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Travelling While Pregnant: The 15 Best Places for a Babymoon With Points

Travelling While Pregnant: The 15 Best Places for a Babymoon With Points
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Scheduling some travel while pregnant can be a thrilling and rejuvenating experience before the arrival of your child. However, selecting a country that meets your needs while being safe and comfortable can be difficult.

I’ve compiled a list of the 15 best places to travel while pregnant, ranging from relaxing beach holidays to cultural and historical sites, family-friendly vacations, and nature and outdoor areas. While there are many more destinations safe for travelling while pregnant such as Japan, Australia, New Zealand, etc., they are quite far away from Canada.

Your health and travel: vaccinations and other recommendations - Babymoon 2

Credit Card and Point Strategies for Expecting Couples

The places to travel while pregnant mentioned in this article can easily be booked with Aeroplan points.

Furthermore, if you do not have the necessary points to make your babymoon come true, you can quickly earn the required amount to any of the destinations by simply signing-up for one or two credit cards:

Our credit card selection
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Annual fee$139 $0Welcome offer
Up to 50,000 points
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Annual fee$599Welcome offer
Up to 100,000 points
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Annual fee$120Welcome offer
Up to 45,000 points
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Annual fee$599Welcome offer
Up to 85,000 points
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Annual fee$799Welcome offer
Up to 100,000 points
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Annual fee$250Welcome offer
Up to 60,000 points
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Some of these credit cards are free the first year, others have a high fee that’s not exempt, but you should always think of it as the amount you have to pay to buy those precious points. Paying $599 to get enough points for your trip is a lot cheaper than $1,500!

The American Express Platinum Card® is also an excellent card for this purpose, as it allows you to earn a significant amount of Privilege Points in a short time and, in some cases, a single card may suffice for both of you. Then, you can transfer these points to your preferred programs to book, whether it’s Aeroplan, Avios, Flying Blue, or other programs.

The high annual fee of the American Express Platinum Card® can also be justified by the numerous benefits it offers to travelers, such as excellent travel insurance, access to over a thousand VIP lounges worldwide, and much more.

Relaxing Beach Destinations for Pregnant Women

While the Zika outbreak has dialled down, physicians seem to have diverging opinions on whether to avoid some destinations or not while pregnant. Therefore, it is best to check with your doctor and assess your risk tolerance before considering them.

The following places are Zika-free so they are ideal for traveling while pregnant.

Hawaii, United States

Hawaii is a dream destination for many people, especially for traveling while pregnant when you want to enjoy relaxing beach vacations. The warm weather, calm ocean waters, and beautiful beaches create an ideal dream atmosphere for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Pregnant travellers can enjoy various activities, including hiking, snorkelling, and surfing, in addition to chilling out on the beach.

Hawaii is very accessible with points, whether with Aeroplan or with travel rewards. Indeed, deals can be found both with Aeroplan and with cash prices, so make sure to check your valuation as cheap flights pop up frequently on Google Flights.

Activities to put on your agenda include a visit to the island of Oahu and a tour of the Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii water park, also on the island of Oahu.

Greek Islands

The Greek Islands are another excellent choice for pregnant travellers looking for a peaceful and scenic beach getaway. These islands provide a serene and rejuvenating atmosphere that is great to travel while pregnant, with crystal clear waters, lovely blue and white-themed villages, and delicious cuisine.

You can visit historic sites, stroll through picturesque streets, or relax on the sand and soak up the rays. The Greek Islands are a top pick for pregnant travellers searching for a beach vacation, with a variety of islands to opt for, each with its own distinct charm.

This advice applies to all those looking for flights to Europe; when availability is scarce with points, try to find the cheapest entry points on the continent. Then, purchase a ticket on a low-cost carrier to reach your final destination.

Activities include a sunset dinner cruise on Santorini or a catamaran trip around the Santorini Caldera with lunch.

Portugal

The stunning coastline, world-class beaches, and beautiful cities of Portugal make it an ideal destination for pregnant women seeking a mix of relaxation and culture. Indeed, the Algarve is exceptionally beautiful, and you can enjoy as many pasteis de nata as you like; Portuguese cuisine might just satisfy your pregnancy cravings!

You can visit historical sites such as the castles in Sintra, sample the succulent local cuisine, or just lay on the beach and take in the breathtaking scenery.

This excursion to Sintra, Cascais, Palacio da Pena, and Quinta da Regaleira is a must, as is the visit to the Douro region.

Cultural and Historical Destinations for Expecting Mothers

Some people, like myself, like to explore different cultures, so here are some suggestions for travel while pregnant destinations you can easily squeeze in before becoming a mother.

Morocco

Morocco is an excellent choice for pregnant women looking for a cultural and historical trip. Morocco offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience with its lively markets, rich history, and stunning architecture. One activity I suggest is a camel ride in the palm grove.

