Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada
Travel credit cards are not all solving the same problem. Some help turn everyday spending into future trips. Some work best when you already fly with one airline or stay with one hotel program. Others are less about earning points and more about making travel easier through airport lounge access, travel insurance, checked bags, NEXUS rebates or no foreign transaction fees.
The right card depends on the kind of traveller you are and the kind of travel value you actually expect to use.
Summary of the best travel cards
BACK TO TOP| Card | NerdWallet rating | Intro offer | Rewards rate | Apply Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite+* Card | APPLY NOW on Scotiabank's website | |||
 APPLY NOW on Scotiabank's website | 5.0/5 | Up to 60,000 Points | 1x-3x Points | |
| American Express Cobalt® Card | APPLY NOW on American Express' website | |||
 APPLY NOW on American Express' website | 5.0/5 | Up to 15,000 Points | 1x-5x Points | |
| TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card | APPLY NOW on TD's website | |||
 APPLY NOW on TD's website | 4.8/5 | Up to 85,000 Points | 1.25x-2x Points | |
| CIBC Aventura® Visa* Card | ||||
 | 4.5/5 | Up to 2,500 Points | 0.5x-1x Points | |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | APPLY NOW on American Express' website | |||
 APPLY NOW on American Express' website | 5.0/5 | Up to 170,000 Points | 1x-2x Points | |
Browse by travel goal
BACK TO TOPStart with the kind of travel value you want most, then compare the cards in that section.
Looking for... | Start here | Cards to compare |
|---|---|---|
Points you can use for different kinds of trips | Flexible travel rewards | Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite+ Card, American Express Cobalt Card, RBC Avion Visa Infinite, TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card |
Airport benefits, lounge access and stronger travel coverage | Premium travel perks | The Platinum Card from American Express, Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card, CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card |
Rewards tied to one airline or hotel program | Airline and hotel loyalty | TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card, WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard, BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard, RBC British Airways Visa Infinite, United MileagePlus Neo World Elite Mastercard, The Cathay World Elite Mastercard, Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card |
Lower fees or fewer charges abroad | Low-cost and no-FX travel value | CIBC Aventura Visa Card, Scotiabank Gold American Express Card |
Best travel cards for flexible rewards
BACK TO TOPThese cards are strongest for travellers who want travel value without fully committing to one airline or hotel program.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more.
Points for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining purchases, entertainment purchases, and eligible daily transit options (including rideshares, buses, subways, taxis and more).
Point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeA competitive travel card that earns up to 3x Scene+ points on everyday purchases, and comes with six complimentary airport lounge visits and no foreign transaction fees. While you can earn accelerated points (3x) on travel purchases, they must be made through the Scene+ Travel platform, which may feel limiting for some users. Best for: Frequent travellers who shop regularly at Scene+ partner grocery stores, spend big abroad and are looking for airport lounge access.
Pros
- Free airport lounge membership and six free visits per year.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Free Avis Preferred Plus membership.
Cons
- An above-average $150 annual fee for a travel card.
- Top earn rate (3x on groceries) only applies to Sobeys and its subsidiary stores.
- Must book through Scene+ Travel platform to earn 3x points on travel.
Card details
Card details- Earn up to $1,500 in first year welcome offers, rewards and savings, including up to 60,000 bonus Scene+ points¹
- Earn 3x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more.
- Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including rideshares, buses, subways, taxis and more).
- Plus earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases.
- Earn additional benefits + up to 4X Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia.
- Travel with confidence using 10GB of free GigSky global mobile data for 15 days with unlimited Travel Essentials by GigSky for essential travel apps. Visa Infinite cardholders also continue to receive one complimentary 1GB/15-Day GigSky global mobile data plan each year, plus 20% off future GigSky purchases with their Scotiabank Visa Infinite+ card.
- No Foreign Transaction Fee.
- 6 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access.
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance coverage.
- Visa Infinite* Concierge Services.
- Visa Infinite* Hotel Collection.
- Visa Infinite* Dining and Wine Country program.
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of Jan 2, 2026. Subject to change.
- *See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery.* Spend cap applies.
Points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada.
Points on eligible ride shares, transit & gas in Canada.
Point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else.
Additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings via American Express Travel Online.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeA standout everyday earner with up to 5x points on a spectrum of everyday spending categories, including eats and drinks, streaming services, gas and more. Unusually robust travel insurance for a mid-tier card makes it a decent travel companion, too. Best for: Those who spend big on groceries, entertainment or transit and want a flexible rewards program.
Pros
- Includes 10 forms of insurance.
- Points can be transferred to other rewards programs, including Aeroplan and Marriott Bonvoy.
- Up to $60 in Instacart statement credits.
Cons
- No lounge access.
- The 5x earn rate is capped at $2,500 monthly — purchases above the cap drop to 1x.
