Carte IQ methodology
How Carte IQ builds its strategies
See how Carte IQ compares net value, fees, and the role of each card to present a responsible strategy.
Profiles and spending levels
The profile describes the reward objective and how spending is allocated. The level separately sets the total volume. At the same level, all five profiles therefore use exactly the same annual total.
- High — $60,000 CAD per year
- Moderate — $24,000 CAD per year
- Standard — $36,000 CAD per year
The allocation among groceries, dining, travel, recurring payments and other categories varies by profile. Standard is selected by default.
Economic assumptions — point values, fees, credits, benefits and welcome offers — remain centralized and identical across profiles and levels.
The three baskets are Carte IQ comparison benchmarks, not statistical averages. They are conservatively calibrated from Quebec's 2023 Survey of Household Spending. View the Statistics Canada source
With or without American Express
You can view a strategy that includes or excludes American Express cards. Each choice is a strategy that was already evaluated; no card is removed after the fact.
Net value after fees
Gross value, recurring fees, and net value are presented separately. Fees are already deducted from the displayed net value. Catalogue pages present reference-scenario estimates; they are not personalized recommendations.
The right number of cards
One card is retained when it already covers the essential needs. A second card is recommended only when it adds a useful improvement for the profile.
Recommendation and mathematical optimum
The recommended strategy remains distinct from the mathematical optimum. When they differ, the advanced option remains available without replacing the main recommendation.
Commercial independence
Official or affiliate links are added after ranking. They never change a rank, value, or top pick.
The five reference strategies
Travel Enthusiast
I want to maximize travel points, benefits and welcome offers with a specialized portfolio acquired progressively.
Standard-level allocation
Total annual spending: $36,000 CAD
- Transportation$3,600 CAD
- Everyday purchases$4,800 CAD
- Gas / charging$1,200 CAD
- Groceries$3,600 CAD
- Hotels$7,200 CAD
- Pre-authorized payments$2,400 CAD
- Restaurants$3,600 CAD
- Travel$9,600 CAD
This scenario is an explainable starting point; the user's actual spending replaces it as soon as it is available.
Points Strategist
I accept more management and fees when flexible or transferable points deliver a demonstrable net gain.
Standard-level allocation
Total annual spending: $36,000 CAD
- Transportation$1,800 CAD
- Everyday purchases$6,000 CAD
- Entertainment$1,800 CAD
- Gas / charging$2,400 CAD
- Groceries$7,200 CAD
- Hotels$2,400 CAD
- Pre-authorized payments$4,800 CAD
- Restaurants$4,800 CAD
- Travel$4,800 CAD
This scenario is an explainable starting point; the user's actual spending replaces it as soon as it is available.
Family Household Rewards
I want to turn household groceries, bills and transportation into rewards useful to the whole family.
Standard-level allocation
Total annual spending: $36,000 CAD
- Transportation$2,400 CAD
- Everyday purchases$6,000 CAD
- Entertainment$1,200 CAD
- Gas / charging$3,600 CAD
- Groceries$10,800 CAD
- Hotels$1,200 CAD
- Pre-authorized payments$4,800 CAD
- Restaurants$2,400 CAD
- Travel$3,600 CAD
This scenario is an explainable starting point; the user's actual spending replaces it as soon as it is available.
Everyday Cash Back
I prefer straightforward cash back on everyday spending without unnecessary cards.
Standard-level allocation
Total annual spending: $36,000 CAD
- Transportation$2,400 CAD
- Everyday purchases$7,200 CAD
- Entertainment$2,400 CAD
- Gas / charging$3,600 CAD
- Groceries$8,400 CAD
- Hotels$1,200 CAD
- Pre-authorized payments$6,000 CAD
- Restaurants$3,600 CAD
- Travel$1,200 CAD
This scenario is an explainable starting point; the user's actual spending replaces it as soon as it is available.
No-Fee Simplicity
I want one card with no recurring annual fee and predictable value.
Standard-level allocation
Total annual spending: $36,000 CAD
- Transportation$2,400 CAD
- Everyday purchases$9,600 CAD
- Entertainment$2,400 CAD
- Gas / charging$3,600 CAD
- Groceries$8,400 CAD
- Pre-authorized payments$6,000 CAD
- Restaurants$3,600 CAD
This scenario is an explainable starting point; the user's actual spending replaces it as soon as it is available.