Scotiabank Gold American Express® CardScotiabank Gold American Express® CardEarn up to 50,000 bonus Scene+ points + no annual fee in your first year

The Milesopedia Team’s 2026 Travel Strategies

The Milesopedia Team’s 2026 Travel Strategies
Share

The Milesopedia team is often in different corners of the globe at the same time, and it looks like that will be the case again in 2026! We’re sharing our travel plans, as well as our favourite credit cards and loyalty programs to help you save on trips, plus other tips that help us travel smarter and cut down on everyday expenses.

NordVPN - Avoid scam, phishing and malware - Get 75% off plus 3 months extra

Audrey and Jean-Maximilien

Types of travel:

Musical getaways, family vacations, trips with friends, and last-minute adventures made possible with points.

Dream Trips and Trips Planned for 2026:

Audrey:

2026 is shaping up to be a year full of high energy and unforgettable moments!
In February, I’ll be heading to Rotterdam to experience the legendary ASOT festival with a friend, featuring headliners Marlo, Maddix, and Armin Van Buuren.

I’m planning a girls’ weekend getaway with my friends, although we haven’t decided on the destination yet.

Jean-Maximilien:

Professional events will punctuate my year in Canada, the United States, and France.

Audrey and Jean-Maximilien:

In March, we’re heading to Aix-en-Provence to see Miss Monique, Arbat, and Nico Moreno live.

Then in May, we’re heading to Las Vegas for the EDC festival, where we will meet our friends and favourite DJs for three days of musical ecstasy.

Family trips:

For family travel, we aim to take a big trip in the spring, likely to Southeast Asia.

We also hope to make a big trip to Latin America this summer for about a month. This is a trip we’ve been talking about for a long time, and we’re excited to finally experience it together this year.

And as always, there will surely be some last-minute getaways, especially between France and Canada, which we do regularly.

Best Credit Cards to Achieve Your Points Strategies:

Audrey:

  • The American Express Cobalt® Card remains my top favorite: it allows me to quickly earn points on everyday purchases and at restaurants, which I then convert into hotel nights or flights.
  • In France, I also use the Revolut Ultra Card to avoid foreign transaction fees and better manage my spending both abroad and within France. Earning points is easy and the card is accepted everywhere.
  • And of course, I optimize every online expense with the right credit card and cashback portals, depending on the merchant category.

Jean-Maximilien:

Your Best Tips and Tools for Better Travel:

  • Use shopping portals with cashback or points (Aeroplan eStore, Rakuten, Poulpeo in France, etc.) to maximize the value of my online purchases.
  • Travel light but smart and connected with a carry-on suitcase for an easier travel experience, and my Apple Watch to track my activities, meetings + my headphones handy for my Netflix movies and music.
  • Smart accessories like the TRTL travel pillow to sleep better on economy flights, without forgetting my melatonin, eye mask, and earplugs.
  • Optimize my travels thanks to last-minute deals with points (Aeroplan, Avios, Marriott, etc.).
  • And above all, maintain a degree of spontaneity: never underestimate the power of a good improvised plan, even last-minute, well-orchestrated thanks to reward points (Aeroplan, Avios, Marriott, etc.).
Exclusive
Annual fee
$0 $150
No annual fee the first year
Our valuation
$150
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueAnnual fee rebated$150Total$150Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
First Year Annual Fee Rebate
$150 annual fee rebated
Ends Nov 4, 2026
Apply Now

on National Bank's website

With Milesopedia, take advantage of an exclusive offer: your first-year annual fees are refunded with the National Bank World Elite Mastercard. This offer is exclusively available on the Milesopedia network, from June 30 to November 4, 2026.

  • Refund of the first-year annual fee (a $150 value) for the primary cardholder. This fee is charged to your new card account, then refunded as a credit on your statement within five months of opening your account, provided it remains open and in good standing.

The National Bank World Elite Mastercard is the best Mastercard credit card offered by NBC.

With this card, you earn up to 5 points per dollar on your purchases:

  • 5 points per dollar for groceries and restaurants
  • 2 points per dollar on gas and electric recharge purchases
  • 2 points per dollar on recurring bills
  • 2 points per dollar on À la carte Travel
  • 1 point per dollar for all other purchases

And since it’s an NBC mycredit Mastercard, you can use it at Costco.

With this card, you have access to a $150 annual travel credit that you can use in any of these categories:

  • Airport parking
  • Baggage fees
  • Seat selection
  • Access to airport lounges
  • Airline ticket upgrades

What’s more, you can enjoy access to DragonPass airport lounges and unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at Montreal-Trudeau.

Finally, Milesopedia has named the National Bank World Elite Mastercard as the Best Travel Credit Card in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$80,000
Household$150,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xRestaurants
  • 5xGroceries
  • 2xTravel
  • 2xBills & recurring payments
  • 2xGas & EV
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$778
2nd Year Value$923

Card benefits

Airport lounge access$400
Travel creditsIncluded

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 60 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 31 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Trip CancellationUp to $2,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $5,000
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Travel AccidentIncluded

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+2 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 2 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Aline

Types of Travel: Family, with friends, and solo getaways.

