Points and Credit Card Strategy: 2026 Goals

Q: Why Use a Shopping Portal?

A portal like Aeroplan eStore, airmilesshops.ca , or Rakuten adds points or cash back to a purchase you’d make anyway. This way, you combine the rewards from your credit card, those from the merchant, and those from the portal. It’s a very simple passive accumulation to integrate.

A new year brings opportunities to take stock of your points and rewards goals. It’s the perfect time to adjust your points and credit card strategy, validate your statuses, and plan your next accumulations. Indeed, a few decisions made in January can transform your points balance and your travels for the rest of the year.

Whether you’re aiming for Aeroplan status, a family trip, or simply more cash back on everyday purchases, this guide brings together the main actions to take to start 2026 off right. To go further, check out our page on the best credit cards in Canada.

Take Stock of Your Goals

Start by checking where you stand with your points balance or cash back. Do your current cards still meet your travel and everyday spending needs? If the answer isn’t clear, it’s a signal that you need to review your wallet.

Récompenses des Cartes de Crédit : Guide du Débutant - 2024 11 Objectif tableau FR

Our list of the best credit cards in Canada helps you choose according to your goals. Additionally, subscribe to our newsletter to discover Milesopedia’s 2026 Awards, coming out in mid-January.

The Milesopedia credit card comparator remains the go-to tool for finding the right card based on your spending. Also take advantage of the start of the year to optimize recurring categories like groceries, which weigh heavily in the family budget.

Which Card Based on Your Level?

Depending on your comfort level with rewards programs, here are three approaches from our Beginner’s Guide:

Pursuing Status in 2026

Airline or hotel chain status is generally earned between January 1 and December 31. If you reached your target level during the year, the status extends into the following year. Otherwise, it drops. Everything starts over from scratch on January 1, 2026.

First question to ask yourself: what status are you aiming for in 2026 and what value do you place on it? If you’ve just reached a tier, don’t forget to select your annual benefits with Aeroplan or Marriott Bonvoy.

Aeroplan Updates in 2026

Starting in 2026, the way to earn Aeroplan Status is changing. Find out how to achieve Aeroplan Status in 2026 with our comprehensive guide. We also explain what Milestone Benefits are, the program’s new perks.

If you had Aeroplan status in 2025, it would remain valid until January 31, 2026. The benefits associated with the status reached in 2025 then take effect on February 1, 2026. For example, a 35K member who only met the 25K requirements in 2025 keeps their 35K benefits until January 31, 2026, then switches to 25K status starting February 1, 2026.

Getting Status Another Way

Do you want to stay loyal to a single chain or airline, or keep your freedom? The real question: is paying several hundred, even thousands of dollars worth it for upgrades, priority lines, or free breakfasts? Fortunately, certain credit cards and partnerships provide status access without having to fly or stay extra nights.

Program	Status	How to get it
Aeroplan	25K	Accumulate 100,000 Aeroplan points or 25,000 SQC via Aeroplan credit cards, partners, Air Canada, and Air Canada Vacations.
Aeroplan + Marriott	25K or Gold Elite	Link both accounts: Titanium or Ambassador Elite gets 25K Aeroplan; 50K, 75K, and Super Elite get Marriott Gold.
Blue Rewards (formerly AIR MILES)	Gold	7,890 qualifying Blue Points posted to your account before December 31, 2026, or automatically with a BMO AIR MILES Mastercard held in 2026. Valid until December 31, 2027, after which the tier is retired.
Blue Rewards (formerly AIR MILES)	Onyx	78,940 qualifying Blue Points posted to your account before December 31, 2026, or automatically with a BMO AIR MILES World Elite (or Business) Mastercard held in 2026. Valid until December 31, 2027, after which the tier is retired.
Marriott Bonvoy	Silver and Above	15 Elite Nights per year with the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card or the Business version.
Flying Blue	Silver and Above	Via the status match offered.
Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy	Gold	With the Platinum Card from American Express or the Business version.
IHG Rewards	InterContinental Ambassador and Platinum	Purchase for $225 USD or 45,000 IHG points.
Accor	Gold	Two options: buy shares or subscribe to the ibis ALL PLUS card.
Car rentals	Various	Several options detailed in our car rental status guide.
Hotels.com	Silver or Gold	Via a match with Avis Preferred Plus.

