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Canadians took to the roads, seas and skies to embark on over 27 million trips in the first quarter of 2021 alone, according to a National Travel Survey conducted by Statistics Canada. And that figure is likely to increase in 2022 as more Canadians gear up for their next adventure.
Our picks for the best travel credit cards in Canada include top cards across numerous categories to help you earn discounts, perks and rewards before your next trip.
- Summary of our best travel credit card picks
- The best travel credit cards in Canada
- How travel credit cards work in Canada
Summary of the best travel credit cards
CARD | PERK | ANNUAL FEE |
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American Express Cobalt® Card | Best overall for travel perks | $155.88 |
TD Business Travel Visa® Card | Best overall business travel card | $149* |
Scotiabank®* Gold American Express® card | Best for Canadian newcomers with travel perks and rewards | $120* |
TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite* Card | Best for Expedia bookings | $120* |
The Platinum Card® from American Express | Best for airport lounge visits | $699 |
BMO CashBack® World Elite® Mastercard® | Best for luxury travel perks and cash back on everyday purchases | $120* |
American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card | Best to earn Aeroplan rewards + our pick for fair credit | $599 |
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card | Best for Aventura rewards | $499 |
BMO AIR MILES Mastercard | Best for AIR MILES rewards | $0 |
RBC British Airways Visa Infinite | Best for frequent British Airways flyers | $165 |
RBC Cathay Pacific Visa Platinum | Best for frequent Cathay Pacific flyers | $120 |
WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard | Best for frequent WestJet flyers | $119 |
Alaska Airlines® World Elite® Mastercard® | Best for frequent Alaska Airlines flyers | $99 |
Marriott Bonvoy™ American Express® Card | Best for Marriot Bonvoy hotel rewards | $120 |
Best Western® Rewards Mastercard® | Best for Best Western hotel rewards | $0 |
Scotiabank®* Platinum American Express® Card | Best low-rate + our pick for Scene+ rewards | $399 |
Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card | Best no-fee + our pick for balance transfer | $0 |
HSBC World Elite® Mastercard® | Best for no foreign transaction fees | $149* |
CIBC U.S. Dollar Aventura® Gold Visa* Card | Best for USD purchases | $35 USD |
National Bank World Elite Mastercard | Best for travel insurance to cover all ages | $150* |
Rogers™ World Elite® Mastercard® | Best no-fee with premium travel perks | $0 |
Best Credit Cards in Canada
Compare all different credit cards side-by-side and find out the best card that will meet your need with special perks and benefits

Best overall
Best travel credit cards in Canada
Our pick for best overall travel rewards card
American Express Cobalt® Card
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Annual Fee$155.88$12.99 monthly fee.
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Interest Rates20.99% / 21.99%20.99% on purchases, 21.99% on cash advances.
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Rewards Rate1x-5x Points5x on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery, 3x on on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada, 2x on eligible transit & gas purchases in Canada and eligible travel purchases, and 1x on purchases everywhere else.
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Intro OfferUp to 30,000 PointsIn your first year as a new Cobalt Cardmember, you can earn 2,500 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $500 in net purchases on your Card (up to 30,000 points).
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Our takeWhy we like it
The American Express Cobalt Card boasts high rewards rates on everyday spending, a generous welcome bonus, comprehensive travel insurance coverage, flexible point redemption and plenty of specialty perks to keep things interesting all year long.
Pros- Earn 150,000 points in the first year by spending up to $30,000 on eats, drinks and groceries. Combined with the 30,000 point intro offer, you could earn 180,000 points in your first year, which you could redeem for travel and more.
- Easily transfer the points you earn to popular airline and hotel loyalty programs, such as Aeroplan and Marriott Bonvoy.
Cons- Airport lounge access isn’t provided, which may disappoint some frequent travellers.
- No travel medical coverage for cardmembers over the age of 65.
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Product details
- In your first year as a new Cobalt Cardmember, you can earn 2,500 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $500 in net purchases on your Card. This could add up to 30,000 points in a year.
- 30,000 points is enough for: $300 in statement credits redeemed towards purchases charged to your Card or $225 in American Express® Prepaid Cards.
- Earn 5x the points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery.
- Earn 3x the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada.
- Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible transit & gas purchases in Canada and eligible travel purchases. That's 2X the points on purchases that get you from point A to B.
- Earn 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else. We won't tell you where to spend, we'll just reward you on your Card purchases.
- Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs.
- Cobalt Cardmembers receive regular Perks such as bonus reward offers and access to great events.
- Access Front Of The Line® Presale & Reserved Tickets to some of your favourite concerts and theatre performances and special offers and events curated for Cardmembers with American Express® Experiences.
- American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details, current product information and Terms and Conditions, click the Apply now link. Conditions Apply.
Best overall business travel card
TD Business Travel Visa* Card
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Annual Fee$149Waived first year
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Interest Rates19.99% / 22.99%19.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances.
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Rewards Rate2x-9x Points9x when booking travel online through ExpediaForTD.com, 6x on foreign currency purchases, restaurant purchases and regularly recurring bill payments, and 2x on other eligible business purchases.
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Intro OfferUp to 150,000 Points30,000 TD Rewards Points when the first purchase is made. 60,000 TD Rewards points when $5,000 or more is spent in the first three months of account opening. 60,000 TD Rewards points (5,000 per month) if $5,000 is spent in each of the first 12 months of account opening. Plus, an annual fee rebate for the first year for the primary cardholder and 2 additional cardholders. Offer expires September 5, 2022.
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Our TakeWhy we like it
With its huge welcome offer, high earn rates on travel and foreign currency, and hearty selection of perks and benefits, the TD Business Travel Card is a strong option for businesses of any size.
Pros- Large intro offer that many established businesses will be able to earn.
- Wide range of travel perks, including a broad selection of insurance, rewards on foreign currency and travel booking, and more.
- Very strong earn rates in certain purchase categories.
Cons- Smaller businesses may not spend enough to score the full welcome bonus of 150,000 TD Rewards points.
- Lack of flexibility with travel booking, which must be done through ExpediaForTD.com to earn rewards.
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Product Details
- Intro offer: 150,000 TD Rewards points. Earn 30,000 points when the first purchase is made. Earn 60,000 points by spending $5,000 or more during the first three months of account opening. Earn 60,000 points (5,000 per month) by spending $5,000 each of the first 12 months of account opening. Plus, an annual fee rebate for the first year for the primary cardholder and 2 additional cardholders. Offer expires September 5, 2022.
- Earn 9 TD Rewards Points for every dollar in travel purchases made online through Expedia for TD. Purchases made through Expedia For TD by phone earn 6 TD Rewards Points per dollar spent.
- Earn 6 points for every dollar spent on foreign currency purchases, restaurant purchases and regularly recurring bill payments up to a maximum annual spend of $80,000. Earn rate becomes 2 TD Rewards Points per dollar spent after that.
- Earn 2 TD Rewards Points per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, retail business merchandise, gift cards, while making business purchases at Amazon.ca with Amazon Shop, and more. They can also be used to pay down the card’s balance.
- No travel blackouts, no seat restrictions and no expiry for TD Rewards Points.
- Annual fee: $149 — rebated in the first year.
- Annual fee on additional cards: $49 — rebated for up to three cards in the first year.
- Interest rates: 19.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances.
- Access online reporting, review business expenses, managing existing credit limits and apply spend controls through the TD Card Management Tool.
- Visa SavingsEdge program: save up to 25% on eligible business purchases.
- Travel benefits: travel medical insurance (up to $2 million in coverage for the first 15 days for those under 65; coverage lasts for 4 days for those 65 and older); common carrier travel accident insurance (up to $500,000 for covered losses), trip cancellation insurance (up to $1,500 per insured person; maximum of $5,000), trip interruption insurance (up to $5,000 per insured person; maximum of $25,000), flight/trip delay insurance (up to $500 if a flight or trip is delayed for longer than 4 hours), delayed and lost baggage insurance (up to $1,000 of overall coverage per insured person), auto rental collision/loss damage insurance (covers the full cost of a car rental).
- Toll-free emergency travel assistance services.
- Save a minimum of 10% on the lowest available base rates in Canada and the U.S., and a minimum of 5% on the lowest base rates internationally on qualifying car rentals at participating Avis and Budget locations.
- Visa Zero Liability protection, Verified by Visa and instant alerts to prevent fraudulent card use.
- Access to $5,000 emergency cash advances.
- Linked cards can earn 50% more TD Rewards Points and 50% more Stars at participating Starbucks stores.
- Minimum credit limit of $1,000.
Best credit cards for travel perks
Our pick for best credit card for Canadian newcomers with travel perks and rewards
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card
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Annual Fee$120Must open an account by October 31, 2022. Get an additional annual fee waiver by using the Scotiabank Preferred Package or Ultimate Package.Waived first year
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Interest Rates19.99% / 22.99%19.99% on purchases. 22.99% on cash advances.
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Rewards Rate1x-5x PointsEarn 5X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent on eligible grocery stores, restaurants, fast food, and drinking establishments. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions. Earn 5X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent on eligible entertainment purchases. Includes movies, theatre, and ticket agencies. Earn 3X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent on eligible gas and daily transit. Includes rideshare, buses, taxis, subway, and more. Earn 1X Scene+ point for every $1 spent on every other purchase.
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Intro OfferUp to 40,000 PointsTo qualify for the 40,000 bonus Scene+ points offer: 1. Earn 20,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $1,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. 2. Plus, for a limited time, you are eligible to earn a 20,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $7,500 in everyday eligible purchases in your first year. Open a new Scotiabank Gold American Express® credit card account by October 31, 2022 to qualify.
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Our takeWhy we like it
Not only does the Scotiabank Gold American Express card reward you with impressive rates in six popular spending categories, but it also comes with no foreign exchange fees.
