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Tag: travel rewards

  • How to find cheap flights anywhere – MoneySense

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    Thankfully, I’ve picked up a few tips for hunting down cheap (or at least cheaper) flights from Toronto and beyond. Here’s how I keep my flight costs down while keeping my sense of adventure up.

    Featured travel credit cards

    featured

    Scotiabank Gold American Express Card

    Earn up to 6 Scene+ points per $1 spent and save on foreign transaction fees.

    GO TO SITE


    Interest Rates:
    20.99% purchase, 22.99% cash advance, 22.99% balance transfer


    Welcome offer:
    $500 value



    Earn up to $1,050 in welcome offers, first year rewards and savings value, including no annual fee in your first year, and up to 50,000 bonus Scene+ points.

    featured

    American Express Cobalt Card

    Earn up to 5 MR points per $1 spent and transfer them to partner loyalty programs.

    GO TO SITE


    Interest Rates:
    21.99% purchase, 21.99% cash advance, N/A balance transfer


    Welcome offer:
    $150 value



    Earn 1,250 points for each month you spend $750, up to a maximum of 15,000 points.

    featured

    MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard

    Get 5 MBNA Rewards points per $1 across five categories, plus an annual bonus of 10% in points.

    GO TO SITE


    Interest Rates:
    21.99% purchase, 22.99% cash advance, 22.99% balance transfer


    Welcome offer:
    $200 value



    Earn 20,000 bonus points (approximately $165 in cash back value) after you make $2,000 or more in eligible purchases within the first 90 days.

    8 ways to save on flights 

    From travel apps to credit card rewards, here’s how Canadian frequent flyers stay on budget.

    1. Search the smart way

    The first site I always check when booking a trip is Google Flights, which has a ton of tools many people don’t know about. In addition to listing flights, it can help you find lower prices. For example, you can set alerts for price changes for your preferred dates or for any date for a given destination. It also shows you a price grid for alternative dates, and a graph that predicts when fares will peak.

    Last year, Google Flights added an AI feature that lets you describe your ideal trip—for example, “family weekend ski vacation in Canada” or “one-week trip to a city with great museums and architecture.” Google will then search for the best destinations and flights that match that query. 

    The feature is still in beta mode, so you need to be signed into your Google account to access it. There are also limits on what you can search. For example, it won’t find you multi-city trips or layover requests.

    I’m also a fan of Hopper, which is Canadian-owned. The app tells you whether now is a good time to book or you should wait. If Hopper recommends waiting, you can “watch this trip” and receive an alert when it’s a better time to buy.

    If you find a good price but need more time to decide, you can pay for Hopper’s “Price Freeze” option to hold the fare for one, three, seven, or 21 days. If the price of the flight rises, Hopper will cover the difference up to $406. If the price falls, you pay the lower price, and if the seat is sold out, you get a refund.

    The Price Freeze fee varies by the time window and ticket price. For example, for a $192 Toronto–Montreal flight in mid-June, the quoted fee was $24 for three days and $50 for 21 days. For a $1,016 Vancouver–Hanoi flight in April, the fee was $57 for three days and $122 for 21 days.

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    2. Book at the right time

    There’s a sweet spot for when to book your flight. For domestic flights, one to three months in advance tends to yield the best prices.

    For international trips, Hopper recommends you start flight shopping sooner—about three to six months before departure. You might find great deals just a month prior, but you risk not getting your preferred airline, flight route, or seat.

    The day you book can also help save money. According to Expedia’s 2025 Air Hacks Report, booking on Sunday gets you the biggest savings.

    3. Fly at the right time

    If you can, avoid flying during peak periods (March Break, Christmas, etc.), when flights can jump by hundreds of dollars.

    Of course, not everyone has the flexibility to choose when they vacation, but you could still save by changing your travel dates by a day or two. For example, flying midweek is almost always cheaper than flying on weekends and can reduce the cost by $50 to $100 or more.

    This is especially true during those peak times. As of writing, a direct Air Canada Rouge flight (Standard Economy) from Toronto to Cancún during March Break is $2,052 if you fly Sunday to Sunday. But if you’re able to do Monday to Monday, that same flight drops to $1,373. 

    When you’re searching for flights or setting alerts, tick the “flexible dates” option so you’ll be notified about cheaper fares on alternate dates.

    4. Opt for the layover

    Direct flights are typically more expensive than those with a stop along the way. While a layover can be a pain—especially if you’re on a tight schedule—spending a few extra hours in an airport may be worth it if the savings are significant.

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    Tammy Burns

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  • Air Transat plans new loyalty program with Desjardins and Visa – MoneySense

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    Questions about the program’s focus

    Barry Choi, who runs the Money We Have personal finance and travel website, said it is not yet clear whether the new loyalty program will be similar to Air Canada’s Aeroplan program, or closer to the previously existing BonBon program that was less consumer-facing and more focused on travel agents. 

    “I think if they go to the consumer-facing route, that’s where things can really start to get interesting,” he said in an interview. “Because I would compare it to other airlines, when you think about WestJet, Porter, and Air Canada, they all have their own credit cards already, where consumers can earn points on everyday purchases, which then can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and car rentals.”  

    Featured travel credit cards

    featured

    Scotiabank Gold American Express Card

    Earn up to 6 Scene+ points per $1 spent and save on foreign transaction fees.

    GO TO SITE


    Interest Rates:
    20.99% purchase, 22.99% cash advance, 22.99% balance transfer


    Welcome offer:
    $500 value



    Earn up to $1,050 in welcome offers, first year rewards and savings value, including no annual fee in your first year, and up to 50,000 bonus Scene+ points.

    featured

    American Express Cobalt Card

    Earn up to 5 MR points per $1 spent and transfer them to partner loyalty programs.

    GO TO SITE


    Interest Rates:
    21.99% purchase, 21.99% cash advance, N/A balance transfer


    Welcome offer:
    $150 value



    Earn 1,250 points for each month you spend $750, up to a maximum of 15,000 points.

    featured

    MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard

    Get 5 MBNA Rewards points per $1 across five categories, plus an annual bonus of 10% in points.

