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.

End of an Era: Capital One World Elite Aspire Travel MasterCard

ByMatt

I’ve held off writing this post for a while now because I am still a little shocked and sadden by the changes.

You may have read about the Capital One World Elite Aspire Travel MasterCard that was discontinued almost 3 years ago to new applicants. However, existing cardholders were allowed to keep their cards with the same features and benefits. At the time, I found that to be a very generous move by Capital One. I am proud to say that I kept the card all this time.

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Best Current First Year Fee Waived Cards for July 2020

ByMatt

This month’s list has really trimmed down with CIBC now offering more permanent first year fee waived offers. Because of that, I have also taken off the ongoing first year fee waived offers as that list grew too long.

Keep in mind that we have an ongoingly updated Top Credit Cards pages. Here are some of the more relevant ones to this post:

Top Cash Back Credit Cards
Top Hybrid Credit Cards
Top Specialty Credit Cards

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Aeroplan Expiry Policy Extended from 12 months to 18 months

ByMatt

Aeroplan initially paused Aeroplan miles expiry until July 14, 2020. When that came to an end, a few days later, on July 20, 2020, Aeroplan announced that it will be expanding its expiry policy from 12 months to 18 months. Basically miles continue to stay active as long as there is an activity, i.e. earn or redeem. 

Since we are this topic, here is a quick recap of their current policies due to the pandemic. Also note that we have a page that is continually updated found on the menu bar called COVID-19 Updates. 

Air Miles Launches “Rewarding Canadians Everyday” and “Summer Giveaway”

ByMatt

Air Miles has been trying to elevate its game this summer. To be fair, I think that this is their chance to shine, with the travel industry down. Air Miles is more diversified in its reward options. Today, they are launching two new initiatives.

Rewarding Canadians

Air Miles unveiled a new brand platform today called Rewarding Canadians, every day. Rewarding Canadians features Collectors experiencing moments of reward. At the very least, I think that this is a good reminder for everyone to redeem their miles for something that is worthwhile. 

Here is the video to get the ball rolling:

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Top Cash Back Credit Card Offers for July 2020

ByMatt

This list has really trimmed down over the past few months, even though the remaining offers are somewhat competitive. Keep in mind that this monthly list includes temporary offers. We have an ongoing list of all offers in the Top Cash Back Credit Cards page. 

Top no annual fee cash back credit card offers for July 2020

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[INTERVIEW] American Express Canada about Shop Small Campaign

ByMatt

We are back with our increasing popular interview series. Today we are interviewing Vanessa Crooker from American Express Canada who will share more thoughts with us about the new Shop Small campaign. Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions Vanessa, we appreciate your time! 

Q: Please tell us about yourself. What is your role with American Express Canada (AMEX)?

I’m Vanessa Crooker, the Vice President of Merchant Marketing at American Express Canada. In my role, I’m responsible for leading a team that focuses on engaging our network of Merchants.

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Air Canada and Azul Brazilian Airlines Partner Up!

ByMatt

Air Canada seems to be hard at work, after teaming up with Etihad, they are not welcoming Azul Brazilian Airlines (Azul) as its newest travel partners. Effective today (July 8, 2020), Aeroplan Members can earn and redeem Aeroplan miles for travel (all cabins) with Azul. 

Azul is a Brazilian carrier based in São Paulo that operates a fleet of 145 aircraft including two-class Airbus A330s. 

Below is the Aeroplan accrual chart for flights operated by Azul.