How to Sell Loyalty Points in Canada: The Complete 2026 Guide
Everything a Canadian needs to know about selling Aeroplan, Amex Membership Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy points for cash — from legality and tax treatment through to program-specific transfer instructions and how to separate trustworthy brokers from scams.
Quick Summary: Selling loyalty points in Canada is legal and straightforward when using a reputable broker. Current market rates are $0.010-0.015 per Aeroplan point, $0.011-0.0155 per Amex MR point, and $0.004-0.007 per Marriott Bonvoy point, with a 25,000 point minimum. Use the Broker Trust Score framework to verify legitimacy, transfer points via official mechanisms like Aeroplan Family Sharing, and expect payment via Interac e-Transfer within 24-48 hours.
Quick Summary
Key Takeaways
- Selling loyalty points is legal in Canada. No law prohibits it. Program terms of service are private contracts, not laws.
- Current market rates (January 2026): Aeroplan $0.010–$0.015/pt · Amex MR $0.011–$0.0155/pt · Marriott Bonvoy $0.004–$0.007/pt.
- The safest transfer methods use built-in program features: Aeroplan Family Sharing, Amex partner transfers, and Marriott member-to-member transfers. Never share your password.
- Tax treatment is a grey area. The CRA has not issued definitive guidance. Most individual sellers treat it as personal-use property below the reporting threshold.
- Always verify your broker. Use our original Broker Trust Score (see Section 3) to evaluate any broker before transferring a single point.
Should You Sell or Redeem? Quick Decision Tree
Do you plan to fly in the next 12 months?
Yes
Are your points worth more as a flight redemption than the cash rate?
YES
Redeem. Premium cabin redemptions often yield 2–3x the cash value.
NO
Consider selling. Cash may serve you better than a low-value redemption.
No
Do you have 25,000+ points and no expiration pressure?
YES
Sell. Convert idle points to cash you can use today.
NO
Wait. Earn toward the minimum or use points for small redemptions.
Is Selling Loyalty Points Legal in Canada?
This is the most common question researchers ask before entering the loyalty points market. The answer requires separating two distinct legal concepts that are frequently conflated online.
The Legal Reality: Contractual vs. Criminal
Criminal Law: No Prohibition Exists
The Criminal Code of Canada contains no provision prohibiting the sale of loyalty program points. Loyalty points are personal property. You earned them through your own spending, and you have the right to dispose of personal property as you see fit. No provincial consumer protection statute addresses the secondary market for loyalty points.
Contract Law: Terms of Service May Prohibit It
When you enrol in a loyalty program, you agree to terms of service. Most programs include language stating that points cannot be sold or transferred for monetary consideration. This is a contractual obligation — a private agreement between you and the program operator. Breaching it does not create criminal liability. The program's available remedy is terminating your account, not pursuing legal action against you.
Program Terms Analysis
Not all programs treat point sales the same way in their terms. Here is how the three major Canadian programs actually handle it:
Aeroplan
Lowest RiskAeroplan's terms prohibit selling points for cash, but the program simultaneously operates a Family Sharing feature that allows free transfers to designated accounts. This creates a practical pathway for point transfers that uses an official, sanctioned mechanism. Aeroplan has not publicly disclosed account closures specifically for Family Sharing transfers used in point sales.
Amex Membership Rewards
Low RiskAmerican Express terms prohibit selling MR points, but the program offers transfers to airline and hotel partner programs as a standard feature. Once points leave your Amex account via a partner transfer, American Express has no visibility into what happens next. The transfer itself is a normal, expected use of the program.
Marriott Bonvoy
Moderate RiskMarriott allows member-to-member point transfers but charges a fee and applies stricter monitoring. Repeated transfers to the same account in short succession could trigger an automated review. Best suited for one-time or infrequent sales.
CRA Tax Position
Disclaimer: This is general educational information, not tax advice. Consult a qualified Canadian CPA for guidance specific to your situation.
The Canada Revenue Agency has not issued a specific ruling or interpretation bulletin on the taxation of loyalty point sales. Based on existing tax principles and professional commentary, the most likely treatments are:
1. Personal-Use Property (Most Likely)
Points earned through personal credit card spending are likely personal-use property. Gains from disposing of personal-use property under $1,000 are generally not reportable. Most individual point sales fall below this threshold or are treated as de minimis.
2. Business Income (If Business-Earned)
If you earned points through business expenses that you claimed as deductions, the CRA could view proceeds from selling those points as business income, which would be fully taxable. Consult your accountant if this applies.
3. Capital Gain (Larger Sales)
For very large point sales, a portion of the gain might be treated as a capital gain. The inclusion rate applies to the net gain after deducting the cost of acquiring the points (which is generally considered zero for personal loyalty points).
