Podcast Episode 95: Air France KLM's Flying Blue is now the go to program for Transatlantic economy class rewards & we look at the fall hotel promos!

 

This is a deals, movers and shakers and tips & tricks episode. We cover the fall promotions from four major hotel chains, we talk about the awesome move from Air France KLM Flying Blue to lower, yes lower, their standard redemption rates for economy class tickets from Canada to Europe, Turkey & North Africa. We also discuss Aeroplan finally adding the option to book stopovers online and we end the episode with tip that everyone from beginners to experts need to follow.

This episode is sponsored by CIBC

Podcast Episode 94: A closer look at the new Scene+ Grocery program

In this episode we talk earning and redeeming points for groceries with the Scene+ program. On August 11 Sobeys and affiliated stores made the switch from AIR MILES to Scene+ and now we know Western Canada and Western Ontario will be doing so on September 22. So we thought it would only be fitting to discuss the new Scene+ Grocery program as it becomes a dominant player in the quest for rewards on your grocery shopping..

Podcast Episode 92: Sobeys and Safeway move away from AIR MILES to join the Scene+ program

In this episode we are going to discuss the news that rocked the Canadian loyalty space in June 2022. That news is Empire Company Limited, who are better known for their grocery and drug stores like Sobeys, Safeway, Thrifty Foods and others becoming co-owners of the Scene+ program. This of course means they will be dropping the AIR MILES program which is another big hit to one of Canada’s most popular programs.

Podcast Episode 91: The best ever bonus on the RBC Avion Cards, Best Western's free night award, the Star Alliance credit card and more!

This episode I am taking it back to the roots of the podcast! If you have been a faithful listener or have gone back to listen to the early episodes you’ll know that when the podcast was launched in 2016 we would cover a little bit of everything in an episode, from loyalty program or credit card news, to bonuses and other topics that were of note for the few weeks leading up to the episode release date. In this episode we cover the best ever bonus seen on the RBC Avion cards, Air France's 3x miles on their new Quebec City route, Best Western's free night award offer, the introduction of one way rewards from RBC Rewards, the new Star Alliance credit card and our tip of the week looks at the American Express Cobalt Card confirmed multipliers page on Rewards Canada.

Podcast Episode 90: Loyalty Lesson - The first points & miles credit card you should get

If you are new to world of points, miles and/or rewards credit cards but want to get a head start at the game as you begin to immerse yourself in research to learn the ins and out of loyalty programs, there is one credit card you should get right away. Not only is this card a great card for beginners, it is in fact the number one card to have for even the most seasoned points and miles enthusiasts and we discuss why in this episode of the Rewards Canada podcast!

Podcast Episode 89 - April 4, 2022 A look at some of the exciting new hotels opening in Canada for 2022

In this episode we look at some of the exciting new hotels that are set to open in Canada this year. Even though international travel is making a big come back many Canadians are still planning on staying closer to home for their vacations so what better way than to stay in a new hotel. We highlight a handful of hotels from the 37 properties that are set to open from Hilton, Hyatt, IHG and Marriott that should be on your list if you do want to check out some place new!You can also watch the video of the podcast here:

Podcast Episode 88 - February 21, 2022 BMO, What are you doing? Part II

Who would have thought that almost exactly a year after we had a podcast "BMO, What are doing?" we release this episode, BMO, What are you doing? Part II. Yes, BMO is at it again, changing their best travel rewards card and for the most part it is getting worse. The BMO World Elite Mastercard will become the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard on May 3, 2022 and will undergo changes in the points earning category that make this card drop down in the ranks of cards in the Canadian Market. Listen now to learn more and hear our thoughts on these changes.

Podcast Episode 87: Canada's Top Travel Rewards & Cash Back Credit Cards 2022

It's that time of year again! Time for our annual travel rewards and cash back credit card rankings. In this the 14th edition of the travel rewards rankings and 6th edition of cash back rankings we take a look at the best cards to rack up points, miles, and cash back, receiving benefits and more. On the travel side we provide details on the top overall cards, the best travel points cards, no fee cards, hybrid cards, airline cards and once again Ultra Premium credit cards. For cash back we look at the top 5 cards overall. Listen in to find to find out all the details behind Canada's most trusted rankings! Check out the Top Travel Cards here and the Top Cash Back Cards here

Podcast Episode 86: 2021 Year in Review. A look back at what happened in the world of loyalty programs, credit cards and more

 

Podcast Episode 85 - Introducing MyMcDonald's Rewards - the restaurant's new points based loyalty program

 

In this episode we discuss the new MyMcDonald's Rewards program that launches on November 16, 2021! We look at how the program changes from the old McDonald's Rewards from earn rates to redemption rates and the value in the new program.

