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Beginner’s Guide to Earning & Redeeming Points in Canada
Our Beginner’s Guide to Adventures with Points teaches Canadians how to earn, redeem, and maximize travel points for nearly free travel adventures. With easy and actionable tips and expert advice, you’ll save money while getting closer to your dream destinations.
Start Your Adventure with Points
Ready to turn your travel dreams into reality? Our Beginner’s Guide to Adventures with Points is tailored for Canadians who want to maximize their travel rewards. Whether you’re new to earning points or looking to level up, we’ll show you easy, actionable tips for earning, redeeming, and maximizing points for nearly free travel. Get started today and unlock the secrets to smarter travel with the best credit card rewards, loyalty programs, and expert strategies.
Travel Rewards Matter
Travel rewards programs can help you turn everyday spending into exciting travel opportunities. By earning points on purchases, you can redeem them for flights, hotel stays, and more, making travel more affordable. Understanding how they work can help you save money, maximize your rewards, and get closer to the adventures you’ve always wanted.
💡 Why Points? Why Now? Your time is valuable. Your money should take you further. Making memories with the people you love is always worth it! Our Mantra: Earn points → Redeem for travel → Repeat. Why? Because, unlike fine wine, points don’t age well, they actually devalue over time. So, earn them, use them, and keep the cycle.
First – Financial Responsibility
Opening credit cards comes with power and responsibility. Here’s the golden rule: as long as you pay your balance in full and on time, and stay within your means, you can grow your credit score and travel rewards at the same time. When done right, there’s no need to fear a credit score drop. Most drops are small and temporary. In fact, strategic credit use can improve your score over time.
The Fundamental Cycle
- Step 1: Collect points from everyday credit card spending.
- Step 2: Maximize your points by using credit card welcome bonuses.
- Step 3: Redeem your points for travel through travel reward programs.
This simple cycle will allow you to travel more for less, with minimal effort and maximum rewards.
🔑 Pro Tip: Always be strategic with your spending, and remember that points have expiration dates. Stay organized, earn points, and make every trip count.
Step 1 – Collect Points and Miles
Collecting points is the first step towards unlocking free travel. With every purchase you make, you have the opportunity to earn valuable points that can later be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and more. The best way to maximize your points is by leveraging credit card rewards programs and other loyalty programs.
Why Start Collecting?
Everyday spending can turn into travel opportunities when you use the right strategies. You can earn points on groceries, dining, and even bills through credit cards that offer travel rewards. By choosing the right credit card for your spending habits and travel goals, you’re ensuring that every dollar spent is working towards your next adventure.
Your Golden Ticket: Start with Flexible Points
Not all points are created equal. The most valuable points are transferable points, such as American Express Membership Rewards® and, to some extent, RBC Avion and Scotiabank Scene+.
These points give you the flexibility to transfer points into different airline and hotel programs, offering you more options, better value, and access to perks like upgrades and free checked bags.
Three Main Ways to Build Up Your Points Stash
Building up your points stash is the first step towards maximizing your travel rewards. Whether you’re new to points or an experienced traveller, there are three key ways to earn points effectively.
1. Credit Card Spending
These are your go-to cards for daily purchases, and the ones to lean on in between chasing large welcome offers. Use your credit cards strategically to earn points for everyday spending and regular purchases.
Think of them as your long-term points powerhouses. Using the right cards for everyday categories helps you maximize points from regular spending.
Look for cards that offer strong rewards for everyday spending categories like groceries, dining, entertainment, and gas. The more you spend with these cards, the more points you earn.
2. Signup Welcome Bonuses
The fastest way to rack up points is through credit card welcome offers after meeting a minimum spend threshold. It’s a great way to boost your points balance, especially if you have big upcoming expenses or travel plans in mind.
With a single generous bonus offer, you can earn enough points for a few short-haul flights, a few hotel nights, or even a long-haul round-trip flight to Europe.
These offers change frequently, so make sure to check regularly for the best offer and deals so you can take full advantage of new and limited-time opportunities.
3. Special Offers
Check your American Express account frequently for special promotions, and bonus points and cash back offers for meeting a minimum spend, qualifying purchases, switching or upgrading cards or referring a friend to maximize rewards and savings.
These offers are often targeted, have limited quantities and require active opt-in to participate. So make sure to opt in quickly to ensure you don’t miss out on valuable rewards.
These offers can be incredibly beneficial by boosting your rewards, giving you cash back, and effectively reducing the annual fee. Making your credit card more rewarding and cost-effective.
