{"id":166044,"date":"2024-12-20T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-12-20T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/news\/management-expenses-credit-cards\/"},"modified":"2025-03-31T06:54:54","modified_gmt":"2025-03-31T10:54:54","slug":"management-expenses-credit-cards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/guide\/strategy\/management-expenses-credit-cards\/","title":{"rendered":"Manage your credit cards to earn more points"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>While chatting with a friend recently, she confessed her disinterest in <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/beginners-guide\/\">credit card rewards<\/a> programs. She said it was too &#8220;complicated&#8221; to <strong>manage credit cards<\/strong>. So I sat down with her for this exercise to show her that it&#8217;s possible to get a lot more than her little 1% rebate on her <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/best-credit-cards-in-canada\/no-fee\/\">credit card with no annual fee<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s possible to earn a 10-20% rebate on a regular basis, on purchases that you have to make anyway! But it takes management and diligence, because card issuers won&#8217;t give you your rewards so easily! It&#8217;s like any other job: the fruits of your labor reflect <strong>the effort you&#8217;ve put in.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"wpb_content_element wpb_miles_element\">\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='s-h'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='page'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='4'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_page container_template--s-h container_count--1'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"page_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"273480\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t<article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Tips for managing your credit cards&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221; el_id=&#8221;tips_for_managing_your_credit_cards&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Without further ado, here are my top tips for <strong>managing your credit cards<\/strong> and earning more rewards points.<\/p>\n<p>Also, take the opportunity to download my tool to help you choose the right credit card by spending category. It&#8217;s available in our <a>toolbox<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;1. Determine your monthly expenses by category&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221; el_id=&#8221;1_determine_your_monthly_expenses_by_category&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Take a look at your <strong>monthly expenses<\/strong> and write them down:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Housing (<a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/guide\/strategy\/cash-back-rent\/\">rent<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/personal-finance\/mortgages\/how-do-you-work-hypothecary-canada\/\">mortgage<\/a>, telecommunications, electricity, <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/best-credit-cards-in-canada\/insurance\/\">insurance<\/a>, etc.)<\/li>\n<li>Food (<a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/best-credit-cards-in-canada\/grocery\/\">groceries<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/best-credit-cards-in-canada\/restaurants\/\">restaurants<\/a>, snacks)<\/li>\n<li>Travel (<a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/personal-finance\/how-does-a-car-loan-work-in-canada\/\">car loan<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/best-credit-cards-in-canada\/gas-transit\/\">gas<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/personal-finance\/insurance\/car-insurance-canada-guide\/\">car insurance<\/a>, public transit, etc.)<\/li>\n<li>Health (Pharmacy)<\/li>\n<li>Entertainment (movies, books, video games, shows, etc.)<\/li>\n<li>Miscellaneous shopping (clothing, shoes, accessories, etc.)<\/li>\n<li>Children (daycare, pocket money, diapers, clothes, etc.)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/personal-finance\/how-to-delete-your-debts\/\">Debts to be repaid<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"wpb_content_element wpb_miles_element\">\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='s-h'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='post'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='4'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_post container_template--s-h container_count--1'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"post_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"136029\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t<article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;2. Determine your annual expenses by category&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221; el_id=&#8221;2_determine_your_annual_expenses_by_category&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Take a look at your <strong>annual expenses<\/strong> and write them down:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>School taxes<\/li>\n<li>Municipal taxes<\/li>\n<li>Taxes<\/li>\n<li>Instalments<\/li>\n<li>Professional contributions<\/li>\n<li>Professional fees (accountant, notary, etc.)<\/li>\n<li>Christmas gifts<\/li>\n<li>Travel<\/li>\n<li>Etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>By doing steps 1 and 2, you&#8217;ve also just <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/personal-finance\/how-to-budget-for-your-personal-activities\/\">made your budget<\/a>! A good way to do this is to pull out your bank and credit card statements for the past 12 months.<\/p>\n<p>Do you have too many <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/personal-finance\/bye-bye-debit-card\/\">debit card<\/a> transactions? The aim is to optimize your spending, not to inflate it just to earn points.<\/p>\n<p>Then, if your financial health is fragile, the <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/personal-finance\/how-to-budget-for-your-personal-activities\/\">budget<\/a> you&#8217;ve just drawn up will help you target which expenses to prioritize and which to cut. Is there a category where you overspend? Did you buy too many shoes last year?