VINTURE WITH ME

Recently, I’ve had a lot of people ask me what credit cards I have? If you know me, most of my credit card decisions are based on what will give me the most travel perks (i.e. free flights, free hotels, best insurance, etc.). Traveling the world can be an incredible and enriching experience, but it often comes with a hefty price tag. However, with the right credit cards in your wallet, you can turn your everyday spending into exciting travel opportunities.

Here are my personal three essential credit cards: the American Express Cobalt Card, the RBC Avion Visa Infinite, and the WealthSimple Cash Card. Each of these cards offers unique benefits that can help you earn rewards, save on travel expenses, and manage your finances efficiently.

1. American Express Cobalt Card
2. RBC Avion Visa Infinite
3. WealthSimple Cash Card

American Express Cobalt Card

The American Express Cobalt Card is a powerhouse when it comes to earning rewards and maximizing your spending. This is my main source of points for travel redemptions. It is designed for those who love dining out, grocery shopping, and exploring the local food scene, this card is ideal for foodies and travel enthusiasts.

Key Features:

• Earn Membership Rewards Points: With the Cobalt Card, you earn Membership Rewards Points on every purchase, with 5x points on dining and groceries, and 2x points on travel and transit. These points can be transferred to various airline (1:1 with Aeroplan is my most used) and hotel loyalty programs, offering incredible redemption opportunities.
• Travel Benefits: This card offers a suite of travel insurance, including travel accident insurance, lost baggage insurance, and flight delay insurance. Plus, you can enjoy access to American Express Invites, providing exclusive access to events and experiences (lots of food events in Toronto).
• Flexible Rewards: The flexibility of Membership Rewards Points allows you to use them for flights, hotel stays, or even transferring them to frequent flyer programs (Aeroplan to get access to Star Alliance partners; Air Canada, United Airlines) to boost your miles.

Price: $12.99 monthly fee

Apply for the card here.

RBC Avion Visa Infinite

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite is a favorite among Canadian travelers who appreciate the flexibility of redeeming points for various types of travel. Visa is also just necessary because not everyone takes Amex.

Key Features:

• RBC Rewards: The Avion card offers RBC Rewards, which can be used for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. With this card, you’ll earn RBC Rewards points on all your purchases, and you can maximize your earnings by using it for everyday expenses.
• Gas Perks: This card includes a 3¢/L saving on fuel at Petro-Canada, along with earning 20% more Petro-Points and RBC Avion points upon using your card to pay.
• Transfer Partners: RBC Avion allows you to transfer your points to various airline partners specifically Avios (OneWorld alliance), giving you the flexibility to book flights with your preferred airlines (i.e. British Airways, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific). The card also has all essential travel insurance.

Price: $120 annual fee.

Apply for the card here.

WealthSimple Cash Card

WealthSimple Cash is a modern take on credit cards, emphasizing simplicity and cashback. This is my go-to card when I’m traveling abroad and want to minimize risks. Although it is labelled as a “credit card” it works more like a debit card, where you load your necessary funds and then use that amount accordingly.

Key Features:

• No Fees: WealthSimple Cash Card has no annual fees, foreign exchange fees (this is the key perk for me), or transaction fees. It’s straightforward and cost-effective.
• Cashback: You’ll earn a competitive cashback rate on all your purchases, making it easy to save money on your day-to-day spending.
• Seamless App Integration: The WealthSimple Cash app provides an excellent user experience, helping you keep track of your spending and cashback earnings effortlessly.

Price: $0.00

Apply for the card here. Get up to $3,000 when you sign up with my referral code: KBZMFW

Choosing the right credit cards for your travel goals and spending habits can significantly enhance your travel experiences. The American Express Cobalt Card, RBC Avion Visa Infinite, and WealthSimple Cash Card each bring their own unique benefits to the table, from generous rewards to cashback simplicity. Consider your personal preferences, travel style, and financial goals when choosing the card that’s right for you. With the right combination, you can turn your daily expenses into memorable adventures and travel savings.

For more information on different credit cards, my go-to source of information is Prince of Travel. Let me know if there’s a credit card I should have in my roster!