BMO VIPorter Mastercard review

How the VIPorter Mastercard earns points

Porter Airlines purchases earn 2 VIPorter points per dollar. Gas and transportation, groceries and dining earn 1 point per dollar, and everything else earns 0.5 points per dollar.

As an example, $2,000 a year on Porter flights earns 4,000 points. Add $500 a month on groceries and dining and $150 on gas and transportation, which earns 7,800 points a year, plus $600 a month of other spending at 0.5 points, which earns 3,600. That’s 15,400 points a year.

The welcome offer

New cardholders can earn up to 40,000 VIPorter points. Earning the full amount takes $10,000 of spending in the first year, or about $833 a month.

The offer also ties the first 35% voucher to spending $6,000 in the first six months, which is $1,000 a month. If that’s more than your usual spending, it’s worth knowing before you apply, since the voucher is the card’s main attraction.

The 35% voucher and Porter perks

The card’s main draw is an annual voucher for 35% off the base fare of one Porter flight booking for up to four travellers. On a booking with a combined base fare above about $255, the discount is worth more than the $89 annual fee, so a family trip can cover the fee in one go.

You also get automatic VIPorter Passport status, with early boarding and dedicated check-in, plus priority re-accommodation when flights are delayed. Every $25 spent on the card counts as $1 of qualifying spend toward status, so $10,000 of card spending adds $400. VIPorter points don’t expire while your account is open.

Fees, interest and the fine print

The $89 annual fee is waived in the first year. Purchases made in a foreign currency carry a 2.5% fee, adding about $25 per $1,000 spent. Purchases are charged 21.99% interest and cash advances 23.99%. Paying your full statement balance each month avoids purchase interest.

From year two, the voucher is what really pays for the card. If you don’t expect to book a Porter flight in a given year, weigh the $89 fee against the status perks alone before renewing.

Insurance coverage

The insurance package covers the basics for trips and purchases. Out-of-province and out-of-country emergency medical coverage is limited to 8 days, so longer trips need separate coverage. Check the certificate for limits and exclusions.

• Out-of-province and out-of-country emergency medical insurance (8 days)
• Car rental collision and loss damage insurance
• Common carrier, flight delay and baggage insurance
• Hotel burglary insurance
• Extended warranty and purchase protection

Who it suits, and who should look elsewhere

The VIPorter Mastercard suits travellers who fly Porter at least once a year and can use the 35% voucher, especially on bookings for two or more people.

If you rarely fly Porter, the low everyday earn rates make it hard to justify after the first year. Points are tied to Porter, so people who want to choose any airline will prefer a flexible travel card.

How it compares

The BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard is the premium version, with a $199 annual fee, up to 3x on Porter purchases and the same 2.5% foreign transaction fee. It suits frequent Porter flyers who want a higher earn rate.

For a cheaper airline card, the WestJet RBC Mastercard costs $39 a year, earns up to 1.5x on WestJet flights, WestJet Vacations and Sunwing Vacations, and offers up to 15,000 WestJet points. It’s a better match if you usually fly WestJet.

Before you apply

The recommended credit score is 690 or higher, and BMO makes the final decision based on your full credit profile. The voucher terms, earn rates and welcome offer can change, so confirm the details on BMO’s website before you apply.