<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_message css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tip <\/strong>: Take this opportunity to determine how much you are able to save after these steps. You could use the 50\/30\/20 rule to help you determine this amount.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_message]<div class=\"wpb_content_element wpb_miles_element\">\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='s'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='post'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='4'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_post container_template--s container_count--2'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"post_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"210582,179267\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t<article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article><article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;3. Determine which expenses can be paid by credit card&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221; el_id=&#8221;3_determine_which_expenses_can_be_paid_by_credit_card&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>You now know that you usually spend (for example) $400 on <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/best-credit-cards-in-canada\/grocery\/\">groceries<\/a> each month. Can all or part of this expenditure be made with <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/cards\/american-express-canada\/\">American Express<\/a> or only with <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/best-credit-cards-in-canada\/visa\/\">Visa<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/best-credit-cards-in-canada\/mastercard\/\">Mastercard<\/a>? Sometimes, you just have to figure out what you&#8217;re spending when you&#8217;re shopping, whether at M\u00e9tro or <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/offers\/cards\/best-credit-cards-for-costco\/\">Costco<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Also, take a look at what is usually paid by cash, bank transfer and cheque. Then, consider whether these expenses can be paid by credit card in some way; via <a>Plastiq<\/a> or <a>PaySimply<\/a>, with fees, to <a>unlock a bonus<\/a> if you&#8217;re caught out, for example.<\/p>\n<p>When I asked my friend about it, she said she used to give her son $20 pocket money and he&#8217;d save it to buy video games at <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/guide\/strategy\/how-to-save-walmart\/\">Walmart<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/go\/amazon-2\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Amazon<\/a>. Now, she buys him <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/guide\/strategy\/points-gift-cards-strategy\/\">gift cards<\/a> (at <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/rewards\/special-offers\/5-points-stores\/\">5X the points<\/a>) with her credit card instead!<\/p>\n<p>This kind of <strong>minor adjustment<\/strong> saves us from leaving points on the table!<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"wpb_content_element wpb_miles_element\">\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='s'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='post'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='4'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_post container_template--s container_count--4'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"post_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"143408,130606,302137,309170\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t<article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article><article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article><article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article><article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;4. Set your reward goals&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221; el_id=&#8221;4_set_your_reward_goals&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>In the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/milesopedia\">Milesopedia Facebook community<\/a>, I often see the question &#8220;what&#8217;s the best credit card to make my purchase profitable?&#8221; come up. We need to define the word &#8220;profitable&#8221;, because the answer varies for each person. After all, we all have different situations and goals.<\/p>\n<p>For example, $3,000 in grocery expenses can yield&nbsp;:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The equivalent of $400 in bonus <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/guide\/disney-world-guide-ultimate-to-save-with-points\/\">Disney<\/a> gift cards on the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/?p=22663\">BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard<\/a> (including the <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/offers\/cards\/bmo-air-miles-world-elite-mastercard-offer\/\">exclusive Milesopedia offer<\/a>),<\/li>\n<li>15,000 points Aeroplan for a flight to New York on the <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/credit-cards\/american-express-cobalt-card\/\">American Express Cobalt<sup><sup>&reg;<\/sup><\/sup> Card<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If I have no intention of going to Disney, but rather to New York, the $400 from Disney isn&#8217;t worth much to me compared to the points Aeroplan. So I&#8217;m not getting a return on my <a>BMO AIR MILES World Elite MasterCard<\/a> purchases if my goal is to pay for my plane ticket to New York.<\/p>\n<p>Other things to consider before making a purchase besides rewards:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/best-credit-cards-in-canada\/insurance\/\">Insurance<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Credits and benefits<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/best-credit-cards-in-canada\/forex\/\">Foreign Exchange Fees<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Cash back or points for travel? Which is better? There are pros and cons to both.