The Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada 2026
With travel costs climbing, picking one of the best travel credit cards in Canada for 2026 matters more than ever. The right card helps you earn points or miles on the purchases you’re already making—points you can use to reduce the cost of flights, hotels, vacation packages, and more.
In this updated list, I’m only recommending cards I’ve personally used in the last few years. That way, every pick comes from real experience, not theory.
To be clear, I’m not suggesting you apply for every card below. But opening two or three of them over the course of a year can unlock a huge amount of value. That exact strategy is how I flew Emirates First Class from Dubai to Toronto and EVA Air Business Class from Toronto to Taipei for under $140 CAD each.
The key thing to understand is that the “best” travel credit card depends entirely on your goals. If you’re chasing a discounted business‑class flight, you’ll gravitate toward one set of cards. If you want free hotel nights, you’ll choose something completely different.
| Credit card | Best travel card for |
|---|---|
| American Express Platinum Card | Luxury travel perks |
| American Express Cobalt Card | Everyday spending |
| American Express Business Gold Rewards Card | Welcome bonus |
| Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card | All in one travel |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card | Aeroplan rewards |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card | Air Canada benefits |
| WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard | WestJet flyers |
| Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card | Hotel stays |
| CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card | No annual fee |
| EQ Bank Card | No foreign transaction fees |
Best travel card for luxury or frequent travellers
American Express Platinum Card
- $799 annual fee
- Earn 90,000 Membership Rewards points when using a referral link and spending $10,000 in the first 3 months
- 50,000 additional points when making any purchase in months 15 – 17
- Earn 2 points per $1 spent on dining and travel, and 1 point on all other purchases
- $200 annual travel credit
- $200 annual dining credit (per calendar year)
- Unlimited airport lounge access
- MESSAGE ME FOR A REFERRAL LINK
If you travel often or you’re chasing premium travel perks, the American Express Platinum Card is one of the strongest options in Canada. The primary cardholder and a guest get unlimited access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, plus automatic hotel status upgrades with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors. You also get a NEXUS rebate (which covers Global Entry and TSA PreCheck) and a robust travel insurance package that includes travel medical and trip cancellation.
Yes, the $799 annual fee looks steep. But in practice, you can get it down to $399. You get a $200 dining credit every calendar year, and you receive a $200 annual travel credit at select restaurants. Combined, that’s up to $400 in credits in year one.
The welcome bonus is another major draw. With a referral link, the offer is typically worth 100,000+ American Express Membership Rewards points, which is worth at least$1,000. If you transfer those points to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio, the value can easily be worth 1.5X, putting the welcome offer at $1,500.
If you’re a frequent traveller, the ongoing perks alone can justify keeping the card long term. Even if you don’t travel regularly, the first‑year bonus and credits make it an excellent one‑year play.
Eligibility: There’s no minimum income required. A credit score of 740 is recommended before applying.
Welcome bonus: Typically worth 80,000 to 100,000 American Express Membership Rewards points when using a referral link. The minimum spending requirement is usually $5,000 to $10,000.
Best travel card for overall spending
American Express Cobalt Card
- $15.99 Monthly fee ($191.88 yearly)
- 1,250 monthly points when charging $750 each month for a year (15,000 points total)
- Earn 5 points per $1 spent on eats and drinks
- Earn 3 points per $1 spent on streaming services
- Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- MESSAGE ME FOR A REFERRAL LINK
When you’re earning travel rewards, sometimes the smartest move is to use a card that quickly racks up points on your everyday spending. The American Express Cobalt Card excels earns you earn 5 points per $1 spent on eats and drinks (including groceries), 3 points on streaming services, 2 points on travel and transit, and 1 point on everything else. Each category has a monthly cap of $2,500 – after that, the earn rate drops to 1 point per dollar.
Because you can transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio, the value can be huge. Aeroplan points are often worth around 1.5 cents each, which means your 5x earn rate on eats and drinks can translate into an effective return of up to 7.5%. No other Canadian card comes close to that level of everyday earning power.
The trade‑off is that the Cobalt doesn’t come with many travel perks. That said, you do get mobile device insurance, and the welcome bonus has remained consistently strong.
Eligibility: There’s no minimum income required. A credit score of 700 is recommended before applying.
Welcome bonus: Typically, you’ll earn 1,250 American Express Membership Rewards points when you spend $750 monthly for the first 12 months. That’s 15,000 bonus American Express Membership Rewards points you can earn in the first year.
Best travel card for all-in-one-travel
Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card
- $150 annual fee
- 40,000 Scene+ points when spending $2,000 in the first 3 months
- 10,000 points when spending $10,000 in the first six months
- Earn 3 Scene+ points per $1 spent at Empire owned supermarkets
- Earn 2 Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible grocery stores, dining, entertainment, and daily transit purchases
- Earn 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
- Visa Airport Companion Program membership + 6 passes per year
- No foreign transaction fees
When you look at the best travel credit cards in Canada, you’ll notice most cards excel in one area but fall short in others. The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is one of the few that strikes a solid balance: a decent earning rate paired with useful travel benefits. It’s a great fit for anyone who prefers to keep things simple and carry just one card, whether you’re spending at home or abroad.
You’ll earn 3 Scene+ points at Empire‑owned grocery stores (IGA, Safeway, Sobeys), 2 points on other eligible grocery stores, dining, entertainment, and transit, and 1 point on everything else. It’s not the highest earning structure on the market, but it’s respectable and easy to maximize.
