If you are thinking about reward for credit card, especially for travel reward, what does it come first in your mind? For me, Air Miles comes first. I have been Air Miles collector since early 2000 but I didn't have much Air Miles just because I didn't really pay attention until now. However, once I changed my mind to collect Air Miles as a major credit card's reward, I thought I will find the best way to collect the Air Miles efficiently and resonably fast.
First thing what I have done is research. I researched all the credit cards that offer Air Miles and how much you could earn upon your expense.
(If you have over $70,000 of income yourself or if you house income is over $120,000 then go with BMO World Elite Master Card(3000 welcome bonus miles, $120 annual fee) + American Express Platinum(2000, welcome bonus miles, $65) is the answer!
However, if your income is like me, this is what I figured it our for the best sinario.
First, get an American Express Platium card.
Its Annual fee will be $65 and it is not too expensive like other platinum card. In addition, they offer first year annual fee waive. So, you get to try this platinum card for free and you get 2,000 Miles for welcome bonus. Sweet! This card will be your primary expense card since it will give you 1 mile per $10 expense at sponsored retailor or 1 miles per $15 at everywhere
Secondly, sign up BMO Air Miles Master card.
This credit card has no annual fee but it will give 800 welcome bonus miles. Realistically, there are limited stores who accep American Express so, you need an back up card. BMO Mastercard will give you 1 mile per every $20 everywhere
* Now, you will become Gold member(if you have over 1000 miles, you become Gold Card member).
By signing up these two credit cards, you will get 2,800 miles and it is good for two short hauls with your Gold Card. :)
One of the sweeties thing if you become a Gold Card member of Air Miles is that you use 30 % fewer miles to fly!
Great! Sweet! Yahoo!!
Thirdly, offer the other people your Air Miles card, if they don't collect!
I saw so many people who just said they didn't have air miles card, then I usually ask if they mind using my airl miles! why not? it is free!!! :)
Fouthly, Shop at sponsored store and use your Air Miles Credit Card and Air Miles Card
Go grocery shopping where gives you bonus air miles and if it is the same product and on sale buy something offers you bonus air miles. Also, don't forget to subscribe sobey's personalize air miles offer. Finally, at the end of shopping use your air miles card and air miles credit card to maximize air miles.
Lastly, buy Air Miles from your friends or family if they don't use it.
Since, air miles split the miles for cash miles and dream miles, they are not allow to use dream miles at the grocery store and some people has over 1000 miles but they will never use airplane. If I know any family member or friends in this situation, I usually offer $10 cash per every 100 miles. For them dream miles are useless and they prefer to get cash! It is a good deal for both of us! right? :)
I had only around 400 Air Miles until november of 2015 and it was the time that I really didn't care about Air Miles. Now? I have over 4500 miiles and it only happened within two month. I signed up two credit card and I used accordingtly. Also, I bought air miles from my friends over 1200 miles.
When I open my clinic this fall, I am planning to sign up another american express card that give you 2,000 welcome bonus mile too.
We will see, how many miles I can get this year :)