In Episode 21 of Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast, Daniel, Jeff, and Josh from FrugalFlyer.ca discuss recent news in the world of miles and points, in addition to answering listeners’ questions.
The Frugal Flyer team shares details about their upcoming ‘Miles and Pints’ event in Calgary in September, upcoming changes to the Aeroplan program, and reviews the new WestJet Business Credit Card and National Bank World Elite MasterCard offers. This episode also covers the record-high offer on the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card and the introduction of CLEAR+ for Canadians.
They wrap up by answering listener questions about closing credit cards, spending in Europe, preferred carry-on luggage brands, and leveraging the Marriott Bonvoy and Singapore Airlines status match opportunity.
(00:39) Frugal Flyer’s Next Miles & Pints Event in Calgary
The Frugal Flyer team is hosting their final Miles & Pints event in downtown Calgary on September 27th. Join us for a night of networking and connecting over our shared interest in miles and points.
- Learn More: Frugal Flyer Miles & Pints Calgary Event
- Buy Your Tickets: Tickets Available Now
(02:05) Aeroplan Program Changes
Aeroplan has announced several impactful changes to its loyalty program, and the next episode of Miles Ahead will be covering these changes in-depth as we look to what to expect from the loyalty program in 2026.
- Learn More: Aeroplan Upcoming Elite Status Changes
- The Status Match to Aeroplan 25K Still Exists: Miles Ahead Episode 12 – Shortcuts to Marriott Bonvoy Status
(05:06) WestJet Business Mastercard Launch
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard for Business is now available. Offering instant WestJet Silver status and an accelerated WestJet points earning rate, this card can currently only be applied for in-branch or over the phone.
- Learn More: WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard for Business
(08:21) New National Bank World Elite MasterCard Offer + FlyerFunds Rebate
The National Bank World Elite Mastercard has a new welcome bonus that can be paired with a $100 FlyerFunds rebate!
- Learn More: National Bank World Elite Mastercard
- Learn More: Why To Get The National Bank Mastercard & Credit Card Travel Insurance For Award Flights
- Receive an Additional $100 from Frugal Flyer: National Bank World Elite Mastercard Cash Back Rebate Offer
(13:54) American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant (US) Record-High Offer
The American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card is offering a record-high welcome bonus of 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy points until September 24th.
- Learn More: American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card (US)
- How To Get US Credit Cards as a Canadian
(14:43) CLEAR+ Membership for Canadians
Canadians can now enroll in CLEAR+ membership to receive expedited security at US airports and select sports stadiums, and many American Express US cards offer a credit towards CLEAR+ membership. Jeff will be enrolling and writing about his experience in the next month or two, so keep an eye on Frugal Flyer for updates.
- Read about Jeff’s experience of obtaining CLEAR+ membership as a Canadian
(17:34) Listener Question: Closing Credit Cards
Carly asks about our thought process surrounding when to close credit cards and how we manage the potential impact on our credit scores.
(21:45) Listener Question: Cash or Credit Card in Europe
Palwinder asks if it is better to spend via cash or a credit card with no foreign transaction fees while in Europe.
(23:34) Listener Question: Carry-on Luggage Brands
Raphael asks what luggage brands we prefer to travel with as he looks to purchase a new carry-on bag.
(27:56) Listener Question: Marriott Bonvoy & Singapore Airlines Status Match
Gean Carlos asks about the Marriott Bonvoy and Singapore Airlines status match opportunity, and what can be done with it in the years following the challenge.
(29:54) Conclusion
If you have any episode-specific questions, leave a comment below. If you have any questions you would like us to answer on Miles Ahead, submit them here.
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Join us for the next episode, where the Frugal Flyer team reviews and discusses the latest changes to the Air Canada Aeroplan program that are coming in 2026.
Listen to Miles Ahead: Episode 22 – Aeroplan 3.0: Navigating The New Program.