Card details
Card details- In your first year as a new Cobalt Cardmember, you can earn 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in net purchases on your Card. This could add up to 15,000 points in a year. That’s up to $150 towards a weekend getaway or concert tickets.
- Earn 5x the points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery. Spend cap applies.
- Earn 3x the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada.
- Earn 2X the points on eligible ride shares, transit & gas in Canada.
- Earn 1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings via American Express Travel Online.
- Earn 1X point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else.
- Enjoy access to hotel bookings, a room upgrade (when available), 12pm check-in and late check-out (when available), and up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities when charged to the room for a stay of 2 or more consecutive nights through The Hotel Collection from American Express Travel
- Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs.
- Access Front Of The Line® Amex Presale & Reserved Tickets to some of your favourite concerts and theatre performances and special offers and events curated for Cardmembers with Amex Experiences™
- 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. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints on eligible travel-related purchases.
Points on everything else.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThe RBC Avion Visa Infinite simplifies reward accrual with 1 Avion point per $1 spent and boosted rates of 1.25x on travel purchases. A broad swath of insurance coverage, paired with value-adding extras like gas, car rental and food delivery discounts, makes this a well-rounded card for travellers. Best for: Travellers who want flexible rewards points and built-in travel protections.
Pros
- Car rental discounts of up to 20% at Hertz.
- Fuel discounts of 3 cents per litre at Petro-Canada.
Cons
- No airport lounge access.
- Highest earn rate only applies to travel spending.
Card details
Card details- Get up to 70,000 Avion points¹, that’s a travel value of up to $1,500.² Apply by July 15. 2026.
- Earn 1.25 Avion points on travel related purchases.¹² Earn 1 Avion point on all other eligible purchases.²
- Use your Avion points to book any flight, anytime, on over 500 airlines. No blackouts or seat restrictions, even during peak season†!
- Avion Visa Infinite Cardholders earn points that never expire so your points will be waiting for your next adventure.
- Redeem your points for travel and more. Use points for anything from paying bills and paying your card balance to redeeming for Gift Cards and Merchandise at top brands like Apple. The Avion Rewards program gives you the freedom of choice to use your points your way, and helps you make the most as an Avion Visa Infinite Cardholder.
- Eligible Avion Rewards members can also convert points to other loyalty programs including WestJet dollars, British Airways Avios points and Hudson’s Bay Rewards points.
- Link your RBC card with a Petro-Points membership to instantly save 3₵ per litre on fuel⁴ at Petro-Canada stations and earn 20% more Petro-Points⁵ and 20% more Avion points⁶.
- Link your RBC card with a Rexall Be Well account and get 50 Be Wellᵀᴹ points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall¹³. Redeem Be Well points faster for savings in store on eligible purchases where 25,000 Be Well points = $10.
- Get access to RBC offers which provides access to earn points faster at specified brands.
- Extensive insurance⁷ including: mobile device insurance, travel insurance (trip cancellation, interruption and emergency medical) and other eligible purchases to protect you and your family.
- Avion Visa Infinite Cardholders get access to luxury Visa Infinite benefits including first in line for exclusive events, and hotel and dining benefits.
- Avion Visa Infinite Cardholders no longer need 14-days to book travel using the RBC grid.
- Add your credit card to your DoorDash account and get a free 12 monthly DashPass subscription¹⁶
- Enjoy unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees on orders of $15 or more when you pay with your eligible RBC credit card.
- Corresponding legal references and product terms are available on the RBC website, which will be available and agreed upon in the customer onboarding process.
