About American Express Gold Card (Canada Edition) What you should know

When many people hear about American Express, the first reaction was: Isn’t this should be something of United States?  In fact, American Express can be understood as a card issuer, which has issued credit cards and charge cards in many countries around the world. As a close neighbor of the United States, Canada has various selection of American Express card.

Regarding the American Express Gold Card, you should know the following information :

1. This is a Charge Card. The biggest difference between a Credit Card and a charge card is that there is no Pre-set spending limit for charge card. However, it should be noted that the absence of Pre-set spending limit does not mean that there is no Spending power, and you can check the online banking self-service when you have the card.

In general, unlike Visa/MasterCard, the consumption limit of the Charge Card is automatically decreased with the increase of consumption on your card and the accumulation of repayment history. You do not need to apply for a Pre- Approve from the bank to get the amount. For those who consume a lot of money, there is no doubt that the American Express card has obvious advantages.

2. This card also has the lowest annual fee for the Membership Rewards (MR) in Canada (the main card annual fee is $150). Express Points are currently the most flexible and the most easy to use for all Canadian credit cards.

Aeroplan/Avios/Starwood is more commonly used in Canada. The best one is to exchange it directly to Aeroplan at 1:1 . In addition, there are other usages for Express Points, such as directly changing gift cards, changing items, and deducting Statement Balance, etc., for these usages, MR only has a value of 1.0~1.2 cents/points.

The card is awarded 25,000 MR first opening. If you apply through a friend’s recommendation, you can still get a 30,000 MR offer. The additional 5000 MR can be get through opening the secondary card.

3, many people ask the gold card’s return on consumption, and in the last part I have talked about the value of points, so the rate of return is also based on this. Ordinary consumption of $1 can get 1 MR (~1.9%), travel expenses (such as airfare, fuel, hotel) or buy food, eat at a partner, get 2 MR (~3.8%) for every $1,  using Amex Travel for Travel is $1 for 3 MR (~5.7%). Therefore, the consumption return of this card (calculated by self-use points) is at least 1.9%. If you spend a lot of money, it is easy to break the average consumption return by 3%.

In contrast, the high return card of the Visa Infinite series is TD/CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite (about 2%), and the high return card of World Elite series is Westjet RBC World Elite (1.5%~4%, with an average return of about 1.8%) and BMO Air Miles World Elite (about 2% when used carefully). The cards mentioned above have an annual fee of $120, which is $30 lower than the $150 of the gold card. If you consider using this card as the main card, the first year of positive income is certainly guaranteed , but in the long run, perhaps the gold card is not the best choice for the main card.

4. Insurance level, This card contains:several insurances that are important for mid- to high-end credit cards.

· Travel delay insurance

· Baggage loss insurance

· Travel (public) traffic accident insurance

· Out-of-provincial medical insurance

· Car rental insurance

· Purchase protection insurance

· Extended insurance

For travel delay (requires at least four hours delay), the payment is very fast.

5. Let me talk about the acceptance issue. This card is criticized because some supermarkets (such as Costco and Superstore) do not accept the card. In fact, the correct logic is: If you want to maximize the value of the card, it should be used as a travel card. As I mentioned before, each card has its own definite role.

6. The application for this card basically has no threshold for income. Even students with zero income can prove their purchasing power to obtain this card by submitting their own bank account water bill. For approval, the difficulty of applying this card should be the lowest in the card issued by Express Canada. A large number of DPs shows that it is easy to apple with a good credit of about 6 months.

7. For those who like to watch concerts and participate in various activities, this card also has the  attribute of Front of Line of Express Card, which can give priority to many tickets for the concert. So for those who often watch concerts, this card is a good deal.

American Express Platinum Cards | Amex Canada introduction and review

American Express the Platinum Card is a mid- to high-end charge card issued by American Express. The main difference between the charge card and the “Credit Card” we talk about today is that it often has a strong purchase limit and various VIP rights, also it has a high annual fee and 30% repayment of the annual interest rate (so, repay on time).

American Express itself is both a bank (but there is no corresponding branch in Canada and related daily business) and a card issuer (like Visa/Mastercard), while a personal platinum card is a fist product of American Express, which has already become a popular American culture.

The personal platinum card issued by American Express in Canada is the favorite credit card of myself. At present, Canada’s Express Platinum Card is still a plastic card, I hope it can be the metal cards which is issued in the United States as soon as possible.

annual fee

The card costs is $699 per year, including $200 per year for reimbursement of annual air ticket and hotel consumption, so the equivalent annual fee is actually $499. Since the reimbursement amount of $200 is calculated on a calendar year basis, some people who do not hold the card for a long time can actually use the $200 again after the end of the card year. However, I do not recommend this way of using cards.

Application rewards

Currently, you can apply for this card through a friend’s referral link, and you can get a 60,000 MR card-opening reward with expense of $3000 or more in the first three months. If you apply directly on the official website, the card reward is only 50,000 MR. Welcome to use the recommended link on this site, thank you.

American Express cancelled the revenue requirement for all publicly issued cards in Canada in 2017, and currently the online application does not require the applicant to be a PR, only a Canadian credit record is needed. The application for Platinum Cards is not very difficult. Usually, as long as there are more than eight months of Canadian credit history and the records are good, the card can be successfully issued.

