Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada for December 2025
RBC's most popular Avion card lets you redeem points on flights, car rentals, hotels and more in Canada or abroad. Special offer: get 35,000 Avion points (travel value of $750) with approval and spend. Click 'Apply Now' for details.
Compare top travel cards
WHICH OF THESE DESCRIBES YOU?
"I'd like to earn general travel rewards."
"I usually fly the same airline."
GENERAL TRAVEL REWARDS CREDIT CARDS
BACK TO TOPConsider if you want lots of flexibility in how you earn and redeem rewards.
What are general travel rewards credit cards?
If you’re not particularly partial to any one specific airline or hotel chain, then a general travel rewards card may interest you. The points you earn can typically be used for various travel redemptions, including airfare, hotels, car rentals, cruises — even vacation packages.
Generalist travel cards may not be affiliated with a particular airline or brand, but that doesn’t mean they should be overlooked. Many of these cards offer enticing travel perks that warrant consideration.
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card
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The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card is a well-rounded travel option that ticks a lot of boxes: up to 3x Scene+ points on popular spending categories, waived FX fees, robust insurance, and six free airport lounge passes annually. While it isn’t free to carry (be ready to shell out $150 annually), the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card offers exceptional value for its cost.
Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card
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The Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card boasts 14 free airport lounge visits each year (10 for you, and 4 for supplementary cardholders) — nearly double the number offered by its competitors. Its $399 annual fee is more than you’ll pay for other mid-tier travel cards, but this is balanced by comprehensive travel coverage, no FX fees, and a low 9.99% interest rate. Travellers seeking journey-enhancing perks and financial flexibility — like taking cash advances abroad or covering big pre-trip expenses — will be hard-pressed to outdo the Scotiabank Platinum Amex.
Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
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Any credit card that waives foreign exchange fees is something of a rare gem, but the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card also comes with discounted airport lounge access, comprehensive travel insurance and whopping earn rates of up to 6x Scene+ points — all for a reasonable $120 annual fee. For those seeking a simple, well-equipped travel card that will help them save on pesky fees for spending abroad, the Scotiabank Gold Amex is worth a look.
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card
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For those who prefer to breeze through lengthy customs lines with a NEXUS membership, the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card provides a $160 NEXUS application fee rebate every four years. Beyond expedited border crossing, this card also comes equipped with four complimentary airport lounge passes annually and comprehensive travel insurance.
The Platinum Card from American Express
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The Platinum Card® from American Express offers the creme de la creme of travel perks with unmatched lounge access. Cardholders gain access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, unlocking 1,400 airport lounges in 140 countries, including Plaza Premium lounges, Priority Pass lounges, and the highly exclusive Centurion Lounge. I won’t deny that this card’s $799 annual fee is positively dizzying, but for frequent travellers who prioritize premium perks, this card is a first-class head rush.
AIRLINE CREDIT CARDS
BACK TO TOPChoose when you frequently fly with one specific airline.
What are airline credit cards?
Airline credit cards allow you to earn points or miles for an airline’s in-house rewards program. Redemption options typically include flights with the affiliated airline but may encompass a broader pool of redemption options, too.
For example, besides WestJet flights, WestJet dollars can be redeemed for flights with WestJet airline partners, including Delta Air Lines, Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
Depending on the tier of your airline rewards credit card, you may get additional perks such as free checked bags, priority boarding and collector status boosts. Having an airline credit card can be highly lucrative if you frequently fly with one airline or network.
WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard
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WestJet loyalists needn’t look further than the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard. Cardholders get free checked bags, annual companion vouchers starting at $119 and up to 2% back in WestJet dollars on eligible purchases. The annual voucher alone could shake out to hundreds of dollars saved on a single flight, easily offsetting this card’s $119 annual fee. It’s got travel insurance and Petro-Canada discounts, too.
BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard
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With an annual fee of $199, this card is practically a steal, given the plethora of travel perks at your disposal. Beyond its enriched VIPorter point earn rate of up to 3x per dollar spent, the BMO VIPorter World Elite®* Mastercard®* also offers complimentary checked bags, priority airport services, discounted lounge access, sweeping insurance coverage and round-trip companion passes.
AEROPLAN CREDIT CARDS
BACK TO TOPChoose when you're loyal to Air Canada and collect Aeroplan points.
What are Aeroplan credit cards?
Aeroplan is Air Canada’s loyalty program, and its points can be redeemed for flights on any Star Alliance network carrier. Beyond airfare, Aeroplan points can be redeemed for hotels, vehicle rentals, vacation packages, merchandise, gift cards and more. Aeroplan even has a points predictor tool to help collectors estimate the range of points needed for a redemption.
