A lot has changed since I last updated this guide. WestJet dollars are now WestJet points, it costs more to earn elite status, and you can now earn points at places like Canadian Tire and Skip. Tim Hortons and Petro-Canada are joining in 2027.

This guide is written for casual travellers who want to save money on WestJet trips, not for hardcore travel hackers chasing business class to Asia. If that’s you, my Aeroplan guide is a better place to start.

WestJet Rewards at a glance (as of October 2026)

• Currency: WestJet points (they replaced WestJet dollars on April 30, 2025 at 100 points per $1).
• Value: 100 WestJet points = $1 off WestJet base fares, surcharges, seats and bags.
• Earn rate on WestJet flights: 1 point per $1 for Teal members, up to 8 points per $1 for Platinum.
• Minimum redemption: 2,500 points on a flight, 5,000 points on a WestJet Vacations package.
• Expiry: WestJet points don’t expire.
• Status thresholds: $4,000 (Silver), $6,000 (Gold) and $10,000 (Platinum) in tier qualifying spend in 2026, rising to $5,000, $8,000 and $15,000 on January 1, 2027.
• Ways to earn without flying: WestJet RBC credit cards, RBC Avion point transfers, Canadian Tire Triangle Rewards, Skip, TELUS and the WestJet Rewards eStore.

How to earn WestJet points

Most people earn WestJet points two ways: flying WestJet and using a WestJet RBC credit card. The number of points you earn on flights depends on your status tier.

Earn rates on WestJet flights

You earn on the base fare, surcharges and extras like seats, bags and upgrades. You don’t earn on government taxes or on any part of a booking paid with points. UltraBasic and Member Exclusive fares don’t earn points.

Here’s a realistic example. A Teal member books a $500 flight (before taxes) with the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard. They’d earn 500 points from WestJet and 1,000 points from the card, for 1,500 points, or about $15 toward their next trip.

WestJet Vacations and Sunwing Vacations

You earn WestJet points on WestJet Vacations packages and, as of September 2026, on eligible Sunwing Vacations packages too. Sunwing packages earn 1 point per $1 on your share of the base package price, excluding taxes and fees. Each traveller on the booking can add their own WestJet Rewards ID.

Partner airlines

You can earn WestJet points when you book and fly directly with Delta, Air France, KLM and Qantas. Just add your WestJet Rewards number to the booking. The points you earn depend on the airline, fare class, distance and your tier.

If you book a partner flight on westjet.com, how you earn depends on whose flight number it is:

• Codeshare (a WS flight number): you earn like a normal WestJet flight, including status bonuses and tier qualifying spend.
• Interline (the partner’s flight number): you earn a flat amount based on distance and fare class, and it doesn’t count toward status.

Hotels, cars and the eStore

You can also earn on hotels and car rentals booked through WestJet, and by clicking through the WestJet Rewards eStore before shopping online with participating retailers.

WestJet RBC credit cards

For casual travellers, the WestJet RBC cards are where most of the value is. The points are nice, but the annual companion voucher and free checked bags are what make them worth carrying.

Welcome offers change often, so check the current terms before applying.

WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard

The current offer is 30,000 points after your first purchase, 30,000 more when you spend $5,000 in the first three months and 10,000 after your first anniversary. That’s up to $700 toward WestJet travel.

The free first checked bag for you and up to eight companions on the same booking is the sleeper benefit. For a family of four, that’s four bags each way on every trip, which can easily cover the annual fee on its own. The companion voucher can also be swapped for a 30% flight discount for one traveller, a $200 WestJet Vacations or Sunwing credit, or lounge passes.

The 1.5 points per $1 base earn is fine, but many cash back credit cards pay more on everyday spending. Get this card for the bag and companion voucher perks, and treat the points as a bonus. Read my full WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard review.

WestJet RBC Mastercard

The current offer is 5,000 points after your first purchase and 10,000 more when you spend $1,000 in the first three months. If you don’t meet the World Elite income requirement, or you just want the companion voucher for a low fee, this is a solid pick. You won’t get free checked bags, though. Read my WestJet RBC Mastercard review.

Not sure how to use a voucher? See my guide to the WestJet companion voucher.

New ways to earn WestJet points on everyday spending

The biggest change for casual travellers is that you no longer need to fly or hold a WestJet credit card to build up points. WestJet has signed a string of Canadian partners, and most only require you to link accounts once.

Canadian Tire and Triangle Rewards

This is the partnership most Canadians will get the most out of. Once your Triangle Rewards and WestJet Rewards accounts are linked, you earn WestJet points on top of your usual CT Money every time you scan your Triangle card. It works the other way too: you earn CT Money on eligible WestJet flights.

To link, sign in to either account and look for the partner or offers section. You can also convert WestJet points into CT Money at 120 points per $1, with a 2,400-point minimum. That works out to about 0.83 cents per point, so it only makes sense if your points are sitting idle.

Skip

Link your Skip and WestJet Rewards accounts and you’ll get 500 points right away. After that, you earn points through targeted offers in the Skip app rather than a fixed rate on every order. You can also redeem points for Skip credits (more on that below).

Tim Hortons (2027)

Tim Hortons coffee arrives on WestJet flights on November 30, 2026. The loyalty part starts in 2027, when you’ll be able to link Tims Rewards and WestJet Rewards and earn in both programs on eligible purchases. WestJet hasn’t shared earn rates yet, so I’ll update this once they do.

Petro-Canada (early 2027)

WestJet and Petro-Canada plan to let linked members choose whether to earn Petro-Points or WestJet points on gas, car washes and convenience store purchases. You’ll also be able to convert Petro-Points into WestJet points and use WestJet points at the pump. Conversion rates haven’t been announced.

How to redeem WestJet points

The best use of WestJet points is on WestJet flights and vacation packages, where they’re worth 1 cent each. Everything else is worth less.

WestJet flights

Redeeming is simple. Search for a flight on westjet.com while signed in, and choose how many points to apply at checkout. There’s no award chart and no blackout dates: if a seat is for sale, you can use points on it.

• Points cover the base fare, surcharges, seat selection and checked bags at 100 points per $1.
• You can also use leftover points on taxes and fees, but at a slightly worse rate of about 105 to 110 points per $1.
• The minimum is 2,500 points per flight booking.
• You can book flights for family and friends with your points.

Apply points to the base fare and surcharges first, and pay taxes with a credit card. If you pay part of the trip with your WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard, the card’s travel insurance still applies.

WestJet Vacations and Sunwing Vacations

You can pay for all or part of a WestJet Vacations or Sunwing Vacations package with points. The minimum is 5,000 points per vacation booking.

Partner airlines

You can redeem WestJet points on partner flights as long as you book them on westjet.com. That includes codeshare and interline partners such as Delta, Air France, KLM, Qantas, Korean Air, Japan Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.

Just know that points are still worth about 1 cent each on partner flights. There are no sweet spots like the ones you’ll find with Aeroplan. If an international business class trip is your goal, WestJet Rewards isn’t the right program.

Non-travel redemptions

These non-travel options are handy if you have a small balance you’ll never use on a flight. Otherwise, save your points for travel.

One more thing: WestJet sells points, normally at about 2 cents each. Since you can only use them at about 1 cent, buying points rarely makes sense, even during a sale.

WestJet Rewards status tiers: Teal, Silver, Gold and Platinum

WestJet is raising its status thresholds for the second time in three years. In 2026, Silver takes $4,000 in tier qualifying spend in a calendar year, Gold takes $6,000 and Platinum takes $10,000. Starting January 1, 2027, those rise to $5,000, $8,000 and $15,000. Tier benefits aren’t changing.

Once you qualify, you keep your status for the rest of that calendar year and all of the next. Tier qualifying spend resets to $0 every January 1.

Status thresholds go up in 2027

Effective January 1, 2027, Silver rises from $4,000 to $5,000, Gold from $6,000 to $8,000 and Platinum from $10,000 to $15,000. Platinum sees the biggest jump, at 50%. Tier benefits, including boarding, lounge access, baggage allowances and upgrades, stay the same.

If you earned status in 2026, you keep it through December 31, 2027. The new thresholds apply to the spending you do in 2027.

Bonus qualifying spend for current Silver, Gold and Platinum members

To ease the transition, WestJet is giving existing top-tier members two ways to earn bonus tier qualifying spend. You need to register for both.

• Flights: a 50% tier qualifying spend bonus on eligible flights booked by December 31, 2026 and flown between January 1 and March 31, 2027.
• Credit card: a 50% tier qualifying spend bonus on the first $50,000 of eligible WestJet RBC Mastercard spending in 2027. For World Elite cardholders, this gives your Status Lift a boost.

If you’re close to a tier and already planning a winter trip, booking it before the end of the year is an easy way to take advantage of the flight bonus. Just don’t book travel you weren’t going to take anyway to chase status.

What counts toward status

• The base fare and surcharges on WestJet-marketed flights (taxes don’t count)
• Seat selection, checked bag and cabin upgrade fees
• 20% of the base price of eligible WestJet Vacations and Sunwing Vacations packages
• Status Lift from the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard: $200 in tier qualifying spend for every $5,000 you charge, up to 50 times a year

Everyday partner spending at Canadian Tire, Skip and the rest doesn’t count toward status.

Member Exclusive fares

Member Exclusive fares are discounted fares only WestJet Rewards members can book, and they’re the one way to get a bit more than 1 cent per point. When you search on westjet.com while signed in, they show up next to the regular fares.

The catch hasn’t changed: you have to cover the entire base fare and surcharges with points. Taxes and fees are paid in cash. If you don’t have enough points, the Member Exclusive option isn’t available to you. Source

WestJet advertises discounts of up to 65%, but in practice the savings are usually closer to 5% to 10% off the comparable fare.

A few other things to know:

• Member Exclusive fares don’t earn WestJet points or tier qualifying spend.
• They can’t be combined with sale discount codes.
• The fare rules can differ from regular fares, so compare what’s included (seat selection, bags, changes) before you book.

My take: if you already have enough points to cover the full fare, always check the Member Exclusive price. Just compare it against the regular fare with points applied. A small discount isn’t worth it if you lose a perk you’d otherwise pay for.

How to transfer RBC Avion points to WestJet points

RBC Avion points transfer to WestJet points at a 1:1 ratio: 1,000 Avion points become 1,000 WestJet points, worth $10 on WestJet. The minimum transfer is 1,000 Avion points. RBC Avion is the only bank rewards program in Canada that transfers to WestJet Rewards.

Don’t be confused if RBC’s site still says “100 Avion points = 1 WestJet dollar.” That’s the old wording. Since 1 WestJet dollar became 100 WestJet points, it’s the same 1:1 ratio.

Which cards qualify: Avion Elite cards such as the RBC Avion Visa Infinite, and Avion Premium cards such as the RBC ION and ION+ Visa.

How to transfer:

1. Join WestJet Rewards if you aren’t a member yet.
2. Sign in to your RBC Avion Rewards account and go to the points conversion section.
3. Choose WestJet Rewards, enter your WestJet Rewards ID and the number of points.
4. Confirm. Transfers can’t be reversed, so only move what you plan to use.

When it makes sense: If you hold an ION or ION+ card, transferring to WestJet is usually one of your best options, since it gets you 1 cent per point on flights. It’s also a good way to top up your WestJet balance so you can book a Member Exclusive fare. If you have an Avion Visa Infinite, compare it against Avion’s own travel redemptions and other airline partners first, because those can sometimes get you more.