Point value

This card is still a point system, using American Express’s own Membership Rewards (MR), MR is rated at around 0.018 cad per quotation; 1.25 MR for every $1 spent (this is equivalent to at least 2 % of daily consumption returns).

The MR flexibility of the cards in different countries is different. In Canada, the flexibility of MR accumulated by different cards is also different, and the MR flexibility of gold and platinum cards is higher. Cobalt’s MR has more restrictions on use, and I only recommend conversion to SPG points (2:1 conversion ratio) or credit for bills (per MR=$0.01).

Points usage

Many people are wondering what the basis of the 1 MR=$0.018 valuation given by the bloggers, and I found in the daily life that a large number of card owners actually took the MR for the gift card, so the value is only 1 MR= Up and down $0.012, it is actually a loss.

The MR usage recommended by bloggers is:

1. Convert to aeroplan mileage in a 1:1 ratio for redemption of Star Alliance tickets. I don’t recommend using aeroplan to redeem economy class airfare on international routes – except when economy class tickets are extra expensive.

The picture below shows the actual flight of the Air Canada YVR-PVG business class that can be redeemed by 75000 MR+tax:

The meals are good too,

2. Convert to SPG points in a 2:1 ratio, and then combine the AmEx SPG card opening rewards, it is easy to get 90000 SPG points for the Marriott 7-day gift package. This usage is especially suitable for travel enthusiasts.

3. Can be used to directly exchange tickets with the Freight’s Fixed Point Travel Program

For the rest of the usage, the blogger does not recommend because of the low utilization of the point value.

Hotel Interests

The highlight of the hotel’s rights and interests is: Platinum Card (Personal / Commercial) is directly with the Hilton Gold Card, SPG Gold Card. The SPG Gold Card can be directly matched to the Marriott Gold Card.

For Hilton and SPG Gold members, it mean that when you live in a lot of their branded hotels (except for some top brands), you get direct access to free upgrades, free breakfast for two, lounge access, late checkout and more rights and interests. For those who travel frequently every year, with certain economic strength, they can consider using this right.

Fine Hotels and Resorts

In addition, it is worth mentioning that the company is proud of the Fine Hotels and Resorts Program (FHR). FHR is a high-end luxury hotel reservation platform for American Express for Platinum and Blackcard users, featuring top hotels around the world.

FHR is not only a luxury hotel, but also a high-end treatment. You don’t need to spend money or need to be a senior member of the hotel to get it:

  1. Early check-in at 12 o’clock and late check-out at 4 o’clock;
  2. Upgrade the room type according to the room status;
  3. Free daily breakfast for two (some are self-service early, while others give orders of 35 US per person per day;
  4. Hotel spending worth at least $100 (some hotels are $150, and if you have a black card, there is even $200/$300)

Aviation rights

Platinum cards can take some of the airport’s fast security checkpoints, and these airports will have corresponding signage. In addition, Platinum Card has better airport VIP lounge benefits:

1) Platinum Lounge Benefit, including free entry to the Plaza Premium Lounge and Servisair Executive Lounge, with a spouse and two children under the age of 21 or a fellow traveler. Canada’s current Plaza Premium Lounge covers YYZ/YVR/YEG/YWG.

2) Airport Club Program, currently only the Delta Lounge can be used free of charge, and only for the person, you need to show the boarding pass for the Delta flight on the day, and the extra person will charge 19 USD per person.

3) Priority Pass is also the most widely distributed airport lounge in the world. The Priority Pass (PP) from the Commercial Platinum Card only provide membership (worth $99 USD per year) and an additional $27 USD entry fee is required for each entry into the PP lounge. PP membership is  a direct gift of Personal Platinum worth $399 USD per year, and the PP lounge at the airport can be used free of charge. This is also the main difference between the two cards in the VIP lounge of the airport.

4) The Centurion Lounge, the famous Centurion Lounge, is also the store’s own lounge. Most of the outlets are in the United States, and it is also a relatively popular lounge in the US airport.

The airport lounge is mainly suitable for people who travel a lot, and is especially useful for people who are not in the economy class but who are not senior members of the airline. In particular, there are times when I stay at the airport for a few hours. I have a place to eat and drink. I think it will greatly ease the journey and calm the mood.

Car rental interest

In the car rental section, Platinum Card provides Avis and Hertz related rights. Platinum card users can directly get Avis’s Preferred membership or Hertz’s Five Star membership. You can get a 7-8 discount through the Platinum card booking code rental, and there is a certain probability to upgrade the model.

For example, the last time I went to the waterfall, I originally ordered Corolla, and I got a S60:

Canada’s highest average credit card: AmEx SPG evaluation and introduction

Basic background

This card is used as a hotel’s joint credit card, and the points earned by the card will be directly accumulated into the corresponding SPG account. If you do not have an SPG account, you can apply directly on the official website. The advantage of being a new member of SPG is that a high probability will receive a new offer in the first two months (for example, staying for 4,500/7,500 SPG points or one free room coupon)

Consumption return

If you don’t consider the AE cards in Canada (which is not accepted in many small-volume consumption), this card is especially suitable for those who use “one card flow”. Many people ask the question “What is the best credit card in Canada”? It is nothing more than asking which card has the highest rate of return without brain brush – then it is the card.

