[TRAIN] VIA Preference (Part 1)
I used to take the train fairly frequently, at least a return trip once a month. I definitely prefer the train over the bus, so when I did not have a car, the train was pretty much my main source…
Author: Matt
Matt has been an avid points collector since 1992 (an elementary school student), when his dad signed up for the new (at the time) Air Miles program. Since then, Matt took a keen interest in learning how the miles and points world works. He quickly found out that there is a lot of value in leveraging miles and points to fund his passion for travelling.
[ANALYSIS] The AMEX SPG Preferred Guest Credit Card
Currently, AMEX is running a 21,000 Starpoints sign up bonus if you have a friend or family member who can refer you the card. Otherwise, the regular sign up bonus is only 10,000. So far, this is the highest sign up bonus seen for this credit card, so if you have been wanting to sign up for this card, this would be a good time. Though I still prefer waiting for the first year annual fee to be waived before signing up for any credit card. I actually prefer having a smaller sign up bonus if it meant that the annual fee was waived. That being said, the annual fee can still be worth it depending on your spending habits.
[PROMOTION] 5x Aeroplan Points at the eStore (expired)
For 5 days only (October 24, 2013 – October 28, 2013), you can earn 5x Aeroplan points by marking purchases at the eStore. This would be a great time to start your Christmas shopping if you already know what you want to buy. Remember to go for double dipping opportunities, so buy things that are also on sale.
[PROMOTION] 45,000 Avios Points (expired)
Sign up for the RBC British Airways Visa Infinite credit card before November 30, 2013 and earn 45,000 Avios points, which goes into your British Airways Executive Club membership rewards program. For some reason this promotion does not show up on the regular RBC listing of the credit card, so apply directly from the link and be sure to follow-up with RBC about this promotion to ensure you get your points.
[ANALYSIS] American Express AeroplanPlus Gold vs. Platinum Card
To cut to the chase, it’s a close call between AMEX AeroplanPlus Gold Card over the AMEX AeroplanPlus Platinum Card. It will depend on your spending habits. I’ll explain. But before I describe the cards, keep in mind that you can only take advantage of the larger sign up bonuses that I will be referring to if you have a friend or family member who can refer the credit card to you. Also keep in mind that they are both Charge Cards, so you will have to pay your balance off in full every month.
Credit Cards for Newcomers and Students
Whether you are a newcomer to Canada, a student just getting out of school with no income or whatever you situation is that prevents you from applying for a credit card to take advantage of benefits, below are some of the top options available to you.
[ANALYSIS] Air Miles
Air Miles does not have the reputation of being a very lucrative loyalty points program, but it does have some gems. You can sign up for Air Miles here.
[ANALYSIS] American Express Gold Rewards Card
American Express has a promotion for 25,000 membership rewards points sign up bonus. This is the highest sign up bonus ever for the American Express Gold Rewards Card.
It does not specify when this promotion will expire, so now is the time to get this card. Keep in mind that this is a charged card, so you have to pay off your balance right away, there will not be a minimum payment option available. The highlights of the credit card are as follows:
[ANALYSIS] CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card
Even though CIBC is not completely losing Aeroplan, it will only be a matter of time probably before they are fully separated from Aeroplan. So CIBC is preparing for life without Aeroplan by ramping up its own program called Aventura. CIBC currently has a 30,000 sign up bonus points promotion that ends on December 31, 2013. The regular sign up bonus is 15,000.
hellO Canada!
Welcome to Pointshogger! Our very first post.
I have been following a few fellow bloggers extensively about how to earn loyalty points to reduce the cost of traveling. The mains ones I follow are: