Top 7 Best Cards in Canada

[@lauriedavis7471]

Success story here. About a year ago I took Ricky’s advice and got the Cobalt. Today I write this post from Munich, Germany. I transferred my cobalt to Air Canada, and my Marriott points. 73,000 points in total and I flew to Zurich for $163 (fees) and am flying back from Paris for a bit less in fees!! My costs were just under $300. And my reward wasn’t just flying on points. I took a train and I got to see Taylor Swift in concert in Munich!!!!!!!

[@nataliechen5281]

Assuming you used Cobalt for eats & drinks category (this is the highest multiplier at 5x), you spent $1,460,000 to obtain those 73,000 points?

[@TheWhite117]

@@nataliechen5281 Nathalie, middle school must have been really hard for you. 5x points as in 5 pts/$ x 14 600$ = 73 000 pts. Wishing you all the best in lift with your subpar math skills !!

[@JustinRios]

Cobalt is still the best Amex in Canada, better than all their products for Canadians. Unfortunately it's what the Gold's supposed to be. We dont have the amazing benefits like UBER credits that the States have but It's still better than most cards in Canada. Canadian cards are always crippled compared to the States unfortunately.

[@kartikkantheti5690]

Too expensive. It's crazy paying so much annual fee

[@JustinRios]

@@kartikkantheti5690 the annual fee with the American Amex Gold is worth every penny. Unfortunately, ours here in Canada is just worth it. The Cobalt works exactly like their Amex Gold without the monthly Uber credit.

[@5JasonKidd2]

But there r so few stories that accept AE in Canada 😂

[@JustinRios]

@@5JasonKidd2 Depends where you shop. Ive never had a problem here in Toronto. Retail, online orders or restaurants.

[@aselwyn1]

Cobalt's 5X points is still the best even for US cards for groceries

[@phyllis2866]

amex cobalt is my best all around card i use on a daily basis!

[@Lovethe416CaTeam]

Colbalt is getting rid of the 2x ratio on travel in October of 2024 making it crap as a travel card but great for everyday purchases like groceries and dining.

[@hail9444]

I’d love to see a video from ya’ll on the optimal credit card order/roadmap for collecting bonuses in the Canadian market, while explaining and working around all the rules and cooldown periods (eg. no AMEX bonuses if you’re going down a tier, CIBC 1 year cooldown). I see a few of these videos for the American credit card market, but none for Canada.

[@ticatcrash]

Aeroplan card of your choice + Cobalt for Food and Gas + Rogers World Elite for Costco purchases

[@AW-gj4ji]

Crazy playing this video at 0.75x is more audible than at normal speed.

[@pixelabstract1571]

Probably he has a flight to catch right after this video

[@Pat43489]

I'd have preferred a chart-like comparison comparing fees and rewards ratios. This video sold the cards just like bank workers do.

[@playertwo9895]

Ricky, how can us Canadian cardholders push the card companies to do better? It feels like the Cobalt is the only game in town, and it has only gotten worse over the years. Is the market really so small that no new entrant can do better?

[@amynguyen9360]

very clear and details ... thank you !!

[@FinancialFreedomLifestyle]

Love using points in early retirement to travel the world!

[@jamesnauss]

Crazy to me just how bad credit card offers have gotten. Not to mention the restrictions on aeroplan sign ups. Glad I was earning during the hay days. Been lucky enough to travel around the world sevveral times on points. Just got back from a trip to the Maldives as well as the JW Marriott Masai Mara. All on points. Used tips from this Prince of Travel to do it. Qatar Qsuites were a highlite :)

[@abhijitsingh7408]

Hey folks, Cobalt is defifnitley amazing but with the recent change on travel category from 2x -> 1x, it definitely not as competitive. What are people switching to for their travel card? Collecting MR points is usually the best because you can transfer so much. Is aeroplan branded card worth it getting? Amex platinum or TD Visa infinite privilege?

[@abhijitsingh7408]

Been researching a bit and stuck between Amex Platinum and TD Aeroplan Visa Infiite. I like that TD has 1.5 on travel and groceries and 2x on Air Canada but I spend about 50/50 on AC and non-AC travel but would also love to optimize on grocery spending. Im slightly inclincled towards the TD because Visa is accepted everywhere especially at loblaws, but losing points the points on big travel purchases kinda hurts. What do people think?

[@harmanrai]

I got the TD visa. He did not mention this but this card give you some perks with AC. 1 free luggage for you and anyone on your booking, priority check-in, baggage and boarding.

[@brunes007]

How is Rogers card missing... flat 3% back, and 3.5% foreign currency, with no fees. Near unbeatable.

