How can I save on independent hotel reservations?

Independent hotels often offer a unique and authentic experience that cannot be found in large hotel chains. However, unlike Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors, there is no single rewards program to earn free nights at these establishments.

Fortunately, there are several strategies for saving money on independent hotel bookings, whether through rewards portals, loyalty programs or the judicious use of points. Discover our best tips for reducing the cost of your next stay.

7 strategies to save on independent hotel bookings - rio serrano torres del paine

Saving on Independent Hotels – 1. Use a rewards portal

To earn more points or cash back on your hotel nights, consider booking through online rewards portals.

AIR MILES

AIR MILES offers an online travel agency for flight, hotel and car rental reservations. Payments by credit card and/or AIR MILES miles are accepted.

When you book through AIR MILES Travel, you’ll earn approximately 1 AIR MILES per $10 on the room rate, before taxes and fees.

7 strategies to save on independent hotel bookings - air miles travel hotels1 en

Promotions are frequent and change throughout the year. For example, you could receive hundreds of bonus miles or a discount on your reservations to certain destinations.

In the past, we’ve seen promotions for Orlando, Miami, New York, San Diego, Los Angeles and other popular U.S. destinations.

7 strategies to save on independent hotel bookings - air miles travel hotels2 en

To collect thousands of AIR MILES quickly, consider the following credit cards:

Our credit card selection
Credit card	Annual fee	Welcome offer
BMO Ascend^™ World Elite^®* Mastercard^®* Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$150 $0	Welcome offer Up to 100,000 points	Apply NowCompare

Credit Card Issuer Travel Agencies

Each issuer has a website or portal where you can book travel with your credit card. Most of the time, you’ll receive extra reward points. This is the case with:

À la carte Travel by National Bank and Transat
American Express Travel
Scene+ Travel developed by Expedia for Scotiabank
Expedia for TD
CIBC by Expedia

7 strategies to save on independent hotel bookings - scene plus hotel en

You can then use the bonus points by redeeming them for a statement credit or to save on a future trip.

Even if your card issuer doesn’t offer bonus points when you book with their online agency, it’s worth checking whether they offer certain discounts for the hotel you’re interested in.

Rocketmiles

Rocketmiles is another rewards portal that allows you to earn points from around 40 different loyalty programs with your hotel stays.

Programs of interest to Canadians include Aeroplan, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, Asia Miles, Emirates Skywards, Eithad Guest, Flying Blue, Qatar Airways Privilege Club, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer and more.

7 strategies to save on independent hotel bookings - rocketmiles aeroplan

Rakuten

Rakuten is Canada’s largest online shopping rewards portal with hundreds of partners. For accommodation bookings, you can receive cash back of :

6% with Expedia;
3% with Agoda;
2% with Air Canada Vacations;
2% with Booking.com and;
1% with Hotels.com.

7 strategies to save on independent hotel bookings - rakuten hotels en

Book with an Airline or Loyalty Program

Airlines also offer ways to book hotels and receive point discounts at the same time. For example, with Air Canada, you’ll receive 2 Aeroplan points for every dollar spent on hotel nights.

7 strategies to save on independent hotel bookings - aeroplan hotels maui en

In addition, the Aeroplan HotelSavers program is advantageous for luxury hotels. With this program, you can book hotel nights with Aeroplan points, based on a fixed pricing chart.

In addition, Aeroplan credit cardholders can get the fourth night free on stays paid for in points, for bookings made up to December 31, 2024.

Finally, British Airways is offering 10 Avios for every £1 spent on hotels via its online booking platform. Air France offers much the same thing with its Hotels for Miles program. The bonuses are generous, so take a look!

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RBC British Airways Visa Infinite

RBC British Airways Club

Annual fee: $165
Our valuation: $850Milesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$850Total$850Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.; Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$850Total$850Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer: 50,000 Avios

With this exceptional welcome offer for the RBC British Airways Visa Infinite Card, you can earn 50,000 Avios!

With this card, you benefit from a companion voucher (by spending $30,000 or more during a calendar year). Additionally, you can enjoy a 10% discount on British Airways flights when booking with your RBC British Airways Visa Infinite Card.

With the RBC British Airways Visa Infinite Card, you get:

3 Avios per dollar spent with British Airways and BA Holidays
2 Avios per dollar on groceries, dining, and food delivery
1 Avios per dollar for all your other purchases

In addition, you benefit from extensive insurance coverage:

Out-of-province/country emergency medical insurance
Travel Accident Insurance
Flight delay and essential items purchase insurance
Hotel or motel burglary insurance
Rental vehicle collision and damage insurance

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Refer to RBC page for up to date offer terms and conditions

ˆ This offer only applies to new applications for a RBC British Airways Visa Infinite credit card received and approved by Royal Bank of Canada (“Royal Bank”), subject to the conditions below. Additional cardholders(s) (co-applicant and authorized user(s)) on the RBC British Airways Visa Infinite credit card account are not eligible for this offer. Existing cardholders on any RBC Royal Bank personal credit card account transferring to a RBC British Airways Visa Infinite credit card, are not eligible for the offer.

To receive the offer of 50,000 Avios points (“Bonus”), (i) a total of $6,000 or more (“Qualifying Transaction Amount”) in qualifying net purchases and/or pre-authorized bill payment transactions (“Qualifying Transactions”) must be posted to your Credit Card Account within the first 90 days of your Credit Card Account opening date (“Period”), and (ii) your Credit Card must remain open and in good standing, “good standing” meaning that your Credit Card Account must not be past due for more than two (2) consecutive Credit Card Account statement periods, closed, charged off or in credit revoked status at that time. If you are not currently a member of The British Airways Club, you will be enrolled automatically once you are approved for the RBC British Airways Visa Infinite credit card. Please note that the address your British Airways Club account is registered under must match the one for your RBC British Airways Visa Infinite account at all times for the Avios to be posted to your British Airways Club account. The Bonus will be awarded to your British Airways Club account, approximately 15 weeks after the date you reach $6,000 in Qualifying Transactions within the Period.

Qualifying Transactions exclude cash advances (including balance transfers, cash-like transactions and bill payments that are not pre-authorized charges that you set up with a merchant), interest charges and fees. Credits for returns and adjustments posted to your Credit Card Account during the Period will reduce the amount of your Qualifying Transactions. The Qualifying Transaction Amount is based on the transaction posting date of each Qualifying Transaction, not the transaction date. This means that transactions that take place prior to the last day of the Period will not be considered for the Qualifying Transaction Amount if they have not yet been posted or processed by the merchant, the payment network (Visa) or Royal Bank by the last day of the Period.

If you close or change your RBC British Airways Visa Infinite credit card for another type of RBC Royal Bank credit card before the Bonus has been credited to your British Airways Club account, you may lose the benefit of this offer. This offer may not be combined or used in conjunction with any other offer, except as otherwise set out. Royal Bank of Canada and British Airways reserve the right to modify, cancel or withdraw this offer at any time. British Airways, not Royal Bank of Canada, is responsible for this offer and The British Airways Club program. For all British Airways Club Terms and Conditions, please visit ba.com/theclub .

An eligible member who makes at least $30,000 CAD in eligible purchases on their card during a calendar year (a calendar year is the period starting January 1 and ending December 31) will receive a single companion voucher during that same calendar year. See ba.com/rbc-visa for full terms and conditions.

Annual fee

Primary card$165

Additional card$75

Annual income required

Individual$60,000

Household$100,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

2xGroceries
2xRestaurants
1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,348

2nd Year Value$243

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Included

Travel medical (55-64)Included

Travel medical (65+)Included

Delayed BaggageUp to $500

Lost BaggageUp to $500

Flight DelayUp to $500

Hotel BurglaryUp to $2,500

Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionUp to $50,000 / 90 days

Extended Warranty+1 years

Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

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Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard^®

Brim Flying Blue First-Year Annual Fee Rebate

Annual fee: $0 $132No annual fee the first year; No annual fee the first year
Our valuation: $132Milesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueAnnual fee rebated$132Total$132Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.; Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueAnnual fee rebated$132Total$132Rewards 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; $132 annual fee rebated

With the Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard^®, you can earn Flying Blue Miles on all your purchases:

2 miles per dollar on food and drinks
1 Mile per dollar for all other purchases (including at Costco)

As an Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard credit cardholder, you earn 30 XP per year to help you qualify for Flying Blue Elite Status.

This card comes with many insurance coverages for your purchases and travels.

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60 XP as a welcome bonus

Annual fee

Primary card$132

Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$80,000

Household$150,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

2xRestaurants
1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$490

2nd Year Value$283

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days

Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days

Travel medical (65+)Up to $5,000,000 / 3 days

Trip CancellationUp to $2,000

Trip InterruptionUp to $2,000

Delayed BaggageUp to $500

Lost BaggageUp to $1,000

Flight DelayUp to $500

Hotel BurglaryUp to $2,500

Travel AccidentUp to $150,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionUp to $999 / 90 days

Extended Warranty+1 years

Mobile DeviceUp to $1,500 / 1 years

Auto Rental CollisionUp to $85,000 / 48 days

2. Leverage Online Travel Agency Loyalty Programs

The major online travel agencies also have loyalty programs. Such is the case with Booking.com’s Genius program, which rewards members with discounts, upgrades and breakfasts.

7 strategies to save on independent hotel bookings - booking genius en

With Hotels.com, you’ll receive a coupon equivalent to a free night when you stay 10 nights. Finally, Expedia’s One Key program works more like cash back on every stay. In any case, choose your favorite platform and make most of your bookings on it to earn rewards faster.

3. Use Travel Credits

Many credit cards offer annual travel credits that can be applied to accommodation expenses. Here are just a few examples:

$250 per year with the Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
$200 per year with the American Express Platinum Card^® and the Business Platinum Card^® from American Express
$200 per year with the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
$100 per year with the American Express^® Gold Rewards Card
$100 per year on Expedia for TD for a purchase over $500 with the TD First Class Travel^® Visa Infinite* Card
$50 per year with the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card

Be sure to check the terms and conditions of your travel credit, as restrictions may apply to some cards.

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American Express Platinum Card^®

American Express Amex Membership Rewards

Annual fee: $799
Our valuation: $1,700Milesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,700Total$1,700Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.; Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,700Total$1,700Rewards 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 100,000 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”).

Terms of the offer

Unlock special experiences with the newly designed metal Platinum Card
New Platinum^® Cardmembers, earn 25,000 Welcome Bonus Membership Rewards^® points when you charge $2,000 in purchases to your Card in the first three months of Cardmembership
Earn 3 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining in Canada, 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel, and 1 point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
You will have access to a $200 CAD Annual Travel Credit to use towards any single travel booking of $200 or more charged to your Platinum Card and made on www.americanexpress.ca/travel or through Platinum Card^® Travel Service
Take full advantage of the American Express Global Lounge Collection^™ which unlocks access to over 1200 airport lounges worldwide. This includes The Centurion^® Lounge network, Plaza Premium Lounges, and hundreds of other domestic and international lounges designed to enhance your travel experience
Enjoy complimentary benefits that offer an average value of $550 USD at over 1,000 extraordinary properties worldwide when you book Fine Hotels & Resorts.
Platinum Cardmembers can enjoy access to special events and unique opportunities
Enjoy premium benefits at the Toronto Pearson Airport including security bypass, complimentary valet car service and discount car care and parking
You will also have access to many leading hotel and car rental companies’ loyalty programs. Our partners include Marriott International, Hilton Hotels and Resorts^®, Radisson Hotel Group Hotels and Resorts, Hertz^® and Avis^®
As a Charge Card, the balance must always be paid in full each month. 30% annual interest rate applies to balances not paid in full. Payments must be received and processed by the date of the next monthly statement to avoid interest charges

American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details, current product information and Terms and Conditions, click the Apply now link. Conditions Apply

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*Terms and conditions apply.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of the information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

The Platinum Card^® is the best premium card in Canada for travellers.