Our Honest Assessment
Selling loyalty points is legal in Canada. The contractual risk to your account is real but low when you use official transfer mechanisms and sell only occasionally. Tax liability for most individual sellers is negligible, though the picture changes for large-volume or business-earned point sales. The single most important thing you can do to protect yourself is verify the broker before transferring any points. The rest of this guide explains exactly how.
The Points Broker Landscape
Original Research
The Broker Trust Score framework below was developed by Mega Miles Broker based on 10+ years of operating in the Canadian loyalty points market. It is designed to give consumers a standardised method for evaluating any broker — including us.
How Points Brokers Work
A points broker acts as an intermediary between individuals who want to convert loyalty points to cash and buyers who want to acquire points at below-redemption cost. The typical business model works as follows:
A seller contacts the broker
The seller provides their program type and point balance. The broker quotes a cash price per point based on current market conditions.
The seller transfers points to the broker
Using an official program transfer mechanism, the seller moves points to a designated account controlled by the broker.
The broker pays the seller in cash
Payment is made via Interac e-Transfer or cheque at the agreed rate. The seller receives less than full redemption value, but gets guaranteed, liquid cash.
The broker resells points to buyers
The broker then sells the acquired points to corporate buyers, travel agencies, or individuals seeking discounted points, at a markup. This spread is the broker's profit.
The Broker Trust Score — Our Original Evaluation Framework
Before you transfer a single point, evaluate any broker using this 10-criteria scoring system. Rate each criterion from 1 to 10 based on your research. A broker scoring 70 or above is considered trustworthy. Between 50 and 69, proceed with caution. Below 50, walk away.
Years in business
3+ years of verifiable operation indicates stability and market knowledge.
Physical Canadian address
A real, verifiable Canadian business address — not a P.O. box or virtual office — demonstrates accountability.
Payment before transfer required?
Score high if the broker does NOT require you to pay anything before transferring. You should never pay to sell your points.
Clear rate quotes in writing
The broker provides an exact rate per point and total payout amount via email before you initiate any transfer.
Reviews on independent sites
Verifiable reviews on Google, Trustpilot, or other independent platforms — not testimonials hosted only on their own site.
Responsive to questions
Replies to email or phone inquiries within a reasonable timeframe (24–48 hours) and answers questions directly without deflecting.
No upfront fees
The broker charges no fees, commissions, or costs to you. Their profit comes from reselling the points at a markup.
Clear terms of service
The broker publishes transparent terms covering what happens if a transfer fails, dispute resolution, and payment timelines.
Professional website
A well-designed, current website with real content — not a generic template with placeholder text.
Explains tax implications
The broker proactively addresses tax considerations rather than hiding them. Transparency here is a strong trust signal.
Red Flags to Avoid
They ask for your account password or login credentials
No legitimate broker ever needs access to your loyalty account. This is the single most reliable indicator of a scam.
They require an upfront payment from you
You are selling points — the broker pays you, not the other way around. Any "processing fee" or "verification deposit" is a scam tactic.
Rates are significantly above market
If someone offers 2.5¢+ per Aeroplan point or 3¢+ per Amex MR point, the rate is not real. These inflated quotes are designed to attract your points without ever paying.
No verifiable Canadian business presence
Anonymous operators, companies registered only overseas, or those who refuse to provide a physical address are high-risk. Legitimate brokers are transparent about who they are.
Pressure to transfer immediately
"This rate expires in one hour" or "transfer now or lose your spot" — legitimate brokers give you days to review your quote, not minutes.
Payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or crypto only
Canadian brokers pay via Interac e-Transfer because it is fast, traceable, and standard. Insisting on untraceable payment methods is a major warning sign.
Questions to Ask Any Broker (Verification Checklist)
Before committing to any broker, ask these 10 questions. A trustworthy broker will answer every one directly and without hesitation.
How long have you been operating in Canada?
Why this matters: Establishes credibility and market experience.
What is your physical business address?
Why this matters: Confirms a real, accountable presence in Canada.
Can you provide the exact rate per point in writing before I transfer anything?
Why this matters: Written confirmation protects you and demonstrates transparency.
How will you pay me, and what is the typical timeline?
Why this matters: Interac e-Transfer within 24–48 hours is the industry standard.
Do I need to pay any fees or costs to sell my points?
Why this matters: The answer should be an unequivocal no.
What transfer method do you use for [Aeroplan / Amex MR / Marriott]?
Why this matters: Should be an official program mechanism, never a password-based login.
Can you point me to independent reviews of your business?
Why this matters: Google reviews or Trustpilot provide third-party validation.
What happens if the transfer fails or points are rejected?
Why this matters: A broker with clear policies for edge cases is more trustworthy.