This card really shines in its travel perks. There are no foreign transaction fees, saving you 2.5% on every purchase made in a foreign currency. You also get complimentary access to the Visa Airport Companion Program, including six free lounge passes each year. Add in a comprehensive travel insurance package, and you’ve got a well‑rounded travel card that delivers solid value without needing multiple cards in your wallet.
Eligibility: A minimum personal income of $60,000 or a household income of $100,000 or at least $250,000 in assets under management. A credit score of 700 is also recommended.
Welcome bonus: You’ll typically get 35,000 to 50,000 Scene+ points as the welcome offer. In most cases, you’ll need to spend a minimum amount in the first three months and another in the first 12 months for the full bonus.
Best travel card for Aeroplan rewards
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
- $139 annual fee – first year free
- 10,000 Aeroplan points after your first purchase
- 15,000 additional Aeroplan points when you spend $7,500 in the first 180 days
- 20,000 Aeroplan points on your anniversary when you spend $12,000 in the first 12 months
- Earn 1.5 Aeroplan points per $1 spent on gas, groceries, and Air Canada purchases
- Earn 1 Aeroplan point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- First bag checked free on Air Canada flights
Since Air Canada is the country’s largest airline, it makes sense that many Canadians want to earn Aeroplan points. For most people, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card is the best all‑around choice for Aeroplan. You’ll earn 1.5 Aeroplan points per $1 spent on gas, groceries, and Air Canada purchases, and 1 point per dollar on everything else. In other words, every purchase helps grow your Aeroplan balance.
A major perk is the free first checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to eight travel companions on the same reservation. With checked bags typically costing $30–$50 each way, this benefit alone can save a meaningful amount. You also get a NEXUS rebate and a solid travel insurance package.
Another advantage is Aeroplan’s wide network of retail partners. By shopping through the Aeroplan eStore and paying with your Aeroplan credit card, you can “double dip” and earn points twice on the same purchase. It’s one of the easiest ways to accelerate your earnings without changing your routine.
Eligibility: A minimum personal income of $60,000 or a household income of $100,000 is required. It’s also recommended that you have a credit score of at least 700.
Welcome bonus: New cardholders typically get between 40,000 to 70,000 Aeroplan bonus points. This intro offer is usually divided into multiple parts with different minimum spending requirements.
Best travel card for premium Air Canada benefits
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
- $599 annual fee
- Earn 20,000 Aeroplan points after your first purchase
- Earn 35,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 in the first 180 days
- Earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 30,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $24,000 within 12 months of account opening
- Earn 2 Aeroplan points per $1 spent on Air Canada purchases, 1.5 points on gas, and groceries, and 1.25 points on all other purchases
- First bag checked free, priority check-in & boarding on Air Canada flights
- Maple Leaf Lounge access in North America
- Visa Airport Companion Program + 6 free annual passes
Normally, I wouldn’t include two Aeroplan cards in the same list, but the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card comes with enough extra perks to justify its own category. On top of the free first checked bag, you get unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access within North America for you and a guest, six complimentary passes to lounges in the Visa Airport Companion Program, priority boarding (Zone 2), priority baggage handling, priority airport services, and priority standby and upgrade privileges.
The annual fee is $599, but the benefits stack up quickly. Lounge access and priority services alone can make a huge difference in your travel experience. The earning rate is also stronger: 2 Aeroplan points per $1 spent on Air Canada purchases, 1.5 points on gas, groceries, travel, and dining, and 1 point on everything else.
Many travellers take a strategic approach with this card. You can sign up during a heavy travel year to maximize the perks, then downgrade to the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card before the next annual fee posts. This lets them earn two welcome bonuses, often totalling well over 150,000 points.
Eligibility: A minimum personal income of $60,000 or a household income of $100,000 is required. It’s also recommended that you have a credit score of at least 700.
Welcome bonus: Typically worth between 50,000 to 70,000 Aeroplan points. This bonus is usually divided into multiple parts with different minimum spending requirements.
Best travel card for WestJet flyers
WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard
- $119 annual fee
- 25,000 WestJet points after your first purchase
- 20,000 WestJet points when you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months
- Earn 2 WestJet points per dollar spent on WestJet, WestJet Vacations, Sunwing Vacations, groceries, and gas
- Earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Receive a round-trip companion voucher
- Get free first checked bags for the primary cardholder and up to 8 guests on the same reservation
Over the past few years, WestJet has shifted its strategy to focus heavily on Alberta, so the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard can be useful. In the past, WestJet offered strong coverage across Canada, but today it operates more like a niche airline—great if it fits your routes, less useful if it doesn’t.
The card earns 2 WestJet points per dollar spent on WestJet, WestJet Vacations, Sunwing Vacations, groceries and gas, and 1.5 points back on all other purchases.
Where this card really shines is in its WestJet‑specific perks. The primary cardholder and up to eight guests on the same itinerary get their first checked bag free, a meaningful savings for families and groups. You also receive an annual companion voucher, which lets a travel partner pay a reduced base fare when flying with you. For many travellers, that benefit alone can save hundreds of dollars a year.
Eligibility: Minimum personal income of $80,000 or a household income of $150,000.
