Best travel credit cards in Canada for 2024
Fact Checked: Scott Birke
Updated: May 07, 2024
Just how far can your Canadian travel credit card take you? Whether you’re a bargain hunter, snowbird, frequent flyer or bonus surfer, we’ve handpicked the best credit card for travel points in Canada list to help you fly and stay for less (or for free!).
Best travel credit card in Canada for Aeroplan points
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
Earn up to $1,200 in value† including up to 50,000 Aeroplan points†. Conditions Apply. Account must be approved by June 3, 2024.
Expires
Jun 4, 2024
1.5 points
for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®)†
1 point
Earn 1 point for every $1 you spend on all other purchases†
2x
Earn points twice with Aeroplan partner brands and on the Aeroplan eStore.†
50%
Earn 50% more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your card to your account.†
1
NEXUS application fee rebate every 48 months†
1st
checked bag free for you and up to 8 travel companions†
for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®)†
1.5 points
Earn 1 point for every $1 you spend on all other purchases†
1 point
Earn points twice with Aeroplan partner brands and on the Aeroplan eStore.†
2x
Earn 50% more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your card to your account.†
50%
NEXUS application fee rebate every 48 months†
1
checked bag free for you and up to 8 travel companions†
1st
20.99%
Purchase APR APR for purchases 20.99%†
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate APR for balance transfers 22.99%†
22.99%
Cash Advance APR APR for cash advances 22.99%†
$139
Annual Fee Additional cardholder is $75.†
2.50%
Foreign Transaction Fee Foreign transaction fee: 2.50%†
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$139
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.50%
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000
Pros
-
The card has a high earn rate for Aeroplan Points, generating 1.5 points† per $1 spent on eligible purchases.
-
Insurance offered includes coverage in the categories that travellers need, and is generally better than its Aeroplan peers at a similar annual fee level.
Cons
-
No airport lounge membership or free lounge access.
-
Aeroplan points can’t be redeemed for flights outside the Star Alliance network, nor can they be redeemed for cash credit. This makes them less flexible than some competing travel rewards programs.
1.5 points
for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®)†
1 point
Earn 1 point for every $1 you spend on all other purchases†
2x
Earn points twice with Aeroplan partner brands and on the Aeroplan eStore.†
50%
Earn 50% more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your card to your account.†
1
NEXUS application fee rebate every 48 months†
1st
checked bag free for you and up to 8 travel companions†
for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®)†
1.5 points
Earn 1 point for every $1 you spend on all other purchases†
1 point
Earn points twice with Aeroplan partner brands and on the Aeroplan eStore.†
2x
Earn 50% more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your card to your account.†
50%
NEXUS application fee rebate every 48 months†
1
checked bag free for you and up to 8 travel companions†
1st
20.99%
Purchase APR APR for purchases 20.99%†
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate APR for balance transfers 22.99%†
22.99%
Cash Advance APR APR for cash advances 22.99%†
$139
Annual Fee Additional cardholder is $75.†
2.50%
Foreign Transaction Fee Foreign transaction fee: 2.50%†
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$139
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.50%
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000
Pros
-
The card has a high earn rate for Aeroplan Points, generating 1.5 points† per $1 spent on eligible purchases.
-
Insurance offered includes coverage in the categories that travellers need, and is generally better than its Aeroplan peers at a similar annual fee level.
Cons
-
No airport lounge membership or free lounge access.
-
Aeroplan points can’t be redeemed for flights outside the Star Alliance network, nor can they be redeemed for cash credit. This makes them less flexible than some competing travel rewards programs.
Best Canadian travel credit card for a big sign-up bonus
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite*
Earn up to $1,300* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points and first year annual fee waived
Expires
Jul 2, 2024
3x
Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
2x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
2x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
1x
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$150
Annual Fee
0.00%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$150
Foreign Transaction Fee
0.00%
Good
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000
Pros
-
No FX fees means the card saves you significant expenses on foreign transaction fees
-
Earn up to 3x Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
-
Flexible and straightforward redemption program
-
Visa acceptance globally compared to American Express, especially outside major cities.
-
Enjoy six annual visits to airport lounges
-
Robust insurance offerings, including extended travel emergency medical coverage
-
Access to Visa Infinite Program benefits, with added advantages like a free supplementary card
Cons
-
High annual fee
-
Limited rewards categories for earning reward max rate on purchases
-
Primarily best for travel within Canada
3x
Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
2x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
2x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
1x
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$150
Annual Fee
0.00%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$150
Foreign Transaction Fee
0.00%
Good
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000
Pros
-
No FX fees means the card saves you significant expenses on foreign transaction fees
-
Earn up to 3x Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
-
Flexible and straightforward redemption program
-
Visa acceptance globally compared to American Express, especially outside major cities.