Dream Trips and Trips Planned for 2026:

  • For the past few years, we’ve found a great balance by taking an adventure trip in the spring and an all-inclusive vacation in the fall. Avec les enfants, cette formule fonctionne à merveille et nous planifions garder cette structure lorsqu’on aura des contraintes scolaires. At the same time, I love treating myself to short getaways abroad, sometimes with a friend, sometimes with one of my children, like a recent weekend in Europe visiting Christmas markets with my eldest son. These are precious moments that truly allow me to step away from the daily routine.
  • For spring 2026, Asia is definitely on my list, possibly to visit friends, but I’m also very interested in exploring the Balkans. In the fall, another all-inclusive vacation is almost guaranteed. We loved Club Med Guadeloupe, especially for the quality of the food, so I plan to explore other resorts in the Club Med chain.
  • When it comes to short getaways, Japan remains a favourite destination that I love to revisit every year. Europe is also a reliable choice for shorter trips, since it’s relatively accessible from Canada. The exact destinations will mostly depend on availability and opportunities at the time.

Best Credit Cards and Programs to Achieve Your Travel Plans:

Over time, I’ve really shifted towards travel points (like TD Rewards, CIBC Aventura, etc.), as well as Scene+ points, which are easy to earn and redeem, making them a key part of my strategy. I also use the National Bank World Elite Mastercard, especially when my Scotiabank Gold American Express Card isn’t accepted, and for its excellent insurance coverage, which is essential given how often I travel each year.

Your Best Tips and Tools for Better Travel and Daily Savings:

  • Maintain an up-to-date Excel file with all important details (subscription and approval dates, offer conditions, deadlines, etc.).
  • Use an eSIM card like Airalo to easily stay connected abroad.
  • Keep an eye out for promotions, both in flyers like Scene+ bonuses on gift cards and on portals like Rakuten or the eStore.
  • Use Chexy to pay my corporate tax installments and earn points on essential expenses.
Sponsored
Annual fee
$120
Our valuation
$500
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$500Total$500Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 50,000 points
Ends Nov 1, 2026
Apply Now

on Scotiabank's website

The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card offers an excellent welcome bonus.

Until November 1, 2026, you can earn up to 50,000 bonus Scene+ points, broken down as follows:

  • 30,000 Scene+ points by charging $2,000 in purchases to the card within the first 3 months
  • 20,000 Scene+ points by making $7,500 in purchases on the card in the first year

This represents a value of up to $500 for travel (including Airbnb).

With the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card, you earn 6 points per dollar spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà par IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Chalo! grocery stores. FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés Tradition, Rachelle Béry and Co-Op.

Also, you earn 5 points per dollar for:

  • Grocery stores
  • Restaurants
  • Entertainment centers

And 3 points per dollar on gas, transit and streaming services purchases.

You can redeem your points on travel purchases (flights, hotels, all-inclusive and even Airbnb). You can also use your points as cash back rewards with Scene+.

The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card also offers no foreign transaction fees, excellent insurance for your travel or purchases, concierge service, exclusive American Express benefits like the Front of the Line program.

Annual fee

Primary card$120
Additional card$29

Annual income required

Individual$12,000
Household$12,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 6xWith the partner brand
  • 5xGroceries
  • 5xEntertainment
  • 5xRestaurants
  • 3xStreaming
  • 3xTransit
  • 3xGas & EV
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,460
2nd Year Value$461

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $1,500
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
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $65,000 / 48 days

Payal

Types of travel:

  • For 2026, my travel style focuses on three pillars: International long-haul travel. Multi-city, multi-country itineraries. Points-optimized premium travel (business class flights + strategically chosen hotels)
  • Rather than booking one expensive round-trip, I prefer itineraries that let me explore multiple destinations while maximizing points value — especially on long-haul flights, where rewards stretch the furthest.

Dream Trips and Trips Planned for 2026:

In 2026, I’m planning two major international trips built primarily with points, ideally in Europe and Asia. The idea isn’t luxury for the sake of luxury — it’s intentional optimization:

  • Flying business class on long-haul flights using points
  • Combining aspirational stays with well-located mid-range hotels
  • Choosing destinations based on redemption value, not fixed dates

By staying flexible with routing and timing, I can design trips where points cover the most expensive components of travel — flights and accommodations — while cash covers the rest.

Best Credit Cards and Programs to Achieve Your Travel Plans:

My 2026 strategy relies entirely on Canadian financial products that offer flexibility, strong earn rates, and meaningful travel benefits. Core Cards in My Wallet.

  • American Express Cobalt Card: This is my main card for everyday purchases. The high earn rates on dining, groceries, and everyday spending make it one of the fastest ways to collect flexible points in Canada.
  • American Express® Gold Rewards Card: Used to complement the Cobalt, this card helps build a flexible points balance that can be redeemed for flights and travel without being locked into a single airline.
  • TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card: This card is the cornerstone of my flight strategy. Aeroplan points are especially valuable for long-haul travel, stopovers, and complex itineraries.
  • Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card: My go-to travel card abroad thanks to no foreign transaction fees, helping me avoid the hidden costs that add up quickly on international trips.

Together, these cards allow me to earn points efficiently, benefit from flexible point redemption, and reduce costs for my international travels.

