Published by Leonardo Calcagno
You probably already know that booking flights, staying at hotels, or dining out can earn you points. But what if you could rack up rewards just by paying your Netflix bill or ordering groceries online?
The truth is, some of the biggest credit card rewards come from everyday habits. The trick is knowing which purchases count toward your card’s bonus categories and making sure you’re not missing out on easy points.
Here are some surprising purchases that can earn you serious rewards – no extra spending required.
1. Streaming Services
If you’re subscribed to Netflix, Spotify, or Crave, those monthly payments can quietly add up to hundreds of dollars a year – and plenty of rewards points if you use the right card.
The American Express Cobalt Card, for example, gives five points per dollar on eligible streaming services in Canada. That means your binge-watching and music playlists could actually help fund your next vacation or cash-back payout.
2. Online Grocery Orders
Online grocery shopping is now common in most areas, and many credit cards treat those orders the same as in-store purchases.
Cards like the Scotiabank Gold American Express and CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite offer boosted rewards (up to five percent back) on groceries, whether you’re filling your cart in person or online.
Just be sure to check which delivery platforms count as “grocery” versus “general merchandise.” Some apps, like Instacart or Walmart.ca, may code differently depending on how the transaction is processed.
3. Monthly Subscriptions and Memberships
Your recurring bills – from gym memberships to software subscriptions – can be a quiet goldmine for rewards.
If your credit card offers cash back or points for “recurring payments” or “bill payments,” link it to all your regular subscriptions. The Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite, for example, gives up to four percent cash back on recurring bills like streaming services, phone plans, and utilities.
4. Ride-Sharing and Transit
You don’t have to own a car to earn rewards on transportation.
Cards like the American Express Cobalt and TD Rewards Visa recognize ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft as eligible for travel or transit categories, often earning higher points per dollar. Even public transportation reloads – like your PRESTO card in Ontario – can qualify for extra rewards depending on your issuer.
5. Welcome Bonuses and Sign-Up Rewards
While not a “purchase” in the traditional sense, signing up for a new credit card can lead to one of the fastest, most lucrative reward boosts you’ll ever earn.
Many Canadian credit cards offer welcome bonuses or cash-back rebates when you spend a set amount within the first few months. These bonuses can often be redeemed for hundreds of dollars in travel or cash back.
For example, the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite frequently offers up to 40,000 Aventura points as a sign-up incentive – enough to cover a round-trip flight within North America. Others, like the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card, may provide extra cash-back categories or limited-time bonuses for new users.
6. Online Shopping Through Card Portals
Many Canadian banks have their own online shopping portals that offer bonus points when you access your favourite retailers through their links.
For example, Aeroplan members can use the Aeroplan eStore, where purchases from brands like Apple, Sephora, and Hudson’s Bay can earn up to ten times the points. RBC has a similar feature with RBC Offers, and TD’s Shop My Way portal occasionally provides exclusive multipliers.
7. Gas Station Convenience Stores
You might assume gas cards only reward you for filling up your tank. But in many cases, snacks, coffee, and even car washes bought at the pump earn the same bonus rate.
The CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite offers up to four percent cash back on gas purchases, and that usually includes convenience store items bought inside a fuel station. So that morning coffee stop or quick grocery top-up might be earning more than you realize.
8. Home Improvement and Hardware Stores
If you’re doing renovations or even minor upgrades, using a card like the TD Cash Back Visa Infinite could help you earn up to three percent back on those purchases. A quick weekend DIY project could translate into dozens of dollars in rewards – proof that fixing your home can also help your wallet.
9. Insurance Premiums and Utility Bills
Some credit cards let you earn rewards for paying insurance premiums or utility bills, provided those companies accept credit card payments directly. For example, if your auto or home insurance provider takes Visa or Mastercard, you could earn cash back or points on what’s already a significant expense. Just watch out for any convenience fees that offset the rewards.
10. Charitable Donations
Many major Canadian charities now accept credit card donations online, and those contributions often qualify for rewards.
It’s an easy way to make your generosity go a little further. Plus, you’ll still get a charitable tax receipt – meaning your giving can benefit both the cause and your bottom line. Cards like the Rogers World Elite Mastercard (1.5 percent cash back on all purchases) make this a simple way to double your impact.
Maximizing Your Rewards
Now that you know which purchases count, the next step is to use them strategically.
- Know your bonus categories. Check your card’s terms to see which spending types earn extra points or cash back.
- Set up automatic payments. Link your card to every recurring bill possible – utilities, subscriptions, memberships – and let your points build automatically.
- Use the right card for the right purchase. If you have more than one rewards card, assign each to specific categories.
- Track and redeem regularly. Don’t let points expire or sit unused. Redeem them for cash, travel, or statement credits to maximize their value.
You can even use multiple cards strategically: One for groceries and gas, another for travel and dining, and a third for everything else. The key is to stay organized and avoid carrying a balance, as interest charges will cancel out any rewards you earn. Good luck!