    GO TO SITE


    Interest Rates:
    21.99% purchase, 22.99% cash advance, 22.99% balance transfer


    Welcome offer:
    $200 value



    Earn 20,000 bonus points (approximately $165 in cash back value) after you make $2,000 or more in eligible purchases within the first 90 days.

    Choi said that having a loyalty program generally “makes sense”  and can help the company make use of consumer data. “It’s kind of funny; you’d think that they would have something like this already. Every single brand I know has a loyalty program for this reason, yet they seem to be behind,” Choi said. 

    Consumers can expect more details in coming months

    The program is a fundamental pillar of Transat’s business strategy, said Xavier Szwengler, the vice-president for marketing and distribution at Transat, in a news release on Monday. “It allows us to strengthen ties with our customers while accelerating sustainable value creation for Transat and its investors.”

    More details on the program will be released in the coming months, he said.

    Dan Iwachiw, vice-president and head of product at Visa Canada, said that the organization will introduce a “suite of cards designed to bring more travel opportunities, meaningful rewards, and exceptional payment experiences to Canadians.”

    Air Transat reported its first full-year profit since 2018 in December. For its full fiscal year, Transat earned $241.9 million, thanks to a stellar third quarter, compared with a $114-million loss in fiscal 2024. 

    Air Transat flies mainly to destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe, and only two destinations in the U.S. As demand for flights to Florida, Las Vegas, and other stateside spots has plummeted, the airline sought out destinations farther afield. 

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  • “I’m interested in visiting Europe”: How this student can build a credit score while earning valuable travel rewards – MoneySense

    “I’m interested in visiting Europe”: How this student can build a credit score while earning valuable travel rewards – MoneySense

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    Before heading to school, Kinsey acquired her first credit card, an Alterna Savings Cash Back Visa. Although she also banks with EQ Bank, her primary bank card was with Alterna Savings and Credit Union. “So it was kind of natural and the easiest way for me to get a credit card,” she explains.

    Still new to credit cards, Kinsey doesn’t have a credit score—a number between 300 and 900 that shows lenders how creditworthy you are (the higher the score, the better). She’s looking to build one while also earning rewards—be it cash back (to “make the most of my spending”) or travel points (she’s an Aeroplan member). 

    Kinsey is an avid traveller—she recently visited Greece and Japan, where she has family. “I’ve been down south to Cuba and Florida. I went to Halifax, because I have some friends out there. I’ll travel within Canada, but I’m definitely more interested in visiting places in Europe,” she says. 

    Photo courtesy of Aya Kinsey

    What credit card features does she need? 

    Like many university students, Kinsey’s ambitious, eager to travel and just wants to find her financial footing. Given her existing ties to Alterna, it’s no surprise she ended up with an Alterna Savings Cash Back Visa—most Canadians stick with the same financial institutions for a good part of their lives. But, Kinsey can find a credit card better suited to her needs by expanding her horizons. 

    With Alterna, she gets 1 Collabria reward point per $1 spent on groceries, gas, public transit, select recurring bills and digital streaming purchases, and 0.5 points on all other purchases. The value of those points maybe an issue. The value of a Collabria point fluctuates based on what you’re redeeming for: cash back offers the best value, at $0.01 per point, but you must redeem in increments of 3,000 points (for $30), 5,000 points ($50) and 10,000 points (for $100), depending on the Collabria card you have. And when redeeming for travel, merchandise or gift cards, a point can be worth anywhere from $0.002 and $0.008. This means cardholders earn a maximum return of 1% in rewards ($0.01) for every dollar they spend. Often, the return is less than that. 

    For Kinsdey, it’s clear travelling is a priority. She needs a credit card that can cheapen the costs of flying to visit family and friends. At the same time, she’s just getting familiar with paying for life on her own, tuition being her biggest expense, and her income this year will be modest at best—she hopes to freelance as a content marketer. 

    So, right now, Kinsey’s primary goals should be building a credit score and increasing her income potential by completing her studies. Later in life, she will likely have access to plenty of premium travel credit cards to match her desired lifestyle—for example, she’ll need a personal annual income of $60,000 for Visa Infinite cards and $80,000 for World Elite Mastercards. 

    Which credit card should she get?

    Credit card pick #1: CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students

    For her current situation, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students would tick a lot of boxes. It’s a no-fee, no-income-required card. Kinsey’s already an Aeroplan points collector, and the CIBC Aeroplan Visa would add 1 Aeroplan point to her account per $1 spent on Air Canada purchases (such as future flights) and on groceries—she has a campus meal plan but expects it won’t cover all her food expenses. That’s in addition to points already earned as an Aeroplan member, through the “earn points twice” feature of Aeroplan credit cards. 

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    Justin Dallaire

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  • “I’m interested in visiting Europe”: How this student can build a credit score while earning valuable travel rewards – MoneySense

    “I’m interested in visiting Europe”: How this student can build a credit score while earning valuable travel rewards – MoneySense

    [ad_1]

    Before heading to school, Kinsey acquired her first credit card, an Alterna Savings Cash Back Visa. Although she also banks with EQ Bank, her primary bank card was with Alterna Savings and Credit Union. “So it was kind of natural and the easiest way for me to get a credit card,” she explains.

    Still new to credit cards, Kinsey doesn’t have a credit score—a number between 300 and 900 that shows lenders how creditworthy you are (the higher the score, the better). She’s looking to build one while also earning rewards—be it cash back (“to make the most of my spending”) or travel points (she’s an Aeroplan member). 

    Kinsey is an avid traveller—she recently visited Greece and Japan, where she has family. “I’ve been down south to Cuba and Florida. I went to Halifax, because I have some friends out there. I’ll travel within Canada, but I’m definitely more interested in visiting places in Europe,” she says. 

    Photo courtesy of Aya Kinsey

    What credit card features does she need? 

    Like many university students, Kinsey’s ambitious, eager to travel and just wants to find her financial footing. Given her existing ties to Alterna, it’s no surprise she ended up with an Alterna Savings Cash Back Visa—most Canadians stick with the same financial institutions for a good part of their lives. But, Kinsey can find a credit card better suited to her needs by expanding her horizons. 