-
Enjoy six annual visits to airport lounges
-
Robust insurance offerings, including extended travel emergency medical coverage
-
Access to Visa Infinite Program benefits, with added advantages like a free supplementary card
Cons
-
High annual fee
-
Limited rewards categories for earning reward max rate on purchases
-
Primarily best for travel within Canada
Best Canadian travel credit card for lounge access
BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®
Get up to 90,000 points and the annual fee waived in your first anniversary for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.*
Expires
May 31, 2024
5x
5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases*
3x
3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments*
1x
1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else*
5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases*
5x
3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments*
3x
1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else*
1x
20.99%
Purchase APR
23.99%
Balance Transfer Rate 21.99% for Quebec residents
23.99%
Cash Advance APR
$150
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
23.99%
Cash Advance APR
23.99%
Annual Fee
$150
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.50%
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$80,000
Required Annual Household Income
$150,000
Pros
-
High-value welcome offer
-
Flexible airport lounge access
-
BMO Rewards points can be used to cover flight taxes and fees
-
Great for those who frequently rent cars
-
Good for Costco and No Frills shoppers
Cons
-
So-so earn rates relative to its annual fee
-
Points have low redemption value compared to other travel rewards programs
-
Charges foreign transaction fees
-
Relatively high minimum income requirements
5x
5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases*
3x
3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments*
1x
1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else*
5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases*
5x
3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments*
3x
1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else*
1x
20.99%
Purchase APR
23.99%
Balance Transfer Rate 21.99% for Quebec residents
23.99%
Cash Advance APR
$150
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
23.99%
Cash Advance APR
23.99%
Annual Fee
$150
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.50%
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$80,000
Required Annual Household Income
$150,000
Pros
-
High-value welcome offer
-
Flexible airport lounge access
-
BMO Rewards points can be used to cover flight taxes and fees
-
Great for those who frequently rent cars
-
Good for Costco and No Frills shoppers
Cons
-
So-so earn rates relative to its annual fee
-
Points have low redemption value compared to other travel rewards programs
-
Charges foreign transaction fees
-
Relatively high minimum income requirements
Best card for travel points in Canada with accelerated earning
American Express Cobalt® Card
Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards points
5x
Earn 5 times he points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery. Spend cap applies.
3x
Earn 3 times the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada.
2x
Get 2 times the points on eligible ride shares, transit & gas in Canada.
1x
Earn 1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings via American Express Travel Online
1x
Earn 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else
$100 USD
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities when charged to the room for a stay of 2 or more consecutive nights through The Hotel Collection from American Express Travel.
Earn 5 times he points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery. Spend cap applies.
5x
Earn 3 times the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada.
3x
Get 2 times the points on eligible ride shares, transit & gas in Canada.
2x
Earn 1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings via American Express Travel Online
1x
Earn 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else
1x
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities when charged to the room for a stay of 2 or more consecutive nights through The Hotel Collection from American Express Travel.
$100 USD
21.99%
Purchase APR on purchases
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
$155.88
Annual Fee 12.99/mo
2.50%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
21.99%
Annual Fee
$155.88
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.50%
Fair
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Fair
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
$0
Pros
-
High earn rates (up to 5% return on spending!)
-
Flexible month-by-month fee structure
-
Free supplementary cards
-
1:1 points transfer with selected hotels, airlines and frequent flyer programs
Cons
-
Accelerated earn rates only apply to purchases in Canada (not to purchases made abroad)
-
Amex has a more limited merchant acceptance rate than Visa and Mastercard
-
Slightly higher than average annual fee
5x
Earn 5 times he points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery. Spend cap applies.
3x
Earn 3 times the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada.
2x
Get 2 times the points on eligible ride shares, transit & gas in Canada.
1x
Earn 1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings via American Express Travel Online
1x
Earn 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else
$100 USD
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities when charged to the room for a stay of 2 or more consecutive nights through The Hotel Collection from American Express Travel.
Earn 5 times he points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery. Spend cap applies.
5x
Earn 3 times the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada.
3x
Get 2 times the points on eligible ride shares, transit & gas in Canada.
2x
Earn 1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings via American Express Travel Online
1x
Earn 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else
1x
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities when charged to the room for a stay of 2 or more consecutive nights through The Hotel Collection from American Express Travel.
