Want to travel more while spending less? This beginner’s guide to points for Canadians is for you!
Credit card points and miles make it possible to travel a lot more for nearly free, without spending more. Whether it’s a Caribbean vacation, a family summer trip, or a weekend getaway, points will save you money on travel.
You can earn points with credit cards and redeem them for flights and hotels instead of paying cash.
We’ve always wanted to travel more as a family. For the past 10 years, thanks to points and miles, we’ve been taking trips often and usually flying business class.
We visit family, explore Europe, and relax at all-inclusive resorts during school breaks. The best part is these trips cost us almost nothing because of rewards points.
Here’s how you can too go from a points newbie to booking your first trip with rewards in no time with this beginner’s guide to points for Canadians.
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Travel more using points
Get my free beginner guide and weekly tips on credit cards, points, and travel loyalty programs.
Beginner’s Guide to What Are Points for Canadians
Points and miles are rewards you earn with credit cards that you can redeem for travel. They’re one of the best ways to save money on flights and hotels.
Check our points valuation guide to see what your points are worth.
Fixed-Value Points
Some credit cards earn fixed-value points you can use through the bank’s travel portal or for cash back at a set rate.
These are easy to use, but they usually have the lowest value at around 1 cent or less per point.
Airline and Hotel Points
Airline and hotel programs work inside their own networks. You’ll earn points when you fly, stay, or use co-branded credit cards.
That’s where you’ll also redeem your points for free flights and hotel nights. You’ll get the most value redeeming here, and you’ll enjoy loyalty perks and benefits.
For example, you’ll earn lots of Aeroplan points and Air Canada benefits with Aeroplan co-branded cards like the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege.
You’ll also earn Marriott Bonvoy points and Free Night Certificates with Marriott Bonvoy co-branded cards like the Marriott Bonvoy American Express.
Transferable Points
Transferable points are the most valuable reward currency. You earn them from credit cards and transfer them to airline and hotel programs for the best value.
Rather than being locked into one program, you can use these points across multiple travel brands. Giving you far more travel options and better value when it’s time to book your free flights and hotels.
In Canada, American Express Membership Rewards is the main and best transferable currency. It’s easy to collect a lot of valuable points from multiple American Express cards.
American Express cards like the Cobalt and Platinum offer great earning rates in categories like dining, groceries, and travel.
With so many options, American Express Membership Rewards points transfer to many top airline and hotel partners. Including Aeroplan, Flying Blue, Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honor.
The best thing is that you control when and where to transfer your points. Transfers are typically at a 1 to 1 ratio. Plus, transfer bonuses let you maximize your points even further.
AWP TIP
We suggest setting up your main loyalty accounts now. You’ll be ready to start earning and transferring points for your free flights and hotel nights.
Check out our detailed guide on how and when to set up and link your loyalty accounts.
Best cards by program
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The AWP Community
Get more tips & ideas for travelling with points.
Join the AWP community to get guidance, updates, and practical tips on using points for travel.
Beginner’s Guide to How to Earn Points for Canadians
You don’t need to be a frequent flyer to earn lots of points. In Canada, the easiest way is with reward credit cards.
Welcome offers are one of the fastest ways to earn plenty of points after meeting a minimum spend. Cards like the American Express Platinum and Business Platinum often have some of the largest welcome offers in Canada.
You’ll earn points on every purchase when you pay with your rewards credit card instead of debit or cash. Some cards earn even more for groceries, dining, or travel. So look for cards that offer high multipliers at places you already spend the most.
The American Express Cobalt is the best everyday card in Canada, earning 5X on groceries and dining. The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite earns 1.5X on everyday purchases.
You’ll earn even more points when you know the right strategies. Start with our guide on how to earn more credit card points and see how easily your points add up.
Benefits of Using Rewards Credit Cards
You earn points on every purchase when you pay with a rewards credit card. Cash or debit can’t match that.
You’ll also get better fraud protection and improve your credit score over time. Just make sure to pay your bill in full each month and avoid common mistakes.
Learn how to earn more credit card points without overspending.
Top Card Offers
Welcome Points: Elevated 25,000
Welcome Value: $400
Annual Fee:$89
Welcome Points: Elevated 70,000
Welcome Value: $700
Annual Fee: $120
Award Booking Concierge
Let us find your award flights and hotels
You’ve earned your points! Now let me do all the work of finding the best available award flights and hotels for your next trip.
Limited-time sale pricing. Limited spots available.
Award Booking Concierge
Let us find your award flights and hotels
You’ve earned your points! Now let me do all the work of finding the best available award flights and hotels for your next trip.
Limited-time sale pricing. Limited spots available.
Beginner’s Guide to Redeeming Points for Flights for Canadians
You can redeem points for free flights with airline programs like Aeroplan, Flying Blue, and others, letting you book with more than 50 airlines worldwide. You’ll often need fewer points than booking directly through credit card travel portals.
With travel cards like the Amex Platinum, you’ll also get perks such as Nexus credits, lounge access, and priority security. Aeroplan co-branded cards add extra benefits like free checked bags and travel insurance.
Check out the best airline credit cards for the top benefits.
Top Aeroplan Cards
Welcome Points: 90,000
Welcome Value: $3,380
Annual Fee: $599
Welcome Points: Elevated 45,000
Welcome Value: $1,819
Annual Fee:$139. 1st Year Rebate
We redeemed 70,000 Aeroplan points per ticket for business class flights from Toronto to Lisbon on TAP Portugal.
Instead of paying $3,000 each, we enjoyed lie-flat seats and an experience we’d never book with cash.
Beginner’s Guide to Redeeming Points for Hotels for Canadians
You can redeem points for free hotel stays with programs like Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors. You’ll enjoy luxury vacations and all-inclusive resorts you might not book with cash otherwise.
You’ll also get the 5th night free when booking with points through Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors.
The best travel cards, like the Amex Platinum, give you hotel Gold Elite Status with upgrades and breakfast benefits.
Bonvoy co-branded cards also come with an annual Free Night Certificate.
Check out the best hotel credit cards for top benefits and perks.
Marriott Bonvoy Cards
Welcome Points: Elevated 70,000
Welcome Value: $700
Annual Fee: $120
Welcome Points: Elevated 80,000
Welcome Value: $800
Annual Fee: $150
Bottom Line for Beginner’s Guide to Points for Canadians
Your first trip with points is closer than you think.You’ll start earning quickly with the best credit card offers and smart everyday spending,
The fun starts when you redeem points for travel. You can book flights and hotels without paying full price. You’ll take more trips than you thought possible while saving money on travel.
Check out our guides on flights, hotels, and premium cabins to earn more points and get the most value from every point.
