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
Carte de crédit - Niveau Intermédiaire
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 VIPorter World Elite Mastercard Deserves attention for its points, which can be redeemed for flights with Porter and Air Transat, its high Avid Traveller status, as well as a second free ticket included as part of the offer.

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 japon FR

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 FR

Alternative

The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card requires an annual income of at least $60,000. For a card that doesn’t require a minimum income, you can sign up for its cousin, the TD® Aeroplan Visa Platinum* Card . It doesn’t offer the same benefits, but at least you’ll earn Aeroplan points for future travel.

TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card

The TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card is a credit card that is often underestimated and flies under the radar. Yet, it is extremely profitable, 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 VIPorter World Elite Mastercard

The BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard is one of the newest and most underrated credit cards on the market. Its points are redeemable with Porter Airlines, and can be exchanged for flights with Porter, as well as with Air Transat for travel to Europe, for example.

  • No annual fee for the first year
  • 20,000 points after $5,000 in purchases within the first 110 days of account opening
  • 20,000 points, a round-trip companion pass and $1,000 in eligible VIPorter spending after $9,000 in purchases within the first 180 days of account opening.
  • 30,000 points after $18,000 in purchases within the first 365 days of account opening
  • High status given automatically (VIPorter Horizon)
  • Numerous travel benefits (free first checked baggage, free carry-on baggage, free seat selection, early boarding, etc.)

This card requires a minimum annual income of $80,000. Another alternative is its little sister, the BMO VIPorter Mastercard.

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!
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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