I have been trying to figure out which non-amex card will provide the most lucrative point currency for my daily spending and major expenses that I can't use Amex for. Currently I use CIBC Aventura, which in my opinion sucks. It was good when I used 80k + $120tax to fly rt direct to the Middle East last Oct (1.5cpp) given that they give 1.5pts/dollar at gas and groceries which is a decent chunk of the bill. However, aside from that, the redemption rates are horrible for short-haul or medium-haul flights: less than 1cpp in which case you can use their "flex" option of 1cpp on their flight search engine.

So my question is, which of these 3 cards:

• CIBC Aventura
• RBC Avion
• TD First class

RBC Avion:
In terms of using the "Redemption chart" it doesn't beat CIBC, and redeeming for 1cpp is more or less the same as CIBC's flex. The only reason to get this card is for the transfer option, primarily to BA as well as the (hopefully reoccurring) 50% semi annual bonus. However, these points are not so useful as we generally will only go on a vacation during peak season, in which case BA's availability sucks. (Primarily YYZ-MIA). However, if we were willing to fly off season then this card would be a no brainier.

TD First Class:
I am very much leaning towards this card, as it has the full "flex" option except it offers 1.5c/$ which means I .5% higher than RBC, and CIBC unless used for Gas/Groceries... This is also tempting as a long-term card, as the risk of point inflation is not as high, although you never know. Personally I think the odds of BA changing their redemption chart or raising taxes in the future is more likely than TD devaluation their points system.

Any thoughts?