$100 USD
21.99%
Purchase APR on purchases
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
$155.88
Annual Fee 12.99/mo
2.50%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
21.99%
Annual Fee
$155.88
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.50%
Fair
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Fair
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
$0
Pros
-
High earn rates (up to 5% return on spending!)
-
Flexible month-by-month fee structure
-
Free supplementary cards
-
1:1 points transfer with selected hotels, airlines and frequent flyer programs
Cons
-
Accelerated earn rates only apply to purchases in Canada (not to purchases made abroad)
-
Amex has a more limited merchant acceptance rate than Visa and Mastercard
-
Slightly higher than average annual fee
Best travel rewards credit card for no foreign transaction fees
Scotiabank Gold American Express®
Earn up to $650* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points.
Expires
Jul 2, 2024
6x
Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agency stores.
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes ride shares, buses, subway, taxis and more.
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services.
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases.
Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
6x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agency stores.
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes ride shares, buses, subway, taxis and more.
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services.
3x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases.
1x
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$120
Annual Fee $29 for each supplementary card
0.00%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$120
Foreign Transaction Fee
0.00%
Very Good
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Very Good
Pros
-
Lots of daily spend options to earn multiplied point bonuses
-
Swanky Amex perks like Front of the Line presale concert tickets
-
Save on foreign transaction fees when abroad
-
Fantastic insurance coverage, especially for travel
Cons
-
Relatively low-value welcome bonus
-
$120 annual fee that chews into your point value substantially
-
Scene points redeem poorly for travel
6x
Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agency stores.
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes ride shares, buses, subway, taxis and more.
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services.
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases.
Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
6x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agency stores.
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes ride shares, buses, subway, taxis and more.
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services.
3x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases.
1x
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$120
Annual Fee $29 for each supplementary card
0.00%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$120
Foreign Transaction Fee
0.00%
Very Good
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Very Good
Pros
-
Lots of daily spend options to earn multiplied point bonuses
-
Swanky Amex perks like Front of the Line presale concert tickets
-
Save on foreign transaction fees when abroad
-
Fantastic insurance coverage, especially for travel
Cons
-
Relatively low-value welcome bonus
-
$120 annual fee that chews into your point value substantially
-
Scene points redeem poorly for travel
Best Canadian travel credit card for no-fee rewards
American Express® Green Card
Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards® points1*
1 MR point
Earn 1 Membership Rewards point per $1 spent.
1 bonus point
Earn 1 additional MR point for every dollar charged to your card with Amex Travel Online.
Earn 1 Membership Rewards point per $1 spent.
1 MR point
Earn 1 additional MR point for every dollar charged to your card with Amex Travel Online.
1 bonus point
21.99%
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
$0
Annual Fee No annual fee
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
21.99%
Annual Fee
$0
Good
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
$0
Pros
-
No annual fee.
-
No income requirements (unlike many other no-fee cards).
-
Welcome bonus up to 10,000 points (a $200 value).
-
American Express® Experiences.
Cons
-
The card only offers basic extended warranty and purchase protection insurance. No travel insurance or rental car coverage.
-
Some places might not accept American Express®. However, most major retailers do (more small businesses are starting to as well)
-
Fewer perks: No specific benefits for travel or dining and no accelerated earning rates on grocery or travel spending.
-
Lower earn rates: The reward earn rates are lower than some other no-fee credit cards.
1 MR point
Earn 1 Membership Rewards point per $1 spent.
1 bonus point
Earn 1 additional MR point for every dollar charged to your card with Amex Travel Online.
Earn 1 Membership Rewards point per $1 spent.
1 MR point
Earn 1 additional MR point for every dollar charged to your card with Amex Travel Online.
1 bonus point
21.99%
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
$0
Annual Fee No annual fee
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
21.99%
Annual Fee
$0
Good
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
$0
Pros
-
No annual fee.
-
No income requirements (unlike many other no-fee cards).
-
Welcome bonus up to 10,000 points (a $200 value).
-
American Express® Experiences.
Cons
-
The card only offers basic extended warranty and purchase protection insurance. No travel insurance or rental car coverage.
-
Some places might not accept American Express®. However, most major retailers do (more small businesses are starting to as well)
-
Fewer perks: No specific benefits for travel or dining and no accelerated earning rates on grocery or travel spending.
-
Lower earn rates: The reward earn rates are lower than some other no-fee credit cards.
Best travel card for USD cash back
Rogers™ World Elite Mastercard
$25 Welcome Bonus in cash back rewards upon first card purchase within 3 months of receiving your card2
3%
Earn 3% unlimited cash back on purchases made in U.S. dollars.