This card can accumulate 1 Starpoint (or SPG points) for every $1 spent on daily consumption. If you spend at Marriott Starwood brand hotels, you will have double returns. Considering the current high value of SPG points (I estimate at least 3 cents per Starpoint value), this card has an average return of at least 3%.

Point value

For any credit card of the credit , I don’t think it makes sense to consider the consumer return separately but not to analyze the value of the credit. The point value of different people is bound to be high or low. Here I will briefly mention some usages of the highest value of SPG points. It is important to realize that SPG points and Marriott and Ritz-Carlton scores can be converted to each other in a 1:3 ratio without loss, while SPG points can be converted to most mainstream air miles.

After 9W Starpoints, convert to 27W Marriott Points in a 1:3 ratio, and redeem the 7-Day Marriott Hotel room voucher and airline miles (120,000+Bonus part) of category 1-5 – commonly known as “The Marriott Gift Pack.” This is currently accepted as a method of maximizing the value of SPG points. Of course, the better part is that this 7-day room voucher and air miles can be sold out. The current market price of 7-day room voucher is generally above $500, and the value of air class is because of the airline you choose. The actual mileage will be slightly different. In general, the value of direct sales is almost 13,000 RMB+. With such a simple calculation, the value of every 10,000 SPG points is also more than 1800 RMB.

2. It is NOT difficult to get enough 9W Starpoints. Imagine that you can open American Personal Platinum Card, Commercial Platinum Card, Personal SPG Card, and Commercial SPG Card for a total of 30,000 SPG (60,000 MR), 37,500 SPG (75,000 MR), 20,000 SPG, 20,000 SPG. Already have more than one Marriott gift package, and your annual fee is 499+399+120+150 CAD=1168 CAD. Many people look at the annual fee and stop, but do not know the maximum value of the points after the return is stable and far beyond the annual fee!

3. In addition to the BUG-like redemption method, SPG points have a simple but practical conversion method: in most cases, every 20,000 SPG points can be converted to 25,000 corresponding air miles. This method of using points is suitable for people who do not have too many SPG points and who need temporary air miles at the same time. The picture below shows all of SPG’s aviation turnkey partners.

4. For hotel point, the most essential usage is to redeem the hotel directly. To put it simply, if SPG points are to be redeemed for a hotel, I recommend switching to Marriott Points before redeeming to Marriott.

5. In addition, there is a redemption option like SPG Moments: use certain SPG points to redeem concerts, tickets for sports events, and more. There are many choices in this section. If you happen to catch up with the activities you are interested in, you may wish to compare the required points and the actual market value to decide whether to redeem. This redemption can be viewed directly at this URL.

Equity and insurance

This card is a high-reward credit card, and the insurance component is actually enough to meet daily needs. I personally feel that the necessary delay insurance (individual or baggage delay), extended warranty, and car rental insurance are covered, basically in line with the AE Gold Rewards of $150 annual fee and Visa Infinite of the five major banks that are consistent with the $120 annual fee. In particular, the AE series of car rental insurance covers 85,000 MRSP cars, while the five majors only guarantee 60,000 MRSP cars, so I always use AE issued cards to pay for the car rental.

In terms of equity, this card has two highlights, which need to be “activated” by satisfying a certain amount of consumption:

1) You can get an SPG Gold Card for $30,000 in the calendar year, which is equivalent to the Marriott Gold Card. If you don’t have AE Platinum and want to get a premium member of the hotel quickly, this is a good choice.

2) Spend $40,000 in the calendar year to get a SPG hotel global free coupon for Level 1-4. Only this one is enough to return the annual fee…

Comprehensive review

Overall, this card is still standing today after a series of rumors that it is about to exit the market in 2017, and there is a high probability that it will continue to exist in 2019 or even in the future (but it is likely to change its face). In terms of consumer return, this card is still the first Canadian card. You need to have some research on SPG’s hotel points.

For friends who do not have this card, apply it as soon as possible. For friends who already have this card, I also recommend not to cancel it too early.

American Express Blue Sky Review

The American Express Blue Sky charge card might not be among the best travel charge cards in Canada, but thinking about it’s no annual fee along with a strong earnings rate of just 1.25% on all purchases, it’s surprising this card doesn’t have more attention.

The possible lack of travel insurance certainly hurts this card, however a flexible redemption system along with a decent sign-up bonus should at least put this card on your radar. Read my American Express Blue Sky review and let’s focus on ideas around the card.

American Express Blue Sky benefits

  • No annual fee
  • 10,000 Blue Sky Points ($100 value) after you charge $500 in purchases to your card in your first three months of cardmembership
  • Earn 1.25 Blue Sky Points per $1 spent on all purchases.
  • Refer a friend and get 5,000 Blue Sky Points
  • $100,000 Travel Accident Insurance
  • Access to American Express Invites

The interesting factor concerning the American Express Blue Sky card is always that it’s basically a money-back card because you earn 1.25% in Blue Sky Points on all of your purchases. The main difference is you can only use your points to redeem travel..

That being stated, with Blue Sky Points, you may make an order travel anytime, with any agency or website after redeem your points, you are able to claim points on travel that’s already happened.

You can only redeem your points in increments of 5,000. Which means 5,000 Blue Sky Points = $50 in travel rewards. In addition, there’s the  minimum point redemption of 10,000 points.

