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.

Credit Cards that Offer a Free Checked Bag (updated February 11, 2017)

ByMatt February 11, 2017February 14, 2017

Bringing luggage onto the plane, whether checked-in or carry-on, has become such a complicated issue since the introduction of the pay-per use for the past few years. It seems like it will only get more problematic when costs are attached to carry-ons. As a result, the free checked bag offer from credit cards is only going to become more valuable.

Below is an updated list of credit cards that offer a free checked bag, ranked by annual fees:

American Express (AMEX) | MBNA

Never See People Pay with these Credit Cards…

ByMatt February 9, 2017February 3, 2017

Are you like me whereby, when you are lining up to pay for something, you scope out what type of credit card the person in front of you is using to pay? I do that all the time. Of course I cringe when they do not have the loyalty card or pay with cash.

American Express (AMEX) | Bank of Montreal (BMO) | Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) | MBNA | Scotiabank

The Cash Back War is On!

ByMatt February 7, 2017September 20, 2023

There are a handful of credit card companies that are really upping their game when it comes to cash back credit cards. Some promotions are permanent or indefinite, others are temporary.

For the past 2 years, I really felt that the Canadian credit card companies are putting more and more emphasis on cash back credit cards. Maybe they are capitalizing on people’s frustration with mile and points programs. Maybe it is more profitable, considering that there is no real lucrative sign up bonuses that are offered. Whatever the reason is, I really do believe that the current competitive in the cash back market is the best I’ve ever seen.

American Express (AMEX) | Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) | Toronto Dominion (TD)

Top Credit Card Higher than Normal Sign Up Bonuses for February 2017

ByMatt February 5, 2017September 20, 2023

Quite a few credit card offers feel off the books from the 2016 holdover, so we are really getting a look at what 2017 has to offer going forward. Last year was really a strong year, so I have drastically lowered my expectations for this year.

For now, here’s the list of top credit card sign up bonuses that have a higher than normal offer.

Travel

Nexus Cards revoked from all Canadian Permanent Residents with Citizenship in Restricted Countries

ByMatt February 4, 2017February 4, 2017

CBC News reported that the Canada Border Services Agency that Nexus memberships have been revoked from all Canadian permanent residents with citizenship in any one of the seven majority-Muslim countries affected by the U.S. travel ban.

AwardWallet

Thoughts on AwardWallet Price Increase

ByMatt February 2, 2017January 16, 2020

I dare say that AwardWallet may be one of my favourite travel hacking website/App out there. It has saved me so much time and trouble over the years, so I held off on commenting about the price increase, because I do not like to speak negative about anything.

Scotiabank

Scotiabank Platinum versus Gold American Express Card

ByMatt February 1, 2017September 20, 2023

As suggested by one of our readers, I will be comparing the Scotiabank American Express Platinum Card versus the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card. Before we get into the specific factors to consider, let’s take a look at the highlights of each card.

Air Canada (Aeroplan) | American Express (AMEX) | Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) | Toronto Dominion (TD)

AMEX vs. CIBC vs. TD Aeroplan (Lowest Annual Fees)

ByMatt January 31, 2017January 28, 2017

Today, I am continue my series on credit card comparisons, which I asked my readers to provide suggestions. Feel free to continually add more suggestions to the comment section in that post. I have already written posts about the other co-branded…

Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG Rewards Club)

IHG PointsBreak (January 30, 2017 – April 30, 2017)

ByMatt January 30, 2017March 14, 2017

The IHG Rewards PointsBreak promotion is back!

Promotional Period

This new list runs from is valid from January 30, 2017 to April 30, 2017. I am always happy to see a new list come out. I just hope that they keep it going!

Maple Leaf Lounge (Air Canada)

Rundown of the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge

ByMatt January 29, 2017February 7, 2017

It is no secret that lounge access really makes the trip more enjoyable. However, the access is limited to specific travelers. Air Canada offers their own Maple Leaf Lounge, which access around the world.