With this welcome offer, you can earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards^® points:

70,000 points after charging $10,000 to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
30,000 points when you make a purchase between the 15th and 17th month after your Cardmembership begins

With this Card, you get:

2 points per $1 on eligible dining and delivery purchases in Canada
2 points per dollar on eligible travel purchases charged to the Card
1 point per $1 on all other purchases charged to the Card

You can use your Membership Rewards^® points in many ways:

Transfer points to airline partners: Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways / Qatar Airways), Flying Blue, Delta SkyMiles, etc.
Transfer points to hotel partners, including Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy
Redeem points for statement credits to offset any travel purchase charged to your Card (1,000 points = $10)
Redeem points for statement credits towards other purchases (1,000 points = $10)
And more!

For example, with this welcome offer, if you decide to transfer your Membership Rewards^® points to a partner loyalty program, you could earn up to:

100,000 Aeroplan points
100,000 Avios
100,000 Flying Blue Miles
120,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

With this card, you also have advantages for your travels:

$200 Annual Travel Credit
An annual meal credit of $200
A $100 statement credit for NEXUS membership
Complimentary access for you and one additional guest to more than 1,550 airport lounges in over 140 countries
Hilton Honors Gold status
Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
Access to the Fine Hotels + Resorts program

Last but not least, The Platinum Card^® offers a wide range of insurance coverage: rental car theft and damage, $500,000 travel accident, emergency medical expenses (out-of-province or out-of-country), lost or stolen baggage, flight delays and misdirected baggage, hotel or motel burglary, Purchase Protection, Purchase Security.

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

Annual fee

Primary card$799

Additional card$250

Annual income required

Individual$0

Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

2xTravel
2xRestaurants
1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,482

2nd Year Value$470

Transfer partners

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

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7

Airport lounge access$400

Travel creditsIncluded

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 $2,500

Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500

Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000

Lost BaggageUp to $1,000

Flight DelayUp to $1,000

Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000

Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded

Extended Warranty+1 years

Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

Compare

Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

Business American Express Amex Membership Rewards

Annual fee: $799
Our valuation: $2,040Milesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$2,040Total$2,040Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.; Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$2,040Total$2,040Rewards 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 120,000 points

Apply Now

on American Express's website

Earn up to 120,000 points with this welcome offer for the American Express Business Platinum Card:

80,000 Membership Rewards points for $15,000 net purchases within the first 3 months of membership
40,000 additional points if you make a purchase between the 15th and 17th month after enrollment

You can use your Membership Rewards points in many ways:

Transfer your points to airline partners: Aeroplan Avios (British Airways, Qatar Airways, Finnair, Iberia), Flying Blue, Delta Skymiles, etc.
Transfer your points to hotel programs (Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy)
Redeem your points for statement credits to offset any eligible purchase charged to your Card (1,000 points = $10)
And more!

120,000 points have a minimum value of $1,200 for a Statement credit, and much more if you transfer your points to a partner.

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 :

120,000 Aeroplan points
120,000 Avios
120,000 Flying Blue Miles
144,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

With this Card, you earn 1.25 Membership Rewards points per dollar on all purchases. What’s more, you’ll enjoy a host of travel and business benefits:

Complimentary access for you and one additional guest to over 1,400 airport lounges in over 130 countries
$200 Annual travel credit
$100 Card Statement Credit for Nexus
Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
Hilton Honors Gold Elite status
Access to the Fine Hotels and Resorts program
Up to $120 in eligible Wireless Credits each year

With this Card you can maximize your cash flow with up to 55 interest free days. It is a card that is particularly appreciated by contractors when making large purchases in home improvement stores, for example.

Last but not least, Business Platinum Card^® from American Express offers a wide range of insurance coverage: rental car theft and damage, $500,000 travel accident, emergency medical expenses (out-of-province or out-of-country), lost or stolen baggage, flight delays and misdirected baggage, hotel or motel burglary, Purchase Protection, Purchase Security.

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

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Annual fee

Primary card$799

Additional card$250

Annual income required

Individual$0

Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

1.25xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,815

2nd Year Value$311

Transfer partners

AeroplanAirline
British Airways ClubAirline
Cathay Asia MilesAirline
Etihad GuestAirline
Marriott BonvoyHotel

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7

Airport lounge access$400

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 $1,000

Lost BaggageUp to $1,000

Flight DelayUp to $1,000

Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000

Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded

Extended Warranty+1 years

Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

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BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card

BMO BMO Rewards

Annual fee: $599
Our valuation: $1,340Milesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,340Total$1,340Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.; Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,340Total$1,340Rewards 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 200,000 points; Ends Oct 31, 2026

The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card is a premium metal card! By applying for this card, you can earn up to 200,000 BMO Rewards points:

80,000 points after $6,000 in purchases within the first 110 days of account opening
40,000 points after $40,000 in purchases within the first 180 days of account opening
80,000 points after $75,000 in purchases within the first 365 days of account opening

Additionally, you benefit from a 0% welcome interest rate on balance transfers for 12 months, as well as a 2% balance transfer fee.

Plus, you’ll receivea $200 anniversary credit to use as you wish!

As well as a membership to the Visa Airport Companion program with six complimentary visits per year to airport lounges.

With this Card, you can earn 5 BMO Rewards points per dollar spent on:

Groceries
Gas
Drugstores
Travel
restaurants and bars
Food delivery

And 1 BMO Rewards point per dollar spent everywhere else.

You can use BMO Rewards points for all travel purchases made through the agency or website of your choice (plane tickets, hotels, rental cars, all-inclusive packages, Airbnb, etc.) or for rewards and gift cards on the BMO Rewards platform.

Finally, enjoy six months of Instacart+ membership and a monthly $10 Instacart credit when you sign up with your eligible BMO credit card.

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*Terms and conditions apply

BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. For the latest information, please click on the Apply Now link.