[@wjleahy5213]

BMO world elite master card is also very strong in relation to travel benefits / insurance

[@AlainDoiron]

For everyday purchases that are NOT in the accelerated categories... If I'm not wrong the Marriott Bonvoy AMEX is the best base earn rate.

[@BenHC]

It's misleading because the 2x is bonvoy points which are worth significantly less per point vs MR. I'd rather 1.25MR vs 2BP.

[@aman888]

HSBC Jade/Metal Mastercard would've killed all these cards if HSBC was still around.

[@bilaln47]

Maybe thats wht its not around. It killed itself

[@DanielMoralesD]

Hmmm did you miss the Scotiabank passport visa infinite with 6 free lounge passes worldwide and no foreign exchange fee or I just missed it somehow?

[@Kevin_Cohen]

It’s definitely on the list for travel related. But as an overall card has nothing special :)

[@DanielMoralesD]

@@Kevin_Cohen thanks for the feedback. I respectfully disagree ! I think there's a lot of value on not paying foreign exchange fees and that the lounge access provide by the card despite been few are not restricted to premium plaza in Canadian airports like the Amex gold.

[@modernpirate]

Nope, Kevin was right. This card is nothing special.

[@Kevin_Cohen]

@@DanielMoralesD I’m speaking from experience man, I got 11 credit cards and both Amex gold Scotia and had passport visa. The passport wasn’t worth keeping past first year unless retention offer, so I shifted to Scotia Amex gold for churning purposes as I already have cobalt.

[@Jayflydrones]

Because you cant bet more value than 1cpp. No transfer partner, no status

[@SchemberBrandsrud]

you’re literally my comfort person i love you kislux !

[@dazone]

Amex platinum is definately not worth it in Canada. the Canadian Amex platinum benefits are very mediocre compared to the US counterpart. Their travel insurance covers only the first 15 days of travel :/

[@seizetheday5446]

Ditched it for the 2nd time in 5 years. If you aren’t doing a lot of travel, it’s not worth it. Not at $900 annually.

[@jeremythebeer8609]

Wife runs the Cobalt Amex and she made me get the TD Visa Infinite Privilege... Just because the Prince of Travel said so... I now watch my Aeroplan points grow.

[@PrinceofTravel]

Don't forget that you also get 6x lounge passes to use also :)

[@alig8908]

Hey What is the conversion rate for AMEX MR to Aeroplan points? is it 1 to 1? Also what do think about TD Rewards? can these be converted into Aeroplan points too? Thanks for your response.

[@PrinceofTravel]

AMEX MR convert 1:1 to Aeroplan. TD Rewards are a good way to pay for things like non-chain hotels. No, TD Rewards cannot be converted to any other program. We have guides for all of the above mentioned programs on our website: princeoftravel.com/points-programs/

[@brandontrotman5864]

Maple leaf lounges (domestic) in Canada are nothing to write home about...

[@care2000]

What about the Amex Business Platinum? How would that stack up against the regular Platinum?

[@PrinceofTravel]

The perks of the Business Platinum (status and lounge access) are largely the same, with different multipliers on spending (1.25x everywhere with Business Platinum) and different credits (Dell vs. restaurants).

[@jkim-pz5oo]

Amex Cobalt, RBC ion plus with an avion card for transfers, 2 marriott amex cards and MAYBE a platinum card if you can make it work.

[@dougpatterson7494]

The Ion + and Avion Card with RBC is a good combination. I also have the no annual fee Amex Simplycash cash card and a Mastercard to use at Costco. Maybe I’ll up my points game with Amex but, at this time, the no-fee cashback makes more sense than a card with monthly fee.

[@Davidd419]

Everyone always mentions the TD & American Express premium card but not the CIBC one which is better because of the connection to Journie rewards which has many benefits and offers for those who use the CIBC Aeroplan card to pay for things inside the depanneur + a stackable gas discount when paying for gas. Sure the TD one has a better one time welcome bonus but the CIBC one gives you a partial annual fee refund too which the TD one does not offer. Overall the CIBC Aeroplan privilege card is the best long term keeper premium card

[@Davidd419]

- CIBC Aeroplan privilege (for EDQ if you only usually go for 25K for 4 lounge passes + Avis president + Journie Rewards / Gas discount, travel purchases can redeem points for all flights that don't have 100% + accruel bonuses) - Scotiabank Passport (for 6 additional lounge passes, free secondary card + foreign non USD grocery, uber, food, entertainment purchases & Scene related purchases in Canada. Save SCENE points to redeem against all Uber purchases) - Scotiabank AMX regular or gold (for Scene related stuff & AMX offers - American Express Marriott card (business or personal for AMX offers & the yearly discounted 35000 point certificate) - Rogers WE Mastercard (for BOINGO, AIR MILES linked offers + all USD purchases, paying & redeeming against Rogers phone bill, 5 free daily cellphone use passes a year outside of Canada, USA & Mex + Carribean if you have that phone plan. TD Infinite Visa Cashback or BMO WE MC cashback or Canadian Tire WE MC if you need a card with include road side assist either of these would combine with the above cards. All this above is probably the best average person minimal effort longer term keeper combo.

