Aeroplan vs Amex MR Points vs Cashback

Jagstyles wrote: ↑[snip]

...the more we collect Aeroplan points, the more I miss the flexibility of MR points. Being able to redeem for cash, fixed point travel, transfer to other loyalty reward programs etc.

Jagstyles wrote: ↑It's also not uncommon for us to travel out of Buffalo from time to time as some of those flights are dirt cheap. We only travel maybe 2-3 times per year. That said, we do enjoy the lounges when we travel and would miss the priority boarding, baggage and security with the Aeroplan VIP card.

efrant wrote: ↑ Have you ever redeemed MR for cash (at 1cpp)? Do you see yourself doing that in the future if you had a Platinum card? What spend would you put on the Platinum card that isn't already covered by your Cobalt? And redeeming MR for 1cpp for spend on a Platinum card is pretty poor value.

Have you ever transferred MR to any other loyalty program other than AP? Do you see yourself doing that in the future if you had a Platinum card? If you don't do that now with your Cobalt, what will change once you have a Platinum card? What loyalty programs would you considering transferring to? Marriott? Possibly worth it. Hilton or Delta? You are throwing money away. British Airways, Etihad, Cathay or KLM? If you find Aeroplan complex, then those transfer partners wouldn't be options for you. So what are you missing out on?


If you aren't flying on AC or a Star Alliance partner, then you don't have access to MLLs, even with an AP VIP card. Not sure why you would even consider a premium AP card if you don't really fly AC? Additionally, not sure why you would even consider a premium travel card with lounge access when you only fly maybe 2-3/year? There are several cards that would cover you for several lounge passes at a significant less cost than a premium credit card. For example, the BNS Passport VI will give you six (maybe 12 if DPs are correct) DragonPass passes annually. That's more than enough for 2-3 trips per year. And the AF can be waived with BNS's premium banking package if so desired. And the insurance is good on the card. So, again, not sure why you would spend $600 annually on an AP VIP card. Is it for rare time that you do fly AC, to get priority check-in and boarding? That's a hefty price to pay for those priority benefits for around one flight a year. As for priority security, why not get a Nexus card? It's only US$50 for five years.

Jagstyles wrote: ↑[snip]

I think there's something I enjoy about collecting travel points where when I do book a flight, the points covers the price of the flight but to your point, a good card like BNS Passport VI might be more suitable. I'll have to see if CIBC has anything that is competitive with the BNS Passport VI as I bank with CIBC and it would be nice to have a part of the AF reimbursed.

Jagstyles wrote: ↑I think you're right though, having a premium travel card might not be worth it simply to travel 2-3 times a year not to mention I'm already benefitting from the Amex Cobalt card where I can still book flights on fixed points if the situation arises.

efrant wrote: ↑ But my suggestion (for someone with enough spend) for a one-card solution with maximum flexibility is the Desjardins Odyssey VIP. The annual fee is $295 and supplementary cards are free (well, at least one is free). It comes with great multipliers (4% on dining/entertainment/transit, 3% on travel/groceries, 1.75% on everything else), and it's cashback, so very flexible. And each card (primary and supplementary cards) comes with six DragonPass passes. It's a great card for someone who doesn't want to commit to one loyalty program. If I weren't loyal to certain airlines and hotel chains, or when I get tired of the frequent flyer points game, there is no question in my mind that I would be holding the Odyssey VIP (coupled with the HSBC WE ME). The only thing missing is no-FTF, but if you don't spend much in currencies other than CAD, it shouldn't matter (or just get a free Brim card to pair with it, if it matters to you).

Jagstyles wrote: ↑[snip]

Do you know what the redemption value of the BonusDollars are with Desjardins VIP? Very interesting card.

Jagstyles wrote: ↑
I think I may go with that or the Aventura VIP card as our annual spend is high and I do like the $200 annual travel credit which reduces the AF, not to mention my AF Reimbursement as a CIBC Smart Account customer.

efrant wrote: ↑ Not sure what you are asking. The Desjardins VIP card is a straight cashback card. No messing around with any kind of refundable hotel tricks or refundable car rental tricks or limited redemption categories, etc. And it doesn't pay out annually like some cashback cards do. "BonusDollars" is Desjardins term for cashback.



You would need to do the math. The Desjardins card out-earns the Aventura VIP on every category (other than gas, where it earns 0.25% less), including earning 1.75% on everything else (vs. 1.25% for the Aventura VIP card). Even if the CIBC card has a lower AF after discounts, it still may net you less than the Desjardins card. No way to figure it out without doing the math.