The 10,000 Blue Sky Points signup bonus may be worth $100 and just needs a minimum spend of $500 within the first months of card membership.

Whenever you refer a buddy, you receive 5,000 Blue Sky Points, so that’s a pleasant method to earn additional points knowing individuals that would want to consider the credit card.

One major disadvantage to this card is  that you simply get $100,000 in travel accident insurance.  You’re likely better off paying an annual fee with one of the best travel credit cards in Canada since they come with generous travel insurance packages.

For instance, theScotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card? comes with an annual fee of $140, however, you get travel cover that’s good as much as 25 days, per trip. This card also offers a sign-up bonus worth $250 and 6 annual lounge passes which are worth over $300.

How the American Express Blue Sky card compared to others

Strangely enough, the American Express Blue Sky card is nearly just like another American Express card within the?American Express SimplyCash card. Using the SimplyCash card, additionally you earn 1.25% on all of your purchases, but as this is a real cash-back card, you are able to clearly make use of your cash earned on anything instead of travel only.

The main one advantage the Blue Sky card has within the SimplyCash card may be the sign-up bonus since it’s worth $100 whereas the SimplyCash card just provides you with an elevated cash-back payout for 3 several weeks.

In addition, there’s the?American Express SimplyCash Preferred charge card?that provides you 2% cash-back on all purchases, but posseses an annual fee of $99.

Now, if you are searching for points that may be redeemed for top-value travel rewards, you might want to think about the?Starwood Preferred Guest card from American Express. With this particular card, you receive a 50,000 point sign-up bonus that could easily possess a worth of $500  USD based on which hotel you redeem your points at.

I understand I’ve tossed lots of different cards available that you should consider, however i wanted to help make the point that you will need to review your spending habits along with the kind of rewards you need to earn.

Final thoughts

My American Express Blue Sky review is positive. Although I believe you will find better travel charge cards available on the market, the credit card is decent. You’re obtaining a decent sign-up bonus and earnings rate without having to pay a yearly fee , that’s victory!

Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card Review | Canada

Once referred to as SPG Amex, the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card has become the state charge card for Marriott in Canada.Marriott Bonvoy is the new name of Marriott Rewards which merged with Starwood Preferred Guest earlier. Yes, I recognize that it could be considered a bit confusing, but that’s what goes on when one major hotel chain buys another, there are also two loyalty programs that should be integrated.

What likely matters for you is the best way to earn more Marriott Rewards – I meant Marriott Bonvoy points. Read my Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card review now and discover why it’s still among the best travel rewards cards in Canada.

Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card features

  • $120 annual fee
  • 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points welcome bonus
  • Earn 5 Marriott Bonvoy points for every $1 on eligible card purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties
  • Earn 2 Marriott Bonvoy points for every $1 on all other purchases
  • Free annual night award that can be redeemed at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties worldwide, with a redemption value up to 5,000 points
  • 15 Elite Night credits each calendar year
  • Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status
  • Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status when you spend $30,000 on your card each year
  • Complimentary in-room, premium internet access while staying at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
  • Some travel insurance

The Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card benefits are essentially like the old SPG card but there’s one major difference. The welcome bonus has become 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points whenever you spend $1,500 in your card within the first three months. The prior bonus was 50,000 so you’re getting 10,000 extra Marriott Bonvoy points.

As this is a Marriott co-branded charge card, you’ll earn 5 Marriott Bonvoy points for each $1 on qualified card purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy qualities. Other purchases enable you to get 2 points per $1 spent.

What’s nice relating to this card is you start at Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status which provides you extra benefits for example 10% bonuses on stays and priority late checkout. Gold status is offered whenever you spend$30,000 in your card every year

At the beginning of every twelve months, you’ll will also get 15 Elite Night credits meaning you’ll just have 10 additional nights to achieve Gold Status (should you not spend $30,000 before this).

Vehicle rental thievery and damage, flight delay, baggage delay, stolen or lost baggage, and hotel/motel burglary insurance are incorporated, but there’s no emergency health care insurance that is included with the credit card.

There’s a yearly fee of $120, but each year in your card anniversary, you’ll obtain a free night certificate that is good as much as 35,000 points at any participating Marriott property. The need for individuals points are often more vital compared to annual fee so that’s an amazing bonus.

How Marriott Bonvoy works

Since Marriott has 6,500  hotels in additional than 120 countries, Marriott Bonvoy may be the largest hotel loyalty program on the planet. Fortunately, this program is quite good therefore it so it pays to be loyal.

I’ve written an in depth Marriott Bonvoy review so that you can make sure that if you would like detailed information, but I will rapidly highlight a couple of reasons for this program.

While you likely know, there are various status tiers with Marriott Bonvoy. Your status rises while you spend nights at participating Marriott qualities. With each and every status increase, you receive additional benefits just like an elevated earn rate for Marriott Bonvoy points, early check-in, late check-out, room upgrades, free breakfast, and much more.

What exactly you’ve earned may be used to redeem free nights. With respect to the season and hotel you’re attempting to book, it might set you back less than 5,000 Marriott Bonvoy points or around 100,000 points for any free night.

Beyond hotels and flights, you may also make use of your points for moments and that’s why my Marriott Bonvoy Amex card review is positive. These moments include items like suite use of the best sporting occasions all over the world, Very important personel use of major music concerts for example Coachella, as well as private dining encounters with celebrity chefs.