Pros- No foreign exchange fee on any foreign currency purchases while travelling abroad or shopping online — you just have to pay the exchange rate.
Cons- The bonus rewards rates drop down to the 1x flat rate after a $50,000 annual spend. This sounds like a lot, but much of your daily spending is probably included in the six bonus categories, so you might hit the limit faster than you’d think.
- Your points will expire if you don’t use them within 12 months of the purchase date.
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Product Details
- Earn up to 40,000 bonus Scene+™ points in your first year (that’s up to $400 towards travel).
- You will not pay 2.5% foreign transaction fees on any foreign currency purchases, including online shopping and when travelling abroad. Only the exchange rate applies.
- Earn 5X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent on eligible grocery stores, restaurants, fast food, and drinking establishments. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
- Earn 5X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent on eligible entertainment purchases. Includes movies, theatre, and ticket agencies.
- Earn 3X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent on eligible gas and daily transit. Includes rideshare, buses, taxis, subway, and more.
- Earn 1X Scene+ point for every $1 spent on every other purchase.
- You must redeem a minimum of 5,000 points per travel-related rewards redemption, equivalent to $50 in travel savings. Points must be redeemed within 12 months of the purchase date.
- Discounted Priority Pass™ membership, which grants you access to over 1200 VIP lounges around the world.
- Score deals on shopping, dining, travel and more with Amex Offers®, and experience special events and discounts with American Express Invites®.
- Access to Amex Front Of The Line® presale and reserved tickets.
- To be eligible, $12,000 (individual) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
- Terms and Conditions Apply. Click 'Apply Now' for complete details.
Our pick for best travel card for Expedia bookings
TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card
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Annual Fee$120Conditions Apply. Must apply by October 29, 2022.Waived first year
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Interest Rates19.99% / 22.99%19.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances.
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Rewards Rate3x-9x Points9x points when you book travel online through Expedia® For TD†, and 3x points† on all other purchases†.
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Intro OfferUp to 100,000 PointsEarn up to 100,000 TD Points†: Earn a Welcome Bonus of 20,000 TD Points when you make your first Purchase with your Card†. Earn 80,000 TD Points when you spend $1,500 within 90 days of Account opening†. Must apply by October 29, 2022.
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Our TakeWhy we like it
With a large welcome bonus and accelerated earn rate on travel booked through ExpediaForTD.com, the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card is perfect for travellers aiming to score free flights and hotel visits.
Pros- A huge welcome bonus worth $670 — provided you take full advantage of the intro offer ($500) and the annual fee rebate for yourself ($120) and an additional cardholder ($50).
- Travel expenses eligible for redemption include more than just hotel stays and flights – baggage fees, airport parking, car rentals, cruises, travel attractions, entertainment and more are all fair game.
Cons- This card doesn’t have as many travel perks as others on the list, but you can quickly earn free flights and hotel stays.
- No free airport lounge access — you only receive an annual discount on a Priority Pass lounge membership.
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Product Details
- Intro Offer: Earn up to 100,000 TD Points† plus, first year no Annual Fee for the Primary and Additional Cardholders†. Conditions Apply. Must apply by October 29, 2022.
- Earn 3 TD Points for every $1 you spend on Purchases made using your Card†.
- Earn 9 TD Points for every $1 you spend when you book travel online through Expedia® For TD†.
- Your TD Points do not expire as long as you are a TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Cardholder.
- Interest Rates: 19.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances.
- Go places: You can earn more TD Points when you book your travel online with your TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card through ExpediaForTD.com. You can also redeem† any earned TD Points towards that purchase at time of booking to pay for all or part of your trip. Or, use your TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card to book travel with any other travel provider and redeem† any earned TD Points towards that purchase within 90 days after the purchase date.
- Amazon.ca Shop with Points: Redeem your TD Points towards making purchases at Amazon.ca to get what you want, when you want, quickly and easily. Conditions apply.
- Shop online through TD Rewards.com: You can also redeem your TD Points for brand name merchandise from gift cards and appliances, to electronics, luggage and more.
- Emergency Road Services with Deluxe TD Auto Club Membership, valued at $79.00†, is included as an option with the product.
- Travel Medical Insurance†: Up to $1 million of coverage for the first 21 days. If you or your spouse is aged 65 or older, you are covered for the first 4 days of your trip. Additional top-up coverage is available.
- Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance†: For Trip Cancellation, up to $1,500 of coverage per insured person, with a maximum of $5,000 for all insured persons, and for Trip Interruption, up to $5,000 of coverage per insured person, with a maximum of $25,000 for all insured persons on the same covered trip.
- To be eligible, $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
- †Terms and conditions apply.
- This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
- The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button.
Our pick for best travel card for airport lounge visits
The Platinum Card® from American Express
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Annual Fee$699
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Interest RatesVariesThis card also has a Flexible Payment Option (FPO), which lets you carry a portion of your balance with interest on eligible purchases. Card members must pay all charges not included in their FPO balance in full.
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Rewards Rate1x-10x Points10x intro offer on eligible eats and drinks for first 3 months (up to 20,000 points; Ends Sept. 20, 2022). 3x on eligible dining in Canada, 2x on eligible travel and 1x on everything else.
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Intro OfferUp to 110,000 PointsEarn 90,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $6,000 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months. You can also earn a total of 10 points for every $1 on eligible eats & drinks purchases for the first 3 months of Cardmembership (up to 20,000 points). New cardmembers only. Offer ends September 20, 2022.
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Our TakeWhy we like it
This precision-cut and engraved metal Platinum Card boasts a generous intro offer, strong earn rates on rewards, and an impressive array of premium benefits and perks.
Pros- From special reservations to insider tips, you can enhance your travel experiences with complimentary, personalized service from Platinum Concierge — available 24/7.
- Benefit from a full suite of Platinum-level travel perks, such as worldwide airport lounge access, the Global Dining Collection, and more.
Cons- Unless you plan to travel a lot, it may be difficult to offset the high $699 annual fee.
- No travel medical coverage for cardmembers over the age of 65.
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Product Details
- Unlock Travel Possibilities.
- Earn up to 110,000 Membership Rewards® points - that’s up to $1,100 towards your next flight, or a weekend away at the spa. Terms apply.
- New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn 90,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $6,000 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership. Offer ends September 20, 2022.
- Welcome Offer: You can also earn a total of 10 points for every $1 on eligible eats & drinks purchases for the first 3 months of Cardmembership (up to 20,000 points). Offer ends September 20, 2022. When your Welcome Offer ends, you will continue to earn at the standard earn rates applicable to your purchases.
- Standard Earn Rate: Earn 3 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada, 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel, and 1 point for every $1 in all other Card purchases.
- You will have access to a $200 CAD Annual Travel Credit to use towards any single travel booking of $200 or more charged to your Platinum Card and made on www.americanexpress.ca/travel or through Platinum Card® Travel Service.
- Take full advantage of The American Express Global Lounge Collection™ which unlocks access to over 1200 airport lounges worldwide. This includes The Centurion® Lounge network, Plaza Premium Lounges, and hundreds of other domestic and international lounges designed to enhance your travel experience.
- Enjoy flexible ways to use your points such as statement credits for any eligible purchase charged to your Card, new travel purchases booked on American Express Travel Online through the Flexible Points Travel Program, and eligible flights through the Fixed Points Travel Program.
- Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs.
- Enjoy complimentary benefits that offer an average value of $550 USD at over 1,000 extraordinary properties worldwide when you book Fine Hotels + Resorts.
- Platinum Cardmembers can enjoy access to special events and unique opportunities.
- Enjoy premium benefits at the Toronto Pearson Airport such as discount on parking.
- You will also have access to many leading hotel and car rental companies’ loyalty programs. Our partners include Marriott International, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Radisson Hotel Group Americas, Hertz and Avis.
- Interest applies in accordance with your Cardmember Agreement, Information Box, and Disclosure statement if the total New Balance is not paid by the Payment Due Date each month. All payments must be received by the Payment Due Date shown on the monthly statement.
- American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information click the Apply now link. Conditions apply.
Our pick for best for luxury travel perks and cash back on everyday purchases
BMO CashBack® World Elite® Mastercard®
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Annual Fee$120Waived first year
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Interest Rates20.99% / 23.99%20.99% on purchases, 23.99% on cash advances (21.99% for Quebec residents).
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Rewards Rate1%–10%10% intro offer, then 5% on groceries, 4% on transit, 3% on gas, 2% on recurring bills, 1% cash back on all other purchases with no limit on how much cash back you can earn.
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Intro OfferUp to $260Receive 10% cash back in the first three months, up to $2,600 in purchases (equal to $260 cash back). Must apply by December 6, 2022.
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Our TakeWhy we like it
You won’t need a strategy to make the most out of this bonus-category card. The BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard spends like a flat-rate card thanks to stellar rates on four popular daily spending categories.
Pros- Score generous cash-back rates for popular spending categories: 5% on groceries, 4% on transit, 3% on gas, 2% on recurring bills, and 1% on everything else.
- Feel protected with 13 types of insurance and fantastic travel benefits.
Cons- Spending categories come with easily-hit spending caps, but the 1% base rate still earns you value once you hit your monthly bonus rate limits.
- The $120 annual fee is pretty steep. While we think you’ll more than make up for it through cash back savings, the no-fee BMO CashBack Mastercard is a great alternative.
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Product Details
- 5% on groceries, 4% on transit, 3% on gas and electric vehicle charging, and 2% on recurring bills, up to $500 each on every statement cycle.
- 1% on everything else.
- Redeem your cash back as a statement credit, or directly deposit it into a BMO Chequing, Savings or InvestorLine Account.
- $120 annual fee.
