Blog
Canadian cards and points, minus the jargon.
Short, honest guides to getting more back from the cards you already carry. Numbers are checked against the issuers and dated on every post.
Written by Becky, founder of PointsMaxxing. For the trips the points pay for, follow along on Instagram @beckyyycTikTok @heyitsbecksy
Groceries
Best credit cards for groceries in Canada: which stores actually count
Why Costco and Walmart usually don't count as grocery, which grocers take Amex, and the cards that pay the most on a weekly shop.
Updated October 9, 2026 · 6 min read
Basics
Cash back vs points in Canada: which earns you more?
Cash back is simple and fixed. Points can be worth more, but only if you redeem them well. Here's how to compare them honestly.
Updated October 9, 2026 · 5 min read
Aeroplan
Aeroplan explained: how to earn, redeem and what a point is worth
Canada's biggest airline program in plain English, including the June 2026 reward chart change, expiry rules and how to get points from a credit card.
Updated October 9, 2026 · 6 min read
No fee
Best no annual fee credit cards in Canada
Six $0 cards that still pay real rewards, and how to pick between them based on where you actually spend.
Updated October 9, 2026 · 5 min read
Amex
Amex Membership Rewards in Canada: transfer partners and ratios
Where Cobalt and Platinum points can go, the current ratios for Aeroplan, Marriott and the airlines, and the partner that disappeared in June 2026.
Updated October 9, 2026 · 5 min read
Welcome bonuses
How credit card welcome bonuses work in Canada (and who isn't eligible)
Minimum spends, monthly structures, the 'former cardmember' rule, cross-bank Aeroplan clauses and what each application does to your credit file.
Updated October 9, 2026 · 5 min read
Travel
No foreign transaction fee credit cards in Canada
Most Canadian cards add about 2.5% to anything bought in another currency. These are the ones that don't, with fees and earn rates.
Updated October 9, 2026 · 5 min read
Valuations
What are your points worth? Canadian points valuations
Cents-per-point estimates for Aeroplan, Amex, Scene+, PC Optimum, WestJet and more, and why the same point can be worth double depending on how you use it.
Updated October 9, 2026 · 5 min read
Credit score
How credit cards affect your credit score in Canada
What Equifax and TransUnion actually look at, the 30% utilization rule, what an application costs you and how long things stay on your file.
Updated October 9, 2026 · 5 min read
Costco
Best credit card for Costco Canada: what's accepted in-store, online and at the pump
Costco Canada takes only Mastercard in the warehouse. Here's what works where, why grocery bonuses don't apply, and what the CIBC Costco card actually pays.
Updated October 9, 2026 · 5 min read