wifi

Guide: How to get free Wi-Fi worldwide with credit cards

To the point Here's how to get free Wi-Fi anywhere in the world just by having a credit card.

Whether you are a frequent traveler or a digital nomad, free internet access is a great advantage. If you don’t want to get an eSIM for example, Boingo Wi-Fi can be a good alternative method.

How Boingo works

Boingo Wi-Fi is one of the largest wireless Internet companies in the world. They have over a million secure access pointsaround the world. They offer subscription levels available for people on the go.

Access points can be shops, office buildings, restaurants, airports or even airlines (WestJet, Lufthansa, Swiss, Etihad, Singapore Airlines, etc.).

etihad wifi boingo

Through a prior registration of your mobile device, the connection to the network can be in two ways.

For example, it can be found all over the island of Oahu, Hawaii. In Honolulu, there are plenty!

Hotspot Boingo Hawaii

After downloading the Boingo application, you need to create your account. Then, the access to the network is done :

  • automatically when a Boingo hotspot is nearby with the new Passpoint system
  • or the application asks to authorize access to the hotspot and the connection is accepted

We recommend using a VPN when connecting to a Wi-Fi network. Find out why.

There are two subscription options:

  • 24 consecutive hours of daily pass anywhere in the world: $7.95
  • Unlimited: $14.99 per month

However, it can be totally free! Here’s the trick!

With Mastercard credit cards

Thanks to Mastercard, World and World Elite credit cardholders have free access to Boingo! In fact, these people will have 12 annual accesses of 90 minutes free, with unlimited data.

You must confirm your eligibility here on the Mastercard website. Next, enter the credit card number to verify and then create a Boingo account.

MC Boingo

Which World or World Elite credit card should I choose to get free Wi-Fi?

First, here’s a very detailed article on how to choose a World Elite credit card.

Travelers or digital nomads will be more likely to choose those with excellent travel insurance (medical, cancellation, delay, baggage loss, car rental, etc.).

For Wi-Fi and travel insurance

When it comes to insurance, the National Bank’s World Elite Mastercard and The Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard stand out from the crowd.

In addition to their excellent assurances, let’s do the pluses and minuses of each card:

Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard
  • 8 free accesses per year to the Odyssée Desjardins VIP Lounge at Montréal-Trudeau
  • Good earning rate of up to 3% in BONUSDOLLARS for purchases
  • Redeem BONUSDOLLARS on travel expenses

⇒ But: $130 Annual fee

National Bank World Elite Mastercard
  • $ 150 reimbursement for: airport parking, baggage fees, airport lounge fees, ticket upgrades and seat selection
  • 5 points per dollar spent on groceries and restaurants
  • Unlimited access to the National Bank of Montreal-Trudeau VIP Lounge

The National Bank’s World Elite Mastercard® offers travel credits (up to $150 annual credit) to offset the $150 annual fee.

Bottom Line

Credit cards have some almost hidden options. Having Wi-Fi (and it’s free!) makes life a lot easier when you’re traveling or working all over the world. Like Maude, who works and travels in Central America!

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Caroline Tremblay
I'm Caroline, a loyalty program specialist! I use my points to travel more often and at a lower price with my spouse and our two children. I'm passionate about writing about the latest rewards news and how to put more points in your pocket.

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