In This Issue:

🛩️ Get Your Fourth Night Free With Aeroplan

💳 Changes to the American Express Platinum Card!

🛌 Aeroplan's Latest Hotel Booking Perk: Get Your Fourth Night Free!

Aeroplan has introduced a fresh feature for its members: the Fourth Night Free benefit when reserving hotels. Click here. Here's the breakdown:

What Is It: If you possess any Aeroplan co-branded credit card, whether it's Canadian or US-issued, you can now delight in a complimentary fourth night when you redeem points for your hotel stays.

Booking Window: This promotion is valid for bookings made from September 13, 2023, to December 31, 2024. However, your stay can extend beyond this period.

How It Functions: For every four consecutive nights you book at the same hotel, you'll only use up points for three nights. So, if a hotel costs 15,000 points per night, a four-night stay will only cost you 45,000 points. This perk also scales up, meaning an eight-night booking will only require points for six nights.

Restrictions: The free night is calculated based on the average cost of your stay. The Fourth Night Free offer doesn't apply to Cash + Points or cash-only bookings. Additionally, all nights must be part of a single reservation at the same hotel to qualify.

Value Proposition: While this new feature can yield savings, it's crucial to comprehend the value of Aeroplan points. In general, using points for flights tends to offer a superior value compared to hotel bookings. For example, a business class flight from Toronto to Zurich might provide a value of 4.85 cents per point (CAD), whereas hotel redemptions typically offer around 1.7–1.8 cents per point (CAD). So, if your aim is to maximize point value, flights are the optimal choice.

On a personal note, I don't stress too much about the cent-per-point value I'm getting. If it's a valuable redemption that helps achieve my travel goals, it's worth pursuing. However, I understand that many individuals aim to maximize their points to the fullest extent, and for those folks, redeeming Aeroplan points for hotels might not offer the best value.

Final Thoughts: While using points for hotels or merchandise may seem enticing, the most advantageous use of Aeroplan points usually lies in booking flights. Nonetheless, if you're determined to employ your points for hotel stays, this Fourth Night Free perk can provide decent value.

Exploring the New American Express Platinum Canada: A Closer Look

The American Express Platinum card has long been a favorite among travel enthusiasts, and for good reason. Its array of benefits and rewards has made it a standout in the Canadian credit card market. Nevertheless, recent changes have altered its positioning, and it's crucial to grasp what this means for prospective cardholders.

💳 The Updated Annual Fee: The Platinum card now carries an annual fee of $799. At first glance, this might appear steep, but when you factor in the new dining credit of $200, the effective cost becomes more reasonable. Essentially, if you frequently dine out or order in, this credit can offset a substantial portion of that fee.

🎁 Welcome Bonus Adjustments: The new welcome bonus presents a mixed bag. On one hand, you can earn an impressive 70,000 points by spending $10,000 in the initial three months. Additionally, if you retain the card and make a purchase in the second year, you'll receive an extra 30,000 points. While the total of 100,000 points is undeniably enticing, the spending requirement has steadily risen.

Just six months ago, the requirement was $6,000 in three months, which then increased to $7,500 and now stands at $10,000. This higher spending threshold might dissuade some, especially those who don't typically spend that much in such a short time frame.

🛫 Unmatched Travel Perks: Despite the modifications, the Platinum card's travel benefits continue to surpass all others in the Canadian market. From lounge access to travel insurance, these perks make it a top-tier card for frequent travelers.

The Amex Cobalt Card: Given the changes to the Platinum card, the American Express Cobalt card now shines even brighter. Its consistent offering, particularly the impressive 5x multiplier on groceries, restaurants, and food delivery, has made it a favorite for many. While the Cobalt may not come with the generous welcome bonus of the Platinum, its consistent rewards structure, especially in food-related categories, delivers incredible long-term value.

Final Thoughts: Although the American Express Platinum has moved into a more premium category with recent changes, it still holds significant value for the right user, particularly those who can maximize the dining credit and travel benefits. However, for those wary of the higher spending requirement, the Cobalt remains a dependable choice, offering consistent value through its rewards structure. As always, the ideal card for you hinges on your spending habits and travel preferences.