Credit Card Churning in Canada
This Page Was Last Updated on January 25, 2024.
Credit card churning is a way for Canadians to maximize their rewards and take advantage of the best credit card offers. It involves signing up for multiple credit cards, taking advantage of the sign-up bonuses, and then cancelling the cards before the annual fee kicks in.
This strategy can be a great way to get the most out of your credit cards, but it's important to understand the risks and rewards associated with it. In this article, we'll explore the basics of credit card churning in Canada, including the benefits, drawbacks, and tips for getting started.
What You Should Know
- Credit card churning is a strategy to maximize rewards by signing up for credit cards solely for generous welcome bonuses.
- Credit card churning involves researching, applying for, and meeting spending requirements on credit cards to collect and redeem rewards.
- Some credit issuers have been known to ban frequent credit card churners, or limit welcome bonuses to once per lifetime.
What is Credit Card Churning?
Banks offer generous welcome bonuses and rewards in order to attract new customers to their credit cards. Credit card churning takes advantage of these offers by signing up for multiple cards, using them for rewards, and then cancelling them before the annual fee is due. They then repeat this by applying for new cards and churning through different cards to take advantage of the best offers.
Credit card churning allows cardholders to earn points, miles, or cash back at a faster rate and potentially access more valuable rewards. While it can be a profitable hobby if done carefully, it's not without its risks.
Credit Card Churning Steps
- Research and find the best credit card offers: The first step in credit card churning is to research and find the best credit card offers available. This can include sign-up bonuses, extra cashback for a limited time, or other perks.
- Apply for credit cards: Once you've found a few promising offers, it's time to apply for them. Keep in mind that each application will result in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can slightly lower your credit score. You may also apply for just one card.
- Meet the minimum spending requirements: Most credit cards require you to spend a certain amount within a specified time frame in order to receive the sign-up bonus. It's important to keep track of these requirements and your spending so that you can meet them in time.
- Collect and redeem rewards: As you use the cards for your everyday spending, you'll start to unlock points, miles, or cashback. Once you've received the full amount of your sign-up bonuses, you can redeem them for travel, merchandise, or statement credits, or transfer them out to other loyalty programs, if available.
- Cancel or downgrade cards before annual fees: As the annual fee approaches, it's important to decide whether to keep the card, cancel it, or downgrade to a no-fee card. This will depend on your personal preferences and the value you're getting from the rewards and benefits of each card. When churning credit cards, you’ll usually cancel them.
- Rinse and repeat: Once you've gone through this process, it's time to start researching and applying for new ones. Make sure to space out your applications to avoid having too many hard inquiries on your credit report at once. Some banks and card issuers may also have a minimum time period before you can apply for the same card and get the sign-up bonuses again.
Tips for Credit Card Churning in Canada
Annual Fee
Many credit cards offer a waiver of the first year's annual fee as part of their sign-up bonus. Keep track of when that first year is up so that you can cancel the card before then and avoid paying the annual fee.
Some banks, such as RBC, offer a pro-rated refund of the annual fee if you cancel your card.
Minimum Spend
Most welcome bonuses have a minimum spend requirement, such as spending $3,000 in three months. If it seems too high, consider waiting to apply until you have planned expenses that align with the minimum spend, and don’t spend more than you normally would just to meet the requirement.
Card Balance
It’s never a good idea to carry a balance on a credit card, especially when you are churning. The interest charged on any balance will quickly eat away at the value of your rewards.
Make sure to pay off your card in full each month to avoid interest charges.
