American Express (AMEX)

| | | | | | | | |

Credit Cards which offer Free Airport Lounge Access (updated March 9, 2019)

ByMatt

Due to the popularity of this post, I think it was due for an update. Along with several changes to the industry since the last time. The most significant addition is the CIBC Aventura cards. The most significant change is that BMO left Priority Pass in favour of MasterCard Airport Experiences.

Just to avoid confusion, this post refers to only cards that give at least 1 free lounge pass. It does not refer to cards that give you Priority Pass membership, but a fee to access the lounge.

|

Air Canada Renews Partnership with American Express

ByMatt

Air Canada and American Express Canada have come to a new agreement to renew and expand their partnership. The plan is for American Express to continue beyond 2020 when Air Canada launches their new loyalty program, as this is a new 10-year deal. 

If you read the news release closely there are some hints to some positive news.

| | | |

Top Credit Cards to use at Restaurants (updated January 27, 2019)

ByMatt

As we approach Valentine’s Day, restaurants usually expect a little more business. There is still time to apply for the right card for that day. Below are the top picks.

I have classified the credit cards in different categories and ranked them by their annual fees.

| | | | |

My 2019 Predictions for the Miles and Points World

ByMatt

Back in 2016, I began a new tradition of trying to predict the rewards world. The first year was rough, but it got better (2017, 2016). Let’s see how I did this year and my predictions for the following year.

| | | |

Highest Current Cash Back Promotions (at least 5% and up)

ByMatt

As you already know, we publish a monthly Top Cash Back Credit Card Offers. That mostly lists higher than normal bonus promotions. However, with several significant cash back offers, I thought I’d give another type of list a try. The reason is because the industry seems to be putting a lot more emphasis on cash back offers. 

Since Pointshogger is about maximing rewards for Canadians, I’ve always told myself that if the industry were to ever shift towards cash back, miles and points would have to take a back set. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you see it) in Canada, there were many co-branded airline and hotel credit cards that have discontinued over the past few years.

| | | | | | | | | | | |

Ranking the Credit Card Portfolios of Each Canadian Financial Institutions (updated November 1, 2018)

ByMatt

It has been 6 months since my last update, so I think it was due. Since last time, I started a new ranking system where I just flat our ranked the credit card companies, rather than grouping them. Note that promotions are factored into the rankings, but because they are only temporary offers, more weight is put into their regular offers.

Below are my personal rankings of each company, along with a commentary and a list of some of my top credit card picks for each financial institution.

| | | | | |

Priority Pass in Canada (updated September 10, 2018)

ByMatt

In light of the one-time fee increase (from $27 to $32 for American Express cardholders), I thought it was an appropriate time to update this post. Priority Pass continues to increase their inventory, including many more restaurants added to the portfolio. There is also over 1,200 lounges worldwide (up from 1,000 last time). Furthermore, several credit cards needed an update regarding their lounge access. 

This post will list the Canadian credit cards that provide a free Priority Pass membership, along with lounge access specifics. 

| |

Priority Pass to Increase One-Time Visit Fee from American Express

ByMatt

Effective October 1, 2018, Priority Pass is increasing its one-time lounge visit fee of $27 to $32 for American Express credit card holders. Priority Pass explains that it has been over 10 years since there has been an increase. As far as increase in fees are concerned, this is a fair one in my opinion. It does not devalue the program is a very negative way and it maintains most of its value. 

Here are my two ways of looking at the fee:

| |

Comparing Canadian and U.S. SPG American Express (updated August 29, 2018)

ByMatt

There have been quite a few changes since my last post Comparing Canadian and U.S. SPG American Express; namely the merger between Marriott Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest. As a result, this post is definitely due for a major update.

One major change is that 1 Starpoint (in my previous post) is now worth 3 Marriott points. So we need to factor in this correlation if comparing to the old versions of the cards. However, for today’s post, I will focus on comparing the Canadian and U.S. version as they are currently, rather than worrying about the past.