Our credit card selection
Credit card	Annual fee	Welcome offer
Marriott Bonvoy^® American Express^®* Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$120	Welcome offerAfter $3,000 in 3 months Up to 70,000 points After $3,000 in 3 months	Apply NowCompare
Marriott Bonvoy^® Business American Express^®* Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$150	Welcome offerAfter $5,000 in 3 months Up to 80,000 points After $5,000 in 3 months	Apply NowCompare

Points Transfers Between Programs

Basic rule: only transfer your points when you actually need them. Transfer promotions come back regularly and can add 15% to 50% bonus points to your transaction. On the other hand, a hasty transfer is irreversible and often deprives you of the flexibility of the original program.

Here are some promotions seen in 2025 to give an idea of the cycles to watch for:

Amex to Marriott Bonvoy: 30% bonus on the transfer of American Express Membership Rewards points (May and November).
Amex to Hilton Honors: 50% bonus on the transfer to Hilton in October.
RBC Avion to Avios: 30% bonus on the conversion to Avios in November.
RBC Avion to AAdvantage: 15% bonus on the transfer to American Airlines in August.
Marriott Bonvoy to Aeroplan: 15% bonus on the conversion to Aeroplan, a 2025 newcomer.

These promotions are also useful for orphan points, those that are about to expire or that you won’t use in the original program. You can also transfer your RBC Avion Rewards points to other airline programs at any time.

Changes to Watch for in 2026

The year 2025 brought several changes to the Canadian loyalty program and credit card ecosystem. Here are the highlights:

WestJet: WestJet dollars became WestJet points.
Marriott Bonvoy: new partnerships and end of the agreement with Sonder after the latter’s bankruptcy.
Aeroplan: new partnerships with airBaltic, Harbour Air, Helijet, and Bearskin Airlines.
Airport lounges: opening of new Aspire Lounges at Montreal-Trudeau and renovation of Maple Leaf Lounges.
Co-branded cards: arrival of VIPorter cards with BMO.
VIPorter: new option to redeem points for Air Transat and Alaska Airlines.
New partnerships: RBC with Triangle Rewards, WestJet and Skip, as well as Chexy with Aeroplan.
Chexy: expansion to recurring bills and small businesses.
Rove Miles: addition of new transfer partners in the Rove Miles program.

Compare

Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite +* Card

Scotiabank Scene+

Annual fee: $150
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.: $350
Welcome offerAfter $2,000 in 3 months: Up to 35,000 points; Ends Nov 1, 2026

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite^+* Card, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

No fees for foreign currency transactions
6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

Legal

* The potential value of savings and rewards during the first 12 months includes the value of the welcome offer, the potential value of points earned in the first year, the value of savings on foreign currency transaction fees and the cost of airport lounge access as of May 22, 2026:

$250 in travel rewards (25,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite +* Cardholders who charge $2,000 in purchases to their account within the first three (3) months;

$100 in travel rewards (10,000 bonus Scene+ points) for cardholders who charge $40,000 in purchases to their account;

$50 in savings from the annual fee waiver on the first additional card for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit card account holders;

$132 in savings on foreign currency transaction fees based on the average amount of foreign currency purchases made per active account over the past 24 months (by saving on the 2.5% foreign currency transaction fees typically charged by other credit card issuers);

$364 representing the potential value of points earned in the first year (36,400 Scene+ points) based on the average amount of purchases made per active account over the past 24 months, assuming an average spend of 21% of purchases in categories eligible for accelerated earn rates of 2X and 3X points;

$358 representing the value of complimentary membership in the Visa Airport Companion program which includes 6 airport lounge passes (based on « Preferred » membership valued at approximately $357 CAD/$259 USD). Based on the exchange rate in effect on May 22, 2026.