Your Best Tips and Tools for Better Travel and Daily Savings:

  • Earn Flexible Points First: Flexible points give you options. Decide how to redeem only once you’re ready to book.
  • Time Credit Card Applications Strategically: Large expenses = opportunity. Applying before major spending makes welcome bonuses easy to earn.
  • Always Compare Points vs. Cash: Not every redemption is good value. Calculate before you book.
  • Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees: Using the right card abroad can save hundreds per trip.
  • Let Points Shape the Trip: Flexibility with dates and destinations unlocks better flights, better hotels, and better value.

Travel in 2026 doesn’t have to mean higher costs. It means smarter planning.

Featured
Annual fee
$0 $139
No annual fee the first year
Our valuation
$1,139
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,000Annual fee rebated$139Total$1,139Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 50,000 points
+ First Year Annual Fee Rebate
Apply Now

on TD's website

With this offer for the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, you can get up to 50,000 Aeroplan points as well as an Annual Fee rebate for the first year.

  • Earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first Purchase with your new Card
  • Earn 15,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $3,000 within 90 days of Account opening.
  • Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 12 months of Account opening

This card also allows you to enjoy travel benefits, such as a free first checked bag for you and up to 8 travel companions on the same reservation, as well as a rebate on the NEXUS program application fee (up to $100 CAD per eligible cardholder) every 48 months.

With the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, you earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on:

  • Grocery purchases
  • Gas and electric vehicle charging purchases
  • Purchases made directly with Air Canada® (including Air Canada Vacations®)

You also earn 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases made with your card.

Annual fee

Primary card$139
Additional card$75

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 1.5xGas & EV
  • 1.5xGroceries
  • 1.5xAir Canada flights
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,714
2nd Year Value$425

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $2,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $2,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $2,000,000 / 4 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $5,000
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $2,500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Alexe

Types of travel:

  • Leisure travel, to relax and visit friends.

Dream Trips and Trips Planned for 2026:

  • I have a friend who has a condo in Florida, so I would like to end winter beautifully by visiting him.
  • I would also like to spend Midsummer in Sweden.

Best Credit Cards and Programs to Achieve Your Travel Plans:

Your Best Tips and Tools for Better Travel and Daily Savings:

  • Keep an eye out for promotions
  • I try to rent a fully equipped Airbnb, which allows me not to have to eat at restaurants every day
  • Monitor Facebook groups or TikTok pages that give tips on free activities or places to visit
Annual fee
$150
Our valuation
$350
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-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.
Welcome offer
Up to 35,000 points
Ends Nov 1, 2026
Apply Now

on Scotiabank's website

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card +* CardMC, 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

We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xEntertainment
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650
2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 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

Miranda

Types of travel:

Remote work in « snowbird » mode to escape the Canadian winter.

Dream Trips and Trips Planned for 2026:

Generally, I book my trips quite last minute. Maybe 3 months in advance. Usually, we head south in December or January and stay until March or April. My dream destination would be Asia, but that complicates work, so we will probably go to the Dominican Republic, Mexico, or Colombia.

Best credit cards to achieve your travel plans:

  • We use the American Express Cobalt Card to earn points during our months in Canada on one of our biggest expenses: groceries. We then use these points for flights. While travelling, we prefer to use our EQ Bank Card to avoid paying monthly fees or ATM withdrawal fees in Canada.

Your Best Tips and Tools for Daily Savings:

Marie-Ève

Types of travel:

Remote work trips, active and adventure trips with friends.
I love spending as much time as possible in nature, from the ocean to the mountains.

Dream trips and projects planned for 2026:

This is the third year I am spending the winter in northeastern Brazil, in a surf village that I love and consider my second home.

I tend to plan my trips a bit last minute, and that’s where points and rewards allow me to save. I don’t know what else awaits me for the rest of the year, but countries like Namibia and the Philippines are at the top of my wish list.

I really enjoy spending time in Europe; Montenegro and other Eastern European countries piqued my curiosity in 2025, and I would like to return for longer, perhaps this spring. Points grant me great flexibility and help me financially say yes to last-minute opportunities.

Best credit cards to achieve your travel plans:

Your best travel tips and tools:

  • Free airport lounge access with select credit cards is a great way to save on meals, enjoy reliable Wi-Fi, and find a comfortable place to work while waiting for your flight.
  • When I am home in Quebec, I try to maximize every purchase by using shopping portals like the Aeroplan eStore and by taking advantage of key moments like Black Friday, point transfer promotions, Scene+ offers, etc.
  • I stay connected at all times by using eSIMs, notably Saily.
  • I pay my rent with Chexy to earn more points on every dollar spent.
Featured
Annual fee
$120
Our valuation
$990
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$990Total$990Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 110,000 points
Ends Sep 22, 2026
Apply Now

on American Express's website

Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreApply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).

The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is the best credit card in Canada for free hotel nights.

New Cardmembers can earn up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points with the current offer:

  • Earn 80,000 points after you spend $6,000 on your Card in your first 6 months of Cardmembership.
  • Plus, earn 30,000 points by making a purchase during your 15th month of Cardmembership.

This offer ends on September 22, 2026. The annual fee is $120, and there is no annual fee on Additional Cards, so you can add a partner or a family member at no extra cost.