- ¹ This offer only applies to new applications for an RBC Avion Visa Infinite or RBC Avion Visa Platinum credit card (each, an “Eligible Credit Card”) received between “May 7, 2026” and “July 15, 2026” (“Offer Period”) and approved by Royal Bank of Canada (“Royal Bank”) subject to the conditions below. Additional cardholders(s) (co-applicant and authorized user(s)) on the Eligible Credit Card account, as well as existing cardholders on any RBC Royal Bank personal credit card account transferring to an Eligible Credit Card account during the Offer Period, are not eligible for the offer. 35,000 welcome Avion points (“Welcome Points”) will appear on your monthly credit card statement within sixty (60) days after your application has been approved, provided that your Eligible Credit Card account remains open and in good standing at the time the Welcome points are credited to your account, “good standing” meaning that your Eligible Credit Card account must not be past due for more than two (2) consecutive credit card account statement periods, closed, charged off or in credit revoked status. You will receive 20,000 bonus Avion points (“Bonus Points”) if a total of $5,000 or more (“Qualifying Transaction Amount”) in qualifying net purchases and/or pre-authorized bill payment transactions (“Qualifying Transactions”) are posted to your Eligible Credit Card account within the first six (6) months from your Eligible Credit Card account opening date (“Period”). The Bonus Points will appear on your monthly credit card statement within sixty (60) days after you reach $5,000 in Qualifying Transactions, provided your Eligible Credit Card account remains open and in good standing at the time the Bonus Points are credited to your account. Qualifying Transactions exclude cash advances (including balance transfers, cash-like transactions and bill payments that are not pre-authorized charges that you set up with a merchant), interest charges and fees, and credits for returns and adjustments posted to your Eligible Credit Card account during the Period will reduce the amount of your Qualifying Transactions. The Qualifying Transaction Amount is based on the transaction posting date of each Qualifying Transaction, not the transaction date. This means that transactions that take place prior to the last day of the Period will not be considered for the Qualifying Transaction Amount if they have not yet been posted or processed by the merchant, the payment network (Visa) or Royal Bank by the last day of the Period. 15,000 additional Avion points (“Anniversary Points”) will appear on your monthly credit card statement within twelve (12) to sixteen (16) weeks after the one- year anniversary of your account opening, provided that your Eligible Credit Card account remains open and in good standing at the time the Anniversary Points are credited to your account. If you close or change your Eligible Credit Card account for another type of RBC Royal Bank credit card before the Welcome Points, the Bonus Points and/or the Anniversary Points have been credited to your account, you may lose the benefit of this offer. This offer may not be combined or used in conjunction with any other offer. Royal Bank reserves the right to cancel, modify or withdraw this offer at any time without notice, even after your application has been approved, including if we suspect that you may be manipulating or abusing it, or engaging in any suspicious or fraudulent activity, as determined by Royal Bank in its sole discretion. For complete terms and conditions that apply to the Avion Rewards Program, please visit www.avionrewards.com or call 1-800-769-2512.
- ² Based on the Air Travel Reward redemptions from the Air Travel Redemption Schedule starting at 35,000 Avion points for one round-trip long-haul flight to almost anywhere in Canada or the United States with a maximum ticket price of $750, you will need a minimum of 70,000 Avion Points for two round-trips long-haul flights to almost anywhere in Canada or the United States, exclusive of Hawaii and Alaska. All applicable taxes, service fees and surcharges are the responsibility of the traveler. For more details, including information on redeeming for first class and business class seats, visit: www.avionrewards.com/travel/index.html. For general redemption terms, conditions and restrictions that apply to the Avion Rewards program, please visit: www.avionrewards.com or call 1-800 ROYAL 1-2 (1-800-769-2512).
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints for every $1 you spend when you book travel through Expedia® For TD†.
Points for every $1 you spend on Groceries, Dining, and Public Transit†.
Points for every $1 you spend on Recurring Bill Payments and Streaming, Digital Gaming & Media†.
Points for every $1 you spend on other Purchases made using your Card†.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeAvid Expedia users will get the most out of this card, with its top earn rate (8x TD points) on bookings made through the travel platform. An annual travel credit, airport lounge access and insurances round out this card as a solid pick for jetsetters. But the $139 may be too steep for some, and if you don’t use Expedia, the rewards may not be as fruitful. Best for: Frequent travellers and Expedia surfers who spend big on groceries, dining, and transit.
Pros
- $100 travel credit, annually.
- Airport lounge access and four free passes.
- Comprehensive travel insurance.
Cons
- Higher than average $139 annual fee for points card.
- Top earn rate (8x points) only applies to Expedia bookings.
Card details
Card details- Earn up to $1,300 in value†, including up to 146,000 TD Rewards Points, receive an Annual Fee rebate for the first year† and additional travel benefits. Conditions Apply.
- Earn a welcome Bonus of 20,000 TD Rewards Points when you make your first Purchase with your Card†.
- Earn 126,000 TD Rewards Points when you spend $7,500 within 180 days of Account opening†.
- Get an Annual Fee Rebate for the first year†.
- Get an annual TD Travel Credit† of $100 when you book at Expedia® For TD.
- Earn a Birthday Bonus of up to 10,000 TD Rewards points†.
- Enjoy your time at the airport with global airport lounge access and 4 complimentary lounge visits with Visa Airport Companion Program (a value of up to $277)*.
- To receive the first-year annual fee rebate for the Primary Cardholder, you must activate your Card and make your first Purchase on the Account within the first 3 months after Account opening. To receive the Additional Cardholder(s) first-year annual fee rebate, you must add your Additional Cardholder(s) while the offer is in effect.
- Offer may be changed, withdrawn, or extended at any time and cannot be combined with any other offer unless otherwise indicated.
- Earn 8 TD Rewards Points† for every $1 you spend when you book travel through Expedia® For TD†.
- Earn 6 TD Rewards Points† for every $1 you spend on Groceries, Dining, and Public Transit†.
- Earn 4 TD Rewards Points† for every $1 you spend on Recurring Bill Payments and Streaming, Digital Gaming & Media†.