Is WestJet Rewards worth it?

For casual travellers who fly WestJet, yes. It’s free to join, the points are easy to use and you don’t need a strategy to get value. It’s not worth it if you want to collect points for premium international trips.

What I like

• Points have a fixed, easy-to-understand value of 1 cent each.
• No award charts, blackout dates or seat availability games.
• Points never expire.
• You can now pay for an entire trip, taxes included, with points.
• Earning on everyday spending at Canadian Tire, Skip and soon Tim Hortons and Petro-Canada.
• The co-branded RBC cards come with a companion voucher and, on the World Elite card, free checked bags.

What I don’t like

• No sweet spots, so you’ll never get much more than 1 cent per point.
• Status keeps getting harder to earn, with thresholds rising to $5,000, $8,000 and $15,000 in 2027.
• Member Exclusive discounts are usually small.
• Non-travel redemptions like CT Money and Skip credits are worth less than 1 cent per point.

What it looks like for a typical household

Say you put $20,000 a year on the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard, with $6,000 of that on groceries and gas. That’s 12,000 points from groceries and gas plus 21,000 points from everything else, or 33,000 points. That’s about $330 off WestJet travel each year, before counting the companion voucher, free bags or any flights you take.

Link your Triangle and Skip accounts too, and you’ll pick up extra points on things you were buying anyway.

Final Thoughts

WestJet Rewards is a better program for everyday Canadians than it was a few years ago. The switch to points didn’t change what your rewards are worth, and the new partners make it much easier to earn without flying.

If you’re someone who takes a trip or two a year on WestJet, my advice is simple: join for free, link your Canadian Tire and Skip accounts, and consider one of the WestJet RBC cards for the companion voucher and free bags. Personally, the companion voucher is still the reason I keep a WestJet card in my wallet.

If you want to travel hack your way to business class seats around the world, put your energy into Aeroplan instead.

WestJet Rewards FAQ

How much is 10,000 WestJet points worth?

10,000 WestJet points are worth $100 toward a WestJet flight or vacation package. Each WestJet point is worth 1 cent when redeemed on WestJet travel.

What happened to WestJet dollars?

WestJet dollars were converted to WestJet points on April 30, 2025, at a rate of 100 points per WestJet dollar. The value of your balance didn’t change.

Do WestJet points expire?

No. WestJet points don’t expire.

What’s the minimum number of WestJet points I can redeem?

You need at least 2,500 points to redeem on a flight and 5,000 points on a WestJet Vacations package.

Can I use WestJet points to pay for taxes and fees?

Yes. You can now cover the full cost of a flight with points, including taxes and fees. Taxes cost slightly more points, about 105 to 110 points per $1.

How much do I need to spend for WestJet Silver status?

In 2026, Silver requires $4,000 in tier qualifying spend in a calendar year, Gold requires $6,000 and Platinum requires $10,000. Starting January 1, 2027, Silver requires $5,000, Gold $8,000 and Platinum $15,000.

Can I transfer RBC Avion points to WestJet?

Yes. RBC Avion points transfer to WestJet points at 1:1, with a minimum of 1,000 Avion points. Both Avion Elite and Avion Premium (RBC ION and ION+) points are eligible.

Can I earn WestJet points at Canadian Tire?

Yes. Link your Triangle Rewards and WestJet Rewards accounts to earn 1 WestJet point per $2 spent at Canadian Tire and other Triangle partner stores, on top of CT Money. WestJet RBC cardholders earn 2 points per $2.

Can I earn WestJet points at Tim Hortons?

Not yet. WestJet and Tim Hortons plan to launch account linking in 2027. Earn rates haven’t been announced.

What are WestJet Member Exclusive fares?

Member Exclusive fares are discounted fares for WestJet Rewards members. You must pay the full base fare and surcharges with WestJet points and pay taxes in cash. Discounts are usually around 5% to 10%, and these fares don’t earn points.

Can I use WestJet points on other airlines?

Yes, if you book on westjet.com. You can redeem points on partner flights, including Delta, Air France, KLM, Qantas and other codeshare and interline partners.

Can I book flights for someone else with my WestJet points?

Yes. You can use your points to book flights for family or friends. Each traveller needs their own WestJet Rewards account to earn points on their own ticket.

I’ve been collecting and redeeming Aeroplan points for years, and I wrote this guide for the casual flyer. You might take a trip or two a year, maybe you have an Aeroplan credit card, and you just want to know how to get a free flight without needing a spreadsheet. That’s who this is for.

The short version:

• Aeroplan is Air Canada’s loyalty program. You earn points from flights, everyday partners and credit cards, and redeem them mostly for flights.
• Since January 2026, you earn points on Air Canada flights based on how much you spend, not how far you fly.
• For most people, a credit card is the fastest way to earn. There are about a dozen Aeroplan cards in Canada, and they’re all getting new perks on January 12, 2027.
• Air Canada flights cost more points when cash fares are expensive. Partner airline flights use a chart, but seats can be hard to find, especially in business class.
• A good target is getting at least 1.5 cents of value per point. I’ll show you how to calculate that below.
• Heads up: Aeroplan’s pause on points expiring ends on November 30, 2026. If your account has been quiet, now is the time to do something about it.

What is Aeroplan?

Aeroplan is the loyalty program for Air Canada. It’s free to join, and it has more than 10 million active members. You earn points when you fly, shop with partners or use an Aeroplan credit card. You can then redeem those points for flights on Air Canada and more than 50 partner airlines.

That partner list is the big selling point. Air Canada is part of Star Alliance, which includes airlines like Lufthansa, SWISS, Turkish Airlines, EVA Air, Singapore Airlines and United. Aeroplan also has deals with airlines outside the alliance, such as Emirates and Etihad. In practical terms, your points can get you almost anywhere in the world.

You can also use points for hotels, car rentals, Air Canada Vacations packages, gift cards and merchandise. Flights almost always give you the best value, but hotels and car rentals have gotten more interesting lately.

What’s changed with Aeroplan in 2026 (and what’s coming in 2027)

If you haven’t paid attention to Aeroplan in a while, here’s what you missed. Some of it is good, some of it isn’t, and I’ll be honest about both.

How to earn Aeroplan points

There are lots of ways to earn Aeroplan points, and the good news is you don’t need to fly much to rack them up. Here are the main ones, roughly in order of how much they’ll matter to most people.

Credit cards

Unless you’re a frequent flyer, a credit card will be your biggest source of points by far. You earn on everything you were going to buy anyway. I go through the cards in detail in the next section.

Transferring American Express points

This is the one a lot of people miss. If you have an American Express card that earns Membership Rewards points, like the Cobalt, Gold Rewards or Platinum, you can transfer those points to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio. So 20,000 Amex points become 20,000 Aeroplan points, and the transfer is usually instant.

The Amex Cobalt is especially popular for this since it earns up to 5 points per dollar on food and groceries. That’s a faster earn rate than any Aeroplan co-branded card.

One tip: only transfer when you’re ready to book. Membership Rewards points are flexible and can be used other ways, while Aeroplan points can only be used with Aeroplan. Also note that the Amex Aeroplan cards earn Aeroplan points directly, so there’s nothing to transfer.

Flying

As of January 1, 2026, you earn 1 Aeroplan point per dollar spent on Air Canada flights. That’s calculated on the base fare and carrier surcharges, not on taxes, airport fees, bag fees or seat selection. Elite members earn 2 to 6 points per dollar depending on their tier.

In plain terms, a $300 base fare earns 300 points. That’s less than you’d have earned on a long-haul sale fare under the old distance-based system, so don’t count on flying alone to get you a free trip.

You can still earn points on partner airlines like Lufthansa or United. Just add your Aeroplan number to the booking. How much you earn depends on the airline and fare, so check Aeroplan’s partner pages first. Reward flights booked with points don’t earn points.

Everyday partners

Aeroplan has added a lot of partners you probably already use. Link your accounts once and you’ll earn automatically:

• Starbucks (you still earn Stars too)
• Uber and Uber Eats
• LCBO
• Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty (2 points per dollar), plus Avis and Budget
• Marriott Bonvoy hotels, where you can choose to earn Aeroplan points

Aeroplan eStore

The Aeroplan eStore works like Rakuten. Click through to retailers like Apple or Lululemon, shop like normal, and earn points per dollar. Rates jump during promotions, so it’s worth a quick look before any big online purchase. This is the easiest way to earn Aeroplan points outside of flying and using a credit card.

Hotel points transfers

You can convert points from some hotel programs to Aeroplan. Marriott Bonvoy converts at 3:1, for example. It’s usually poor value, but it can work if you’re just a few thousand points short of a flight.

Buying points

Aeroplan sells points and sometimes offers up to a 100% bonus. I rarely recommend it, but it can make sense if you need a small top-up for a specific booking that’s good value. Do the math first (more on that below).

The best Aeroplan credit cards

There are about a dozen Aeroplan co-branded credit cards in Canada from TD, CIBC and American Express. They range from no-fee cards to premium cards with lounge access. Every one of them earns Aeroplan points directly, and most come with Air Canada perks that a regular travel card won’t give you.

A few things almost every Aeroplan card shares:

• Starting January 12, 2027, 15% off the points needed for Air Canada reward flights. This applies to the primary cardholder on any Aeroplan card, including the no-fee ones.
• A free fourth night on hotel redemptions and a free fourth day on car rentals booked with points through Aeroplan.
• Your points won’t expire as long as you’re earning on the card.
• Travel insurance that covers trips booked with points, as long as you pay the taxes and fees with the card. Most credit card insurance doesn’t cover reward bookings, so this one is a big deal.

The catch is that most annual fees are going up in 2027. For most people, two cards stand out.

TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card

This is the card I’d point most casual flyers to. The fee is reasonable, the perks are useful, and TD often waives the fee in the first year.

• Annual fee: $139, rising to $159 at your first annual fee date on or after January 25, 2027. Additional cards go from $75 to $80.
• Earn rate: 1.5 points per dollar on gas and EV charging, groceries and Air Canada purchases (including Air Canada Vacations). 1 point per dollar on everything else.
• Air Canada perks: Free first checked bag for you and up to 8 companions on the same booking, which can easily pay for the fee on a single family trip.
• Other perks: A NEXUS application fee rebate every 48 months, travel medical and trip cancellation insurance, and status credits toward Aeroplan Elite Status (1,000 SQC per $20,000 spent).
• New on January 12, 2027: 15% off Air Canada reward flights, a $50 yearly Air Canada travel credit (paid as $25 in January and $25 in July to your AC Wallet), and a free fourth day on car rental redemptions.
• Welcome bonus: It changes often. At the time of writing, TD is offering up to 40,000 points plus a first-year fee rebate. Check the current offer before applying.

The $50 travel credit only works on paid Air Canada flights, not reward flights, and each $25 expires after six months. Even so, it covers most of the fee increase if you fly Air Canada at least once a year.

American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card

This is the premium option. It only makes sense if you fly Air Canada a few times a year and will actually use the lounge access, but the 2027 upgrades make it a lot more compelling for that person.

