Earning credit card rewards points is one of the most satisfying benefits of using a card. When you collect points strategically, paying with points becomes a regular, rewarding experience. Below are five practical habits to help you generate more points from the spending you already do.
1. Maximize points on everyday spending
Start by matching your card to the categories where you spend the most. Many Canadians spend most on groceries and gas, so choosing a card that boosts rewards in those categories can make a big difference. For example, the National Bank World Elite Mastercard rewards grocery and restaurant purchases at higher earn rates, which can translate into thousands of points annually.
Consider a household that spends roughly $1,000 per month on groceries and $250 on gas. Paying those with a card that offers elevated rewards could yield as many as 5,500 points per month — about 66,000 points over a year — just from those two categories. Those points can be redeemed for merchandise, travel, or applied toward financial rewards like reducing a mortgage balance.
With the National Bank World Elite Mastercard, the number of points awarded for grocery and restaurant purchases is based on the total gross monthly amount charged to the account. You’ll earn five points per dollar on eligible grocery and restaurant purchases until the account’s total gross monthly purchases reach $2,500. Beyond that threshold, eligible grocery and restaurant purchases earn two points per dollar. (Gross monthly totals are calculated by each billing period.)
National Bank World Elite Mastercard
- Annual fee: $150
- Interest rates: 20.99% on purchases; 22.49% on balance transfers and cash advances
- Earn rate: Up to 5 points per $1 on grocery and restaurant purchases; 2 points per $1 on gas, EV charging, recurring bill payments and travel booked through À la carte Rewards; 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
- Welcome offer: From 3 February to 29 June 2026 earn the following rewards points:
- 10,000 points when you enroll in payment insurance and keep it for at least the first three months.
- 5,000 points if you make $5,000 in net purchases in the first three months after enrollment.
- 10,000 points if you make $20,000 in net purchases during the first 12 months.
- Bonus offer: 10,000 points if you open a first current account within seven days of signing the credit card application form.
- Annual income requirement: Personal income of $80,000 or household income of $150,000
2. Choose a card that rewards optional spending
Beyond groceries and gas, many everyday expenses — dining out, shopping, and services — can add up. Select a card that rewards those optional spend categories so you earn more points across a wider range of purchases. For instance, using the National Bank World Elite Mastercard for restaurant bills can earn you up to five points per dollar, while other non-bonus categories still earn a baseline of one point per dollar, ensuring steady accumulation.
3. Put recurring bills on autopay
Monthly bills like phone plans, streaming services and other subscriptions are ideal for generating points because they repeat regularly. Set up automatic payments with a rewards card to both avoid missed payments and earn points consistently. Cards such as the National Bank World Elite Mastercard reward recurring payments at an elevated rate, helping your points balance grow with minimal effort.
4. Pool points with family members
Adding authorized users to your account is an efficient way to accelerate points accumulation. Transactions made by authorized cardholders post to the same account, combining all earned points and helping you reach redemption thresholds sooner. This approach works well for couples or families. With the National Bank World Elite Mastercard, additional cards cost $50 per year, which can be a cost-effective way to increase earning potential.
5. Boost points when you travel
Travel purchases often offer generous rewards, and booking through a card’s travel portal can add extra value. The National Bank World Elite Mastercard awards two points per dollar on travel booked via the À la carte Travel portal and provides an annual travel credit of up to $150 for eligible charges such as flight upgrades, seat selection, airport parking, and extra checked bags. The card also includes travel insurance benefits—review the full insurance terms for coverage limits and exclusions.
Explore À la carte Rewards
Once you’ve accumulated points, the next step is deciding how to redeem them. À la carte Rewards offers options that include travel and experiences, merchandise, gift cards, or financial rewards. You can redeem points to reduce your card balance, contribute to a National Bank of Canada TFSA or RRSP, or even apply points toward your mortgage. Choosing the right redemption option depends on your priorities — whether that’s travel, gadgets, or financial flexibility.
Credit card rewards can be powerful when earned intentionally. By aligning your card with your spending patterns, automating recurring payments, sharing the account with family, and using the right travel channels, you’ll build points faster and gain more flexibility in how you redeem them. Consistency and strategy are the keys to making rewards work for you.
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- Your new travel companion: A credit card with perks at home and abroad
- How to use your credit card responsibly
® Mastercard and World Elite are registered trademarks, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Authorized user: National Bank.
® National Bank and À la carte rewards are registered trademarks of National Bank of Canada.