Every year after your first Card anniversary, you receive an Annual Free Night Award good for a redemption of up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide. At a valuation of 0.9 cents per Marriott Bonvoy point, that certificate is worth roughly $315, which on its own more than covers the $120 annual fee. That is the main reason to keep this Card year after year instead of cancelling it.

To get the most out of the certificate, aim it at a night that would otherwise price close to the 35,000 point ceiling.

The Card also gives you 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. Those credits count toward the next Elite tier, so you begin every year 15 nights ahead of where you would otherwise start.

You move up to Gold Elite status automatically when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card in a year, or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your Card.

Marriott Bonvoy points are generally valued at 0.9 cents each. On that basis, the 110,000 point welcome offer is worth about $990, and an Annual Free Night Award used at its full 35,000 point ceiling is worth about $315.

Marriott Bonvoy points pull their weight on free nights rather than on gift cards or merchandise, which is why this Card should be judged on the hotel stays it produces.

You earn 5 points per dollar on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for free nights with no blackout dates at more than 7,000 hotels around the world.

The Card carries a solid package of coverages: $500,000 travel accident insurance, flight delay, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage and hotel or motel burglary at $500 each, car rental theft and damage up to $85,000 for rentals of up to 48 days, Purchase Protection for 90 days and a one year Extended Warranty.

Two things to plan around: the 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in a foreign currency, and the 21.99% purchase interest rate, which makes this a Card to pay in full every month. Like all American Express Canada Cards, no minimum income is published for this Card, and you can see whether you would be approved before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.

Annual fee

Primary card$120
Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
  • 2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,437
2nd Year Value$312

Travel insurance

Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

Guillaume

Types of travel:

  • Remote work and family trips

Dream trips and projects planned for 2026:

  • I am planning a two-week stay in La Paz, Mexico, in remote work mode, to enjoy a sunny environment while maintaining a normal work pace.
  • I also plan to visit the Gard region in France to spend time with my father, who is semi-independent. This trip is mainly focused on family, with travel dates chosen based on my availability and needs at home.

Best credit cards to achieve your travel plans:

Your best travel tips and tools:

  • Use cards with no conversion fees for all expenses abroad
  • Maintain some flexibility on dates to take advantage of the best opportunities
  • Travel light and plan simple stays to limit costs and logistics
Annual fee
$191.88
Our valuation
$255
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$255Total$255Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 15,000 points
Apply Now

on American Express's website

Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreApply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).

The American Express Cobalt® Card is the best credit card from American Express, whether you want points for travel or cash back.

American Express Cobalt® Card welcome offer

The welcome bonus is paid out monthly over your first 12 months. You earn 1,250 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you charge $750 in net purchases to your card, in any category (1X, 2X, 3X or 5X). That adds up to 15,000 Membership Rewards points over the year, a welcome offer we value at $255.

Earning the full bonus means $9,000 in net purchases spread across 12 monthly billing periods. This offer rewards steady monthly spending rather than one large purchase.

You can use these points as statement credits on everyday or travel purchases, at the same rate either way: 1,000 points = $10.

You can also transfer them to Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways and Qatar Airways), Flying Blue, Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors. With the full welcome bonus, that is a choice between:

  • 15,000 Aeroplan points
  • 15,000 Avios points
  • 15,000 Flying Blue Miles
  • 18,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

If hotel points are what you are after, our ultimate guide to Marriott Bonvoy and our complete map of Marriott Bonvoy hotels by category show what those points can actually buy.

American Express Cobalt® Card benefits

Here is what the card gives you, starting with the benefits cardholders use most.

  • 5X points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada: groceries, restaurants and bars, home food delivery and convenience stores. A spend cap applies.
  • 3X points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada.
  • 2X points on eligible gas, public transit and ride sharing purchases in Canada.
  • 1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings made through American Express Travel Online.
  • 1X point per dollar on everything else, with no category restrictions.
  • Points that hold the same value either way: 1,000 points = $10 as a statement credit, or a 1:1 transfer to several airline and hotel loyalty programs.
  • No minimum income requirement, as with every American Express Canada card.
  • Additional cards at no extra cost: the first and every other supplementary card is $0.
  • The Hotel Collection: a room upgrade when available, 12pm check-in and late check-out when available, and up to $100 USD in hotel credit on amenities charged to the room for a stay of two or more consecutive nights, booked through American Express Travel.
  • Front Of The Line® presale and reserved tickets for concerts and theatre performances, plus offers and events curated for cardmembers through Amex Experiences.
  • A soft credit check before you apply: you can see whether you will be approved with no impact to your credit score. This applies to American Express personal card applications.

To see how it compares with the rest of the line-up, read our round-up of the best credit cards from American Express in Canada.

The 5X categories and where they apply

The 5X rate is the reason most people carry this card. In Canada it covers four kinds of merchants:

  • Groceries: Metro, IGA, Sobeys, Super C, Safeway, Whole Foods.
  • Restaurants and bars: sit-down meals, takeout and drinks.
  • Home food delivery.
  • Convenience stores: Couche-Tard, 7-Eleven.

The 2X rate covers gas stations such as Esso, Shell and Petro-Canada, along with public transit and ride sharing.