    Her Alterna card is associated with Collabria rewards, a loyalty program that works with some Canadian credit unions. She gets 1 Collabria reward point per $1 spent on groceries, gas, public transit, select recurring bills and digital streaming purchases, and 0.5 points on all other purchases. The value of a Collabria point fluctuates based on what you’re redeeming for: cash back offers the best value, at $0.01 per point, but you must redeem in increments of 3,000 points (for $30), 5,000 points ($50) and 10,000 points (for $100), depending on the Collabria card you have. And when redeeming for travel, merchandise or gift cards, a point can be worth anywhere from $0.002 and $0.008. This means cardholders earn a maximum return of 1% in rewards ($0.01) for every dollar they spend. Often, the return is less than that. 

    For Kinsdey, it’s clear travelling is a priority. She needs a credit card that can cheapen the costs of flying to visit family and friends. At the same time, she’s just getting familiar with paying for life on her own, tuition being her biggest expense, and her income this year will be modest at best—she hopes to freelance as a content marketer. 

    So, right now, Kinsey’s primary goals should be building a credit score and increasing her income potential by completing her studies. Later in life, she will likely have access to plenty of premium travel credit cards to match her desired lifestyle—for example, she’ll need a personal annual income of $60,000 for Visa Infinite cards and $80,000 for World Elite Mastercards. 

    Which credit card should she get?

    Credit card pick #1: CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students

    For her current situation, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students would tick a lot of boxes. It’s a no-fee, no-income-required card. Kinsey’s already an Aeroplan points collector, and the CIBC Aeroplan Visa would add 1 Aeroplan point to her account per $1 spent on Air Canada purchases (such as future flights) and on groceries—she has a campus meal plan but expects it won’t cover all her food expenses. That’s in addition to points already earned as an Aeroplan member, through the “earn points twice” feature of Aeroplan credit cards. 

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    Justin Dallaire

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  • These credit cards can help you save big on travel to Orlando – MoneySense

    These credit cards can help you save big on travel to Orlando – MoneySense

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    How to use credit cards to save on your stay

    With the right loyalty points, you can stay in Orlando for free (resort and parking charges still apply). I always look at Marriott properties first, since I have a Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card. The card has an annual fee of $120, but it gives me an annual free night’s stay at Marriott properties, worth up to 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. (One Marriott Bonvoy point is worth $0.0117 on average when redeemed hotel stays.) Additionally, I can transfer any of my American Express MR Points, which I collect with the American Express Cobalt Card, to Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1 ratio. This ability to transfer makes it incredibly easy to earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points.

    featured

    Marriott Bonvoy American Express

    go to site

    Annual fee: $120

    Welcome offer: earn 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

    go to site

    Card details

    Interest rates 21.99% on purchases, 21.99% on cash advances
    Income required None specified
    Credit score 725 or higher
    Point value 1 Marriott Bonvoy point = $0.0117 on average when redeemed for eligible flights or hotel stays..

    One of my favourite places to stay in Orlando is the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve. It’s part of the Disney Swan and Dolphin complex, so regardless of which property you stay at (the Dolphin Resort, Swan Resort or Swan Reserve), you get access to all the amenities, including multiple pools, kids’ activities, swan paddle boats and more. Best of all, these hotels are considered on-site Disney properties, so you get early access to all the Disney World Parks. That extra half-hour to an hour makes a considerable difference since you get to beat the crowds.

    Admittedly, the Dolphin, Swan and Reserve hotels are some of the more expensive Marriott properties, but I’ve also stayed at Residence Inn and Courtyard hotels (both part of the Marriott family) for as little as 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. As a bonus, when you book five consecutive nights at the same hotel using Marriott Bonvoy points, you get one night free. 

    Besides Marriott Bonvoy, I’ve also used HotelSavers via Aeroplan. With HotelSavers, you save up to 30% in points on bookings with select partner hotels. Plus, Aeroplan credit card holders get their fourth night free when booking three nights on points. 

    More ways to save in Orlando

    If you can subsidize your flights and hotels with points, theme park tickets will be your biggest expense. Fortunately, there are occasional deals. 

    Universal Orlando Resort has an offers page that lists all the current promotions. For example, at the time of writing, you can get two days free when you purchase a ticket valid for two parks over three days. Alternatively, you can save 20% on four-night stays at a Universal Orlando Hotel. The hotel offer can be lucrative, as Premier Universal Hotels give your entire party a free Universal Express Unlimited pass, allowing you to skip the regular lines at some of the most popular attractions. The passes are worth as much as USD$124.99 per person, per day. You also get early access to the parks.

    Disney World has similar offers throughout the year for both park tickets and accommodations. It also typically has Canadian-exclusive deals about once or twice a year, and these can be a great way to save.

    For non-theme-park savings, check out the offers page on Visit Orlando. Here you’ll find discounts on dining, shopping, attractions and accommodations.

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    Barry Choi

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  • Air Miles expands offerings, including ways to earn and redeem – MoneySense

    Air Miles expands offerings, including ways to earn and redeem – MoneySense

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    As you might recall, BMO Financial Group bought Air Miles in March 2023, after the program’s owner, Loyalty Ventures Inc., filed for bankruptcy. At that time, BMO said the acquisition “would be a made-in-Canada opportunity to enable a reinvigoration for one of Canada’s largest loyalty programs.” 

    Air Miles collectors, that day has come. Let’s look at how the program has changed.

    What’s new about Air Miles?

    In addition to its emphasis on moments (collecting them, winning them, getting to them faster), the new Air Miles brand platform reflects several program enhancements rolled out since April:

    More ways to earn

    Collectors can take advantage of two ways to rack up more Miles: 

    • Air Miles Receipts, introduced in 2023, gives members Miles for buying certain products and scanning the receipts with the Air Miles app within 14 days. Air Miles Receipts initially included grocery stores. It recently expanded to liquor stores, and more categories are coming in September.
    • Card-linked offers give collectors bonus Miles at partner retailers. To access offers, link a Canadian-issued Mastercard to your Air Miles Account. (BMO Air Miles Mastercards are automatically linked.) Two recent examples: 250 bonus Miles for spending $500 at LG Electronics, and 125 bonus Miles for spending $300 at Porter Airlines. 

    More ways to redeem 

    Collectors can redeem Air Miles for eVouchers at several more well-known retailers, including Amazon, Sporting Life, TJX brands (Winners, HomeSense, Marshalls) and more. Redeeming 95 Cash Miles gets you $10 in value (the same as before the relaunch). 