- Mastercard World Elite Benefits, including Mastercard Travel Rewards, Mastercard Airport Experiences provided by LoungeKey and Boingo Public Wi-Fi.
- Cash back when you travel outside of Canada with the Mastercard Travel Rewards program.
- 13 types of insurance provided, including eight-day out-of-province/out-of-country emergency medical benefits — up to $2 million coverage.
- Preferred rates: 20.99% for purchases, 23.99% for cash advances.
- To be eligible, $80,000 (individual) or $150,000 (household) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
Best travel loyalty program credit cards
Our pick for the best travel card to earn Aeroplan rewards + our pick for fair credit
American Express® Aeroplan® Reserve Card
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Annual Fee$599
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Interest Rates19.99% / 21.99%19.99% on purchases, 21.99% on cash advances.
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Rewards Rate1.25x-10x Points10x intro offer on eligible eats and drinks for first 3 months (up to 20,000 points; Ends Sept. 20, 2022). 3x on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations, 2x on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada, and 1.25x on everything else.
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Intro OfferUp to 110,000 PointsEarn 60,000 Aeroplan points after spending $6,000 in net purchases on your Card within the first 6 months of Cardmembership. Earn a total of 10 Aeroplan points for every $1 on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada for the first 3 months of Cardmembership (up to 20,000 points). You can also earn 5,000 Aeroplan points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $1,000 in purchases for the first 6 months (up to 30,000 Aeroplan points). New cardmembers only. Offer ends September 20, 2022.
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Our TakeWhy we like it
Comprehensive travel insurance, Air Canada benefits, impressive earn rates and unlimited rewards make the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card a strong choice for frequent travellers.
Pros- Strong earn rates with unlimited rewards.
- Air Canada airport benefits, like Maple Leaf Lounge access, a free checked bag, Priority Airport Check-In, Priority Boarding for you and up to eight travel companions.
Cons- A high $599 annual fee.
- The highest earn rate only applies to Air Canada travel purchases, so this card might not be a good fit if you prefer another airline.
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Product Details
- For a limited time, new American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Cardmembers can earn up to 110,000 Aeroplan points. Offer ends September 20, 2022:
- Earn 60,000 Aeroplan points after spending $6,000 in net purchases on your Card within the first 6 months of Cardmembership.
- You can also earn a total of 10 Aeroplan points for every $1 on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada for the first 3 months of Cardmembership (up to 20,000 Aeroplan points).
- Plus, you can also earn 5,000 Aeroplan points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $1,000 in purchases on your Card for the first 6 months of Cardmembership. That could add up to 30,000 Aeroplan points
- New Cardmembers: Earn up to $3,100 in value within your first year. Spend applies to bonus point offers valued at up to $2,200.
- 110,000 Aeroplan points is enough for a one-way premium economy class flight reward booking from Toronto to Rome. Accurate as of 06/22. Points may only be applied to the base fare of the flight. Taxes, fees, and third-party charges may apply. Points required for this flight itinerary subject to change. Other terms apply.
- Eligible cardmembers get a FREE Uber Pass membership for 12 months. Including unlimited $0 delivery fee on eligible restaurant orders of $15 or more, 5% off eligible restaurant orders over $15, and exclusive Rides Perks.
- New Cardmembers: Receive up to $100 CAD in statement credits every four years when a NEXUS application or renewal fee is charged to your American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card.
- Standard Earn Rate: Earn 3X the points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®*.
- Standard Earn Rate: Earn 2X the points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada.
- Earn 2X the points on eligible purchases with Rocky Mountaineer®**. Plus, you could receive a Complimentary Hotel Room Category Upgrade, on the first and last night, and a Complimentary Upgrade from SilverLeaf to GoldLeaf class of service when you book directly with Rocky Mountaineer using your Aeroplan Reserve Card.
- Standard Earn Rate: Earn 1.25X the points on everything else.
- Get through the airport quicker with Air Canada Priority Check-In, Air Canada Priority Boarding and Air Canada Priority Baggage Handling.
- Receive one Annual Worldwide Companion Pass when you spend $25,000 in net purchases prior to your Card anniversary date; your Pass entitles you to buy an accompanying Air Canada economy class ticket for a companion at a fixed base fare from $99 to a maximum of $599 CAD (plus taxes, fees, charges, and surcharges).
- Enjoy access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges™* and Air Canada Café™ in North America for you and a guest, with a same day ticket on a departing Air Canada or Star Alliance flight.
- Enjoy your eligible first checked bag free for up to 9 people travelling on the same reservation on Air Canada flights.
- Roll over any unallocated Aeroplan Elite™* Status Qualifying Miles and unused eUpgrade Credits to the following year to enjoy during your travels.
- American Express® Experiences opens doors for you to access a number of special events, including special dining experiences, VIP parties, advance film screenings and more.
- Get more from your travel experience at Toronto Pearson International Airport with:
- Access to Pearson Priority Security Lane.
- Complimentary valet service at the Express Park and Daily Park.
- 15% discount on parking rates at the Express Park and Daily Park.
- 15% discount on Car Care Services.
- Get access to more than 1,200 Priority Pass™ airport lounges and enjoy an oasis of comfort before your flight, regardless of your airline or cabin class.
- American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information click the Apply now link. Conditions apply.
Our pick for best travel card for Aventura rewards
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
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Annual Fee$499
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Interest Rates20.99% / 22.99%20.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances (if you reside in Quebec 21.99%).
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Rewards Rate1.25x-3x Points3x on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre, 2x on eligible dining, entertainment, transportation, gas and groceries, and 1.25x on everything else.
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Intro OfferUp to 60,000 PointsEarn 30,000 Aventura Points when you spend $3,000 or more in the first 4 monthly statement periods. Earn an additional 30,000 Aventura Points when you spend $2,000 or more each monthly statement during the first year.
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Our TakeWhy we like it
A metal credit card equipped with all the bells and whistles of a high-end travel card: accelerated points on travel spending, air fare redemption options, airport lounge access and more.
Pros- Six complimentary airport lounge visits, two NEXUS application fee rebates every four years, and a $200 annual travel credit.
- Comprehensive travel insurance includes $5 million of out-of-province emergency travel medical coverage — 31-days for ages 65 and younger, and up to 10-days for ages 65 or older. You don’t even have to charge your trip to the card.
- Flexible redemption options with points that never expire.
Cons- Steep $499 annual fee.
- High annual income requirement of $150,000 per individual or $200,000 per household.
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Product Details
- Welcome offer: Get a total of up to 60,000 Aventura Points (up to $1,200 in travel value) during the first year: 30,000 Aventura Points when cardholders spend $3,000 or more in the first 4 monthly statement periods; 30,000 Aventura Points when cardholders spend $2,000 or more each monthly statement during the first year.
- Effective July 1, 2022: Receive 6 complimentary visits at 1,200+ lounges globally through Visa Airport Companion Program: over $250 value. Get a $200 annual Travel Credit. Plus, get a NEXUS™ Application Fee rebate: a $100 value.
- Earn 3 points for every $1 spent on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre.
- Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible dining, entertainment, transportation, gas and groceries.
- Earn 1.25 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
- Earn 1.25 Aventura Points for every $4.00 spent on a CIBC Global Money Transfer™. There are no transaction fees and no interest charged as long as the balance is paid by the payment due date.
- Redeem points for airline tickets, merchandise, gift cards and more.
- Apply points toward a CIBC Aventura credit card balance or select CIBC financial products.
- $499 annual fee.
- Unwind at the airport in a relaxing lounge with 6 complimentary visits at 1,200+ lounges globally through Visa Airport Companion Program. Speed up border crossings with 2 NEXUS application fee rebates every 4 years.
- Access business class bookings exclusive to this card for a future getaway.
- Enjoy dedicated taxi and limo services, exclusive dining and wine experiences, VIP benefits at luxury hotels and more with Visa Infinite Privilege.
- Get up to 25% off auto rentals at participating Avis® and Budget® locations worldwide when you pay with your Aventura card.
- Link a Journie Rewards card to save on every fill-up at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.
- Preferred rates: 20.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances (21.99% for cash advances if you live in Quebec).
- To be eligible, $150,000 (individual) or $200,000 (household) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
Our pick for best travel card for AIR MILES rewards
BMO AIR MILES® Mastercard®
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Annual Fee$0
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Interest Rates19.99% / 22.99%19.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances (21.99% for Quebec residents).
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Rewards Rate0.04x MilesEarn 1 AIR MILE for every $25 spent.
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Intro Offer800 MilesSpend $1,000 in the first three months to earn 800 AIR MILES Bonus Miles (applications must be received by December 6, 2022 to be eligible). New accounts only.
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Our TakeWhy we like it
It's rare to find a 1.99% balance transfer offer on a dedicated travel rewards credit card, especially with a low 1% balance transfer fee. Sure, the introductory period is only for nine months, but the BMO AIR MILES Mastercard makes it worth its while by adding an extra introductory perk: 800 bonus AIR MILES.
Pros- No annual fee.
- Ability to earn unlimited rewards.
Cons- The introductory APR period for transfers is only nine months, so make sure you can pay off your balance during that window of time.
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Product Details
- Intro offer: Get 800 AIR MILES Bonus Miles (that’s enough for $80 towards purchases with AIR MILES Cash) when you spend $1,000 in net card purchases during the first three months. Offer is limited to new accounts. Applications must be received by December 6, 2022 to be eligible for this offer.
- Intro offer: 1.99% introductory interest rate on Balance Transfers for 9 months with a 1% transfer fee. Balances from other BMO credit card accounts are not eligible to be transferred. This offer is available to new customers only.
- Earn 1 AIR MILE for every $25 spent on your card.
- No annual fee.