- Earn 2 TD Rewards Points For every $1 you spend on other Purchases made using your Card† plus earn an annual Birthday Bonus† of up to 10,000 TD Rewards Points.
- Earn more at Starbucks: Link your eligible Card to earn 50% more TD Rewards Points plus more Starbucks Stars. Redeem points for even more Stars. Conditions apply.
- No travel blackouts†, no seat restrictions† and no expiry† for your TD Rewards Points as long as your account is open and in good standing.
- Each year, you will receive one $100.00 TD Travel Credit on your first Eligible Travel Credit Purchase of $500.00 or more made with Expedia For TD and posted to the Account in a calendar year.
- Interest Rates: 21.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances.
- Go Places on Points: Your Points are worth more when you redeem through Expedia® For TD: Search over a million flights, hotels, packages and more! When you’re ready to book, you can redeem† your TD Rewards Points towards your travel purchase right away.
- Travel Medical Insurance†: Up to $2 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Best travel cards for premium perks
BACK TO TOPThese cards are strongest for travellers who care less about pure points strategy and more about benefits they can use before or during a trip, such as airport lounge access, travel insurance, hotel perks, credits, NEXUS rebates or priority airport services.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints on eligible dining and food delivery purchases in Canada.
Points on eligible travel purchases.
Points on all other purchases.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeAs the name suggests, this card offers top-tier perks like free airport lounge access, an annual $200 travel credit and a full suite of insurances. However, it’s a charge card, so you must pay off the balance in full each month or face steep interest. And, for a premium travel card that costs $799 a year, the 2.5% foreign transaction fee is a bit of a letdown. Best for: High-end jetsetters who spend big on travel and don’t carry a balance.
Pros
- Annual credits totalling $640.
- Comprehensive and unlimited airport lounge access.
- No pre-set spending limit.
Cons
- Very steep $799 annual fee.
- 2.5% foreign transaction fee.
- Must pay off balance each month.
Card details
Card details- Unlock special experiences with the Platinum Card®.
- Experience Amex’s best offer this year on The Platinum Card®
- New Platinum® Cardmembers can earn up to 170,000 Membership Rewards® points - that’s up to $1,700 towards a weekend away
- Earn 90,000 points after you spend $10,000 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
- Earn an additional 40,000 points after you spend a total of $45,000 on your Card in your first 12 months of Cardmembership
- Plus, earn 40,000 points when you make a purchase between months 15 and 17 of Cardmembership
- Offer ends July 28, 2026
- Earn 2 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.
- Access a $200 Annual Travel Credit through American Express Travel Online or Platinum® Card Travel Service.
- Enjoy a $200 Annual Dining Credit at some of Canada’s best restaurants.
- Unlock $200 or more in additional value with Member extras. You can earn statement credits for qualifying purchases with participating brands.
- Take full advantage of The American Express Global Lounge Collection™ which unlocks access to over 1,400 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. Terms and Conditions apply.
- 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 1,600 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.
- You will also have access to many leading hotel and car rental companies’ loyalty programs. Our partners include Marriott International, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, 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. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, NerdWallet may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints for every $1 you spend on all your eligible purchases.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeScotiabank’s Platinum Amex doesn’t just offer top-tier travel perks — such as emergency medical coverage and airport lounge access — it also comes with a low 9.99% interest rate on purchases and a flat earn rate of 2x Scene+ points per $1 spent. The high $399 annual fee, however, may be too steep for some users. Best for: Frequent travellers who spend big abroad, want airport lounge access and don’t mind using the Scene+ Travel platform to book travel.
Pros
- Low 9.99% APR.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- 10 free airport lounge passes per year.
Cons
- High $399 annual fee.
- Must book through Scene+ Travel platform to earn extra 3x points.
Card details
Card details- Earn up to $2,500* in value in the first 14 months, including up to 80,000¹ bonus Scene+ points.
- Plus earn 2X Scene+ points for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Earn additional benefits + up to 4X Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia.
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance coverage
- Mobile Device Insurance coverage
- 10 complimentary Airport Lounge Passes per year
- Platinum VIP Offers+
- American Express Invites®
- Premium Complimentary Concierge Services
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of October 31, 2025. Subject to change.
- *See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints for every $1 spent on travel via the CIBC Rewards Centre.†
Points for every $1 spent at eligible gas & electric vehicle charging stations.†
Points for every $1 spent at eligible grocery stores.†
Points for every $1 spent at eligible drug stores.†
Points for every $1 spent everywhere else.†
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThe appeal of this mid-tier points card is its flexibility: points on everyday earn categories, plus solid extras, like complimentary lounge access, travel insurance and NEXUS fee rebates. The caveat? This card’s highest earn rate (2x points) is limited to dollars spent via the CIBC Rewards Centre. Best for: Travellers who want occasional lounge access and flexible redemption options.
