Want to travel more while spending less in Canada? Credit card points and miles make it possible. 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.
What Are Points and Miles
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.
Some credit cards offer fixed-value points that can be used through bank travel portals or for cash back at a set rate.
Airline and hotel programs work inside their own networks. You’ll earn them when you fly, stay, or use co-branded cards.
For example, you’ll earn points for free flights with Aeroplan® co-branded cards like the TD® Aeroplan® Visa* Infinite Privilege. You’ll also earn points for free nights with Marriott Bonvoy® co-branded cards like the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®.
In Canada, transferable points like American Express Membership Rewards® are the most valuable. You can transfer them to airlines and hotels for the best value. American Express Cards like the Cobalt® and Platinum® offer great earning rates in categories like dining, groceries, and travel.
Check our points valuation guide to see what your points are worth
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Fuel your adventures with points
Signup to get expert guidance and the latest Canadian points and miles tips. Learn how easy it is to travel more for nearly free.
The AWP Newsletter
Fuel your adventures with points
Signup to get expert guidance and the latest Canadian points and miles tips. Learn how easy it is to travel more for nearly free.
Best cards by program
How to Earn Points
You don’t need to be a frequent flyer to earn 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. Check out the latest best welcome offers.
You’ll earn points on every purchase when you pay with a rewards credit card instead of debit or cash. Some cards offer higher points for groceries, dining, and travel. For example, the American Express Cobalt® earn 5X on groceries and dining, and the TD® Aeroplan® Visa* Infinite earns 1.5X on everyday purchases.
You’ll earn plenty 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 Offers
Wondering which credit card to get next?
Check some of the best credit card offers in Canada.
Top Offers
Wondering which credit card to get next?
Check some of the best credit card offers in Canada.
Flights
You can redeem points 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.
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.
Hotels
You can redeem points for hotel with programs like Marriott Bonvoy® and Hilton Honors®. You’ll enjoy luxury vacations and all-inclusive resorts you might not book with cash.
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 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.
Bottom Line
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.
