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Staying connected while travelling has become easier than ever with the rise of eSIM technology. With no need to swap physical SIM cards or rely on spotty airport Wi-Fi, eSIMs allow travellers to activate global mobile data plans instantly on compatible devices. For Canadians with premium Visa or Mastercard credit cards, there are even better options. Mastercard’s tie-up with FlexiRoam and Visa’s alliance with GigSky offer free eSIM plans for eligible cardholders in Canada. Here’s a detailed look at these partnerships and how you can make the most of them.
Free eSIM plans – Mastercard and FlexiRoam
Through its partnership with FlexiRoam, Mastercard offers eligible cardholders a complimentary global eSIM plan, as well as discounts on future data packages. Depending on the Mastercard in your wallet, here is what you can get;
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World Mastercard®: 1GB of global data roaming
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World Elite Mastercard®: 3GB of global data roaming
These complimentary plans can be redeemed once per calendar year. Each plan remains valid for 5 days from the date of activation.
How to Redeem FlexiRoam plan:
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Download the FlexiRoam App
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Create an account or log in
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On the homepage, click on Check Eligibility under the Mastercard redemption banner
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Enter your full 16-digit Mastercard number
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Upon successful verification, follow the on-screen prompts to install your eSIM
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Activate your complimentary data roaming plan
Flexiroam free eSIM redemption
You’ll also receive a 15% discount on any future data roaming purchases, and a 20% discount if you’re a returning FlexiRoam user. Importantly, if you hold multiple eligible Mastercard cards, each can be used once per calendar year to redeem a free eSim. Each redemption installs a separate eSim, which you can switch between as needed.
Featured Mastercard to redeem free eSIM:
- Rogers Red World Elite® Mastercard® – Apply Now
- WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard‡ – Apply Now
- Neo World Elite® Mastercard – Apply Now
Free eSIM – Visa and GigSky
Visa cardholders can enjoy complimentary and discounted global data plans through GigSky. Here are the benefits by Card type;
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Visa Infinite Privilege®
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Two complimentary 1GB / 15-day global plans per year
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30% discount on all additional plans
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Visa Infinite® and Visa Infinite Business®
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One complimentary 1GB / 15-day global plan per year
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20% discount on all additional plans
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Visa Platinum, Classic, Gold, Debit, and Business
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10% discount on all plans
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How to Redeem GigSky plan:
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Install the GigSky app
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Check eligibility by entering your Visa card number
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Provide Visa account details when prompted
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Choose and apply your complimentary or discounted plan
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Install the eSim and enjoy your global mobile access
GigSky free eSIM redemption
With generous validity (15 days for each 1GB plan) and discounts that can be used multiple times. Multiple eligible Visa cards can be used to redeem a free eSim. Each redemption installs a separate eSim, which you can switch between as needed.
Featured Visa Cards to redeem free eSIM:
- RBC® Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card – Apply Now
- RBC® Avion Visa Infinite‡ Card – Apply Now
- Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* – Apply Now
- Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite card – Apply Now
- Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card – Apply Now
- TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card – Apply Now
- TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card – Apply Now
- TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card – Apply Now
Honorary Mention – Saily eSim
If you’re open to exploring additional options, Saily eSim is another excellent provider offering competitive pricing and reliable global connectivity. While they don’t currently have credit card partnership discounts, you can try their service using my referral code ANSHUL5321 to get $5 USD credit toward your first plan purchase. With European plans starting as low as $1.99 for 1GB, and cashback available on future purchases, Saily has been my preferred eSIM for some time now.
Saily eSIM
Takeaway
For Canadian travellers with premium Mastercard or Visa credit cards, these complimentary eSim offers provide an easy and cost-free way to test reliable global mobile plans. Whether you redeem FlexiRoam through Mastercard or GigSky through Visa, both options give you a head start on staying connected during your travels. Once you find a service that fits your travel habits and device preferences, you’ll be better positioned to commit to a provider long-term or continue to take advantage of free eSIM plans.
Featured Image Credit: Mastercard
