With the rising costs of travel, Canadians are increasingly looking for ways to save on flights, hotels, and vacation packages. Expedia, one of the most popular online travel agencies, offers a variety of travel essentials deals. But if you combine these deals with credit card rebates, the savings can multiply! In this article, we’ll guide you through how to leverage Expedia credit card rebates to make your next trip more affordable, all while earning rewards and cash back. Let’s dive into how you can maximize your travel budget with strategic use of credit card perks and Expedia deals.
Why Use Expedia for Travel Bookings?
Expedia is known for its extensive offerings on flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages. But it’s not just about the convenience of booking everything in one place. Here are some of the main benefits Expedia offers:
- Price Matching and Discounts: Expedia frequently provides discounts, and with its Price Match Guarantee, you can rest assured you’re getting competitive prices.
- Expedia Rewards Program: As an Expedia Rewards member, you can earn points on each booking, which you can redeem for discounts on future travel purchases.
- Flexible Booking Options: Expedia’s cancellation policies allow you to make adjustments without significant penalties, which is ideal for travellers with uncertain schedules..
When paired with the right credit card rebates, these Expedia deals can lead to substantial savings.
Choosing the Right Credit Card for Travel Rebates
The first step to saving big is choosing a credit card that rewards travel spending. Here are some top credit card types for Canadian travellers that work well with Expedia purchases:
- Cash Back Credit Cards: Cash back cards, such as the Tangerine Cash Back Credit Card and Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa, give you a percentage of each dollar spent back in cash.
- Travel Rewards Credit Cards: Cards like the TD First Class Travel Visa and American Express Cobalt offer points or miles that can be redeemed for travel. When used for Expedia purchases, these points add up quickly.
Combining Expedia Deals with Credit Card Rebates: Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a strategy to maximize your travel savings by stacking Expedia deals with credit card rebates.
Step 1: Sign Up for Expedia Rewards
Start by creating an Expedia Rewards account if you don’t already have one. This will allow you to earn points on all your Expedia purchases. Expedia Rewards members also receive exclusive offers, including discounts and last-minute deals.
Step 2: Select the Right Credit Card for Your Booking
Evaluate your credit card options to determine which one offers the best return on your travel spending. Look for cards that provide additional rewards on travel-related purchases.
For example:
- If you book a flight and hotel package, using a TD First Class Travel Visa could help you earn up to 4x points on eligible purchases.
Step 3: Check for Credit Card and Expedia Promotions
Before making a booking, check both your credit card provider’s website and Expedia’s promo codes page. Many banks and credit card companies periodically offer extra rewards for purchases made through travel websites like Expedia.
To take it a step further, consider using Great Canadian Rebates (GCR) to earn cash back on your Expedia bookings. GCR provides a simple way to save, especially if your chosen credit card aligns with the site’s rebate offers.
Step 4: Make Your Booking Through Great Canadian Rebates
Once you’ve found your ideal trip on Expedia, go to GreatCanadianRebates.ca and search for Expedia. Using this site to book can yield a cash rebate on top of the rewards from your credit card. Just click through the GCR link to Expedia, complete your booking, and enjoy both Expedia points and your cash back rebate.
Step 5: Redeem Your Rewards Wisely
After earning rewards from your travel credit card, be strategic about how you redeem them. For instance, if you earned cash back on your Expedia purchase with a cash back card, consider using the funds to offset other travel expenses like airport transfers or meals. Alternatively, if you’ve accumulated travel points, save them for larger travel bookings to maximize their value.
Maximizing Savings on Specific Types of Expedia Bookings
Different types of Expedia bookings may yield different levels of savings when combined with credit card rebates. Let’s break down some of the most popular booking types and how to get the best value.
Flights
Booking flights on Expedia can be particularly lucrative when combined with credit card rewards that offer multipliers on travel purchases.
Example: If you use a TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite to book flights through Expedia, you could earn 3x or 4x the points per dollar spent. You can then redeem these points to cover part of the cost of the flight or future trips.
Hotels
Expedia offers significant discounts on hotel stays, and many credit cards offer higher reward rates for hotel purchases. If you’re a frequent hotel guest, consider using a card that provides cash back or points precisely for accommodations.
Example: If you choose to travel as one of your hotel categories, use a Tangerine Cash Back Card to get 2% cash back on hotel purchases. Alternatively, the American Express Cobalt Card offers 5x the points on eligible dining, which may cover dining expenses during your hotel stay.
Using Great Canadian Rebates to Double Up on Savings
To maximize your Expedia savings, use Great Canadian Rebates alongside your credit card. Here’s how it works:
- Sign Up on GCR: Start by creating an account on GreatCanadianRebates.ca. Membership is free, and it provides access to cash back offers on popular brands and services.
- Find Expedia on GCR: Look up Expedia on the Great Canadian Rebates site. You’ll find available cash back offers that can be added to the rewards you earn through your credit card.
- Click Through to Expedia and Book: When you click through GCR’s link, you’ll be redirected to the Expedia website, where you can book flights, hotels, car rentals, and more as you normally would. This click-through process tracks your purchase, ensuring you receive your cash rebate.
- Earn Cash Back: Once your booking is complete, you’ll earn cash back that will be credited to your GCR account after Expedia confirms the transaction.
This process is simple and effective for doubling your savings. It allows you to earn both cash back and credit card rewards on the same purchase.
Tips to Make the Most of Expedia Credit Card Rebates
- Choose Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees: Some cards waive foreign transaction fees. This feature is useful if you’re booking international flights or hotels in foreign currencies on Expedia, as it saves you the usual 2.5-3% fee.
- Set Up Alerts for Credit Card Promotions: Some credit card providers periodically increase rewards rates for specific categories, including travel. Enroll in alerts so you don’t miss out on opportunities to earn more points or cash back.
- Watch for Expedia’s Seasonal Sales: Booking during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Expedia’s seasonal sales can help reduce travel costs further, allowing your credit card rebates to stretch even further.
- Use a Dedicated Travel Card: If you frequently book travel on Expedia, a travel-focused credit card like the American Express Cobalt or TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite can offer multipliers on your purchases, accelerating your rewards accumulation.
- Accumulate Rewards for High-Value Redemptions: Consider saving your cash back or travel points for larger redemptions, such as long-haul flights or vacation packages, where they provide the most significant savings.
Conclusion
With the right combination of Expedia deals and credit card rebates, Canadian travellers can save a substantial amount on their trips. Start by selecting a credit card that aligns with your travel habits, and don’t forget to sign up for Expedia Rewards to earn extra points. By using Great Canadian Rebates when booking, you’ll multiply your savings and enjoy a more affordable travel experience. With a bit of planning and strategic credit card use, you can turn your dream vacation into a reality without breaking the bank.
Apply For the Best Rewards Credit Card in Canada
If you’re looking for top cash back credit cards in Canada with amazing introductory APR offers, visit Great Canadian Rebates. The online platform allows you to compare various credit card offers in Canada and apply for the one that best suits your unique needs and preferences.
Visit the website today for more information.