Pros
- Four airport lounge passes annually.
- NEXUS application rebates every four years.
- Robust travel insurance.
Cons
- 2x earn rate only applies to travel booked through the CIBC Rewards Centre.
- No priority airport services.
Card details
Card details- Welcome Offer: Join and earn up to $1,500 in value including a first year annual fee rebate!† Here's how you can earn up to $1,500 in value–
- Get up to 45,000 Aventura Points (up to $900 in travel value†):
- 15,000 Aventura Points when you make your first purchase.†
- 30,000 Aventura Points when you spend $3,000 or more in the first 4 monthly statement periods.†
- Get a one-time annual fee rebate ($139) for you (the primary cardholder) and up to three authorized users ($50 each): up to $189 value.†
- Elevate your airport experience with 4 complimentary visits at 1,200+ lounges globally through Visa Airport Companion Program: up to $277 in value.†
- Plus, get a NEXUS◊ Application Fee rebate†: A $160 value†
- Plus, enjoy extra valuable travel benefits.
- Travel when it’s right for you – your Aventura Points don’t expire.†
- Redeem your Aventura Points for more than travel with our Shop With Points/Pay with Points features.†
- Travel local - Aventura Points can be redeemed for more than just flights – use your points for hotels and car rentals for a weekend getaway.
- 2 points for every $1 spent on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre.†
- 1.5 points for every $1 spent at eligible gas stations, EV charging, grocery stores and drug stores.†
- 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.†
- Save over $600 with CIBC and Skip – Get a 12-month Skip+ free trial and other exclusive benefits when you link your CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card with Skip.†
- Save on gas with CIBC and Journie Rewards – Link and use your CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card with Journie Rewards to save up to 10 cents per litre† at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.†
- This is a digital-exclusive offer.† To be eligible for this offer: 1) this offer must have been directly communicated to you from CIBC or from a partner/affiliate; and 2) you must apply for the eligible card through the link provided in the CIBC or partner/affiliate communication to you.† This offer is reserved for you. Please do not forward it to anyone else.
- CIBC may approve your application, but you are not eligible to receive this Offer if you have opened, transferred or cancelled another Aventura card within the last 12 months.†
- †Terms and Conditions Apply. Select Apply Now to learn more.
Best travel cards for airline and hotel loyalty
BACK TO TOPThese cards are best for travellers who already know which travel program they want to build around. They can be valuable, but only when real travel habits match the brand.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints† for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®).
Points for every $1 spent on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, travel & transit and dining purchases.
Points† for every $1 spent on all other purchases made with your Card.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThis card offers premium travel perks at top dollar. You get comprehensive travel insurance, annual $99 companion passes, unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges, six annual lounge passes via the Visa Airport Companion Program, priority airport services, NEXUS rebates and more. But not everyone will be able to afford the annual fee, nor meet the steep income requirement. Best for: Frequent Air Canada travellers with a big budget looking for premium perks at the airport.
Pros
- Unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge visits, plus six complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program passes annually for primary cardholders.
- Priority airport services.
- Annual $99 companion pass.
Cons
- Steep $599 annual fee.
- High $150,000 minimum income requirement.
Card details
Card details- Up to $3,000 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points† could be yours. Conditions Apply.
- Earn a welcome bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase with your new card†.
- Earn an additional 35,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 180 days of Account opening†.
- Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 30,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $24,000 within 12 months of Account opening†.
- Offer may be changed, withdrawn, or extended at any time and cannot be combined with any other offer unless otherwise indicated.
- Earn 2 points† for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®).
- Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 you charge to your Card on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, travel & transit and dining purchases.
- Earn 1.25 points† for every $1 spent on all other purchases made with your Card.
- Earn points twice when you pay with your Card and provide your Aeroplan number at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and at 200+ online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore (www.aeroplan.com/estore).
- Earn more at Starbucks: Link your eligible Card to earn 50% more Aeroplan points plus more Starbucks Stars. Redeem points for even more Stars. Conditions apply.
- Apply for the NEXUS program membership and once every 48 months get a partial application fee rebate (up to $100 CAD)†.
- Share first free checked bags with up to 8 travel companions†, and get unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges† including complementary access for one guest.
- Plus, cardholders get 6 complimentary worldwide select airport lounge visits annually through the Visa Airport Companion Program†.
- Get an annual round-trip companion pass from $99 (plus taxes, fees, charges and surcharges)†.
- Get access to Priority Airport Services† like Priority Boarding, Priority Baggage Handling, and Priority Airport Standby & Priority Airport Upgrades†.
- Travel Medical Insurance†: Up to $5 million of coverage for the first 31 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.
- To be eligible, $150,000 annual personal income 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.
