In the aftermath of the Rewards Canada’s 8th annual Travel Rewards Credit Card Ranking, Patrick Sojka, the founder of RewardsCanada.ca and FrequentFlyerBonuses.com, found some interesting trends related to customer loyalty among Canadians and their travel rewards cards.
“Many Canadians carry different travel rewards cards for different purposes,” said Sojka. “However, a growing number of consumers are looking to reduce the number of programs they belong to and want one card for all their travel needs.” 
Sojka pointed to another notable trend impacting the travel reward industry: The increasing backlash reward program operators face from angry members, who are critical of limited redemption options.
“Last year, consumers were very vocal in expressing their concerns over diminishing reward program value,” he said. “I think the message has been received loud and clear, and I predict travel reward programs will do everything in their power to demonstrate these programs still matter.”
With more than 75 travel rewards credit cards to choose from, RewardsCanada.ca has helped Canadians make informed credit card decisions since 2009 by ranking cards in six major categories, including: Travel Points (with annual fee), Travel Points (with no annual fee), Hybrid (flexible currency), Airline and Hotel. The credit cards are evaluated by key factors including cost, co-brand partnerships, rate-of-return, benefits and redemption options.
This year, Rewards Canada added an overall ‘Best Card’ category.
Here are the winners:
Best Overall Travel Reward Card: American Express Gold Rewards Card
Travel Points (with annual fee): Capital One Aspire Travel World Elite MasterCard
Travel Points (with no annual fee): American Express Blue Sky Credit Card
Hybrid: American Express Gold Rewards Card
Airline: TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite
Hotel: The Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express
“The American Express Gold Rewards Card checks all the boxes,” Sojka explained. “As a hybrid card, it’s really the most flexible way to earn and redeem points.”
Sojka also offered five tips consumers should consider before choosing their travel rewards card:
1. Check under the hood: Make sure you understand how the earning and redemption mechanics of the card work, including expiration policies for programs that issue miles or points
2. Set a travel goal: Knowing when and where you want travel will go a long way in helping you narrow down the appropriate card
3. Hey Big Spender: Do the math and have a realistic idea of how much spending you'll put through your card each year
4. Pick a card and stick to it: Once you identified your card, it's critical you put all your spending through the card; splitting your spending among several cards only delays your time to redemption
5. Fee or Free: Most annual fees card pay for themselves with a one-week car rental if you use the coverage from your credit card instead of the rental car company.