Welcome bonus: Usually up to 45,000 WestJet points.
Best travel card for hotel stays
Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card
- $120 annual fee
- 55,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when you charge $3,000 in the first 3 (must use a referral link)
- Earn 5 Marriott Bonvoy points per $1 spent at participating Marriott properties
- Earn 2 Marriott Bonvoy points for per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Annual free night certificate worth up to 35,000 points
- MESSAGE ME FOR A REFERRAL LINK
So far, the list of the best travel credit cards in Canada has focused on airline rewards. But plenty of travellers care more about saving on hotels or scoring free nights. That’s where the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card shines. Marriott has more than 8,500 properties in 130+ countries, so you’ll have no trouble using your points almost anywhere in the world.
You’ll earn 5 Marriott Bonvoy points per $1 spent at Marriott properties and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases. With Marriott points typically worth around 0.7 cents each, the return is solid.
Realistically, anyone who travels should consider this card. The standout perk is the annual free night certificate worth up to 35,000 points. That certificate alone can easily be worth $245 or more, far exceeding the card’s $120 annual fee. You also get automatic Silver Elite status, which includes priority late checkout and a 10% points bonus on stays, plus some built‑in travel insurance.
Eligibility: No listed income requirement. A credit score of at least 700 is recommended.
Welcome bonus: Typically worth 50,000 – 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when you spend $3,000 in the first three months of card membership.
Best travel card with no annual fee
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card
- No annual fee
- 2,500 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase
- 2,500 points when spending $1,500 in the first 4 months
- 5,000 points when spending $10,000 in the first 12 months
- Earn 1 Aeorplan point per $1 spent on gas, groceries, and Air Canada
- Earn 1 Aeroplan point per $1.50 spent on all other purchases
Unfortunately, most of the best travel credit cards in Canada come with an annual fee, but the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card does not. The earning rate is 1 Aeroplan per $1 spent on gas, groceries, and Air Canada purchases. For every other eligible purchase, you’ll get 1 Aeroplan point per $1.50 spent.
Since this is a no fee card, the main benefits you get are purchase security and extended warranty. With purchase security, your purchases are protected from loss, theft, and damage for 90 days. The extended warranty doubles your manufacturer’s warranty for up to one additional year.
Eligibility: Minimum income of $15,000. A credit score of at least 640 is recommended.
Welcome bonus: Typically 10,000 Aeroplan points after your first purchase.
Best travel card for no foreign transaction fees
EQ Bank Card
- $20 referral bonus (must fund account with $100 within 30 days)
- No monthly fees
- 0.5% cash back on all purchases
- Free withdrawals from any ATM in Canada
- No foreign transaction fees
- Earn 2.50% interest until you spend
I have a full breakdown of the best no‑foreign‑transaction‑fee credit cards in Canada, but the one I recommend most often is the EQ Bank Card. It’s a prepaid card, so you’ll need to load funds before using it, either directly from your EQ Bank account or via e‑transfer. Once it’s funded, any purchase made in a currency other than Canadian dollars avoids the standard 2.5% foreign transaction fee.
What really sets this card apart is how it handles ATM withdrawals. You won’t pay foreign transaction fees when taking out cash abroad, whereas most major banks now charge around 3.5% on foreign ATM withdrawals. The ATM operator may still charge a one‑time fee, but EQ Bank doesn’t add anything on top. And if you use the card at an ATM within Canada, EQ Bank reimburses the fee entirely.
For everyday spending, you’ll earn 0.5% cash back on eligible purchases, and any money you’ve loaded onto the card continues to earn interest while it sits there.
Eligibility: Must have an EQ Bank account. No income or credit history is required.
Welcome bonus: You get a $20 cash bonus when signing up with a referral link and funding your account with $100 within 30 days of account opening.
What are Canada’s top travel credit card loyalty programs?
Travel rewards programs from Canadian banks vary significantly in how you can use your points and what value they deliver. The programs below represent the strongest options available to Canadian cardholders.
Amex Membership Rewards
The American Express Membership Rewards program stands out for its flexibility. You can transfer your points to multiple airline and hotel loyalty programs, including Aeroplan and Marriott Bonvoy. This gives you access to better value when booking premium travel.
Beyond transfers, you have additional redemption methods. You can apply your membership rewards points directly to any travel purchase on your statement. The Fixed Points Travel program provides another option with set redemption rates.
The variety of redemption channels means you’re not locked into one method. If airline transfers don’t suit your needs, you can still extract solid value through other options.
Avion Rewards from RBC
RBC operates the Avion Rewards programme, which offers several ways to use your points. The fixed travel program lets you redeem points at set rates for flights and other travel bookings. You can also book through their travel portal for more flexibility.
Avion Rewards includes airline transfer partnerships with WestJet and British Airways. The British Airways partnership gives you access to Avios, which can be valuable for certain routes. These partnerships add flexibility beyond standard portal bookings.
Your RBC Avion points provide decent versatility, though fewer transfer options than some competitors. The programme works well if you prefer straightforward redemptions or fly with their partner airlines.
Scene+
Scene+ operates as a multi-partner loyalty program with competitive earning rates. The credit cards in this program often feature higher point accumulation on everyday purchases. You can earn additional Scene+ points through various retail and entertainment partners.
For travel redemptions, you have two main paths. The travel portal lets you book flights, hotels, and other travel directly through their system. Alternatively, you can book travel independently and redeem points against those purchases.