- Get even more Miles when you add another cardholder for free.
- Shop confidently with an extended warranty and purchase protection.
- Save up to 25% off rentals at participating National Car Rental and Alamo Rent a Car locations.
- Get 15% off admission to Cirque du Soleil shows touring Canada, and 20% off resident shows in Las Vegas.
- Preferred rates: 19.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances (21.99% for Quebec residents).
- To be eligible, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
Best airline credit cards
Our pick for best airline credit card for British Airways flyers
RBC® British Airways Visa Infinite‡
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Annual Fee$165
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Interest Rates20.50% / 22.99%20.50% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances.
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Rewards Rate1x-2x MilesCollect 1 Avios for every $1 CAD spent on qualifying net purchases*. Collect double Avios when you shop with British Airways and BA Holidays*.
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Intro OfferUp to 60,000 MilesReceive up to 60,000 Aviosˆ: Receive 15,000 Avios as welcome bonus upon approval. 35,000 bonus Avios when you spend $6,000 CAD in the first 3 months. Another 10,000 bonus Avios after your first yearˆ. Apply by September 30, 2022.
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Our TakeWhy we like it
As Canada’s only co-branded British Airways card, the RBC® British Airways Visa Infinite‡ is a smart choice for frequent flyers of the airline.
Pros- Receive a Companion Award eVoucher by spending $30,000 or more in any calendar year.
- There’s no spending cap on accelerated reward rates.
Cons- Avios doesn’t transfer to other loyalty programs, so this card is only useful to travellers loyal to British Airways.
- Airport lounge access is not included.
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Product Details
- Intro offer: Get Up to 60,000 Aviosˆ: Receive 15,000 Avios as welcome bonus upon approval. 35,000 bonus Avios when you spend $6,000 CAD in the first 3 months. Another 10,000 bonus Avios after your first yearˆ.
- Collect 1 Avios for every $1 CAD spent on qualifying net purchases*.
- Collect double Avios when you shop with British Airways and BA Holidays*
- Earn a Companion Award eVoucher when you spend $30,000 CAD annually˜.
- 10% off British Airways flights when you book and pay with your card∞.
- Redeem for flights and more - you can spend your Avios on all of the travel things you love, including cabin upgrades with British Airways or reward flights with British Airways and any of the oneworld partner airlines to almost 1,000 destinations worldwide**.
- Comprehensive Insurances including 31–day out of country/province emergency medical insurance¹, flight delay insurance², hotel burglary³ and rental car⁴ insurance. Even eligible purchases you make with the card are protected³.
- Luxury Visa Infinite benefits⁵ such as first in line service for exclusive events and hotel and dining exclusives via www.visainfinite.ca.
- Complimentary 24/7 Concierge Service⁵.
- Link your RBC card with a Petro-Points membership to instantly save 3₵ per litre on fuel at Petro-Canada stations and earn 20% more Petro-Points and 20% more RBC rewards points.
- Get $0 delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash.
- Link your RBC British Airways Visa Infinite card with a Rexall Be Well account and get 50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall. Redeem Be Well points faster for savings in store on eligible purchases where 25,000 Be Well points = $10
- Eligibility: This card requires a minimum personal income of $60,000 or a minimum household income of $100,000. Must also be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory of residence.
- Corresponding legal references and product terms are available on the RBC website, which will be available and agreed upon in the customer onboarding process.
Our pick for best airline credit card for frequent Cathay Pacific flyers
RBC® Cathay Pacific Visa‡ Platinum
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Annual Fee$120
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Interest Rates20.50% / 22.99%20.50% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances.
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Rewards Rate1x-2.5x MilesEarn 1 Asia Mile for every $1 CAD in local spend³. Earn 1.25 Asia Miles for every $1 CAD equivalent of foreign currency you spend⁴ using your card. Earn double Asia Miles⁵ for every $1 CAD spent on eligible Cathay Pacific purchases online and in-flight purchases (minimum net purchase of 500 HKD).
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Intro OfferUp to 40,000 MilesEnjoy a 15,000 Asia Miles welcome offer upon approval¹. Get 25,000 Asia Miles when you spend $7,000 CAD on qualifying purchases in the first 3 months¹. Apply by October 31, 2022.
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Our TakeWhy we like it
The RBC® Cathay Pacific Visa‡ Platinum offers rewards on foreign currency purchases and is the only credit card in Canada that earns Asia Miles, making it a smart option for frequent Cathay Pacific travelers.
Pros- The primary cardholder can receive a complimentary first-year Green Tier Membership to Cathay Pacific's exclusive Marco Polo Club.
- Use the spectacular welcome bonus to book a Cathay Pacific Premium Economy one-way flight to a destination up to 7,500 miles away.
- Asia Miles has many airline partners, including Air Canada, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Qatar Airways, and more.
Cons- You can find better perks and more flexible redemption options on other travel cards that have lower annual fees.
- Airport lounge access is not included.
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Product Details
- The Only Credit Card in Canada that Earns Asia Miles.
- Intro offer: Earn up to 40,000 Asia Miles¹: Enjoy a 15,000 Asia Miles welcome offer upon approval¹. Get 25,000 Asia Miles when you spend $7,000 CAD on qualifying purchases in the first 3 months¹. Apply by October 31, 2022.
- Earn 1 Asia Mile for every $1 CAD in local spend³.
- Earn 1.25 Asia Miles for every $1 CAD equivalent of foreign currency you spend⁴ using your card.
- Earn double Asia Miles⁵ for every $1 CAD spent on eligible Cathay Pacific purchases online and in-flight purchases (minimum net purchase of 500 HKD).
- Redeem your Asia Miles towards flights to over 1,000 international destinations⁶, hotel and holiday packages, car rental, merchandise, and much more.
- Your Asia Miles will no longer expire, as long as you make at least one purchase with your RBC Cathay Pacific Visa Platinum card every 18 months.
- With Miles Plus Cash, you can use a mix of Asia Miles and cash payment when spending with us, giving you more ways to spend and earn Asia Miles.
- Get the most out of your trip and save 10% on Asia Miles when you redeem Asia Miles for hotel stays, car rentals and experiences at travel.asiamiles.com with your RBC Cathay Pacific Visa Platinum card.
- Enjoy complimentary first year Green Tier Membership to Cathay Pacific’s exclusive Marco Polo Club for your primary cardholder⁶.
- Get comprehensive travel insurance coverage⁸ including emergency medical insurance¹³, as well as flight delay insurance¹⁴, hotel burglary and rental car¹², insurance. Even eligible purchases you make on this card are protected⁸.
- Instant fuel savings at Petro-Canada: Link your card to your Petro-Points card to instantly save 3¢/L on fuel7 and earn 20% more Petro-Points‡ at Petro-Canada⁸ when you pay with your linked card.
- Get $0 delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash¹⁰: Add your eligible RBC credit card to your DoorDash account to: Get a 12-month complimentary DashPass subscription¹¹ – a value of almost $120 Enjoy unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees on eligible orders of $15 or more when you pay with your eligible RBC credit card.
- Eligibility: Must also be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory of residence.
- Corresponding legal references and product terms are available on the RBC website, which will be available and agreed upon in the customer onboarding process.
Our pick for best airline credit card for frequent WestJet flyers
WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard
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Annual Fee$119
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Interest Rates19.99% / 22.99%19.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances.
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Rewards Rate1.5%-2%Earn 1.5% back in WestJet dollars for everyday purchases you make on your card⁸. Earn 2% back in WestJet dollars on WestJet flights or WestJet Vacations packages using your card⁸.
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Intro OfferUp to $450Get up to 450 welcome WestJet dollars¹ (a value of up to $450 CAD) when you spend a minimum of $5,000 in the first 3 months on your card¹.
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Our TakeWhy we like it
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard provides frequent WestJet flyers with free checked bags, Status Lift benefits, an annual companion voucher, and the ability to earn rewards on travel and everyday purchases.
Pros- Enjoy an annual World Elite round-trip companion voucher that can be used anywhere WestJet flies.
- Free checked bags for the cardholder and up to eight guests when flying WestJet.
- Status Lift benefits make it easier to get closer to tier status with WestJet.
Cons- No free airport lounge access, but cardholders will receive a complimentary membership to DragonPass Airport Lounges Program and can access select lounges for US$32 per person, per visit.
- Partner airlines are limited to Delta, Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Qantas Airways.
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Product Details
- Intro offer: Get up to 450 welcome WestJet dollars¹ (a value of up to $450 CAD) when you spend a minimum of $5,000 in the first 3 months on your card¹.
- Buy One, Bring One! Get an annual round-trip companion voucher starting from $119 CAD³ (plus taxes, fees and charges) with the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard.
- Reach higher with WestJet Rewards Status Lift. Now everyday purchases on the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard can bring you closer to achieving status with WestJet5.
- First free checked bags for the primary cardholder on WestJet flights4 and up to 8 guests on the same reservation.
- Earn 1.5% back in WestJet dollars for everyday purchases you make on your card⁸.
- Earn 2% back in WestJet dollars on WestJet flights or WestJet Vacations packages using your card⁸.
- Redeem your WestJet dollars toward all or part of a WestJet flight or WestJet Vacations packages⁹ — no blackout periods and your WestJet dollars don't expire¹⁰ — to destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe.
- Travel coverage including emergency medical insurance²⁰ as well as trip interruption insurance²¹, hotel burglary¹⁸ and rental car insurance¹⁸. Even eligible purchases you make on the card are protected.
- Link your RBC card with a Petro-Points membership to and instantly save 3₵ per litre on fuel¹² and always earn 20% more Petro-Points¹³ at Petro-Canada.
- Free Boingo Wifi for Mastercard holders¹¹ at over 1 million hot spots.