- †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.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints for every dollar you spend on WestJet flights, WestJet Vacations, and Sunwing Vacations².
Points for every dollar you spend at grocery stores and on transportation including gas, EV charging, public transit and rideshare³.
Points for every dollar you spend on all other everyday purchases².
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeFree checked bags, airport lounge access, an annual companion voucher, and the ability to earn WestJet points on everyday purchases are just a few of the perks this card has to offer — not to mention the full suite of insurances. But if you don’t fly WestJet often, or don’t meet the minimum $80,000 annual income requirement, this card won’t be worth your while. Best for: Frequent travellers who are loyal to WestJet and its partner airlines.
Pros
- Annual companion pass from $119.
- Free checked bags for you and up to 8 guests.
- Full suite of travel insurance.
Cons
- DragonPass membership only — airport lounge visits cost extra.
- High $80,000 minimum income requirement.
Card details
Card details- Get up to 70,000 WestJet points¹: 30,000 WestJet points upon your first purchase, 30,000 WestJet points when you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months, 10,000 WestJet points after first year anniversary.
- Check your first bag for free for the primary cardholder and up to 8 guests on the same reservation when you pay with your WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard⁴
- Cardholders can now achieve Silver, Gold and even Platinum Status with a Status Lift up to 50 times per year – you’ll earn 200 CAD in tier qualifying spend for every $5,000 in purchases on your card⁵
- Receive an annual round-trip companion voucher (World Elite Companion Voucher) starting from $119 CAD (plus taxes, fees, surcharges and other ATC) when you spend a minimum of $5,000 annually on your card⁵, or choose to exchange it for one of the following: a 30% flight discount for one traveller⁸, a $200 credit towards a WestJet Vacations package or Sunwing Vacations package⁹, or two airport lounge passes¹⁰
- Earn 2 points for every dollar you spend on WestJet flights, WestJet Vacations, and Sunwing Vacations²
- Earn 2 points for every dollar you spend at grocery stores and on transportation including gas, EV charging, public transit and rideshare³
- Earn 1.5 points for every dollar you spend on all other everyday purchases²
- WestJet points can now be redeemed to cover taxes, fees and surcharges⁹
- You can truly relax while you’re travelling with comprehensive coverage, now including Trip Cancellation insurance⁶.
- WestJet points never expire. Use your WestJet points to book flights anytime so you can travel when and where you want – no blackout periods.
- Travel coverage including emergency medical insurance²⁰ as well as trip interruption insurance²¹, hotel burglary¹⁸ and rental car insurance¹⁹. Even eligible purchases you make on the card are protected.
- Save at Petro-Canada – Save 3¢/L on gas and earn 20% more Petro-Points when you pay with a linked RBC card.⁷
- Earn more Be Well points at Rexall – Earn 50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases at Rexall when you pay with your linked RBC credit card.⁸
- Enjoy unlimited $0 delivery fees with DoorDash – Get a complimentary DashPass subscription⁹ from DoorDash for up to 12 months and enjoy unlimited deliveries from qualifying restaurants you love. Enjoy $0 delivery fees10 on orders of $15+ when you pay with an eligible RBC credit card.
- Enjoy airport lounges worldwide: Your WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard entitles you to membership in the Mastercard Travel Pass Program provided by DragonPass.¹¹ This program offers access to more than 1,300 airport lounges globally, plus valuable airport dining and spa offers. Download the Mastercard Travel Pass app and register at mastercardtravelpass.dragonpass.com
- 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.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints for every $1 spent on Porter purchases.*
Points for every $1 spent on gas.*
Points for every $1 spent on transportation.*
Points for every $1 spent on groceries.*
Points for every $1 spent on dining.*
Points for every $1 spent on hotel accommodations.*
Point for every $1 spent everywhere else.*
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThis co-branded Porter card offers enriched VIPorter point earn rates and luxurious travel perks befitting a top-shelf travel card for just $199 annually. But high income requirements will put this card out of reach for some applicants. Best for: Frequent Porter flyers.
Pros
- Annual round-trip companion pass.
- Free checked bags.
- Priority airport services.
Cons
- $80,000 individual or $150,000 household annual income requirement.
- Annual companion pass requires $50,000 in annual spending to unlock.
Card details
Card details- Welcome offer: Get up to $2,400 in value* including 70,000 VIPorter points and a round-trip companion pass.* Plus receive $1,000 in Qualifying Spend.*Plus no annual fee in your first year.*
- Earn 3 points for every $1 spent on Porter purchases.*
- Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on gas and transportation, Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on groceries and dining*, Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on hotel accommodations, Earn 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else.*
- A round-trip companion pass per year*, 1 complimentary checked bag*, 1 complimentary carry-on bag on all Porter fare types*, Free PorterClassic seat selection*, Priority re-accommodation for flight delays*, Priority check-in, security, and early boarding*, No VIPorter points expiry*, Earn $1 of qualifying spend for every $25 spent.* *This benefit applies to up to 8 companions travelling on the same booking.
