Let’s look at four major Canadian travel rewards programs aimed at helping travelers maximize their travel potential without incurring excessive costs. We’ll explain the key features, earning methods, and redemption options of Aeroplan, Marriott Bonvoy, Scene Plus, and American Express Membership Rewards.
Overview of the Four Rewards Programs
| Rewards Program | Main Focus | Key Benefits & Features | Points Earning Methods | Redemption Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aeroplan | Airline loyalty (Air Canada) | Flexible worldwide travel, no cash surcharges on Air Canada flights | Aeroplan credit cards, shopping via Aeroplan e-store, Air Canada flights | Flights (domestic & international), hotel/car rentals, gift cards, upgrades, in-flight Wi-Fi |
| Marriott Bonvoy | Hotel loyalty | Access to 31 hotel brands, discounted rates, free Wi-Fi, and free nights | Staying at Marriott hotels (room & incidentals), Marriott Bonvoy AMEX card | Hotel stays, free nights, discounted bookings |
| Scene Plus | Multi-category retail & entertainment | Earn points at 3,300+ partner locations across Canada, wide usage scope | Groceries, movies, travel, retail, dining, gift cards, convenience stores | Hotel nights, travel bookings, retail purchases |
| American Express Membership Rewards | Broad rewards currency and transfer program | Transfer points to multiple airline and hotel partners, flexible redemption | AMEX credit cards (various types), AMEX offers | Transfers to airline/hotel partners, travel portal bookings, statement credits, gift cards, online purchases |
Detailed Breakdown of Each Rewards Program
1. Aeroplan (Air Canada Loyalty Program)
- Ideal for: Frequent flyers and international travelers seeking flexibility.
- Points Redemption:
- Based on a zone-based chart with dynamic pricing tied to the cash price of seats.
- No cash surcharges on Air Canada flights; points can cover the entire flight cost.
- Points Required Examples:
| Travel Type | Economy Class Points Range | Business Class Points Range |
|---|---|---|
| North America | 6,000 – 25,000 | 15,000 – 70,000 |
| Overseas (International) | 35,000 – 70,000 | 60,000 – 220,000 |
- Ways to earn points:
- Aeroplan credit cards (earning 1 to 1.5 points per dollar spent).
- Shopping through Aeroplan e-store.
- Booking Air Canada flights.
- Additional redemption options:
- Hotels and car rentals via Aeroplan travel portal.
- Gift cards, merchandise, charitable donations.
- Upgrades on select Air Canada flights.
- In-flight Wi-Fi purchases.
- Host’s experience: Successfully used Aeroplan points for a flight to Asia, confirming the program’s effectiveness.
2. Marriott Bonvoy (Hotel Rewards Program)
- Overview:
- One of the largest hotel rewards programs globally.
- Free to join.
- Access to 31 hotel brands catering to diverse traveler preferences.
- Points Earning:
- Earn points on stays including room rates and incidentals like dining and spa.
- Marriott Bonvoy AMEX card holders earn additional points.
- Benefits:
- Discounted hotel rates.
- Free Wi-Fi.
- Redeem points for free nights.
- Host’s experience: Positive personal redemption for a stay in Toronto, highlighting program value.
3. Scene Plus (Canadian Multi-Partner Loyalty Program)
- Scope:
- Earn points on various everyday spending categories including groceries, movies, travel, home improvement, retail, dining, and gift cards.
- Over 3,300 merchant partner locations across Canada.
- Redemption:
- Hotel nights and travel bookings.
- Retail and entertainment spending.
- Host’s experience: Used Scene Plus points to offset hotel costs in Tokyo, demonstrating practical value for travel.
4. American Express Membership Rewards
- Strengths:
- Considered the most powerful rewards currency in Canada.
- Points are fully transferable to numerous airline and hotel programs.
- Earning Points:
- Only via American Express credit cards.
- Points earning rates vary by card type (e.g., AMEX Cobalt).
- AMEX offers provide additional point-earning opportunities.
- Redemption Options:
- Transfer points to partner programs:
| Airline Partners | Hotel Partners |
|---|---|
| Aeroplan | Marriott Bonvoy |
| Air France/KLM Flying Blue | Hilton Honors |
| British Airways | Not specified/Uncertain |
| Delta SkyMiles | |
| Cathay Pacific Asia Miles | |
| Etihad Guest |
- Book flights and hotels via AMEX travel portal.
- Statement credits (though not recommended due to poor value).
- Gift cards, Amazon, PayPal, and AMEX online store purchases (also lower value).
- Host’s experience: Uses points for booking a hotel in Vancouver and plans to save points for return travel from Asia.
Key Insights and Recommendations
- Each rewards program has unique strengths:
- Aeroplan excels in airline travel flexibility and extensive redemption options.
- Marriott Bonvoy is ideal for hotel stays with a vast brand network.
- Scene Plus offers convenience and versatility across everyday spending categories.
- AMEX Membership Rewards provide the most flexibility through point transfers and diverse redemption options.
- Maximizing travel rewards requires leveraging all four programs to cover flights, hotels, retail, and entertainment expenses efficiently.
- Dynamic Pricing in Aeroplan: Redemption points fluctuate based on actual seat prices, making understanding the zone chart crucial for optimal use.
- AMEX Membership Rewards are best used for travel-related redemptions, either by transferring points to partners or through the travel portal, to maximize value.
Conclusion
This video serves as a comprehensive introduction to Canada’s top travel rewards programs, providing practical insights into earning and redeeming points. By combining the strengths of Aeroplan, Marriott Bonvoy, Scene Plus, and American Express Membership Rewards, travelers can optimize their points to save money and enhance their travel experiences.
Watch the video below for more in depth information and our personal experiences using these Candian travel rewards strategies.