Aeroplan’s card provider partners include American Express, CIBC and TD Bank, so if you’re in the market for an Aeroplan credit card, you’ll be selecting from one of these three providers. Expect to earn Aeroplan points on all eligible dollars spent and — depending on the card tier — an array of travel perks, including Maple Leaf lounge access, priority airport services and free checked bags on Air Canada itineraries.
TD® Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card
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The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card transforms the typical airport rush into a true VIP experience with dedicated priority check-in counters, early boarding and priority baggage handling when you fly with Air Canada. Add in free checked bags, complimentary lounge access and annual companion passes that start at $99, there isn't much to dislike about this card beyond its steep fee and formidable income requirements.
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
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The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card comes with solid travel benefits, like free first checked bags, decent travel insurance and complimentary extra nights when you use your Aeroplan points for hotel redemptions. There's no airport lounge access or priority airport services, though, so if the absence of those perks is a dealbreaker, be prepared to compare premium-tier cards with higher price tags.
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students
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No minimum income requirements, no annual fee and Aeroplan points earned on every dollar spent? Sounds like an easy A. The CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card for Students helps keep costs low and makes it easy to rack up rewards. Link it to a Skip the Dishes account to nab 12 months of Skip+ for free. Send money internationally with no transfer fee. Grab a free SPC+ membership for in-store and online brand discounts. For students on the move, this card turns everyday expenses into future adventures.
AIR MILES CREDIT CARDS
BACK TO TOPChoose when you’re an Air Miles aficionado.
What are AIR MILES credit cards?
The Air Miles rewards program remains a popular choice for Canadians, with over 9.5 million active accounts across the country. Collectors can earn Dream Miles, which can be redeemed for rewards like flights, vehicle rentals, and accommodations, and Cash Miles, which can be redeemed for cash-back like rewards on both in-person and online purchases.
Unlike one of its major competitors, Aeroplan, Air Miles isn’t affiliated with any one particular airline. Instead, it offers rewards that can be redeemed for airfare with any of its 25+ flight partners, including Air Canada, Porter, WestJet, Air Transat, American Airlines, British Airways, KLM and more.
The only card provider in Canada that offers Air Miles credit cards is BMO.
BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard
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With earn rates topping out at 3x the Miles per $12 spent, the BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Mastercard®* also provides discounts on Shell fuel, airport lounge access, car rentals and Booking.com reservations, plus complimentary travel insurance. At $120 annually, it’s an accessibly-priced mid-tier travel card, though its $80,000 annual income criteria may be a dealbreaker.
HOTEL CREDIT CARDS
BACK TO TOPChoose when you’re all about enhanced hotel stays and status perks.
What are hotel credit cards?
Hotel credit cards offer perks for more comfortable and accessible hotel experiences, like complimentary stays, collector status upgrades, room upgrades and more. If you opt for a card that’s affiliated with a well-established hotel network, your point-earning and redemption opportunities grow. Marriott, for example, has over 9,000 properties in 140+ countries.
Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card
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Hotel enthusiasts are sure to appreciate the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card, with up to 5x Marriott Bonvoy points on eligible purchases that can be cashed in for hotel stays, flights, cruises and more. Plus, get automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, travel insurance and one free night at a Marriott Bonvoy property annually.
NO FX FEE CREDIT CARDS
BACK TO TOPChoose when you prefer a travel card that will save you money on international purchases.
What are no FX fee credit cards?
No FX fee credit cards are cards that don't charge foreign transaction fees: a 2-3% fee that card providers typically add to transactions conducted in foreign currencies. If you spend big overseas, whether online or when you travel, these cards offer the opportunity for significant savings.
Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard
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A card that earns cash back on U.S. dollar purchases? That’s a rare find. The Rogers Red World Elite® Mastercard® offers 3% back on USD purchases with additional value for loyal customers. Rogers, Fido and Shaw customers earn 2% back on all other spending (versus 1.5% for non-customers) and get a 50% bonus on cash-back when redeemed for Rogers, Fido or Shaw purchases.
Wise Card
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The Wise Card is a practical money tool for travellers who want secure international spending with the added benefit of holding over 40 currencies. It automatically converts your funds at the real exchange rate, so you can avoid hidden markups and foreign exchange fees that can eat into your travel budget.