Maximum potential value after the first year = $1,254 (rounded to $1,250)

The actual value of offers, savings realized and points earned will vary depending on card usage and eligibility for applicable offers. Conditions apply.

1 Offer description and conditions: The 25,000 Scene+ points offer (the « offer ») applies only to new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit card accounts (the « accounts ») opened between August 4, 2026 and November 1, 2026 (regardless of the date you apply for the account) subject to the conditions below. The offer may be modified, cancelled or extended at any time without notice, and it cannot be combined with any other offer.

In addition, as a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Cardholder, you are eligible for an annual bonus of 10,000 Scene+ points if you charge at least $40,000 in eligible everyday purchases to your Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card account over the course of one year. Conditions apply; see below for more details.

Description and conditions of the 25,000 bonus Scene+ points offer: To be eligible for the 25,000 bonus Scene+ points offer (« 25,000 bonus points »), you must charge at least $2,000 in total eligible purchases to your account within the first three months following the account opening date.

Conditions for the annual 10,000 Scene+ points bonus:
As a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit cardholder, you can earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points (the « annual points bonus ») if you charge at least $40,000 in eligible purchases to your account over the course of one year (12-month period). The annual period begins on the account opening date; a new period starts again every twelve months thereafter. If you replace another Scene+-eligible credit card with the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card (i.e., it is not a new card or an additional card), the opening date of your original account will be carried over to your new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card account and your annual period under this offer will begin on the next anniversary date of your original account opening. For example, if you originally opened a Scotiabank Gold American Express^® Card account on January 15, 2022 and you switch to the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card on July 15, 2025, your annual period under the 10,000 Scene+ points annual bonus offer will begin on January 15, 2026 (your next anniversary date) and a new period will start again on January 15 each year thereafter. You will earn 2,000 bonus Scene+ points for each additional $10,000 in purchases made during the same year once you have reached the $40,000 annual purchase threshold.

Eligible purchases means purchases, less refunds, returns and any other similar credits, and excludes payments, cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions), interest charges, as well as card fees and other fees.

Fulfillment of the annual points bonus: Bonus points will be credited within approximately eight weeks after you become eligible for a bonus, provided the account is open and in good standing. In the case of a joint account with a primary borrower and a co-borrower, bonus points will be credited as follows: (i) the 25,000 bonus points and the annual points bonus will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the account of the borrower who made the transaction that reached the eligible purchase threshold ($2,000, or $40,000) within the appropriate timeframe (the first three months, or the first 12 months). If an additional cardholder makes the transaction that reaches the eligible purchase threshold for the 25,000 bonus points, or the annual points bonus, the bonus points will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the primary borrower’s account. It is possible to transfer points between the Scene+ accounts of a primary borrower, a co-borrower or an additional cardholder by contacting Scene+. An account is in good standing if it is not past due, there is no over-limit, and the cardholder(s) have complied with the terms of the Revolving Credit Agreement that applies to the account. All other program conditions continue to apply during the offer period.

Offer eligibility and exclusions: You cannot take advantage of the offer if you are currently a primary or secondary cardholder of a Scotiabank personal credit card or have been one in the past two years, including if you transfer your balance from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card account, and if you are a Scotiabank employee. Subject to the exclusions mentioned above, small business credit cardholders are eligible for this offer.

Rates and fees: The annual fees are $150 for the primary card, $0 for the first additional card and $50 for each additional card thereafter (including those issued to joint account holders and additional cardholders). The preferred annual interest rates applicable to the account are as follows: 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions). The rates, fees, and features and benefits, which are described in the disclosure statement accompanying the application, may be changed.

