How to Choose Travel Rewards Based on Your Lifestyle

If you’re frequently on the go, a travel rewards credit card can offer many perks, including free checked bags, access to airport lounges and travel insurance. But with so many Canadian credit cards available, how do you choose the one that’s best for your lifestyle? 

Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a travel credit card. 

General travel rewards vs. brand-specific rewards 

There are two types of travel credit cards: general-purpose travel rewards cards and brand-specific cards.  

General travel rewards card  

General travel credit cards aren’t affiliated with a specific hotel or airline brand. You can earn and redeem rewards on a wide variety of travel purchases like flights, accommodations or rental cars, regardless of brand.  

Co-branded travel cards  

A co-branded travel credit card is offered in partnership with a specific hotel chain or airline. These cards offer great perks related to the affiliated brand, but tend to offer less flexibility in how you can earn and redeem points with other brands.  

Redeeming rewards 

When selecting a travel credit card, consider whether the redemption strategy matches your habits. Do you typically favor one airline or hotel chain, or do you prefer to shop around for the best deal? If you want flexibility, a co-branded card may not be right for you. 

Other constraints to consider include blackout dates, seat restrictions and rewards expiration dates.  

Reward categories and rates 

Another important feature to consider is how you earn rewards.  

For instance, some travel credit cards only reward you for travel-related purchases. Other cards also allow you to earn on a variety of everyday purchases like gas, groceries or dining out, in addition to travel-related purchases.  

You can also compare travel credit cards based on their reward rates. The reward rate is the amount you earn back in points, rewards or cash back on every dollar you spend.  

For instance, a general travel credit card might offer two points on every $1 of travel you book and 1.5 points per $1 you spend on gas or groceries. A branded travel credit card may offer 1 point per $1 you spend at a specific airline or hotel chain. Reward rates can vary widely between cards.   

Welcome offer 

Some travel cards have welcome bonuses that offer extra rewards to new cardholders when they spend a certain amount of money within a set timeframe.  

For instance, the credit card issuer might offer 10,000 points if you spend $5,000 within the first three months. A generous welcome offer can help you boost your points or rewards, but think about whether you can realistically spend that much without going over your budget.  

Annual fee 

Many travel credit cards offering premium rewards or benefits charge an annual fee. This is a yearly charge that you pay in exchange for using the card. In some cases, however, the credit card issuer will waive the annual fee for the first year. And some don’t charge annual fees at all. 

When choosing a travel credit card, it’s helpful to estimate whether the points and rewards you can earn outweigh the annual fee.  

Travel perks 

You’ll want to compare cards based on the travel perks they offer, such as:  

• Airport lounge access 
• Complimentary checked bags 
• Concierge service 
• Travel booking assistance  
• Preferred pricing  
• Travel insurance  
• No foreign transaction fees 

Find the travel rewards for your lifestyle 

The best travel rewards credit card for you offers features that align with your lifestyle. By understanding your travel habits and preferences, you can search for a card that supports your specific wants and needs and helps you make the most of every travel adventure.  

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