Canadian Travel Hacking

Category: Point and Mile Bonuses

  • Coast Capital Credit: Earn $300 bonus – $50 referral bonus (BC Only)

    The Coast Capital Savings Federal Credit Union (the “Credit Union”) New Member Bonus Offer (the “Offer”) of $300 is available between July 1, 2019 and September 30, 2019 to New Members who (i) open a membership with the Credit Union and a Chequing Account (the “Account”) and switch their eligible payroll direct deposit or other recurring direct deposit, or (ii) set up an eligible recurring preauthorized payment of at least $50. The first qualifying payroll direct deposit or other recurring direct deposit must be received within 90 days of successfully opening a membership and an Account. The first and second withdrawal taken from the Account for the pre-authorized payment must be successfully withdrawn within 90 days of successfully opening an Account.

    For Joint Memberships and Joint Accounts, only the Primary Member is eligible to receive the Offer. Staffof the Credit Union are not eligible for the Offer. New Members must be ages 18 or older and must be residents of Canada (excludes Quebec) in order to be eligible for the Offer. New members must not have been members with Coast Capital Savings since January 2014. The $300 bonus will be paid within 30 days of eligibility criteria being met. Limit of one $300 bonus per person.

    Payroll direct deposit or other recurring direct deposit conditions
    Deposits categorized under the Canadian Payment Association code as payroll qualify for the Offer. In addition, pension, Employment Insurance, Old Age Security, Canadian Pension Plan, Workers Compensation, Parental Assistance and Income Security Benefit deposits qualify for the Offer.

    Preauthorized bill payment conditions
    This includes preauthorized bill payments or preauthorized loan, mortgage or credit card payments. It does not include transfers into other accounts or into accounts with other financial institutions.

    If you refer a friend to Coast Capital Savings and you’ll both receive $50 (You can earn this $50 referral bonus and $300 new account bonus together). Plus, Coast Capital will donate $50 to the Youth Futures Education Fund.

    If you want to leave your referral in the comments, please go ahead.

    Here is a link to the promotion.

    This ends September 30, 2019.

  • New Aeroplan Changes – Stopovers, Refunds, Around-The-World

    Aeroplan let us know of some recent changes in their program (some good and others not as good)!

    I love to travel using mini-RTW using multiple stopovers but I still think this is a great program.

    Air Canada and Aeroplan are excited to share some changes designed to make the Aeroplan Program more flexible and member friendly. In advance of launching our new, more rewarding loyalty program next year, we’re committed to listening to you and implementing improvements like the ones below. With this in mind, the following changes take effect immediately:

    • Complimentary, full refunds within 24 hours of booking 
      Beginning July 15, 2019, Aeroplan members will be able to cancel and refund Flight Rewards for free within 24 hours of booking. Please note that if a member wishes to cancel a booking that was completed by an agent, the $30 Aeroplan Contact Centre service fee will not be refunded.

    • Option to refund your Flight Reward up to 2 hours before departure 
      Previously, Aeroplan Flight Reward bookings could not be refunded within 21 days of departure. As of July 15, 2019, Aeroplan members can cancel and refund their Flight Reward booking for a fee up until 2 hours prior to the departure time of the first flight in the reservation. This will apply to all bookings, including those made prior to the new policy coming into effect. Rather than keeping cancelled tickets open for future travel, Aeroplan Miles, taxes and fees will be refunded, and members may book new tickets anytime in the future, delivering greater flexibility than before.

    • Reduction of the aeroplan.com Refund Fee 
      As of July 15, 2019, Aeroplan will lower the Refund Fee to $125 for refunds completed via aeroplan.com. The new, lower fee will apply to all bookings, including those made prior to the new policy coming into effect.

      Please note that Aeroplan members with diamond status will continue to enjoy lower fee amounts, and Air Canada Altitude Super Elite 100K members will not be charged the fee, as described below. 

    • New for Air Canada Altitude Super Elite 100K members: Complimentary changes and refunds 
      Beginning July 15, 2019, Air Canada Altitude Super Elite 100K members will no longer be charged a fee when they request a change to their Flight Reward booking. Additionally, these members will also no longer be charged a fee to refund their bookings. These fee waivers will apply to all bookings, including those made prior to the new policy coming into effect. 

    The following changes will take effect on September 1, 2019:

    • Multi-City Flight Reward Bookings 
      Today, depending on their itinerary, Aeroplan members can book Flight Rewards which include up to two stopovers, or one stopover and one open jaw, in addition to the point-of-turnaround. Beginning September 1, 2019, members can continue to make Flight Reward bookings to multiple cities, but will be limited to a maximum of one stopover or one open jaw, in addition to the point-of-turnaround. Please note that, as today, for travel within the same continent (except for travel wholly within North America*), one open jaw is permitted but stopovers are not permitted. 