Savings at Shell

Get up to 7 cents per litre in instant fuel discounts for a limited time and earn up to 3 cents per litre in Scene+ points value with an eligible Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + card linked to a Shell Go+ Account:

Instant 3 cents per Litre Discount on Fuel Purchases (All Grades): Receive an instant 3 cents per litre discount on purchases of fuel (all grades) (“Fuel Purchases (All Grades)”) at participating Shell locations in Canada when you use any eligible Scotiabank debit card or credit card linked to a Shell Go+ Account, up to a maximum of 1,000 litres per month per Scotiabank debit card and per Scotiabank credit card account. This total limit resets at the start of each new month per payment card account. This discount is subject to the Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.
Instant 4 cents per Litre Discount on Premium Fuel: Between May 26, 2026 and June 1, 2027 (“Promotional Period”), receive an instant 4 cents per litre discount on purchases of V-Power^® gasoline, or V-Power^® diesel (“Premium Fuel Purchases”) at participating Shell locations in Canada when you use any eligible Scotiabank credit card that earns Scene+ points linked to a Shell Go+ Account, up to a maximum of 1,000 litres per month per credit card account. This total limit resets at the start of each new month per credit card account. This promotional offer, including the Promotional Period, may be changed, extended, or withdrawn at any time without notice. These promotional offer terms are in addition to the Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.
Earn up to 3 cents per Litre in Scene+ points Value (Equivalent) on Fuel Purchases: Each time you use your linked Scotiabank credit card that earns Scene+ points on Fuel Purchases (All Grades) at participating Shell locations in Canada, you will earn at least 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent. Plus, as a Scene+ Member you will also automatically earn 1 Scene+ point for each litre in Fuel Purchases (All Grades), and as a Shell Go+ member, automatically earn 1 additional Scene+ point for each litre in Premium Fuel Purchases, made with your linked Scotiabank credit card. This means that for every litre in fuel purchased with your linked credit card, you can earn the equivalent of up to 3 cents of redeemable Scene+ points value based on a redemption value of $10 for every 1,000 Scene+ points redeemed for fuel purchases at participating Shell locations. Actual value may be lower depending on how you choose to redeem your Scene+ points. Earn and redemption limits may apply. See the Scene+ Program Terms and Conditions available at sceneplus.ca/terms-and-conditions for full details including redemption options and additional terms.

Note: Highest value of 10 cents per litre assumes a Premium Fuel Purchase made with a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card linked to a Shell Go+ Account. Actual value will vary depending on payment card used and whether or not the card is linked, fuel grade purchased, and how you choose to redeem your Scene+ points.

Additional 3¢/L at Shell (limited time)

Additional 3¢/L Fuel Discount Offer: Offer valid from October 5, 2026 to December 31, 2026 (“Promotional Period”), eligible Scotiabank credit and debit cardholders enrolled in the Shell Fuel Benefits Program who have linked an eligible Scotiabank payment card (an “Eligible Card”) to their Shell Go+ account will receive an additional instant fuel discount of 3 cents per litre on eligible fuel purchases at participating Shell-branded retail locations in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories (the “Eligible Provinces”) excluding Shell Flying J locations. Fuel purchases made outside the Eligible Provinces are not eligible for this offer.

To receive the additional fuel discount, customers must pay with their linked Eligible Card at the time of purchase.

The additional fuel discount is in addition to the fuel savings available through the Shell Fuel Benefits Program and may be combined with other eligible fuel discounts, rewards programs, and promotional fuel offers unless otherwise stated in the applicable offer terms and conditions.

The additional fuel discount is available on up to 1,000 litres of eligible fuel purchases per calendar month for each Eligible Card. The 1,000-litre limit resets at the beginning of each calendar month.

The additional fuel discount is non-transferable, is not redeemable for cash, and cannot be substituted or exchanged.

Participation in the Shell Fuel Benefits Program is subject to the applicable program terms and conditions available at Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.

Shell Canada reserves the right to make changes to this offer and to terminate the offer at any time, for any reason and without notice.

All other applicable terms and conditions of the Shell Fuel Benefits Program, Shell Go+ and Scotiabank continue to apply.