With the American Express Cobalt® Card, you earn between 1 and 5 points per dollar:

Category Points per dollar
Grocery (Metro, IGA, Sobeys, Super C, etc.) 5
Home food delivery 5
Restaurants and bars 5
Convenience stores 5
Streaming services 3
Service station 2
Transport 2
Travel 1
Other 1

That works out to a 1 to 5% return on those purchases. For example, if you spend $1,000 per month across groceries, restaurants and food delivery, you earn $50 back per month, or $600 per year from that category alone. Transfer the points to a program such as Aeroplan instead and the return can be higher.

You can also stack these categories with the hundreds of stores that offer 5x points.

American Express Cobalt® Card insurance coverage

The card comes with a broad insurance package. The amounts below are the coverage limits; conditions, age limits and exclusions are set out in the certificate of insurance linked in the Insurance section above.

Travel insurance

  • Emergency medical: up to $5,000,000 for the first 15 days of a trip.
  • Travel accident: accidental death and dismemberment of up to $250,000 for you, your spouse and dependent children under age 23 when travelling on a common carrier (plane, train, bus or ship) and the tickets are charged to your card. Supplementary cardholders and their families are covered too.
  • Flight delay: up to $500 for necessary hotel, meal and sundry expenses bought within 48 hours when you are delayed or denied boarding for four hours or more and no other transportation is available. This $500 is an aggregate limit per occurrence, shared with missed connection and delayed baggage coverage.
  • Delayed baggage: up to $500 for essential clothing and sundries bought within four days when your outbound luggage is delayed six hours or more. This $500 is an aggregate limit per occurrence, shared with missed connection and flight delay coverage.
  • Lost or stolen baggage: up to $500 per occurrence for all insured persons combined, for checked or carry-on baggage and personal effects in transit, when the airline tickets are charged to your card. Within that limit, jewellery is capped at $300 per occurrence and golf clubs, including golf bags, at $250 per occurrence.
  • Hotel and motel burglary: up to $500 against the loss of most personal items if your hotel or motel is burglarized, when the stay is charged to your card.

Rental car insurance

Theft and damage coverage is included for a rental car with an MSRP, for its model year, of up to $85,000 excluding all taxes, for rentals of up to 48 days. To use it, decline the Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or any similar option from the rental company and charge the full rental to your card. There is no cost for this coverage, and it replaces the daily insurance the rental company charges, usually $16 to $23 per day.

Mobile device insurance

Your device is covered for up to $1,000 per occurrence when it is charged to the card, for up to two years from the date of purchase. The payout is based on the depreciated value of the device, which falls by 2% of the purchase price for every completed month, less a 10% deductible. Theft and accidental damage coverage starts on the 91st day after purchase, because the first 90 days are covered by purchase protection.

Purchase protection and extended warranty

Eligible items charged to your card are insured against accidental physical damage or theft for 90 days from the purchase date, up to $1,000 per occurrence for all items combined. The card also extends the original manufacturer’s warranty by up to one additional year on eligible items, with indemnification limited to $10,000 per insured item and $25,000 per Cardmember per policy year for all items combined.

American Express Cobalt® Card fees

  • Card fee: $15.99 per month, which equals $191.88 per year, for residents outside Quebec. Quebec residents are billed $191.88 per year.
  • Additional cards: $0.
  • Purchase interest rate: 21.99%.
  • Cash advance interest rate: 21.99%.
  • Foreign transaction fee: 2.5%.
  • Minimum income required: none.

Because the fee is billed monthly rather than in one annual charge, you can stop and restart the cost in step with how much you are actually using the card.

Annual fee

Primary card$191.88
Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xRestaurants
  • 5xGroceries
  • 5xConvenience
  • 3xStreaming
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xGas & EV
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,828
2nd Year Value$799

Transfer partners

  • AeroplanAirline
  • British Airways ClubAirline
  • Cathay Asia MilesAirline
  • Etihad GuestAirline
  • Flying BlueAirline
  • Hilton HonorsHotel
  • Marriott BonvoyHotel

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $250,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionUp to $1,000 / 90 days
Extended Warranty+1 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 2 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

Marie-Claude

Types of travel:

Like many parents, our travel plans are largely shaped by the school calendar. In 2026, this will mean a few family trips during school breaks, more local getaways, and several business trips between Europe and North America.

Dream trips and projects planned for 2026:

  • On a personal level, we’re planning several short trips in Normandy (where we’ve been living for the past three years) and nearby regions to take advantage of the long holiday weekends. It’s the perfect way to travel without disrupting family routines too much.
  • In February, we’ll head to Italy during the school break. Departing from Paris-Beauvais Airport, low-cost carriers will allow us to reach Bologna affordably before continuing our journey by train, which is especially efficient in Europe. On the itinerary: Rome, Naples, and of course, a historical immersion in Pompeii and Herculaneum.
  • Another major plan is taking shape for August: a “workation” between Réunion Island and Mauritius. For this long journey, we plan to maximize our Aeroplan points to fly business class from Paris. Accommodation will be a mix, combining Marriott Bonvoy hotels with more flexible options like HomeExchange or Airbnb.
  • Finally, spring and fall will be punctuated by business trips to North America, mainly Montreal and Toronto. In these cases, the choice of tickets will depend as much on price as on comfort, in order to work efficiently in flight, limit the effects of jet lag, and arrive rested to meet our partners and collaborators.

