Welcome to our beginner’s guide to points and miles. If you want to travel more while spending less, you’re in the right place.
By earning rewards with the right credit cards, you can cut the cost of flights and hotels and book them for nearly free. Making your travel more affordable and rewarding. Learn more why they matter for travel.
Imagine starting your next vacation knowing you paid next to nothing for your family’s flights and hotels. Here’s how you can get from a points newbie to booking your flight or hotel in no time.
What Are Points and Miles
Points and miles are rewards you earn through credit cards, airlines, and hotels. With the right credit cards and a few smart strategies, balances grow quickly.
Redeeming points for nearly free travel is the most rewarding part. You can book flights, including premium and business class, or redeem for hotels and luxury resorts worldwide.
Types of Points and Miles
To see how much rewards are worth, check out our latest points valuation guide.
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Fuel your adventures with points
Signup to get expert guidance and the latest Canadian points and miles tips. Learn how easy it is to travel more for nearly free.
The AWP Newsletter
Fuel your adventures with points
Signup to get expert guidance and the latest Canadian points and miles tips. Learn how easy it is to travel more for nearly free.
Best cards by program
How to Earn Points
Collecting points is easy through credit cards, flights, and hotel stays. You don’t need to be a frequent flyer to rack up points.
The fastest way to earn points in Canada is through credit cards. Large welcome bonuses give you the biggest boost, plus everyday spending helps you build balances further.
A Simple Way to Begin
Benefits of Using Rewards Credit Cards
We recommend using your rewards credit cards for all purchases instead of debit or credit.
They give you significantly more valuable rewards. They help you build your credit score and offer much better fraud protection than debit.
Just make sure to pay your bill in full each month and watch out for common mistakes to avoid. Learn how to earn more credit card points without overspending.
Top Offers
Wondering which credit card to get next?
Check some of the best credit card offers in Canada.
Top Offers
Wondering which credit card to get next?
Check some of the best credit card offers in Canada.
More Ways to Earn Points
There are plenty of great and easy ways to earn even more points and miles.
Redeem Points for Travel
Earning points is half of the journey. The real value comes from redeeming for travel.
Transferring points to airlines and hotels allows you to combine balances from multiple sources and gives you the best value.
Flights
Flights give you top value, more options, and flexibility.
Programs like Aeroplan® and Flying Blue let Canadians book with 50+ airlines. You’ll often need far fewer points than with credit card portals.
Learn more about redeeming points for flights and see the best airline credit cards for more benefits.
We used 70,000 Aeroplan® points for a business class flight from Toronto to Lisbon on TAP Portugal.
Instead of paying the $3,000 cash fare, we leaned back in a lie-flat seat, sipped champagne, and realized points had unlocked an experience we’d never buy otherwise.
Hotels
Hotel redemptions offer strong value and flexibility.
You can use points and Free Night Certificates, and enjoy elite benefits like upgrades, breakfast, and late checkout.
Marriott Bonvoy® and Hilton Honors® are the best programs for nearly free stays. See the best hotel credit cards for more benefits.
Points Beginner’s Guide
From points newbie to booking your first trip.
Learn how easy it is for Canadians to earn points. Choose the best credit cards and programs. Make your first redemption for almost free travel.
Points Beginner’s Guide
From points newbie to booking your first trip.
Learn how easy it is for Canadians to earn points. Choose the best credit cards and programs. Make your first redemption for almost free travel.
Bottom Line
Earning travel rewards is easier than you think. Your first nearly free trip is closer than you realize.
With the best credit crad offers, smart everyday spending, points unlock adventures at a fraction of the cost in no time.
This guide covers the basics. Once you’re ready, explore all our guides to take your adventures with points to the next level.
