a cyber monday offer for the scotia bank gold american express

my friend showed me a promo for the scotia bank gold american express card a few days ago. through this link via kanetix.ca you get a little bit more than you usually do.

as mentioned in my previous posts, this particular american express is very valuable. you get 4% back from your gas, grocery, dining, and entertainment expenses, and 1% back in everything else. it has a very decent insurance package. it comes with a $99 annual fee, compared to the $120 that comes with most other big name travel rewards cards. therefore, the best strategy is to use this for the bonused spending (gas, grocery, dining, entertainment), and the no-fee 1.25% capital one world cash back card or the no-fee 2% MBNA travel rewards card for all other purchases.

i've since learned that redeeming points is quite easy: you book your travel as you normally would though your regular channels (airline websites, travel agents, expedia etc). you log into your scotia bank rewards website, and it will list all of the eligible travel charges. you choose which one you want to redeem your points for (it will always work out to 1 pt = $0.01 off), and it takes gives you a credit on your next statement. no hassle whatsoever. no minimum redemption amounts, no tiered systems, no risk for blackouts, no odd travel connections, and it can be used for business class tickets. you can also earn points for these bookings too (from the airline/hotel chain, if applicable).

the best deal i've seen so far is 20,000 bonus points upon signing up, or a $200 credit statement. normally, the sign up deal is for 15,000 bonus points. via kanetix, you get:

• 15,000 bonus points
• your first year free ($99 value)
• and upon approval, kanetix will give you a 75% gift card

this is a much better deal than i got. and i would still recommend this card to everyone for now. please note that i don't get a referral commission from any of these links. i just really think they're a great deal!