• Annual fee: $599, rising to $799 at your first annual fee billing date after January 12, 2027.
• Earn rate: 3 points per dollar on Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations, 2 points per dollar on dining and food delivery, and 1.25 points per dollar on everything else.
• Current perks: Maple Leaf Lounge access in North America for you and a guest, free first checked bag for you and up to 8 companions, priority check-in and boarding, and a NEXUS rebate.
• Companion Pass: Spend $25,000 in a card year and get an Annual Worldwide Companion Pass, which lets a companion fly with you in economy for a fixed base fare.
• Status help: 1,000 SQC per $5,000 spent (up to 25,000 a year). Starting in 2027, premium cardholders who requalify for status also get a head start of 10% of last year’s SQC.

New on January 12, 2027:

• Maple Leaf Lounge and Air Canada Café access worldwide, not just in North America, for you and a guest
• Priority security lanes at select airports for you and up to 8 companions
• Up to $100 a year in Air Canada travel credits ($50 in January and $50 in July)
• 15% off Air Canada reward flights
• Six Priority Pass lounge visits a year, plus eight passes a year to Aspire lounges in Canada
• A $200 yearly dining credit at restaurants on Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants list
• A 10% points bonus once you spend $125,000 in a year, and another 10% for every extra $25,000 (up to $400,000)
• A free fourth night on hotel redemptions and a free fourth day on car rentals

Is it worth $799? If you’d use the travel credit, the dining credit and the lounges, you’re getting more than $300 a year back in credits alone, and lounge access is worth a lot more on a long travel day. If you fly once a year, it’s not for you. [MESSAGE ME FOR A REFERRAL LINK]

Don’t forget Amex Membership Rewards cards

The Amex Cobalt isn’t an Aeroplan card, but because its points transfer 1:1 to Aeroplan, many people use it as their main way to earn Aeroplan points. A common setup is the Cobalt for food and groceries plus an Aeroplan card for the Air Canada perks. See my full list of the best Aeroplan credit cards.

How to redeem Aeroplan points for flights

Flights are where Aeroplan points shine. Booking is done on aircanada.com or the Air Canada app. Search for your trip, switch the toggle to book with points, and you’ll see the price in points plus taxes and fees. You don’t need to understand any charts to do this.

That said, it helps to know why the price is what it is. There are really two kinds of reward flights.

Air Canada flights: dynamic pricing

When you book an Air Canada flight with points, the number of points follows the cash price. If the cash fare is cheap, the points price is usually reasonable. If it’s a holiday weekend or a popular route, expect to pay a lot more points.

The upside is that every seat on an Air Canada flight can be booked with points. If there’s a seat for sale, you can use points for it. You’ll never be told there’s “no reward availability.”

A few habits that keep the points price down:

• Be flexible with dates. Moving your trip by a day or two, or travelling outside school breaks, can cut the price a lot.
• Consider a connection. Nonstop flights are in demand and often cost more points. A connecting flight on the same day can be much cheaper.
• Sign in first. From January 12, 2027, Aeroplan cardholders see 15% off the points price, but only when logged in.
• Compare with the cash price. If the points price looks high, it probably is. I’ll show you how to check in the value section below.

Partner airline flights: fixed prices, but you have to find a seat

Flights on most partner airlines, like Lufthansa, SWISS, Turkish or EVA Air, are priced differently. The cost is set by where you’re flying and how far, and it doesn’t change with the cash fare. Whether the business class cash fare that day is $4,000 or $8,000, the points price stays the same.

The catch is availability. Partner airlines only release a limited number of seats for Aeroplan members to book. On popular routes and dates, especially in business class, those seats can be hard to find. There’s also a $39 partner booking fee per ticket.

A handful of partners, including United and Etihad, now use dynamic pricing like Air Canada. While these airlines still offer good value, it’s not as cheap as before.

Mixing and matching

You can combine Air Canada and partner flights on one ticket. For example, Air Canada to Frankfurt and Austrian Airlines to Vienna. The price is based on the whole trip, and the 15% cardholder discount applies as long as the trip includes at least one Air Canada flight.

Why the Aeroplan reward chart is only a guide

Aeroplan publishes a reward chart that divides the world into zones and distance bands. It’s useful for a rough idea of what a trip might cost, but I’d treat it as a starting point, not a promise. Here’s why.

• Air Canada flights often price above the chart. The chart shows a range for Air Canada flights, but on busy dates I regularly see prices well beyond the top of that range. Readers have told me the same thing about business class to Europe.
• “Starting at” prices are rarely the real price. For partners that switched to dynamic pricing, like United, the chart lists a starting price. In practice, many of those flights have been priced higher ever since the switch, and some have crept up again in 2026 without any announcement.
• The chart itself changes. Aeroplan updates the award charts a few times a year, so things can get out of date quickly.
• A price means nothing without a seat. Partner prices are fixed, but only if the airline has released a seat you can book.

So what should you do instead? Search the actual dates you want on aircanada.com and look at the real price. If you want a ballpark before you start earning, the chart and Aeroplan’s own points estimator are fine. Just don’t plan a trip around a number you saw in a chart.

Partner airlines are still a good deal, but business class is much harder to get

I want to be upfront about this because many points influencers still sell the dream of cheap lie-flat seats to Europe and Asia. Partner reward seats absolutely still exist, and they can be a great deal. But snagging business class on a partner airline has become genuinely hard.

Why it’s harder now:

• Airlines are releasing fewer seats. Several major partners are holding back business class reward seats for their own members. Lufthansa, for example, was reported in mid-2026 to have stopped releasing last-minute business class reward seats to partner programs like Aeroplan, and that also affected SWISS and Austrian.
• More people are chasing the same seats. Aeroplan is easy to earn through credit cards and points transfers in both Canada and the U.S., so the competition for each partner seat is fierce.
• Prices went up. The June 2026 chart update raised business class prices on many partner routes, sometimes by 15,000 to 20,000 points one way.

What still works:

• Economy on partners. Economy reward seats are much easier to find and can be very good value, especially on routes where Air Canada’s own prices are high.
• Booking far ahead or very close in. Some airlines release seats when the schedule opens, roughly a year out. Others release unsold seats in the last week or two before departure. EVA Air, for example, has been releasing business class seats to partners about a week out.
• Being flexible on routing. Connecting through a different city or flying a less popular airline opens up options.
• Short business class hops. Short business class flights within Europe actually got a bit cheaper in the 2026 update.

My honest advice: if business class is a must, keep your dates and routing flexible, search often, and have a backup plan. If you just want to get somewhere, economy on partners and Air Canada is where most casual flyers will get the best results.

Using Aeroplan points for hotels and car rentals

For years, I told people not to bother using Aeroplan points on hotels. That’s changed. Flights still usually give you the best value, but HotelSavers and the new cardholder perks make hotels and car rentals worth a look, especially if you can’t find a flight that’s good value.

Aeroplan HotelSavers

Aeroplan lets you book more than 300,000 hotels with points. Within that, HotelSavers is a group of thousands of partner hotels where you pay fewer points. Look for the red HotelSavers tag in the search results.

Here’s how it works:

• Up to 30% fewer points. Aeroplan’s own example: two hotels that each cost $100 a night might be 10,000 points at a HotelSavers property and 12,500 at a regular one.
• Eight categories. Hotels are grouped from budget to luxury, with nights starting at 10,000 points.
• Taxes included. The points price covers taxes, though resort fees may be charged separately at the hotel.
• Flexible options. Every HotelSavers property offers a refundable rate, and some offer a cheaper non-refundable one.

Brands include dozens of names across major chains, though Marriott hotels aren’t part of it. One thing to keep in mind is that these are third-party bookings, so you usually won’t get hotel elite perks or earn hotel points on the stay.

Car rentals

You can also redeem points for car rentals through Aeroplan, with companies like Avis, Budget and Thrifty. On its own, the value is usually modest. But two things make it more appealing.

The fourth night and fourth day free

If you have any Aeroplan credit card, book four nights with points and the fourth one is free. That’s like getting 25% off. Starting January 12, 2027, cardholders also get the fourth day free on car rentals booked with points.

Aeroplan also runs frequent promo codes that take 10,000 to 20,000 points off hotel or car bookings over a certain size, and these can stack with the free night or day. When a promo lines up with your plans, a hotel or car redemption can be surprisingly good value.

My rule of thumb: run the cents per point math in the next section. If a hotel or car rental gets you close to the same value as a flight, go for it. A free hotel night you’ll actually use beats points sitting in your account.

How to tell if you’re getting good value: cents per point

The easiest way to know if a redemption is a good deal is to figure out how many cents each point is worth. Points people call this CPP (cents per point). It sounds technical, but it takes about 30 seconds.

The formula:

(Cash price of the ticket − taxes and fees you pay on the reward ticket) ÷ points needed × 100 = cents per point

You subtract the taxes and fees because you pay those either way. You only want to know what the points themselves are saving you.

What’s a good number? Aim for at least 1.5 cents per point. Anything higher is a good redemption. If you’re getting less than that, you’re usually better off paying cash and saving your points.

Example: a summer trip to Vancouver

Say you live in Toronto and want to fly to Vancouver over the summer. (These numbers are made up, but they’re realistic.)

• The cash fare is $560 round trip.
• The reward ticket costs 25,000 points plus $95 in taxes and fees.

Now plug it in:

($560 − $95) ÷ 25,000 × 100 = 1.86 cents per point

That beats 1.5, so using points makes sense here.

Example: when to pay cash instead

Now say you’re looking at a short flight from Toronto to Montreal.

• The cash fare is $220 round trip.
• The reward ticket costs 18,000 points plus $70 in taxes and fees.

($220 − $70) ÷ 18,000 × 100 = 0.83 cents per point

That’s well below 1.5. I’d pay cash, earn some points on the fare, and save those 18,000 points for a trip where they go further.

A few things to keep in mind

• Compare the same thing. If the cash fare is Basic Economy with no checked bag, but the reward ticket includes a bag and seat selection, the reward is worth a bit more than the math shows.
• The 15% cardholder discount helps. On the Vancouver example, 15% off 25,000 points would bring the price closer to 21,000 points (the discount applies to the base fare portion), pushing your value above 2 cents.
• Value isn’t everything. If points are the only way you’d take a trip, or the alternative is letting them expire, a lower number can still be fine. Just make it a choice, not an accident.

Fees, stopovers and Family Sharing

What you’ll pay on top of points

Aeroplan doesn’t add fuel surcharges to reward tickets, which is a big reason it’s so popular. You’ll still pay:

• Taxes and airport fees. These vary by airport and country. From major Canadian airports, expect roughly $50 to $100 for a one-way domestic trip and more for international.
• A $39 partner booking fee on any reward ticket that includes a partner airline flight. Air Canada-only tickets don’t have it.
• Change and cancellation fees, depending on the fare option you choose. You can cancel for free within 24 hours of booking.

Adding a stopover for 5,000 points

On international trips, you can add a stopover for 5,000 extra points on a one-way ticket. For example, fly Toronto to Athens and spend four days in Rome on the way. It’s one of the best features of the program and a cheap way to see two places in one trip. If the website won’t price the itinerary you want, you can call Aeroplan, though a phone booking fee may apply.

Aeroplan Family Sharing

Family Sharing lets up to eight people combine their points into one pool, which makes it much easier to reach a reward. Despite the name, members don’t need to be related or live together.