- Get $0 delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash^. Add your eligible RBC credit card to your DoorDash account to: Get a 12-month complimentary DashPass subscription± – a value of almost $120. Enjoy unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees on orders of $15 or more when you pay with your eligible RBC credit card.
- Eligibility: This card requires a minimum personal income of $80,000 or a minimum household income of $150,000. Must also be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory of residence.
- Corresponding legal references and product terms are available on the RBC website, which will be available and agreed upon in the customer onboarding process.
Our pick for best airline credit card for frequent Alaska Airlines flyers
Alaska Airlines® World Elite® Mastercard®
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Annual Fee$99
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Interest Rates19.99% / 22.99%19.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances.
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Rewards Rate1x-3x Miles3x on tickets, vacation packages, and cargo services from Alaska Airlines, and 1x on all other eligible purchases.
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Intro Offer30,000 MilesGet 30,000 bonus Miles after spending $1,000 or more on eligible purchases in the first 90 days of opening an account.
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Our TakeWhy we like it
This travel card earns Alaska Airlines Miles and boasts a comprehensive lineup of travel perks, like annual compare fare and complimentary checked bags.
Pros- Alaska Airlines Miles can be redeemed for airfare with numerous airlines, including American Airlines, British Airways, Qatar Airways and more.
- Payment plans available for purchases of $100 or more.
Cons- $99 annual fee.
- Annual income requirement of $80,000 per individual or $150,000 per household.
- No travel insurance, so you won’t get the same coverage offered by other travel rewards cards.
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Product Details
- Welcome offer: get 30,000 bonus Miles after spending $1,000 or more on eligible purchases in the first 90 days of opening an account.
- Earn 3 Miles on every $1 spent on tickets, vacation packages, and cargo services from Alaska Airlines.
- Earn 1 Mile per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
- Alaska Airlines Miles can be used to redeem a number of benefits and perks, including:
- Access to exclusive special offers and VIP experiences based on availability.
- One complimentary checked bag per passenger on the same qualifying reservation, up to a maximum of six passengers.
- Refund the difference between the ticket you bought and a lower sale price for up to $500 CAD within 60 days of purchase.
- $99 annual fee.
- Get a complimentary checked bag on qualifying reservations, and additional price protection on fares while earning Miles on eligible purchases toward flights and rewards.
- Get Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™every year on the anniversary of account opening for a $99 ($121 USD incl. fees and taxes) round trip with Alaska Airlines.
- The MBNA Payment Plan can make it more convenient to pay for large purchases and manage a budget. Pay for eligible credit card purchases of $100 or over by making monthly payments. Choose from three Payment Plan terms: 6, 12 or 18 months. Conditions and fees apply.
- Mastercard® concierge service is available any time, day or night.
- Receive a baggage allowance on eligible reservations consisting of one complimentary checked bag for up to 6 passengers on the same Alaska Airlines reservation. Conditions apply.
- Preferred rates: 19.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances.
- To be eligible, $80,000 (individual) or $150,000 (household) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
Best hotel credit cards
Our pick for best hotel rewards card for Marriot Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card
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Annual Fee$120
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Interest Rates19.99% / 22.99%19.99% for purchases, 21.99% for cash advances.
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Rewards Rate2x-5x Points5x intro offer on eligible eats and drinks for first 3 months (up to 10,000 points; Ends Sept. 20, 2022). 5x points every $1 in eligible Card purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. 2x points for every $1 in all other Card purchases.*
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Intro OfferUp to 75,000 PointsNew Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Cardmembers earn up to 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points: Earn 65,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points after you charge $1,500 in net purchases to your Card in your first three months of Cardmembership. Earn a total of 5 points for every $1 on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada for the first 3 months of Cardmembership (up to 10,000 points). Offer ends September 20, 2022.
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Our TakeWhy we like it
The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card helps travellers earn free stays and experiences at some of the world’s ritziest hotels, restaurants and spas, while also providing helpful insurance options and flexibility in how Marriott Bonvoy® points can be used.
Pros- Solid earn rates should help members of the Marriott Bonvoy® program score free hotel stays.
- Marriott Bonvoy® points can be transferred to frequent flyer miles with some airlines, including Air Canada’s Aeroplan.
- Access to American Express® Experiences and several varieties of insurance.
Cons- You’ll need to be a Marriott Bonvoy® member to take advantage of the card’s most valuable benefits.
- American Express isn’t always as widely accepted as some other credit cards, so using the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* — and collecting points — everywhere you go might not always be possible.
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Product Details
- Unlock Travel Possibilities.
- Earn up to 75,000 Points:
- New Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Cardmembers:
- Earn 65,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $1,500 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership.
- Earn a total of 5 points for every $1 on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada for the first 3 months of Cardmembership (up to 10,000 points).
- Offers end September 20, 2022.
- Earn 5 points for every $1 spent in eligible Card purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®.
- Earn 2 points for every $1 spent in all other Card purchases.
- Receive an Annual Free Night Award for up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide every year after your first anniversary.
- No annual fee on Additional Cards.
- Redeem points for free nights with no blackout dates at over 7,000 of the world’s most desired hotels.
- Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status membership.
- Receive 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card. These can be used towards attaining the next level of Elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy program.
- Enjoy an automatic upgrade to Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card each year or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your card.
- American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information click the Apply now link. Conditions apply.
Our pick for best hotel rewards card for Best Western
Best Western® Rewards Mastercard®
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Annual Fee$0
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Interest Rates19.99% / 22.99%Preferred rates: 19.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances.
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Rewards Rate1x-5x Points5x for purchases at Best Western properties, 1x on everything else.
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Intro Offer20,000 PointsEarn 20,000 Best Western Rewards® points after the first eligible purchase – enough for a night's stay.
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Our TakeWhy we like it
You get 5x the Best Western Rewards points on eligible purchases on Best Western properties and 1x the points on everything else. Points can be redeemed for Best Western hotel stays, dining, gift cards and more.
Pros- No annual fee.
- Get fast-tracked to Gold Elite Status.
- Monthly payment plans available for purchases of $100 or more.
Cons- Accelerated rewards rate only available for eligible spending on Best Western properties.
- Limited reward redemption options.
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Product Details
- Welcome offer: Earn 20,000 Best Western Rewards® points after the first eligible purchase – enough for a night's stay.
- No annual fee.
- Earn 5 points for every dollar spent on eligible purchases at a Best Western Property and 1 point for every dollar on all other eligible purchases.
- Earn points towards Best Western hotel stays and purchases.
- Add up to 9 authorized users with no additional annual fee for each added authorized user.
- Use Best Western® Rewards points in many ways – hotel stays, dining, gift cards and more. There’s no limit to the Best Western® Rewards points that can be earned using the credit card in a year.
- The MBNA Payment Plan can make it more convenient to pay for large purchases and manage a budget. Pay for eligible credit card purchases of $100 or over by making monthly payments. Choose from three Payment Plan terms: 6, 12 or 18 months. Conditions and fees apply.
- Save more when renting a car with embedded insurance that provides coverage for collision, personal effects and more.
- Automatically get fast-tracked to Gold Elite Status after the first eligible purchase.
- Redeem Best Western Rewards® points for hotel stays, dining cards and more.
- Enjoy embedded card benefits including Lost Luggage Assistance, Extended Warranty, Purchase Assurance and more.
- Preferred rates: 19.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances.
- To be eligible, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
Best travel cards with no or low fees and rates
Our pick for the best low-rate travel card + our pick for Scene+ rewards
Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card
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Annual Fee$399
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Interest Rates9.99%9.99% on purchases and cash advances.
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Rewards Rate2x PointsEarn 2X Scene+™ points for every $1 you spend on all your eligible purchases.
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Intro OfferUp to 60,000 PointsEarn up to 60,000 bonus Scene+ Points: 1. Earn 50,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $3,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months. 2. Plus, for a limited time, you are eligible to earn a 10,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $10,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 14 months. New cardmembers only. Must open account by October 31, 2022.
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Our TakeWhy we like it
With low rates and a generous rewards program, the Scotiabank Platinum American Express card is a unicorn for frequent travellers seeking luxury perks, premier travel benefits and exceptional interest rates on purchases and cash advances.
Pros- Low interest rates, no foreign transaction fees, and an impressive insurance package that includes comprehensive travel insurance coverage and newly-added mobile device insurance.
- Luxury travel privileges include 10 free VIP airport lounge visits per year with a complimentary Priority Pass membership.
Cons- The $399 annual fee is quite a bit higher than other rewards cards, but frequent travellers seeking a low rate on purchases and cash advances can easily make the yearly cost worthwhile.
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Product Details
- Earn up to $2,100* in value in your first 14 months, including up to 60,000* bonus Scene+ points.
- You will not pay 2.5% foreign transaction fees on any foreign currency purchases, including online shopping and when travelling abroad. Only the exchange rate applies.
- Earn 2X Scene+™ points for every $1 CAD you spend on all your eligible purchases.
- Scene+ points can be redeemed for travel purchase, merchandise and other non-travel rewards such as gift cards and prepaid cards.
- You must redeem a minimum of 5,000 points per travel-related rewards redemption, equivalent to $50 in travel savings. Points must be redeemed within 12 months of the purchase date.
- $399 annual fee.
- Redeem points for any flight, any time through Scene+ Travel, a full-service travel agency. Plus, take advantage of a best price guarantee on airfare.
- Get a Hertz #1 Club Gold membership for special privileges and rental car benefits at over 8,500 locations in 147 countries.
- Enjoy culinary events and experiences, entertainment, luxury fashion, tours, and more through American Express benefits, including American Express Invites, Platinum VIP offers and access to 24/7 premium concierge services for restaurant reservations, show tickets, and gift purchases.
