every 100 points converts to a $5 reward certificate. Certificates are issued automatically and expire after 75 days. The DSW rewards Canada program lets you stack multiple certificates in one transaction.
Can I use a DSW promo code Canada with my VIP rewards?
Yes. You can apply one promotional coupon code plus your VIP reward certificates in the same transaction. Both work on top of sale prices.
Do my DSW VIP points expire?
Points don't expire on their own, but if your account has no activity for 24 consecutive months, your account will be closed and all accrued points are forfeited. Reward certificates expire 75 days after they're issued.
How do I get free shipping at DSW Canada?
Sign up for DSW VIP (it's free) and log into your account at checkout. All VIP members, including the free Club tier, get free ground shipping on every order with no minimum purchase. DSW free shipping Canada applies to all VIP tiers.