You can spend your time exploring the bustling markets, marvelling at the millions of tiles on their buildings, or just soaking in the lively atmosphere of this fascinating country. Chefchaouen, or the Blue Medina, is an excellent place for a photo shoot in case you are looking for a unique way to immortalize your pregnancy.

For a touch of enchantment, let yourself be tempted by a night in the Agafay desert.

London, United Kingdom

London is an excellent destination to travel while pregnant if you seek a balance of culture and comfort. There are world-class museums (that are mostly free), galleries, and historical landmarks throughout the city, as well as cozy cafes and restaurants. Or relax in one of the city’s many parks and gardens.

You might think of London as a prime destination to use your Avios on British Airways. However, compare your different options, as Aeroplan might be better depending on the dates (off-peak or not).

Among the activities, you could book a visit to Harry Potter Studios by train from London or a sunset cruise on the Thames.

Travelling While Pregnant: The 15 Best Places for a Babymoon With Points - Londres-36

New York City, United States

For pregnant travellers, New York City has an abundance of things to do and is also ideal for a short getaway if you do not want to take too much time off before embarking on maternity leave.

This bustling metropolis has something for everyone, from Broadway shows to department stores to iconic landmarks.

We suggest a visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and a tour of New York’s rooftops.


Croatia

Croatia is an ideal destination for traveling while pregnant when seeking a mix of culture and natural beauty. The country is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque villages. It also has a rich history to discover, with ancient ruins and historic towns to visit; the walls of Dubrovnik are among my favorite experiences from all my travels.

You could also book a tour of the Game of Thrones filming locations and an excursion to Mostar and the Kravice waterfalls.

Italy

Italy is a highly sought-after country for traveling while pregnant when you want to combine gastronomy, relaxation, and culture. Italy has a lot to offer, from the charming canals of Venice to the historic streets of Rome.

It is known for its world-class cuisine, stunning architecture, and breathtaking natural beauty, such as the picturesque Amalfi Coast and Tuscany’s rolling hills.

Pregnant travelers can also go shopping in Milan or explore the city of Florence, which is full of artworks. Italy offers an ideal combination of relaxation, history, culture, and adventure for any expectant mother.

Departing from Florence, you could opt for an excursion to Pisa, San Gimignano and Siena or an excursion to San Gimignano, Siena, Chianti and Monteriggioni.

Spain

Spain is another popular destination for pregnant women, for those looking for warm weather, delectable cuisine, and cultural experiences. The country has a variety of activities available, ranging from exploring historical medieval sites to devouring an infinite number of tapas.

Barcelona has beautiful architecture, beaches, and world-class museums, whereas Madrid has a lively atmosphere with its bustling nightlife and art-filled streets.

Pregnant travellers seeking a more relaxed holiday can head to the southern coast, where they can enjoy relaxing beach vacations.

Don’t hesitate to combine activities, such as a visit to the Sagrada Familia and Parc Güell , or take the time to visit Madrid by tuk-tuk.

Nature and Outdoor Destinations for Pregnant Women

If you are active travellers, you will lust for the great outdoors even while expecting. Check with your physician, but there should be no problem with looking to travel while pregnant and hike if that is already something you are used to doing.

Alaska, United States

Alaska is an excellent choice for pregnant travellers looking for an outdoor adventure; you can either go independently or on a cruise from Vancouver.

Alaska, with its stunning natural beauty, glaciers, mountains, and wildlife, provides an unforgettable travel experience. Expectant mothers can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Denali National Park or go whale watching in Juneau. You can also go on a scenic train ride or a kayaking excursion to get up close and personal with the wildlife.

The state’s pristine wilderness and unspoiled landscapes provide a peaceful haven for pregnant travellers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, especially if you book a cruise.

If you fly to Vancouver for a cruise instead of Anchorage, you will avoid the air transportation charges for US flights.

You should enjoy a boat trip on the Portage Glacier, as well as a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Switzerland

The Swiss Alps have breathtaking views and are a tranquil haven to travel while pregnant. Hiking is one of the best outdoor activities available in the area. Expectant mothers can also take a scenic train ride through the mountains or explore the region’s charming towns and villages. In the summer, they can go on a relaxing boat ride on Lake Geneva or go hiking in the lush green hills.

Discover all Geneva’s places of interest on this panoramic tour of Geneva, including a boat trip on the waters of Lake Geneva.

Travelling While Pregnant: The 15 Best Places for a Babymoon With Points - alpes suisses

Scotland

Scotland is a breathtaking place for pregnant travellers seeking natural beauty and a peaceful retreat. Scotland has some of the most gorgeous landscapes in the world, from the rugged highlands to the stunning lochs.

The country is dotted with historic castles such as Eilean Donan Castle, charming towns, and picturesque villages, making it a great destination for those interested in learning about Scotland’s rich history and culture.

Furthermore, Scotland’s cuisine is famous for its fresh seafood, hearty stews, and traditional haggis, providing pregnant travellers with a unique culinary experience.