1.5%
Earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on everything else.
Earn 3% unlimited cash back on purchases made in U.S. dollars.
3%
Earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on everything else.
1.5%
19.99%
Purchase APR Increasing to 20.99% April 2024
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$0
Annual Fee To maintain eligibility, you must spend at least $15,000/year.
Purchase APR
19.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$0
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$80,000
Required Annual Household Income
$150,000
Pros
-
Lucrative cash back rates on USD and CAD purchases
-
No annual fee with valuable insurance benefits
-
Competitive against foreign transaction fee cards
-
Convenient cash back redemption options
-
Travel insurance perks and airport lounge access
-
Welcome bonus in cash back rewards
Cons
-
High income requirement: $80,000 personal or $150,000 household
-
Foreign transaction fee applies
-
Limited redemption options for statement credits
3%
Earn 3% unlimited cash back on purchases made in U.S. dollars.
1.5%
Earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on everything else.
Earn 3% unlimited cash back on purchases made in U.S. dollars.
3%
Earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on everything else.
1.5%
19.99%
Purchase APR Increasing to 20.99% April 2024
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$0
Annual Fee To maintain eligibility, you must spend at least $15,000/year.
Purchase APR
19.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$0
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$80,000
Required Annual Household Income
$150,000
Pros
-
Lucrative cash back rates on USD and CAD purchases
-
No annual fee with valuable insurance benefits
-
Competitive against foreign transaction fee cards
-
Convenient cash back redemption options
-
Travel insurance perks and airport lounge access
-
Welcome bonus in cash back rewards
Cons
-
High income requirement: $80,000 personal or $150,000 household
-
Foreign transaction fee applies
-
Limited redemption options for statement credits
Compare the top travel credit cards in Canada
Credit card | Annual fee | Min. personal income required | Learn more |
---|---|---|---|
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card | $139 | $60,000 | Apply now |
BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard® | $150 (First year free) | $80,000 | Apply now |
Rogers™ World Elite® Mastercard® | $0 | $80,000 | Apply now |
Scotiabank Gold American Express® card | $120 | No minimum income requirements presented; please see Scotiabank. | Apply now |
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card | $150 | $60,000 | Apply now |
American Express® Green Card | $0 | N/A | Apply now |
†Terms and conditions apply.
This offer for TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card is not available for residents of Quebec. Please see Quebec residents, please click here.
How to choose the best travel credit card for you
When comparing one travel credit card to the next, be mindful of the card features that are most relevant for your particular lifestyle and spending habits. Do you regularly fly to all corners of the globe? It might be worthwhile to get a card with free airport lounge access, so you can relax during long layovers. Do you prefer to travel with your partner? You might single out cards that offer a free annual companion fare.
There are credit card features purpose-built for all lifestyles. The benefits listed below are common for many of the most competitive travel cards in Canada, and it’s a good idea to review them before applying for a new card.
Compare each travel credit card's sign-up bonus
A large, lump-sum bonus of miles or rewards points is a great reason to apply for a new credit rewards card.
Just keep in mind that many sign-up bonuses are contingent upon the cardholder spending a certain amount in the first few months of cardmembership. But it’s usually worthwhile to try to meet this minimum spending requirement, as a big sign-up bonus might be enough for a short or long-haul flight.
Some sign-up bonuses might also waive the card’s first year annual fee, so those looking for value upfront should prioritize this feature.
Read: Best credit card sign-up bonuses
Compare earn rates for travel credit cards
One of the most important features of any travel credit card, and the feature with the most longevity, is the card’s earn rate. Look for a card that earns miles or rewards points rapidly, and in the categories where you most frequently spend (e.g. groceries, gas, etc.).
You might also want to keep your eye out for a card with a high ‘flat’ earn rate, meaning it earns rapidly on all spending you do, not just in specific categories.
Read: Best rewards credit cards
Consider the redemption flexibility for each travel rewards credit card
Some travel credit cards earn miles and membership reward points quickly, but the process of redeeming those miles and rewards might be a headache.
For instance, what if you can only redeem within one rewards program, which has a limited flight selection? Or what if you can redeem rewards for the core price of a flight, but not for additional flight taxes and fees?
When selecting a credit rewards card, it’s important to pay attention to the rewards program’s flexibility when redeeming. It’s equally important to understand the real-world value of points or miles depending on what you’re redeeming them for.
Read: The Canadian loyalty program bible
Compare annual fees
Paying an annual fee for the privilege of using a credit card can be annoying, so depending on your perspective you may want to prioritize travel credit cards with no fee, or those with perks that you know deliver equivalent or greater value to the card’s annual fee.