Annual fee

Primary card$599

Additional card$99

Annual income required

Individual$150,000

Household$200,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

5xGroceries
5xGas & EV
5xPharmacy
5xRestaurants
5xTravel
1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,461

2nd Year Value$321

Card benefits

Airport lounge access$240

Travel creditsIncluded

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 21 days

Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 21 days

Travel medical (65+)Up to $5,000,000 / 3 days

Trip CancellationUp to $2,500

Trip InterruptionUp to $2,000

Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000

Lost BaggageUp to $2,500

Flight DelayUp to $1,000

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

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BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card

BMO BMO Rewards First-Year Annual Fee Rebate

Annual fee: $0 $120No annual fee the first year; No annual fee the first year
Our valuation: $589Milesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$469Annual fee rebated$120Total$589Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.; Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$469Annual fee rebated$120Total$589Rewards 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 70,000 points; + First Year Annual Fee Rebate

citation
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*Terms and conditions apply

BMO is not responsible for updating the content of this site. For the most up-to-date information, please click on the Online Application link.

The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card is one of the best Visa Infinite rewards credit cards in Canada. Its welcome offer lets you earn up to 70,000 BMO Rewards points, for a total value of up to $1,150*.

It also includes a monthly statement credit for streaming services, an annual $50 lifestyle credit, and no annual fee for the first year (a $120 value)*.

With the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card, you also get:

5x BMO Rewards points for every dollar spent on groceries, meal delivery or takeout, rideshare, public transit, and gas*
1 BMO Rewards point for every dollar spent on all other purchases*
10% more points when you add an authorized user to your account*
Mobile device insurance offering coverage up to $1,000*
The Pay with Points feature, which allows you to redeem your points on recent purchases starting at $1*
Six months of Instacart+ membership plus a monthly $10 Instacart credit with an eligible card*

Annual fee

Primary card$120

Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000

Household$100,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

5xRestaurants
5xGas & EV
5xGroceries
5xTransit
1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,128

2nd Year Value$365

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 21 days

Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 21 days

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

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American Express^® Gold Rewards Card

American Express Amex Membership Rewards

Annual fee: $250
Our valuation: $1,020Milesopedia first-year estimate First-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.; 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

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.

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American Express is not responsible for maintaining or controlling the accuracy of the information published on this website. For full and up-to-date product information, click on the Apply now link. Terms and conditions apply.

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

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TD First Class Travel^® Visa Infinite* Card

TD TD Rewards First-Year Annual Fee Rebate

Annual fee: $0 $139No annual fee the first year; No annual fee the first year
Our valuation: $939Milesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$800Annual fee rebated$139Total$939Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.; Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$800Annual fee rebated$139Total$939Rewards 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 160,000 points; + First Year Annual Fee Rebate

With the TD First Class Travel^® Visa Infinite* Card, you can earn up to 160,000 TD Rewards Points^† as well as an Annual Fee rebate for the first year^†:

20,000 TD Rewards Points for the first purchase made with your card^†
140,000 TD Rewards Points when you spend $7,500 within 180 days of account opening^†
A Birthday Bonus of up to 10,000 TD Rewards Points^†

Get an annual TD Travel Credit^† of $100 when you book at Expedia^® For TD, and enjoy your time at the airport with global airport lounge access and 4 complimentary lounge visits with Visa Airport Companion Program (a value of up to $277)^†.

With the TD First Class Travel^® Visa Infinite* Card, you earn:

8 TD Rewards Points^† for every $1 you spend when you book travel through Expedia^® For TD^†
6 TD Rewards Points^† per dollar on your grocery, dining and public transit purchases
4 TD Rewards Points^† per dollar on your recurring bill payments and purchases of streaming services as well as digital games and media
2 TD Rewards Points^† per dollar on all other purchases made with your card

This card also allows you to enjoy a range of travel benefits, including an annual travel credit, complimentary airport lounge visits, and a birthday bonus that boosts your points each year^†.

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^†Terms and conditions apply.

Annual fee

Primary card$139

Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000

Household$100,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

6xGroceries
6xRestaurants
6xTransit
4xBills & recurring payments
4xStreaming
2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,430

2nd Year Value$531

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7

Airport lounge access$160

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

Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

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Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card

Scotiabank Scene+

Annual fee: $599
Our valuation: $800Milesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$800Total$800Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.; Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$800Total$800Rewards 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 80,000 points; Ends Nov 1, 2026

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading el_id="up_to_40_000_points_as_a_welcome_bonus_" text="Up to 40,000 points as a welcome bonus!" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]Here are the main aspects of this offer for the Scotiabank Passport^™ Visa Infinite* Card:

30,000 Scotia Rewards points after $1,000 in Card purchases within the first 3 months ($300 in travel rewards)
10,000 additional bonus points when you spend at least $40,000 annually in everyday purchases
First-Year Free
Six free airport lounge visits (no other card with an annual fee below $150 offers as many yearly visits).
No foreign currency conversion fees
Premium travel insurance
One Supplementary card for free

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image="67511" img_size="large" add_caption="yes" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading el_id="no_foreign_currency_conversion_fees" text="No foreign currency conversion fees" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]This is the major perk of this credit card: no foreign transaction fees. Virtually all other credit cards in Canada charge a 2.5% conversion fee for all purchases made in foreign currency. This Scotiabank Passport^™ Visa Infinite* Card is one of three credit cards with no conversion fees that we recommend you have in your wallet. It will, therefore, be particularly appealing for snowbirds, but also for anyone who regularly travels abroad or buys on sites charging in U.S. dollar, euro... On each of these transactions, by paying with the Scotiabank Passport^™ Visa Infinite* Card, you save 2.5%, plus you earn some travel points![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="49325" img_size="large" add_caption="yes" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading el_id="a_scotia_rewards_credit_card" text="A Scotia Rewards credit card" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]Scotia Rewards Program is a travel points loyalty program. Other key cards of the Scotia Rewards Program include Scotiabank Gold American Express^® Card and the ScotiaGold Passport^® Visa* Card. Therefore, you have another Scotia rewards points earning source. You can have more than one Scotia Rewards credit card and you can regroup points into the same account as explained in that post. Enough to earn many points both through credit card application bonuses and with your purchases![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading el_id="scotia_rewards_points_earning" text="Scotia Rewards Points earning" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]With this card, you earn:

2 Scotia Rewards points on every $1 you spend on eligible grocery stores, dining, entertainment purchases, and daily transit purchases (including buses, subways, taxis and more).
1 Scotia Rewards point on every $1 you spend on all other eligible purchases.

