Canadian Travel Hacking

Blog

  • Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card: 61,000 points (was 50,000 points), Free Anniversary Night

    Some credit cards I like to keep in my wallet and this is one of them.

    American Express has released a new credit card to show the new rewards program (Marriott Bonvoy). Their personal card has an offer for 61,000 points if you spend $3,000 the first 3 months of the card. It has an annual fee of $120.

    One of the main reasons I like this card is not for the points I earn for spending on it (unless I am at a Marriott), it is for the free Anniversary night. Which rebates the annual fee for me ($120 per year).

    Marriott Bonvoy American Express Canada Personal card

    Each year, 8-10 weeks after your annual reset date, you will earn an Annual Free Night Award redeemable within 1 year from issuing for an available single or double occupancy standard room at participating Marriott BonvoyTM properties with a room rate of up to 35,000 points, inclusive of room rate and applicable taxes but exclusive of resort fee.

    Some great properties that currently cost 35,000 points include:

    The Westin Snowmass
    Sheraton Kauai Resort
    Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas
    AC Hotel New York Times Square
    The St. Regis Bangkok
    Westin Punta Cana
    Westin Puerto Vallarta
    Renaissance Aruba Resort

    Some of these properties cost up to $350 USD + per night – so this is a great deal when the card costs only $120 Canadian per year.

    Sheraton Kauai Resort pool area

    To qualify for the 61,000 Welcome Bonus points you must have at least $3,000 in net purchases posted to your account on or before your three month anniversary date. Funds advances, interest, balance transfers, Amex cheques, annual fees (if applicable), other fees, and charges for travellers cheques and foreign currencies are not purchases and do not qualify for eligible purchases.

    Please allow up to 8 weeks after earning your points for your account to be updated. If you have already applied for Marriott Bonvoy™ American Express® Card without using this recommendation, you will not be eligible for the bonus points.

  • TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Offer – 30000 Aeroplan Miles + FYF (Ends June 2, 2019)

    Apply online by June 2, 2019 to get a full Annual Fee Rebate for the Primary Cardholder for the first year and up to 30,000 Aeroplan Miles (that’s equivalent to 2 short- haul roundtrip flight rewards) as follows:

    • Welcome Bonus of 15,000 Aeroplan Miles when you make your first Purchase with your Card. 
    • 15,000 Aeroplan Miles when you spend $1,000 within 90 days of Account opening. 
    Aeroplan Offer

    This card comes with some great Air Canada benefits when redeeming Aeroplan miles.

    With the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card, Air Canada benefits (the complimentary first checked bag, priority check-in and priority boarding) apply whenever the Primary Cardholder travels using an Aeroplan flight reward, only, on a flight operated by Air Canada, Air Canada rouge or under the Air Canada express banner. Flights operated by other airlines are not eligible. To access these benefits, the Primary Cardholder must redeem their Aeroplan flight reward (defined as Fixed Mileage Flight RewardsTM or Market Fare Flight RewardsTM) with miles from their Aeroplan account. To access these benefits, the Primary Cardholder must also ensure that the name on the Air Canada flight booking is identical to the name on the Aeroplan account profile of the traveler. Where zonal boarding is available, the priority boarding status will be recognized by a Zone 2 descriptor for the Primary Cardholder and companions travelling on the same reservation checking-in at the same time, which will be displayed on the Air Canada issued boarding pass. Priority check-in may also be extended to companions travelling on the same reservation checking-in at the same time as the Primary Cardholder. To access priority check-in and priority boarding, the Primary Cardholder may be required to show their TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card to the Air Canada agent. Please allow two weeks from receiving your Card for these Air Canada benefits to be activated. The complimentary first checked bag, up to 23kg (50 lb), applies whenever the Primary Cardholder travels using an Aeroplan flight reward, only, on a flight operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge or under the Air Canada express banner. Flights operated by other airlines are not eligible. To access this benefit, the Primary Cardholder must redeem their Aeroplan flight reward (defined as Fixed Mileage Flight Rewards or Market Fare Flight Rewards) with miles from their Aeroplan account. To access this benefit, the Primary Cardholder must also ensure that the name on the Air Canada flight booking is identical to the name on the Aeroplan account profile of the traveler. The complimentary first checked bag applies solely to the Primary Cardholder, and service charges for additional/oversized/overweight baggage may apply.