    Gas discounts at Shell 

    If you have a BMO Air Miles–linked credit card or debit card, you’ll save $0.07 per litre on Shell V-Power premium fuel and $0.02 per litre on other Shell fuel—a nice perk given the high cost of gas.

    Other credit card benefits

    BMO Air Miles credit cardholders can now earn double the Miles on purchases at wholesale clubs and liquor retailers in Canada, the same boosted earn rate they get at eligible grocery stores.

    Conversions between Cash Miles and Dream Miles 

    Air Miles requires cardholders to allocate their reward Miles into two buckets: Cash Miles (redeemable for retailer eVouchers and in-store discounts) and Dream Miles (redeemable for merchandise and travel rewards). The ratio is up to you, but you couldn’t convert one to the other—until now. Onyx and Gold collectors (the upper two of Air Miles’ three tiers) now have more flexibility: Onyx collectors get unlimited transfers, and Gold collectors can transfer up to 1,000 Miles each year. (Sorry, Blue collectors, no transfers for you.)

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    Jaclyn Law

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  • 5 credit card habits that earn points faster – MoneySense

    5 credit card habits that earn points faster – MoneySense

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    1. Unlock the earning potential of your everyday spending

    Everyone has expenses. The trick is to figure out how to earn rewards on the purchases you’re already making. Your best bet is to pick a card that offers boosted earn rates in the categories you spend the most in. For many Canadians, the top spending categories are groceries and gas, so paying with a card like the National Bank World Elite Mastercard can reap a lot of points.

    Let’s say your family spends around $1,000 per month on groceries and about $250 on gas. If you paid for these purchases with the National Bank World Elite Mastercard, you could earn up to 5,500 points per month—that’s 66,000 points per year just in those two categories. With 66,000 points, you could redeem for tech merchandise (like a smartwatch or tablet) or pay down your National Bank of Canada mortgage, for example.

    Here’s how it works: The amount of points earned on grocery and restaurant purchases depends on the total gross monthly amount charged to the credit card account, regardless of the purchase category. You will earn five points for every dollar in eligible grocery and restaurant purchases until a total of $2,500 in gross monthly purchases is charged to the account. After that, you’ll earn two points per dollar in eligible grocery and restaurant purchases. (The total gross monthly amount is calculated based on your monthly billing period.)

    Apply for the National Bank World Elite Mastercard between May 13 and August 15, 2024, and you could earn up to 40,000 bonus rewards points in the first year. Minimum purchase and insurance product required. See applicable terms and conditions.

    sponsored

    National Bank World Elite Mastercard

    go to site

    • Annual fee: $150
    • Interest rates: 20.99% on purchases, 22.49% balance transfers and cash advances
    • Earn rate: Up to 5 points per $1 on grocery and restaurant purchases; 2 points per $1 on gas, EV charges, recurring bill payments and travel booked through À La Carte Rewards; and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
    • Welcome offer: In the first year, you can earn up to 40,000 rewards points. Must apply by August 15, 2024. Minimum purchase and insurance product required. Learn more about applicable terms and conditions.
    • Annual income requirement: Personal income of $80,000 or household income of $150,000

    go to site

    2. Make the most of your optional spending

    There’s more to bills than groceries and gas, of course, so choose a card that rewards more of your other purchases. When you use your National Bank World Elite Mastercard to pay your restaurant bill, you could earn up to five points per dollar. Plus, with a base rate of one point per dollar spent on your card in other categories, your rewards will rack up quickly.

    3. Subscribe to rewards points

    If you’re like most Canadians, you’ve got a bunch of bills that show up each and every month, including services like your phone plan and subscriptions to streaming services. Get something back for your monthly bills by setting up automatic payments with your National Bank World Elite Mastercard. You’ll get two points per dollar for recurring payments, and you’ll never have to worry about missing a payment.

    4. Get the family involved

    When you add a cardholder to your account, all their rewards points add up along with yours in the same account, so you reach your rewards goals faster. This can be a terrific option for spouses, for example. Each person will have their own card with their own PIN, but all transactions are charged to the same account. With the National Bank World Elite Mastercard, the annual fee for each additional card is only $50 per year. 

    5. Earn more on travel

    Using a credit card is a convenient and secure way to pay for travel—and it can also let you earn rewards points. With the National Bank World Elite Mastercard, you’ll get two points per dollar spent on any travel you book through the À la carte Travel portal. Plus, every year you’ll get a travel credit of up to $150 to reimburse eligible expenses charged to your card, including flight upgrades, seat selection, airport parking, extra checked bags and access to airport lounges. And, with the included travel insurance on this card, you’ll be all set for your next journey. (Insurance coverage is limited to specific amounts. Please read the full insurance details.)

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    Keph Senett

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  • How to use your credit card responsibly – MoneySense

    How to use your credit card responsibly – MoneySense

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    What is a credit score?

    A credit score is a three-digit number, usually between 300 and 900, that banks and other lenders use to determine how likely you are to pay back your loans. The higher the number, the more credit-worthy you are to the banks.

    Your score is based on information in your Canadian credit history, such as whether you pay for your phone bill and utilities on time and in full each month. The problem is, for newcomers and others without a Canadian credit history, lenders don’t have any information. This makes it hard for people to get credit.

    Your first credit card in Canada

    If you’re young, or a newcomer, or you haven’t used credit in Canada before, you’ll need to start simply. Credit cards themselves are forms of credit, so the first step is to get an entry-level credit card and prove your credit-worthiness by paying your bills on time. Then you can work your way up.

    Entry-level credit cards usually have fewer perks than more premium cards, but they also typically have lower income requirements and a lower annual fee—in some cases, $0.

    National Bank’s mycredit Mastercard is a great example. There’s no annual minimum income requirement to apply for this card and no annual fee, making it very accessible. And, while the mycredit Mastercard doesn’t come with a full suite of included benefits, it does allow you to earn 1% cash back on recurring bill payments and restaurant spends, and 0.5% back on everything else.

    If you want more features and rewards, National Bank’s Platinum Mastercard is a good option that also has no minimum income requirement. National Bank’s World Elite Mastercard has an annual fee of $150 and comes with more perks—including an annual travel expense refund up to $150.

