Expert level: Which credit card(s) should I use?

This article is the last in the series for :

• Cards to apply for: beginner level;
• Cards to apply for: intermediate level.

Our reminders regarding the accumulation of points and rewards are as follows:

• It’s a marathon, not a sprint!
• In the beginning, it’s best to take out 1 or 2 credit cards every 6 months.
• When the experience sets in, you can subscribe to 2 cards, every 4 months.

This list for future experts has been compiled based on our analysis, personal experience and that of Milesopedia readers.

We assume that you already have some cards from the Beginner and Intermediate Level guides, such as the :

• Marriott Bonvoy^MD American Express^MD* Card (for its annual one-night free certificate)
• National Bank World Elite Mastercard^® (for its $150 travel credit and excellent insurance)
• American Express Cobalt^MD Card (that much-loved card with 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar at grocery stores and restaurants)

These best Expert level credit cards are for people who are used to juggling several credit cards according to their needs, or who travel frequently. They were chosen for :

• Several exclusive and distinctive benefits ;
• Obtain prestigious experiences and invitations;
• Their ability to earn higher-level rewards that match a certain high travel lifestyle.

To sum up, here are our picks for the best credit cards for this ultimate stage:

The annual fee for these cards is high, but it comes with even greater benefits!

Why hold the American Express^® Aeroplan^MD* Reserve Card Express^MD? Here are just a few advantages:

• Excellent welcome bonus in Aeroplan points;
• Priority check-in, priority boarding (zone 2) and priority baggage handling;
• No minimum income required;
• Access to Maple Leaf Lounges in North America ;
• Highest Aeroplan point accumulation with 3 points/$1 in eligible Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations purchases;
• Free first checked baggage for you and up to 8 people travelling on the same reservation when travelling on an Air Canada flight;
• CA$ 100 credit towards NEXUS membership fees ;
• Receive an Annual Companion Pass – World each year when purchases over $25,000 are charged to the card;
• Carry forward unused Status Qualifying Miles and eUpgrades credits to the following year;
• VIP experience at Toronto Pearson International Airport;
• Outstanding customer service from American Express ;
• Preferential rates when you book a flight with Aeroplan points;
• And for the pleasure of having a metal card in your wallet!

Frequent flyers with Air Canada and its partners are particularly targeted and pampered with this card.

Why apply for the TD^® Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card? Its advantages:

• Excellent welcome bonus in Aeroplan points;
• Access to Maple Leaf Lounges in North America ;
• 6 additional free airport lounge accesses per year under the Visa and DragonPass Airport Companion Program;
• Priority check-in, priority boarding (zone 2) and priority baggage handling;
• Priority international and domestic security checkpoint lines (Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Montreal-Trudeau)
• CA$ 100 credit towards NEXUS membership fees ;
• Receive an Annual Companion Pass – World each year when purchases over $25,000 are charged to the card;
• Carry forward unused Status Qualifying Miles and eUpgrades credits to the following year;
• Various promotions with Aeroplan and Starbucks ;
• Avis President’s Club status granted automatically ;
• Excellent travel insurance;
• Preferential rates when you book a flight with Aeroplan points;
• Exclusive benefits and experiences with Visa Infinite Privilege (exclusive discounts for luxury hotels, culinary experiences, concierge and travel) ;
• And for the pleasure of having a metal card in your wallet!

This will enable you to arrive at the airport, check in your baggage free of charge, pass through security very quickly thanks to the NEXUS card, eat and drink free of charge in the Maple Leaf lounge before departure and be among the first people to board the plane.

At first glance, the TD^® Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card and the American Express^® Aeroplan^® Reserve Card look much the same.

See the comparison between the 2 to find out which is best for you and your needs.

For an annual fee of $399, the RBC^® Avion^® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card offers you these benefits:

• Excellent welcome bonus in Avion points;
• 6 additional free airport lounge accesses per year under the Visa and DragonPass Airport Companion Program;
• Rapid passage through international and domestic security checkpoints (Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Montréal-Trudeau);
• With Avion Rewards, you can book anything from airlines and hotels to car rentals and vacation packages;
• Exclusive benefits and experiences with Visa Infinite Privilege (exclusive discounts for luxury hotels, culinary experiences, concierge and travel);
• Transfer your Avion points to WestJet, British Airways, American Airlines and Cathay Pacific loyalty programs;
• One of the best insurances for mobile devices;
• Free 12-month subscription to DoorDash DashPass.

So your precious points can go a long way, while enjoying the exclusive benefits of a Visa Infinite Privilege card.

Indulge yourself with the Business Platinum Card^MD from American Express. Take your travel to the next level and become a VIP wherever you go.

• Does not require a minimum income;
• Excellent welcome bonus;
• Unlimited access to airport lounges for the holder and one guest;
• Gold status given automatically for Hilton and Marriott Bonvoy hotels;
• Five Star status given automatically for Hertz Gold Plus Rewards ;
• CA $ 100 credit for NEXUS ;
• $ 200 annual travel credit;
• Annual credit of up to $120 for mobile services;
• Credits of $ 200 for Dell ;
• Credits of $ 300 for Indeed ;
• Access to the Fine Hotels & Resorts program ;
• Privileges at Toronto Pearson Airport (parking, valet parking, security screening) ;
• Transfer points to airline and hotel partners ;
• Exclusive experiences, access to reserved events and gifts for holders ;
• Very attractive travel insurance ;
• Excellent customer service;
• And for the pleasure of having a metal card in your wallet!

You may be an individual (self-employed) or a small business owner who needs a credit card. Find out more in our article on How to apply for an American Express business card.

With these cards, you’ll be covered in every situation, depending on your objectives, insurance and the special benefits you want.

But most importantly, whatever you choose, you must pay your credit card balances in full every month! Otherwise, all your profits will be wiped out by interest charges.

Also, be sure to read all credit card terms and conditions carefully.