Best credit cards to achieve your travel plans:

  • With two pre-teens and having been settled in France for three years now (punctuated by several trips to Canada for work and family), our spending structure is quite hybrid. Optimizing travel loyalty programs remains central, with Aeroplan always at the heart of our strategy. We also attach great importance to cards that allow us to maintain our Marriott Bonvoy status, which are particularly appreciated during family trips.
  • In addition, using credit cards with no foreign transaction fees has become essential for our everyday spending while living in France. We prioritize our Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, as well as our new Wealthsimple Visa Infinite Privilege Card. We don’t eat out often, but we pay close attention to financial products that offer high earn rates on groceries or, depending on the situation, cash back, to maximize value on this essential spending category.

Your best travel tips and tools:

  • Since our vacations are dictated by school holidays, planning ahead remains our best ally for accessing better rates, both on flights, accommodation, and activity bookings.
  • Technologically, when my French mobile plan does not cover a destination, Saily takes over with its extended service and competitive prices.
  • Finally, an essential we’ve been travelling with for years: our Quechua cooler backpack. It always holds water bottles, a few reusable silicone snack bags, and a set of travel cutlery. For more adventurous trips, we add a small, compact picnic kit, which lets us bring our own lunches, save money, and most importantly, make the most of our time to fully enjoy new experiences and our vacation.
Annual fee
$240
Welcome offer
No current welcome offer
Apply Now

on Wealthsimple's website

With the Wealthsimple Visa Infinite Privilege Card, get 2% cash back on all your purchases, with no annual limit.

In addition, there are no foreign exchange fees for any purchase made in a currency other than the Canadian dollar and no annual fees if you hold more than $100,000 in assets with Wealthsimple, or if you transfer direct deposit of an eligible payroll to Wealthsimple.

Some travel insurance is not currently offered to Quebec residents.

Annual fee

Primary card$240
Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$150,000
Household$200,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$300
2nd Year Value$480

Card benefits

Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $2,000,000 / 14 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $2,000,000 / 14 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $1,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Included

Erin

Types of travel:

In 2026, I’m hoping to do a shorter trip to somewhere warmer in the winter months, and then a handful of near-to-home long weekend-type trips over the spring, summer, and fall.

I don’t currently have any big international trips officially planned, but I am hopeful that I’ll get back to Europe in the latter part of the year.

Dream trips and projects planned for 2026:

Other than the Europe trip in late fall that I’m just starting to sketch out, I would love to get back to Southeast Asia and neighbouring areas… though maybe better to plan that as a bigger adventure in 2027.

Best credit cards to achieve your travel plans:

Your best travel tips and tools:

  • For 2026 (and in general), I’m planning to use a mix of Avios (watching the new Iberia route between Toronto and Madrid), Aeroplan (maybe for the shorter warm-weather trip), and Scene+ to cover some travel expenses. I’m also paying closer attention to Flying Blue now that the transfer rate is up to 1:1 from Amex Membership Rewards.
Annual fee
$48
Our valuation
$420
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$420Total$420Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 28,000 points
Ends Nov 4, 2026
Apply Now

on RBC's website

With the RBC ION+ Visa Card, get up to 28,000 Avion points^, which is a value of up to $200 in gift cards. Apply by November 4, 2026.

This offer includes:

  • 7,000 Avion points upon approval^
  • 14,000 additional Avion points when you charge at least $1,500 in eligible purchases to your account within the first 6 months^
  • 7,000 anniversary Avion points^

This RBC credit card allows you to earn 3X the Avion points per dollar on the following categories1:

  • Groceries, restaurants and meal delivery
  • Transportation, gas and electric vehicle charging
  • Streaming, digital games, and subscriptions

You also earn 1 Avion point per dollar on all other eligible purchases1.

Plus, save 3¢ per litre on fuel at Petro-Canada and earn 20% more Petro-Points and Avion points when you pay with an eligible linked RBC card4.

Finally, benefit from mobile device insurance3 providing two years of protection, up to $1,000, in the event of loss, theft, accidental damage, or breakdown of your mobile device purchased with the card.

Annual fee

Primary card$48
Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 3xGroceries
  • 3xGas & EV
  • 3xTransit
  • 3xStreaming
  • 3xRestaurants
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,380
2nd Year Value$269

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 2 years

Corinne

Types of travel:

In 2026, I plan a mix of trips with friends and solo trips. I envision more small solo weekend getaways to slowly explore the south of France and the surrounding small villages, in order to fully enjoy my French visa.

Dream trips and projects planned for 2026:

I already have a trip planned to Las Vegas in May with friends to attend one of the world’s largest electronic music festivals, which also happens to be my favourite. I’m also planning to return to Montreal in spring or summer to see my family and friends. In terms of dream destinations for 2026, Japan is at the top of the list for a first experience in Asia, but Italy, Corsica, and South Korea are also high up on my wishlist.

Best credit cards to achieve your travel plans:

I use several cards depending on the type of points I want to earn. Currently, my American Express® Gold Rewards Card is very important in my strategy, especially to take advantage of the first-year bonus and transfer my points to Aeroplan to travel for free between Europe and Canada. My National Bank World Elite Mastercard also remains a big favourite, particularly for the $150 travel credit and the attractive point earning on restaurants and groceries.