      * Travel wholly within North America includes:
      • Within Canada and Continental USA
      • Between Canada/Continental USA and Hawaii/Puerto Rico/Mexico/Central America/Caribbean

    • Around the World Flight Rewards 
      Around the World Flight Rewards will be discontinued as of September 1, 2019. Please note that, as today, a stopover in Europe for Flight Rewards between North America and Asia continues to be permitted.

  • RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard – Get 350 WestJet dollars + WestJet Silver Status – Ends July 15, 2019

    I found a great new offer for the RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard.

    If you apply the RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard before July 15, 2019, you can get 350 WestJet dollars welcome bonus and free WestJet Silver status.

    It has an annual fee of $119.

    Your Silver status will be valid up to January 31, 2020.

    Get free Silver status with WestJet for a limited time. Earn additional WestJet dollars, priority check-in, airport lounge vouchers, and more. 

    First checked bag free for primary cardholder on WestJet flights

    Receive an annual round-trip companion voucher that allows you to go anywhere WestJet flies – redeem for your choice of destination:

    • Canada and the Continental US for $99 (plus taxes, fees and charges)
    • Hawaii, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean for $299 (plus taxes, fees and charges)
    • Europe for $399 (plus taxes, fees and charges)

    Here is the link for more information.

    Offer ends July 15, 2019.

  • Aeroplan Bonus – 35% more miles on Marriott Bonvoy hotel point conversion – Ends June 26, 2019

    Starting today until June 26, 2019 Aeroplan Members can earn up to 35% in bonus miles when they convert their Marriott Bonvoy™ loyalty points into Aeroplan Miles.

    Convert Bonvoy to Aeroplan

    Mile earning potential:

    Convert                       Get

    9,000 points =             3,000 Aeroplan Miles

    + 1,050 miles (35% bonus)

    = 4,050 Aeroplan Miles

    Convert                       Get

    30,000 points =           10,000 Aeroplan Miles

    + 3,500 miles (35% bonus)

    = 13,500 Aeroplan Miles

    Convert                       Get

    60,000 points =           20,000 Aeroplan Miles

    + 5,000 bonus miles from Marriott Bonvoy™

    + 8,750 miles (35% bonus)

    = 33,750 Aeroplan Miles

    Convert                       Get

    90,000 points =           30,000 Aeroplan Miles

    + 5,000 bonus miles from Marriott Bonvoy™

    + 12,250 miles (35% bonus)

    = 47,250 Aeroplan Miles

    Convert                       Get

    120,000 points =         40,000 Aeroplan Miles

    + 5,000 bonus miles from Marriott Bonvoy™

    + 5,000 bonus miles from Marriott Bonvoy™

    + 17,500 miles (35% bonus)

    = 67,500 Aeroplan Miles

    For more information and details on how to convert, click here. 

  • HSBC World Elite MasterCard: Earn Up to 60000 points, FYF – Ends June 30, 2019

    Apply by June 30, 2019 to receive a full Annual Fee Rebate for the Primary Cardholder for the first year and up to 60,000 Points (worth $300 in travel rewards) as follows:

    • Welcome Bonus of 20,000 Points, plus
    • Earn 2X on all purchases for the first 3 months up to a maximum earn 40,000 Points
    HSBC World Elite

    With the HSBC World Elite Mastercard you earn 3% in travel rewards on all eligible travel purchases (6 Points per $1) and earn 1.5% in travel rewards on all other eligible purchases (3 Points per $1).

    Some benefits include the following:

  • Status match to Gold or Silver with WestJet Rewards – Ends May 23, 2019

    From now until May 23, send in proof of your top-tier status for Altitude, Aeroplan or VIPorter and get WestJet Rewards Gold or Silver benefits until December 31, 2019.*

    To qualify for Gold status, members must have status in: Altitude 35K, 50K, 75K or 100K or VIPorter Priority.
    Members matched to Gold status with a qualifying spend of $2,900 by December 31, 2019 will retain Gold status until the end of their qualifying year.

    To qualify for Silver status, members must have status in: Altitude 25K, Aeroplan Black or Diamond or VIPorter Passport.
    Members matched to Silver with a qualifying spend of $1,700 by December 31, 2019 will retain Silver status until the end of their qualifying year.

    To qualify, send the following information to [email protected] by May 23, 2019:

    1. Your first and last name.
    2. Your 9-digit WestJet Rewards ID (provided to you upon joining WestJet Rewards). If you’re not already a member you can join now.
    3. A photo or scanned copy of your membership card in Altitude, Aeroplan or VIPorter showing your name, current status and valid dates (status must be valid till at least December 31, 2019).

  • Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Increased Offer – No FX Fees, $300 Bonus Signup

    The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite now has a signup bonus of up to 40,000 Scotia Rewards points. You earn 30,000 Scotia Rewards points after spending $1,000 in the first three months of card membership.