Credit Card Churning Opportunities in April 2024
Aventura Rewards
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite
$139.00
Household: $100,000
Individual: $60,000
| Redemption Options | Redemption Value (First Year) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Aventura Point | = | $0.010 in Cash | = | $600 in Cash |
| $0.013 in Travel Purchases | $750 in Travel Purchases | |||
| $0.023 in Flights With Aventura Airline Rewards | $1,380 in Flights With Aventura Airline Rewards |
CIBC Aventura Gold Visa
$139.00
Household: $15,000
| Redemption Options | Redemption Value (First Year) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Aventura Point | = | $0.010 in Cash | = | $600 in Cash |
| $0.013 in Travel Purchases | $750 in Travel Purchases | |||
| $0.023 in Flights With Aventura Airline Rewards | $1,380 in Flights With Aventura Airline Rewards |
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege
$499.00
Household: $200,000
Individual: $150,000
| Redemption Options | Redemption Value (First Year) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Aventura Point | = | $0.010 in Cash | = | $500 in Cash |
| $0.013 in Travel Purchases | $625 in Travel Purchases | |||
| $0.023 in Flights With Aventura Airline Rewards | $1,150 in Flights With Aventura Airline Rewards |
CIBC Aventura Visa
$0.00
Household: $15,000
| Redemption Options | Redemption Value (First Year) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Aventura Point | = | $0.010 in Cash | = | $0 in Cash |
| $0.013 in Travel Purchases | $0 in Travel Purchases | |||
| $0.023 in Flights With Aventura Airline Rewards | $0 in Flights With Aventura Airline Rewards |
Aeroplan Rewards
TD Bank Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit
$599.00
Household: $200,000
Individual: $150,000
| Redemption Options | Redemption Value (First Year) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Aeroplan Point | = | $0.007 in Gift Cards | = | $525 in Gift Cards |
| $0.017 in Economy Class Flights | $1,275 in Economy Class Flights | |||
| $0.028 in Business Class Flights | $2,100 in Business Class Flights |
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege
$599.00
Household: $200,000
Individual: $150,000
| Redemption Options | Redemption Value (First Year) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Aeroplan Point | = | $0.007 in Gift Cards | = | $560 in Gift Cards |
| $0.017 in Economy Class Flights | $1,360 in Economy Class Flights | |||
| $0.028 in Business Class Flights | $2,240 in Business Class Flights |
TD Bank Aeroplan Visa Infinite
$139.00
Household: $100,000
Individual: $60,000
| Redemption Options | Redemption Value (First Year) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Aeroplan Point | = | $0.007 in Gift Cards | = | $350 in Gift Cards |
| $0.017 in Economy Class Flights | $850 in Economy Class Flights | |||
| $0.028 in Business Class Flights | $1,400 in Business Class Flights |
American Express Aeroplan Reserve
$599.00
None
| Redemption Options | Redemption Value (First Year) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Aeroplan Point | = | $0.007 in Gift Cards | = | $420 in Gift Cards |
| $0.017 in Economy Class Flights | $1,020 in Economy Class Flights | |||
| $0.028 in Business Class Flights | $1,680 in Business Class Flights |
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite
$139.00
Household: $100,000
Individual: $60,000
| Redemption Options | Redemption Value (First Year) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Aeroplan Point | = | $0.007 in Gift Cards | = | $350 in Gift Cards |
| $0.017 in Economy Class Flights | $850 in Economy Class Flights | |||
| $0.028 in Business Class Flights | $1,400 in Business Class Flights |
American Express Aeroplan
$120.00
None
| Redemption Options | Redemption Value (First Year) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Aeroplan Point | = | $0.007 in Gift Cards | = | $210 in Gift Cards |
| $0.017 in Economy Class Flights | $510 in Economy Class Flights | |||
| $0.028 in Business Class Flights | $840 in Business Class Flights |
TD Bank Aeroplan Visa Platinum Credit
$89.00
None
| Redemption Options | Redemption Value (First Year) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Aeroplan Point | = | $0.007 in Gift Cards | = | $140 in Gift Cards |
| $0.017 in Economy Class Flights | $340 in Economy Class Flights | |||
| $0.028 in Business Class Flights | $560 in Business Class Flights |
CIBC Aeroplan Visa
$0.00
Household: $15,000
| Redemption Options | Redemption Value (First Year) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Aeroplan Point | = | $0.007 in Gift Cards | = | $70 in Gift Cards |
| $0.017 in Economy Class Flights | $170 in Economy Class Flights | |||
| $0.028 in Business Class Flights | $280 in Business Class Flights |
Air Miles Rewards
BMO AIR MILES Mastercard
$0.00
None
| Redemption Options | Redemption Value (First Year) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95 Cash Miles | = | $10.00 in Purchases | = | $84 in Purchases |
| 1 Dream Miles | = | $0.11 in Flights | = | $88 in Flights |
BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard
$120.00
Household: $150,000
Individual: $80,000
| Redemption Options | Redemption Value (First Year) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95 Cash Miles | = | $10.00 in Purchases | = | $211 in Purchases |