Annual fee
$250
Our valuation
$1,020
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,020Total$1,020Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 60,000 points
Apply Now

on American Express's website

Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreApply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).

Earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards points with this welcome offer for the American Express Gold Rewards Card. That’s a value of $600 toward travel or any purchase charged to the Card:

  • 5,000 Membership Rewards points per month when you charge $1,000 in net purchases to your Card, for 12 months (a total of 60,000 points in the first year).

You can also transfer your points to airline partners such as Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways, Qatar Airways, Finnair), Flying Blue, and hotel partners (Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors).

For example, with this welcome offer, if you decide to transfer your Membership Rewards points to a partner loyalty program, you would have the choice of earning up to :

  • 60,000 Aeroplan points
  • 60,000 Avios
  • 60,000 Flying Blue Miles
  • 72,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

With this Card, you get many benefits like:

  • $100 annual travel credit
  • Priority Pass membership and 4 complimentary Plaza Premium visits per year
  • $50 NEXUS credit

You earn 2 points per dollar for travel purchases, and at:

  • gas stations
  • grocery stores
  • drugstores

And 1 point per dollar everywhere else.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

Annual fee

Primary card$250
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 2xPharmacy
  • 2xGas & EV
  • 2xTravel
  • 2xGroceries
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,555
2nd Year Value$589

Transfer partners

  • AeroplanAirline
  • British Airways ClubAirline
  • Cathay Asia MilesAirline
  • Etihad GuestAirline
  • Flying BlueAirline
  • Hilton HonorsHotel
  • Marriott BonvoyHotel

Card benefits

Airport lounge access$160

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $1,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

Your best travel tips and tools:

  • I always compare the value of points from one flight to another before booking and I try to go through partners like Rakuten to maximize my cashback. I always pay for my trips with a card that offers good insurance coverage, for peace of mind.
  • When it comes to travel essentials, I never leave without my Earpeace earplugs, a fully charged external phone battery, and a mobile data plan set up before I even arrive. I also like to research my destination ahead of time so I’m organized as soon as I leave the airport, with saved lists of restaurants and places to visit on Google Maps.

Olivier

Types of travel: Family trips and weekends with friends

Dream trips and projects planned for 2026:

  • February 2026: Sports weekend in the Alps. Getaway with friends in the French or Swiss Alps. The details are still being finalized, but the goal is to enjoy winter sports and the mountain atmosphere.
  • March/April 2026: Family stay in Martinique. A traditional family vacation to visit my grandparents, who live there six months of the year. I’m especially looking forward to seeing them again and rediscovering the north of the island, where the tropical jungle offers spectacular scenery.
  • September 2026: Wedding in Saint Petersburg. A family trip to Russia to celebrate my sister-in-law’s wedding. This is an important event we don’t want to miss, despite the current geopolitical situation.

Best credit cards to achieve your travel plans:

Since I live in France, my strategy relies on two complementary cards that maximize earning and using points:

  • The Revolut Ultra Card
    • RevPoints Program: Rapid point accumulation on all my purchases (up to 1% in cashback)
    • Comprehensive travel benefits: Premium travel insurance including cancellation, delay, luggage, and medical assistance
    • Lounge Access: Free entries to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide
    • No Exchange Fees: Substantial savings during my international travels
    • Flexibility: Points convertible into cashback or usable for bookings

American Express Gold Card

  • Airline Partnerships: Access to 15 partner airlines with advantageous conversion ratios
  • Flying Blue (Air France): Double points earned on travel purchases and optimal conversion for my European flights
  • Emirates Skywards: Regular bonus transfers, particularly useful for my long-haul trips and travel to Russia
  • Membership Rewards Points: Never expire and instant transfers to partner programs
  • Exclusive offers: Privileged access to private sales and upgrades

Your best travel tips and tools:

To optimize my travels, I use Roame to identify the best point flight options and discover advantageous routings. My Revolut Ultra Card always accompanies me outside the EU to avoid all exchange fees thanks to the interbank rate.

On the tech side, my winning trio includes the Apple Watch for boarding passes on my wrist, AirPods Max whose noise cancellation is essential on planes, and my MacBook with the NordVPN Ultimate subscription (included with my Revolut card) to work in flight, watch series, but most importantly, access my accounts securely.

These tools transform every trip into an optimized experience, both financially and practically.

Sean

Types of travel:

Dream trips and projects planned for 2026:

As I write this I’m currently living the dream working from Cabarete, Dominican Republic. I never would have known to come here if it wasn’t for making a friend in Puerto Plata who recommended it. Cabarete is a gem of a town – known for kite surfing, perfect beaches and (believe it or not) great poutine! Next stop will be Santa Marta, Colombia. Looking further into 2026, I’m planning a visit to Victoria, British Columbia for a long overdue visit with my family. Then as winter creeps in I’ll hopefully go somewhere warm again to escape winter.

