There are entire websites dedicated to ranking, comparing, and optimizing credit cards. I don’t have time for that and I’m guessing you don’t either. Follow the system, pick one strong card with a good welcome bonus, and use it for your everyday spending.
Here’s what’s in my wallet and why.
At this time, none of these links are affiliate links. These are the cards I actually carry.
| Card | Welcome Bonus | Annual Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amex Platinum | Up to 100,000 pts | $799 | Year one welcome bonus |
| Amex Cobalt | Up to 15,000 pts/mo | $156 | Ongoing everyday earning |
| CIBC Aeroplan Visa Platinum | Up to 30,000 pts | $0 | When Amex isn’t accepted |
| Brim Mastercard | Varies | $0 | Travel, low foreign exchange fees |
| Amex Bonvoy | $120 | Up to 60,000 pts | Marriott hotel stays |
The Amex Platinum — Year One Only
The $799 annual fee sounds insane. I know. Here’s why I did it anyway.
When I signed up the welcome bonus was 90,000 Amex points (enough for a one-way long-haul business class seat). That redemption alone is worth more than $799 to me. Add in the travel credits, lounge access, and hotel perks and year one math works out clearly in your favour. Year two is a different story. Once the welcome bonus is gone there is no justification for $799 unless you’re squeezing every perk to its limit. I’ll be cancelling before the renewal date and moving to the Cobalt.
The Amex Cobalt — The Everyday Earner
This is the card I’m switching to after year one with the Platinum. The Cobalt earns 5x points on groceries and dining, which is where most of my spending actually goes. The annual fee is $156 which is reasonable for what you get. The bigger reason I want this card: Amex Membership Rewards points transfer to a long list of airline and hotel programs including Aeroplan, British Airways Avios, and Air France/KLM Flying Blue. That flexibility means your points aren’t locked into one program. If Aeroplan doesn’t have availability, you have options.
The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Platinum — Free and Useful
Amex isn’t accepted everywhere. That’s just reality. This card costs nothing, earns Aeroplan points on every purchase, and sits in my wallet for exactly those moments. It’s not exciting and it’s not meant to be. A free card that keeps earning points when your main card doesn’t work is a no-brainer.
Learn More about the Aeroplan Visa
The Brim Mastercard — My Travel Card
No annual fee. Low foreign transaction fees. Points that apply directly against your balance. I use this card exclusively when travelling outside Canada. Most cards charge 2.5% on foreign purchases but they charge 1.5% (Used to be $0). The points aren’t going to fly you to Tokyo but being able to wipe charges off your balance makes it a genuinely useful travel companion.
The Amex Bonvoy — My Hotel Card
This one is niche but it earns its place. The annual fee is $120 and every year on your card anniversary you get one free night at a Category 4 Marriott property, which easily covers the fee on its own. I keep it for exactly that reason.
The bigger play with Bonvoy is the 5th night free on points redemptions. Book four nights at any Marriott on points and the fifth night is free. If you’re already planning a longer stay, that’s a 20% discount on a hotel stay you were going to make anyway.
I try to stay at Marriott properties when I can specifically because of this. It’s not worth going out of your way for, but when the hotel works for your trip, the math is clearly in your favour.
Looking for more options?
The cards listed here are based on our own research and editorial judgment. We are not financial advisors. This is not a recommendation to apply for any product. Some links may be affiliate links — see our full disclaimer. Always verify current offers directly with the issuing ban.