Intermediate level: Which credit card(s) to 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.
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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.

As a follow-up to our article on credit cards for beginners, it is important to remember that this is a marathon, not a sprint! It is necessary to calm down at the beginning to avoid negative repercussions on your credit rating.

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.

This list was compiled based on our analysis, personal experiences and those 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 an higher level than the previous ones

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

Card Pattern
Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card Thanks to its points that give free nights and its annual free night certificate
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card For its Aeroplan points and benefits that make travel easier
BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard Gives you 5x points for every dollar spent on travel and 4 free admissions to VIP airport lounges.
Bonus: TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card Worth noting for its $100 annual credit, lucrative welcome offer and future airport lounge access.

Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card

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

  • Excellent 50,000 point welcome bonus with reasonable minimum spend
  • 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 night near Mount Fuji in Japan!

marriott japon FR

It’s a common myth that American Express cards are not accepted anywhere. 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 just 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 points Aeroplan, 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® Platinum* Visa Card AeroplanMD. It doesn’t offer the same benefits, but at least you’ll earn Aeroplan points for future travel.

BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®*

Why apply to this BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard®*?

  • Up to 100,000 points thanks to this never-before-seen welcome bonus;
  • 4 free visits to airport lounges
  • Points easily redeemable as travel credits for travel expenses (airfare, airport parking, hotel rooms, all-inclusives, etc.);
  • One of the best travel insurances;
  • Earn 5X BMO Rewards points per dollar on all travel purchases (air, car rental, hotel, cruise, train, travel agency, etc.) made with the card;
  • Earn 3X BMO Rewards points per dollar in restaurant, entertainment and recurring bill payments.

Alternatives

The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard requires a minimum annual income of $80,000.

Here’s another option that gives you effortless free entry to airport lounges:

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. And yet, it’s very profitable! What’s more, TD Bank will be adding another benefit starting April 30, 2025.

  • No annual fee for the first year
  • 20,000 TD Rewards points on first purchase
  • 115,000 TD Rewards pointsafter $5,000 spent within 180 days of opening
  • A birthday bonus equal to 10% of the TD Rewards points you have accumulated in the past year
  • TD Travel Credit of $100 per year on a minimum $500 accommodation or vacation package booked through Expedia for TD
  • From April 30, 2025: Free Visa Airport Companion membership + 4 airport lounges per year ( $285 value)
  • Perfectly versatile TD Rewards points to pay for your trip, swap them for gift cards or buy your favourite products.
  • Very attractive travel and mobile device insurance.

Bottom Line

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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