If you collect VIPorter points, you'll be happy to learn that Porter issues a pair of credit cards in conjunction with BMO. The entry-level card is the BMO VIPorter Mastercard, which offers flight discounts, Passport frequent flyer status, and VIPorter points on all purchases.

Earning VIPorter points

Every purchase you make on this card earns you VIPorter points, including bonus rewards on Porter purchases and other basics:

• 2 points per $1 spent on Porter
• 1 point per $1 spent on gas, transit, groceries, restaurants, and hotels
• 0.5 points per $1 spent on all other purchases

Based on a typical $2,000 monthly spend, it works out to roughly 27,900 VIPorter points per year.

Using your VIPorter points

Your point redemption options are limited to flights – you can't use them towards merchandise or gift cards. That said, airline points are typically best used for flying, so we don't consider this a downside.

You're not limited to flights on Porter; VIPorter points are also redeemable for reward flights on select Alaska Airlines and Air Transat itineraries. To redeem points, you must book the flights through the Porter website or contact centre.

VIPorter points have an average value of 0.015 cents, but this value can vary greatly.

BMO VIPorter Mastercard pros

There's plenty more this card offers beyond just earning points on purchases.

1. Automatic Avid Traveller benefits

By opening the BMO VIPorter Mastercard, you'll be automatically enrolled in VIPorter's Avid Traveller elite status program. Although your card only gets you the most basic status, a VIPorter member gets several benefits:

• Advanced earn rates
• Points never expire
• Pay with a combination of cash and points
• Exclusive offers and a first-time flight bonus

2. Annual travel discount

Every year you have the card, you can save 35% on the base airfare of one Porter-operated flight per year. The discount applies to you and up to 4 others travelling on the same reservation. There is a catch to this perk – you must spend $25,000 per year on the card to earn the discount, but if you do, there are big savings here.

3. Travel insurance included

Even though it's a basic Mastercard, this card includes a good amount of insurance for a card with an $89 annual fee. You'll enjoy 9 types of coverage, whose details are included in the insurance tab above.

4. World Mastercard version available

If you meet World Mastercard income requirements ($80K personal or $150K household), you'll get the World version instead. It's a similar card but also includes standard World Mastercard benefits.

5. Big welcome bonus

BMO and Porter aren't messing around with the sign-up bonus. You can earn up to 40,000 bonus points (worth up to $600) as follows:

• 10,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 110 days
• 15,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months
• 15,000 points when you spend $10,000 in the first year

You'll earn the 35% flight voucher discount in your first year when you spend $6,000 in the first 6 months. Plus, the annual fee is waived for the first year.

BMO VIPorter Mastercard cons

Here are a couple of things to keep in mind.

1. Limited use rewards

These rewards are designed for free flights on Porter, Air Transat, or Alaska Airlines – that's it. If you ever decide to move on from VIPorter, there's no easy way out (like merchandise or gift cards) to get something from your points before closing your account.

2. Low base earn rate

Outside of the bonus categories, you'll only earn 0.5 points per $1 spent on purchases. With points worth 1.5 cents each, this means you'll get a return of just 0.75 – a little lower than we'd like to see on a card with an $89 annual fee.

Comparison to the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard

BMO and Porter offer a premium version of this card, the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard. In exchange for a much larger annual fee, you'll get an even better Avid Traveller status and earn more rewards.

	BMO VIPorter Mastercard	BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard
Welcome bonus	$125 GeniusCash + Up to 40,000 bonus points, 35% flight discount, first year free (terms)	$150 GeniusCash + Up to 70,000 bonus points, companion pass, first year free (terms)
Earn rates	* 2 points per $1 spent on Porter * 1 point per $1 spent on gas, transit, groceries, restaurants, and hotels * 0.5 points per $1 spent on all other purchases	* 3 points per $1 spent on Porter * 2 point per $1 spent on gas, transit, groceries, restaurants, and hotels * 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Insurance included	9 types	11 types
Automatic VIPorter status	Basic membership	$1,000 in qualifying spending toward status
Flight discount	* 35% base airfare savings on one flight booking for up to eight * Earned after spending $25,000 per year	* Companion pass for another traveller, just pay the taxes and fees * Earned after spending $50,000 per year
Annual fee	$89	$199
Income requirements	None	$80,000 personal or $150,000 household

Is the World Elite worth the extra annual fee? Let's see.

Here are our estimated annual rewards (in dollars) based on a $2,000 monthly spend:

• BMO VIPorter Mastercard: $419
• BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard: $810

That's almost double the rewards, but it's the flight savings that can make up the difference. While the companion pass is great, spending $50,000 per year will be a stretch for many. The flight savings with the BMO VIPorter Mastercard are far more attainable, so if you can spend $25,000 on your card, the BMO VIPorter Mastercard can more than make up for it in savings.

You'll also want to consider VIPorter status. The BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard offers more frequent flyer perks, but only three of them directly save you more money – a free checked bag, a free carry-on bag, and seat selection.

The bottom line: It comes down to what you prefer and what you'd rather save on.

FAQ

What is BMO VIPorter?

BMO issues 2 Mastercards that participate in the VIPorter loyalty rewards program. Select from the basic Mastercard, which has a low annual fee, or the upgraded World Elite Mastercard, which offers more benefits and travel perks.

Is the BMO VIPorter Mastercard worth it?

For a low-annual-fee credit card, the BMO VIPorter Mastercard offers straightforward earn rates, some insurance coverage, and helps you earn qualifying status within the VIPorter Rewards Program. It's valuable if you collect VIPorter points.

What are the perks of VIPorter Mastercard?

The card gives you the opportunity to earn a generous welcome bonus, the ability to earn a 35% discount on a Porter flight every year, and steady earn rates on popular purchase categories like gas, groceries, and dining.

How do I access the airport lounge with my BMO Mastercard?

Unfortunately, only the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard comes with a Mastercard Travel Pass membership powered by Dragonpass. Each lounge visit costs $32 USD, and you can access any of the 1,300+ lounges around the world.

What is the annual fee for VIPorter Mastercard?

The BMO VIPorter Mastercard charges an $89 annual fee, but it's waived for the first year you have the card. Even so, it's a low annual fee compared to the value you'll get from using your BMO Mastercard.