Transfer your Marriott Bonvoy points to airlines

One more reason Marriott Bonvoy points are popular is you can transfer your points greater than 40 airlines.

Because this card targets Canadians, you may be considering converting your Marriott Bonvoy points to  Aeroplan. The standard transfer rates are 3 Marriott Bonvoy points enable you to get 1 Aeroplan point, however, for each 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points you transfer, you’ll have an additional 5,000 Aeroplan points. Which means 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points could be transferred for twenty five,000 Aeroplan points.

Admittedly, it’s faster to earn Aeroplan points and among the?best Aeroplan cards in Canada, but a minimum of you’ve an alternative choice to earn Aeroplan points.

Final thoughts

My Marriott Bonvoy Amex card review is positive. It’s still among the best travel charge cards in Canada and among the best American Express charge cards. It’s a must-have card for anybody who stays at Marriott regularly. Having a generous sign-up bonus along with a free annual night certificate, what’s  not to like?

SPG Amex Canada Review

If you are a SPG or Marriott fan like me, then you’re prone to want to look at SPG Amex Canada review. Exactly why is the Starwood Preferred Guest bank card from American Express appealing is that you could earn lots of loyalty points when remaining at SPG or Marriott hotels. These points enables you to redeem free nights or utilized in select airline travel loyalty programs totally free flights.

While merger of SPG and Marriott now complete, modifications for the bank cards may also be mostly done. I can now safely say that the SPG Amex Canada card has rejoined my list of the best travel credit cards in Canada. Read my SPG Amex Canada review now for the full details.

Starwood Credit Card Canada benefits

  • $120 annual fee
  • 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points welcome bonus
  • Earn 5 Marriott Bonvoy points for every $1 on eligible card purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties
  • Earn 2 Marriott Bonvoy points for every $1 on all other purchases
  • Free annual night award that can be redeemed at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties worldwide, with a redemption value up to 5,000 points
  • 15 Elite Night credits each calendar year
  • Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status
  • Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status when you spend $30,000 on your card each year
  • Complimentary in-room, premium internet access while staying at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
  • Travel insurance
  • No annual fee on supplementary cards

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One thing to notice immediately is that you simply get yourself a generous signup bonus of 60,000 points. For anyone who is you employ individuals points around the category 4 hotel which normally costs 12,500 points every evening, you’d really get 5 nights from this since Marriott posseses an ongoing book 4 nights have the fifth-night free promotion. With regards to the hotel, that could be a real price of $1,000 , but you’d be getting to pay for just $24 a night. As you have seen, the sign-up bonus alone helps it be helpful to submit an application for the charge card.

The annual free night award might be redeemed for just about any room getting something around 35,000 points. I needed a quick check out hotels in New You’ll be able to and if you have been category 4 hotels which normally cost $350USD a night, only need 35,000 points for just about any redemption. It is possible to observe valuable that annual free night is and just helps to make the $120 annual fee.

With regards to earning potential, this card is clearly directed at those who stay at SPG and Marriott characteristics since you’ll earn 5 points per $1 allotted to qualified purchases at participating SPG and Marriott Rewards characteristics. Keep in mind applying this card, you instantly get Silver tier status and that means you earn 10% more points or 5.5 points per $1 spent at participating SPG and Marriott Rewards characteristics.

Other purchases allow you to get 2 points per $1 spent.

American Express had already announced that elite nights that count towards your status will probably be incorporated while using card, but they haven’t released the actual amount yet.

Finally, in the event you charge the whole airfare or vehicle rental for the SPG American stock market Canada card, you instantly get travel accident, vehicle rental thievery and damage, flight delay, baggage delay, lost and stolen baggage, and hotel/motel burglary insurance. It must be noted that travel medical care insurance is not incorporated. This doesn’t change the fact the SPG Amex Canada is probably the best American Express bank cards in Canada.

Converting your SPG points to airlines

One reason people neglect the SPG Amex Canada card is really because it’s connected with costly hotels chain. If you don’t use hotels, why can you choose a co-branded bank card right?

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What you may not realize is the Starwood Preferred Guest program allows you to certainly transfer your points to 40 airlines.

Because this is a Canadian card, so many people are probably thinking about converting their SPG tp  Aeroplan. The conventional transfer minute rates are 3:1, however, for every 60,000 SPG points you transfer, you’ll come with an additional 5,000 points. Basically, 60,000 SPG points might be transferred for 20 five,000 Aeroplan points. That’s a 25% bonus that’s incorporated together with your SPG American stock market Canada card.

Basically, this bank card may be used a co-branded bank card for 40 airlines without obtaining a proper affiliation. That’s a reasonably sweet perk if you wish to transfer a few extra points to produce a flight redemption.

How Marriot Rewards works

Marriott Rewards could be the finest loyalty program in the world which is possibly the most effective. Understandably, this is often a hotel loyalty program, so your points might be best  for claiming free nights,  you may even make use of points for flights.

I’ve written about the knowledge about Marriott Rewards, but essentially you’ll need 7,500 – 100,000 points to claim a free of charge night. 100,000 points may appear insane, however, you’ve just got that numerous points for your finest categories of hotels found all over the world. Many hotels fall inside the 17,500 – 50,000 points every evening category quite reasonable.