    The earn rate for the card is great for everyday spending as well.

    Earn 1.5 miles for every $1 spent on eligible grocery, gas, drugstore and aircanada.com purchases (excluding Air Canada Vacation packages) made with the Card (capped annually on the first $80,000 across these categories)
    • Earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases made with the Card

  • Earn 5x Paytm Points when you pay your credit cards (Ends March 11, 2019)

    Between now until March 11th, get 5000 Paytm points (worth $5) if you pay $1000 of credit card bills through Paytm.

    Paytm lets you pay utility bills with Mastercards with no fee and 3% with Amex. You can pay credit card bills either with a bank account or via “Paytm Cash”, which you can load via debit card. 

    Collect Paytm Points faster and redeem them for FREE or discounted e-gift cards from popular brands like Starbucks, Uber Eats, IKEA, Indigo, Sephora, and many more. Don’t put off paying those holiday bills for one more minute! Read the full Terms & Conditions for this promotion here.

    If you don’t already have an account, use my PTM7399557 (I appreciate it). 

    *Maximum of 5,000 Paytm Points will be credited.

  • Making A Success Of A Singapore Jaunt

    Singapore is a financial centre and transit hub for much of South Asia, but recent years have seen it transform into a tourism hotspot in its own right. According to figures reported in the Straits Times, 17.4 million visit every year, with over 80,000 of those being from Canadians who enjoy the air mile benefits of a long journey. As a melting pot of Asian cultures, modern excesses, and a huge amount of commonwealth history shared by Canada, Singapore may well be your next travel destination.

    Here’s how to make your trip a success.

    Covering the basics

    As with all trips, you need to cover your insurance and money before you head out to Singapore. When it comes to the level of care available, you’re in good hands – according to the Legatum Institute, Singapore has the second best healthcare in the world. With this level of care comes significant cost, however, so ensure that your policy has sufficient terms to properly protect your trip. Credit cards are widely accepted, but may attract high exchange fees. The Canadian and Singaporean dollar have been roughly equal in price for a while now, however, so you can enjoy similar levels of purchasing power. For those preferring not to use cash, digital banks like Monzo are widely accepted, as are pre-loaded travel cards. When it comes to saving cash, stay away from restaurants and hit the hawker markets – the food will likely be better quality, too.

    Travel arrangements and local customs

    Canadians are fortunate, as there is a travel agreement in place with Singapore. As a result, the Government of Canada travel board advise no visa is necessary for trips up to 30 days. You will need to check with local immigration to extend your trip longer than the initial period.

    Canadians enjoy a reputation as respectful and good travellers, but be aware of local customs. It pays to read up on the law, as Singapore have a number of restrictions on acts that are commonplace in Canada. One famous example concerns chewing gum, which remains banned for any purpose other than medical uses. Drunken and disorderly conduct is punished with little tolerance, and there is a risk of the cane. It’s also illegal to bring e-cigarettes into the country, according to the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office – don’t get caught out, and check all of the rules.

    Enjoying the cultures

    Singapore is ethnically Chinese, Malay and Indian, with various other cultures also calling the island home. Up to 10 religions are present, according to Work Singapore, and the region has had a complex and long history involving Malaysia and the British Empire. As a result, there is a huge variety and depth of culture to be experienced. What’s more, as members of The Commonwealth, Canada and Singapore enjoy common links reaching back centuries. As a result, there are opportunities to learn about shared culture, such as at the Kranji War Memorial. Given the high level of water in and around the city, it might be worth taking a boat tour – you can reach many of the best cultural sights – like Marina Bay Sands and Gardens By The Bay – from a comfortable position.

    Singapore is a wonderful tourism hotspot, and the flight alone will net you many air miles. However, with some unique laws in place and costly healthcare, it pays to be prepared. Make your preparations and enjoy what will be an excellent trip.

  • Air Canada Completes Acquisition of Aeroplan Loyalty Business

    Air Canada announced today the successful closing of its purchase of Aimia Canada Inc., owner and operator of the Aeroplan loyalty business, from Aimia Inc. Air Canada also confirmed that Aeroplan Members’ Miles will be honoured on a one-to-one basis in Air Canada’s new loyalty program when it launches next year, in 2020.