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"wpb_content_element wpb_miles_element\">\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='s'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='post'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='4'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_post container_template--s container_count--2'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"post_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"249968,188740\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t<article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article><article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Cash Back and Rewards Points&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h4|text_align:left&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221; el_id=&#8221;cash_back_and_rewards_points&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Here are the advantages and disadvantages of cash back and reward points (<a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/programme-fidelite\/cibc-aventura\/\">CIBC Aventura<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/reward-program\/bmo-rewards\/\">BMO Rewards<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/programme-fidelite\/bnc-plan-recompenses-a-la-carte\/\">NBC Rewards<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/reward-program\/sceneplus\/\">Scene+<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/reward-program\/membership-rewards-american-express\/\">American Express Membership Rewards<\/a>, etc.):<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>They have a fixed value, rather like <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/go\/tangerine-placement-garanti-cpg\/\">Tangerine<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/go\/banque-eq-cpg\/\">EQ Bank GICs<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>They can be applied to current or travel expenses.<\/li>\n<li>They&#8217;re flexible, because you&#8217;re not limited by a specific company or chain.<\/li>\n<li>However, it is important to keep the credit card with which you have accumulated these points so as not to lose them.<\/li>\n<li>In some cases, a certain minimum number of points must be accumulated before they can be used.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_message css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/reward-program\/membership-rewards-american-express\/\">American Express Membership Rewards points<\/a> are reward points. But they have one big advantage over other points: they&#8217;re also transferable. That&#8217;s why we often recommend the <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/credit-cards\/american-express-cobalt-card\/\">American Express Cobalt<sup><sup>&reg;<\/sup><\/sup> Card<\/a>: you can use your points any way you like, even for cash rebates!<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_message]<div class=\"wpb_content_element wpb_miles_element\">\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='compare-simple'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='card'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='4'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_card container_template--compare-simple container_count--1'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"card_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"22621\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-utm=\"wpb\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\n    <div class=\"card card-list card-list-header\">\n        <div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar shimmer-dark shimmer-bar--short card-specs--title\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar shimmer-dark shimmer-bar--short card-specs--title\"><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"card card-list\">\n\n\t<div class=\"card-list--grid\">\n\n\t\t<div class=\"card-list--card\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card-graphic-cta shimmer shimmer-card\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"card-list--title-offer\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card--title\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card-list--offer\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card--apply\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-btn\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"wpb_content_element wpb_miles_element\">\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='s-h'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='page'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='4'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_page container_template--s-h container_count--1'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"page_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"207261\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t<article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Travel points&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h4|text_align:left&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221; el_id=&#8221;travel_points&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Here are the advantages and disadvantages of travel points (<a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/reward-program\/aeroplan\/\">Aeroplan<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/reward-program\/airmiles\/\">AIR MILES Dreams<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/programme-fidelite\/british-airways-club\/\">British Airways Executive Club<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/reward-program\/marriott-bonvoy\/\">Marriott Bonvoy<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/reward-program\/best-western-rewards\/\">Best Western Rewards<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/reward-program\/flying-blue\/\">Flying Blue<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/programme-fidelite\/hilton-honors\/\">Hilton Honors<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/reward-program\/rbc-avion-rewards\/\">RBC Avion<\/a>, etc.):<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The value of a point varies from one individual to another.