- Your BMO VIPorter credit card comes with comprehensive travel coverage including: 21-day out-of-province or country emergency medical insurance, Car rental-collision/loss damage insurance, Common carrier insurance, Flight delay insurance, Baggage insurance, Hotel burglary insurance.*
- Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass. As a member enjoy lounge access for a fee of just US$32 per person, per visit.* Registration is required. Visit the Mastercard Travel Pass website or use the Mastercard Travel Pass mobile application to register.*
- Save up to 20% on National Car Rental®†† and Alamo Rent A Car®†† and up to 5% on Enterprise Rent-A-Car®†† at locations worldwide using the Car Rental Booking tool.
- Discover a world of Mastercard Travel Rewards cash back offers when you shop, dine and relax with our partners outside of Canada.
- Save up to 7% on your Booking.com prepaid hotel or property rental bookings at booking.com/mastercardcanada.*
- Access valuable benefits and offers for digital everyday services from a variety of on-demand apps and subscription services.*
- Shop with extended warranty and purchase protection.*
- Enjoy six months of Instacart+ and a $10 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
- *Terms and conditions apply
- BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints for every $1 CAD spent at British Airways and British Airways Holidays.
Points for every $1 CAD spent on qualifying dining spend.
Point for every $1 CAD spent on all other qualifying net purchases.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeAs Canada’s only co-branded British Airways card, this is a practical choice for frequent flyers of the airline. British Airway’s-specific perks include 3 Avios points per $1 spent with the airline, plus fare discounts and annual companion passes. Best for: British Airways loyalists.
Pros
- 10% off British Airways flights.
- Free companion fare or 50% off a solo fare when you spend at least $30,000 annually.
- Fuel discounts of 3 cents per litre at Petro-Canada.
Cons
- Points cannot be transferred to other Canadian rewards programs.
- No airport lounge access.
- No priority airport services.
Card details
Card details- Receive up to 60,000 Aviosˆ, here’s how: Collect a 30,000 Avios Welcome Bonus when you spend $5,000 CAD in the first three months of account opening. Collect a further 30,000 bonus Avios when you spend $5,000 CAD in months 4-6 of account opening. If you do not meet the $5,000 CAD spend in the first three months, you can still collect 30,000 bonus Avios if you meet the spend requirement in months 4-6.
- Earn 3 Avios for every $1 CAD spent at British Airways and British Airways Holidays
- Earn 2 Avios for every $1 CAD spent on qualifying dining spend
- Earn 1 Avios for every $1 CAD spent on all other qualifying net purchases
- Earn a companion voucher when you spend $30,000 CAD annually. You can either take a companion with you or fly solo instead for a 50% Avios discount on the cost of one reward seat ticket. Plus, you’ll have the flexibility to pay a lower, flat fee to cover taxes, fees and carrier charges and a fixed Avios amount when you make a Reward Flight booking.
- Eligible members who spend a minimum of $30,000 CAD on qualifying purchases on their card in a calendar year (“calendar year” refers to the time period starting from January 1 and ending December 31) will receive a maximum of one Companion Voucher for that calendar year. See ba.com/rbc-visa for full terms and conditions.
- 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 Avion 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.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownMiles per $1 on United & Star Alliance flights.
Mile per $1 on dining & groceries.
Miles per $1 everywhere else.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThe United MileagePlus Neo World Elite Mastercard is a solid pick for Canadian United flyers who want useful airline perks without paying a sky-high annual fee. The free first checked bag, Group 2 priority boarding and NEXUS credit add real value, especially for frequent travellers. Still, its appeal is fairly niche, and the rewards rates may feel underwhelming if United isn’t your airline of choice. Best for: Canadian United loyalists who want airline perks and MileagePlus earning at a relatively affordable annual fee.
Pros
- Free first checked bag on eligible United flights.
- Group 2 priority boarding.
- NEXUS statement credit.
Cons
- $89 annual fee.
- High income requirement.
- Best value depends on flying United regularly.
Card details
Card details- Earn up to 20,000 MileagePlus miles: 5,000 miles on card activation and first transaction and an additional 15,000 miles when you spend $3,000 net of refunds within 3 months of application.
- Renewal Bonus: 5,000 miles per year when account remains open and active with eligible spend within 365 days.
- Earn miles faster on every flight - Earn miles from United and your card—helping you build miles faster than non-cardholders.¹³
- Earn 1.25 miles per $1 on United & Star Alliance flights, 1 mile per $1 on dining & groceries, and .75 miles per $1 everywhere else.
