Credit card 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
Travel more using points
Get my free beginner guide and weekly tips on credit cards, points, and travel loyalty programs.
The AWP Newsletter
Travel more using points
Get my free beginner guide and weekly tips on credit cards, points, and travel loyalty programs.
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
Welcome Points: Elevated 100,000
Welcome Value: $2,000.
Annual Fee: $399
Welcome Points: Elevated 100,000
Welcome Value: $4,465
Annual Fee: $799
Welcome Points: Elevated 100,000
Welcome Value: $3,880
Annual Fee: $599
Welcome Points: Elevated 20,000
Welcome Value: $489
Annual Fee: $89. 1st Year Rebate
Welcome Points: Elevated 110,000
Welcome Value: $1,100
Annual Fee: $120
Welcome Points: Elevated 110,000
Welcome Value: $1,100
Annual Fee: $150
Welcome Points: Elevated 70,000
Welcome Value: Elevated $1,960
Annual Fee: $199
Welcome Points: Elevated 50,000
Welcome Value: $1,819
Annual Fee:$139. 1st Year Rebate
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 September 2026.
Top Offers
Wondering which credit card to get next?
Our recommendations for the best credit card offers in Canada for September 2026.
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.
Business Award Concierge
Have a business? Book a complimentary call to see how our done-for-you Business Award Concierge can turn your business expenses into $50K luxury travel.
Limited spots available.
Business Award Concierge
Have a business? Book a complimentary call to see how our done-for-you Business Award Concierge can turn your business expenses into $50K luxury travel.
Limited spots available.
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.
Best Card Offers
Welcome Points: Elevated 100,000
Welcome Value: $2,000.
Annual Fee: $399
Welcome Points: Elevated 100,000
Welcome Value: $4,465
Annual Fee: $799
Welcome Points: Elevated 100,000
Welcome Value: $3,880
Annual Fee: $599
Welcome Points: Elevated 20,000
Welcome Value: $489
Annual Fee: $89. 1st Year Rebate
Welcome Points: Elevated 110,000
Welcome Value: $1,100
Annual Fee: $120
Welcome Points: Elevated 110,000
Welcome Value: $1,100
Annual Fee: $150
Welcome Points: Elevated 70,000
Welcome Value: Elevated $1,960
Annual Fee: $199
Welcome Points: Elevated 50,000
Welcome Value: $1,819
Annual Fee:$139. 1st Year Rebate
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.
Not Opening Loyalty Account Early
Setting up your loyalty accounts early is completely free and takes only a few minutes.
You’ll be able to search for award space, be ready to earn, transfer, and redeem points as soon as you find the flight or hotel availability you want.
It’s best to set up your accounts as early as possible because many programs won’t let you buy points, pool them with family, or transfer them between members until your account has been open for 30 to 90 days.
New to Points? Start Here
From points newbie to booking your first trip
Learn everything you need to know to start using credit cards, points, and travel loyalty programs. Make your first redemption with points for nearly free travel.
New to Points? Start Here
From points newbie to booking your first trip
Learn everything you need to know to start using credit cards, points, and travel loyalty programs. Make your first redemption with points for nearly free travel.
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.
