Overall rating
First year value
$2,111
Scores by category
Travel 3.1
Rewards 3.0
Welcome Bonus 2.8
At a glance
The BMO VIPorter Mastercard is an airline credit card perfect for Canadian travellers who value relaxation when flying, and comes equipped with plenty of benefits for its $89 annual fee (which BMO waives for the first year). Porter is one of Canada’s fastest-growing airlines, focusing on travellers who seek out a comfort during their journeys, including the absence of middle seats.
Highlights
$2,111
First year value
up to $1,800 value*
Welcome bonus
$89
Annual fee
Annual fee waived in the first year*
Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase APR
23.99%
Balance transfer APR
23.99%
Cash advance APR
21.99% for Quebec residents
Eligibility
Good
Recommended credit score
Quick overview of the BMO VIPorter Mastercard
The BMO VIPorter Mastercard is an airline credit card perfect for Canadian travellers who value relaxation when flying, and comes equipped with plenty of benefits for its $89 annual fee (which BMO waives for the first year). Porter is one of Canada’s fastest-growing airlines, focusing on travellers who seek out a comfort during their journeys, including the absence of middle seats.
Who’s the BMO VIPorter Mastercard for?
The BMO VIPorter Mastercard is an excellent choice for casual travellers who appreciate a good deal and want to fly comfortably with Porter Airlines. Cardholders receive immediate Avid Traveller status without needing to book a flight. Typically, Avid Traveller status requires at least $2,000 in annual spending with Porter, but it offers an impressive earn rate of up to six points per dollar spent on Porter flights — that’s 20% more than basic members!
Pros and cons
Pros
-
First-year annual fee waiver: Saves you $89 of your first year of card membership
-
Instant elite status: Get complimentary VIPorter Avid Traveller, offering double the points on flights, priority check-in and boarding and more
-
No middle seats: Porter's aircraft, including their snazzy Embraer E195-E2s, are set up in a 2-2 seating configuration, meaning you've got two seats on each side of the aisle and no one in between.
Cons
-
No lounge access: The card offers no airport lounge access
-
Limited rewards: The card offers limited rewards on other bonus categories outside of Porter flights
BMO VIPorter Mastercard welcome bonus
Get up to $1,800 in value including 40,000 VIPorter points and a 35% off flight voucher.* Plus no annual fee in your first year*.
How to earn VIPorter points with the BMO VIPorter Mastercard
The BMO VIPorter Mastercard earns the following points on eligible purchases:
- 2 points per $1 spent on Porter flights
- 1 point per $1 spent on transportation, gas, groceries, dining and hotel accommodations
- 0.5 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
The 2x points on Porter flights is competitive in the Canadian travel market and doubles the earn rate offered by CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card on Air Canada flights. Additionally, the American Express Green Card’s 1x points on travel purchases made through American Express Travel offers more flexibility for those not dedicated to Porter’s upscale offerings. Plus, neither of those cards charge an annual fee (while the VIPorter Card does).
Estimated 1st-year value
We estimate that the BMO VIPorter Mastercard has a potential first-year value of up to $2,111.
BMO VIPorter Mastercard cardholders can earn a PorterReserve flight certificate after spending $3,000 annually. PorterReserve is Porter Airlines' premium all-inclusive economy experience. For every additional $2,000 spent in qualifying purchases during the same calendar year, cardholders will earn another PorterReserve certificate.
PorterReserve certificates can significantly enhance your travel experience and save you money:
- Seat upgrades: Upgrade from a PorterClassic Standard to a PorterReserve seat, valued at about $12.
- Checked bags: Porter charges $25 per bag online or $35 at the airport, so upgrading for two bags could save you up to $70.
- In-flight snacks/drinks: The value of a meal or enhanced snack plus premium liquor can easily range from $20 to $30.
- Priority boarding/Check-in: While this benefit is more intangible, it can save you time and hassle.
Adding these benefits together, each PorterReserve flight certificate could provide a value of approximately $105 to $130 or more per flight, depending on the route and specific circumstances. This equates to about 3.5% cash back based on the $3,000 spending requirement.
What are VIPorter points worth?
VIPorter points do not have a set value, as points can be worth anywhere from 1.5 to 6 cents each, depending on how you redeem them. The highest value comes from Dollars & Points, with more exotic destinations and upgraded seats offering lower value for money.