Beyond hotels and flights, you may even make use of points for items that can improve your vacation.

Final word

My SPG Amex Canada review is positive and ranks one of the best travel bank cards in Canada. Marriott could be the largest hotel chain in the world, their rewards program is excellent. If you would like free nights reely flights, you will need to consider the Starwood Preferred Guest bank card from American Express.

American Express SimplyCash Preferred Card Review

As you may know, I write a great deal about charge cards. I usually focus on bonus points but one card that has caught my attention as of late is the SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express.. The characteristics from the card have altered within the this past year, but my American Express SimplyCash Preferred card review continues to be positive.

Why is this card appealing is always that you are able to balance transfer for a price of just 1.99% for six months and make use of the5% cash-back(as much as $3000) on purchases within the first 6 months. It is a wonderful features if you are searching to lessen debt or increase your rewards.

SimplyCash Preferred benefits

  • $99 annual fee
  • 5% cash-back on purchases for the first 6 months (up to $300)
  • 2% cash-back on purchases after the first 6 months (no limit)
  • 1.99% interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months
  • Earn $200 cash back for approved referrals (up to $3,000)
  • Extensive insurance coverage

The 5% cashback is among the greatest amounts you are able to earn from the charge card. Yes, it can last for just 6 months, but all that you should spend is $3,000 to earn the utmost reward. that seems like a great deal, however if you simply know you’ve got a major purchase approaching, you are able to increase your earnings. The TwoPercent cash back on all purchases after 6 months can also be appealing if you are using your credit card regularly.

You need to clearly always repay your full credit card balance each month. The total amount transfer rate of interest of just 1.99% is among the best rates available. 1.99% is considerably less than the typical credit card rate of interest of 19.99%, so make the most of it and pay lower any outstanding financial obligations you will probably have.

The American Express SimplyCash Preferred card is among the best American Express charge cards in Canada and among thebest cash return charge cards in Canada,which is quite impressive.

Insurance Coverage

Another major advantage of the SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Expressmay be the incorporated travel and vehicle rental insurance. This can be a pretty comprehensive package and would normally give you back greater than $100 per trip. Which means the $99 annual fee that you simply spend the money for card will get washed from your insurance as lengthy while you travel at least one time annually. Here’s look of the insurance which comes incorporated:

  • Car Rental Theft and Damage Insurance
  • $100,000 Travel Accident Insurance
  • Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Lost or Stolen Baggage Insurance
  • Flight Delay Insurance
  • Hotel / Motel Burglary Insurance

The insurance coverage will work for as much as 15 times of travel and also you must charge your tickets for your SimplyCash Preferred Card to become qualified.

Final word

My American Express SimplyCash Preferred card review is positive. The SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express offers incredible benefits that fit a number of consumers. The 5% cash-back for that first 6 several weeks is among the greatest rates available as the 1.99% rate of interest for balance transfer promotions can help you lower your debt. You might think about the?SPG American stock exchange Canada card?or even the?American Express Platinum card?if you like something which provides more points.

American Express Gold Rewards Card Review

American Express Gold Rewards card is among the best travel rewards credits in Canada and it is presently certainly one of the best cards available on the market. It has an annual fee of $150, but has a huge signup bonus of 25,000 Membership Reward points. Should you sign-up using a membership for example Perkopolis, Venngo, CPA Canada, eSurvus, etc. You can obtain a statement credit of $150 which basically helps make the card free for that the first year.

I really like how flexible Membership Rewards points are with their transfer partners. For context, you are able to transfer your Membership Rewards to Aeroplan on the 1:1 basis. Which means your 25,000 signup points includes a worth of 25,000 Aeroplan Miles that are enough for any roundtrip ticket to any place in Canada and also the continental flight in States. That ticket is definitely worth $600.

Keep reading my American Express Gold Rewards card review to discover other benefits incorporated and why it is among the best American Express charge cards in Canada.

American Express Gold Rewards card benefits

  • $150 Annual fee – first year free when signing up via Perkopolis, Venngo, CPA Canada, eSurvus
  • 25,000 Signup points after charging $1,500 in purchases
  • Earn 2 points per $1 spent on grocery, gas, pharmacy, and travel
  • Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Comprehensive travel insurance package included
  • 1 Free supplementary card ($50 value)

Okay, let’s address the annual fee. As pointed out, should you fit in with a subscription program, you’ll be able to obtain the special offer with a RSVP code. Honestly, that RSVP code could be found after some research, but you’d be cheating the system. The $150 annual fee is fairly reasonable considering the signup bonus.

Earning 2 points per $1 allocated to grocery, gas, pharmacy, and travel is preferable to many similar cards.

Even though the card has a comprehensive insurance package, it’s important to note that trip cancellation isn’t incorporated. I do not think it is a deal breaker since trip cancellation is extremely specific and difficult to assert, but when it’s vital to you, you might want to think about a different card for the travel cover needs.

You get one free extra American Express Gold Rewards card is a nice touch since families can definitely improve their earnings potential.

An important factor to notice, and it is the greatest knock against American Express is that it isn’t recognized in all merchants. To tell the truth, more retailers aren’t accepting American stock exchange nowadays, andso I use this card as a quick way to earn points.

How does American Express Memberships Rewards work?