There’s a range of great travel cards in both camps, from cards with a $0 fee that still earn some miles or rewards, to those with fees reaching $900, but that come with an enormous amount of built-in value, justifying the high annual fee.
We don’t feature cards that can’t justify their annual fee, and when issuers increase a card’s annual fee without a commensurate increase of a value package, we call them out on it.
Read: Best no fee credit cards
Foreign transaction fees
This feature is appreciated most by travellers who often fly abroad or shop online at sites that don’t process CA$.
Foreign transaction fees are typically 2.50% of any purchase not in CA$, and they are charged by the vast majority of Canadian credit cards. Paying with one of the rare credit cards that waive these fees can save quite a bundle throughout a trip.
Read: Best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Compare travel credit cards' lounge access
It’s no fun to suffer through uncomfortable airport benches, spotty Wi-Fi and expensive food for hours on end. Access to an airport lounge, of which most airports have at least one, will save these pains and more—and are worthwhile even for a short time.
Membership programs like Priority Pass and LoungeKey offer access to worldwide lounges, over 1,000 each, and they come for free with a number of travel cards. Some cards even grant a set number of free lounge entry passes each year.
Those who spend a lot of time in airports, or who simply detest the crowds, should look for this perk.
Read: Best credit cards with lounge access
Does it come with travel insurance?
Your Canadian health insurance is useless once you travel overseas—and much of it won’t be applicable if you even travel outside your home province. That’s why it’s essential to make sure you have special insurance to cover you in the event of illness or injury while travelling.
You can buy a policy individually from an insurer (see our guide to the Best Travel Insurance in Canada if you opt for that route), or you can look for a credit card that comes with a fleet of travel insurance covering overseas medical emergencies, flight cancellations, interruptions, delays, baggage, rental cars and more.
Read: Best credit cards for travel insurance
Companion fare
Travellers who like to fly with a spouse, friend or relative on trips can use a companion fare or voucher to discount the price of that companion’s second ticket. This might be an annual perk, giving a credit card substantial value over time.
Companion fares are usually secondary perks on upper-tier travel cards with other appealing features as well, like a good earn rate, a large introductory bonus, or insurance.
Read: Best credit cards for companion tickets
Compare processors and acceptance
A card’s payment processor—Visa, Mastercard, or Amex—can influence where and how the credit card can be used.
For instance, Amex cards often feature superior travel rewards and privileges, but some merchants might accept only Visa or Mastercard. The best Amex cards are often designated as ‘charge cards’ rather than credit cards, meaning that a cardholder must pay off the card’s balance in full every month, lest they be charged a very high penalty.
We recommend readers get an Amex card for its superb earn rates and features, but to always carry a Visa or Mastercard as well to pay at merchants that don’t accept Amex.
Travel credit card vs. hotel credit card: What’s the difference?
A hotel credit card is a credit card that focuses on maximizing your rewards for your favourite hotel chain. This means that you’ll be earning points towards free hotel stays, meals offered through on-site restaurants, and complimentary late checkouts.
However, some hotel credit cards give similar perks to travel credit cards, in the way that you can transfer your points to several participating airline rewards programs. So, while travel credit cards will likely offer a better conversion rate for points to travel rewards, you still have the potential to earn many of the same travel perks with a hotel card.
Our favourite hotel credit card is The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card. Not only can Marriott Bonvoy® reward points be redeemed at more than 7,000 hotels worldwide with no blackout dates within the Marriott, Ritz-Carlton and Delta families, but you can also transfer your points to more than 40 participating airline rewards programs.
What happens to your points if you cancel a travel credit card?
Say you’ve spent a good amount of time accumulating your travel points over the past several years, and are now ready to cancel your travel credit card—where do your rewards points go? Will you lose them or are they yours to keep and store for future use?
While the answer to this question can vary depending on the terms of your credit card and the credit card provider, your airline rewards are usually safe. Usually, your rewards are deposited in a frequent flier account, which is separate from your credit card, should it close for whatever reason.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that you can lose access to your points if you don’t use them fast enough. Some frequent-flier programs will expire your points if there isn’t activity in your account for a long period of time, so check the fine print that came along with your account.
FAQs: Best travel credit cards in Canada
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Nathan Siegel has a professional and educational passion for finance, and is a long-time writer for GreedyRates. He follows trends in the Canadian banking sector, compares competing products, and pours over fine print to make personal finance choices easier for Canadian consumers. In his spare time he loves running, swimming, and dogs of all kinds.
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