Key Scene+ Details:
- Minimum redemption of 50,000 points required for self-booked travel
- High earning rates on affiliated credit cards
- Multiple partners for bonus points accumulation
- Straightforward redemption structure
The program’s strength lies in earning potential rather than complex transfer partnerships. If you spend in categories where Scene+ cards offer elevated earning rates, you can accumulate points quickly. The 50,000-point minimum for self-booked travel means you’ll need to save up before redeeming this way.
Top Frequent Flyer Programs in Canada
Choosing the right frequent flyer program depends largely on your travel habits and preferred airlines. Canada offers three primary programs worth considering. When you apply for a co-branded credit card, enrollment happens automatically, or you can enter your existing membership number during signup.
Aeroplan
Aeroplan stands out as a highly versatile program for Canadian travellers. The program makes earning and redeeming points straightforward, with numerous credit cards offering Aeroplan earning potential.
Many co-branded cards include valuable benefits:
- Insurance coverage for travel-related incidents
- Waived baggage fees on eligible flights
- Annual fee rebates under certain conditions
The redemption process offers flexibility since you can use points for any available seat on Air Canada flights. The program employs dynamic pricing, which means point requirements fluctuate based on demand and availability. However, Aeroplan maintains partnerships with various airlines where redemption costs remain fixed, providing predictable value for certain routes.
WestJet Rewards
WestJet Rewards operates as the loyalty program for Canada’s second-largest airline. WestJet Rewards is pretty basic and doesn’t offer as much value as Air Canada’s Aeroplan. That said, you don’t need to worry about dynamic pricing with reward bookings.
VIPorter
Porter Airlines operates VIPorter as its frequent flyer program. This program caters to travellers who regularly fly Porter’s routes across Canada and select international destinations.
VIPorter members earn points based on the fare paid rather than the distance flown. The program offers different membership tiers, with higher levels unlocking additional benefits. You can redeem points for flights, upgrades, and other travel-related purchases.
The program works well for frequent Porter passengers, particularly those travelling between Toronto and major Canadian cities. However, Porter’s more limited route network compared to Air Canada or WestJet means this program suits a specific traveller profile. The airline’s focus on regional routes and select destinations makes VIPorter most valuable when it aligns with your regular travel patterns.
How to Calculate the Value of Travel Credit Card Points
Understanding what your points are worth helps you make informed redemption decisions. General travel rewards programs assign a fixed value to their points, making calculations straightforward.
For airline and hotel loyalty programs, the value fluctuates based on the redemption option you choose. You can determine the value using a simple formula.
Formula: (Cash price of redemption – taxes and fees) × 100 ÷ number of points needed = Cost per point
Here’s an example calculation:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Flight route | Toronto to Los Angeles (roundtrip) |
| Points required | 29,000 Aeroplan points |
| Cash price | $650 |
| Taxes and fees | $81 |
Using the formula: ($650 – $81) × 100 ÷ 29,000 = 1.96 cents per point
Apply this calculation before redeeming your points to verify you’re receiving good value. Compare the result against typical redemption values for your specific rewards program. This practice ensures you’re maximizing the benefit of your accumulated points rather than settling for poor-value redemptions.
How to Select a Travel Rewards Credit Card
Choosing the right travel rewards credit card requires careful evaluation of several key factors. The best travel credit card for you depends on your spending habits, travel preferences, and financial goals.
What You Want to Achieve
Think about your specific travel aspirations before selecting a card. If you’re planning to book premium cabin flights through Aeroplan or need accommodation at specific hotel chains, choose a card that earns points compatible with those programs.
American Express cards allow you to transfer points to multiple loyalty programmes, giving you options for both airline and hotel redemptions. If you share travel plans with a partner, coordinate your points-earning strategy so you can pool rewards. Referral programmes can boost your points balance when you introduce others to your chosen card.
Welcome Bonus
Sign-up offers are among the fastest ways to earn rewards. A welcome bonus can significantly increase your first year value and help you reach redemption goals quickly.
Review the spending requirements attached to each offer. Some cards grant bonuses after a single purchase, whilst others require $3,000 to $5,000 in spending within 90 days of approval. Plan your application timing around upcoming major expenses to naturally meet thresholds.
Yearly Cost
The annual fee deserves close scrutiny, particularly if you plan to hold multiple cards. Cards with first-year fee waivers provide an opportunity to test the programme without immediate cost.
For cards with substantial fees, calculate whether the included perks and welcome bonus justify the expense. Premium cards often deliver benefits that exceed their annual cost when you use all available features.
Points Accumulation
Examine how many points you’ll earn across different spending categories. Cards with enhanced earn rates for travel, dining, groceries, or fuel can accelerate your points growth if these categories match your spending patterns.
Compare both category-specific rates and base rates for general purchases. A card with strong category bonuses but a weak base rate may not suit you if most purchases fall outside bonus categories.
Redemption Options
The value of your points depends heavily on how you can use them. Flexible travel rewards programmes let you book through multiple channels or transfer to various partners, potentially doubling your points’ worth.
Co-branded cards tied to specific airlines or hotels can offer excellent value but may limit your options. Before committing, research award availability, blackout periods, and redemption fees. A large points balance has little value if you cannot book the trips you want.