<\/li>\n<li>Their value depends on how you use them. These points can therefore be worth much more than reward points.<\/li>\n<li>They don&#8217;t expire, just keep the account active with a transaction every 12, 18 or 24 months, depending on the program terms and conditions.<\/li>\n<li>They allow us to save on travel expenses and afford luxury at low prices.<\/li>\n<li>There are plenty of <em>sweet spots<\/em> to use this kind of points.<\/li>\n<li>Understanding how to optimize a program can be difficult for a beginner.<\/li>\n<li>They are less flexible than cash rebates.<\/li>\n<li>We are sometimes restricted by availability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>When you&#8217;re just starting out, it&#8217;s wiser <strong>not to spread yourself too thin<\/strong> and aim for one or two types of reward. By focusing your efforts in this way, you will also have time to master the program(s) in question before venturing elsewhere.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mastering a program is the key to getting the most value out of it<\/strong>! You need to know how to get the points, but also how to use them to their full potential.<\/p>\n<p>Is it possible to pay for 100% of a trip with points? Yes, but it&#8217;s almost impossible to do it optimally with just one type of points. The more programs you master, the more affordable your trips will be.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"wpb_content_element wpb_miles_element\">\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='s'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='post'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='4'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_post container_template--s container_count--2'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"post_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"246675,195768\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t<article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article><article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;5. Plan your credit card rounds&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221; el_id=&#8221;5_plan_your_credit_card_rounds&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>In a points hunter&#8217;s wallet, there are <strong>accumulation cards<\/strong> and <strong>bonus cards<\/strong>. On the one hand, the expenses you&#8217;ve identified as monthly should be paid for with a card or cards that will give you the maximum return over the long term.<\/p>\n<p>On the other hand, good timing with the big annual expenses will pay off handsomely while using the monthly expenses to help you unlock a bonus.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/guide\/strategy\/travel-hacking-canada\/\"><em> Travel hacking<\/em> is a marathon<\/a>, and while it pays to get bonuses, you have to go for it in <strong>moderation<\/strong>. I advocate a balance between earning mode and bonus mode.<\/p>\n<p>For example, if I have $3,000 in expenses every December. So I&#8217;m going to plan on getting a card to unlock a bonus, in November of each year.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>As for the <strong>rotation plan<\/strong>, here&#8217;s an example of how to <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/guide\/strategy\/strategies-earn-cash-back\/\">earn cash back<\/a>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>2022: <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/go\/bmo-remises-world-elite\/\">BMO CashBack<sup>&reg;<\/sup> World Elite<sup>&reg;<\/sup>* Mastercard<sup>&reg;<\/sup>*<\/a><\/li>\n<li>2023: <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/go\/amex-cobalt\/\">American Express Cobalt<sup><sup>&reg;<\/sup><\/sup> Card<\/a><\/li>\n<li>2024: <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/go\/cibc-dividendes-platine-visa\/\">CIBC Dividend Platinum<sup><sup>&reg;<\/sup><\/sup> Visa* Card<\/a><\/li>\n<li>2025: <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/go\/scotia-visa-infinite-momentum\/\">Scotia Momentum<sup>&reg;<\/sup> VISA Infinite* Card<\/a><\/li>\n<li>2026: <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/go\/td-visa-infinite-remises-qc\/\">TD Cash Back Visa Infinite* Card<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Organizing my spending this way lets me know exactly <strong>when to<\/strong> make a round, how much and which credit card(s) to take.<\/p>\n<p>Since I&#8217;ve determined what can be paid for with which type of card and my budget, I know exactly whether or not I&#8217;ll be able to reach a bonus.<\/p>\n<p>In my personal situation, I make two &#8220;regular rounds&#8221; of card purchases a year (in March and November) because it&#8217;s in line with my expenses.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"wpb_content_element wpb_miles_element\">\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='s-h'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='post'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='4'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_post container_template--s-h container_count--1'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"post_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"127728\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t<article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;6. Adjust your plan when necessary&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221; el_id=&#8221;6_adjust_your_plan_when_necessary&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>I also leave myself some latitude in my credit card applications so that I&#8217;m in a position to take out a new card, outside my game plan, when an unexpected expense comes up or an exceptional offer arises. So it&#8217;s easy for me to always space out my applications by at least 3 months for these &#8220;surprise&#8221; rounds.<\/p>\n<p>I also adjust my game plan if I have big expenses coming up, like a new set of tires for next winter, or if I&#8217;m planning to renovate my kitchen.