Young Professionals: Travel More Often and Better With the National Bank Platinum Mastercard

Updated May 9, 2026
Fact checked by
Marie-Ève Leclerc
Marie-Ève Leclerc Marie-Ève Leclerc
Marie-Ève, Web Director at Milesopedia, is an expert in budget travel and a slow travel enthusiast. Specializing in Aeroplan, Scene+, and Marriott Bonvoy programs, she spends nearly six months a year abroad, making travel her way of life. Constantly seeking the best waves to surf, excellent coffee, and strategies to extend her travels, she is often found in coworking spaces with fellow digital nomads or by the sea, watching the sunset.
All posts by Marie-Ève Leclerc
Young Professionals: Travel More Often and Better With the National Bank Platinum Mastercard - BNC-Platine-2400x1260
To the point As a young professional, find out how to take full advantage of the benefits of the National Bank Platinum Mastercard in your daily life and on your travels.

The National Bank Platinum Mastercard® won Best Credit Card for Young Professionals in our Milesopedia 2024 awards.

Let’s explore the reasons why this card is a wise choice for young people who aspire to travel more, even on a modest income.

National Bank Platinum Mastercard – Welcome Offer

Singapore : Travel Guide | Itineraries and Highlights - Singapour-09

A Travel Credit Card for Young Professionals

With an affordable annual fee of $70, the National Bank Platinum Mastercard® offers a range of benefits and travel insurance usually associated with high-end products. Best of all, with the current promotion, the first year’s annual fee is waived!

Another notable advantage of the National Bank Platinum Mastercard® is that it requires no minimum income. So you can apply even if it’s your first credit card or you’re just starting out in your career.

Personally, this card was my starting point in the world of travel rewards and points. It was my all-purpose card during my university years for all possible expenses.

Over a two-year period, I managed to accumulate around 60,000 NBC Rewards points. I was then able to exchange them for a $600 discount on a plane ticket to Paris on Air Transat.

Let’s see how this card can help you turn your daily expenses into travel opportunities!

Indonesia: Bali Travel Guide | Itineraries and Highlights - Bali T-rex

Finance Your Travels by Earning Points on Your Daily Expenses

With the National Bank Platinum Mastercard®, every dollar spent earns points associated with the NBC Plan À la carte Rewards program.

What’s more, some purchase categories come with a multiplier that allows you to accumulate even more points per dollar spent.

Earn up to 2 points per dollar spent:

  • At the grocery store
  • At the restaurant
  • On food delivery services
  • Subscriptions to ready-to-cook lunch boxes (Hello Fresh, Cook It, Goodfood, etc.).
  • In bars and nightclubs

Earn 1.5 points per dollar spent:

  • On gas and electric charging
  • On recurring bills payments (internet, cell phone, gym, subscriptions, etc.)
  • On the À la carte Travel platform

Finally, earn 1 point for every $1.50 spent in all other purchase categories. To collect points quickly, remember to put all your purchases on your credit card (and pay off your entire balance each month).

Young Professionals: Travel More Often and Better With the National Bank Platinum Mastercard - guatemala-rostro-maya-atitlan

For example, if you spend $1,000 a month on your National Bank Platinum Mastercard® according to this budget, here’s what you could earn in points:

Expense categoryAmountMultiplierPoints accumulated
Grocery$3002x600
Restaurants, meal delivery and bars$2002x400
Gasoline or electric recharges$1001,5x150
Internet and cell phone package$1501,5x225
Digital subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify, Amazon Prime, etc.)$501,5x75
Gym membership$501,5x75
Other purchases$1500,75x100
Total$1,0001,625

A total of 1,625 points per month, for a total of 19,500 points in one year. That’s close to $200 in rebates on your next trip, not to mention the welcome bonus of up to 25,000 points, giving you close to $450 in travel rebates in your first year!

NBC À la carte Rewards Plan: A Flexible Program

NBC À la carte Rewards is a great program for getting started in the world of points and travel rewards. Its simplicity and flexibility are its main assets.

The best use you can make of your points is to book your trip through the À la carte Travel online agency powered by Transat. This way, you get the most value out of your points: you’ll earn a $100 credit for every 10,000 points redeemed. On this booking platform, you will find:

  • Flights;
  • Hotels ;
  • All-inclusive packages;
  • Car rentals and;
  • Cruises

For all other reservations, it is also possible to use NBC Rewards points. These points can be redeemed for a Statement credit on any travel expense charged to the credit card. Be sure to make this exchange within 60 days of the transaction.

The exchange rate for this type of use is:

  • 12,000 points for a $100 credit or;
  • 11,000 points for a $100 credit when redeeming more than 55,000 points in the same transaction.
Young Professionals: Travel More Often and Better With the National Bank Platinum Mastercard - BNC 3

NBC À la carte Rewards Plan points can also be redeemed for gift cards, merchandise, statement credits and more. Find out more about all the rewards here.

Comprehensive Travel Insurance for Your Adventures

In addition to its rewards benefits, the National Bank Platinum Mastercard® offers comprehensive travel insurance to give you peace of mind when you travel. Protections include:

  • Out-of-province hospital insurance (for trips of up to 10 days)
  • Trip cancellation or interruption insurance
  • Flight and baggage delay insurance
  • Baggage loss or theft insurance
  • Car rental insurance (local and abroad)

Before you leave on your trip, be sure to read the insurance contract carefully, and keep the contact details you need to make a claim close at hand. Full details of the policy can be found here.

Additional protection comes with the National Bank Platinum Mastercard®:

  • Insurance against accidental breakage, loss or theft of mobile devices
  • Extended manufacturer’s warranty on purchases
  • Purchase insurance (up to 180 days)
Vietnam Travel Guide | Itineraries and Highlights - Vietnam-10

Bottom Line

The National Bank Platinum Mastercard® is an attractive option for young professionals looking for an economical travel credit card.

With an affordable $70 annual fee (or no fee with the current offer!), attractive multipliers on everyday spending categories, a flexible rewards program and comprehensive travel insurance, this card offers a winning combination for those who want to travel more for less.

Frequently Asked Questions about the National Bank Platinum Mastercard®

Here are frequently asked questions in the milesopedia community about this card.

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Alexandrine Bertrand
Alexandrine Bertrand
An avid solo traveller, Alexandrine is an expert on loyalty programmes such as Aeroplan, Avios, AIR MILES, Flying Blue and Marriott Bonvoy. With a budget-conscious approach, she helps travellers make the most of their points and miles to experience affordable, off-the-beaten-path getaways. She also shares a love of gastronomy and enjoys exploring local flavours and culinary traditions.
All posts by Alexandrine Bertrand
Credit Cards

Receive our newsletter every week!

Savings this way:

Milesopedia