When someone books, points come out of each person’s account based on how much they contributed. If you put in 40% of the pool, 40% of each redemption comes from you. One person manages the pool, and there are waiting periods if you leave a pool or want to join a new one, so pick your group carefully. Here’s my detailed guide to Aeroplan Family Sharing.

How Aeroplan Elite Status works in 2026

Elite Status is Air Canada’s way of rewarding its most frequent customers with perks like priority boarding, free bags and upgrades. The system was completely rebuilt for 2026, so if you remember qualifying miles and segments, forget them. Everything now runs on one number: Status Qualifying Credits (SQC).

What you earn in a calendar year decides your status for the following year. So your 2026 activity sets your 2027 status.

The tiers

How you earn SQC

• Air Canada flights: 4 SQC per dollar on Flex, Comfort, Latitude, Premium Economy and Business fares. 2 SQC per dollar on Standard economy. Basic Economy earns nothing. Like points, this is based on the base fare and carrier surcharges, not taxes.
• Credit cards: 1,000 SQC per $5,000 spent on a premium Aeroplan card, or per $20,000 on a core card, up to 25,000 SQC a year.
• Everyday partners and some partner flights: 1 SQC for every 5 Aeroplan points earned with partners like Starbucks, Uber, LCBO and Hertz, up to 25,000 SQC a year. eStore purchases, welcome bonuses and Amex point transfers don’t count.
• The 100,000-point shortcut: Earn 100,000 eligible Aeroplan points in a year from everyday activity and you get 25K status, even if you never fly.

To put that in perspective, a Standard economy ticket with a $500 base fare earns 1,000 SQC. Most casual flyers won’t reach status by flying alone. But between card spending and everyday partners, it’s now possible to reach 25K, 35K or even 50K status without flying much at all, if you spend a lot.

What you get with status

• Priority check-in, security (at some airports) and boarding
• Free checked bags and better seat selection, improving with each tier
• More points on Air Canada flights (2x to 6x, shown above)
• eUpgrade credits to request upgrades to Premium Economy or Business
• Star Alliance status, which brings perks on partner airlines too (higher tiers include lounge access on international trips)

Milestone rewards

Once you have status, you unlock a Milestone reward every 10,000 SQC. Some are automatic (extra eUpgrades), and others let you choose, like Maple Leaf Lounge passes, bonus points, 50% off a reward flight (Priority Rewards), or even status for a friend. Note that lounge passes are no longer a standard status perk. You now get them through Milestones.

One more change worth knowing: elite members used to see lower points prices on Air Canada reward flights. That’s gone. The discount on reward flights now comes from holding an Aeroplan credit card instead.

For full details, check Air Canada’s Elite Status benefits page.

Do Aeroplan points expire?

Yes, but only if your account goes quiet. Aeroplan points expire if you have no activity for 18 months in a row. Any earning or redeeming resets the clock.

This matters right now. Since 2020, Aeroplan has paused points expiry, but that pause ends on November 30, 2026. After that date, the normal 18-month rule applies again.

If you haven’t touched your account in a while, any of these will keep your points safe:

• Earn points from a purchase or partner, like buying a coffee at Starbucks with your linked account
• Redeem points for a flight, hotel or gift card
• Donate points to a charity
• Transfer points in from Amex Membership Rewards
• Transfer points to another member

If you have an Aeroplan credit card and use it, you’re earning points every month, so you don’t need to worry about this.

Final Thoughts

Aeroplan is still one of the best loyalty programs for Canadians, but it’s not the same program it was a few years ago. Earning from flights is weaker for budget travellers, partner business class is harder to book, and charts are less reliable than they used to be.

At the same time, the basics are better than ever for casual flyers. Every Air Canada seat can be booked with points, the 15% cardholder discount is a real, predictable saving, and HotelSavers gives you a decent option when flights don’t make sense.

If you take one thing away from this guide, make it this: earn with a card you’d use anyway, check your cents per point before you book, and aim for 1.5 cents or better. Do that and you’ll get a free trip or two every year without turning points into a second job.

Aeroplan FAQ

How much are Aeroplan points worth?

There’s no fixed value, because it depends on how you use them. I aim for at least 1.5 cents per point on flights, and I’m thrilled when I get 2 cents or more. Gift cards and merchandise usually come in at around 1 cent or less, which is why I don’t recommend them.

How many Aeroplan points do I need for a free flight?

It depends on the route and the date. Short flights within Canada or to the U.S. can start around 6,000 to 15,000 points one way when cash fares are low, while flights to Europe in economy often run 35,000 to 60,000 points one way. Search your actual dates on aircanada.com to see the real price.

Can I transfer Amex points to Aeroplan?

Yes. American Express Membership Rewards points from cards like the Cobalt, Gold Rewards and Platinum transfer to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio, usually instantly.

Is an Aeroplan credit card worth it?

For most people who fly Air Canada at least once a year, yes. The free checked bags alone can cover a mid-tier card’s fee on one family trip, and starting January 12, 2027, every cardholder gets 15% off Air Canada reward flights.

Why does my Air Canada reward flight cost more points than the chart says?

Air Canada flights are priced based on demand and the cash fare, so busy dates often price above the chart. The chart is a guide, not a guarantee.

Can I book business class with Aeroplan points?

Yes, but it takes flexibility. Air Canada business class is always bookable with points, though it can be expensive. Partner business class seats are limited and have become harder to find, so search early, search often and be open to different dates and routes.

Do Aeroplan points expire?

They expire after 18 months with no account activity. Aeroplan’s pause on expiry ends November 30, 2026, so make sure there’s some activity in your account before then.

BMO Rewards is Bank of Montreal’s in-house points program, earned on BMO credit cards including the BMO eclipse and BMO Ascend lineups. Each point is worth up to 0.67 cents when you redeem it for travel or invest it with BMO. You can book travel with any airline, hotel or travel site and apply your points afterward, with no blackout dates. The trade-off is that 0.67-cent ceiling, which is lower than most Canadian bank programs. A 5x earn rate is really a 3.35% return, not 5%.

Don’t confuse BMO Rewards with BMO Blue Rewards, the program that replaced AIR MILES for BMO cardholders. They’re two separate currencies, and you can’t move points between them.

The quick facts:

• Points value: 0.67¢ for travel (150 points = $1) and BMO investments (15,000 points = $100). Everyday purchases through Pay with Points get 0.5¢. Gift cards, merchandise and the fixed statement credit pay less.
• Best cards: the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite ($120 a year) for everyday spending, the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard ($150) for travel, the eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege ($599) for big spenders, and the no-fee eclipse rise Visa to start.
• Top earn rate: 5 points per $1, which works out to a 3.35% return when redeemed for travel.
• Expiry: points don’t expire as long as you have an open BMO Rewards credit card.
• Skip it if: you want airline transfer partners, a fixed-points flight chart, or points worth a full cent. BMO Rewards has none of those.

Here’s what BMO Rewards points are worth, how to earn them faster, and where they go furthest.

How much are BMO Rewards points worth?

BMO Rewards points are worth 0.67 cents each when you redeem them for travel or a contribution to a BMO investment account, and nothing pays more than that. Every other option is worth less, sometimes half as much.

The rule: aim for 0.67 cents every time. If you have no travel coming up, Pay with Points on everyday purchases at 0.5 cents beats gift cards, merchandise and the old statement credit.

What’s changed: Pay with Points now works on almost any purchase, not just travel, and you can redeem for as little as $1. That makes the old 15,000-points-for-$50 statement credit pointless.

How do you earn BMO Rewards points?

You earn BMO Rewards points with BMO eclipse and BMO Ascend credit cards, and the fastest way to build a balance is a welcome bonus. Here’s where the points come from.

1. Credit card spending. The eclipse and Ascend cards earn 1 to 5 points per $1, with the top rates on groceries, dining, gas, transit, drugstores or travel, depending on the card. The no-fee eclipse rise Visa earns per $2 spent instead. Accelerated categories have annual spending caps, so check them before you lean on one card. The card comparison is below.
2. Welcome bonuses. Offers range from 20,000 points on the no-fee eclipse rise Visa to up to 200,000 points on the eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege.
3. Authorized user boosts. Add a cardholder and the eclipse Visa Infinite earns 10% more points, while the eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege earns 25% more.
4. Annual bonuses. The eclipse rise Visa pays up to 5,000 bonus points a year: 2,500 for redeeming at least 12,000 points with Pay with Points, and 2,500 for paying your balance on time for 12 months.

To translate earn rates into real returns, multiply by 0.67. Five points per $1 is a 3.35% return, 3 points per $1 is 2%, and 1 point per $1 is 0.67%.

How to redeem BMO Rewards points for the best value

The best BMO Rewards redemptions pay 0.67 cents per point: travel you’ve charged to your card, or a deposit into a BMO investment account. Everything else is a step down.

Travel

BMO no longer forces you to book through its own portal. Charge any eligible travel to your BMO Rewards card, then cover it with points at 150 points per $1.

• How to do it. Sign in to bmorewards.com or the BMO Mobile Banking app, open the Pay with Points tab, pick the travel charge and choose how many points to use. You can cover part or all of the purchase, starting at $1. The credit shows up in 3 to 5 business days.
• What counts as travel. Airlines, car rental agencies, hotels and resorts, vacation packages, cruise lines, eligible vacation rentals, passenger railways, timeshares, travel agencies and tour operators. Charges from other merchants drop to the 200-points-per-$1 rate.
• Mind the clock. You have 90 days from the purchase date to apply points.
• Keep your loyalty perks. Since you book directly, you still earn Aeroplan or Marriott Bonvoy points and status benefits on the same trip.
• Watch foreign currency. BMO Rewards cards charge a 2.5% foreign transaction fee, and your points cover the converted amount including that fee. Hotels abroad that charge at checkout can cost more points than you expect.

One little-known perk: the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard’s travel insurance applies when you charge any portion of your trip to the card, including trips you pay for with points. Read your certificate of insurance for the details.

Investments

You can redeem 15,000 BMO Rewards points for a $100 contribution to an eligible BMO savings or investment account. That’s the same 0.67-cent value as travel, and it’s the only way to turn BMO Rewards points into cash without taking a haircut.

Think long term. A $100 contribution to a TFSA or RRSP earning 5% a year grows to about $265 after 20 years. If you aren’t travelling, this is the smartest use of your points.

Everyday purchases

Pay with Points also covers non-travel purchases at 200 points per $1, or 0.5 cents per point. Groceries, a gym membership, a streaming bill: if it’s on your card in the last 90 days, you can wipe it out with points. It’s a 25% drop from travel value, but it’s the best fallback.

What to avoid

Gift cards, merchandise and the fixed statement credit. Gift cards usually work out to around 0.43 to 0.55 cents per point, merchandise ranges anywhere from 0.30 to 0.80 cents depending on the item, and the statement credit pays just 0.33 cents. To check a gift card, divide the dollar value by the points needed: $100 for 23,000 points is 0.43 cents.

Best BMO Rewards credit cards right now

The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite is the best pick for most households because of its 5x earn rate on groceries, dining, gas and transit. Frequent travellers should look at the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard, and the no-fee eclipse rise Visa is the easy way to start.

The Ascend’s 5x travel rate applies to your first $15,000 in travel each calendar year, and each 3x category is capped at $10,000. The eclipse cards also cap their 5x categories annually, then drop to 1 point per $1.

