Imagine travelling more and saving money, just by earning points with the right reward credit cards in Canada.
You can earn points across a variety of categories, such as groceries, dining, travel, and more. The key to maximizing your rewards is to match credit cards with your spending habits.
Whether you’re planning family trip or a weekend getaway, it’s easier than you think.
Here’s how to earn the most credit card points so travel becomes much more affordable without overspending.
Which Credit Cards?
Not all points are created equal. You also don’t need to be a frequent traveller or a big spender to earn a lot.
Reward credit cards are the best way to earn plenty of points on everything you buy. With the right cards, you earn points from welcome bonuses, everyday spending, and many other simple ways that add even more.
American Express® Membership Rewards® are the most valuable reward currency in Canada. Because they’re easy to earn and you have lots of flexibility when redeeming for travel.
Combine them with Aeroplan® co-branded cards and Marriott Bonvoy® co-branded cards, and you have the perfect set of cards to get more free travel along with valuable travel benefits.
Matching the right cards to your spending and your next travel goals earns you the most points.
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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.
Best reward cards
Earn a Welcome Bonus
The easiest way to earn plenty of points is with a welcome bonus. You’ll usually get a large lump sum of points when you open a new rewards credit card and meet the minimum spend.
These offers are often bigger on cards that charge an annual fee. For example, the American Express Platinum® often offers 100,000 or more bonus points.
If flights are your priority, Aeroplan® co-branded cards like the American Express Aeroplan® Reserve® and TD® Aeroplan® Visa* Infinite Privilege are a great way to earn large welcome bonuses for free flights.
If hotels are your focus, Marriott Bonvoy® co-branded cards like Marriott Bonvoy® American Express® give you welcome bonuses that can be redeemed for free nights.
Check out the top offers for generous welcome bonuses, and learn how to meet the minimum spending without overspending.
AWP TIP
Lining up a high welcome offer with big expenses like travel, insurance, or a home project is a great way to earn plenty of points.
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)
Earn Maximum Points From Everyday Purchases
You’ll earn plenty of points when you use your rewards credit cards for everyday purchases. A few simple habits can make a big difference.
You’ll get more value when you pay with a rewards card instead of cash or debit. Try to match each purchase with the card that gives you the best earn rate. Check out our best everyday cards to find the top choices.
Some cards earn more for groceries, dining, or travel. For example, the American Express Cobalt® earn 5X on groceries and dining, and is the best eveyday card in Canada.
We switched our grocery shopping to stores that accept American Express®. Paying with the Cobalt® means we now earn 5 points per dollar on every grocery trip.
When Amex isn’t accepted or you’re booking Air Canada flights, the TD® Aeroplan® Visa* Infinite or TD® Aeroplan® Visa* Infinite Privilege are great choices. They earn strong points on Air Canada, groceries, gas, travel, and transit.
Stay responsible and avoid common mistakes, like overspending just to earn points.
Best Everyday Cards
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Best Mid-Tier Aeroplan®
Annual Value: $705
Annual Fee:$139. 1st Year Rebate
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Best Mid-Tier Aeroplan® Card
Annual Value: $705
Annual Fee:$139. 1st Year Rebate
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Best Everyday Card
Annual Value: $260
Annually Fee: $191.88 ($15.99 Monthly)
I added my spouse as an authorized user to my American Express Platinum® during a promotion and earned 30,000 points.
For a $250 fee, he now has unlimited lounge access for himself and a guest, which is worth far more than the cost.
More Ways to Earn Points
There are plenty of easy ways to earn more credit card points.
You can double dip with shopping portals like the Aeroplan® eStore, which give you bonus points whenever you start your purchase through their site.
You’ll also earn more Aeroplan® points when you shop with partners like LCBO, Uber, Starbucks, and Journie Rewards.
You can also earn bonuses with upgrade promotions, giving you extra points when you move to a higher-tier card. Plus, referring family or friends can also earn you bonus points when they’re approved.
Adding authorized users is another great way to earn more points since their spending earns you points. You’ll also get a bonus for adding users during a promotion.
You can earn more points or statement credits with limited-time Amex® Offers when you shop with select retailers. You’ll find them in your account and can opt in with a click.
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.
Bottom Line
You’ll earn plenty of points in Canada with reward credit cards faster than you might expect. The fastest way is with welcome offers, followed by using the best everyday cards in the categories where you already spend. Offers, referrals, partenrs and autrozed users add up even more.
These simple credit card strategies will help you rack up points quickly. You’ll save money on travel and may even get your next trip for free.