[@PrinceofTravel]

You are spot on with the CIBC card here. The reason we gave the TD Aeroplan VI the slight edge was due to the Nexus Credit, which is more relevant to many travellers. But we could go with your case also if our angle is more towards what you described

[@harmanrai]

TD also offers a annual discount if you have the all inclusive chequing account.

[@redmanstiller]

The AMEX Cobalt would’ve been so perfect for me, but I do my groceries at Fortinos and they don’t accept AMEX, neither does Costco😢

[@PrinceofTravel]

Then you will have to decide if it is worth it for you to switch grocery chain. Costco isn't all that cheap to be honest

[@Shivanshu-x9w]

How do you partially pay from a credit card especially on online flight tickets??

[@PrinceofTravel]

You mean using points award flights? There is always a tax or surcharge that needs to be paid by cash. That is where you can paid your flight partially with credit cards ~Cris

[@BShivanshu]

@@PrinceofTravel Ah I see ! Thank you!

[@sqgallacher]

Yes amex cobalt is #1

[@pavlosemeniuk]

If I get the basic Amex, do I qualify for the welcome bonus point if later I decide to get a Platinum Amex?

[@PrinceofTravel]

Yes. American Express sign-up offer eligibility in Canada in based on if you have held the specific card before. In the US, however, they have instituted “family language” to be aware of.

[@0AKHILESH0]

175k+ points using my cobalt...no sure how to maximize and spend them yet.

[@PrinceofTravel]

Start here: princeoftravel.com/points-programs/american-express-membership-rewards/

[@treepazr4270]

Who still acceptsAmerican Express?

[@helloadventureworld]

isnt cobalt changing the policy sometime in Oct this year to not have 2x for travel and transportation?

[@PrinceofTravel]

Just the travel part getting reduced to 1x ~Cris

[@changchengxue4008]

Problem: A lot of restrurants using squre or clove, they do not charge on credit as restrurants. I lost quite some cash back/points due ti shis reason.

[@PrinceofTravel]

Then perhaps you may want to change the restaurant you want to visit 🍲

[@sylvainh2o]

@@PrinceofTravel I use Rogers Mastercard World Elite. As a Fido-Rogers user i get 3% cash back on all purchases no limitations, no categories when redeemed.

[@11akshayv]

How do i register / use the gold status on hilton and bonvoy if i have the amex plat?

[@PrinceofTravel]

Call American Express or message them with the chat feature.

[@pw5391]

Hi what about the Scotiabank travel visa that collect scene points can use for Expedia travel? Thanks

[@PrinceofTravel]

Absolutely every form of travel expense are eligible for scene+ points to redeem

[@380lolz]

If i purchase my tickets with the AMEX reserve card, do i still get the insurance from my VISA infinite privilege card?

[@Lovethe416CaTeam]

No.

[@marcelmed4574]

Amex cobalt may be the workhorse however Amex from my experience is not widely accepted. This should be a primary concern, there is limited value in a card that is difficult to use.

[@majinraptor]

Not sure where you live but here in Vancouver it is widely accepted.

[@marcelmed4574]

@@majinraptor Ottawa, most grocery stores do not accept Amex. Walmart yes. Most restaurants do not.

[@blueskyflips]

@@marcelmed4574 But Save on foods/Safeway is probably $20 more than Superstore each grocery shop, so does this make sense to switch stores to use cobalt?

[@scottermax]

Is Costco considered grocery / food when it comes to eating 5x points?

[@cranehero11]

Costco only accepts MasterCard, so Amex cobalt cant be used regardless.

[@bosco9712]

Can you get the BONVOY business card in Canada ?

[@cysong88161]

yes but its not special. same as regular bonvoy.

[@jonathangot]

Reserve, not reserved.

[@adamowen6226]

Cobalt is not as great as before

[@taeyeung007]

but theres not many places that take amex in Toronto =/

[@lauriedavis7471]

I buy gift cards at 7-11 and spend them at Walmart, gas stations etc. you get 5 points for each $ spent at 7-11.

