Credit cards are really no different. Every credit card has its place, and every credit card has its followers. Over the past couple of years, I have been true to just one card, my trusted American Express Card. I decided that a wallet full of other bank, store and loyalty credit cards just wasn't worth the hassle of trying to keep track of my so-called rewards. Taking back my wallet has been a rather liberating experience. One card, one reward program and one redemption person to call is so much more organized.

The American Express AIR MILES CreditCard is no different. It offers Cardmembers benefits like, purchase protection, 24/7 personal service, and a worldwide presence with customer service all over the globe. My favourite though is definitely, Front Of The Line service, for things like concerts, shows and events before they are available to the general public. Accessibility to AIR MILES Sponsors and reward redemption are simply an added benefit as well.

American Express offers three co-branded Cards with AIR MILES, which when used in conjunction with their participating AIR MILES sponsors can allow Cardmembers to earn twice. The AIR MILES lineup provides Cardmembers the opportunity to choose the Card that will best fit their needs without having to alter their spending habits or stretching their budgets. Annual fees range from $0 to $299, depending on the level of benefits that you require. All of the American Express AIR MILES Cards are designed around the consumer experience and the benefits level expected. So, whether you are a stay at home mom (SAHM) looking to budget smartly, get the best deal on the family trip south or the business traveller who requires features and benefits all over the globe, the American Express AIR MILES is the card for you.

I was a collector of mileage points from one of the big airlines as I thought it would be a great way to earn and plan for family getaways. I was however sorely mistaken to think that there would not be limitations and restrictions on how, when, where I was allowed to travel. They not only limited my routes available, blackout dates, tax restrictions and how much I was allowed to redeem at one time, but also how many people were allowed to travel with me. That in no way shape or form is a customer driven experience.

The American Express AIR MILES Reserve Credit Card is different in most every way. You can rest easy as its focus in not about earning and burning your points. This card is focused on providing incredible levels of service and a customer travel experience with premium rewards. They offer AIR MILES FlexFly Redemptions, meaning the cardholder can access additional airlines and destinations, departure times and seats not within the AIR MILES Flight Program.

Many cards have blackout dates, and limiting redemption zones, which usually create a barrier associated with collecting. Collecting on a reward already earned shouldn't come with all sorts of restrictions, nor should you be required to hold a PHD in Astrophysics in order to understand them. The American Express AIR MILES Reserve Card is the first of its kind to allow Card members to redeem without all these restrictions. Other perks include a complimentary companion ticket; access to AIR MILES concierge service and up to 4 passes to airport lounges worldwide every year, and so much more.

With the Thanksgiving holiday weekend approaching I will be putting my American Express AIR MILES card through its paces. With the likes of Metro, Sobeys, Rexall and the LCBO as AIR MILES Sponsors, I am sure to put a dent in my future travel rewards. What's even better, you can earn 100 Bonus AIR MILES reward miles when you enroll your Amex AIR MILES Card and charge at least 3 separate purchases to your Card between October 3rd and 10th, 2013. www.airmiles.ca/amexfalloffer2

Check out the American Express Facebook page for additional offers, contests, events and upcoming giveaways designed around furthering the Cardmember experience.

This post was sponsored by Amex Bank of Canada. The views and opinions expressed in this blog, however, are purely my own.