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Canada-based travelers have a new tool available to them: The Choice Privileges MasterCard Credit Card from MBNA Bank. This card offers an impressively versatile rewards program as well as savings and security features.
With the right credit card, you can make your money work harder for you. Perhaps that is what the folks at MBNA Bank, in Canada, were thinking when they designed this MasterCard. You probably will not find another card on the market that offers up to 15 points on the dollar as well as a handful of attractive other savings and security benefits without an annual fee.
The Rewards Program
It has never been easier to earn points than it is with this card. There are a few different ways that you can earn points and all of which are easy to do:
- Get enough bonus points that could earn you enough for a night's stay or even airfare just for signing up
- Earn the most points on the $1 at over 5,000 Choice Privileges lodging establishments around the world (including lodging in the United States, Mexico, Europe, Central America, the Middle East, and of course Canada)
- Earn as the second most points on the $1 at over 1,000 additional lodging locations
- Earn up to double points on the $1 on qualifying purchases from gas to groceries and everything else in between
In order to earn the maximum amount of points you have to use your Choice Privileges card to make a reservation with one off the following affiliates:
- Comfort Inn
- Comfort Suites
- Quality Inn
- Clarion
- Sleep Inn
- Cambria Suites
- Ascend Collection
Similarly, if you use your card at one of the following locations, you will earn points in the 10-point bracket:
- Rodeway Inn
- Econo Lodge
- Suburban Extended Stay
- MainStay Suites
The Redemption Program
Obviously it is very easy to earn points, but you should know that it is just as easy for you to redeem your points to get the things that you want. Yes, you have more choices for earning and redeeming than you probably will with other credit cards in your wallet. Point redemption includes things like:
- Free nights with 6,000+ hotels worldwide (from the list above)
- Free nights with 500+ luxury hotels worldwide with no blackout dates
- Airfare with at least 15 affiliated partner airlines to destinations across the globe
- Gift cards and gift certificates for yourself or a loved on valid at several retail establishments across Canada.
Savings And Security
While it is easy to be attracted to the many travel and shopping benefits that you could get with this MasterCard it is equally important to note that this card may also be more frugal and more secure than other ones you could be considering right now. In terms of savings, you might appreciate:
- This card has no annual fee, which is obviously a great benefit that you can enjoy immediately (and every year you are active)
- A low introductory interest rate on balance transfers, which is something that could help you get control over the balances on other cards that probably have substantially higher interest rates
- An interest-free grace period on all purchases that helps you avoid the extra costs of interest when you make regular payments
- A low foreign exchange fee gives you more options for traveling without converted cash or traveler's that are limited and easy to lose
- Low fees on wire transfers as well as cash advance options let you get the cash you need whether you are close to home or traveling abroad
When you travel, though, it is important to know that your card is safe from potential theft and fraud. In terms of security, then, this card gives you a couple of convenient additions that provide you with peace of mind so you don't have to worry about it:
- Chip & Pin Technology makes it impossible to copy the information on your card. This is one way that you will know that no one is using your account without your consent
- PayPass is a convenient way to pay for small transactions without having to swipe the card. It prevents onlookers from seeing your PIN entry as well as getting a look at your signature
Conclusion
You choose how you earn and how you redeem points with the Choice Privileges MasterCard from MBNA Canada. Earning three different tiers of points for every $1 spent has never been easier, but neither has cashing in your points towards travel rewards.