Supplementary Perks
Beyond earning points, evaluate what additional features each card provides. Frequent travellers benefit from complimentary checked baggage, priority boarding, and airport lounge access.
Cards without foreign transaction fees save money on international purchases. Travel insurance coverage, purchase protection, and concierge services add value that may surpass the annual fee. Premium cards typically bundle more comprehensive benefits for travellers who can take full advantage of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-performing travel credit cards for Canadians?
The American Express Cobalt Card stands out with its 5x points on eats and drinks, making it powerful for everyday purchases. The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card offers strong travel insurance coverage and no foreign transaction fees, which adds considerable value for international trips.
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card provides solid earn rates on Air Canada purchases and access to priority boarding. For flexible redemption options, cards linked to transferable points programs like American Express Membership Rewards allow you to move points to multiple airline and hotel partners.
Premium cards like the American Express Platinum Card deliver comprehensive benefits, including lounge access, while cards such as the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card balance rewards with reasonable annual fees.
How do sign-up offers differ among leading travel cards and what must you spend to qualify?
Welcome bonuses typically range from 10,000 to 150,000 points, depending on the card tier. Entry-level cards often require minimum spending of $1,000 to $3,000 within the first three months to earn their introductory bonuses.
Premium cards demand higher spending thresholds. You might need to spend $6,000 to $10,000 in the first few months to unlock the full welcome offer. Some cards structure bonuses in tiers, releasing points as you hit specific spending milestones.
The value of these bonuses varies based on the rewards program. A 60,000-point bonus in a flexible program like Membership Rewards typically provides more value than the same number of points in a fixed-value system.
When should you pay an annual fee for travel perks versus choosing a no-fee option?
Annual fees ranging from $120 to $799 make sense when you use the included benefits regularly. Premium cards justify their cost through airport lounge access, comprehensive travel insurance, and annual travel credits that offset the fee.
Calculate whether you’ll use perks like Priority Pass memberships, hotel status upgrades, and concierge services. If you spend significantly on travel categories that earn bonus points, the accelerated earning can outweigh the annual cost.
No-fee cards suit occasional travellers who won’t maximize premium benefits. These cards still earn points on purchases but typically offer lower earn rates and fewer insurance coverages. Your break-even point depends on annual travel frequency and spending patterns.
Which cards provide superior airport lounge access and travel protection?
The American Express Platinum Card grants you access to the broadest lounge network, including Priority Pass, Centurion Lounges, and Plaza Premium locations. You receive unlimited visits for yourself and typically one guest per visit.
For travel insurance, the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card and TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card offer comprehensive coverage packages. These include trip cancellation insurance, lost luggage protection, medical emergency coverage, and rental car insurance.
Premium cards often offer higher coverage limits, sometimes up to $5 million for medical emergencies. Review policy details for coverage periods, which typically range from 15 to 60 days per trip, and any age restrictions that might apply.
How do foreign exchange fees impact your travel card’s value internationally?
Most standard credit cards charge 2.5% foreign transaction fees on purchases made in other currencies. This fee applies to the converted amount, effectively reducing the value of any rewards you earn on those transactions.
Cards with no foreign transaction fees save you this percentage on every international purchase. If you spend $5,000 abroad annually, eliminating this fee saves $125 before considering rewards earned.
Beyond stated fees, card issuers use different exchange rates when converting foreign currency. The difference between rates is usually minimal, but no-fee cards remove the most significant cost factor when spending outside Canada.
I vouch for the Scotiabank Infinite Visa card. I use it for everything!
And it’s great to know about that No Foreign Exchange fee credit card! I couldn’t find one back when I was looking for one. I’m surprised Amazon offers a credit card…
Jaymee,
4% back on certain categories can make the fee tolerable, it’s definitely one of the best card.
Hi Barry!
Thanks for the wealth of info. Does AMEX run promos where they waive the annual fee? I am asking specifically for the Cobalt.
Thank you!
Jan,
Amex has never offered a rebate on the Cobalt monthly fee.
If you live in Alberta for instance Westjet is a prominent carrier. And with a special bonus on now of $350 westjet dollars after first spend its hard to beat. And a companion ticket once a year, free luggage checkin which quickly covers your annual fee. No blackouts, a buck is a buck, the simplicity is my highlight.
As a thought, the Capital One Aspire Travel MasterCard just took away all their annoying tiers for rewards redemption, just received an e-mail on it today. I was considering other credit cards, and still will for the future, but it makes my large rewards balance on the card much more usable for 2016 when I hope to have a nice 25th Anniversary vacation away. What used to be a great card is still a decent card, and now with the tiers gone it goes back to being a good card. Time will tell if it become a top level card again.
Pastorash1,
Good eye! The Capital One Aspire Travel MasterCard will soon be offering a 40K bonus miles when you signup instantly making it arguably the best travel card available. I’ve updated my list to include it.
I’m a big fan of the capital one aspire travel card and how they eliminated the tiers for the rewards. I actually just redeemed some earlier this morning. It was very easy to do. I’m glad I got it when they still had an annual fee of $120 (with 10,000 bonus rewards annually, essentially making the annual fee $20)
Our Big Fat Wallet,
I missed out since I was too cheap to pay the yearly fee. I should have done the math, at $20 a year, that’s totally worth it.