When it comes to redeeming your VIPorter points, you’ve got options:
- 1 Full fare redemption: Use your points to cover the entire base fare of your flight.
- 2 Dollars & Points: Combine points with cash to pay for your ticket.
Remember, regardless of how you redeem, you’ll still need to pay taxes and fees in cash.
PorterClassic vs. PorterReserve
When redeeming, you’ll have two seat options:
- PorterClassic: Your standard economy seat.
- PorterReserve: A premium economy option with slightly larger seats.
Keep in mind that PorterReserve can cost 1.5x to 3x more points than PorterClassic, depending on availability. Weigh the comfort against the cost to decide what’s best for you.
VIPorter doesn’t have an awards booking chart
VIPorter doesn’t have a fixed award chart, which means point values can vary. Here’s what you need to know:
- One-way PorterClassic flights start from as low as 5,500 points (plus taxes and fees)
- Most routes have fares starting at 8,500 VIPorter points, even for longer hauls like Toronto to Los Angeles
- Aim for a redemption value of 1.5 to 3 cents per point to maximize your rewards
Do VIPorter points expire?
VIPorter points expire after 24 months of inactivity.
- Instant elite status: Cardholders can enjoy premium travel perks without the usual spending or flying requirements.
- Accelerated earning: Higher earn rates on everyday purchases means faster accumulation of travel rewards.
- Flexible redemptions: Points can be used across Porter’s expanding North American network and with partner airlines like Air Transat and Alaska Airlines.
- No blackout dates: Redeem for any seat with no restrictions, offering true freedom in travel planning.
VIPorter Avid Traveller
Cardholders enjoy automatic VIPorter Avid Traveller status. This elevated tier typically requires $2,000 in spend on Porter flights in a calendar year or 20 one-way flights in a calendar year, so getting it instantly without the flights is a great perk.
Avid Traveller offers the following benefits:
- Earn six points per dollar spent on Porter flights (that’s 20% more than basic members!)
- Priority check-in
- Priority security screening (at select airports)
- Early boarding
- Priority re-accommodation during flight delays or cancellations
- Complimentary seat selection on PorterClassic fares
Travel benefits of the BMO VIPorter Mastercard
- Priority re-accommodation for flight delays
- Dedicated check-in (for up to eight companions travelling on the same booking)
- Early boarding (for up to eight companions travelling on the same booking)
- No VIPorter points expiry
- Earn $1 of Qualifying Spend for every $25 spent
BMO VIPorter Mastercard insurance coverage
Extra benefits of the BMO VIPorter Mastercard
- Save up to 20% on National Car Rental®†† and Alamo Rent A Car®†† and up to 5% on Enterprise Rent-A-Car®†† at locations worldwide using the Car Rental Booking tool
- Get 20% off admission to Cirque du Soleil shows touring Canada* and 15% off resident shows in Las Vegas
- Save up to 7% on your Booking.com prepaid hotel or property rental bookings at booking.com/mastercardcanada
Keep an eye out for Porter's seat sales, which often occur mid-week. Booking during these sales lets you get more bang for your points, as fewer points are needed for discounted fares.
Cory Santos, Money.ca credit card expert
How does the BMO VIPorter Card compare?
up to 20,000 pts†
Welcome Bonus
$865
First Year Value
$365
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to $500 in value† including up to 20,000 Aeroplan points† and no annual fee for the first year. Conditions Apply.
Get this card if you...
-
want to earn Aeroplan points on everyday purchases
-
have a low income
-
appreciate a good welcome offer
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$89
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
Our Take
The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum* Card is an entry-level travel rewards credit card tailored for Canadians, offering the ability to earn Aeroplan points on everyday purchases. While it provides some travel insurance benefits and savings on car rentals, it lacks premium perks like airport lounge access and has a lower earn rate compared to higher-tier Aeroplan cards.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
Fees
$89
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
3.00%
Balance Transfer
Rewards Aeroplan
1
Earn 1 point† for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®) made with your card
1
Earn 1 point† for every $1.50 spent on all other eligible purchases† made with your Card
2x
Earn points twice with over 150 Aeroplan partner brands
50%
Earn 50% more Aeroplan points when you link your card with your Starbucks account
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $500 in value† including up to 20,000 Aeroplan points† and no annual fee for the first year. Conditions Apply. Offer effective as of January 7, 2025.
Earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first Purchase with your new Card†
Earn an additional 10,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $1,000 within 90 days of Account opening†
Get an annual fee rebate for the first year†.
To receive the first-year annual fee rebate, you must activate your Card and make your first Purchase on the Account within the first 3 months after Account opening and you must add your Additional Cardholders while the offer is in effect.
Our Take
The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum* Card is an entry-level travel rewards credit card tailored for Canadians, offering the ability to earn Aeroplan points on everyday purchases. While it provides some travel insurance benefits and savings on car rentals, it lacks premium perks like airport lounge access and has a lower earn rate compared to higher-tier Aeroplan cards.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
Fees
$89
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
3.00%
Balance Transfer
Rewards Aeroplan
1
Earn 1 point† for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®) made with your card
1
Earn 1 point† for every $1.50 spent on all other eligible purchases† made with your Card
2x
Earn points twice with over 150 Aeroplan partner brands
50%
Earn 50% more Aeroplan points when you link your card with your Starbucks account
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $500 in value† including up to 20,000 Aeroplan points† and no annual fee for the first year. Conditions Apply. Offer effective as of January 7, 2025.
Earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first Purchase with your new Card†
Earn an additional 10,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $1,000 within 90 days of Account opening†
Get an annual fee rebate for the first year†.
To receive the first-year annual fee rebate, you must activate your Card and make your first Purchase on the Account within the first 3 months after Account opening and you must add your Additional Cardholders while the offer is in effect.
| BMO VIPorter Mastercard | TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum |
|---|---|
|
Annual fee:
$89 (waived for the 1st year) |
Annual fee:
$89 (waived for the 1st year) |
|
Welcome bonus:
Get up to $1,800 in value including 40,000 VIPorter points and a 35% off flight voucher.* Plus no annual fee in your first year*. |
Welcome bonus:
Earn up to $500 in value† including up to 20,000 Aeroplan points† and no annual fee for the first year. Conditions Apply. |
|
Earn rates:
Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on Porter purchases*. Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on gas, transportation, groceries, dining*, and hotel accommodations. Earn 0.5 points for every $1 spent everywhere else*. |
Earn rates:
Earn 1 point† for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®) made with your card Earn 1 point† for every $1.50 spent on all other eligible purchases† made with your Card |
|
Travel perks:
Automatic VIPorter Passport Avid Traveller membership Priority boarding Good travel insurance Rental car discounts |
Travel perks:
Comprehensive travel insurance Rental car discounts |
| - | Apply Now |
Disclosures:
-
This offer is not available for residents of Quebec. For Quebec residents, please click here.
The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button. Sponsored Content.
†Terms and conditions apply.
1,200 AIR MILES*
Welcome Bonus
$263
First Year Value
$143
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get 1,200 AIR MILES Bonus Miles‡ and a 0.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee.† Expires Jun 01, 2025
Get this card if you...
-
quickly rack up more Air Miles
-
want rewards, with an annual fee
-
value a great welcome offer
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$0
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The BMO® AIR MILES®† Mastercard®* is a no-annual-fee credit card that allows cardholders to earn AIR MILES on everyday purchases, with accelerated rates at participating AIR MILES Partners and eligible grocery stores. It includes benefits such as purchase protection, extended warranty, and discounts on car rentals, making it a practical choice for those looking to accumulate AIR MILES without an annual fee.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$15,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Pros
-
No annual fee with a substantial welcome offer
-
Earn Air Miles with both credit and collector cards
-
Low eligibility requirements
-
Additional Benefits include discounts, insurance, and a low balance transfer rate
Cons
-
A 2% fee applies to balance transfers.
-
Limited redemption options
-
Variable redemption values may vary based on last-minute short-haul flights
-
Its specific rewards program is best for those interested in the Air Miles loyalty program
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
0.99%
Balance Transfer (Introductory)
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.00%
Balance Transfer
Rewards AIR MILES
3x
the Miles for every $25 spent at participating AIR MILES Partners
2x
the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible grocery store*
2x
the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible wholesale clubs, membership-based retailers and alcohol retailers
1 Mile
for every $25 that you spend with your credit card everywhere else
Get 1,200 AIR MILES Bonus Miles‡ (that’s enough for $120 towards purchases with AIR MILES Cash) and a 0.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee.†
†Terms and Conditions Apply.