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_message css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>To each his own! If you&#8217;re a beginner, I&#8217;d advise you to space out your applications by at least 6 months, and not to take on too many cards at the same time. What about the <a>credit score<\/a>? We recommend that you apply for multiple cards on the same day, as this encourages card acceptance. Each application generates a credit inquiry. However, depending on your habits, the credit score should recover after a few months, since taking out credit cards is not the only factor affecting the score.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_message]<div class=\"wpb_content_element wpb_miles_element\">\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='s-h'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='page'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='4'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_page container_template--s-h container_count--1'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"page_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"207248\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t<article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;7. Keep track of credit cards&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221; el_id=&#8221;7_keep_track_of_credit_cards&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p data-placeholder-blurred=\"R\u00e9digez un contenu\" data-placeholder-focused=\"R\u00e9digez un contenu ou saisissez \u00ab \/ \u00bb pour r\u00e9diger avec l'AI+ Content\">I recommend creating a credit card tracking chart to help you remember important dates.<\/p>\n<p>If you prefer, I share my credit card management file in our <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/toolbox-organize-finances-and-rewards\/\">toolbox<\/a>. You can use it &#8220;as is&#8221;, or use it as a basis for creating your own spreadsheet. Simply modify the file to reflect your portfolio.<\/p>\n<p>I also save the terms and conditions of the cards purchased and keep them in the same folder as my Excel spreadsheet. This allows me to have all the details in case there&#8217;s a problem with my bonuses.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;8. Avoid mistakes&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221; el_id=&#8221;8_avoid_mistakes&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>A common beginner&#8217;s mistake is not being able to <strong>unlock a bonus<\/strong> within the required timeframe. To avoid this&nbsp;:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Enter the deadline for reaching the spending threshold.<\/li>\n<li>Put an alert on your calendar a few days before the end of the billing cycle, to give you time to make the expense and for it to appear on your calendar.<\/li>\n<li>Enter the amount you need to spend to unlock the bonus.<\/li>\n<li>Enter remaining expenses.<\/li>\n<li>Set up pre-authorized debits to pay for your cards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_message css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>For cards giving a bonus per statement, don&#8217;t forget to program your alert each month. You already have to look at each of your statements to pay them, it will take you a couple of minutes to simply subtract the amount from it to be up to date in your quest for the bonus. Card fees are never included in the amount required to unlock bonuses.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_message][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Personally, I don&#8217;t like <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/reviews\/products\/awardwallet-review\/\">Awardwallet<\/a> and prefer to gather information in the same document. Yes, I do it manually, but it allows me to check whether everything looks good with each program (for example, whether the points of the<a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/guide\/tutorials\/rewards-with-online-purchase\/\">Aeroplan eStore<\/a> are correctly entered).<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s a good habit to get into to keep your finances and points up to date. We&#8217;ve got into the habit of doing it every first of the month.<\/p>\n<p>I also suggest you download the apps for each of the banks and rewards programs. You&#8217;ll be able to follow the progress of each account at your fingertips on your phone!<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;9. Manage foreign currencies and gift cards&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221; el_id=&#8221;9_manage_foreign_currencies_and_gift_cards&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p data-placeholder-blurred=\"R\u00e9digez un contenu\" data-placeholder-focused=\"R\u00e9digez un contenu ou saisissez \u00ab \/ \u00bb pour r\u00e9diger avec l'AI+ Content\">I also keep an eye on the foreign currency I have left after a trip. I keep certain currencies because I know I&#8217;ll be returning to certain places. So I don&#8217;t lose out on the exchange rate.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, I treat <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/guide\/strategy\/points-gift-cards-strategy\/\">gift cards<\/a> like cash. So, I manually update my gift card balance every month. I use them mainly for very short-term purchases (gas, clothes to buy at Simons, etc.) or to help me unlock a bonus. So, my gift card balance isn&#8217;t a fortune and it doesn&#8217;t take long to check.