After two years of being restricted in where and when you could travel, experts are predicting a huge demand for it this summer. This means ticket prices are expected to soar. Thankfully there are credit cards with amazing travel reward programs which can help you get where you want to go, at a fraction of the cost and even for free.
The way most of these credit cards work is by giving you points or miles for every purchase you make. In some cases you can collect double, triple or more points for every dollar you spend- helping you to reach your travel goals faster. Many of the credit card reward programs offer sign-up bonuses as well, some being an equivalent of a free flight.
We did some research and found these to be the best travel rewards credit cards:
Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite Card
With The Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite Card you collect Scene points which can then be redeemed for everything from movie passes to flights and hotels. The card currently has a special offer, that awards approved customers the ability to earn up to 35,000 Scene+ points (worth up to $350 towards travel†) in your first year. This card also gives you a full array of travel insurances when you purchase your vacation using it, but there are several other bonuses as well. You will also enjoy complimentary Priority Pass™ membership, with 6 free airport lounge visits per year, no foreign transaction fees, a discount on car rentals, purchase security and extended warranty protection and more.
How to collect:
You earn Scene+ points on all your purchases. You will get 2 points on every $1 you spend on eligible grocery stores, dining, entertainment purchases and transit purchases. You will get 1 point for every $1 you spend on all other eligible purchases.
How to redeem:
The redemption works on 100 to 1 ratio- 100,000 points is equivalent to $1,000 dollars of value which can be used for all costs associated with the trip including taxes. Book with the travel provider of your choice and apply your Scene+ points to the cost of the trip (*within 12 months from the date the travel was charged to your Scotiabank card) with the Apply Points to Travel option. 100 points offsets $1 of your trip cost.
Annual fee: $139, Purchase Interest 19.99%, Cash Advance 22.99%, Balance Transfer 22.99%
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite Card
The Aventura® Visa Infinite Card has a particularly strong welcome offer and a fee rebate, including up to 40,000 Aventura Points worth up to $850 in travel value. Get 20,000 Aventura Points after your first purchase. † Then, get 15,000 Aventura Points when you spend $1,000 or more each monthly statement during the first year and an additional 5000 points upon renewal. †
This card usually has a $139 annual fee, but if approved, you will get a rebate for the first year for you, and up to three authorized users. †
The CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite Card also comes with extra benefits, including 4 complimentary airport lounge visits per year, a NEXUS application fee rebate, a discount of up to 10 cents per litre at participating gas stations, free travel insurances such as trip cancelation and trip interruption, and more. † You can also redeem points for hotels and car rentals. †
All in the value package adds up to over $1,200 here is how that works:
Get a total of up to 40,000 Aventura Points (up to $850 in travel value†):
20,000 Aventura Points when you make your first purchase†
15,000 Aventura Points when you spend $1,000 monthly or more during the first year†
5,000 Aventura Points as an additional anniversary bonus†
Get a one-time annual fee rebate ($139) for you (the primary cardholder) and up to three authorized users ($50 each): over $189 value†
Enjoy a Priority Pass Membership and 4 complimentary visits per year at 1,300+ airport lounges†: over $200 value.†
Plus, get a NEXUS Application Fee rebate†: A $50 value†
How to Collect:
You earn 2 points for every $1 spent on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre, 1.5 points for every $1 spent at eligible gas stations, grocery stores and drug stores, and 1 point for every other dollar you spend on the card.
Annual fee: $139, Purchase Interest 20.99%, Cash Advance, 22.99% Balance Transfer 22.99%
For those who may not qualify (due to high income requirements) for the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card, consider the CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa Card instead. It comes with the same strong welcome offer of up to 40,000 Aventura Points, first year fee rebate and most of the same rewards. † The main difference is the Infinite card concierge type services .
Annual fee: $139, Purchase Interest, 20.99% Cash Advance, 22.99% Balance Transfer 22.99%
Scotiabank® Gold American Express Card
The Scotiabank® Gold American Express Card combines some of the best rewards from Scotiabank® and American Express. Right now the signing bonus is up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points in their first year. That’s up to $450 towards travel!
(Earn 25,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $1,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, for a limited time, you are eligible to earn a 20,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $7,500 in everyday eligible purchases in your first year.)
Love to travel abroad? With Scotiabank® Gold American Express Card -you will not pay 2.5% foreign transaction fees on any foreign currency purchases, including online shopping and when travelling abroad. Only the exchange rate applies.
This credit card also provides airport lounge access, comp Airport lounge access (Priority Pass™ membership and access over 1200 VIP lounges). Concierge services 24/7, and all the benefits of having an American Express card such as invites for special offers and front of the line access for presale tickets. You will also receive a range of insurances and purchase security and extended warranty protection.
How to collect:
The Scotiabank® Gold American Express rewards 5 Scene+ points for every $1 spent at eligible grocery stores, restaurants, fast food and drinking establishments. This includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions. You can earn 3 points for every $1 spent at eligible gas stations and on daily transit including rideshare, buses, taxis and subways. For everything else you will earn 1 point for every $1 spent.
How to redeem:
Redemption is 100 to 1, therefore 100,000 points equals $1000 in value.
Annual fee: $120, Purchase Interest, 19.99% Cash Advance, 22.99% Balance Transfer 22.99%
So what are you waiting for? Apply today for one of the cards mentioned above and choose your destination. Before you know it you will be packing your bags and be off for the vacation of a lifetime.
†Conditions Apply This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
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