    4 tips for credit card use

    You already know you should use your credit card responsibly, but what, exactly, does that mean?

    • Stick to your budget
      Most entry-level credit cards come with modest credit limits. Still, it’s important you don’t spend more than you can pay off, no matter your limit. This is sometimes tricky for new credit cardholders, but budgeting is an essential part of your financial health.
    • Pay your card balance in full
      Best practice is to pay off your credit card, in full and on time, every month. Interest rates on credit cards are very high, so debt can balloon quickly if you carry a balance. Stick to your budget and don’t overspend.
    • Pay the minimum amount
      If, for any reason, you can’t pay a bill in full, make sure you pay at least the minimum amount, which appears on your bill. Credit card companies report your payment history to the credit bureaus, and even one missed payment will lower your score. You can avoid that by making the minimum payment (or more) by the due date.
    • Pay your bill on time
      Timeliness is as important as making minimum payments. It shows the credit bureaus that you can meet your financial obligations. If you need help remembering your due date, consider setting up an automatic payment through your online banking. 

    When it comes to credit cards, you should work towards paying in full, on time, every month. Every payment helps you build your credit score buy showing you are responsible with credit, and over time, you can become eligible for upgraded financial products, with more features and perks.

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    Keph Senett

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  • A credit card that deserves to be your everyday card – MoneySense

    A credit card that deserves to be your everyday card – MoneySense

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    This hard-working credit card offers generous earn rates of up to five points per dollar spent on restaurants and groceries, which is a significant spending category for most Canadians. The amount of points earned on these purchases depends on the total gross monthly amount charged to the credit card, regardless of the purchase category. You will earn five points for every dollar in eligible grocery and restaurant purchases until a total of $2,500 in gross monthly purchases is charged to the account. After that, you will earn two points per dollar in eligible grocery and restaurant purchases. (The total gross monthly amount is calculated based on your monthly billing period.)

    Another big expense—gas or EV charging—earns two points per dollar spent, as do recurring bill payments, along with any travel booked through National Bank’s À la carte Travel service. All other purchases earn a base rate of one point per dollar, so nothing goes unrewarded.

    Apply for the National Bank World Elite Mastercard between May 13 and August 15, 2024, and you could earn up to 40,000 bonus rewards points in the first year. Minimum purchase and insurance product required. Learn more about applicable terms and conditions.

    sponsored

    National Bank World Elite Mastercard

    go to site

    • Annual fee: $150
    • Interest rates: 20.99% on purchases, 22.49% balance transfers and cash advances
    • Earn rate: Up to 5 points per $1 on grocery and restaurant purchases; 2 points per $1 on gas, EV charges, recurring bill payments and travel booked through À La Carte Rewards; and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
    • Welcome offer: In the first year, you can earn up to 40,000 rewards points. Must apply by August 15, 2024. Minimum purchase and insurance product required. Learn more about applicable terms and conditions.
    • Annual income requirement: Personal income of $80,000 or household income of $150,000

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    Redeeming your rewards points

    Redemptions with the National Bank World Elite Mastercard are easy. You can use your points to shop for whichever rewards best suit you. Visit the online boutique and choose from merchandise, gift cards or travel, or invest your points in your National Bank of Canada TFSA and/or RRSP. You can also apply points to your credit card balance or National Bank of Canada mortgage. It’s quick, easy and all in one place.

    When it comes to perks, the National Bank World Elite Mastercard has the bases covered. Travellers will love the included travel and car rental insurance, and unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at Montréal-Trudeau Airport for international flights. Plus, there’s an annual travel credit of up to $150 that you can apply to eligible expenses including seat selection, seat upgrades, airport parking, extra checked bags and airport lounge access.

    Other benefits include mobile device insurance and extended manufacturer’s warranty, so you’ll be covered for longer on virtually anything you buy with the card. (See all terms and conditions.)

    The right credit card offers convenience, security and benefits you can use. Consider the National Bank World Elite Mastercard as your everyday card.

    This article is sponsored.

    This is a paid post that is informative but also may feature a client’s product or service. These posts are written, edited and produced by MoneySense with assigned freelancers and approved by the client.

    More about credit cards:

    ® Mastercard and World Elite are registered trademarks, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Authorized user: National Bank.
    ® National Bank and À la carte rewards are registered trademarks of National Bank of Canada. 

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  • BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard review – MoneySense

    BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard review – MoneySense

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    BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard

    Get a $50 Cash Bonus upon approval on ratehub.ca

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    • Annual fee: $150
    • Earn rates: 5 points per $1 spent on eligible travel purchases; 3 points per $1 on dining, entertainment, and recurring bill payments; 1 point per $1 on everything else
    • Welcome bonus: You can earn up to 70,000 points
    • Annual income requirement: Personal income of $80,000 or household income of $150,000

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    5 things you need to know about the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard

    1. The card lets you collect BMO travel rewards The BMO Rewards program allows you to earn BMO Points on your credit card purchases, redeemable for travel expenses such as flights (including all taxes), hotels, cruises and vacation packages. With the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard, you earn 5 points per dollar on travel, 3 points per dollar on dining and entertainment and 1 point per dollar on everything else—a competitive offering.
    2. The card has a generous sign-up bonus New members can earn up to 70,000 points
    3. You’ll get airport lounge access Cardholders of the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard receive complimentary membership to Mastercard Travel Pass by DragonPass which entitles them to VIP access and four annual complimentary passes, good at 1,000 airport lounges across the globe.
    4. It comes with great travel insurance The BMO Ascend World Elite Total Travel and Medical Protection package is a tempting and valuable perk, providing out-of-province/out-of-country emergency medical protection up to $5 million, plus coverage for flight delay or cancellation, lost or delayed baggage (including personal effects insurance), and car rental collision damage coverage. Purchased separately, this coverage could cost around $120 per trip, but cardholders get it for an unlimited number of journeys of up to 21 days each.
    5. It’s widely accepted  While most main credit card processors enjoy extensive international coverage, Mastercard has an edge as the only brand accepted at Costco.

    How do I redeem my BMO Rewards?