- Lounge access at over 600 VIP airport lounges around the world with a complimentary Priority Pass membership, which includes 10 free visits per year.
- 12 types of insurance provided, including 31-day travel medical benefits — up to $2 million in coverage — for you, your spouse and any dependent children under the age of 65. 10-day coverage available for those over the age of 65.
- Preferred rates: 9.99% for purchases, 9.99% for cash advances.
- To be eligible, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
- Terms and Conditions Apply. Click 'Apply Now' for complete details.
Our pick for best no-fee travel card + our pick for balance transfers
Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
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Annual Fee$0
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Interest Rates19.95%19.95% on purchases and cash advances.
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Rewards Rate0.5%-15%15% intro offer, 2% unlimited cash back on up to three categories. 0.50% unlimited cash back on everything else.
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Intro OfferUp to $150Apply for a Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card by September 30, 2022. If you’re approved, you’ll earn an extra 15% back on up to $1,000 in everyday purchases made within your first 2 months.
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Our TakeWhy we like it
You can earn unlimited cash back at a 2% rate in up to three categories of your choice — all while earning 0.50% back on everything else.
Pros- You can tailor the 2% rewards to your spending by choosing up to three categories from Tangerine’s list of 10, which includes basics like gas and groceries as well as unusual picks like furniture and home improvement.
- Transfer balances within your first 30 days and pay only 1.95% interest on the transferred balance for the first six months (19.95% after that).
Cons- 2% cash back is a competitive rate, but many cards offer double the rewards on specific categories.
- Tangerine is a virtual bank with no physical bank branches.
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Product Details
- 2% on two categories of your choice: grocery, furniture, restaurants, hotel-motel, gas, recurring bill payments, drug store, home improvement, entertainment, or public transportation and parking.
- Get a third cash-back category by choosing to have your rewards deposited into a Tangerine Savings Account.
- 0.50% on everything else.
- Redeem cash back monthly as a statement credit or deposited into a Tangerine Savings Account.
- No annual fee.
- Transfer balances within your first 30 days and pay only 1.95% interest on the transferred balance for the first six months (19.95% after that). 1% balance transfer fee applies to the amount transferred.
- Get free cards for any authorized users on your account.
- It only includes purchase assurance and extended protection insurance. For more insurance, consider the Tangerine World Mastercard which requires a minimum personal income of $60,000. If you meet this requirement, you will automatically be considered for the World card if you apply for the Money-Back card.
- Preferred rates: 19.95% for purchases and cash advances.
- To be eligible, a $12,000 (individual) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
Our pick for best travel card with no foreign transaction fees
HSBC World Elite® Mastercard®
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Annual Fee$149Annual fee rebate for the first year*
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Interest Rates19.90% / 22.90%19.90% on purchases, 22.90% on cash advances.
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Rewards Rate3x-6x Points6x on travel purchases, and 3x on everything else.
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Intro OfferUp to 80,000 PointsEarn up to 80,000 points* ($400 travel value): Welcome bonus of 20,000 points* ($100 travel value), Earn 40,000 points* when you spend $6,000 within 6 months of account opening ($200 travel value), Earn 20,000 points* as an anniversary bonus ($100 travel value). Must apply by October 31, 2022. Conditions apply.
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Our TakeWhy we like it
Not only does this World Elite card offer a high rewards rate on travel purchases, but it also comes with premium travel perks, like a $100 travel enhancement credit and 31-day worldwide emergency travel medical insurance.
Pros- A $100 annual travel enhancement credit covers seat upgrades, baggage fees, lounge passes, and more.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons- Select types of travel insurance won’t apply unless you charge 75% of your travel expenses to the card.
- No travel medical coverage for cardmembers over the age of 65.
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Product Details
- Get up to $649 in total value* for the first year! Must apply by October 31, 2022. Conditions apply.
- Primary Cardholder Annual Fee: $149.
- Annual Interest on Purchases: 19.9%.
- Annual Interest on Cash Advances and Balance Transfers: 22.9%.
- Authorized User Annual Fee: $50 Per Card.
- *Terms and Conditions apply.
- ®/TM Mastercard and World Elite are registered trademarks, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Used pursuant to licence.
Our pick for best travel card for USD purchases
CIBC U.S. Dollar Aventura® Gold Visa* Card
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Annual Fee$35 USD
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Interest Rates20.99 / 22.9920.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances (if you reside in Quebec 21.99%).
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Rewards Rate0.5x-1x Points1 Aventura travel point for every $1 spent on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre, and Aventura travel point for every $2 spent on all other purchases.
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Intro OfferUp to 10,000 PointsGet up to 10,000 Aventura Points (up to $100 in travel value). Earn 7,500 Aventura points after making your first purchase. Earn an additional 500 Aventura Points (up to 2,500 points) after completing each of the activities within 60 days of account approval: Share your email address with CIBC, Sign up for eStatements for your new Aventura Visa card, Add an authorized user on your new Aventura Visa card, Hold any eligible CIBC Chequing Account, Add your Aventura Visa card with Apple Pay® or Samsung Pay® or Google Pay™.
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Our TakeWhy we like it
Skip foreign currency conversion fees on USD purchases and earn flexbile rewards when shopping U.S. retailers in-store or online.
Pros- Make payments in USD with no foreign transaction fees.
- Flexible rewards redemption options.
- Car rental, purchase security and common carrier accident insurance included.
Cons- Foreign currency conversion fees still apply to purchases made in other international countries, so this card only benefits Canadians who frequently make USD purchases.
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Product Details
- Welcome offer: Get up to 10,000 Aventura Points (up to $100 in travel value). Get 500 Aventura Points for completing each of the following activities within 60 days of CIBC Aventura® Visa* card account approval: share your email address with CIBC, sign up for Aventura Visa card eStatements, add an authorized user on the Aventura Visa card, hold any eligible CIBC Chequing Account, and add the Aventura Visa card with Apple Pay® or Samsung Pay® or Google Pay™. 7,500 Aventura Points after you make your first purchase. Plus, get a one-time annual fee rebate ($35 US) for you (the primary cardholder) if your account is in good standing and you hold an eligible CIBC premium personal credit card and either the CIBC US$ Personal Account or the CIBC Bank USA Smart Account (offered by CIBC Bank USA), in good standing.
- Earn 1 Aventura travel point for every $1 spent on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre.
- Earn 1 Aventura travel point for every $2 spent on all other purchases.
- Redeem Aventura Points for airfare, hotel stays, merchandise, gift cards and more.
- Use your Aventura Points to help pay down your credit card balance or contribute them to select financial products.
- $35 USD annual fee.
- No currency conversion fees for USD purchases.
- If your new purchase is lost, stolen or damaged within the first 90-days, your purchase may be protected by Purchase Security Insurance.
- Preferred rates: 20.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances (21.99% for Quebec residents).
- Get Avis® and Budget® auto discounts.
- Travel insurance and purchase protection are included with your card.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- To be eligible, $15,000 household annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
Our pick for travel insurance to cover all ages
National Bank World Elite Mastercard
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Annual Fee$150Waived first year
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Interest Rates20.99% / 22.49%20.99% for purchases, 22.49% for balance transfers and cash advances.
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Rewards Rate1.5x-2x PointsRewards rate based on net spending over a 12-month period. Earn 1.5x per dollar on purchases with a net spending of $0-$40,000, or $80,001+. Earn 2x per dollar on purchases when your net spending is between $40,001 and $80,000.
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Intro Offer20,000 PointsEarn 20,000 bonus points by charging $3,000 in purchases to their card in the first 3 months.
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Our TakeWhy we like it
There’s plenty for travellers to like about the National Bank World Elite Mastercard, including a solid earn rate, expansive insurance coverage and the freedom to redeem points in a variety of useful ways.
Pros- Annual $250 travel credit to refund travel-related expenses.
- Unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at the Montreal Airport.
- Comprehensive travel insurance.
Cons- The income requirements might be too high for some who’d like to apply.
- The maximum earn rate doesn’t kick in until $40,000 has been charged.
- The interest rate is slightly higher than the amount charged by several other cards.
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Product Details
- Earn up to $1,117 in rewards and benefits in the first year by meeting the minimum purchase requirement.
- Base earn rate of 1.5 points per dollar charged.
- Up to 2 points per dollar spent based on net spending over a 12-month period.
- Points can be redeemed for travel and merchandise or to pay down a mortgage or credit card balances.
- Save on vacation packages and airline tickets when redeeming points through the A la carte Travel online agency.
- $150 annual fee. $50 annual fee for an additional card.
- Unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at the Montreal Airport.
- Purchase protection against theft and breakage for 180 days and triple the manufacturer’s warranty, up to two additional years. Maximum coverage of $60,000 for the entire term of the account.
- Trip cancellation and trip interruption protection, worth up to $2,500 per person and $5,000 per person, respectively.
- Emergency medical care outside the province of residence up to $5,000,000 per person. Covers the primary cardholder, a spouse travelling with the primary cardholder on a trip and any accompanying dependent child.
- Departing flight delay insurance (up to $500 per person; minimum 4-hour delay) and delayed/lost/stolen baggage insurance (up to $1,000 per person for loss/damage/theft; up to $500 for delays).
- Car rental insurance (accident, fire, theft, vandalism) up to $65,000.
- Preferred rates: 20.99% for purchases, 22.49% for balance transfers and cash advances.
- Eligibility: Must have an annual gross income of $80,000, an annual household income of $150,000, at least $400,000 in assets or, for existing clients only, $25,000 in yearly minimum purchases on the card. Must also be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory of residence.
Our pick for a no-fee card with premium travel perks
Rogers™ World Elite® Mastercard®
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Annual Fee$0
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Interest Rates19.99% / 22.99%19.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances.
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Rewards Rate1.5%-3%% on purchases made in U.S. dollars. 1.5% on everything else.