    • Customers can continue to earn and redeem Aeroplan Miles with confidence
    • Altitude Status and privileges remain unchanged for customers
    • Credit card loyalty program and network agreements finalized with TD, CIBC and Visa Canada for future participation in Air Canada’s loyalty program
    • Agreement in principle entered into with American Express for its continued participation in Air Canada’s loyalty program post 2020.

    Here is a link to the press release.

  • Earn 5x Paytm Points when you pay your credit cards on Paytm

    Starting January 8th until February 8th, you can earn 5x Bonus Paytm Points when you pay your credit card bill with the Paytm Canada app.

    5x PayTm

    Here’s how their latest promo works:

    • From January 8th to February 8th every dollar that you pay towards a credit card bill will earn you 5x Paytm Bonus Points.
    • 1 Paytm Point for every $1 spent on a credit card bill payment will be credited instantly, and the 5x Bonus Points* will be credited to your Paytm account on February 15th.
    • For example: a $500 credit card bill payment will earn you 500 Paytm Points instantly, and a *bonus* of 2,500 Paytm Points will be collected into your Paytm account on February 15th.
    • You will earn 5x Bonus Paytm Points on your first $1,000 of credit card bill payments for a maximum of 5,000 bonus Paytm Points.

    Collect Paytm Points faster and redeem them for FREE or discounted e-gift cards from popular brands like Starbucks, Uber Eats, IKEA, Indigo, Sephora, and many more. Don’t put off paying those holiday bills for one more minute! Read the full Terms & Conditions for this promotion here.

    The bottom line is, you have to pay your bills anyway, so why not pay them through the Paytm Canada app, save money and get rewarded while doing so. Help your own bottom line this year. Sound too good to be true? It’s because we are.

    If you don’t already have an account, use my PTM7399557 (I appreciate it). 

    *Maximum of 5,000 Paytm Points will be credited.

  • Dissecting How to Have the Most Awe-Inspiring Canadian Road Trip

    Deep wilderness and stunning views are just two of the many reasons why Canada has made the list of the top 20 places to visit in 2019. Rugged and delightfully awe-inspiring, Canada is the perfect backdrop for any travel lover looking to go on a road trip. With more than enough to see and do and plenty of wide open roads to drive down, the hardest part about a Canadian road trip is figuring out where to go and what to do.

    Photo by James Wheeler from Pexels
    Photo by James Wheeler from Pexels

    What to Know About Road Tripping in Canada

    Before deciding on a route, it’s important to understand the basics of driving in Canada in order to make your trip the easiest and most relaxing possible. To rent a car in Canada, you’ll need a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record and you must be at least 21 years of age. If you’re planning on a really long trip, making comparisons of vehicles to buy might be a more budget-friendly option in the long-run. While there is generally a variety of accommodation in each stop you’ll visit during your Canadian road trip, it can be a good idea to think about hiring an RV for your trip as it can offer up an opportunity to really get the full natural experience. However, for insurance and driving safety purposes it might be easier to opt for a 4×4 or SUV.

    The Cross-Canada Road Trip

    If you’re looking to get the most bang for your road trip buck, you’ll want to plan a trip from Montreal to Vancouver. Driving from Quebec all the way west to British Columbia will have you traversing 4,600 kilometers of varied landscapes. From the history infused French culture of Montreal you’ll be able to move on to Toronto and other stunning sights throughout Ontario. Then, you can head over to Winnipeg and then on to the heart of the Canadian Prairies. Plan a stop in Calgary next, or opt for the more scenic, Instagram-popular Banff. Prepare your cameras for the next leg of the trip as the drive between Calgary and Kelowna is awe-inspiring and will have you exploring the lesser known Okanagan Wine Region. Then, end it all in Vancouver with either relaxing vacation activities or heart-racing outdoor adventures like jogging along the seawall or climbing Grouse Grind.