Income requirements matter here. The Ascend World Elite needs $80,000 in personal or $150,000 in household income, and the eclipse Visa Infinite needs $60,000 personal or $100,000 household. The eclipse rise Visa has no minimum. BMO also offers a business card that earns BMO Rewards.

Offers change often. Check BMO’s site before you apply, and see my picks for the best BMO credit cards.

5 tips to get more from BMO Rewards

1. Always take the travel rate. Only merchants coded as travel get 150 points per $1. Check that a charge appears as travel in Pay with Points before you redeem.
2. Don’t miss the 90-day window. Points can only be applied to purchases from the last 90 days. Redeem right after your trip, not at the end of the year.
3. Invest when you’re not travelling. A deposit to a BMO investment account pays the same as travel, and it keeps growing.
4. Add an authorized user. On the eclipse Visa Infinite (10%) and eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege (25%), it boosts your earn rate for free or close to it.
5. Downgrade, don’t cancel. Points disappear when you close your last BMO Rewards card. Ask BMO about switching to the no-fee eclipse rise Visa, or redeem everything before you close.

How does BMO Rewards compare to other Canadian programs?

BMO Rewards tops out at 0.67 cents per point, which puts it behind Scene+, where most redemptions pay a full cent. It also can’t match programs with fixed-points flight charts like RBC Avion or CIBC Rewards, or programs with airline and hotel transfer partners like American Express Membership Rewards.

Its edge is earning and flexibility. The eclipse cards’ 5x categories, book-anywhere travel with no blackout dates, partial redemptions from $1, and full-value investment deposits are all solid. That’s why I still rank it last among Canada’s bank travel rewards programs, but it’s a good program if you spend heavily in the bonus categories.

BMO Rewards FAQ

How much are BMO Rewards points worth?

Up to 0.67 cents each when redeemed for travel (150 points = $1) or a BMO investment account (15,000 points = $100). Everyday purchases pay 0.5 cents, and gift cards, merchandise and statement credits pay less.

How many BMO Rewards points do I need for a flight?

Multiply the price by 150. A $500 flight takes 75,000 points, and you can cover part of it with points and the rest with your card.

Do BMO Rewards points expire?

No, as long as you have an open BMO Rewards credit card. Close your last one and your points are gone, so redeem first.

How do I use BMO Rewards points for travel?

Charge the trip to your BMO Rewards card, sign in to bmorewards.com or the BMO app, go to Pay with Points and select the purchase within 90 days. The credit posts in 3 to 5 business days.

Can I convert BMO Rewards points to cash?

Yes. The best way is a contribution to a BMO savings or investment account at 15,000 points per $100. Pay with Points on everyday purchases is worth 0.5 cents per point.

Is BMO Rewards the same as BMO Blue Rewards?

No. Blue Rewards replaced AIR MILES and has its own cards and partners. The two point balances can’t be combined.

Does BMO Rewards have transfer partners?

No. Points redeem at a fixed value, so you can’t move them to Aeroplan, Marriott Bonvoy or any other program.

What is the best BMO Rewards credit card?

The eclipse Visa Infinite ($120 a year) for everyday spending, the Ascend World Elite Mastercard ($150) for travel and lounge access, and the eclipse rise Visa (no fee) if you want a starter card.

CIBC Rewards, also known as CIBC Aventura, is CIBC’s travel points program. Points are worth 1 cent each on any travel booking and up to about 2.3 cents on economy flights from the fixed-rate flight chart.

The quick facts:

• Points value: 1¢ for flexible travel, up to 2.3¢ on the flight chart, and up to 2.5¢ for Privilege cardholders flying business class.
• Best cards: the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite ($139, first year rebated) for most people, the Infinite Privilege ($499) for big spenders, and the no-fee Aventura Visa to start.
• Welcome bonus: up to 60,000 points on the Infinite.
• Expiry: points don’t expire while your account is open and in good standing. After you close it, you get 60 days to redeem.
• Skip it if: you want airline or hotel transfer partners. CIBC has none.

Here’s what Aventura points are worth, how to earn them faster, and where they go furthest.

How much are CIBC Rewards points worth?

CIBC Rewards points are worth 1 cent each for flexible travel bookings and up to 2.3 cents on the economy flight chart. Independent valuations average around 1.2 cents, and everything that isn’t travel pays less than 1 cent.

The rule: fly on the chart when the fare is high, use the 1 cent options for everything else, and never take a statement credit unless you’re in a bind. Statement credits pay 37% less than travel, but it’s acceptable if you’re behind on your bills.

How do you earn CIBC Rewards points?

You earn Aventura points on everyday spending with a CIBC Aventura credit card, and you earn the most when you book travel through the CIBC Rewards Centre. Points per $1 spent:

At 1 cent per point, the Infinite returns 2% on travel and 1.5% on gas, groceries and drug stores. The Privilege returns 3% on travel, and 2% on dining, entertainment, transportation, gas and groceries.

Welcome bonuses add the most. The Infinite offers up to 60,000 points right now, which is worth about $600 in travel. The offers are compared below.

How to redeem CIBC Rewards points for the best value

The best CIBC Rewards redemption is the fixed-rate flight chart when the fare is high. Flexible travel bookings at 1 cent are the reliable backup.

1. The flight rewards chart

You pay a set number of points for a round-trip flight as long as the base fare fits under the cap. Privilege cardholders can also redeem for business class.

The rules: chart flights are round trip only and cover the base fare. You need at least 80% of the required points, and CIBC charges the shortfall to your card. Taxes, fees and any price overage go on your card too, or you can cover them with points at 1 cent each. The best value is the 35,000-point long-haul tier, at about 2.3 cents per point.

2. Flexible travel on CIBC by Expedia

Book flights, hotels and car rentals through the CIBC Rewards Centre at 100 points per $1. There are no blackout dates, and you earn 2 or 3 points per $1 on the booking with an Infinite or Privilege card. Cruises and vacation packages are booked by phone.

CIBC moved its travel booking from Merit Travel to Expedia on October 1, 2024. The Aventura Travel Assistant has been replaced by the CIBC Rewards Centre.

3. Shopping with Points

Booked travel on another site? Apply points to eligible charges after the fact at 100 points per $1. Primary cardholders can also put points toward their card balance or CIBC financial products.

What to avoid

Gift cards, merchandise and statement credits pay 0.71 cents or less. Financial products at 0.83 cents are fine if you’re paying down a CIBC mortgage or topping up an investment.

Best CIBC Aventura credit cards right now

The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite is the best pick for most people because of its low fee and big welcome bonus. The Infinite Privilege only pays off for high earners who will use the travel credit, lounge visits and business class chart.

The Aventura Gold Visa is a middle option at $139 with up to 45,000 points. Offers have no published end date and change often, so check CIBC’s site before you apply.

5 tips to get more from CIBC Rewards

1. Target the 35,000-point tier. Canada and U.S. long-haul flights with a base fare near $800 return about 2.3 cents per point, the best economy value on the chart. Use it for pricey fares, not cheap ones.
2. Book travel through the CIBC Rewards Centre. You earn 2 points per $1 with the Infinite and 3 with the Privilege, so even a cash booking earns extra.
3. Use the 80% rule. You don’t need the full points balance for a chart flight. Hold 80% and CIBC charges the rest to your card.
4. Cover other travel with Shopping with Points. Booked on another site? Apply points afterward at 1 cent each.
5. Don’t close your last Aventura card with points in it. Points survive while an account is open, but you only get 60 days to use them after it closes. A no-fee Aventura Visa is an easy place to park a balance.

How does CIBC Rewards compare to other Canadian programs?

CIBC Rewards has a competitive flight chart, with up to 2.3 cents per point in economy, but it has no airline or hotel transfer partners. That puts it in the middle of the pack among bank programs. Amex Membership Rewards and Aeroplan offer more flexibility, and RBC Avion adds four airline transfer partners to a similar fixed-rate chart.

CIBC’s strengths are quick point accumulation, no blackout dates and the option to redeem after the fact with Shopping with Points. If you want more redemption flexibility, compare it against RBC Avion Rewards, TD Rewards and Scene+ based on how you spend.

CIBC Rewards FAQ

Are CIBC Rewards and CIBC Aventura the same thing?

Yes. Aventura points are the CIBC Rewards currency, and you spend them through the CIBC Rewards Centre on CIBC by Expedia.

How much are CIBC Rewards points worth?

One cent each for flexible travel, and up to 2.3 cents on the economy flight chart. Statement credits, gift cards and merchandise pay less than 1 cent.

Do CIBC Rewards points expire?

Not while your account is open and in good standing. After you close it, you have 60 days to redeem.

Does CIBC Rewards have transfer partners?

No. You can’t move points to Aeroplan, airlines or hotel programs.

How does the 80% rule work?

For a chart flight, you need at least 80% of the required points. CIBC charges the shortfall to your card.

Can I fly business class with CIBC Rewards points?

Yes, but only with the Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege. Business class chart flights start at 40,000 points.

Can I use points for a cruise or vacation package?

Yes, at 100 points per $1 by calling the CIBC Rewards Centre. Cruises and packages aren’t available on the flight chart.

What is the best CIBC Rewards credit card?

The Aventura Visa Infinite ($139, first year rebated) for most people. The Infinite Privilege ($499) suits high earners.

TD Rewards is the points program on TD’s travel credit cards, and it’s built for simplicity rather than maximum value: no blackout dates, no expiry while your card is open, and a best-case value of 0.5 cents per point. The best way to use it is to book travel on Expedia for TD.

The quick facts:

• Points value: 0.5¢ on Expedia for TD (200 points = $1), which is the best redemption. Everything else pays 0.44¢ or less.
• Best cards: the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite ($139, first year rebated) for most people, the Platinum Travel Visa ($89) for a lower fee, and the no-fee TD Rewards Visa to start.
• Top earn rate: 8 points per $1 on Expedia for TD with the First Class card, a 4% return at 0.5 cents each.
• Expiry: points don’t expire while your account is open, active and in good standing.
• Skip it if: you want a fixed-rate flight chart or airline transfer partners. TD Rewards has neither.

Here’s what TD points are worth, how to earn them faster, and where they go furthest.

How much are TD Rewards points worth?

TD Rewards points are worth 0.5 cents each at best, and only on Expedia for TD. Nothing else pays more than 0.44 cents, so book there whenever you can.

The rule: book on Expedia for TD first, and treat every other option as a backup. If a redemption pays less than 0.4 cents, keep your points.

How do you earn TD Rewards points?

You earn TD Rewards points on everyday spending with a TD travel credit card, and you earn far more when you book through Expedia for TD. Points per $1 spent:

At 0.5 cents per point, the First Class card returns 4% on Expedia for TD, 3% on groceries, dining and transit, 2% on bills and streaming, and 1% on everything else. Once you hit a cap, that category drops to the base rate.

Welcome bonuses add the most. The First Class card offers up to 160,000 points right now, which is worth about $800 on Expedia for TD. Compare all three offers below.

How to redeem TD Rewards points for the best value

The best TD Rewards redemption is Expedia for TD at 0.5 cents per point. Treat everything else as a backup.

1. Expedia for TD

Book flights, hotels, car rentals, vacation packages, cruises, vacation rentals, rail trips and attractions. There are no blackout dates or seat restrictions, and points cover taxes and fees. Redemptions start at 200 points, and the site suggests how many points to use at checkout. Later in 2026, Expedia for TD will only be reachable through EasyWeb and the TD app. Watch your TD Rewards emails for promo offers, too.