    With BMO Rewards, the redemption process is as simple as logging in to your account. To redeem for rewards, you can avail yourself of the full-service online travel agency or shop from their catalogue. You can book with any airline without blackout dates or seat restrictions, and BMO also offers price matching, so you can be sure you’re getting the very best deal.

    What are BMO Rewards Points worth?

    Points redeemed for travel come in at a value of 140:$1 ($0.007 per point), meaning that you’ll need 35,000 points for $250 towards travel expenses. Importantly, you don’t have to redeem a minimum number of points, or any, to book travel—and you can pay whatever your points don’t cover by charging that amount to your card. Redemptions for gift cards and merchandise are just as simple (you select from an online catalogue), but you’ll typically get less value from your points compared to travel. Finally, you can redeem your points for financial products, but this option comes at a steep reduction in value. For 7,000 points you can get $50 in a BMO investment account (which is about $0.007 per point), or for 15,000 points you’ll receive $50 towards your credit card bill (about $0.003 per point). With all these redemption options, the BMO Rewards program is extremely flexible—this is one of the main reasons it’s so popular—but for the very best point-to-dollar ratio, travel rewards are the way to go.

    Does BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard have trip cancellation insurance?

    The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard has a strong travel coverage package, the card offers both trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance. The card has got you covered for up to $1,500 for the non-refundable and non-transferable portion of your canceled trip. As for trip interruption, BMO has also got your back, as it will cover up to $2,000 for the cost of one-way airfare departure and any unused non-refundable prepaid arrangements. 

    Does the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard come with lounge access? 

    With the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard, you get a free membership to Mastercard Travel Pass, which gives you four annual airport lounge visits that can be used at 1,000 airport lounges worldwide.

    What are the best ways to benefit from this card?

    Even though the BMO Rewards program offers numerous redemption possibilities, travel rewards give you the very best value—with no seat restrictions or blackouts. Add to that the card’s airport lounge access, and travel and medical insurance, and you’ve got a very competitive product for travellers.

    Are there any drawbacks to the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard?

    Despite a very strong showing in many respects, there are a few drawbacks you should be aware of. The first is that the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard commands an income threshold of $80,000 per year for an individual (or $150,000 per household) and an annual fee of $150 (most travel cards come in around the $120 mark). An extra $30 per year may not matter much to high-earners, but the fee may give you pause, especially when you consider that some cards offer more lucrative bonus categories. The Scotiabank Gold American Express, for example, offers 5 Scotia Points on restaurants and groceries. Finally, the BMO Rewards website could use some work, given that it’s the portal through which users must make redemptions. Improvements to site speed would go a long way to keeping customers happy, and would help cement the brand’s reputation as a top-tier provider. The $150 annual fee on the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard is nothing to sneeze at, but for frequent flyers, the travel rewards more than make up the expense. If you’re interested in BMO cards, but don’t want to collect travel rewards, check out our list of BMO’s best credit cards.

    Is the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard worth the annual fee?

    The answer to whether the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard is worth the high annual fee of $150 will depend on a variety of factors. If you’re a frequent flyer and traveler and earn more than the card’s income requirement, the answer is yes. The annual fee would most likely be canceled out by the free lounge access and travel insurance, if you’d be paying for those two services out of pocket each time you travel. On the other hand, the card’s high-income requirement and annual fee may be a barrier for some and a reason to choose another card instead. And, if you’re a fan of earning cash back instead of points then may not be the best choice since there is no such offering with the card. 

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    Keph Senett

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  • Why you won’t get Air Miles at Metro anymore – MoneySense

    Why you won’t get Air Miles at Metro anymore – MoneySense

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    In the mid-2000s, Air Miles devalued its points, making it harder for customers to reach their rewards goals. Then, in 2016, the company announced it would add an expiration date to Miles. Though the decision was reversed after an outcry, the move damaged customer relations. Next, the company split Air Miles into Cash Miles (for in-store redemption and e-vouchers) and Dream Miles (for merchandise, travel, events and attractions), further confusing collectors. 

    By 2022, some of Air Miles’ biggest draws had left the program, including Staples, Rexall, the LCBO, Lowe’s and others. Metro stores are the latest mega-partners to sever ties with Air Miles. 

    Earning rewards for groceries

    All of this might be bad news for Air Miles, but consumers can still find ways to earn rewards on their grocery shopping bills. 

    One way is to join the loyalty programs of your grocery chain. Like Metro with its new Moi Rewards program, Loblaws stores give out PC Optimum points, Save-on-Foods and others use More Rewards, and Thrifty Foods uses Scene+ points. 

    Unfortunately, Moi Rewards alone won’t get you the value you’re used to with Air Miles. If it takes 500 Moi Rewards points to redeem for $4, the value per point is $0.008. How does that stack up against Air Miles? While the value of an Air Mile will fluctuate depending on what you redeem it for, the average value is $0.121. Luckily, you can use a different strategy to make your food shopping pay dividends.

    The best grocery credit cards in Canada

    You can earn rewards on your groceries by purchasing them with a rewards credit card. For example, you could use a PC Mastercard to pay for food at Metro, and you’d still earn PC Optimum points—not as many as you’d get shopping at Loblaw banner stores, but you’d still get the base rate. Many other rewards cards are good for groceries, too. The best one for you will depend on where you shop and your shopping habits. 

    Here’s a quick look at some of our top picks.


    What’s replacing Air Miles at Metro?

    So, Air Miles is out and Moi Rewards is in. While it’s true that the advertised Moi Rewards earn rate is underwhelming, the details of the program remain to be seen. In the meantime, Metro shoppers can get their rewards by using a solid rewards credit card at the till.

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    Keph Senett

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  • The best RBC credit cards in Canada for 2024 – MoneySense

    The best RBC credit cards in Canada for 2024 – MoneySense

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    Why trust us

    MoneySense is an award-winning magazine, helping Canadians navigate money matters since 1999. Our editorial team of trained journalists works closely with leading personal finance experts in Canada. To help you find the best financial products, we compare the offerings from over 12 major institutions, including banks, credit unions and card issuers. Learn more about our advertising and trusted partners.