Typo – “when you spend $1,00 in the first 90 days”, should say “$1000” 🙂
and I’d wait for the BMO World Elite First Year Free + 30K offer when it comes back
Jerry,
Thanks for the catch. FYF + 30K signup offer is pretty good. The flexibility of the BMO card is one of the best.
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Dante,
Yes, the Scotia AMEX GOld is indeed an excellent card.
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[…] cuts out the abuse. Even with this change, the American Express Platinum card is still one of the best travel credit cards in Canada and one of the best American Express cards in Canada. Check out my review now for my full thoughts […]
[…] and enhanced travel insurance. The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite card was already on my list of the best travel credit cards in Canada, so these extra benefits are […]
Hi Barry…I have both the HSBC world elite and the President’s Choice world elite MasterCard’s. Do you know if both the travel insurances are in effect or just one policy when I travel?
Hi Tom,
Both would be in effect but you can only make claims through one of your insurance providers.
The HSBC card has much better insurance overall but note that besides travel medical, all other travel insurance only applies if you purchased your flights and hotels with your HSBC card.
I am curious about the Van City Visa Card where I get a dollar value returned to me when requested.
Do you have any comments about it?
Hi Janet,
I’m not as familiar with Vancity. From what I understand, they’re a credit union out in BC. I believe the card you’re talking about is a cash back card which you should compare to the following list before you decide to sign up.
https://www.moneywehave.com/best-cash-back-credit-cards-in-canada/
[…] people know that using one of the best travel credit cards in Canada can save you big, but let me show you how. Let’s say you’re a family of four: two […]
What are your noughts on he Avion Visa Infinite for travel rewards.? Does it rank anywhere in the top
Hi Lisa,
Avion is a decent program, but the card is nothing special and WestJet is their only transfer partner. That being said, every so often there’s a special promotion where you can get 25K bonus points when you sign up and the first year is free which is a good deal.
Not sure why the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite is flagged with a “This card is no longer offered by the provider” message when I click on the link for it above. I still have one and the CIBC website still advertises the card at the front of their list of credit cards. I was going to share my experience with this card, in particular the CIBC Rewards program where you would redeem the Aventura points you earn with the card. Not sure where/if I should leave my comments now.
Mike,
Good catch. Not sure why RateHub is showing that as the card is still clearly being offered. I’m going to change the link now. Feel free to share your experience with the card om this page or on my review of the card https://www.moneywehave.com/cibc-aventura-visa-infinite-review/
Hey Barry, my main card is the Scotia Infinite Momentum. With my spending partners this card earns me approx $900/yr. If I were to add one travel card to the mix just to get the sign-up bonus, which would you suggest and why? I typically travel once or twice a year. Are you able to cancel a card prior to uaing the points you’ve earned. Thank you
Hey Mat,
Since your main goal is the sign up bonus, you should just pick a card that works for you. American Express cards have the most flexibility since you can transfer your points to Aeroplan or Marriott and then cancel your account without losing any points. I also like the Scotiabank PAssport Visa Infinite card since you get 6 lounge passes, a $300 sign up bonus, and no forex fees. However, if you cancel your card before using your points, you lose them. You could transfer those points to SCENE or as a statement credit, but the value is lower compared to using them for travel.
Is there any way to get the fees reduced on the Amex Platinum? $700 is a lot of money just to buy yourself some perks
Jenna,
Unfortunately not. You do get an annual travel credit of $200 so it brings the fee down to $499
Interesting reading. I guess you don’t think much of RBC’s AVION cards, seeing as you have no mention of them. What is it about them that caused them not to make your list?
The card has a few decent promos now and then, but right now it doesn’t which is why it’s not on the list.
What are your thoughts on the following? Good information on here!
RBC® Avion® Visa Infinite Privilege‡ or RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege for Private Banking
Hi Harley,
It’s okay, but I sort of prefer the Amex Personal Platinum card more. The Amex card has a higher annual fee of $699 but you also get an annual travel credit of $200 and additional travel benefits such as hotel status upgrades. Amex points also allow you to book any type of travel and you can also transfer your points.
Thanks!
Do you have any feedback on the VIP security fast track lane at select Canadian Airports?
It just puts you in the priority line at select airports which is definitely a nice feature. The AMex Platinum card has that benefit but only at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport.
looked at a sample of return flights from Vancouver and or Bellingham to Phoenix as an example on WestJet, Allegiant and Alaska….WestJet is the most expensive at about $465 (6 hours travel time from Van) followed by Alaska at $260 USD (4 hour travel time from Bellingham) then Allegiant $140 USD (2 hour travel time from Bellingham). Reward points and fees are only part of what should be considered.
[…] BMO World Elite Mastercard has long been known as one of the best travel credit cards in Canada due to its generous signup bonus of 35,000 BMO Rewards points. That may seem high, but 35,000 BMO […]
What are your thoughts on the Scotiabank Gold Amex card?
Maria,
The Scotiabank Gold AMex is a fantastic card, it just doesn’t have a generous signup bonus compared to the ones on my list here. It also lacks lounge access compared to the Scotiabank Passport credit card but it does have higher multipliers for some categories.
Any idea if you get the bonus sign up on the Amex platinum card if you had one in the past and then downgraded to the gold amex.
