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Reference strategies

Reference strategy: Travel and points

More settings
Annual spending levels

The same total amount is used for every profile at a given level. Only the distribution across spending categories changes by profile.

  • Moderate — $24,000 / year
  • Standard — $36,000 / year
  • High — $60,000 / year

In a personalized analysis, your actual spending replaces this reference basket.

Travel and points

3 cards that maximize travel rewards while keeping the portfolio versatile.

Adapt to my spending

Your recommended cards

3 cards in this strategy
1 Category specialist
American Express Cobalt Card — American Express Canada

American Express Cobalt Card

American Express Canada

$8,400/year assigned to this card

Welcome offer included

View card
2 Primary card
Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card — American Express Canada

Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card

American Express Canada

$15,600/year assigned to this card

Welcome offer included

View card
3 Backup card (other network)
BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard — BMO

BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard

BMO

$12,000/year assigned to this card

Welcome offer included

View card

How to use this strategy

Spending breakdown for the reference profile and the recommended card for each category.

  • Travel $9,600 BMO Ascend World Elite
  • Hotels $7,200 Marriott Bonvoy American Express
  • Everyday purchases $4,800 Marriott Bonvoy American Express
  • Transportation $3,600 Marriott Bonvoy American Express
  • Groceries $3,600 American Express Cobalt
  • Restaurants $3,600 American Express Cobalt
  • Pre-authorized payments $2,400 BMO Ascend World Elite
  • Gas / charging $1,200 American Express Cobalt

These amounts make up this scenario’s reference profile. Adapt them to receive a personalized strategy.

View calculation details Understand net value, fees, and each card’s contribution.

How this strategy’s value is built

The breakdown shows each card’s contribution. Applicable fees have already been deducted.

Annual net value
Annual gross value
$1,366.44
Annual fees
$461.88
Annual net value
$904.56
First-year value
Recurring net value
$904.56
Eligible offers
$1,034.48
First-year value
$1,939.04
2-year total$2,926.93
3-year total$3,831.49

The first year includes offers earned during the first 12 months; subsequent years use recurring value.

Each card’s contribution

Each expense is assigned once to the card responsible for it.

American Express Cobalt Card — American Express Canada

American Express Cobalt Card

Complementary card for gas, groceries, dining.

$8,400 in assigned spending

  • Gas / charging
  • Groceries
  • Restaurants
Annual net contribution
$384.12
Offer — first 12 months
$150
First-year contribution
$534.12
Annual fee
$191.88
Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card — American Express Canada

Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card

Primary card for alternative transportation, general spending, hotels.

$15,600 in assigned spending

  • Transportation
  • Everyday purchases
  • Hotels
Annual net contribution
$302.44
Offer — first 12 months
$499.98
First-year contribution
$802.42
Annual fee
$120
BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard — BMO

BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard

Visa or Mastercard backup for merchants that do not accept American Express, including recurring payments, travel.

$12,000 in assigned spending

  • Pre-authorized payments
  • Travel
Annual net contribution
$218
Offer — first 12 months
$384.50
First-year contribution
$602.50
Annual fee
$150

Assumptions used

Strategy assumptions $36,000/year Standard 3 cards max. Priority: Travel points and benefits