Points earning is not as important as what Scotiabank's American Express Gold card (5 points/dollar in grocery stores, restaurants, entertainment), but as it's a Visa Card, you can use it at more places! For those who charge $40,000 in one year on the Scotiabank Passport^™ Visa Infinite* Card, a bonus of 10,000 bonus points ($100) will be earned in the account. After that, a bonus of 2,000 bonus points will be added to the account for each additional $10,000.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="48334" img_size="large" add_caption="yes" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading el_id="redeeming_scotia_rewards_points" text="Redeeming Scotia Rewards points" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]You can apply your bonus points directly to your travel expenses (flights, hotels, car rentals, etc.) charged on your card:10,000 bonus points = $100. This is one of the cards we recommend in these strategies:

The only drawback: you must redeem at least 5,000 points ($50) for a card account credit (after this threshold, it's a rate of 100 points = $1). By redeeming your points for travel expenses, you ensure a 1% to 2% return, depending on merchant categories.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="70489" img_size="large" add_caption="yes" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading el_id="6_free_airport_lounge_visits" text="6 free airport lounge visits" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]Scotiabank is likely to want to address the traveller market. This Scotiabank Passport^™ Visa Infinite* Card offers a Priority Pass membership as well as 6 free airport lounge visits to Priority Pass lounges. It justifies the cost of the annual card fee ($139). This is a very nice perk for casual travellers. An individual traveller will be able to visit Priority Pass lounges and restaurants 6 times in a year, while a couple will be able to access them three times! After 6 visits in a year, you will have to pay a US$32 entry fee. In Quebec City, you can access the VIP lounge! In Montreal, you have 3 options:

The Houston Bar and Grill restaurant (cross-border terminal - flights to the United States)
Pork and Pickle Restaurant (domestic flights terminal - to Canada)
The National Bank Lounge (international terminal)

[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="80203" img_size="large" add_caption="yes" alignment="center"][vc_message message_box_color="success" icon_fontawesome="fas fa-glass-cheers"]Are you leaving from another Canadian airport? Discover all the Canadian airport lounge options available to you in this ultimate guide.[/vc_message][vc_custom_heading el_id="subscribe_to_priority_pass" text="Subscribe to Priority Pass" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text]Be aware! After receiving your new Scotiabank Passport^™ Visa Infinite* Card, it will be essential to register for the Priority Pass program to receive your Priority Pass membership card, giving you access to airport lounges. You can register on this page.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading el_id="one_first_supplementary_card_for_free" text="One first Supplementary Card for free" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text]You can add one free Supplementary cardholder to the account who will have his/her own card This is an advantage over other institutions such as BMO or TD that charge about fifty dollars for an additional card.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading el_id="reliable_travel_insurance" text="Reliable travel insurance" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]The Scotiabank Passport^™ Visa Infinite* Card has many travel insurance:[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading el_id="travel_emergency_medical_insurance" text="Travel Emergency Medical Insurance" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]Coverage is provided for eligible persons under age 65 for up to 25 consecutive days and for eligible persons age 65 and older for up to 10 consecutive days.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading el_id="trip_cancellation_trip_interruption_insurance" text="Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]Charge at least 75% of your trip costs to your Card and get trip interruption insurance at no extra cost.[/vc_column_text][vc_message color="warning" message_box_color="warning" icon_fontawesome="fas fa-exclamation-triangle"]Warning: do not use this card for reward travels with Aeroplan Miles, Avios, Flying Blue. 75% of the cost of the trip must be charged on the card for insurance to apply.[/vc_message][vc_custom_heading el_id="flight_delay_insurance" text="Flight delay insurance" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]Charge at least 75% of the full ticket cost to your Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card Card and you’ll be eligible for reimbursement of necessary expenses such as hotel accommodations, meals and other emergency items.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading el_id="delayed_and_lost_baggage_insurance" text="Delayed and Lost Baggage Insurance" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]Charge the full cost of your airplane, train, bus or cruise ship tickets to your Card. If your checked luggage is delayed or lost – you’re covered.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading el_id="travel_accident_insurance" text="Travel Accident Insurance" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]Charge at least 75% of your ticket cost to your Card and you’re insured against accidental loss of life or dismemberment.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading el_id="rental_car_collision_loss_damage_insurance" text="Rental Car Collision Loss/Damage Insurance" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]Charge the full cost of your eligible rental car to your Card and you’re automatically insured if your rental is damaged or stolen.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading el_id="hotel_motel_burglary_insurance" text="Hotel/Motel Burglary Insurance" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]Use your Card to pay for your stay at any hotel or motel in Canada or the U.S.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading el_id="conclusion" text="Conclusion" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]Scotiabank was the first major Canadian bank to offer a card with no foreign transaction fees. Since then, two other credit cards have also offered this perk. This Scotiabank Passport^™ Visa Infinite* Card will be very appealing for several profiles:

Those who regularly pay in foreign currency
Those who travel regularly abroad
Those who want a card with solid insurance
Those who travel at least once or twice a year and who will use the Priority Pass airport lounges entrances.
Those who already have one or more Scotia Rewards cards in their wallet.
Those who have a balance of points and would like to cancel their current card while retaining their points through this new card

If you want to apply for this credit card to take advantage of this limited offer, while supporting milesopedia, click here![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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1 Offer description and conditions: The 80,000 bonus Scene+ points offer (the « offer ») applies only to new Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card credit card accounts (the « accounts ») opened between May 1, 2026 and November 1, 2026 (regardless of the date you apply for the account), subject to the conditions below. To be eligible for the 30,000 bonus Scene+ points (the « 30,000 bonus points »), you must charge eligible purchases totaling at least $3,000 to your new account during the first three months following the account opening date. To be eligible for the additional 30,000 bonus Scene+ points (the « additional 30,000 bonus points »), you must charge $20,000 in eligible purchases to your new account during the first six months following the account opening date. To be eligible for the additional 20,000 bonus Scene+ points (the « additional 20,000 bonus points »), you must charge at least one (1) eligible purchase to your new account during the 14th month following the month the account was opened. Eligible purchases mean purchases, less refunds, returns, and any other similar credits, and exclude payments, cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions), interest charges, and card fees and other charges.