⚖️ Essential Tips for Collecting Points
Collecting points for travel rewards is a fantastic way to unlock incredible experiences, but there are plenty of myths and misconceptions around it. In this guide, we’ll debunk some common myths and provide you with essential advice to help you make the most of your points. Whether you’re just starting or refining your strategy, these insights will set you on the right track to earning more rewards and enjoying valuable travel perks.
One Signup Bonus
Most credit cards offer a signup bonus only once per lifetime. For programs like Aeroplan, this rule applies across all card providers in the same tier, so choose wisely.
Annual Fees
Many top travel credit cards have an annual fee, but the rewards, benefits, and valuable perks you earn easily outweigh the cost when used wisely.
Pay Your Balance
Travel credit cards are only valuable if you pay your statement balance on time and in full each month to avoid high interest charges.
Minimum Spend
To earn your welcome bonus, you need to meet the card’s minimum spend within a set timeframe. Make sure you can hit that goal before applying.
Credit Score Impact
A new card application can lead to a slight, temporary dip in your credit score. However, responsible credit usage will help you build a stronger, long-term credit profile.
Your Welcome Bonus
Stay organized and hit your goals with our free Credit Cards Welcome Bonus Tracker.
How Points Work
Before applying, check how the card’s points work. Can you transfer to airlines or hotels? Some points are worth more than others, so knowing their value helps you pick the best card.
Step 2 – Redeem Points for Travel
Most beginners waste points by booking through their credit card’s travel portal. The pros transfer points and book directly with the airline or hotel programs for more value, better availability and extra perks.
💡 For example, instead of using 60,000 points for a $600 flight through your credit card’s portal, transferring points to Air Canada Aeroplan® might only cost you 40,000 points or even less, saving you valuable points!
Booking directly with the airline ensures better availability and access to exclusive benefits like priority boarding, free checked luggage, and lounge access (depending on your credit card). Booking with the hotel program ensures more flexibility to change and cancel your reservation, better pricing, access to accumulate and redeem points and status perks such as free breakfast, late check out and much more.
📌 Be sure to find out if there is availability before transferring the points, as once points are transferred, they can’t be reversed. Transfer time are almost instant for most partenrs
Flight Redemptions
There are two major Airline Alliances that allow you to redeem points for flights with more than 50+ airlines in Canada.
Why Aeroplan® is a Top Choice
Air Canada Aeroplan® is one of the most versatile and valuable airline programs for Canadians, offering flights not just with Air Canada, but also with over 45+ Star Alliance partners like TAP Air Portugal, Lufthansa, and Singapore Airlines.
- Star Alliance Partners: Redeem for flights with Air Canada and 45+ partners, including United, Lufthansa, and Singapore Airlines.
- Multiple Ways to Earn: Earn Aeroplan points from flights, credit cards, retail partners, and gas stations.
- Family Sharing: Pool points with up to 6 members for faster earning and redemption.
- Fixed-Rate Redemptions: Partner airlines offer fixed-point rates, letting you redeem fewer points compared to Air Canada’s dynamic pricing.
Flight Redemptions with Air France / KLM Flying Blue
Air France / KLM Flying Blue Text coming soon
Hotel Redemptions
Hotel Redemptions Text coming soon
Why Marriott Bonvoy® is a Top Hotel Choice
The Marriott Bonvoy® program is a top-tier option for travellers and is perfect for everything from city escapes to beachfront resorts. It’s the only hotel loyalty program with dedicated credit cards in Canada, and it’s also a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards®, giving you multiple ways to rack up points.
- Global Reach: Find great value wherever you travel.
- Multiple Ways to Earn: Earn points from hotel stays, credit cards, and more.
- Elite Status Benefits: Unlock Marriott Bonvoy® Elite Status Benefits like late checkout, free breakfast and room upgrades.
- Free Night Certificate: Enjoy a welcome bonus and an annual Free Night Certificate after the first year with the Marriott Bonvoy® credit cards.
- Get a 5th Night Free: Book 4 nights and get a 5th night free when booking with points.
Hotel Redemptions with Hilton Honors
Hilton Hotel Redemptions Text coming soon
Step 3 – Start Your Adventures With Points
Unlocking travel rewards isn’t complicated, and it’s easier than you think. By using the right credit cards and making smart decisions, you can maximize your points and start enjoying unforgettable travel experiences. Follow these simple steps to get started on your journey to rewarding adventures.
Check Your Credit Score
Before applying for a credit card, use free tools or your bank to check your credit score to ensure you’re applying for the best card for your needs.
Choose Your Cards
Begin with credit cards offering attractive welcome bonuses and strong rewards for everyday spending to maximize your earning.
Track Your Signup Bonus
Stay organized and reach your goals faster with our free tool to track your spending and monitor progress toward your signup bonus.
Join Our Community
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