2. Travel booked somewhere else

Book on any site, then use Pay Off Purchases in the TD app or EasyWeb to cover travel-coded charges from your last three statements. Credits post within two business days. That’s Airbnb, RV rentals and anything else Expedia for TD doesn’t sell.

The older Book Any Way Travel option is being phased out. Online redemptions are ending later in 2026, so phone-only redemptions at 1-800-983-8472 are all that will remain. Pay Off Purchases is the better rate anyway.

3. Shopping and coffee

Amazon.ca Shop with Points applies points instantly at checkout. Starbucks converts points to Stars, with a 700-point minimum. Amazon.ca beats a gift card, but neither is a great value.

What to avoid

Statement credits, gift cards, merchandise and cash all pay 0.25 cents or less, half of what Expedia for TD pays.

Best TD Rewards credit cards right now

The TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite is the best pick for most people because of its earn rates and huge welcome bonus. The Platinum Travel Visa is the cheaper alternative, and the Rewards Visa is the no-fee starter.

The First Class card requires $60,000 in personal income or $100,000 in household income. The Platinum lists no minimum income. The First Class annual fee can be waived through some TD banking plans, such as the All-Inclusive Banking Plan.

The TD Business Travel Visa also earns TD Rewards points. TD’s Aeroplan cards earn Aeroplan points instead, so they’re a separate program.

Offers change often. Check TD’s site before you apply.

5 tips to get more from TD Rewards

1. Book on Expedia for TD, but compare prices. You earn up to 8 points per $1 and redeem at the best rate. Check the price against other travel sites first, and opt in to TD Rewards emails for promo offers.
2. Claim the $100 travel credit. First Class cardholders get $100 back on a qualifying Expedia for TD booking of $500 or more. It renews each January 1 and doesn’t roll over.
3. Put groceries, dining and transit on the card. Six points per $1 at 0.5 cents each is a 3% return, which is strong for a bank card.
4. Use Pay Off Purchases for travel you book elsewhere. At 225 points per $1, it beats a statement credit by almost double.
5. Redeem before you close or switch cards. Points don’t expire while your account is open and in good standing, but closing it forfeits them.

How does TD Rewards compare to other Canadian programs?

TD Rewards tops out at 0.5 cents per point, so it can’t match programs with fixed-rate flight charts, like RBC Avion, or airline transfers, like American Express Membership Rewards, on redemption value. Its strengths are simplicity, no blackout dates and no expiry while your account is open. Its weaknesses are few redemption options and a steep drop in value away from Expedia for TD.

If value matters more than simplicity, look at Amex Membership Rewards or Aeroplan. TD issues Aeroplan cards too, which earn Aeroplan points rather than TD Rewards points. You can also compare TD Rewards against Scene+ and RBC Avion Rewards based on how you spend.

TD Rewards FAQ

How much are TD Rewards points worth?

Half a cent each on Expedia for TD (200 points = $1). Other redemptions pay 0.44 cents or less.

What’s the best way to use TD Rewards points?

Book travel on Expedia for TD. For travel you book elsewhere, use Pay Off Purchases at 225 points per $1.

Do TD Rewards points expire?

Not while your TD credit card account is open, active and in good standing. Close it and unredeemed points are forfeited.

Does TD Rewards have airline transfer partners?

No. Points redeem at fixed rates for travel, purchases, Amazon.ca and Starbucks.

Is Book Any Way Travel going away?

Online redemptions are ending later in 2026. Phone redemptions at 1-800-983-8472 remain at 250 points per $1, but Pay Off Purchases pays more.

How do I access Expedia for TD?

Through EasyWeb or the TD app. Later in 2026, direct logins on the Expedia for TD site are being retired.

What is the best TD Rewards credit card?

The TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite ($139, first year rebated) for most people. The Platinum Travel Visa ($89) and no-fee Rewards Visa are cheaper options.

Can I redeem TD Rewards points on Amazon.ca or at Starbucks?

Yes. Amazon.ca Shop with Points applies points at checkout, and Starbucks converts points to Stars with a 700-point minimum.

Scene+ (formerly Scotia Rewards) is Scotiabank’s points program, and it now runs alongside partners like Sobeys, Cineplex, Shell and Home Hardware. Points are worth 1 cent each on nearly every good redemption, so the smart play is to earn fast on groceries and dining, then spend points on travel, food or movies.

The quick facts:

• Points value: 1¢ for travel, groceries, dining, Cineplex, Home Hardware and Shell. Gift cards, merchandise and statement credits pay less.
• Best cards: the Scotiabank Gold American Express ($120 a year) for groceries, the Passport Visa Infinite+ ($150) for travel, and the no-fee Scene+ Visa to start.
• Top earn rate: up to 6 points per $1 at Sobeys-owned grocery stores with the Gold Amex.
• Expiry: points don’t expire while you hold an eligible Scotiabank product. After you close it, they expire after 24 months of inactivity.
• Skip it if: you want airline transfer partners or a fixed-rate flight chart. Scene+ has neither.

Here’s what Scene+ points are worth, how to earn them faster, and where they go furthest.

How much are Scene+ points worth?

Scene+ points are worth 1 cent each on almost every redemption worth making, and nothing pays more than that. Groceries, dining and movies match travel at 1 cent, so you don’t have to travel to get full value.

The rule: never redeem for less than 1 cent unless you have to. Statement credits and merchandise are the worst uses of your points.

How do you earn Scene+ points?

You earn Scene+ points four ways: with a Scotiabank or Tangerine credit card that earns you Scene+ points, by scanning your Scene+ membership at partners, through Rakuten, and by booking on Scene+ Travel. Stack them and your points pile up fast.

1. Credit card spending. Premium cards earn up to 6 points per $1 at partner grocers and 2 to 5 points on dining, entertainment and other everyday categories. Debit cards earn 1 point per $5. The card comparison is below.
2. Your membership at partners. Scan your Scene+ card or app at Sobeys-owned grocers, Cineplex, Home Hardware and Shell. Shell pays 1 point per litre of fuel and 1 point per $1 in store and at the car wash.
3. Rakuten.ca. Link your Scene+ and Rakuten accounts and earn Scene+ points instead of cash back at hundreds of retailers. Exclusive offers can pay up to 20% more.
4. Scene+ Travel. Book hotels, car rentals and activities through the portal and earn 3 points per $1.

One recent change: Cineplex cut its earn rate on May 13, 2026. Regular tickets, food and merchandise now earn 3 points per $1 instead of 5, while premium formats like IMAX and VIP earn 6. Redemption is unchanged at 100 points = $1.

How to redeem Scene+ points for the best value

The best Scene+ redemptions all pay 1 cent per point, so use your points where they replace real spending: travel, groceries, dining and movies.

1. Travel

You have two options, and both pay 1 cent.

• Scene+ Travel (powered by Expedia). Book flights, hotels, car rentals and activities with no blackout dates. Prices match other travel sites, and you earn 3 points per $1 on hotels, car rentals and activities. The trade-offs: no hotel map view, a limited list of car rental companies, and cruises need a phone call.
• Apply Points to Travel. Book anywhere you like, then use points to cover the charge within 12 months of the purchase. Airlines, hotels, cruise lines, trains, buses, vehicle rentals, travel agencies, taxes, fees and travel insurance all qualify. Points have historically had to cover the entire purchase. Scotiabank says partial redemptions are coming, so check before you book.

2. Groceries and dining

Grocery redemptions work at Sobeys, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, IGA, Co-op, Thrifty Foods and Voilà. Dining redemptions work at 700+ restaurants, including Swiss Chalet, Harvey’s, Montana’s, Kelsey’s, East Side Mario’s and Bier Markt. Both are a great fit if you don’t travel much.

3. Movies, fuel and home

Cineplex, the Rec Room and Playdium all redeem at 1 cent. So do Shell and Home Hardware. Redeem points on full-price tickets only. If a showtime is discounted, pay cash.

What to avoid

Statement credits, merchandise and gift cards all pay less than 1 cent. If you’re stuck, gift cards are the least bad of the three.

Best Scotiabank Scene+ credit cards right now

The Scotiabank Gold American Express is the best pick for most households because of its grocery earn rates. Travellers should look at the Passport Visa Infinite+, and the no-fee Scene+ Visa is the easy way to start.

Best Scotiabank Scene+ credit cards right now

The Scotiabank Gold American Express is the best pick for most households because of its grocery earn rates. Travellers should look at the Passport Visa Infinite+, and the no-fee Scene+ Visa is the easy way to start.

The Gold Amex’s higher rates apply to your first $50,000 in purchases each year, then drop to 1 point per $1. Both annual fees can be waived with an eligible Scotiabank account.

A few other options. The Passport Visa Infinite Privilege ($599) and Platinum American Express ($399) are premium cards for heavy travellers. The Tangerine Rewards World Elite Mastercard launched in 2026 and also earns Scene+ points. Scotiabank offers business cards too.

Offers change often. Check Scotiabank’s site before you apply.

5 tips to get more from Scene+

1. Do the math on groceries. Six points per $1 at 1 cent each is a 6% return on Sobeys-owned grocery spending. That beats most cash back cards.
2. Double-dip at partners. Pay with a Scene+ credit card and scan your membership at the same time. You earn card points and partner points on one purchase.
3. Shop online through Rakuten. Linking your accounts turns cash back into Scene+ points, and boosted offers can pay up to 20% more.
4. Rethink Cineplex. Regular tickets now earn 3 points per $1. Redeeming still pays a full cent per point, so treat Cineplex as a place to spend points, not earn them.
5. Watch the 24-month clock. Points don’t expire while you hold an eligible Scotiabank product. If you close your last one, earn or redeem something within 24 months.

How does Scene+ compare to other Canadian programs?

Scene+ tops out at 1 cent per point, so it can’t match programs with fixed-rate flight charts, like RBC Avion, or airline transfers, like American Express Membership Rewards, on travel redemptions. Its edge is earning: up to 6 points per $1 on groceries, and full value on food, movies and fuel as well as travel.

Book-your-own travel with Apply Points to Travel is the flexibility play. It’s simple and works after the fact, which many fixed-chart programs don’t offer. Pair Scene+ with a high-earning Scotiabank card, and compare it against CIBC Rewards and RBC Avion Rewards based on how you spend.

Scene+ FAQ

Are Scotia Rewards and Scene+ the same thing?

Yes. Scotia Rewards and the original SCENE program merged into Scene+. Your Scotiabank cards now earn Scene+ points.

How much are Scene+ points worth?

One cent each for travel, groceries, dining, Cineplex, Home Hardware and Shell. Statement credits, merchandise and gift cards pay 0.75 cents or less.

Do Scene+ points expire?

Not while you hold an eligible Scotiabank product. If you close it, points expire after 24 months of inactivity.

Can I use Scene+ points for travel I booked myself?

Yes. Apply Points to Travel covers eligible travel purchases made within the last 12 months at 100 points per $1.

Does Scene+ have airline transfer partners?

No. Points redeem at a flat rate, which is why travel, groceries and dining all pay 1 cent.

What is the best Scotiabank Scene+ credit card?