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Intro Offer$25Get $25 in cash-back rewards when you make your first card purchase within 3 months of receiving your card.
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Our TakeWhy we like it
The Rogers World Elite Mastercard is a no-fee card with an easy-to-understand cash-back rewards program with an accelerated earn rate on U.S. dollar purchases. And unlike some no-fee cards, it still offers valuable perks for those who like to travel.
Pros- Rewards are easy to understand, $1 in cash-back rewards = $1 toward an eligible purchase or bill credit, and you can redeem rewards instantly using the Rogers Bank app.
- Attractive travel benefits are included, like access to over 1,000 LoungeKey airport lounges, free Boingo Wi-Fi at over 1 million hotspots worldwide, and several types of travel insurance.
Cons- A more modest intro offer than some cards, at just $25 in cash-back rewards when you make your first purchase.
- You must spend at least $15,000 each year to maintain the card.
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Product Details
- 1.5% in unlimited cash-back rewards for eligible regular purchases.
- 3.5% in unlimited cash-back rewards for eligible U.S. dollar purchases.
- Cash-back rewards can be redeemed for purchases or applied directly to your Rogers, Fido, or chatr mobile phone bill. Cash-back rewards can be redeemed using the Rogers Bank app or Pay with Rewards app. You must accrue at least $10 in cash-back rewards before you can redeem them on a purchase, and redemptions do not count toward minimum payment amounts.
- $0 annual fee.
- Earn unlimited cash-back rewards anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
- Free Boingo Wi-Fi for Mastercard® Cardholders at over 1 million hotspots worldwide.
- Access to over 1,000 LoungeKey airport lounges in over 100 countries with Mastercard Airport Experiences.
- No charge to add additional cardholders.
- Security features like transaction monitoring and alerts, zero liability for unauthorized use and balance protection.
- Eight types of insurance provided, including 10-day travel medical benefits for those up to age 64 — up to $1 million in coverage. Three days of medical benefits are provided for those age 65 to 75.
- Preferred rates: 19.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances.
- To be eligible, $80,000 (individual) or $150,000 (household) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
Methodology
NerdWallet Canada selects the best travel rewards credit cards based on overall consumer value as well as their suitability for specific kinds of travellers. Factors in our evaluation include each card’s annual fee, foreign transaction fees, rewards earning rates, ease of use, redemption options, domestic and international acceptance, promotional APR period, bonus offers, insurance offers, and cardholder perks such as automatic statement credits and airport lounge access. Cards eligible for this list must offer travel insurance, travel perks, bonus rates on travel spending (if bonus rates are offered), and the ability to redeem rewards for travel. Hotel and airline rewards cards are not included in this list.
How travel credit cards work in Canada
By Barry Choi and Shannon Terrell
Travel rewards credit cards earn points or miles as a reward for making eligible purchases. The type and rate of rewards you earn depends on the travel credit card you have. Additionally, how you can use those rewards may depend on the loyalty program associated with your card.
Why get a travel credit card?
Travel rewards credit cards account for 22% of credit cards in Canada, according to a 2021 report by Payments Canada. Outside reduced travel costs, travel cards can offer travel insurance, lounge access, baggage fee discounts, no foreign transaction fees and more. The right travel credit card can help you plan trips and access upgraded services that may have once been out of reach.
Types of travel credit cards in Canada
Generally speaking, there are three different categories of travel rewards credit cards. Knowing how they differ will help you determine what card is best for you.
General travel rewards credit cards
If you’re not loyal to one specific airline or hotel chain, then a general travel rewards program is something that will interest you. The points you earn can typically be used for any type of travel redemption, such as airfare, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and even vacation packages. Since your points don’t belong to one specific program, you have more options.
Some general travel rewards credit cards only allow you to use your points when booking travel through their online portal, while others let you use your points for any travel purchases you charge to your card.
Airline rewards credit cards
Airline credit cards allow you to earn points or miles for a specific airline. What’s interesting about airline credit cards is that the points you earn can usually be used on any airline that’s part of their network.
For example, Aeroplan is the loyalty program for Air Canada. Even if you don’t have one of the best Aeroplan credit cards, you can use your points for a flight on any carrier that’s part of the Star Alliance network. There are also some general travel rewards programs, such as Air Miles, that also earn miles and can offer some additional value.
Depending on the tier of your airline rewards credit card, you may get additional perks such as free checked bags, priority boarding and increased status. Having an airline credit card is highly lucrative if you frequently fly with one airline or network.
Hotel rewards credit cards
While some people love the idea of free flights, getting a luxury stay at a nice hotel appeals to other people. Some would argue that hotel rewards are better than airline rewards since some hotel chains have a greater reach. For example, Marriott has over 7,000 properties in 130+ countries, so no matter where you’re travelling, it won’t be hard to find a room where you can use your points.
Hotel rewards credit cards will also typically include benefits that will make your stay more comfortable. For instance, you could get early check-in and late check-out. You could also get free high speed WiFi or enhanced status.
Additional rewards to look for in a travel card
Besides the main rewards categories that come with travel credit cards, consider the additional perks that are included. These extra perks can often be the thing that helps you choose one card over another.
Consider the following benefits that often come with travel rewards credit cards:
- Free checked bags. Airlines charge anywhere from $30-$60 per checked bag, each way, so getting free checked bags can save you a fair amount of money.
- Airport lounge access. Some credit cards include airport lounge access, plus free annual lounge passes. These benefits could easily have a value of over $300, so it can offset any annual fee you might pay.
- Travel insurance. Depending on the credit card, an extensive travel insurance package could be included. This could cover things such as medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and more.
- No foreign transaction fees. Many credit cards charge a 2.5% fee when you make a purchase in any currency that’s not Canadian dollars. If your card has no foreign transaction fees, then you’re just paying the straight exchange rate.
- Extended warranty. Many credit cards will lengthen your warranty up to one additional year as long as you charge the full cost of the purchase to your card.
- Price protection. If you find a lower price after making a purchase, some credit cards will give you back the difference as long as it falls within a specific time period.
- Concierge service. A credit card concierge can help you with basic tasks such as booking travel, ordering fits and securing event tickets.
As you can see, the list of additional benefits you can get with your travel rewards credit cards can be pretty extensive. Some of the best travel credit cards in Canada will have many of the above benefits, but not all of them. Always prioritize the perks that are important to you when applying for a credit card.
Travel credit card pros and cons
Pros
- Earn points or miles to reduce travel costs, like discounted flights and hotel stays.
- Get additional perks, like travel insurance, discounted baggage fees, airport lounge access and more.
- Earn introductory bonus points when you sign up for certain travel credit cards.
- Some cards let you transfer points to airline and hotel loyalty programs.
Cons
- Many travel credit cards carry annual fees.
- Blackout periods may restrict when you can redeem your points.
- Introductory bonus offers may require you to spend a large sum of money in a short period of time.
- Some travel rewards points expire if you don’t use them quickly enough.
Using travel rewards
Understanding travel credit card earn rates
The earn rate on a travel credit card is the number of rewards points or miles you earn on each dollar spent.
Some cards offer a flat rate, which means you earn the same amount of rewards on every purchase. For example, you may earn 2 points for every $1 you spend with your card.
Most rewards credit cards have a tiered rewards structure when making purchases. The type of structure can vary quite a bit between cards. For example, you may have an accelerated earn rate on purchases made in certain categories, such as travel, groceries, gas and drugstores. All other purchases will use the lower base earn rate.
Ideally, you want to choose a credit card with an accelerated earn rate that is aligned with your spending habits.
Additionally, travel credit cards may deliver additional points or miles when you make purchases with their main partner, if they have one. For example, an Aeroplan credit card gives you an accelerated earn rate on Air Canada purchases, and Amazon Rewards gives you a bonus when making purchases on Amazon. Some loyalty programs even have a network of partners where you can earn additional points or miles.
How to calculate the value of travel credit card points
Knowing how to calculate the value of your points or miles is essential since not every redemption value is the same. By establishing a baseline value for your points, you can decide if specific redemptions are worth it — even if you’re not getting the maximum value.
The formula used to determine the value of one point is as follows:
Cash value of the redemption x 100 / number of points required = Cost per point
Let’s say you want to fly from Vancouver to Toronto, and it’s going to cost $585 in cash, or 25,000 Aeroplan points, plus $75 in taxes. You would use the following formula. Note that since you have to pay $75 in taxes, you’d have to subtract that amount from the cash value for an accurate assessment.
$510 x 100 / 25,000 = 2.04 cents per point
This formula can be applied to any redemption regardless of the loyalty program. For example, let’s say you want to redeem 13,400 points for a $100 gift card. Your formula would be the following:
$100 x 100 / 13,400 = .75 cents per point
Assuming these redemption options are available with the same program, the flight is a better bang for your points.
Do travel rewards points ever expire?
It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been a member of a loyalty program or how many points you’ve accumulated; you can lose everything if you’re not paying attention.
Generally speaking, most loyalty programs that belong to an airline or hotel have a defined expiry date of 12 – 18 months. However, that only applies if there’s been no account activity in your account during that time. If you earn or redeem just one point during that time, your clock would reset. Even if you’re not travelling anytime soon, you could make a small redemption or donate some points to ensure you don’t lose the rest of your points.
When it comes to bank credit card rewards programs, it’s unlikely your points will expire as long as your credit card account is in good standing. Your account would only fall out of good standing if it becomes delinquent or your credit card is used for fraudulent activity.
How to redeem travel credit card 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.
Rewards programs offered through banks typically have their own website where you can make redemptions. They often have separate tabs where you can choose from travel, gift cards, merchandise, and financial rewards. While this can be handy, you’re typically limited to their offerings — what you see is what you get.