Fulfillment of the annual bonus reward: Bonus points will be credited to the Scene+ account 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 30,000 bonus points and the additional 30,000 bonus points will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the account of the borrower who made the transaction that reached the eligible purchase threshold ($3,000 or $20,000) within the appropriate timeframe (the first three months or the first six months), and (ii) the additional 20,000 bonus points will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the account of the borrower who made the first transaction considered an eligible purchase during the 14th month following the month the account was opened. If an additional cardholder makes the transaction that reaches the eligible purchase threshold for the 30,000 bonus points or the additional 30,000 bonus points, or makes the first transaction to earn the additional 20,000 bonus points, the bonus points will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the primary borrower’s account. Points can be transferred between the Scene+ accounts of a primary borrower, co-borrower, or additional cardholder by contacting Scene+. An account is in good standing if it is not past due, there is no credit limit overage, 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. The offer may be modified, cancelled, or extended at any time without notice, and cannot be combined with any other offer.

Eligibility and exclusions: You are not eligible for the Offer if you are currently a primary or secondary cardholder of a Scotiabank personal credit card or if you have been within 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, Scotiabank small business credit cardholders are eligible for this Offer.

Rates and fees: The current annual fees are $599 for the primary card and $199 for each additional card (including those issued to joint account holders and additional cardholders).
The preferred annual interest rates currently applicable to the account are as follows: 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions). All rates, fees, features, and benefits described in the application disclosure may be changed.

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card, you get up to 80,000 bonus Scene+ points as a welcome bonus (worth $800):

30,000 points by making at least $3,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months.
30,000 points after $20,000 in purchases within the first six months
20,000 points by making an eligible purchase during the 14th month following account opening

With the Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card, you earn:

3X Scene+ points for every $1 in eligible travel purchases
2X Scene+ points for every $1 in eligible purchases at dining and entertainment establishments
1X Scene+ points for every dollar spent on all other eligible purchases

Including on foreign purchases, with no foreign transaction fees.

The Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card is an excellent Visa credit card for this type of purchase.

These points can be used against any travel purchase at the rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb). You can also redeem your points for cash back at Scene+, for example, at your local grocery store checkout at the same rate of 1,000 points = $10.

The Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card also offers:

No fees for foreign currency transactions
10 complimentary airport lounge visits per year
$250 annual travel credit
Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
Concierge service

Annual fee

Primary card$599

Additional card$199

Annual income required

Individual$150,000

Household$200,000

Conversion fees

Earning rate

3xTravel
2xRestaurants
2xEntertainment
1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$585

2nd Year Value$232

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7

Airport lounge access$400

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 31 days

Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 31 days

Travel medical (65+)Up to $5,000,000 / 10 days

Trip CancellationUp to $2,500

Trip InterruptionUp to $5,000

Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000

Lost BaggageUp to $2,500

Flight DelayUp to $1,000

Hotel BurglaryUp to $2,500

Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded

Extended Warranty+2 years

Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 1 years

Auto Rental CollisionUp to $85,000 / 48 days

4. Book with Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts for Luxury Stays

Holders of a American Express Platinum Card^® or Business Platinum Card^® from American Express have access to the Fine Hotels + Resorts program. When you book your luxury hotel through this platform, you’ll enjoy a host of benefits, including free breakfast for two, room upgrades, property credit and late check-out.

Learn more about this partner program with over 1,300 luxury accommodations worldwide:

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American Express Platinum Card^®

American Express Amex Membership Rewards

Annual fee: $799
Our valuation: $1,700Milesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,700Total$1,700Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.; Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,700Total$1,700Rewards 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 100,000 points

Apply Now

on American Express's website

Terms of the offer

Unlock special experiences with the newly designed metal Platinum Card
New Platinum^® Cardmembers, earn 25,000 Welcome Bonus Membership Rewards^® points when you charge $2,000 in purchases to your Card in the first three months of Cardmembership
Earn 3 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining in Canada, 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel, and 1 point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
You will have access to a $200 CAD Annual Travel Credit to use towards any single travel booking of $200 or more charged to your Platinum Card and made on www.americanexpress.ca/travel or through Platinum Card^® Travel Service
Take full advantage of the American Express Global Lounge Collection^™ which unlocks access to over 1200 airport lounges worldwide. This includes The Centurion^® Lounge network, Plaza Premium Lounges, and hundreds of other domestic and international lounges designed to enhance your travel experience
Enjoy complimentary benefits that offer an average value of $550 USD at over 1,000 extraordinary properties worldwide when you book Fine Hotels & Resorts.
Platinum Cardmembers can enjoy access to special events and unique opportunities
Enjoy premium benefits at the Toronto Pearson Airport including security bypass, complimentary valet car service and discount car care and parking
You will also have access to many leading hotel and car rental companies’ loyalty programs. Our partners include Marriott International, Hilton Hotels and Resorts^®, Radisson Hotel Group Hotels and Resorts, Hertz^® and Avis^®
As a Charge Card, the balance must always be paid in full each month. 30% annual interest rate applies to balances not paid in full. Payments must be received and processed by the date of the next monthly statement to avoid interest charges

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The Platinum Card^® is the best premium card in Canada for travellers.

With this welcome offer, you can earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards^® points:

70,000 points after charging $10,000 to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
30,000 points when you make a purchase between the 15th and 17th month after your Cardmembership begins

With this Card, you get:

2 points per $1 on eligible dining and delivery purchases in Canada
2 points per dollar on eligible travel purchases charged to the Card
1 point per $1 on all other purchases charged to the Card

You can use your Membership Rewards^® points in many ways:

Transfer points to airline partners: Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways / Qatar Airways), Flying Blue, Delta SkyMiles, etc.
Transfer points to hotel partners, including Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy
Redeem points for statement credits to offset any travel purchase charged to your Card (1,000 points = $10)
Redeem points for statement credits towards other purchases (1,000 points = $10)
And more!

