CHOOSE A CREDIT CARD THAT WORKS FOR YOU

According to a study posted by the Canadian Bankers Association last June, in 2017 there were 74.3 million Mastercard and Visa cards in circulation. This followed a research study conducted by Environics Research Group in April 2016, which found that nearly three quarters of Canadians carry at least one credit card that has a rewards program.

So many options

With demand comes choice. So much choice, in fact, that selecting a credit card with a rewards program can become a challenging task for a consumer.

Aileen Kheraj, VP of Credit Cards at MBNA, agrees. “With the multitude of loyalty programs out there, trying to choose the right rewards program can be overwhelming. Customers need to find a program that not only delivers the type of rewards that fit with their lifestyle, but also offers the flexibility in redemption options that can evolve with them.”

A better alternative

It is possible, though, to find a credit card that offers flexibility, simplicity, and value. “We designed the MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus Mastercard® to maximize choice and flexibility,” says Kheraj. “The redemption program is very simple and allows cardholders to redeem for various types of travel, without paying a booking fee online, or to receive cash back — including transferring it into their chequing accounts.”

With the MBNA Rewards Mastercard®, cardholders earn two points for every dollar spent on eligible gas, grocery, and restaurant purchases‡ (up to $5,000 annual spend per category) and one point for every dollar spent on all other eligible purchases‡. “Cardholders have the opportunity to earn points faster, redeem as they wish, and pay no annual fee,” Kheraj comments.

This is a particularly good time to apply for an MBNA Rewards Mastercard®. “We currently have a promotion with this credit card for 10,000 bonus points†† (5,000 points after your first eligible purchase and 5,000 points for signing up for e-statements within 90 days of account opening),” continues Kheraj. “Ten thousand points is worth $100 in travel value or $50 in cash back.”

This is a great offer for a no annual fee credit card. Customers that qualify for the welcome offer and spend $1,200 per month (with 50 percent on accelerator categories) could earn up to $316 in travel value in their first year.