The wait is over. In January 2025, Porter Airlines and BMO announced a partnership to launch a pair of co‑branded BMO VIPorter Mastercards. The cards arrived as promised on March 24, 2025: the BMO VIPorter Mastercard and the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard. But are these cards a genuine upgrade for frequent Porter flyers? This guide breaks down the benefits, drawbacks and how the new cards compare to other popular travel options in Canada.
Are the Porter BMO credit card perks worth it?
Marketed as “the first and only travel credit card program in Canada that grants immediate frequent flyer benefits,” both BMO VIPorter cards automatically provide Avid Traveller status perks. Unlike some loyalty programs that require a minimum spend or a certain number of miles flown to unlock benefits, these cards activate status privileges for cardholders from day one.
Immediate perks include dedicated check‑in, priority security lines, early boarding and faster point accumulation. With accelerated earnings—up to 6 points per dollar on Porter flights depending on status—and competitive earn rates on everyday spending categories, the cards are tailored to travellers who want faster access to loyalty benefits and more rapid award travel.
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Is it worth flying with Porter?
Many Canadian travellers appreciate Porter’s onboard experience and regional network. Passengers highlight perks such as complimentary snacks, Wi‑Fi on select routes, no middle seats on many aircraft and attentive customer service. For frequent Porter flyers, the card benefits—particularly the companion pass, free checked bag(s), priority boarding and the ability to earn points on everyday spending—can translate into meaningful savings and convenience.
What credit cards do Porter and BMO offer?
Porter and BMO launched two co‑branded cards designed for different types of travellers: a lower‑fee VIPorter Mastercard and a higher‑benefit VIPorter World Elite Mastercard. Below are the features and considerations for each.
BMO VIPorter Mastercard
A practical travel card that includes automatic membership benefits designed for regular Porter flyers.
BMO VIPorter Mastercard
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Annual fee: $89 (first year waived)
- 2 points per $1 on Porter purchases, including flights
- 1 point per $1 on transportation, gas, groceries, dining and hotel stays
- 0.5 points per $1 on other purchases
Welcome offer: Up to $1,800 in value, including 40,000 VIPorter points and a 35% off flight voucher.
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Card details
| Interest rates | 21.99% purchases, 23.99% cash advances |
| Income required | None specified |
| Point value | Estimated value: ~1.5 cents per VIPorter point |
Pros
- First‑year annual fee is waived
- Strong welcome bonus that accelerates initial travel value
- Automatic status benefits for Porter flyers, including priority services
- Enhanced earnings on Porter purchases
Cons
- Low standard earn rate on non‑Porter purchases (0.5 points per $1)
- Top bonus earn of 2 points is modest compared with many premium travel cards
- VIPorter points are primarily redeemable for eligible flights with Porter and select partners, limiting flexibility
BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard
This premium option combines World Elite Mastercard benefits with elevated Porter perks for frequent travellers who want more travel protection and higher earn rates.
BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard
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Annual fee: $199 (first year waived)
- 3 points per $1 on Porter flights
- 2 points per $1 on transportation, gas, groceries, dining and hotels
- 1 point per $1 on other purchases
Welcome offer: Up to $2,400 in value, including 70,000 VIPorter points, a round‑trip companion pass and $1,000 in qualifying spend rewards.
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Card details
| Interest rates | 21.99% purchases, 23.99% cash advances |
| Income required | $80,000 individual or $150,000 household |
| Point value | Estimated value: ~1.5 cents per VIPorter point |
| Perks | Automatic Avid Traveller benefits (priority boarding, dedicated check‑in, one free checked bag), accelerated earning and partial credit toward Avid Traveller qualifying spend |
Pros
- First‑year fee waived and a substantial welcome bonus
- Higher earn rates on Porter flights and many everyday categories
- Automatic status benefits and some travel insurance included
- Additional cardholder promotions and credits available
Cons
- Points redemption remains limited to eligible Porter and partner flights
- Certain premium lounge and lounge‑access offerings (via DragonPass) do not include free visits
VIPorter rewards: How do you earn points?
VIPorter points are earned based on the fare paid on Porter and partner flights and on membership level. Base members earn 0.5 points per $1, while the highest Avid Traveller tiers can earn up to 7 points per $1. When booking at flyporter.com, members also earn points on partner flights where eligible.
Points can be redeemed for eligible fares on Porter and on selected partner airlines through flyporter.com or the Porter call centre. Points cannot be used to cover taxes or fees. There are no formal blackout dates, but award seats are subject to availability.
- Air Transat
- Alaska Airlines
- Aeromexico
- Azores Airlines (SATA)
- British Airways
- Delta Air Lines
- El Al Israel Airlines
- Fiji Airways
- Icelandair
- JetBlue
- Qatar Airways
- Singapore Airlines
VIPorter vs. Aeroplan
Aeroplan uses a hybrid pricing model that mixes fixed and dynamic award pricing across airlines and routes. That flexibility can yield significant value for savvy redeemers but requires more research. VIPorter’s simpler, more fixed approach may appeal to travellers who prefer predictable award pricing and direct redemptions on Porter flights.
VIPorter vs. Air Miles
Air Miles separates rewards into Dream Miles (for travel and merchandise) and Cash Miles (for instant rebates). In recent years, Air Miles has faced reduced retailer participation in some regions, which can make earning more difficult. VIPorter’s targeted airline benefits are growing in popularity among regular Porter passengers.
VIPorter vs. Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy is primarily a hotel rewards program. Points are earned for hotel stays and can be redeemed for nights, upgrades and experiences, or transferred to many airline partners. While Bonvoy serves a different purpose, combining a strong hotel loyalty program with an airline‑focused card can be a useful strategy for travellers who want both hotel and flight flexibility.
Alternatives to the Porter BMO credit cards
If the BMO VIPorter cards aren’t the perfect fit, consider other travel cards that offer broader redemption options, stronger everyday earn rates or more comprehensive insurance. Below are a few widely used alternatives with different strengths.
Scotiabank Gold American Express
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Annual fee: $120
Rewards: 1–6 points per $1 depending on category
Notable: No foreign transaction fees on purchases
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TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
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Annual fee: $139 (first year waived)
Rewards: 1–1.5 Aeroplan points per $1, with bonus categories
Notable: Strong partner network and flexible Aeroplan redemptions
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National Bank World Elite Mastercard
Annual fee: $150
Rewards: 1–5 points per $1 depending on category
Notable: Robust travel insurance and lounge access at Montreal’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau airport
Further reading
- Best travel credit cards
- Best no foreign transaction fee credit cards
- Best credit cards for airport lounge access
- Best Air Miles credit cards
- Best Aeroplan credit cards
- Best credit cards for car rental insurance