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

Updated Dec 20, 2024
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Marie-Ève Leclerc
Marie-Ève Leclerc

Marie-Ève Leclerc

Marie-Ève Leclerc
Marie-Ève, Web Director at Milesopedia, is an expert in budget travel and a slow travel enthusiast. Specializing in Aeroplan, Scene+, and Marriott Bonvoy programs, she spends nearly six months a year abroad, making travel her way of life. Constantly seeking the best waves to surf, excellent coffee, and strategies to extend her travels, she is often found in coworking spaces with fellow digital nomads or by the sea, watching the sunset.
All posts by Marie-Ève Leclerc
Carte de crédit - Niveau Expert
To the point Here's a quick summary of our recommendations for the best credit cards, for those who are experts and experienced.

This article is the last in the series for :

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 keep some cards from the Beginner and Intermediate Level guides, such as the :

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:

Card Pattern
American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card Its advantages for getting ahead of everyone else on Air Canada flights and simplifying your travel life.
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card For VIPs, thanks to the advantages of Visa Infinite Privilège and superior insurance.
Business Platinum Card® from American Express For its various annual credits and large, luxurious benefits.

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

American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card

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

  • Welcome bonus points Aeroplan;
  • Priority check-in, priority boarding (zone 2) and priority baggage handling;
  • No minimum income required;
  • Access to Maple Leaf Lounges in North America;
  • The highest accumulation of points Aeroplan thanks to its 3 points/$1 of eligible purchases with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations;
  • Free first checked baggage for you and up to 8 people travelling on the same reservation when travelling on an Air Canada flight;
  • CA$ 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 Qualifying Miles and eUpgrades credits to the following year;
  • VIP experience at Toronto Pearson International Airport;
  • Outstanding customer service from American Express ;
  • Preferential rates and lower prices when you book a flight with points Aeroplan;
  • 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.

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card

Why subscribe to TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card? Its advantages:

  • Welcome bonus points Aeroplan;
  • 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;
  • Rapid passage through international and domestic security checkpoints (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 Qualifying Miles and eUpgrades credits to the following year;
  • Various promotions with Aeroplan, the eStore and Starbucks ;
  • Avis President’s Club status granted automatically ;
  • Excellent travel insurance;
  • Preferential rates and lower prices when you book a flight with points Aeroplan;
  • 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 at lounge Feuille d’érable 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 the same.

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

Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Treat yourself with Business Platinum Card® from American Express. Take your travel experience to the next level and become a VIP wherever you go.

  • Does not require a minimum income;
  • Excellent welcome bonus (the best in a long time);
  • Free, unlimited access for you and one additional traveler to over 1,400 airport lounges in more than 130 countries;
  • Access to the Fine Hotels & Resorts program ;
  • Gold status for Hilton and Marriott Bonvoy ;
  • $100 credit for NEXUS;
  • $ 200 annual travel credit;
  • Annual credit of up to $120 for mobile services;
  • Transfer points to airline and hotel partners ;
  • Exclusive experiences, access to reserved events (such as the Maison Amex during the Grand Prix of Montreal or Montreal à Table) 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.

Bottom Line

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.

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Caroline Tremblay

Caroline Tremblay

Caroline Tremblay
Caroline, a loyalty program specialist, helps families maximize their points to travel more frequently and affordably. With expertise in Disney, AIR MILES, and Costco, she travels the world with her partner and two children through rewards. Passionate about the latest in loyalty programs, Caroline shares tips to help you earn more points and turn your travel dreams into reality.
All posts by Caroline Tremblay

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