Hi Kyle,
Technically speaking, all Amex bonuses are once per lifetime. That being said, if you had the Platinum years ago, you’d likely get the signup bonus again. Of course, Amex is perfectly within their rights to deny you the bonus. Calling in advance to see if you would get the bonus would only ensure you don’t since you’d essentially be flagging yourself.
What about the TD Travel First Class Card?
Dancing D,
That card currently has a great sign up bonus as a good rate of return when booking on Expedia for TD. It’s got no lounge access though.
Hi Barry,
Just from perks perspective, Amex Platinum has everything that I want the most:
1. Trip cancellation (which usually comes with trip interruption, but not the other way around)
2. Rewards that can be converted into different program, aeroplan/avios in this case
3. Hotel status benefit
But, I still can’t justified paying the annual fee, plus, in order to maximized points, I want my wife to use the same card and it will cost me another $175, which bring the total annual fee of $874. Granted, there is cheaper additional card alternative with Gold card, but, I still have to pay $50 for that, which bring total annual fee of $749. Granted, there is $200 travel credit, but, that still make me paying $674 for platinum additional card or $549 for gold card. Not to mention the fact that the $200 travel credit only useful if we travel. What if I don’t travel every year?
Any recommendation of what credit card should I be getting which provide perks as close as Amex Platinum?
Also, correct me if I’m wrong, Amex Platinum is the only card providing hotel status benefit, correct?
One thing that I want to the most but missing from Amex Platinum, no foreign transaction fee.
That said, assuming that Amex Platinum is the only card with hotel status benefit and I’m willing to not have this benefit, any card you can recommend which provide:
1. Trip cancellation
2. Rewards that can be converted into different programs
3. No foreign transaction fee
Jimmy,
The Amex Platinum card has a high annual fee because it comes with all those perks, it’s really aimed at people who love to travel. Unfortunately, there’s no card that comes anywhere close to the Platinum card. RBC has WestJet and Avios as transfer partners but no lounge access. The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card gives you 6 lounge passes trip cancellation, has no forex fees but it has no transfer partners. The Scotiabank card is probably the closest to what you want.
Hi Barry,
What if my requirements for credit card just the following 2 benefits:
1. Trip Cancellation
2. Rewards that can be converted into different programs
I would think, this is the core benefits that I really needed. What’s the best card?
Jimmy,
I would recommend taking a look at the HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard and the RBC Visa Infinite Avion card
https://www.moneywehave.com/hsbc-premier-world-elite-mastercard-review/
[…] and shop at Whole Foods a lot, but compared to the best cash back credit cards in Canada and the best travel credit cards in Canada, you may be a little disappointed. Read my Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard review now for the full […]
“To get your RSVP code, all you need to do is launch the app, you don’t actually have to be a member.”
What app?
Hi Barry,
Thanks for all the insight. This is very helpful. I currently just upgraded to the TD Travel Visa but it’s looking like it may not be the best option. More importantly, I’m looking for an affordable way to withdraw cash in countries throughout both Europe and SE Asia. It looks like STACK might be the best option for that? Can you (or anyone on this board) offer any additional insights on that one? Any additional info would be great!
-Matt
Matt,
STACK is my go to card for getting cash since it has no forex fees. I wrote a review which you can check out – https://www.moneywehave.com/stack-mastercard-review/
[…] you can lower your costs by taking advantage of the huge signup bonuses that some of the best travel credit cards in Canada offer. The welcome points you get could easily be worth $250 – $1,000 so it’s worth […]
Hi Barry,
What would you suggest as the best option for my daughter to take with her to Hawaii next month? From what I have read Stacks looks like it might fit best for her?
Also, mu husband and I are taking our first trip to the US in Feb. Since we already bought cancellation insurance would it be pointless to apply for the Scotia Passport Infinite? We havent done any travelling and not sure if we will be doing any anytime soon after this trip.
I would appreciate any advice I can get:) Thank you
Renee,
STACK is great due to low fees using it as a credit card and withdrawing funds from ATM as long as you’ve loaded funds in advance. The card had delivery issues in the past, so I would check with them to ensure you would get the card before then.
From an insurance standpoint, the Scotiabank card would indeed be useless, but you do get 6 lounge passes and a nice sign up bonus which is worth more than the $139 fee so that’s wort considering. Scotiabank delivers their cards quite fast so you wouldn’t have any issues getting it before your daughter departs.
Thanks Barry for responding so quickly:)
I looked into getting the meridian cash back card with $99 annual fee. The application alarmed me tho as they are asking for every single bit of security information I possess.
If their system was breached I would be SOL
Any comments. Do all credit unions ask for this much security info?
[…] incredible to think that I was able to fly first class on Emirates because I used some of the best travel credit cards in Canada. Travel hacking takes time, but the rewards clearly […]
[…] system so I had to base things on a few different categories. Although some banks have some of the best travel credit cards in Canada, redeeming those points might be difficult which would lower their ranking. In my write up of each […]
I have had the Capital One Aspire Travel World Elite Mastercard for the past few years, but they have just cut rewards from 2% on all purchases down to 1.5%. So, now I am looking for a better replacement. It seems the HSBC World Elite Mastercard may be a slightly better option.
Brian,
The HSBC World Elite Mastercard is indeed a great card, but I believe there’s a minimum points requirement if you’re going to redeem for travel.
When I click on your referral link for Amex gold, I get
Sorry, there was an error in accessing the application. Please try again using the link provided in your original offer.
