Welcome to our beginner’s guide to points and miles. If you want to travel more while spending less, you’re in the right place.
Points and miles make travel more affordable and more rewarding. Here’s why they matter for travel.
Imagine boarding a flight and checking into a hotel knowing you paid next to nothing.
This guide explains what points and miles are, the best ways to collect them with the right credit cards, and how to redeem them for nearly free travel.
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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.
What Are Points and Miles
Points and miles are reward currencies offered by banks, credit card companies, airlines, and hotels.
Fixed-value points hold the same worth, often tied to bank portals or cash-back redemptions.
Transferable points are different. You can move them into airline and hotel loyalty programs where they unlock outsized value.
Transferable points are the most powerful. They give access to flights, hotels, and upgrades you might never pay for with cash.
To see how much points are worth, check out our latest points valuation guide.
Explore the best cards by program
How to Earn Points
You don’t need to fly often to earn points. Collecting valuable travel points is easy with credit cards welcome bonuses and everyday spending.
However, not all points are equal. When my family started, we collected points that went to waste.
The key is to focus on the most valuable travel programs, and watch out for common points and miles mistakes.
Read more about earning credit card points in Canada without overspending.
A Simple Way to Begin
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.
AWP TIP
New cards may lower your score briefly, but with responsible use, it will rise higher.
Redeem Points for Travel
Earning points is half of the journey. The real value comes from redeeming for travel.
When my family started, we wasted points booking through credit card portals.
We learned that transferring Amex® MR points to airlines and hotels gives much better value.
AWP TIP
Always confirm award space before transferring. Most transfers are instant and cannot be reversed.
Points Beginner’s Guide
From points newbie to booking your first trip.
Learn how easy it is for Canadians to earn points. Choose the best credit cards and programs. Make your first redemption for almost free travel.
Points Beginner’s Guide
From points newbie to booking your first trip.
Learn how easy it is for Canadians to earn points. Choose the best credit cards and programs. Make your first redemption for almost free travel.
Flights
Flights give you top value, more options, and flexibility.
Programs like Aeroplan® and Flying Blue let Canadians book with 50+ airlines. You’ll often need far fewer points than with credit card portals.
Learn more about redeeming points for flights and see the best airline credit cards for more benefits.
We used 70,000 Aeroplan® points for business class seats from Toronto to Lisbon on TAP Portugal.
Instead of paying the $3,000 cash fare, we leaned back in a lie-flat seat, sipped champagne, and realized points had unlocked an experience we’d never buy otherwise.
Hotels
Hotel redemptions give strong value and flexibility with easier changes.
You can use points and Free Night Certificates, and enjoy elite benefits like upgrades, breakfast, and late checkout.
Marriott Bonvoy® and Hilton Honors® are the best programs for nearly free stays. See the best hotel credit cards for more benefits.
Bottom Line
Earning travel rewards is easier than you think. Your first nearly-free trip is closer than you realize.
With the best offers, smart everyday spending, points unlock adventures at a fraction of the price in no time.
This guide covers the basics. Once you’re ready, explore all our guides to take your adventures with points to the next level.
