Credit cards Points and miles can take you almost anywhere, but only if you use them the right way.
When you’re starting out, it’s easy to make mistakes that cost you points you could have used for flights and hotels.
Here are the most common mistakes and how you can avoid them.
The AWP Newsletter
Fuel your adventures with points
Sign up to get your free guide. Get our newsletter with credit cards and points tips. See how easy it is to travel for nearly free.
The AWP Newsletter
Fuel your adventures with points
Sign up to get your free guide. Get our newsletter with credit cards and points tips. See how easy it is to travel for nearly free.
Missing Minimum Spend
You’ll earn plenty of points with welcome offers in Canada, but only if you meet the minimum spend on time. Missing the deadline means missing the bonus.
You can line up a new card with bigger expenses like travel, insurance, or a home project to meet the minimum spend easily.
Here’s how to meet your minimum spending without overspending.
Best Welcome Offers
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Welcome Points: 90,000
Welcome Value: $3,380
Annual Fee: $599
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Welcome Points: 85,000
Welcome Value: $3,280
Annual Fee: $599
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Welcome Points: 85,000
Welcome Value: $3,580
Annual Fee: $599
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Welcome Points: 85,000
Welcome Value: $3,580
Annual Fee: $599
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Welcome Points: 50,000
Welcome Value: $1,919
Annual Fee:$139. 1st Year Rebate
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Welcome Points: 120,000
Welcome Value: $5,100
Annual Fee: $799
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Welcome Points: 45,000
Welcome Value: $1,819
Annual Fee:$139. 1st Year Rebate
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Welcome Points: 15,000
Welcome Value: $590
Annually Fee: $191.88 ($15.99 Monthly)
Opening Too Many Cards Too Fast
It’s exciting to see new offers pop up, but make sure to pace yourself. You’ll give yourself the best chance to get approved.
Check out how credit cards affect your credit score and check your credit score periodically to stay on track.
Top Offers
Wondering which credit card to get next?
Our recommendations for the best credit card offers in Canada for November 2025.
Top Offers
Wondering which credit card to get next?
Our recommendations for the best credit card offers in Canada for November 2025.
Carrying a Balance
You’ll lose the value of the points you earn if you carry a balance. Interest charges can cost you more than the flights and hotels you’d book with those points.
You’ll keep your points working for you when you pay your statement in full each month.
Learn more about using credit cards responsibly in Canada.
Beginner’s Guide
From points newbie to booking your first trip.
Learn how easy it’s for Canadians to earn and redeem points with the best reward credit cards and programs. Make your first redemption for almost free travel in no time.
Beginner’s Guide
From points newbie to booking your first trip.
Learn how easy it’s for Canadians to earn and redeem points with the best reward credit cards and programs. Make your first redemption for almost free travel in no time.
Ignoring Loyalty Programs
You’ll get the most from your points when you use loyalty programs. Fixed-value points are limited.
Transferable points like American Express Membership Rewards® let you transfer points to airlines and hotels for premium flights and high-value hotels.
Top American Express Membership Rewards® Cards
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Welcome Points: 120,000
Welcome Value: $5,100
Annual Fee: $799
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Welcome Points: 15,000
Welcome Value: $590
Annually Fee: $191.88 ($15.99 Monthly)
We transferred Amex MR® points to Aeroplan® for a premium economy flight from Barcelona to Toronto with Air Canada.
It redeemed 50,000 Aeroplan® points each, compared to 360,000 with the credit card portal.
We flew home mid-summer in comfort for a fraction of the points.
Bottom Line
You’ll earn plenty of points from your cards when you use them responsibly.
Have a plan for your minimum spend, pace your applications, and always pay your statement in full.
You’ll be redeeming points for premium flights and hotels while saving money on travel when you focus on transferable points and loyalty programs.