Are there any tax implications I should be aware of?
Why this matters: A broker who raises this topic proactively is being transparent.
Can I see your terms of service before proceeding?
Why this matters: Published, readable terms indicate a professional operation.
Step-by-Step Selling Process
Follow these five steps in order. Skipping any one of them increases your risk of a bad outcome.
Calculate Your Points Value
Before contacting any broker, establish what your points are actually worth. Log into each of your loyalty accounts and note your current balance. Then multiply by current market rates:
| Program | Rate Range | 100K Points Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Aeroplan | $0.010–$0.015 | $1,000–$1,500 |
| Amex Membership Rewards | $0.011–$0.0155 | $1,100–$1,550 |
| Marriott Bonvoy | $0.004–$0.007 | $400–$700 |
Get Multiple Quotes
Contact at least two brokers and request written quotes. Compare not just the rate per point but also the minimum threshold, payment timeline, and terms. A quote should arrive within 24 hours. If a broker takes longer than 48 hours to respond, that itself is a signal worth noting.
Verify the Broker
Use the Broker Trust Score framework from Section 3 above. Search for independent reviews on Google and Trustpilot. Confirm they have a physical Canadian address. Ask the 10 verification questions listed above. Only proceed if you are satisfied with the answers.
Transfer Points Safely
Log into your loyalty program account yourself and use the official transfer feature. The broker will provide you with a designated account number or transfer code. You initiate the transfer — never give the broker your password or login access. See Section 5 for program-specific instructions.
Receive Payment
After the broker confirms receipt of your points, payment is processed. Via Interac e-Transfer, funds arrive within hours. Via cheque, allow 5–7 business days. Keep all email confirmations — both the original quote and the payment confirmation — for your records.
Typical Timeline
Program-Specific Transfer Instructions
Each loyalty program has a different mechanism for transferring points. Using the correct, official method is critical — both for completing the transaction and for minimising account risk.
Aeroplan Family Sharing Method
Aeroplan's Family Sharing feature is the standard mechanism used by Canadian brokers to acquire Aeroplan points. It is an official, built-in program feature — not a workaround. Here is the exact process:
- 1.Log into your Aeroplan account at aeroplan.com.
- 2.Click on your name in the top-right corner to open the account menu.
- 3.Select "Family Sharing" from the dropdown options.
- 4.Click "Add a Family Member." You will need the Aeroplan number the broker provided.
- 5.Enter the broker's designated Aeroplan number and submit. Aeroplan may require 24 hours to process the addition.
- 6.Once the family member is confirmed, return to Family Sharing and select the new account.
- 7.Click "Share Points." Enter the exact number of points specified in your quote confirmation email.
- 8.Review and confirm the transfer. Points are shared at no cost — Aeroplan does not charge fees for Family Sharing.
- 9.Reply to the broker's email to notify them the transfer is complete.
Important Aeroplan Notes
- No fees: Aeroplan does not charge for Family Sharing transfers.
- Instant transfer: Points appear in the recipient account immediately upon confirmation.
- Annual limit: You can share up to 150,000 points per calendar year per family member.
- Minimum: Aeroplan requires a minimum 1,000 point transfer, though brokers typically require 25,000+.
For the complete Aeroplan selling guide including value comparisons and tax considerations, see our Aeroplan program page.
Amex Transfer Process
American Express Membership Rewards points are transferred via Amex's built-in partner transfer feature. Once points leave your Amex account, they become partner program points. The broker designates which partner program and account to use.
- 1.Log into your American Express Canada account at amex.ca.
- 2.Navigate to "My Points" or the rewards section of your account.
- 3.Select "Transfer Points" to a partner program.
- 4.Choose the partner program specified by the broker (typically Aeroplan or another airline partner).
- 5.Enter the recipient account number provided by the broker.
- 6.Enter the number of points you wish to transfer. Note: Amex transfers must be in multiples of 1,000 points.
- 7.Review the transfer details and confirm. Amex will process the transfer — timing varies by partner but is typically 1–5 business days.
- 8.Notify the broker once the transfer is initiated.
Important Amex Notes
- Transfer bonuses: Amex occasionally runs transfer bonus promotions (e.g., 30% or 40% bonus points to airline partners). If one is active, your broker may advise waiting — or the bonus may increase your effective rate.
- Multiples of 1,000: Amex only transfers in increments of 1,000 points.
- Processing time: Partner transfers can take 1–5 business days depending on the receiving program.
For detailed Amex MR selling guidance, see our Amex Membership Rewards program page.
Marriott Point Transfer
Marriott Bonvoy allows member-to-member point transfers, though the program charges a fee and applies more scrutiny than the other two programs. Use this method only when the broker has confirmed they account for the transfer fee in your quoted rate.