For example, with this welcome offer, if you decide to transfer your Membership Rewards^® points to a partner loyalty program, you could earn up to:

100,000 Aeroplan points
100,000 Avios
100,000 Flying Blue Miles
120,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

With this card, you also have advantages for your travels:

$200 Annual Travel Credit
An annual meal credit of $200
A $100 statement credit for NEXUS membership
Complimentary access for you and one additional guest to more than 1,550 airport lounges in over 140 countries
Hilton Honors Gold status
Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
Access to the Fine Hotels + Resorts program

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

Annual fee

Primary card$799

Additional card$250

Annual income required

Individual$0

Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

2xTravel
2xRestaurants
1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,482

2nd Year Value$470

Transfer partners

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

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7

Airport lounge access$400

Travel creditsIncluded

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 $2,500

Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500

Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000

Lost BaggageUp to $1,000

Flight DelayUp to $1,000

Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000

Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded

Extended Warranty+1 years

Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

5. Take Advantage of Offers and Promotions

If you look hard enough, you can always find special offers on accommodation. For example, every year, the StayVancouverHotels website offers prepaid Mastercard cards on reservations for certain hotels in Vancouver.

At the same time, American Express also frequently offers online deals on accommodation. In the past, we have seen credits for bookings at Marriott, Fairmont, Shangri-La, Sofitel, or even on any hotel available through Amex Travel. There are none at the moment, but these types of offers return almost annually.

In addition, tourism agencies sometimes run promotional campaigns. It’s worth checking your destination’s tourist office website to see if you can find a bargain.

Finally, online travel agencies such as Scene+ Travel, Expedia for TD or AIR MILES offer periodic promotions for bookings in certain cities or destinations. For example, this was the case last winter with Scotiabank’s Scene+ Travel program, which offered discounts on accommodations at ski resorts around the world.

Save on Independent Hotels – 6. Buy Gift Cards

The grocery store gift card technique also works for hotel bookings. In fact, you can find Hotels.com gift cards at IGA, and by paying with an American Express Cobalt^® Card or a Scotiabank Gold American Express^® Card, you will maximize your points earnings.

However, before adopting this strategy, be sure to check your insurance certificate and the conditions under which coverage applies. If the accommodation has not been paid for in full with the credit card, certain coverages may no longer be valid, such as hotel burglary or trip cancellation insurance.

7 strategies to save on independent hotel bookings - okapuka namibia

Save on Independent Hotels – 7. Use Fixed-Value Points

The number 1 tip for saving money on independent hotel bookings is to use credit card reward points. These accumulate rapidly with your daily spending and welcome bonuses when you open a new card.

For an overview, here’s a list of Canadian programs that allow you to redeem fixed-value points for hotels. Details of each program are given in the following sections.

Program	Value of 1 point or mile
AIR MILES	10.5¢
BMO Rewards	0.67¢
NBC À la carte Rewards	0.83¢ or 0.91¢
CIBC Aventura	1¢
Desjardins Bonusdollars	100¢
MBNA Rewards	1¢
American Express Membership Rewards	1¢
TD Rewards	0.5¢
RBC Avion Rewards	1¢
Scene+	1¢

BMO Rewards

BMO Rewards points can be used to reimburse an accommodation booking. The value of your BMO Rewards points redeemed for travel will be:

15,000 points = $100 (or 0.67¢/point) back on your credit card.

BMO: Credit cards

Our credit card selection
Credit card	Annual fee	Welcome offer
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$120 $0	Welcome offer Up to 70,000 points	Apply NowCompare
BMO Ascend^™ World Elite^®* Mastercard^®* Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$150 $0	Welcome offer Up to 100,000 points	Apply NowCompare
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$599	Welcome offer Up to 200,000 pointsEnds Oct 31, 2026	Apply NowCompare

NBC À la carte Rewards

The National Bank À la carte Rewards program allows you to book an independent hotel on any platform and then apply your points as a statement credit. The redemption ratio is 12,000 points per $100 redeemed on your card or 55,000 points per $500.

Check out this article that explains how to apply your National Bank points to travel.

NBC Credit cards

Our credit card selection
Credit card	Annual fee	Welcome offer
National Bank Platinum Mastercard^® Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$70 $0	Welcome offer 40,000 pointsEnds Nov 4, 2026	Apply NowCompare
ExclusiveNational Bank World Elite^® Mastercard^® Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$150 $0	Welcome offer No welcome offerEnds Nov 4, 2026	Apply NowCompare
National Bank World^® Mastercard^® Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$115	Welcome offer No welcome offer	Apply NowCompare

CIBC Aventura

Aventura points can be used to book an independent hotel.

It’s all about paying the way you want with a CIBC Aventura card. Then, when the transaction is pending, you can use your points to pay it off right away!

CIBC: Credit cards

Our credit card selection
Credit card	Annual fee	Welcome offer
CIBC Aventura^® Visa Infinite* Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$139 $0	Welcome offer Up to 45,000 points	Apply NowCompare
CIBC Aventura^® Gold Visa* Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$139 $0	Welcome offer Up to 45,000 points	Apply NowCompare
CIBC Aventura^® Visa* Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$0	Welcome offer Up to 12,500 points	Apply NowCompare

TD Rewards

TD’s travel platform is called Expedia for TD. Here you’ll find a variety of products, including a large selection of independent hotels. The most cost-effective way to use TD Rewards points is by booking travel directly on this site. 200 points are worth $1 off.

TD Rewards points can also be applied as a Statement credit if you book your accommodations elsewhere. The point value will be 250 points for a $1 refund on your credit card.

TD: Credit cards

Our credit card selection
Credit card	Annual fee	Welcome offer
SponsoredTD First Class Travel^® Visa Infinite* Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$139 $0	Welcome offer Up to 160,000 points	Apply NowCompare
TD Platinum Travel Visa* Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$89 $0	Welcome offer Up to 50,000 points	Apply NowCompare

RBC Avion Rewards

RBC Avion Rewards points can be exchanged for hotel nights as you see fit on the Avion Rewards site.

Your points will have a value of 100 points = $1 discount.