The Gold American Express ($120 a year) for groceries, the Passport Visa Infinite+ ($150) for travel, and the Scene+ Visa (no fee) if you want a starter card.

Where can I earn Scene+ points?

At Sobeys-owned grocers, Cineplex, Shell, Home Hardware, participating restaurants, Scene+ Travel and Rakuten.ca, plus with any Scotiabank Scene+ credit card.

Did Cineplex change how Scene+ points work?

Yes. Since May 13, 2026, regular tickets and concessions earn 3 points per $1 instead of 5, and premium formats earn 6. Redemption is still 100 points = $1.

The quick facts:

• Points value: 1¢ for flexible travel bookings, up to 2.33¢ on the Air Travel Redemption Schedule. A realistic average is 1.5 to 1.6¢.
• Best cards: the RBC Avion Visa Infinite ($120 a year) for most people, the Avion Visa Infinite Privilege ($399) for big spenders.
• Transfer partners: WestJet, British Airways Avios and Cathay Pacific Asia Miles at 1:1, plus American AAdvantage at 10,000 to 7,000.
• Expiry: points don’t expire while you hold an active RBC Avion card.
• Skip it if: you want Aeroplan or Marriott Bonvoy points. Neither is a partner.

Here’s how to earn Avion points, what they’re really worth, and how to squeeze more out of every one.

How much are Avion points worth?

Avion points are worth 1 cent each at baseline and up to 2.33 cents on the Air Travel Redemption Schedule. Independent valuations land between 1.5 and 1.6 cents per point on average, so the rule is simple: never redeem for less than 1 cent.

Your card matters. Avion Elite cards (Platinum, Infinite, Infinite Privilege and the business card) unlock the full menu. RBC ION and ION+ cards redeem at 0.58¢ (172 points = $1) and can only transfer to WestJet.

One trick is to hold a regular Avion card and the ION+ since the ION+ card has a higher earning rate and you can transfer your points to your Avion card at any time.

How do you earn Avion points?

You earn Avion points on everyday purchases with an RBC Avion credit card, and the welcome bonus is the fastest route to a free trip.

1. Everyday spending. The Avion Visa Infinite earns 1.25 points per $1 on travel and 1 point per $1 on everything else. The Infinite Privilege earns 1.25 points per $1 on all purchases. The entry-level Avion Visa Platinum earns 1 point per $1.
2. Welcome bonuses. Right now the Infinite offers up to 70,000 points and the Infinite Privilege up to 100,000. Most of that arrives in three chunks: on approval, after you spend $5,000 in six months, and on your first anniversary.
3. Retail partners and promos. The Avion Rewards app and portal regularly run bonus-point offers with partner retailers. Check before you shop online.

There are personal and business Avion cards, so pick one that matches how you spend. The cards are compared below.

How to redeem Avion points for the best value

The best Avion redemptions, in order: the Air Travel Redemption Schedule, airline transfers during a bonus, then flexible travel bookings at 1 cent per point.

1. Air Travel Redemption Schedule

This fixed chart is the program’s best deal. Any airline, no blackout dates, no seat restrictions, and you pay a set number of points as long as the base fare fits under the cap. You need the full points amount, and Elite cards only. You pay the full points price even when the fare is cheaper, so the best value comes from fares close to the cap.

Taxes, fees and surcharges sit outside the cap. You can pay them with points too.

2. Transfer to airline partners

Transfers cost nothing and are available on Elite cards. ION and ION+ cards can only send points to WestJet.

RBC runs transfer bonuses from time to time, including up to 30% extra Avios in spring 2026 and up to 15% extra AAdvantage miles. Wait for one when you can. Transfers are one-way, so confirm award space before you move points.

3. Flexible travel bookings

Book flights, hotels, cruises, vacation packages and car rentals through the Avion Rewards Travel portal at 100 points per $1. Taxes and fees are covered, there are no blackout dates, and you can use points for the whole bill. It’s a solid floor at 1 cent per point.

What to avoid

Merchandise and statement credits pay 0.75¢ or less. Gift cards and financial rewards are better, but still lose to almost any travel redemption.

Best RBC Avion credit cards right now

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite is the best pick for most people. The Infinite Privilege only pays off if you’ll use the lounge passes and clear the $200,000 income bar.

Both cards include travel medical, trip cancellation, travel accident and mobile device insurance. The Privilege adds six lounge passes a year, priority security lanes and premium parking at select Canadian airports.

A few other options. The Avion Visa Platinum is the entry-level Elite card. The Avion Visa Infinite Business card carries a $175 fee and earns 1.25 points per $1 on the first $75,000 you spend each year. The ION and ION+ cards are fine for everyday spending, but they redeem at a weaker rate and only transfer to WestJet, so travel fans should look elsewhere.

Offers change often. Check RBC’s site before you apply.

5 tips to get more from Avion Rewards

1. Price flights on the schedule first. A $340 base fare costs 15,000 points, which is 2.3 cents each. A $1,250 fare to Europe costs 65,000, which is close to 2 cents each. If the fare is well under the cap, book it flexibly instead.
2. Transfer only on a bonus. A 30% Avios bonus turns 10,000 points into 13,000 Avios. Watch for them and move points only when you have a booking in mind.
3. Never take statement credits or merchandise. They pay 0.58 to 0.75 cents per point. Almost anything else is better.
4. Use financial rewards for investing. At 12,000 points for $100 toward an RRSP, TFSA or FHSA, you get 0.83 cents per point, which beats a statement credit by a wide margin.
5. Redeem before you close a card. Points don’t expire while a card is open. Close it and the clock starts. RBC’s terms are reported at 12 months, though older guides say 90 days, so use or transfer your points first.

How does Avion Rewards compare to other Canadian programs?

Avion’s edge is its fixed-rate flight chart and its four airline transfer partners. Its gaps are no Aeroplan or Marriott Bonvoy transfers, and flexible bookings that run through RBC’s travel portal.

If you want Aeroplan or Marriott Bonvoy points, look at American Express Membership Rewards, which transfers to both. If airline partners don’t matter to you, compare Avion against CIBC Rewards, BMO Rewards, TD Rewards and Scene+ based on where you actually spend. Compare the value you get here to your other options before you commit.

Avion Rewards FAQ

Are RBC Rewards and Avion Rewards the same thing?

Yes. RBC renamed its rewards program Avion Rewards in August 2022. Same points, same program.

How much are Avion points worth?

One cent each for flexible travel bookings, and up to 2.33 cents on the Air Travel Redemption Schedule. A realistic average is 1.5 to 1.6 cents.

Do Avion points expire?

Not while you hold an active RBC Avion card. If you close your card, you get a limited window to redeem or transfer what’s left, so use your points first.

Which airlines does RBC Avion transfer to?

WestJet Rewards, British Airways Avios and Cathay Pacific Asia Miles at 1:1, and American AAdvantage at 10,000 points to 7,000 miles. There is no fee to transfer.

Can I transfer Avion points to Aeroplan or Marriott Bonvoy?

No. Neither is an Avion transfer partner.

Can I use Avion points to pay for taxes and fees?

Yes. You can redeem points for taxes, fees and surcharges, including baggage charges and fuel surcharges.

What is the best RBC Avion card?

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite ($120 a year) suits most people. The Avion Visa Infinite Privilege ($399) suits high earners who use lounges.

How do I log in or contact Avion Rewards?

Sign in at avionrewards.com or through RBC Online Banking.

From humble beginnings to a coalition giant

SCENE launched in 2007 as Cineplex’s loyalty program, offering solid value from day one with free movie redemptions, upgrades to premium screenings like 3D, and discounts on concessions.

When Scotiabank bought into the program, and SCENE merged with Scotia Rewards to form Scene+, the pairing initially felt odd. But things became much clearer once Empire Company Limited – owner of Sobeys, FreshCo, IGA, Foodland, and Safeway – joined as a co‑owner, signalling that Scene+ was evolving into a much larger loyalty coalition.

Since then, Scene+ has steadily expanded its partner network, adding places to earn and redeem points, including Home Hardware, The Rec Room, Harvey’s, Swiss Chalet, and more. While some of these brands don’t have a national presence, having more partners is never a bad thing.

Scene+ members can also earn points when booking hotels and car rentals through Scene+ Travel powered by Expedia, adding even more ways to rack up rewards. 

Scene+’s newest partner, Shell, joined the program in Alberta earlier this year, with a national rollout set for May 26. It’s a major win for Scene+, giving the program a true coast‑to‑coast gas partner. For drivers, it opens the door to stacking rewards and unlocking some of the best savings available at the pump.

Linking an eligible Tangerine or Scotiabank credit card to your Shell Go+ account gets you an instant 3 cents off per litre when paying with your card at Shell gas stations. If you’re filling up with Shell V-Power, you get an additional 4 cents off per litre. Plus, you’ll earn 3 cents per litre in Scene+ points on Shell V-Power purchases. That’s up to 10 cents per litre in value.

It’s also worth noting that if you have a CAA membership, you get an additional 3 cents off per litre, which means you could potentially get 13 cents in value when filling up at Shell, which is crazy.

Levelling up their credit card game

What’s interesting for many points collectors is that Scotiabank arguably offers some of the most underrated credit cards in Canada.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card remains the only major‑bank credit card in Canada that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees – a 2.5% surcharge typically added to any purchase made in a non‑Canadian currency.

When this card launched, I expected other major banks to follow with their own no‑FX products, but that never materialized. While points enthusiasts often overlook the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite because of its modest earn rate, it frequently comes with a first‑year annual fee waiver and a low minimum spend to unlock the welcome bonus.

The Scotiabank Gold American Express is another strong contender, offering 6 Scene+ points per dollar at Empire grocery stores, 5 points at other grocery stores, dining, and entertainment, 3 points on gas, transit, and streaming, and 1 point on everything else.

Some churners dismiss it as a weaker version of the Amex Cobalt, but it also has a much lower minimum spend to unlock the welcome bonus, and unlike Amex, there’s no once‑per‑lifetime rule holding you back. 

Room for improvement

Even though Scene+ has made strides in the loyalty space, it still has some room for improvement.

American Express Membership Rewards and RBC Avion consistently rank ahead of Scene+ because they offer a broad range of transfer partners. Depending on the program, you can move your points to Aeroplan, Flying Blue, Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, WestJet Rewards, or British Airways Avios, giving you far more flexibility and potential value. 

It’s unlikely that Scene+ will ever get dedicated airline or hotel transfer partners, but cardholders can redeem their points against any travel purchase charged to their credit card. That’s meaningful because booking direct still lets travellers earn loyalty points and keep any hotel or airline status perks, which are usually voided if using a third-party site such as Expedia.

Another challenge for Scene+ is that its points don’t offer standout value. Most redemptions land at about 1 cent per point. The old sweet spot – redeeming for premium movie screenings – has been replaced with a flat dollar value. It may seem minor, but loyalty programs need those pockets of extra value that make members feel like they’re getting ahead.

This is especially true given PC Optimum, arguably their top competitor, regularly offers up to 50% additional value during bonus redemption events at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Final Thoughts

Despite its limitations, Scene+ still delivers strong everyday value for many Canadians. It may not offer the “wow” redemptions you see in some travel or bank programs, but it could be argued that it has caught up to, and in some ways surpassed, PC Optimum in the retail loyalty space.