[@taeyeung007]

@@lauriedavis7471 would it be the same if i were to use the cobalt to buy visa gift cards then spend the visa GCs at restos and stuff like that

[@lauriedavis7471]

@@taeyeung007 sure, just remember to activate the prepaid visa or mc and it also has a $2-5 fee to use but ai use the mc one for Costco bc I need to.

[@marcelmed4574]

@@lauriedavis7471 not sure why, $2 cans of pop and $1 chocolate bars. What’s the point.

[@lauriedavis7471]

@@marcelmed4574 i purchase $200 in Mobil/Esso gas gift cards. My truck is over 100 litres to fill up. So, it works out for me really well. The 200 dollars turns into a 1000 points, when 7-11 makes each dollar 5 reward pints. I buy gas 2-3 a month.

[@yuanzhao8851]

Cash is the best; Chinese restaurants give you a 10% discount if you pay cash. D. Better than any credit card

[@mathieulegault2935]

If you transfer Amex points gained on the Cobalt to Aeroplan and book a business class flight at a value of 0.05 $ / point, you get the equivalent of 25 % cash back on your restaurant expenses ...

[@Trpppleeeoggeeee]

😂

[@yrv378]

What's the casino style "plink" noise? Super annoying

[@HDCanadianTrainVideos]

Anyone who actually thinks Amex is the best CANADIAN card is in denial or something. Its only good outside of Canada really, as not nearly as many merchants take Amex cards here. There are FAR better card brands out there.

[@NS-cw8gi]

I am sorry have to correct you, recently went for a road trip from Ontario, quebec,Nova scotia,pei and New Foundland...every where amex was accepted...I made kost out of my points...the places I went were normal food places and shops...

[@mathieulegault2935]

I live in Montreal and can easily put more than 95 % of my expenses on Amex

[@MStar10]

Like what cards are better than?

[@majinraptor]

You must live in a small town because Amex is accepted nearly everywhere here in Vancouver. And the Cobalt is easily the best card available right now.

[@psp785]

Aeroplan is trash go on Air Canada and you put aeroplan in the price is so much higher then it would be just paying for it. If you account for the points you're spending

[@PrinceofTravel]

The Aeroplan program can offer incredible value once you get the hang of it: princeoftravel.com/points-programs/aeroplan/

[@jeremythebeer8609]

I had the same experience when trying to book for Spain. I couldn't understand what was going on, so I paid cash... I have lots of points now, so I'll try and figure it out for our next trip.

[@PrinceofTravel]

Ya it's really more arts than science. The longer you are exposed to this industry, the more skills you accumulate to book flights with points. Remember, points system is meant to be convoluted by design. Imagine if it's so easy, then airlines will never be able to see cash tickets, everybody will just be flying business for free. So hang in there with the steep learning curve at the beginning. We have all been there :) Good luck

[@AbztractPictures]

No RBC cards mentioned? More flexible and no blackout dates compared to Aeroplan. Also points don’t expire.

[@aselwyn1]

garbage earn rates. Aeroplan doesnt have blackout dates and points ya expire after over a year of no activity but won't if you have a Aeroplan card your using same as the Avion expiry

[@AbztractPictures]

@@aselwyn1 I agree with you on that but how about having a trifecta of Amex and RBC to accelerate points like this: Amex Cobalt (Main Card where Amex Is accepted) RBC Avion Infinite Visa RBC ION+ (Paired with the Avion Infinite, you now can get 3x the points in categories similar to the cobalt. You would use this card where amex isn’t accepted and transfer the premium points gained from the ION+ and transfer them to elite points.)

[@PrinceofTravel]

Excellent strategy.

[@Trpppleeeoggeeee]

Its pretty obvious you’re getting paid by AMEX

[@titanlobster980]

Amex has the best credit card options so what’s wrong with what he said

[@majinraptor]

Amex is the best card by far. I've had a cobalt card for 6 years and now nearly all my friends have gotten Cobalt cards as well. It's soo good.

[@Alrightman66]

2nd

[@pranavkumar1818]

1st?

[@VirtousStoic]

❤i beg you @ricky @princeoftravel❤plz bring back the card welcome offer history graph. That was what literally made you better than pointsguy and the others in canada/us in your space I am starting to wish u never changed your site. Because articles arent in google anymore. Your seo got ruined. And articles i used to quickly google and give to friends dont come up So brother you reduced the number of new viewers to your site from word of mouth Now i know this the cost of any change I just hope you fix all that soon😢