When Should You Review Your Credit Card Strategy?

The start of the year is the ideal time. You can check your points balances, your statuses, and your upcoming annual fees. However, a review is also relevant after a change in income, family situation, or travel plans.

Should You Transfer Your Points as Soon as You Accumulate Them?

No. It's better to keep points in the original program and wait for a transfer promotion or an actual booking need. Indeed, a transfer is irreversible and makes you lose the flexibility of the initial program.

How Do You Get Aeroplan Status in 2026?

Starting in 2026, Aeroplan status is earned through SQC (Status Qualifying Credits) rather than the old criteria. 25K status requires 100,000 Aeroplan points or 25,000 SQC in the year. Check out our complete guide on Aeroplan Elite Status 2026.

Is My 2025 Aeroplan Status Still Valid in January 2026?

Yes. Your Aeroplan status earned in 2025 remains valid until January 31, 2026. The status reached during 2025 then takes effect on February 1, 2026.

Which Cards Give Hotel Status Without Nights?

The Platinum Card from American Express automatically gives Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy. Additionally, the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card adds 15 Elite Nights per year, which helps reach Silver, Gold, or higher.

Why Use a Shopping Portal?

A portal like Aeroplan eStore, airmilesshops.ca, or Rakuten adds points or cash back to a purchase you'd make anyway. This way, you combine the rewards from your credit card, those from the merchant, and those from the portal. It's a very simple passive accumulation to integrate.

What to Do If Marriott Bonvoy Hasn't Confirmed My Annual Benefit?

You must select your annual benefit before February 1, 2026 on the dedicated Marriott Bonvoy page. If you don't make a choice, the default benefit will be five Nightly Upgrade Awards.