Airline and hotel loyalty programs will almost always allow you to redeem your points or miles directly on their website or mobile app. When searching for flights or hotels, you’ll likely see a box that says “use points.” The prices displayed will be in points, so you’ll know exactly how much you’ll need to make a redemption.
Knowing where to go to redeem your points is important, but you may also want to familiarize yourself with the different point redemption systems.
Travel reward point redemption options
Not all rewards programs are created equal, and this is especially true when it comes time to cash in your travel points. These three redemption models tend to be the most popular among travel credit cards:
Consistent points
Consistent points hold a constant value, regardless of season or travel destination. This point redemption model is the most transparent and user-friendly of the three.
Fluctuating points
The value of fluctuating points can be impacted by several factors, including travel destination and time of year. A point may carry less value when used to travel during peak season instead of travelling in the off-season. This model can make it challenging to determine the value of your points when trip planning. Look for any provider-issued charts or tables that outline what factors impact the value of your points.
Point transfers
Point transfers let you transfer points to affiliated rewards programs. This model may be useful for those trying to take advantage of multiple rewards programs. The catch? The value of your points may be different once they’ve been transferred, which means you’ll need to figure out the transfer ratio before you make a decision.
What to know about credit card travel insurance
For many, travel insurance is essential — especially when venturing outside Canada. While it’s likely the last thing you want to worry about when on vacation, medical emergencies happen. And your federal, provincial and territorial health plans may not cover the medical expenses you incur while travelling. That’s where travel insurance comes in.
Not only does travel insurance help cover medical expenses, it can also offer trip cancellation coverage, vehicle damage insurance, flight delay insurance and more.
You can get travel insurance from a third party, like a travel agent or insurance provider, but many travel credit cards offer it, too — and at no added cost to the cardholder.
Out-of-province travel emergency medical insurance
Travel medical insurance isn’t only for those travelling outside Canada; it can also provide coverage for those exploring another province or territory. Your provincial plan may not extend to emergency medical expenses incurred out of province. Out-of-province medical insurance can provide coverage for a range of medical needs and services, from prescription medication to emergency evacuations and hospital stays.
If your travel card offers out-of-province medical insurance, ask your provider about coverage limitations. Your medical expenses may not be covered if they’re the result of a pre-existing medical condition or high-risk activity, like bungee jumping or motorized racing.
Travel accident insurance
This type of insurance can be useful in the event of accidental injury or death while travelling on public or ticketed transportation, sometimes referred to as a common carrier. Some policies only cover accidents that happen on airplanes, while others encompass a wider range of common transports, like trains, ships and buses.
Travel interruption/cancellation insurance
Trip cancellation coverage reimburses non-refundable travel expenses if your trip gets cancelled. Eligible cancellation circumstances may include dangerous weather conditions, pregnancy complications or the death of an immediate family member.
Trip interruption coverage activates once you’ve departed and reimburses non-refundable travel expenses if your trip is cut short. Again, not every circumstance will qualify for trip interruption coverage. Covered reasons for heading home ahead of schedule are often similar to those that qualify for cancellation coverage.
Flight delay insurance
Flight delays are frustrating, but they happen. If your flight is postponed and you need to book a place to stay or grab a bite to eat while you wait, flight delay insurance may reimburse those costs.
Lost/delayed baggage insurance
If your bags are delayed, this type of insurance will cover the cost of essential items you may need to purchase — like clothes or toiletries — while you wait for your bags to arrive. And if your bags are lost outright, you may be covered up to a predetermined amount for your lost property.
Rental car collision/loss damage insurance
If you plan to rent a car on your next trip, collision and damage insurance may come in handy. This insurance covers costs associated with theft or damage to your rental car. But it doesn’t replace liability insurance — the insurance that provides coverage if you injure someone or damage another vehicle on the road.
Your personal auto insurance policy may come with liability insurance that extends to rental vehicles, but contact your insurance provider to confirm you’re covered before you hit the road.
To take advantage of your credit card’s collision and damage insurance, you’ll need to decline coverage offered by your car rental company.
Hotel/motel burglary insurance
If your hotel or motel room is broken into while on the road, this coverage will reimburse you for the loss of stolen goods up to a set amount. Not all stolen items may be eligible for reimbursement.
How to choose the right travel credit card
Every credit card is good for at least one thing, so deciding on which card is best for you can be difficult. Here are some important criteria you can use to compare different travel credit card options.
Welcome bonus
If you’re trying to decide between several travel cards with similar rewards, the tiebreaker can often be the sign up bonus. Some credit cards offer a generous welcome offer that covers the annual fee or jumpstarts your rewards collection with thousands of free points or miles.
Here’s a look at the welcome bonuses offered by our picks for best travel credit cards:
Category | Travel Credit Card | Bonus Offer |
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Best travel card with bonus rewards on travel | HSBC World Elite® Mastercard® | 80,000 points/$400 travel value (terms and conditions apply) |
Best travel card with bonus rewards on daily spending | American Express Cobalt® Card | 50,000 points (terms and conditions apply) |
Best travel card with 0% intro rate | Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card | 40,000 points (terms and conditions apply) |
Best travel card with bonus rewards on travel, dining and entertainment | BMO World Elite® Mastercard® | 60,000 points (terms and conditions apply) |
Best travel card with a digital-first experience | Brim World Elite Mastercard | Up to $500 (terms and conditions apply) |
Best travel card with bonus rewards on grocery, dining and daily transit | Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite Card | 35,000 points (terms and conditions apply) |
Best low-interest travel card | Desjardins Odyssey® Visa Infinite Privilege | N/A |
Best travel card for trips booked through Expedia | TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite Card | 100,000 points (terms and conditions apply) |
Earn rate
Every credit card has a base earn rate, but many of the best travel credit cards in Canada have an increased earn rate for specific bonus categories — like the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card, which offers up to 9x the points per dollar spent on travel through its online Expedia portal.
If you have a general travel credit card, you could earn extra points on categories such as groceries, gas, pharmacies and more, like the American Express Cobalt Card, which offers 5x the points on food, drink and groceries. The earn rate is essential since choosing a card that lines up with your spending habits can quickly increase the number of points or miles you earn.
Annual fee
If you’re firmly against paying an annual fee for your credit card, you’ll instantly narrow down your choices. That said, there are some instances where an annual fee is worth the cost. Travel credit cards that have a yearly fee typically come with more benefits than their fee-free counterparts.
None of the cards on our list are fee-free, but a few cards have $0 introductory offers, like the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card and Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card. These $0 introductory offers mean you won’t pay an annual fee for the first 12 months you have the card.
Reward flexibility
Having a lot of points is meaningless if it’s hard to redeem them. Look for a loyalty or rewards program where you know you’ll be able to use your points without much trouble. What you’re looking for are programs where there are no blackout dates and multiple redemptions options, like the HSBC World Elite Mastercard. This card lets you redeem points across various spending categories, including airline tickets, hotel stays and electronic gift cards. You can even convert rewards points to savings account funds if you hold an HSBC personal savings account.
You’ll also want to consider whether the program has any transfer partners, as that’s another way to use your points. Additionally, knowing if and when your points expire is key to ensuring you don’t lose your hard-earned rewards.
Perks and benefits
Besides the type of rewards, welcome bonus and earn rate, additional perks may sweeten the deal and sway your decision. Take the Brim World Elite Mastercard, for instance: no foreign transaction fees, free global WiFi and VIP airport lounge access in over 120 countries.
Here are a few travel card perks to scout for:
- Seat upgrades.
- Room upgrades.
- Premium lounge passes.
- Entertainment ticket presale access.
- Car rental discounts.
- Priority check-in and boarding.
- Various types of credit card insurance.
How to apply for a travel rewards credit card in Canada
Different travel credit cards have different eligibility criteria, so check whether you meet a card’s requirements before you begin the sign-up process. Here are some general eligibility criteria you may encounter when applying for a travel credit card:
- Canadian resident with a Canadian credit file.
- Age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
- Minimum annual income thresholds.
Many cards offer an online application process that can be completed from the card issuer’s website. Here’s a general rundown of the application process:
- Review the card’s details, terms and conditions.
- Enter your personal information, including your full name, date of birth, residential address and mobile phone number.
- Enter your Social Insurance Number.
- Enter your financial information, including your annual income and monthly expenses.
- Verify your identity by submitting photos of your original government-issued ID, like your passport or Driver’s Licence.
- Review the information you’ve supplied and submit your application.
Keep in mind that applying for a credit card may impact your credit score.
Tips to maximize your travel credit card rewards
If you’ve decided that a travel credit card is for you, there are a few tips you can follow to ensure you get the most out of your credit card rewards.
- Pay your bills in full and on time, so you don’t pay any interest.
- Make sure you meet the minimum spend requirement to get your welcome bonus.
- Pay attention to your earn rate and use your rewards card on purchases that earn extra points.
- Research your rewards program so you know what you can do with your points or miles.
- Calculate the value of your points before making a redemption.
- See if your loyalty program has a partner network where you can earn additional points.
Although choosing a travel credit card may require you to do some research, the value you get is often worth it. Getting free stuff on points feels great, especially if it’s something you’ve been saving a long time for.
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FAQs for Canada's Travel Reward Credit Cards
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Do travel credit card rewards expire?
Yes, travel credit card rewards can expire. Most loyalty programs that belong to an airline or hotel have a defined expiry date of 12 – 18 months. However, that only applies if there’s been no account activity in your account during that time. If you earn or redeem just one point during that time, your clock would reset.
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.
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What credit score do I need to get a travel credit card?
In most cases, a good credit score — generally 660 to 724 — is required to get the best travel credit cards. However, some secured credit cards and prepaid options offer rewards, and are more suitable for people with lower credit scores.
» MORE: How to check your credit score
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