    Earn bonus travel rewards

    The card offers a 10,000 points bonus if you spend $40,000 in a cardmember year and 2,000 points each additional $10,000. This offer ends June 30, 2019.

    This card has an annual fee of $139 – but I would recommend it based on the nice sign-up bonus available and perks mentioned below.

    ScotiaBank Passport Visa Infinite Card

    Some of the nice perks that this premium card has includes:

    • No FX mark-up. Avoid paying a Foreign Currency Conversion mark-up on purchases made outside of Canada (including online).
    • Best Price Guarantee on airfare. Earn a points credit when you find an airfare that is at least $10 less than the airfare you’ve booked. Flights must have the exact same itinerary and be sent within 24 hours of your initial purchase.
    • Complimentary Airport Lounge Access. Enjoy complimentary Priority Pass membership, plus six free visits per year to over 1,000 airport lounges around the world.
    • Price drop protection. File a claim with the Price Protection Service if your recent purchase drops in price within 60 days and receive the price difference up to $100 per item and $500 per calendar year.
    • Purchase insurance. Get extended warranty and insurance coverage to cover theft, loss or damage on most items purchased with your card (for 90 days from purchase date).
    • Travel insurance. Take advantage of comprehensive travel insurance to cover car rental theft or collision, flight cancellations/interruptions, baggage delays or lost luggage, hotel burglaries and other incidentals. This comes on top of $1,000,000 in Travel Emergency Medical Insurance and $500,000 in Travel Accident Insurance.
    • Save on car rentals. Save up to 25% off at participating AVIS car rental locations in Canada and the U.S. and enjoy free upgrades when you pay with your Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card.

  • Open a new TD All-Inclusive Banking Plan by April 30, 2019 – Earn $500

    Earn a $500 cash bonus when you open a new TD All-inclusive account by April 30, 2019.

    • No monthly fee if you have $5,000 at the end of each day
    • No TD Fee at any ATM worldwide2
    • Unlimited transactions3 like withdrawals and debit card purchases
    • Free to send money using Interac e-Transfer®
    • No Annual Fee for the first year for your choice of one of five select TD Credit Cards4
    • With TD Fraud Alerts, suspicious transactions on your TD Access Card can be blocked and unblocked in real time5
    • Free small Safety Deposit Box, personalized cheques, certified cheques and money orders6

    The $500 cash offer is available to Canadian residents that are the age of majority on March 11, 2019, in their province or territory who:

    (a) Receive this targeted offer via e-mail or mail; 
    (b) Open a TD All-Inclusive Banking Plan account by April 30, 2019 (the “New Account”); and 
    (c) Complete any two of the following with the New Account:

    1. Set up a Recurring Direct Deposit from their employer, pension provider or the Government with the first deposit posted to the New Account before June 14, 2019. The Direct Deposit must occur either weekly, biweekly, monthly or twice per month;
    2. Make an Online Bill Payment through EasyWeb or the TD app, minimum $50 before June 14, 2019;
    3. Set up a Recurring Pre-Authorized Debit, minimum $50 with the first pre-authorized debit posted to the New Account before June 14, 2019. The Pre-Authorized Debit must occur either weekly, biweekly, monthly or twice per month.

    Whether or not a Recurring Direct Deposit is acceptable for this offer is subject to our approval.

    The following individuals are not eligible for the $500 cash offer:

    1. Already have a TD chequing account or Youth Account or had either one of these accounts that was closed on or after March 10, 2018; or
    2. Received any chequing account offer from TD in 2016, 2017, 2018; or
    3. Are TD staff members or joint with a TD staff member

  • Great Canadian Rebates – 10% cash back for amazon.ca purchases – Ends March 31, 2019

    Earn 10% Cash Back for purchases in the categories : Home, Apparel, Kitchen, Beauty, Shoes & Accessories, Luggage, Jewelry, Watches and Luxury Beauty. (Until March 31) from Great Canadian Rebates.

    This is one of my favourite cash-back portals in Canada.

    If you don’t already have an account, click on this referral link to register and you will earn an extra $3 in your account.

    Here are some of the terms of the offer:

    You must click from GCR before adding an item to the cart or Wish List.
    You cannot use GCR to pay for an item in the cart if you did not use GCR to add the item to the cart.
    You cannot click on the reorder button. You must use GCR to add the item to the cart
    You cannot use GCR to move an item from the wish list to cart if you did not use GCR to add the item to the wish list. 

  • Air Miles Shops – Mix and Match – Earn up to 300 Bonus Air Miles – Ends March 18, 2019

    When you shop at least 2 different Mix & Match Categories through airmilesshops.ca, you’ll get some Bonus Miles!

    Air Miles Mix and Match promo

    Shop 2 Mix & Match Categories = 50 Air Miles bonus

    Shop 3 Mix & Match Categories = 300 Air Miles bonus.

    Ends March 18, 2019.