October 29 Update: Rewards Canada Podcast named a top finance podcast, IHG Rewards further extending elite status & Hotels. com extends stamps and reward nights

 Here's your Rewards Canada Daily update! Your daily dose (or near daily dose) of loyalty program, credit card and travel news, bonuses, deals and more. This update is brought to you by the HSBC World Elite Mastercard which is currently offering a welcome bonus of up to 100,000 bonus points worth $500, has no foreign transaction fees and no annual fee in the first year! 

 
The Rewards Canada Podcast has been named as one of the top 40 finance podcasts in Canada by Hardbacon. Hardbacon is a personal finance application used by more than 30,000 Canadians and our podcast is the only loyalty rewards show to make it on the list of, you guessed it, mostly finance podcasts! We are honoured to be recognized on the list as we do often state that loyalty programs should play a larger role in your financial planning. Check out the list of the 40 podcasts here and as always you can check out our Podcast here. 

Podcast Episode 84 - See who Canada chose as their favourite credit cards and loyalty programs

 

Podcast Episode 83 - Big changes coming to the AIR MILES program

 

In this episode we take a look at the changes AIR MILES are making to their program. From enhanced flight redemptions, new methods for earning more miles, extra credit card benefits and more. We cover it all in this Podcast episode. 

Podcast Episode 82 - How the best credit card in Canada was made even better

In this episode we take a deep dive into the best credit card in Canada - that is best travel rewards credit card which also happens to be the best cash back card in Canada and how the most recent changes to it made it even better. It is none other than the American Express Cobalt Card and this podcast episode covers those changes but can also be considered an audio review of the card. We discuss earn rates, redemption options, how it provides huge value and even tackle the downsides of the card. Give it a listen right away to find out why we think this card should be in every Canadian's wallet. 

Podcast Episode 81 - Why Hybrid Rewards Credit Cards are the best bet for most Canadians

In this episode we look why Hybrid Credit Cards are a favourite of Rewards Canada and why they are the best bet for most Canadians! We answer what a Hybrid Card is, why they are the best and look at the hybrid card options that are available in our market!

Podcast Episode 80 - How to earn bonus miles and points on travel, shopping and credit cards

 

 In this episode we look at all the steps is takes to earn those coveted bonus miles and points from promotions being offered from airlines, hotels, car rental companies and credit cards. From how to find the offers, to registering and how to chase after them if they don't post. This How To episode guides you in your quest to earning the most points and miles on all your travels, shopping and credit cards!

Podcast Episode 79 - Converting the Air Canada Buddy Pass to Aeroplan Points & Plaza Premium Lounge set to leave Priority Pass & LoungeKey

In this episode we bring you the latest news surrounding the unadvertised option to convert Air Canada Buddy Passes received from several Aeroplan co-brand credit cards to Aeroplan points (it's good news!). Then we move into the not so good news of one of the largest third party airport lounge operators, Plaza Premium, deciding to leave the Priority Pass and LoungeKey lounge access programs

Click Here to download the podcast (mp3)

March 25 Update: Video - Exciting new hotels opening in Canada in 2021, WestJet resuming flights to Atlantic Canada & Quebec City and 500 free Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Miles

Here's your Rewards Canada Daily update! Your daily dose (or near daily dose) of loyalty program, credit card and travel news, bonuses, deals and more.

 

The latest Rewards Canada Podcast that covers new hotel openings in Canada from Hilton, Hyatt, IHG & Marriott is now in video format on our YouTube Channel - Check it out here

Podcast Episode 78 - A look at some of the exciting new hotels opening in Canada this year!

This episode is sponsored by the HSBC World Elite® Mastercard®

In this episode we look at some of the exciting new hotels that are set to open in Canada this year. In a year where most Canadians will be staying in Canada for their travels staying at a new local hotel can make for an awesome staycation. We highlight a handful of hotels from the 29 properties that are set to open from Hilton, Hyatt, IHG and Marriott that should be on your list if you do want to check out some place new! Scroll down for links to the topics in the episode.

March 1 Update: Last day to grab higher welcome offers on three BMO cards, WestJet $0 companion voucher good for almost two years, Hugo Boss returns to Amex Offers

Here's your Rewards Canada Daily update! Your daily dose (or near daily dose) of loyalty program, credit card and travel news, bonuses, deals and more.

Today is the last day to grab the increased welcome offers on the following BMO credit cards. All o

• BMO Rewards® Business Mastercard®
• BMO World Elite™* MasterCard®*
• BMO Rewards® MasterCard

All of the above cards will have lower welcome offers as of tomorrow.