Overview of Choice Privileges

Choice Privileges is the rewards program of Choice Hotels, which has 7,500+ hotels worldwide in 45 countries. Over 350 of those hotels are here in Canada, offering travellers a mix of upscale, midscale, economy, and extended-stay options. Popular brands include Comfort, Quality®, Radisson®, and the Ascend Hotel Collection®, giving you plenty of options to suit your travel needs best.

On top of the large selection, one of Choice Hotels’ biggest draws is its best price available online guarantee. If you can find a better price elsewhere, not only will they match it, but they will also provide you with a $50 CAD reward card (Conditions apply).

Membership is completely free, and you can sign up on the website or through the mobile app. The latter conveniently lets you search and find hotels, manage your bookings, and redeem your Choice Privileges rewards.

Key Features of the Program

As a Choice Privileges rewards member, you’ll earn up to 10 points per $1 USD spent on guest room charges on qualifying stays. Rewards are best used toward future stays, but you can also use your points for gift cards, airline miles, or redeem them for unique experiences.

Being a member will also unlock member-only rates, personalized perks, exclusive deals, and more as you earn rewards and reach higher tiers.

Membership Tiers Explained

Coming in 2026, there will be five membership tiers, including the new Titanium tier, the program’s most exclusive. To earn status, you’ll need the following stays:

• Member: Where all new members start.
• Gold: After 5 nights or 10k credits
• Platinum: 15 nights or 30k credits
• Diamond: 35 nights or 70k credits
• Titanium (new): 55 nights or 110k credits

As you can see, it does not take long to get status with some incredible benefits:

After just five nights, you already get some great perks such as a higher earning rate, early check-in and late check-out, room upgrades, and more.

Once you hit Diamond status at 35 nights, breakfast is included for you and a guest, and you get guaranteed room availability.

For those who make it to Titanium, you unlock the ability to book up to seven nights on a single stay for half the points.

2026 Changes to Note

If you are already a Choice Privileges rewards member, some of these sections may appear new or a little different from what you know. These are the new updates that will add even more value to your membership.

• Faster paths to status: Members now require fewer nights to enjoy room upgrades and perks like Elite welcome gifts and preferred parking.
• Rewards every five nights: Members will gain milestone rewards, such as bonus points and gift cards, for every five qualifying nights between status tiers.
• Return and earn: Members will be awarded 1,000 bonus points after their 2^nd and 3^rd qualifying stays each year.
• Points never expire for Elite status holders: Plus, status benefit ensures that Elite status is never lost all at once if travel frequency drops.
• Transfer Points: Members can transfer points to friends and family as needed.

What if I’m already a member?

If you are already a member, you are all set. Everything will carry over automatically to the new program. If you have already earned Elite status, you’ll continue to enjoy those benefits and the new ones being added.

If you are not a member, it’s a great time to join now.

Eligible Hotel Brands

The Choice Privileges rewards program allows members to book at thousands of hotels worldwide and hundreds in Canada.

Here’s a list of hotels and the tier they fall into:

• Travel with more
  • Cambria Hotels
  • Radisson
  • Ascend Collection Hotels
  • Radisson BLU
  • Radisson Individuals
  • RED Radisson
  • Park Plaza by Radisson
  • Radisson Collection
• Travel and relax
  • Comfort
  • Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
  • Sleep Inn
  • Quality Inn
  • Clarion
  • Clarion Pointe
  • Radisson Inn & Suites
• Travel simply
  • Park Inn by Radisson
  • Econo Lodge
  • Rodeway Inn
• Travel longer
  • Everhome Suites
  • MainStay Suites
  • Suburban Studios

Earning Choice Privileges Points

Earning Choice Privileges points is easy. Members will earn up to points per $1USD spent on eligible and participating hotels.

Currently, there is no Choice Privileges credit card in Canada, nor are there any Canadian loyalty programs where you can transfer your points to Choice Privileges.

Best Way to Use Choice Privileges Points

When redeeming, members can use their points towards future stays, gift cards, or transfer them to various airline programs. All of this can be done easily through the Choice Hotels website or mobile app, though the value depends on the redemption.

Redeeming for future stays

Redeeming for future stays is, traditionally, the best value for your rewards. Redemptions start at just 6,000 points and can be used towards unique getaways and luxury stays at partner brands.

Here are some examples for your reference:

To calculate the cost per point (CPP) of any redemption, you’d use the following formula:

(cash price X 100) / points required = CPP

That means the Radisson Blu gives you a CPP of .61, while the Quality Inn comes in at .60. In this scenario, the value of the redemptions is similar.

Note that there is no set value for your points. This formula is a quick way to determine the value of your points and is useful when comparing properties. It’s also worth noting that, because hotel prices and points redemptions use dynamic pricing, your CPP value will change.

Now let’s look at the same dates in New York.

Before diving into the CPP, it’s worth noting that when I ran the search, there was a sale on the hotels, which naturally reduced the CPP. Additionally, the prices listed are in USD, whereas the Toronto hotels were in CAD.

To get a property value, we must convert the USD prices to CAD, which gives us a nightly rate of $194 for the Cambria and $178 for the Mayfair. The CPP ends up being .41 and .40, respectively.

That’s not great for redemptions, but it’s an incredible cash price. Choice is also re-introducing the popular Radisson Hotels Americas redemption tool that allows members to book rewards nights starting at 6000 points–down from the previous minimum of 8,000.

Redeeming for gift cards

Another option is to use your rewards towards gift cards. The Choice Privileges program offers gift cards to dozens of retail and restaurant merchants across Canada.

As you can see, you can redeem 8,000 points for a $25 gift card. That’s a CPP of .31. In most cases, you’ll likely get better value redeeming your points for a future stay over gift cards.

Transferring to miles

Finally, if you are someone who flies regularly, consider transferring your Choice Privileges reward to miles. Choice Privileges partners with 15 different airline rewards programs. Here’s a breakdown of the value for each partner.

• Aeroplan: Starting at 5,000 Choice Privileges points for 1,000 Aeroplan miles
• Aer Lingus: Starting at 5,000 Choice Privileges points for 1,000 Avios
• Aero Mexico: Starting at 5,000 Choice Privileges points for 1,000 Aero Mexico Rewards
• Alaska/Hawaiian Airlines: Starting at 5,000 Choice Privileges points for 1,000 Atmos Rewards
• Avianca: Starting at 5,000 Choice Privileges points for 1,000 LifeMiles
• British Airways: Starting at 5,000 Choice Privileges points for 1,000 Avios
• Flying Blue: Starting at 5,000 Choice Privileges points for 1,000 Flying Blue Miles
• Iberia: Starting at 5,000 Choice Privileges points for 1,000 Avios
• Saudia: Starting at 5,000 Choice Privileges points for 1,000 ALFursan miles
• Turkish Airlines: Starting at 5,000 Choice Privileges points for 1,000 Smiles & Miles
• United: Starting at 5,000 Choice Privileges points for 1,000 MileagePlus miles
• LATAM: Starting at 5,000 Choice Privileges points for 1,000 LATAM Pass miles
• Qantas: Starting at 2,000 Choice Privileges points for 800 Frequent Flyer points
• Southwest: Starting at 6,000 Choice Privileges points for 1,800 Rapid Rewards points
• Velocity: Starting at 2,000 points for 800 frequent flyer points

Note: Later in 2026, members will also be able to transfer their points to friends and family members. Keep an eye out for these updates.

Final Thoughts

The Choice Privileges rewards program has undergone some exciting updates. With more Canadians choosing to explore their own backyard, these new perks deliver exceptional value for both business and leisure travellers, making every trip more rewarding. Not a member yet? Now’s the perfect time to join. Sign up today and start enjoying the benefits.

With Chexy joining Aeroplan’s roster of partners, such as Starbucks, Uber, and LCBO, you now have an opportunity to earn additional points on a significant monthly recurring expense.

Aeroplan Chexy Partnership

As of April 15, 2025, Aeroplan members can now earn points when paying bills through Chexy. Anyone who’s currently renting and wants to travel for less will likely be interested in this partnership.

Aeroplan Everyday Partner

Now that Aeroplan is an Everyday Partner with Chexy, you can earn Aeroplan points on a range of expenses that were previously ineligible, such as rent and bill payments. This integration means you can accumulate points on your monthly expenses, which is handy for anyone looking to earn more Aeroplan points. 

Aeroplan Launch Offer with Chexy

To celebrate the launch, Chexy and Aeroplan are offering a limited-time promotion for new users. 

New Chexy users can earn up to 10,000 Aeroplan points by completing the following:

• Open a new Chexy account and make the first payment before July 15, 2025 and earn 2,000 points
• Earn an additional 1,000 points following the 12th consecutive monthly payment
• Earn 5,000 points after processing $5,000 in payments within 6 months of activating the first payment
• Earn 500 points for the second and each additional recurring payment (up to a total of four) made within 6 months of activating the first payment, up to 2,000 points
• All payments need to be a minimum of $50

Referral offer:

• Refer friends to earn more points: Earn 1,000 points for each new Chexy user referral who completes a first $50+ payment (up to 10 referrals per Chexy account).

Double-dip with an Aeroplan Credit Card

You can further increase your Aeroplan earnings by pairing an Aeroplan credit card with your Chexy payments. This allows you to double-dip, earning Aeroplan points from both your credit card and Chexy for the same transaction.

The best Aeroplan credit cards often come with strong welcome offers, but can also have a significant minimum spending requirement. By using Chexy, your monthly rent can help you meet those spending thresholds. 

Maximizing your earning potential means you’ll be able to get cheaper flights quicker. 

What is Chexy?

Chexy makes it possible for you to pay your rent, bills, and other significant expenses with a credit card, allowing you to earn points, miles, or cashback. This service is designed to unlock rewards on payments that are usually not eligible for credit card points or cash back.

How Chexy Works

Chexy allows you to pay with your credit card when they’re generally not accepted, such as rent, daycare, insurance, taxes, utilities, and gym memberships.

For example, after creating an account and verifying your identity, you’ll upload your lease and add your landlord’s details. Chexy charges your credit card and then sends the funds directly to your landlord by e-Transfer. You can easily customize the payment date and choose whether your landlord is an individual or a company. 

A unique feature is that you can change your payment method every month if necessary. This flexibility allows you to optimize your rewards for each rent cycle. Additionally, you receive a summary of your upcoming payment, detailing the fee, total cost, and estimated rewards, so you know what to expect.

Chexy Fees

Chexy charges a flat fee of 1.75% on each transaction when you pay with a Canadian Visa or American Express credit card. If you’re using an international card, a 2.5% fee applies.

For example, if your rent is $2,000, the fee will be $35 when paying with a Canadian credit card. This fee is added to your rent payment and is clearly displayed.

Depending on the credit card rewards you earn or the welcome bonus offered, this fee can be offset or even exceeded by the value of points, miles, or cash back.

Before making a payment, you can use Chexy’s calculator tool to estimate your net rewards after accounting for fees. This makes it simple to determine if using your card for rent is worthwhile based on your specific rewards program.

Final Thoughts

With the new partnership between Aeroplan and Chexy, you now have the option to earn points on expenses that typically wouldn’t qualify for rewards, such as rent and bill payments.

If you’re already an Aeroplan member, this can help you move closer to your next redemption without changing your day-to-day spending habits. While Chexy does charge fees, if you’re getting more value out of the points earned, it could be worth it.