    Stargazing and Dramatic Coastal Scenery

    If your plan is to really immerse yourself in the abundant nature that Canada has to offer, you might want to plan a trip along the Icefields Parkway in Alberta. Full of waterfalls, jagged mountains and glaciers, this route is great for a three to four day road trip and will take you between Banff and Jasper by way of the Rocky Mountains. You’ll get to experience both Jasper National Park and Banff National Park where you’ll be able to witness some of the most stunning stargazing opportunities in the world and learn about Canadian geology during one of many guided hikes offered in the Saskatchewan glaciers. If you’re looking for a longer road trip route, try the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia, which will take about five days and lead you along the North Atlantic. Hiking trails, moose, and lots of viewpoints welcome you here and make for a great low-energy yet still active trip option.

    Exploring the Wonders of Canada

    Laid-back charm and an abundance of natural wonders await you in every corner of Canada. Planning a road trip is a great way to experience a variety of different locations all around the country while having the freedom to explore where and what you want as you go. Renting or purchasing the right car will help ensure you have a great experience, while remembering to enjoy and take a lot of photos will really make for a memorable trip.

  • Paymi Canada – Earn Money when you Shop – Extra Cash Back!

    I found this great new service (similar to Drop) but backed by CIBC, that once you link your credit card to their service and shop at a certain retailer you can earn extra cashback on top of the existing cash back or points you are getting with your credit card!

    Merchants on Paymi

    You can join Paymi by visiting https://app.paymi.com and beginning the registration process. The first step is to link your credit and/or debit cards through online banking. This will enable Paymi to give you money automatically when you shop with your linked credit and debit cards.

    During the registration process you will be asked to log into your online banking portal using the same card number and password you would with your bank.

    Link your account to Paymi

    When you connect your cards through online banking Paymi will automatically add extra cash back to all of the credit and debit cards attached to your account!

    I saw some amazing offers with some retailers – including Lowes at 30% cash back. Some of the retailers included popular ones like:

    • Metro
    • Winners
    • Lowes – 30%
    • Old Navy
    • Contiki
    • SportChek – 10%!
    • Artizia
    • Winners

    Most of the retailers give 2% cash back but this is better than nothing and this is a bonus on top of your existing rewards!

    Note: You will have to collect over $25 cash back to deposit via e-transfer for free to your account.

    Here is a link to register: https://app.paymi.com. 

    Enjoy and let me know if you have any questions.

  • Shell – Get up to 100 AIR MILES Bonus Miles when you participate

    Text the word “SHELL” to phone number 111222 before March 20, 2019. You’ll be asked to provide your 11-digit AIR MILES Card Number.

    The offer will be loaded onto your AIR MILES Card and ready to use for a 10 week period. Your specific promotion dates will be sent to you via text.

    Once you get that text simply use your AIR MILES card when you fill up with at least 25L of fuel and get 10 Bonus Miles every time – up to 100!

    Offer can be used in store or at the pump.

  • Earn $500 bonus when you open a new TD All Inclusive Banking Plan (Greater Vancouver Area)

    Open a new TD All Inclusive Banking Plan by January 31, 2019.
    Get your TD All Inclusive Banking Plan working for you by completing any two of the following with your new account:

    Recurring Direct Deposit

    Set up a recurring Direct Deposit from your employer, pension provider or the government, with the first deposit posted before March 15, 2019.

    Online Bill Payment

    Make an Online Bill Payment through EasyWeb or the TD app3, minimum $50 before March 15, 2019;

    Recurring Pre-Authorized Debit

    Set up a recurring Pre-Authorized Debit, minimum $50, with the first pre-authorized debit posted before March 15, 20192.

    Eligibility:

    • For residents of: Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Port Moody, Richmond, Delta, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Surrey, White Rock, Langley and Langley Township

    • Not currently a TD Bank customer

    • Have not had an active account after Nov 26 2017

    • Have not received a Chequing Welcome bonus in 2015, 2016, 2017

    Requirements

    • Open a TD All-Inclusive Banking Plan between November 26, 2018 and January 31, 2019, can be done online with no in-branch visit

    • Do 2 of the following 3 before Mar 15 – direct deposit from employer/pension for any amount, make bill payment of $50+ from TD Online Banking, set up recurring pre-auth debit of $50

    • Pay $29.95/mo fee, or no fee with $5000 balance

    • To see full legal terms, go to this page and scroll to “Legal” at bottom

    Total Return

    • $500 cash after completing requirements

    • If you do not store $5000 to waive monthly fee ($29.95), total cash is $500 minus the number of months the fee is applicable