Best credit cards to achieve your travel plans:

  • The American Express Cobalt remains a key card for us, especially while we’re in Canada. Groceries are one of our biggest expenses, and the accelerated points accumulation makes it easy to build a strong balance for flights. While travelling, I mostly rely on my EQ Bank debit/Mastercard to avoid monthly fees and unnecessary ATM charges in Canada.

Your best travel tips and tools:

  • The EQ Bank debit/Mastercard is extremely practical for travel. It avoids foreign transaction fees, reimburses ATM fees in Canada, and doesn’t add extra fees on international withdrawals (aside from local ATM fees). On top of that, it still offers 0.5% cashback on purchases, which makes it a simple and efficient everyday solution while abroad.

EQ Bank Card

EQ BankCash Back
Annual fee
$0
Welcome offer
No current welcome offer
Apply Now

on EQ Bank's website

With the EQ Bank Card, you pay no foreign exchange fees for purchases made abroad or in foreign currencies. This Mastercard is a reloadable prepaid card with which you can make free withdrawals at any ATM in Canada.

In addition, you earn the same excellent rate as your Personal Account, as well as 0.5% cash back on every purchase made with the EQ Bank Card.

Since it is a Mastercard, you can use it anywhere in the world as well as in Costco warehouses in Canada.

Annual fee

Primary card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Earning rate

  • 0.5xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$135
2nd Year Value$120

Bottom Line

What destinations are on your radar for 2026? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for top travel tips and to stay up to date on the best deals all year long. To discover the best credit cards, loyalty programs, and bank accounts right now, check out the Milesopedia 2026 Awards!

What are the Milesopedia team's top destinations for 2026?

The team is planning various trips in 2026, including electronic music festivals in Rotterdam and Las Vegas, family stays in Southeast Asia and Latin America, as well as winter getaways to Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Europe, particularly Italy and France, is also among the favourite destinations for several members.

How to effectively use reward points to save on travel?

To maximize your savings, earn flexible points with cards like the American Express Cobalt Card (5x points on groceries and restaurants), transfer them strategically to partner programs, and stay flexible with your travel dates. Always compare the value in points versus cash before booking to get the most out of your redemptions.

How to plan a last-minute trip with points?

To succeed with last-minute bookings, regularly check availability on the Aeroplan website, stay flexible with your dates and destinations, and consider flights with stopovers. Always keep a points balance ready and use tools like Roame to quickly find the best options.

What are the essential tools to optimize your points and travel smart in 2026?

Essential tools include cashback portals like Rakuten and the Aeroplan eStore, eSIM services such as Saily or Airalo to stay connected, and payment apps like Chexy to earn points on rent. Also, keep an eye out for Scène+ promotions and enhanced points transfer offers to maximize your rewards.

Go further with American Express Membership Rewards

To maximize your Membership Rewards earning, check our complete American Express Membership Rewards program guide and our best American Express Membership Rewards credit cards ranking, updated monthly by the Milesopedia team.

Our featured card

Featured
Annual fee
$120
Our valuation
$990
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$990Total$990Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 110,000 points
Ends Sep 22, 2026
Apply Now

on American Express's website

Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreApply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).

The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is the best credit card in Canada for free hotel nights.

New Cardmembers can earn up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points with the current offer:

  • Earn 80,000 points after you spend $6,000 on your Card in your first 6 months of Cardmembership.
  • Plus, earn 30,000 points by making a purchase during your 15th month of Cardmembership.

This offer ends on September 22, 2026. The annual fee is $120, and there is no annual fee on Additional Cards, so you can add a partner or a family member at no extra cost.

Every year after your first Card anniversary, you receive an Annual Free Night Award good for a redemption of up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide. At a valuation of 0.9 cents per Marriott Bonvoy point, that certificate is worth roughly $315, which on its own more than covers the $120 annual fee. That is the main reason to keep this Card year after year instead of cancelling it.

To get the most out of the certificate, aim it at a night that would otherwise price close to the 35,000 point ceiling.

The Card also gives you 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. Those credits count toward the next Elite tier, so you begin every year 15 nights ahead of where you would otherwise start.

You move up to Gold Elite status automatically when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card in a year, or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your Card.

Marriott Bonvoy points are generally valued at 0.9 cents each. On that basis, the 110,000 point welcome offer is worth about $990, and an Annual Free Night Award used at its full 35,000 point ceiling is worth about $315.

Marriott Bonvoy points pull their weight on free nights rather than on gift cards or merchandise, which is why this Card should be judged on the hotel stays it produces.

You earn 5 points per dollar on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for free nights with no blackout dates at more than 7,000 hotels around the world.

The Card carries a solid package of coverages: $500,000 travel accident insurance, flight delay, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage and hotel or motel burglary at $500 each, car rental theft and damage up to $85,000 for rentals of up to 48 days, Purchase Protection for 90 days and a one year Extended Warranty.

Two things to plan around: the 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in a foreign currency, and the 21.99% purchase interest rate, which makes this a Card to pay in full every month. Like all American Express Canada Cards, no minimum income is published for this Card, and you can see whether you would be approved before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.

Annual fee

Primary card$120
Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
  • 2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,437
2nd Year Value$312

Travel insurance

Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

Our editorial integrity

Our reviews and rankings are based on an objective assessment. Advertisers do not influence our content. We may receive compensation through some links; our analysis and opinions remain independent.