Do you love the Outlander series? Explore the filming locations of the Outlander series with this tour from Edinburgh.

Travelling While Pregnant: The 15 Best Places for a Babymoon With Points - edinburgh.

West Coast of Canada

The West Coast of Canada is ideal for pregnant travellers looking for a combination of natural beauty, culture, and outdoor adventure. The region’s coastal scenery is breathtaking, with rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests.

It also has charming towns, vibrant cities, and world-renowned museums, so pregnant travellers will have plenty of cultural experiences. Furthermore, Canada’s West Coast is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities ranging from hiking and biking to kayaking and whale watching.

This day trip to Grouse Mountain is sure to delight: you’ll visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, the Capilano Salmon Hatchery and Grouse Mountain.

Family-Friendly Destinations to Travel to While Pregnant

While venturing into Europe can be a great babymoon destination, travelling far away can be strenuous if you are pregnant and have other children to manage. Indeed, pregnancy often comes with fatigue, and you may have to keep the other little ones entertained to avoid tantrums.

Orlando, Florida, United States

Orlando is another family destination that offers many activities for pregnant women. It is the perfect place for a fun and memorable trip, with fantastic theme parks such as Disney World.

Discover Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay: the three Universal Orlando parks. Don’t hesitate to book a ticket for Universal Orlando Resort for an unforgettable experience.

In addition to its theme parks, Orlando offers excellent shopping and world-class restaurants.

San Diego, California, United States

San Diego is a family destination that offers a wide variety of activities for pregnant women. It is an ideal getaway for those seeking a relaxing escape, with miles of world-renowned beaches.

The city also boasts family attractions such as the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld, making it an ideal location for families.

In addition, San Diego’s thriving culinary scene offers a diverse range of dining options, from fresh seafood to Mexican cuisine, providing pregnant women with plenty of choices to satisfy their cravings.

Los Angeles is also close by, if you want to spend a few days at Disneyland or enjoy the sets and characters of your favorite films and TV series at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Precautions to Take Before Travelling Pregnant

When travelling, the risk of contracting diseases transmitted by water, mosquitoes or food increases. Precautions to take when traveling while pregnant (insurance, vaccines, illnesses, destinations to watch out for, etc.) are listed in our guide Traveling while Pregnant: How to Plan Your Trip?

Also, on long flights, the risk of developing deep-vein thrombosis is higher, so it’s advisable to wear compression stockings.

Bottom Line

Finally, travelling while pregnant can be an unforgettable and rejuvenating experience, and each of the 15 best places to travel while pregnant has something for everyone. These destinations cater to your needs, whether you want to relax on a beach, immerse yourself in a new culture, or explore the great outdoors.

However, before planning to travel while pregnant, put your health and safety first and consult your doctor. You can travel safely and enjoyably during your pregnancy if you take the necessary precautions.

Afterwards, you can start planning a credit card and points strategy for when the baby arrives!

Have you checked out our ultimate traveler’s list? It will be useful to ensure you don’t forget anything before your departure and to learn how to save money while preparing for your trips (with a downloadable PDF at the end!).

We’ve also listed all our team’s favorite travel accessories, tried and tested.

Have a good trip!

Annual fee
$191.88
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$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.
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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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly when I'm 7 months pregnant?

Most airlines impose a flight restriction on women in late pregnancy, says the Canadian government. Airlines, which have their own rules, may require a written note regarding your medical condition from a health professional. Contact your airline to find out about their conditions of carriage.

Can I travel when I'm 8 months pregnant?

Before leaving Canada, the Canadian government recommends that you consult a health care professional. You may also wish to make an appointment at a travel health clinic at least six weeks before your departure abroad.

Are you planning to take a flight? Pregnant women can travel by plane, notes the Quebec National Institute of Public Health, specifying that there are no international regulations. However, airlines have their own transport conditions.

When should I stop travelling when I'm pregnant?

The health professional monitoring your pregnancy will answer any questions you may have about your future travel plans. Your state of health will determine whether you are fit to travel.

What are the risks of the Zika virus during pregnancy?

Pregnant women should postpone travel abroad where there is transmission of the Zika virus, according to the Institut national de santé publique du Québec. The Zika virus, which is transmitted by, among other things, an infected mosquito bite, can cause malformations in babies such as microcephaly.

Do I need travel insurance during pregnancy?

The Régie de l’assurance maladie recommends that you take out private insurance before you leave. If you have a health problem, the Régie does not reimburse the full cost of health services received outside Quebec. The bill can quickly mount up if you encounter unforeseen circumstances.

What are the best destinations during pregnancy?

In this guide, we present fifteen destinations. You’re sure to find a getaway to suit your needs. If you’re looking for relaxing beaches, you could go to Hawaii, Greece or Portugal.

How do I use a seatbelt when I'm pregnant?

The lower part of the belt should be tightened over your pelvis, below your belly, says the Institut national de santé publique du Québec.

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
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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

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