Home Trust No Fee Preferred Visa Card
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The Home Trust No Fee Preferred Visa card helps put dollars back in your wallet in three (count 'em: three) practical ways: 1) you won't pay an annual fee, 2) you'll skip FX fees on international purchases, and 3) you'll earn cash back on every eligible dollar spent — which, when you think about it, is kind of like scoring a discount. This trifecta of money-saving perks makes it one of the most budget-friendly travel cards on the market.
Methodology
BACK TO TOPHow to choose the best type of travel credit card for you
The best travel credit card fits your travel style and financial goals. To narrow your choices, ask yourself:
How often do you travel? Frequent travelers who spend big on flights and hotels may benefit from higher rewards on travel purchases. If you travel less, a card that earns points on everyday spending can help you save for future trips.
Are you loyal to certain brands or airlines? A co-branded card can deliver extra value if you stick with one airline or hotel chain. If not, a flexible rewards card — one that lets you transfer points to multiple programs — offers more freedom.
Which perks matter most? Lounge access, free checked bags or travel credits can offset an annual fee if you use them often. If not, a low- or no-fee card may give you better value.
Where do you spend the most? Pick a card that rewards your biggest spending categories so you can earn points faster on the purchases you make every day.
Additional travel card perks to consider
Beyond travel points, a card’s perks may help you determine whether to apply. Consider the following as you compare your card options:
Free checked bags. Airlines charge anywhere from $30 - $80 per checked bag, each way, so getting free checked bags can save you money.
Airport lounge access. Some credit cards offer complimentary airport lounge access. Single-use lounge entry typically costs $50 - $100, so this perk can help offset any annual fee you might pay for the credit card.
Travel insurance. Some credit cards offer extensive travel insurance coverage. This can help cover the cost of medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and more.
No foreign transaction fees. Most credit cards charge an additional 2.5% for transactions conducted in foreign currencies. A card that waives foreign transaction fees can cut costs on purchases made while travelling abroad.
Concierge service. A credit card concierge can help you make restaurant reservations, book a ride, explore your travel options and more.
Point transfers. The ability to move points from one rewards program to another can help you take advantage of a wider swath of redemption options.
Beyond these perks, consider whether a travel card aligns with your spending habits and financial goals before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
How do I earn travel rewards?
How do I earn travel rewards?
Credit cards either earn flat-rate rewards, where cardholders earn a set number of points on every $1 spent, or tiered rewards, where accelerated earn rates may apply to dollars spent in specific spending categories, like groceries, gas or travel bookings. Travel cards may also offer bonus points on purchases made with program partners. For example, Aeroplan credit cards earn additional points on Air Canada purchases.
When it comes to bank rewards programs, your points may never expire as long as your credit card account is in good standing. Of course, your account would only fall out of good standing if it becomes delinquent or you use your credit card for fraudulent activity.
How do I calculate the value of my travel points?
How do I calculate the value of my travel points?
The formula used to determine the value of one reward point is as follows:
Cash value of the redemption x 100 / number of points required = Cost per point.
Maximizing the value of your credit card rewards can be accomplished through strategic point earning and redemption.
Do travel rewards points ever expire?
Do travel rewards points ever expire?
Points from a number of major loyalty programs expire as a result of account inactivity within two years:
Aeroplan: 18 months.
Air Miles: 24 months.
Scene +: 24 months.
Marriott Bonvoy: 24 months.
If you earn or redeem points in this timeframe, the expiry countdown resets.
How do I redeem travel rewards?
How do I redeem travel rewards?
Some credit card rewards programs only let you redeem points or miles through their rewards portals. Others allow point redemption for any eligible purchase you make with your credit card.
Dedicated rewards portals, where collectors can go to track earned points and make redemptions, are common. Some programs, like Aeroplan, have point redemption options built directly into their travel portals, so cardholders can search for flights, accommodations or car rentals and opt to pay with cash, points or a combination of both.
Are there different travel reward redemption models?
Are there different travel reward redemption models?
There are two popular redemption models that travel credit cardholders are likely to encounter. Consistent point systems have rewards that hold a constant value, regardless of season or travel destination. Fluctuating point models have rewards with values that shift in response to consumer demand. For example, it may require more points for an airfare redemption during peak season as opposed to off-season bookings.
How do I apply for a travel credit card?
How do I apply for a travel credit card?
Before you apply for a travel card, review its eligibility criteria, including any applicable annual income requirements, to ensure you qualify. To apply for a credit card, visit the provider’s website or mobile app to access its online application. Or, if the card provider offers in-person facilities, you can visit a branch during business hours to fill out an application.
DIVE EVEN DEEPER
Georgia Rose