| 1 Dream Miles | = | $0.11 in Flights | = | $220 in Flights |
Avion Rewards
RBC Avion Visa Infinite
$120.00
Household: $100,000
Individual: $60,000
| Redemption Options | Redemption Value (First Year) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Avion Point | = | $0.007 in Gift Cards | = | $385 in Gift Cards |
| $0.010 in Travel Purchases | $550 in Travel Purchases | |||
| $0.023 in Fixed Rate Flights | $1,265 in Fixed Rate Flights |
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege
$399.00
Household: $200,000
Individual: $200,000
| Redemption Options | Redemption Value (First Year) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Avion Point | = | $0.007 in Gift Cards | = | $385 in Gift Cards |
| $0.010 in Travel Purchases | $550 in Travel Purchases | |||
| $0.023 in Fixed Rate Flights | $1,265 in Fixed Rate Flights |
RBC Avion Visa Platinum
$120.00
None
| Redemption Options | Redemption Value (First Year) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Avion Point | = | $0.007 in Gift Cards | = | $245 in Gift Cards |
| $0.010 in Travel Purchases | $350 in Travel Purchases | |||
| $0.023 in Fixed Rate Flights | $805 in Fixed Rate Flights |
RBC ION+ Visa
$48.00
None
| Redemption Options | Redemption Value (First Year) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Avion Point | = | $0.007 in Gift Cards | = | $49 in Gift Cards |
| $0.010 in Travel Purchases | $70 in Travel Purchases |
WestJet Dollars Rewards
RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard
$119.00
Household: $150,000
Individual: $80,000
| Redemption Options | Redemption Value (First Year) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 WestJet Dollars Point | = | $1.000 in Base Fare for WestJet Flights | = | $450 in Base Fare for WestJet Flights |
RBC WestJet Mastercard
$39.00
None
| Redemption Options | Redemption Value (First Year) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 WestJet Dollars Point | = | $1.000 in Base Fare for WestJet Flights | = | $100 in Base Fare for WestJet Flights |
AMEX Rewards
American Express Gold Rewards
$250.00
None
| Redemption Options | Redemption Value (First Year) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 AMEX Point | = | $0.010 in Statement Credit | = | $600 in Statement Credit |
| $0.020 in Fixed-Point Travel | $1,200 in Fixed-Point Travel |
American Express Platinum Charge Card
$799.00
None
| Redemption Options | Redemption Value (First Year) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 AMEX Point | = | $0.010 in Statement Credit | = | $700 in Statement Credit |
| $0.020 in Fixed-Point Travel | $1,400 in Fixed-Point Travel |
American Express Green
$0.00
None
| Redemption Options | Redemption Value (First Year) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 AMEX Point | = | $0.010 in Statement Credit | = | $100 in Statement Credit |
| $0.020 in Fixed-Point Travel | $200 in Fixed-Point Travel |
American Express Cobalt
$155.88
None
| Redemption Options | Redemption Value (First Year) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 AMEX Point | = | $0.010 in Statement Credit | = | $150 in Statement Credit |
| $0.020 in Fixed-Point Travel | $300 in Fixed-Point Travel |
Other Rewards
TD Bank First Class Travel Visa Infinite
$139.00
Household: $100,000
Individual: $60,000
| Redemption Options | Redemption Value (First Year) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 TD Rewards Point | = | $0.003 in Statement Credit | = | $288 in Statement Credit |
| $0.004 in Travel Purchases | $460 in Travel Purchases | |||
| $0.005 in Expedia For TD Bookings | $575 in Expedia For TD Bookings |
American Express SimplyCash Preferred
$119.88
None
| Redemption Options | Redemption Value (First Year) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Point | = | $1.000 in Statement Credit | = | $400 in Statement Credit |
Scotiabank Platinum American Express
$399.00
Individual: $12,000
| Redemption Options | Redemption Value (First Year) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Scene+ Point | = | $0.010 in Redemptions | = | $600 in Redemptions |
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite
$150.00
AUM: $250,000
Household: $100,000
Individual: $60,000
| Redemption Options | Redemption Value (First Year) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Scene+ Point | = | $0.010 in Redemptions | = | $350 in Redemptions |
Credit Card Churning Example
No Minimum Spend
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite credit card gives 35,000 Avion Points upon approval, worth $805 towards flight redemptions or $245 in gift cards. You'll only have to pay the $120 annual fee for the card.
With a Minimum Spend
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite offers 25,000 Scene+ Points for spending $1,000 in the first three months. That's worth $250 in redemptions. After considering the $150 annual fee, you'll get $100 in value for spending $1,000. That's equivalent to a 10% return on your spending.
How Do I Meet Spending Requirements?
Meeting spending requirements is required in order to earn the welcome bonuses for most credit cards. However, if you're not someone who spends a lot of money with credit cards or you don't want to risk going into debt, there are still ways to meet these requirements without overspending.
