If you’re travel hacking Canada trips (to or from), they are all about using points and miles to reduce or eliminate the cost of flights, hotels, and other travel expenses. In Canada, we have multiple loyalty programs—such as Aeroplan, RBC Avion, and WestJet Rewards—that offer various ways to earn and redeem rewards. Below is a quick primer on these programs, plus a look at why American Express Membership Rewards (MR) can be an excellent choice for serious travel hackers.
Points & Miles Explained
- Points vs. Miles: Although often used interchangeably, “points” typically refer to a bank’s or credit card’s rewards currency (like AMEX MR or RBC Avion), while “miles” often refer to airline-specific programs (like Aeroplan Miles).
- Earning Strategies: Most points or miles come from everyday spending on rewards credit cards, sign-up bonuses, or promotional offers. Some programs also partner with online shopping portals, dining rewards, or specific retailers.
- Redeeming for Travel: You can redeem your points/miles for flights, seat upgrades, hotel stays, gift cards, or statement credits. Optimal travel redemptions typically provide higher value per point or mile compared to cash-back or gift card options.
Common Travel Hacking Canada Loyalty Programs
- Aeroplan (Air Canada)
- Primary currency: Aeroplan Points
- Redeem for flights on Air Canada and Star Alliance partners.
- Easy to earn points via co-branded credit cards, plus frequent promotions.
- RBC Avion
- Points earned: RBC Rewards
- Flexible redemption options: flights, hotels, merchandise, and transfers to select airline partners.
- Popular for its flight-based redemption chart and occasional transfer bonuses.
- WestJet Rewards
- Currency: WestJet Dollars (Now Points – See Update)
- Redeem directly toward flights or vacation packages through WestJet.
- Straightforward value: $1 WestJet Dollar = $1 off base fares.
Why AMEX Membership Rewards (MR) Helps Travel Hacking Canadians
AMEX Canada offers Membership Rewards, one of the most flexible and valuable programs for Canadians:
- Transfer Partners: You can transfer MR points to 8 different airlines (including Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, and others) plus 2 major hotel chains (Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors).
- High-Earning Credit Cards: Options like the AMEX Cobalt, Gold, or Platinum cards can earn bonus points in categories like dining, travel, and everyday spending.
- Flexible Redeeming: Use points as a statement credit, transfer to airline/hotel partners, or book directly through AMEX Travel for fixed-value redemptions.
- Promotions & Bonuses: AMEX frequently runs transfer bonuses, boosting the value of your MR points when moving them to an airline or hotel partner.
Maximizing Value with Transfers
- Airline Partners: Converting MR points to airline partners can yield excellent value, especially for premium cabin flights or long-haul trips.
- Hotel Partners: If you’re short on hotel points, transferring to Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors can fill the gap, sometimes at advantageous rates.
- Watch for Transfer Bonuses: For example, a 25% bonus to a specific airline can stretch your points further, making it easier to book award flights at a discount.
Ready to Get Serious About Travel Hacking?
Canada’s travel landscape offers plenty of opportunities to earn big rewards and redeem them for free or heavily discounted flights and hotels. Start by selecting a high-earning rewards credit card that aligns with your travel goals—especially one that taps into the AMEX Membership Rewards ecosystem for maximum flexibility.
Check out the Latest AMEX Offers for the best signup bonuses!
By choosing the right programs, focusing on strategic spending, and leveraging valuable transfer partners, you’ll be well on your way to mastering Travel Hacking 101—and beyond—right here in Canada. Safe travels!