Annual fee

Primary card$150

Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$60,000

Household$100,000

Conversion fees

Earning rate

3xWith the partner brand
2xGroceries
2xRestaurants
2xTransit
2xEntertainment
1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$604

2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7

Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $2,000,000 / 25 days

Travel medical (55-64)Up to $2,000,000 / 25 days

Travel medical (65+)Up to $2,000,000 / 3 days

Trip CancellationUp to $1,500

Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500

Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000

Lost BaggageUp to $1,000

Flight DelayUp to $500

Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000

Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded

Extended Warranty+1 years

Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

What 2026 Has in Store for Us

AIR MILES: after the ability to transfer between Cash and Dream accounts, the miles will be merged on January 25.
Aeroplan: arrival of changes to Elite status with SQC and Milestone Benefits.
New partnerships: expected between programs to combine travel purchases and everyday purchases.
Air Transat: an in-house loyalty program? Stay tuned !

Resolution: Use Shopping Portals

Make a resolution to use online shopping portals. These points and rebates are obtained very easily and boost your balance without additional spending. The principle is simple: go through the portal link before finalizing your purchase on the merchant’s site.

Aeroplan eStore to collect more Aeroplan points.
airmilesshops.ca to collect more AIR MILES miles.
Rakuten to earn cash back or Scene+ points.

Plus, you double up during multiplier promotions. For example, watch for long weekends, Amazon Prime days, Black Friday, and commercial holidays (Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day). To push the strategy further, also read our guide to optimizing your online purchases.

Watch for Targeted Offers

Several programs offer online deals to activate manually. This is particularly the case with AIR MILES, American Express, Scene+, Avion Rewards, and now TD. An offer can take the form of:

Targeted credit: for example, a credit of $XX on a purchase of $XX at a specific merchant.
Bonus points or miles: additional rewards for charging a minimum amount on the card (groceries, entertainment, gas, etc.).

Even if an offer seems irrelevant, make it a habit to activate it. It only costs a click and can prove useful when an unexpected expense arises.

Conclusion

A good points and credit card strategy in 2026 relies on a few simple actions: doing an inventory at the start of the year, aiming for statuses that make sense for you, waiting for the right transfer promotions, following program changes, and adopting small habits like portals and targeted offers. These actions, put together, can be worth several hundred dollars in rewards.

To go further, compare your options with our card comparator and explore our detailed rewards strategies. Happy 2026!

Points and Credit Card Strategy – Frequently Asked Questions

When Should You Review Your Credit Card Strategy?

The start of the year is the ideal time. You can check your points balances, your statuses, and your upcoming annual fees. However, a review is also relevant after a change in income, family situation, or travel plans.

Should You Transfer Your Points as Soon as You Accumulate Them?

No. It’s better to keep points in the original program and wait for a transfer promotion or an actual booking need. Indeed, a transfer is irreversible and makes you lose the flexibility of the initial program.

How Do You Get Aeroplan Status in 2026?

Starting in 2026, Aeroplan status is earned through SQC (Status Qualifying Credits) rather than the old criteria. 25K status requires 100,000 Aeroplan points or 25,000 SQC in the year. Check out our complete guide on Aeroplan Elite Status 2026.

Is My 2025 Aeroplan Status Still Valid in January 2026?

Yes. Your Aeroplan status earned in 2025 remains valid until January 31, 2026. The status reached during 2025 then takes effect on February 1, 2026.

Which Cards Give Hotel Status Without Nights?

The Platinum Card from American Express automatically gives Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy. Additionally, the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card adds 15 Elite Nights per year, which helps reach Silver, Gold, or higher.

Why Use a Shopping Portal?

A portal like Aeroplan eStore, airmilesshops.ca, or Rakuten adds points or cash back to a purchase you’d make anyway. This way, you combine the rewards from your credit card, those from the merchant, and those from the portal. It’s a very simple passive accumulation to integrate.

What to Do If Marriott Bonvoy Hasn’t Confirmed My Annual Benefit?

You must select your annual benefit before February 1, 2026 on the dedicated Marriott Bonvoy page. If you don’t make a choice, the default benefit will be five Nightly Upgrade Awards.

For your next Hilton stay, see the Hilton Honors American Express^® Card available in Canada and the terms of its current offer.

Take Stock of Your Goals

Our list of the best credit cards in Canada helps you choose according to your goals. Additionally, subscribe to our newsletter to discover Milesopedia’s 2026 Awards, coming out in mid-January.