To claim 1 $ in travel, you’ll need 100 American Express Membership Rewards points, which means using the American Express Gold Rewards card, you’re earning 2% in points when paying for grocery, gas, pharmacy, and travel. Other purchases enable you to get 1% in points.

This isn’t bad, but it’s truly the additional features of Membership Rewards which should appeal to you.

Together with your points, you are able to transfer these to Aeroplan or British Airways Avios in a 1:1 ratio. Additionally, Amex occassionally runs promotions where should you transfer 20,000 points, you receive another 5,000 points free of charge making your ratio 1:1.25

Other air travel programs where one can transfer your points include Alitalia MilleMiglia,Asia Miles,Delta SkyMiles, and Etihad Guest, however your transfer ratio 1:.75

If you like to transfer points to hotels, you will get exchange your Membership Rewards points to Marriott Bonvoy in a 1:1.2 ratio in order to Hilton Honors in a 1:1.

Claiming points for travel is simple, however, you must  make your reservation with the American Express TripFlex Program. This particular service doesn’t have the lovliest interface, but you can book any travel you’ll need. What’s nice is you can make use of your points to cover charges and taxes soit’s possible to have no out of pocket expenses..

In addition, there’s the Fixed Points Travel Program which could offer the best value, usually, you’ll have more from your points should you transfer these to air travel partners making your booking through their particular programs.

How the Amex Gold Rewards card compares to others

The very best card tcompare the Amex Gold Rewards cardmay be the BMO World Elite Mastercard. Using the BMO card, you get 3 points per $1 allocated to travel purchases, however, you need 140 points claim 1$ in travel making your return 2.1% on travel purchases. Other purchases enable you to get 2 points per $1 spent or perhaps a 1.4% return.

When searching in the base earn, theBMO World Elite Mastercard is comparable and annual airport terminal lounge passes, but you’ve got no transfer partners with BMO.  Amex Gold Rewards tend to be worth more because you can transfer your suggests airlines and hotels.

Both cards made my list of the very best travel charge cards in Canada, so it’s a real personal selection of which card you decide to go with given that they have similar features.

Final word

Overall my American Express Gold Rewards card review is positive. The Amex Membership Rewards program offers full flexibility since you can transfer to various loyalty programs. Also keep in mind that with Membership Rewards, you can combine your points if you have other Amex cards by calling customer service.

American Express Business Gold Card Review

The American Express Business Gold card is among the best travel charge cards in Canada, but frequently  get overlooked because it’s a card. What many people don’t realize is you don’t need to have a business to apply. Sure, it’ll ask your company information, but fill in anything you like.

Why would you need to obtain a card should you not possess a business? For that signup points obviously! You’ll get 40,000 Membership Rewards points with a referral link whenever you spend $5,000 within the first three months of card membership. This perk alone is sufficient to make my American Express Business Gold card review positive, but keep studying in my ideas on why this card is really a champion.

American Express Business Gold card benefits

  • $250 Annual fee
  • 40,000 signup points (with a referral) after charging $5,000 in purchases
  • Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all purchases
  • Earn 1 additional point per $1 spent at three selected suppliers
  • 55 interest free days
  • Employee card misuse protection
  • Disability plan for small business
  • Some travel insurance included (no emergency medical)

What ought to be noted immediately is  that the annual fee of $250 isn’t waived forthe first year. Many people hate having to pay that yearly fee, however i think it’s worthwhile considering the number of points you’re getting.

Usually, you receive 30,000 points whenever you join this card, but with my referral link, that jumps as much as 40,000 points. To obtain individuals points, you have to spend $5,000 within the first three months.

40,000 points count $400 in travel credits, however if you simply transfer to Aeroplan in a 1:1 basis, they may be worth a lot more.

From the consumer perspective, the American Express Business Gold Rewards card isn’t that appealing. You get 1 point per $1 allocated to all purchases. There is also 1 additional point per $1 spent at 3 suppliers of your like . If you are an individual user then Best To Buy, Petro-Canada, Lowes, and Plastiq may suit your needs, however this card is targeting business users and that’s why you’re most likely seeing some obscure suppliers out there.

This card also protects companies by providing worker card misuse protection along with a disability arrange for small companies. However, the travel cover incorporated isn’t as comprehensive when compared with the Gold Rewards Card.

How do Amex rewards work?

American Express Membership Rewards includes a few different quirks in it which makes it one of the better rewards programs around. At its core,100 Membership Rewards points let you claim 1$out of travel rewards which effectively makes your points worth 1% or 2% for that selected supplier groups.

To say your travel rewards, you need to book using the Amex Portal online or call in by having an agent book the travel and redeem the points for you.

What make Membership Rewards points so valuable will be the transfer partners. You’ll be able to transfer to Aeroplan or Avios with a  1:1 ratio.

Remember individuals 40,000 bonuses you have ? Well, in the event you converted those to Aeroplan, you’d have 40,000 Aeroplan points. A 25,000 Aeroplan claim a free of charge flight to around the continental US or Canada which easily features a price of $600.

You may even transfer your points to Starwood with a 2:1 ratio. In the event you weren’t aware, you are able to transfer SPG to Marriott with a 1:3 ratio, basically, 2 Membership Rewards points is the same as 3 Marriott Rewards points.

