Frequent flyers will soon have another way to earn travel rewards with new credit cards from Porter Airlines and BMO.
The carrier and bank have partnered to launch two new BMO VIPorter Mastercard credit cards.
According to the announcement from BMO Financial Group, this is the first and only travel credit card program in Canada that grants immediate frequent flyer benefits for cardholders in an airline’s loyalty program, while allowing accelerated travel rewards.
More than 30,000 people have joined the pre-launch waitlist since the program was announced in January.
How do the Porter Airlines and BMO Mastercard work?
Similar to other travel rewards credit cards, the new BMO VIPorter Mastercard credit cards allow Canadians to earn points and redeem flights through everyday purchases. The big difference is you won’t have to rack up thousands of dollars on the cards before you get the frequent flyer benefits.
“While other programs let you reach frequent flyer membership levels based on how much is spent on their cards, the BMO VIPorter Mastercard lineup grants it automatically,” explained Porter Airlines’ senior vice-president and chief commercial officer, Edmond Eldebs, in a statement.
“By partnering with BMO and Mastercard to enable cardholders to access Avid Traveller benefits immediately and earn VIPorter points even faster, our members can redeem for even more flights on Porter and our partner airlines.”
BMO VIPorter Mastercard
With this travel rewards credit card, cardholders earn two points for every $1 spent on Porter Airlines flights, one point for every $1 spent on transportation, gas, groceries, dining and hotel accommodations, and 0.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
You’ll automatically get VIPorter Passport Avid Traveller membership benefits, including earning six points per dollar on Porter flights, dedicated airport check-in, priority security screening, early boarding and priority re-accommodation for flight delays.
Cardholders can also earn $1 of Avid Traveller Qualifying Spend for every $25 in eligible credit card spend, unlocking even more earning and travel benefits over time.
Lastly, this card provides an annual voucher for 35 per cent off the base fare on any Porter Airlines flights for up to four people when spending at least $25,000 annually on the card.
BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard
Cardholders earn three points for every $1 spent on Porter flights, two points for every $1 spent on transportation, gas, groceries, dining and hotel accommodations, and one point for every $1 spent on other purchases.
Similarly to the other card, travellers will immediately get all of the perks of a VIPorter Passport Avid Traveller, adding one complimentary checked bag, a carry-on bag when booking basic economy fare and a complimentary PorterClassic seat selection.
You’ll also earn $1 of Avid Traveller Qualifying Spend for every $25 in eligible credit card spend.
Finally, this card features an annual round-trip Porter Airlines companion pass that gives an additional passenger flying on the same booking 100 per cent off the base fare of any Porter flight when spending at least $50,000 annually on the card.
Other highlights of the loyalty program include:
- All members receive 100 per cent of their eligible points for every flight purchased, including basic economy fares, exclusive of taxes and fees
- Redeem points for any seat across Porter’s expanding network, including points-only and cash-plus-points redemption options, with no blackout dates
- Earn confirmed PorterReserve flight certificates, starting at $3,000 in annual qualifying spend
- Head Start allows members to carry over up to $3,000 in qualifying spend into the next year to accelerate their Avid Traveller benefits
- Over 3,000 flight routings available for redemption with Porter, Air Transat and Alaska Airlines to North American and global destinations
The Toronto-based carrier’s network spans across Canada and the U.S.; however, it recently cut promotions to American destinations with the uncertainty brought on by the trade war.
fotografiko eugen/Shutterstock.com