Our Take
The BMO® AIR MILES®† Mastercard®* is a no-annual-fee credit card that allows cardholders to earn AIR MILES on everyday purchases, with accelerated rates at participating AIR MILES Partners and eligible grocery stores. It includes benefits such as purchase protection, extended warranty, and discounts on car rentals, making it a practical choice for those looking to accumulate AIR MILES without an annual fee.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$15,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Pros
-
No annual fee with a substantial welcome offer
-
Earn Air Miles with both credit and collector cards
-
Low eligibility requirements
-
Additional Benefits include discounts, insurance, and a low balance transfer rate
Cons
-
A 2% fee applies to balance transfers.
-
Limited redemption options
-
Variable redemption values may vary based on last-minute short-haul flights
-
Its specific rewards program is best for those interested in the Air Miles loyalty program
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
0.99%
Balance Transfer (Introductory)
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.00%
Balance Transfer
Rewards AIR MILES
3x
the Miles for every $25 spent at participating AIR MILES Partners
2x
the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible grocery store*
2x
the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible wholesale clubs, membership-based retailers and alcohol retailers
1 Mile
for every $25 that you spend with your credit card everywhere else
Get 1,200 AIR MILES Bonus Miles‡ (that’s enough for $120 towards purchases with AIR MILES Cash) and a 0.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee.†
†Terms and Conditions Apply.
| BMO VIPorter Mastercard | BMO AIR MILES Mastercard |
|---|---|
|
Annual fee:
$89 (waived for the 1st year) |
Annual fee:
$0 |
|
Welcome bonus:
Get up to $1,800 in value including 40,000 VIPorter points and a 35% off flight voucher.* Plus no annual fee in your first year*. |
Welcome bonus:
Get 1,200 AIR MILES Bonus Miles‡ and a 0.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee.† |
|
Earn rates:
Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on Porter purchases*. Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on gas, transportation, groceries, dining*, and hotel accommodations. Earn 0.5 points for every $1 spent everywhere else*. |
Earn rates:
Earn 3x the Miles for every $25 spent at participating AIR MILES Partners Get 2x the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible grocery store* Earn 2x the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible wholesale clubs, membership-based retailers and alcohol retailers Earn 1x the Mile for every $25 that you spend with your credit card everywhere else |
|
Travel perks:
Automatic VIPorter Passport Avid Traveller membership Priority boarding Good travel insurance Rental car discounts |
Travel perks:
Comprehensive travel insurance Rental car discounts |
| - | Apply Now |
Disclosures:
- *Terms and conditions apply
-
BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
Is the BMO VIPorter Mastercard worth it?
More than 30,000 Canadians signed up for the VIPorter credit cards waiting list; so are they getting their money’s worth? That really depends on how much you plan to fly with Porter.
The card offers automatic elite status which allows you to earn up to 6x on Porter flights, making it simple to quickly rack up points if you’re a frequent flyer. Porter currently flies to over 20 Canadian destinations and 15+ US destinations, including sunny getaways such as Phoenix, Arizona, Palm Springs, California and Miami, Florida.
Those who don’t travel often might be unable to justify the steep annual fee and rather modest perks on offer from the card. The earn rate on gas station purchases (as well as groceries, dining, and hotels) isn’t industry-leading, but it is a robust selection of categories that can help you rack up even more points when booking a trip.
Eligiblity criteria
- Age: 18+
- Residency: Canadian resident
- Credit score: Good
- Income: N/A
Disclosures
-
*Terms and conditions apply
BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
FAQs
Cory Santos is a finance writer, editor and credit card expert with nearly a decade of experience in personal finance. Cory joined Wise Publishing from BestCards, with bylines in numerous print and digital publications across North America, including the Miami Herald, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Debt.ca, AOL, MSN and Medium as well as financial podcasts like KOFE Talk.
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Disclaimer
The content provided on Money.ca is information to help users become financially literate. It is neither tax nor legal advice, is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, either express or implied, with respect to the data provided, the timeliness thereof, the results to be obtained by the use thereof or any other matter. Advertisers are not responsible for the content of this site, including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any advertiser product, please visit their website.
†Terms and Conditions apply.