Intermediate Level: Which Credit Card(s) Should I Apply For?

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Alexandrine Bertrand
Alexandrine Bertrand Alexandrine Bertrand
An avid solo traveller, Alexandrine is an expert on loyalty programmes such as Aeroplan, Avios, AIR MILES, Flying Blue and Marriott Bonvoy. With a budget-conscious approach, she helps travellers make the most of their points and miles to experience affordable, off-the-beaten-path getaways. She also shares a love of gastronomy and enjoys exploring local flavours and culinary traditions.
All posts by Alexandrine Bertrand
Credit Card - Intermediate Level
To the point Here's a quick summary of our best credit card recommendations for those with some experience with points.

Following our article on the best credit cards for beginners, it’s important to remember that this is a marathon, not a sprint! Indeed, to avoid negative effects on your credit score, it’s important to take things slowly at first.

When starting, the norm is to apply for 1 or 2 credit cards every six months. Then, apply for two cards every four months when you are more used to it.

Intermediate credit card holders are characterized by their understanding of loyalty programs and their ability to manage their cards to maximize rewards.

This list has been compiled based on our analysis, personal experience and that of Milesopedia readers. When you have experience with credit cards, these are the best cards we recommend most often.

We assume you already have one or two cards from the Beginner Level article : Which credit card(s) to get? These best mid-level credit cards are for people with a little experience were chosen based on:

  • Their profitability
  • Medium- and long-term benefits
  • And the ability to earn rewards at a higher level than the previous ones

In summary, here are our top picks for the best credit cards to begin this new stage:

Card Reason
Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card Thanks to its points that provide free nights, its welcome offer, as well as its annual Free Night Award
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card For its Aeroplan points, the free checked bag it offers, and its benefits that make travel easier
TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card With its best-ever welcome offer, annual $100 TD Travel Credit, and 4 free airport lounge visits
Bonus: BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card Worth noting for its high welcome offer, mobile device insurance, and easy point redemption.

Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card

Why hold the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card ?

  • Welcome bonus of up to 50,000 points
  • One free night at a Marriott Bonvoy hotel after one year of card ownership (more than offsets the $120 annual fee)
  • Benefits for Marriott Bonvoy Members
  • No minimum income required
  • Excellent customer service from American Express

Those bonus points are more than enough to spend a few nights near Mount Fuji in Japan!

Marriott Japan

The myth that American Express cards are not accepted anywhere is very persistent. But it’s not true – check out our article on where these cards are accepted. Don’t miss out on major savings because of an urban legend.

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card

To book flights with Aeroplan points, there is this very interesting card.

Why subscribe to the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card ?

  • 10,000 Aeroplan points earned on the first purchase made with this card
  • 15,000 additional Aeroplan points can be earned with an average monthly spend of $1,250 during the 180 days following card opening.
  • To get one free checked bag on Air Canada flights
  • First year’s annual fee waived
  • Exclusive benefits and experiences with Visa Infinite
  • Optional TD Auto Club membership for roadside assistance

For example, these 25,000 Aeroplan points, together with the 7,500 points accumulated on the expenses required to obtain the welcome bonus, make it possible to travel at a lower cost to relax in Mexico.

YUL CUN

Alternative

The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card requires a minimum annual income of $60,000. For a credit card with no minimum income requirement, you can apply for its counterpart, the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum* Card. While it doesn’t offer the same benefits, you’ll still earn Aeroplan points towards your next trip.

TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card

The TD® First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card is an underrated credit card that often flies under the radar. However, it is extremely rewarding, especially with the best welcome offer we’ve seen!

  • No annual fee for the first year
  • 20,000 TD Rewards points on first purchase
  • 145,000 TD Rewards points after $7,500 in spending within 180 days of account opening
  • A birthday bonus equal to 10% of the TD Rewards points you have accumulated in the past year
  • $100 TD travel credit per year on an accommodation or vacation package booking of at least $500 via Expedia for TD
  • Free Visa Airport Companion Program membership plus 4 airport lounge visits per year (a $285 value)
  • TD Rewards points, perfectly versatile for redeeming toward travel, exchanging for gift cards, or merchandise
  • Very attractive travel and mobile device insurance.

BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card

Why subscribe to the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card?

  • Up to 70,000 points with this exclusive Milesopedia welcome bonus;
  • $50 annual credit ;
  • Points easily redeemable as travel credit for travel expenses (airfare, airport parking, hotel rooms, all-inclusive, car rental, etc.);
  • Insurance for mobile devices ;
  • Earn 5X points BMO Rewards per dollar spent on all everyday purchases (groceries, dining, transit, and gas) made with the card;

Ready to Optimize Your Credit Card Strategy?

Continue your learning with our expert guide!

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

Also, take a few minutes to carefully read all the credit card terms and conditions. These few moments of reading are important, to make sure you get your welcome offer and make it rain points!

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Jean-Maximilien Voisine is the President and Founder of Milesopedia and a leading expert in rewards programs, credit cards, and travel across Canada, France, and the U.S.A. Now 40 years old and a father of two, he has explored more than 100 countries—many of them alongside his wife Audrey and their children. Specializing in loyalty programs such as Aeroplan, Flying Blue, American Express Membership Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy, Jean-Maximilien helps travellers unlock the full potential of their points and benefits. His mission: empower others to travel better and smarter across North America and Europe.
All posts by Jean-Maximilien Voisine

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