One option is to use your credit card for everyday purchases such as groceries, gas, and utility bills. This way, you're able to earn points or cash back on your regular expenses without having to change your spending habits just to chase a welcome bonus. You can also consider timing larger purchases, such as buying furniture or electronics, around the time you open a new credit card to help meet the spending requirement.
Another option is to purchase gift cards for retailers that you normally shop at. You can fulfill the minimum spend requirement within the time requirement and then be able to use the gift card to shop at your leisure in the future.
Manufactured spending, which involves using methods to artificially increase your spending on credit cards, are not allowed and could result in account closure. Examples include paying yourself or friends and family, and then using the cash to pay off your credit card.
Alternatively, you can look for credit card sign-up bonuses that have lower spending requirements or even no spending requirements at all. These offers may not be as lucrative as ones with higher spending requirements, but they still provide a way to earn rewards without spending more than you can afford.
Crackdowns on Credit Card Churning
Dangers of Credit Card Churning
While credit card churning may seem like a quick and easy way to earn extra rewards, it's important to be aware of the potential dangers involved. Churning credit cards can have negative impacts on your credit score, as well as other consequences.
One major risk of credit card churning is the potential for damage to your credit score. Each time you apply for a new credit card, a hard inquiry is made on your credit report, which can lower your score by a few points. This may not seem like much, but if you're constantly churning cards and making multiple applications in a short period of time, it could significantly impact your overall score.
In addition to multiple hard credit checks, churning credit cards can also impact the average age of your credit accounts. This is because each time you open a new card, it begins a new account with a length of zero. A longer credit history is generally seen as more favorable, so constantly churning cards and opening new accounts can lower your overall score.
Managing multiple credit card accounts and keeping track of different due dates and minimum payments can also be challenging and can lead to missed or late payments. This can have a negative impact on your credit score and potentially result in additional fees or interest charges.
Some credit issuers have strict policies against frequent churners and may even ban them from applying for their cards in the future. This could limit your options when it comes to earning rewards and benefits from certain credit cards.
Amexiled
One term commonly used in the credit card churning community is "amexiled," which refers to being banned from applying for American Express credit cards due to excessive churning behavior. This can happen when someone has opened and closed multiple American Express accounts within a short period of time. Usually, you can only receive the welcome bonus for an American Express card once in your lifetime.
Being amexiled means losing any unused rewards or benefits associated with the banned accounts, as well as potentially being blacklisted from applying for other American Express products in the future.
Previous Cardholders
If you have had the same credit card in the past, even if it was closed or canceled years ago, you may not be eligible for the welcome bonus when you apply again. This is another way that credit card issuers prevent churners from taking advantage of their welcome bonuses multiple times.
However, some banks may have a time limit before you can receive a welcome bonus again. For example, Scotiabank lets you receive a credit card welcome bonus again after 2 years of not being a Scotiabank cardholder.
Aeroplan Card Type
Aeroplan limits a welcome bonus to once per Aeroplan card type, regardless of issuer. This means that if you signed up for the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card, you won’t be able to also get the welcome bonus from the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card, as it’s the same card type.
Since there are five Aeroplan card types, you can get five card welcome bonuses in a lifetime.
Card types that Aeroplan will only grant one welcome bonus for are:
- Entry (e.g. CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card)
- Core (e.g. CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card)
- Premium (eg. CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card)
- Core Small Business Credit Cards (e.g. TD Aeroplan Visa Business Card)
- Premium Small Business (e.g. American Express Business Aeroplan Reserve Card)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is credit card churning?
Credit card churning in Canada is a strategy used by savvy consumers to maximize their credit card rewards. It involves signing up for multiple credit cards with attractive rewards programs, taking advantage of the sign-up bonuses, and then cancelling the cards before the annual fees kick in.
What are the benefits of credit card churning in Canada?
Credit card churning in Canada can be a great way to maximize your rewards and save money. By taking advantage of sign-up bonuses and other rewards programs, you can earn points, miles, and cashback that can be used for travel, shopping, and other rewards.
What tips should I keep in mind when credit card churning?
When credit card churning in Canada, it’s important to keep track of your spending and make sure you pay off your balance in full each month. You should also be aware of annual fees and other costs associated with each card, and make sure you cancel the cards before the fees kick in.
Are there any risks associated with credit card churning in Canada?
You should always pay off your balance in full each month and be aware of annual fees and other costs associated with each card. Your credit score can be negatively affected due to frequent credit inquiries and low account age. Some card issuers have also been known to ban customers who engage in excessive credit card churning.