In Episode 30 of Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast, Daniel, Jeff, and Josh from FrugalFlyer.ca discuss the most recent news in the world of miles and points, including new elevated Scotiabank credit card offers.
They also cover the British Airways devaluation and offer strategies for utilizing Aer Lingus Avios instead. Other topics include BMO’s new Instacart benefits, a major update on Amex Canada Membership Rewards now offering 1:1 transfers to Flying Blue, and a limited-time transfer bonus to Marriott Bonvoy.
The episode wraps up with listener questions ranging from getting approved for US Chase Bank credit cards to the benefits of accumulating elite status with various Canadian credit cards.
(00:40) New Scotiabank Credit Card Offers
Scotiabank has launched four new credit card offers with elevated welcome bonuses.
- Best Mid-Tier New Offer: Up to 60,000 Scene+ Points + $150 FlyerFunds on the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card
- Best Premium Card New Offer: Up to 100,000 Scene+ Points + $200 FlyerFunds on the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Privilege Card
- Learn More: New Scotiabank Credit Card Offers
- Learn More: Best Credit Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees
(08:38) Frugal Flyer Edmonton Meetup
The Frugal Flyer team is hosting another meetup in Edmonton on Saturday, February 7th. Tickets cost $15, include your first drink, and are still available. We would love to see you there!
(11:01) British Airways Avios Devaluation
British Airways Avios have been slightly devalued by about 10% across award bookings, meaning your next redemption will cost a little bit more.
(15:14) AAdvantage Miles No Longer Earned on Basic Economy Tickets
American Airlines AAdvantage members will no longer earn miles on basic economy fare class bookings.
(16:59) BMO Credit Card Changes
The BMO and Shell discount partnership is no more, but Instacart has replaced it with an Instacart+ membership and monthly credits. Plus, streaming credits and NEXUS credits have been added to several BMO credit cards.
- Learn More: New BMO Credit Card Offers
(19:28) Amex Canada Improves Flying Blue Transfer Ratio
Canadian American Express Membership Rewards can now be transferred to Flying Blue at a rate of 1:1 (previously it was 1:0.75).
(25:29) Amex Canada Transfer Bonus to Marriott Bonvoy
Canadian Membership Rewards points can be transferred to Marriott Bonvoy with a 30% bonus until January 31st.
- Learn More: Miles & Points Partner Transfer Tool
- Learn More: Everything You Need to Know About Transfer Bonuses
(28:38) Listener Question: Deep Dive on Air France KLM Flying Blue
Stephen asks if there will be an upcoming episode on Air France KLM Flying Blue. We heard you, Stephen; keep an eye out for Miles Ahead Episode 31 releasing on Friday, January 23rd.
(29:08) Listener Question: Edmonton Best Hotels and Marriott Hotels
Keith asks about the disappearance of Marriott hotels on the Edmonton’s Best Hotels booking platform.
(31:14) Listener Question: Chase Sapphire Reserve Alternatives for Lounge Access
Christian asks if there is a better card than the Chase Sapphire Reserve for airport lounge access.
(34:00) Listener Question: Spending to Earn Status on WestJet vs Aeroplan Credit Cards
Mike asks a question about what the best approach is for earning airline status with credit card spending as someone who infrequently travels.
(38:11) Listener Question: Getting approved for First Chase Credit Card
Ken inquires if there are any tips and tricks to getting approved for his first Chase credit card.
(42:23) 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 explores the Flying Blue loyalty program and all of the opportunities it offers Canadians.
I got a huge runaround from Chase. I have never come across such rudeness from a bank. As a snowbird I am in Florida for the winter so was able to go into the bank and got things sorted out very quickly.