- 1.Log into your Marriott Bonvoy account at marriott.com.
- 2.Navigate to your Points & Status dashboard.
- 3.Select "Transfer Points" — look for the member-to-member transfer option.
- 4.Enter the recipient Marriott Bonvoy account number provided by the broker.
- 5.Specify the number of points to transfer. Marriott charges a fee on transfers — confirm with the broker that this is accounted for.
- 6.Review and confirm the transfer. Marriott may take 3–7 business days to process.
- 7.Notify the broker and keep a record of the transaction confirmation.
Important Marriott Notes
- Transfer fees apply: Marriott charges a percentage fee on member-to-member transfers. Ensure this is factored into your agreed rate.
- Monitoring: Marriott actively monitors transfer patterns. Repeated transfers to the same account in a short period may trigger a review.
- Processing time: Allow 3–7 business days for the transfer to complete.
For the full Marriott Bonvoy selling guide, visit our Marriott Bonvoy program page.
Risks and How We Mitigate Them
Every transaction carries risk. Being transparent about those risks — and explaining how they are managed — is more useful than pretending they do not exist.
Account Closure Risk
What could happen
Low probabilityA loyalty program could, in theory, close your account for violating their terms of service by selling points.
How to reduce this risk
- Use official transfer mechanisms — not third-party workarounds.
- Sell only occasionally — repeated high-volume transfers to the same account are more likely to trigger review.
- Retain a reasonable point balance in your account so it does not appear to be emptied for sale.
Payment Risk
What could happen
Critical to addressA dishonest broker could accept your points and never pay. This is the most financially damaging risk in the selling process.
How to reduce this risk
- Verify the broker thoroughly before transferring — use the Broker Trust Score.
- Get the rate and payment terms in writing via email before initiating any transfer.
- Confirm the broker has independent reviews from real customers.
- If payment does not arrive within the stated timeline, contact the broker immediately — in writing — and escalate if necessary.
Tax Risk
What could happen
SituationalThe CRA could, in the future, issue guidance classifying loyalty point sales as taxable income. This is unlikely to apply retroactively to small sales but could affect larger transactions or business-earned points.
How to reduce this risk
- Keep records: screenshots of your account before and after, the broker's quote email, and payment confirmation.
- If you sell $1,000+ per year or earned points through business expenses, consult a CPA.
When You Shouldn't Sell
A note on honesty
Selling points is not always the right move. We would rather you make the best decision for your situation — even if that decision is to keep your points — than pressure you into a transaction. The scenarios below are situations where redeeming or holding is almost certainly the better option.
If You'll Use Points Within 12 Months
If you have specific travel planned — especially flights in business or first class — redeeming your points directly almost always yields more value than selling. Premium cabin redemptions can deliver 2–3 cents per point in equivalent value, compared to the 1–1.5 cents per point you would receive by selling. The math is straightforward: 100,000 Aeroplan points redeemed on a business class flight to Europe could be worth $2,000–$3,000 in travel value, versus $1,000–$1,500 if sold.
If You're Below the Minimum Threshold
Most brokers require a minimum of 25,000 points per transaction. If you have fewer points than this, selling is not an option with reputable brokers. In this situation, consider: continuing to earn toward the minimum, using small balances for merchandise or statement credits through the program's own redemption options, or pooling points with a family member (if your program allows it) to reach a collectively useful balance.
If You Have Elite Status at Risk
Some programs tie elite status partially to point balances or activity levels. If selling points would cause you to lose status — with its associated perks like lounge access, upgrade priority, or bonus earning rates — the value of that status may well exceed what you would receive in cash. Before selling, check whether your program requires a minimum point balance to maintain your current tier.
Our commitment: We will never pressure you to sell. If you contact us and we believe you would be better served keeping your points, we will tell you. Our business is built on trust and repeat transactions, not one-time conversions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Started: Request a Quote
If you have decided to sell, the next step is simple: submit a quote request. We will review your program and point balance and send you a personalised offer within 24 hours. There is no commitment and no obligation to proceed.
Related Guides and Resources
Is Selling Loyalty Points Safe in Canada?
A focused deep-dive on safety, scam identification, and what legitimate brokers look like.
How to Sell Aeroplan Points: Complete Guide
Program-specific guidance for selling your Aeroplan balance.
Selling vs Redeeming: Which Is Better?
A side-by-side comparison of selling versus using points for flights.
Is Selling Amex Points Legal in Canada?
Everything you need to know about the legal and contractual landscape for Amex MR.
Loyalty Points Expiring? Here Is What to Do
Options for saving expiring points — including selling as a last resort.
How It Works
Our simple 4-step process from quote request to payment.