RBC : Credit cards

Our credit card selection
Credit card	Annual fee	Welcome offer
BMO Ascend^™ World Elite^®* Mastercard^®* Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$150 $0	Welcome offer Up to 100,000 points	Apply NowCompare
FeaturedRBC Avion Visa Infinite Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$120	Welcome offer Up to 70,000 pointsEnds Nov 25, 2026	Apply NowCompare
RBC Avion Visa Platinum Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$120	Welcome offer Up to 70,000 pointsEnds Nov 25, 2026	Apply NowCompare
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$399	Welcome offer Up to 100,000 pointsEnds Nov 25, 2026	Apply NowCompare

MBNA Rewards

The best way to use MBNA Rewards points is to apply them to purchases made through their online travel agency:

10,000 points = $100.

MBNA: Credit Cards

Our credit card selection
Credit card	Annual fee	Welcome offer
MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus^® Mastercard^® Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$0	Welcome offer Up to 10,000 points	Apply NowCompare
MBNA Rewards World Elite^® Mastercard^® Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$120	Welcome offer Up to 30,000 points	Apply NowCompare

Scene+

The most lucrative way to use Scene+ points remains applying the points to travel purchases previously charged to the card (hotel, airplane, Airbnb, VRBO, cruise, etc.).

10,000 points = $100 less to pay on your credit card.

Scotia: Credit cards

Our credit card selection
Credit card	Annual fee	Welcome offer
SponsoredScotiabank Gold American Express^® Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$120	Welcome offer Up to 50,000 pointsEnds Nov 1, 2026	Apply NowCompare
Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite +* Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$150	Welcome offer Up to 35,000 pointsEnds Nov 1, 2026	Apply NowCompare

American Express Membership Rewards

These points are accumulated with American Express credit cards.

The American Express Cobalt^® Card is one of Canada’s best options for earning points fast. It offers 5 times points on restaurant spending, food delivery and groceries. This equates to a 5% return on these expenses.

What makes this card even more attractive is the way you can use the points you’ve accumulated. Once you have enough points, you can redeem them for a credit that will be applied directly to your statement.

10,000 Membership Rewards points translate into a $100 statement credit.

American Express: Credit cards

Our credit card selection
Credit card	Annual fee	Welcome offer
American Express Cobalt^® Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$191.88	Welcome offer Up to 15,000 points	Apply NowCompare
American Express Platinum Card^® Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$799	Welcome offer Up to 100,000 points	Apply NowCompare
American Express^® Gold Rewards Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$250	Welcome offer Up to 60,000 points	Apply NowCompare

Cash back credit cards

All cash-back credit cards are excellent for saving on independent hotels.

Promotional offers often include cash rebates of up to 10% on expenses during the first few month after account opening. Find the best offers of the month here.

Cash Back: Credit Cards

Our credit card selection
Credit card	Annual fee	Welcome offer
TD Cash Back Visa Infinite* Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$139 $0	Welcome offer Up to $350	Apply NowCompare
BMO CashBack^® World Elite^®* Mastercard^®* Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$139 $0	Welcome offer Up to $650	Apply NowCompare
CIBC Dividend^® Visa Infinite* Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$120 $0	Welcome offer Up to $300	Apply NowCompare
Scotia Momentum^® Visa Infinite +* Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$120 $0	Welcome offer Up to $300Ends Nov 1, 2026	Apply NowCompare
SimplyCash^® Preferred Card from American Express Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$119.88	Welcome offer Up to $250	Apply NowCompare
Tangerine^® Money-Back World Mastercard^®* Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$0	Welcome offer Up to $100Ends Sep 30, 2026	Apply NowCompare

Conclusion

To pay less on your next independent hotel reservation, consider one or more of the following strategies:

Using an online rewards portal ;
Participate in loyalty programs on sites such as Booking.com, Hotels.com and Expedia;
Take advantage of travel credits on certain credit cards;
Book luxury hotels with American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts;
Keep an eye out for promotions;
Buy gift cards at the grocery store to earn more points;
Redeem fixed-rate reward points.

Savings, bonus points and budget vacations are yours!

Compare

Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite +* Card

Scotiabank Scene+

Annual fee: $150
Our valuation: $350Milesopedia 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.; 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

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card ^+* Card^MC, 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.

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.

Annual fee

Primary card$150

Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000

Household$100,000

Conversion fees

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

Saving on Hotel Bookings – Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to save on independent hotels?

The most effective strategy combines the use of a rewards portal with a credit card that maximizes points on travel spending. For example, book through Rakuten to get up to 6% cash back, then pay with a card offering additional points or cash back on travel (such as the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite* Card).

Can I earn multiple rewards on the same reservation?

Yes, it is possible to accumulate several advantages, for example with the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card on Expedia for TD: you can use your TD Rewards points, accumulate 8 points per dollar by charging the expense to your card and use the annual travel credit, all on the same reservation!

What are the best credit cards for saving on independent hotels?

To maximize your savings on independent hotels, choose cards offering flexible points such as:

American Express Platinum Card ($200 travel credit);
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card (points redeemable for any travel purchase) or;
the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite* Card Scene+ points can be used on any travel expense).

These cards allow you to book wherever you like and apply your points as a credit on your statement.

Does travel insurance work when booking a hotel with points?

To benefit from your credit card’s travel insurance (cancellation and interruption), you must generally pay in full with your credit card. The use of rewards points from the card issuer is also accepted. A few cards (such as National Bank World Elite Mastercard) offer coverage even if you only pay for part of the reservation. In all cases, consult your insurance certificate for the exact conditions that apply to your card.

What’s the difference between booking directly with the hotel or via a rewards portal?

Booking directly with the hotel generally allows greater flexibility for changes, personalized customer service and recognition of your loyalty status. You may also have access to exclusive rates. Rewards portals, on the other hand, offer points accumulation, additional discounts and special promotions, often resulting in a more advantageous price. Our advice: always compare the two options by calculating the total value (price + points + benefits).

7 Strategies to Save on Booking Independent Hotels

Saving on Independent Hotels – 1. Use a rewards portal

AIR MILES

Credit Card Issuer Travel Agencies

Rocketmiles

Rakuten

Book with an Airline or Loyalty Program

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Travel insurance

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Travel insurance

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2. Leverage Online Travel Agency Loyalty Programs

3. Use Travel Credits

Terms of the offer

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Transfer partners

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Travel insurance

Purchase protection

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Purchase protection

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Transfer partners

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Purchase protection

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