Is link working or I have to do something?
Same with Cobalt
Fergus,
I’m looking at this now and it seems lie Amex has removed all of their referral links for users. It’s not showing up in my account or app anymore.
Fergus,
I found the updated links online. Gold and Cobalt links should be working now. I still need to fix the Platinum links. Thanks for flagging!
if you would choose between Amex Gold and Cobalt, which one would you choose ?
Fergus,
If you spend a lot on food, the Cobalt has a better earn rate but note that your points can’t be transferred to Aeroplan.
The Gold Rewards Card is a quick way to earn up to 30,000 points with minimal spending and you can transfer your points to Aeroplan.
You forgot Revolut. Which is now available in Canada. It is amazing for travel. No fees.
Hi Barry,
Thanks again for all this great info. I used it to do a spreadsheet comparison between my HSBC Travel Elite MC and the Scotiabank Gold Amex/Amex Cobalt. Really interesting. Based on my actual spending for 2021 and factoring in that not all the retailers I use take Amex, the higher earn rate on food and dining added enough points to cover the cost of the Amex card but that was about it. It finally dawned on me that these point levels are really designed to pay off if you are buying for two or more, in other words, these rates aren’t that effective for single users unless you’re a really big spender. Has this ever been a factor in your analysis? Just wondering:-) Stay safe and have a peaceful holiday season.
Hey Laura,
You also have a great analysis. Here are my two cents. I personally think the best credit card / points are the ones that naturally line up with your spending. So yeah, if most of the merchants where you shop accept Amex, then Amex is the way to go. I also personally value one Amex point at 2 cents each since I can transfer them to Aeroplan. That’s double the value of Scotiabank and even HSBC. SO even though Amex may not be accepted in as many places, the points are still worth more even if I’m earning less. It’s also worth noting that the Amex welcome bonuses are usually more valuable compared to others.
Hi Barry,
I get what you’re saying about the Aeroplan points. I like the point value I get on the HSBC card for travel expenses and for everyday expenses it’s not bad either. Think I will aim for Aeroplan points on my second, one year cards.
Laura
LauraH,
If you’re happy with the HSBC as your main card, then stick with it. You’re definitely on the right track about using Aeroplan cards as your secondary/one year cards. Get the bonus, and then cancel at the end of the year / repeat.
Thanks Barry for great read with very helpful tips. I have a few questions regarding these travel cards. Say, I book a flight through a travel agent instead of me directly on the airline’s website, will I still get all these benefits of WestJet dollars, sign-up bonus, and rewards like the annual companion voucher, etc with the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard which I have? The reason I want to book with the travel agent is that there is no direct flight between Canada and the destination country I want to fly to. The agent can book all the connecting flights on one single ticket which is a big plus. So, if I pay with my WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard, but book the flights with the travel agent, will I get all these rewards, etc? Or I have to book the flights myself on their airline’s website to get all these rewards, etc??
I guess it’s the same rule if I book my flights with Air Canada and use my Aeroplan points program that I have with Air Canada, ie. will I get all these rewards, etc with Air Canada if I book the flights with the travel agent, instead of me booking the flights directly on Air Canada’s website???
Thank you Barry and thanks a lot for your valuable advice.
Hey Ken,
Yes, if you’re booking through a travel agent, the benefits that come with your WestJet Mastercard apply. That said, if you book directly with WestJet, you would get a slightly higher earn rate (2% vs. 1.5%). The rewards are you get are based on your spending, so it doesn’t really matter how you pay for it.
As for the other benefits like free checked bags, it would apply to WestJet flights and potentially their partners.
Just be sure to provide the travel agent with your WestJet Rewards #.
Hi Barry,
As always, thanks for putting this information together. HSBC will soon be defunct so I’m looking for a new primary card. Since I tend to travel via tours, I’m looking for a card with a higher earn rate for actual travel expenses, one of the HSBC features I liked. Can’t seem to find that feature in other cards but perhaps I’m missing something. Can you point me in the right direction? Thanks.
Hey Laura,
It sort of depends on what you’re looking for. A good daily card is the Amex Cobalt Card since it earns you 5X the points on eats and drinks, 3 X on streaming services, 2 X on travel and transit, and 1X on everything else. Amex Membership Rewards are highly flexible and can be redeemed for any type of travel. That said, the card does charge FX fees on foreign transactions.
https://www.moneywehave.com/american-express-cobalt-review/
https://www.moneywehave.com/american-express-membership-rewards/
If no FX is important, consider the EQ Bank Card. You need an EQ Bank account, but it’s a prepaid card that uses the Mastercard network. There are no FX fees for purchases or ATM withdrawals.
Thanks for the pointers.
Sorry, one more question. RBC is offering to waive the foreign transaction fee on the Visa Avion Infinite as part of the transition from HSBC. Have you heard any rumours about how long they will do this? I’m assuming they’ll revert at some point. Thanks.
Hey Laura,
Based on the terms and conditions, it’s a permanent benefit. However, the $100 travel credit is only good for one year.
Thanks I wasn’t sure about that.
Is there any reason(s) why you do not list the Diners Club card which I believe is owned in Canada by BMO? I have this card.
May I have your views on this card?
Thank you.
L Holmes
I believe it’s owned by BMO in the U.S. As far I know, you can’t even apply for the card in Canada. It’s not listed on their website.