    The best RBC credit cards in Canada by category

    By Sandra MacGregor on February 1, 2024
    Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

    Royal Bank of Canada offers an array of credit cards catering to various preferences and spending habits. Whether you prioritize travel rewards with Avion points, seek the flexibility of cash back, or prefer unique benefits like WestJet dollars, RBC has a card for you. With credit cards spanning the Visa and Mastercard networks, cardholders can tailor their shopping experience to suit their preferences. Let’s explore the standout features of the best RBC credit cards in Canada.

    Best credit card by category Why we love it
    Best RBC travel credit card
    RBC Avion Visa Infinite
    Annual fee: $120    		 At least 1 Avion point per $1 spent on all your purchases, and good redemption flexibility
    Best RBC airline travel credit card
    WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard
    Annual fee: $119    		 1.5% earn rate paired with an annual round-trip companion voucher on WestJet
    Best RBC no-fee travel rewards credit card
    RBC ION Visa
    Annual fee: $0    		 1.5 Avion points per $1 spent across six spending categories, including streaming, subscriptions and digital gaming
    Best RBC cash back credit card
    RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard
    Annual fee: $99    		 1.5% cash back on your first $25,000 in purchases annually
    Best RBC no-fee cash back credit card
    RBC Cash Back Mastercard
    Annual fee: $99    		 Up to 2% cash back on groceries and up to 1% on all other purchases, with no annual fee
    Best RBC low-interest credit card
    RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option
    Annual fee: $20    		 12.99% interest rate on both purchases and cash advances

    Best RBC travel credit card

    At a glance: The RBC Avion Visa Infinite is a premium travel credit card that has a flexible rewards program and exclusive benefits. Cardholders earn 1 Avion point per $1 spent, and a boosted 1.25 points on eligible travel expenses (like flights, cruises and car rentals).

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    RBC Avion Visa Infinite

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    • Annual fee: $120
    • Earn rate: 1.25 Avion points per $1 spent on travel (including flights, hotels, taxis and public transit) and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
    • Welcome bonus: You can earn 35,000 Welcome Points on approval and 20,000 bonus points when you spend $5,000 in your first 6 months*. Apply by April 30, 2024. Apply online and get a response in as little as 60 seconds.
    • Annual income requirement: Personal income of $60,000 or household income of $100,000

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    Pros

    • RBC Avion points can be worth as much as $0.023 each when redeemed for travel, which is a high value among travel rewards cards.
    • Avion has a lot of travel redemption flexibility. You can redeem your points for travel using RBC’s Air Travel Redemption chart, transfer points to select airlines (including WestJet), and redeem for travel purchases through RBC. 
    • There are no blackout periods or seat restrictions, even during periods of high demand. 
    • Exclusive access to concert tickets, including Taylor Swift. 
    • Impressive travel insurance coverage, including trip cancellation and interruption and emergency medical. It even features mobile device insurance of up to $1,500.

    Cons

    • You’ll pay a foreign transaction fee of 2.5% on all purchases not in Canadian dollars. 
    • The highest earn rate is 1.25%, which is not very high for a premium card; other premium cards feature significantly higher earn rates.
    • The personal annual income requirement of $60,000 (or household income of $100,000) may be too high for some applicants.

    Best RBC airline travel credit card

    At a glance: With perks like a yearly round-trip companion voucher, free checked bags and Boingo Wi-Fi access, the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard makes an attractive travel buddy. In fact, it’s the best credit card in Canada for frequent WestJet flyers—full stop. Cardholders earn 2% back in WestJet dollars on purchases of WestJet flights and vacation packages and get 1.5% back on all other spending. One WestJet dollar has a value of one Canadian dollar.

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    WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard

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    • Annual fee: $119
    • Earn rate: 2% back in WestJet dollars on WestJet flights and vacations packages and 1.5% back on all other purchases
    • Welcome offer: You can earn up to 600 WestJet dollars with the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard. Plus a Round-Trip Companion Voucher Every Year.
    • Annual income requirements: Personal income of $80,000 or household income of $150,000

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    Pros

    • Travel perks include complimentary first checked bags for the primary cardholder and up to eight companions.
    • Get an annual round-trip companion voucher for any WestJet destination, starting at $119 (plus taxes, fees and other charges) or opt to exchange it for four lounge vouchers.
    • Extensive travel insurance, including emergency medical, trip interruption and flight delay coverage. 
    • Cardholders can save up to $0.03 on fuel at Petro-Canada and can also earn Rexall’s Be Well points.
    • The card grants access to over 1 million Boingo Wi-Fi hotspots worldwide.

    Cons

    • WestJet dollars can’t be used to pay for taxes and fees.
    • Unlike with Aeroplan, for example, rewards are not flexible as they can only be used for WestJet flights and WestJet vacations. 
    • A minimum personal income of $80,000 (or $150,000 household income) is required to apply.

    Best RBC no-fee travel rewards credit card

    At a glance: The RBC ION Visa is a no-annual-fee rewards credit card that gives you 1.5 Avion points per $1 spent on groceries, rides, gas (and EV charging), streaming, subscriptions and digital gaming. Get 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

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    RBC ION Visa

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    • Annual fee: $0
    • Earn rate: 1.5 Avion points per $1 spent on groceries, rideshares, daily transit, gas, EV charging, streaming, digital gaming and subscriptions; and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
    • Welcome bonus: You can earn 3,500 Avion points upon approval
    • Annual income requirement: None

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    Pros 

    • Some redemption flexibility. You can redeem your points for travel, statement credits, merchandise, gift cards and more. 
    • Enjoy fuel savings at Petro-Canada, a three-month free DashPass subscription, and Be Well points with purchases at Rexall pharmacies.
    • Good for gamers: The RBC ION Visa is one of the only cards in Canada that lets you earn rewards on gaming subscriptions, digital downloads and in-game purchases.
    • The card features purchase security and extended warranty insurance.

    Cons

    • The RBC Avion rewards program includes three different membership tiers: Avion Select, Avion Premium and Avion Elite. The RBC ION Visa is part of the Avion Premium tier, meaning you can’t redeem your points through RBC’s Air Travel Redemption Schedule—which offers the highest value for your points. That feature is part of Avion Elite, which requires having an RBC Avion card. 
    • The card has limited insurance coverage.

    Best RBC cash back credit card

    At a glance: With the RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard, you’ll earn cash back on all your purchases. You’ll get 1.5% on the first $25,000 charged to the card annually and 1% thereafter. Enjoy additional benefits like instant fuel savings at Petro-Canada, Be Well points at Rexall and $0 delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash.

    RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard

    Visit rbc.com for more details

    • Annual fee: $99
    • Earn rate: 1.5% back on all your purchases
    • Welcome bonus: You can earn unlimited cash back, no limit to what you can get back
    • Annual income requirement: Personal income of $80,000 or household income of $150,000

    Visit rbc.com for more details

    Pros

    • The annual fee of $99 is lower than many other premium cards.
    • If you link your RBC card to your Petro-Points account, you’ll save $0.03 cents per litre on gas at Petro-Canada and also get a 20% bonus of Petro-Points.
    • You can earn 50 points per $1 spent at Rexall when you link your RBC card and your Rexall Be Well card.
    • Card comes with a 12-month free DashPass subscription.

    Cons

    • Weak insurance offering compared to other premium cards. It only includes rental theft and car damage, purchase protection and extended warranty.
    • The boosted rate of 1.5% is capped at your first $25,000 spent annually.

    Best RBC no-fee cash back credit card

    At a glance: Like some of the best cash back credit cards in Canada, the RBC Cash Back Mastercard offers cash back with no annual fee. Earn up to 2% on groceries and up to 1% on all other purchases. Benefit from instant fuel savings at Petro-Canada, enhanced Be Well points at Rexall and $0 delivery fees for three months from DoorDash.

    featured

    RBC Cash Back Mastercard

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    • Annual fee: $0
    • Earn rate: 2% cash back on groceries and 1% back on all other purchases
    • Welcome bonus: You can
    • Annual income requirement: None

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    Pros 

    • The card comes with purchase security and extended warranty protection.
    • Save $0.03 per litre on fuel at participating Petro-Canada stations and earn 20% more Petro-Points.
    • Get 50 Be Well points per $1 spent at Rexall.
    • Enjoy a complimentary DashPass subscription for the first three months.

    Cons

    • The unusual rewards structure requires cardholders to read the fine print carefully to understand the spending limits at which their rewards will increase or decrease. You’ll get 2% cash back on groceries for the first $6,000 spent, which then drops to 1% per additional dollar spent in the category. For all other purchases, you’ll get 0.5% cash back on the first $6,000 spent—and 1% thereafter. 
    • Very limited insurance offering, with only purchase security and extended warranty.

    Best RBC low-interest credit card

    At a glance: For individuals trying to tackle credit card debt, the RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option is a valuable card. It offers a consistent 12.99% interest rate for purchases and cash advances—that can’t be said of all low-interest credit cards in Canada. While it may lack extensive perks, it does provide advantages like discounts at Petro-Canada and complimentary delivery services through DoorDash.

    featured

    RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option

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    • Annual fee: $20
    • Welcome offer: None
    • Annual income requirement: None

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    Pros 

    • With its affordable $20 annual fee and no minimum income requirement, this card is within reach for the majority of Canadians.
    • Additional cards are available at no cost.
    • Enjoy RBC Offers, which gives cardholders access to deals and savings.
    • Earn more Petro-Points and get a discount on fuel at Petro-Canada.
    • The card comes with a three-month complimentary subscription to DashPass.

    Cons

    • This card doesn’t come with any travel insurance.
    • While the low interest rate is a boon to those with credit card debt, it doesn’t feature a balance transfer promotion, so you can’t move debt from a higher-interest card.

    More of Canada’s best credit cards:

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  • 5 ways young Canadians can prepare financially for what awaits in 2024 – MoneySense

    5 ways young Canadians can prepare financially for what awaits in 2024 – MoneySense

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    3. Food prices will rise, but at a slower pace

    Compared to previous years, food prices should stabilize in 2024. However, keeping your kitchen stocked will still keep your grocery bill high. According to Canada’s Food Price Report 2024, overall food prices are expected to increase by 2.5% to 4.5% over the course of next year (whereas food inflation jumped by 4.7% in November 2023). So, if you’re a single adult who spent roughly $375 on food per month this year, you can expect to shell out from $385 to $392 monthly by the end of 2024. 

    The Food Price Report suggests that you can expect baked goods, vegetables and meats to take a big bite out of your budget. However, you’ll get some relief with canned goods and dried pasta. The good news is that food prices will increase at a more gradual pace than in 2023.

    What you can do: Consider meal planning 

    During the pandemic, I started meal planning as a strategy to deal with grocery costs. It’s been helpful in ensuring that our family stays within our food budget and doesn’t fall into the temptation to order takeout. Meal planning consists of deciding what you will eat for the upcoming week and then adding only the ingredients you need to your grocery list. 

    Personally, I like to make extra lunch portions when preparing dinner, which helps cut back on costs. Another option is to buy items in bulk when they go on sale and then divvy them up into smaller quantities and store them in the freezer. This works well for sliced fruits, vegetables, meats and seafood. 

    4. Consumer debt will continue to grow

    Gen Z will continue to face financial pressure in 2024, so managing debt will become even more important. Between Q3 2022 and Q3 2023, the average credit card balance in Canada increased by 9%, according to TransUnion Canada. The increase was fueled by an increase in the cost of living and the cost of credit, thanks to higher interest rates. Unless the Bank of Canada starts reducing interest rates and daily living expenses start to come down, it’s likely that debt will continue to grow in 2024.

    What you can do: Start a side hustle to pay off debt

    To become financially secure, 40% of Gen Z are interested in generating more sources of income, such as starting a side hustle, according to a BMO survey. Considering there’s only so much you can do to cut expenses, you might want to consider growing your income so you can more easily pay down your debt. 

    Once you have some disposable income, prioritize paying off high-interest debt, such as credit card debt, which can help to squash your debt load. If you’re carrying a monthly balance, call your credit card provider and ask if they can lower the interest rate. If you’re fresh out of school and borrowed money to pay for your studies, it’s a good idea to focus on repaying your student loans.

    5. Travel will rebound in spite of high travel costs

    Despite rising travel costs, young travellers are eager to escape the daily grind. Many young people would rather spend their hard-earned money on experiences instead of goods. Regardless of being in a tight financial situation, 2024 may be the year many Gen Z make their dream vacations happen.

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    Sandy Yong

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