Rewards Cards

It was all about practicality when I applied for my first rewards credit card and started using it to earn free groceries. After a while I “graduated” to a cash-back credit card, which paid a higher percentage back on grocery and gas spending. I liked the simplicity of funnelling my spending onto one no-fee cash…

When I reviewed the best credit cards in Canada a few months ago I touched on the fact that I took advantage of several sign-up bonuses in order to boost my rewards. I found that the best card issuer for these types of bonuses – hands down – is American Express. What I look for is…

I wasn’t always good with money. Back in college, I violated just about every personal finance rule you could imagine. My biggest offense was misusing credit cards. I racked up over $5,000 in credit card debt between my junior and senior year; making brilliant decisions such as bringing my credit card to the bar, taking…

I’ve spent several years reviewing credit cards and trying to determine which card is best. What I’ve learned is that when it comes to finding the best credit cards in Canada there’s no one-size fits all answer. That’s because the card that suits you best is uniquely determined by how much you spend, in which categories you…

As the competition for travel rewards heats up one recurring problem for the Aeroplan rewards program is that its members are on the hook to pay for any fees, taxes, and fuel surcharges when they redeem their points for travel. Other travel rewards programs, such as RBC’s Avion, TD’s First Class, and CIBC’s Aventura, allow…

Scanning the weekly flyers and clipping coupons is a great Canadian tradition but – like the landline telephone, VCRs, and analog TV – coupons and flyers are on their way out. Retailers are moving their loyalty programs online and developing smart phone applications to get more personal with their offers. Rapid advances in technology, coupled with…

Canadians have a myriad of options when it comes to choosing the right credit card for their spending needs. Rewards credit cards are increasingly popular as consumers look for ways to earn travel points or cash back on their everyday purchases. Readers often ask me which credit card is best. The answer is that it…

It’s amazing how we can always find joy in the smallest of things. Like when I lingered too long at a downtown coffee shop last week and expected to find a parking ticket – but to my surprise a Good Samaritan had plugged the meter for me before time expired. Or the time we went…

I’ve been a fan of cash back rewards for many years, and here’s why: With cash back, you’ll know exactly how much your points are worth, plus redeeming your rewards is easy. Most cash back credit cards offer you the choice of a statement credit or a cheque in the mail, giving you full control…