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"wpb_content_element wpb_miles_element\">\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='s-h'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='post'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='4'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_post container_template--s-h container_count--1'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"post_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"131976\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t<article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;10. Use shopping portals for bonus points&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221; el_id=&#8221;10_use_shopping_portals_for_bonus_points&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Although this article is about a credit card management strategy, don&#8217;t forget <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/guide\/tutorials\/rewards-with-online-purchase\/\">online shopping portals<\/a> when you&#8217;re shopping, for a &#8220;double&#8221; or &#8220;triple dip&#8221;. For example:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/guide\/tutorials\/how-estore-aeroplan-works\/\">Aeroplan eStore<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/guide\/tutorials\/how-airmilesshops-works\/\">Airmilesshops<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/go\/rakuten\/\">Rakuten<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/?p=241978\">Boomerang Club<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>I&#8217;ve also added extensions to my browser to remind me to go through the portals.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"wpb_content_element wpb_miles_element\">\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='s-h'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='post'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='4'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_post container_template--s-h container_count--1'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"post_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"116520\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t<article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Bottom Line&#8221; el_id=&#8221;bottom_line&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 7\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<p>Some people are bound to reiterate that managing credit cards is complicated. But, as they say, <em>no pain, no gain <\/em>! You have to work for your rewards. It&#8217;s up to you to decide whether it&#8217;s worth the effort! In my opinion, <strong>managing my credit cards<\/strong> is a good habit for keeping my finances up to date.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"wpb_content_element wpb_miles_element\">\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='m-h'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='card'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='4'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_card container_template--m-h container_count--1'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"card_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"22621\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-utm=\"wpb\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t<div class=\"card\">\n\t<div class=\"card--grid\">\n\n\t\t<div class=\"card--img-outer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card--img\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-card\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"card--title-offer-selling\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card--title-offer\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card--selling-points\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar shimmer-bar--short\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar shimmer-bar--short\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar shimmer-bar--short\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"card--apply\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"apply-btn\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-btn\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Frequently Asked Questions&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221; el_id=&#8221;frequently_asked_questions&#8221;][vc_toggle title=&#8221;How do I use and manage my credit card?&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>To <strong>manage your credit cards<\/strong> and earn more rewards points, determine your monthly and annual expenses that can be paid by credit card. Then determine your rewards goals and plan your credit card rounds accordingly. Of course, pay off your balances in full each month, before the due date.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=&#8221;How can I avoid paying interest on my credit card?&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>To avoid paying interest on your credit card, you must pay the balance in full each month. At the same time, this will help you build a good credit history and demonstrate to lenders that you are a responsible borrower. This will help you maintain a <a>good credit record.<\/a> Finally, avoid cash advances and check your statements online to make sure everything is in order.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=&#8221;How do I use a credit card?&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Use your credit card for day-to-day expenses only if you can afford to pay it off at the end of the month. When you receive your statement, either online or by mail, check your transactions for the month. Then, pay your account in full (not the minimum payment), before the end of the grace period, to avoid paying interest. If possible, avoid using more than 30% of your credit limit.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=&#8221;When is the best time to pay off your credit card?&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Pay your credit card balance when you receive your statement, either online or by mail. In some cases, paying ahead of schedule, before the statement is issued, can help boost your <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/personal-finance\/credit-score\/101-credit-score\/\">credit score<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this article, discover our best tips for managing your credit cards and earning more rewards points.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1237,"featured_media":423652,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[48137],"tags":[],"mc_loyalty_program":[],"class_list":["post-166044","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-strategy","mc_market-all-of-canada"],"acf":{"mc_approved_badge":false,"mc_card_used":"","mc_featured_card_specific":"","mc_hide_featured_card":false,"mc_post_checklist":{"mc_post_checklist_true":null,"mc_post_checklist_false":null}},"yoast_head":"<!-- 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