How it compares to other cards

The best card to compare the American Express Gold Card could be the American Express Platinum Card. Have similar features, nevertheless the Platinum card gives you 3 points per $1 utilized on restaurants, 2 points per $1 utilized on visit, and 1 point per $1 allotted as well as other purchases. Additionally, these come in better travel benefits including holiday insurance and lounge access.

If you’re a genuine company owner, you need to consider the supplier list provided with the Gold Card and uncover if you’d get value there. If you don’t spend a good deal on individuals suppliers, you’re probably best just acquiring the Platinum Card.

That being stated, if you’re looking to acquire this card just for the signup bonus, then clearly it’s useful. The very first year is supplied free of charge, and just ranks one of the best travel cards in Canada.

Final thoughts

My American Express Business Gold Canada review is positive. The signup bonus, multipliers, and referrals make this among the best charge card deals available. Even though the multipliers aren’t that impressive if you are a normal consumer, business users may like what this card provides?Use my referral link now to obtain your 40,000 points welcome bonus.

American Express Business Platinum Canada Review

The American Express Business Platinum card has got the largest signup bonus available because you get 75,000 American Express Membership Rewards points whenever you spend $7,000 within the first three months. I’ll get into more detail below, but 75,000 points are really valuable because you can transfer for them to numerous partners for example Aeroplan and SPG/Marriott.

Even though this is a business card, American Express has approved individual consumers for that card so don’t allow the “business” aspect stop you from trying to get the credit card. If you are searching to earn points fast, the American Express Business Platinum card may be the first card you should choose because you can eventually earn enough to redeem a company class around-the-world trip. Points aside, the extra benefits incorporated using the card are incredible and that’s why my American Express Business Platinum Canada review is positive. Keep studying for detailed information.

American Express Business Platinum Canada Review

American Express business platinum benefits

  • 75,000 Membership Rewards points signup bonus
  • Earn 1.25 Membership Rewards points for every $1 spent
  • Unlimited airport lounge access with Priority Pass
  • Emergency Medical, Flight Delay / Cancellation, Lost / Delayed Luggage Insurance
  • 55 interest-free days
  • Employee Card Misuse Protection
  • Disability Plan for Small Business
  • $499 annual fee

Let’s check out this from the points perspective first. As pointed out, the 75,000 Membership Rewards points signup bonus when utilizing a referral link is the most you’ll get with with any credit card, but it’s important to charge $7,000 within the first 3 months to obtain points. The standard offers are 40,000 points with a $5,000 spend within the 3 months, so it’s quite the main difference.

Presuming you may make that spend, you’ll instantly get $750 in American Express Membership Rewards points which offsets the $499 fee. Admittedly, you’re only ahead by $251, but this is where the transfer partners come up.

You can transfer your points to Aeroplan in a 1:1 ratio. 75,000 Aeroplan points are sufficient for 3 return flights to LA from Toronto which worth $1,500 – $1,800.

An alternative choice together with your MR points would be to transfer these to Marriott in a 1,000:1,200 ratio. Which means the 60,000 Membership Rewards points signup bonus is equivalent to 72,000 Marriott Rewards points. Theses points are easily worth $1,000  in hotel stays.

The 1.25% Membership Rewards points earned per $1 spent is comparable to other business card . There is also limitless airport terminal lounge access that will attract frequent vacationers.

The business benefits

To date within my American Express Business Platinum Canada review, I’ve centered on points, but the choice to have this card for most people will truly come towards the business benefits.

As this is a charge card, there isn’t any limit. Additionally, you receive as much as 55 interest-free days which supports you manage your money flow while you concentrate on your company. That being stated, if you are late with payments, you’re paying at rate of 30%

Employee card misuse protection will make sure that you aren’t responsible for just about any qualified unauthorized transactions whenever you terminate any extra cardholders and cancel their cards within 2 working days. Coverage can reach to $100,000 to give you some reassurance.

The disability plan for small business is a fairly bonus since it’ll provide you with as much as $10,000 in benefits should you become permanently or totally disabled as a result of an accidental injuries. This amount increases to $25,000 after getting the credit card for 2 years and $50,000 for 5 years card membership. Note that you ought to have your personal disability insurance plan because this amount is virtually pennies when compared with what your lengthy-term disability expenses might be.

How does it compare to the American Express Platinum benefits?

The American Express Platinum and the American Express Business Platinum Canada offer a similar experience, but there a couple of subtle variations.

The earn rate around the Personal Platinum card is 3 points per $1 allocated to dining, 2 points per $1 allocated to travel, and 1 point per $1 allocated to other purchases. As you can tell, the private card earns you more points on dining and travel, however, if the most of your expenses don’t fall under individuals groups, the Platinum Card would enable you to get more points.

The private platinum card posses an annual travel credit of $200, it includes a greater annual fee of $699. The company platinum card has a 75,000 sign-up bonus when utilizing a referral instead of 60,000 using the personal platinum. To obtain the business bonus, you need to spend $7,000 within the first three months when compared with $5,000 using the personal platinum.

The American Express Business Platinum Canada also offers less hotel status upgrades when compared to American Express Platinum card

Final word

My American Express Business Platinum Canada review is positive. If you are searching to earn points fast, then there isn’t any other credit card available on the market that provides you this type of generous sign-up bonus. 75,000 points is definitely an insane amount! Yes, you have to spend $7,000 within the first three several weeks to obtain that bonus, the quantity of points you receive makes it worth while