- Earn extra MileagePlus miles at over 10,000 Neo partners across Canada⁶
- Free checked bag - Your first checked bag is covered on all your future United flights.¹
- Priority boarding - Be among the first to board with Group 2 priority boarding for you and your family.²
- Nexus credit - Enjoy a credit on your Nexus application fee (USD $120+ value).⁷
- Save at least 10% on award flights - Pay fewer miles (savings up to 15% with Premier Status) and unlock exclusive premium seats.⁸
- No spend caps - Every dollar you spend earns MileagePlus miles, with no limits holding you back.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownAsia Miles per $1 spent on Cathay Pacific purchases.
Asia Miles per $1 spent on foreign currency purchases.
Asia Mile per $1 spent on everyday purchases in Canada.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThe Cathay World Elite Mastercard is a strong choice for Cathay Pacific flyers. Cardholders earn 4x Asia Miles on Cathay Pacific flights and 2x on foreign spending, plus priority airport services and discounted lounge access. A 3% foreign transaction fee applies, though — which is slightly higher than the industry standard of 2.5%. Best for: Cathay Pacific loyalists.
Pros
- Extensive travel coverage.
- Priority airport services.
- Discounted airport lounge access for $32 USD per visit.
Cons
- High purchase interest rates of 19.99% to 26.99%.
- $80,000 individual or $150,000 household annual income requirement.
- Not available to Quebec residents.
Card details
Card details- Earn 35,000 Asia Miles upon sign-up and 25,000 additional Asia Miles after spending $5,000 in 90 days.
- Earn 4 Asia Miles per $1 spent on Cathay Pacific purchases & earn 2 Asia Miles on foreign currency purchases. Earn 1 Asia Mile per $1 spent on everyday purchases in Canada.
- Earn an average of 5x the Asia Miles" at thousands of Neo partners, and up to 15x miles" on first-time purchases
- Secured option available with guaranteed approval® - no credit history required
- Experience the world in a whole new way: Access exclusive benefits and make every trip memorable - including access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide', and Mastercard Travel Rewards' while you're abroad.
- Travel worry-free with comprehensive coverage: Protect yourself when you travel with coverage' for emergency medical care, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and more - so you can relax and enjoy your trip.
- Your multi-tool for money: Unlock the power of Neo and manage your card in real-time, track your spending insights", and get proactive alerts and notifications - all from the palm of your hand, with the Neo app.
- Get exclusive membership perks: Online priority check-in, extra baggage redemption, and Cathay Pacific Business class lounge redemption access.
- Save up to 15%* on flights to Asia and beyond: From now until December 31, 2025, enter discount code CXNE0150FF and pay with your Cathay World Elite® Mastercard to enjoy up to 15% OFF* when making your flight booking.
- Once you have earned your Asia Miles, redeem them for the items that matter most to you as a traveler. Choose from airline tickets, hotels and car rentals, to everyday goods such as electronics, gift cards and more.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints for every dollar in eligible Card purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®.
Points for every $1 in all other Card purchases.*
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThe Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card helps travellers earn free stays and experiences at some of the world’s ritziest hotels, restaurants and spas. But if you’re not a frequent hotel guest, there’s little reason to get this card. Best for: Marriott Bonvoy loyalists who spend big on hotels.
Pros
- High 2x base rate on all purchases.
- Full suite of travel insurance.
- Ability to convert points to other popular frequent flyer programs.
Cons
- Top 5x earn rate only applies to Marriott Bonvoy purchases.
Card details
Card details- Earn up to 70,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy® points
- New Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Cardmembers can earn up to 60,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy® Points after you spend $3,000 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
- Plus, earn 10,000 points after you spend $500 on your Card in your 13th month of Cardmembership
- Apply with confidence! See if you’ll be approved before you apply – with no impact to your credit score.*
- *Instant decisions are only available for Consumer (also known as Personal) Card applications.
- Earn 5 points for every dollar in eligible Card purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®.
- Earn 2 points for every $1 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. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, NerdWallet may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Best travel cards for low-cost and no-FX travel value
BACK TO TOPThese cards are best for travellers who want travel rewards or travel savings without jumping straight to a premium annual fee. This section is also where no foreign transaction fees matter most.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoint for every $1 spent at eligible gas & electric vehicle charging stations.
Point for every $1 spent at eligible grocery stores.
Point for every $1 spent at eligible drug stores.
Point for every $1 spent on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre.
Point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThis no-fee baseline Aventura card is a solid starter travel rewards option with straightforward earn rates and categories. Best for: Budget-conscious travellers seeking a no-frills, no-annual-fee card.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- 12-month Skip+ free trial.
- Up to 10 cents off per litre at Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron stations.
Cons
- No travel insurance.
Card details
Card details- $0 annual fee.
- Get 500 Aventura Points within 60 days of your CIBC Aventura Visa card account approval by completing specific activities. Conditions apply. See more details on the issuer's website.
- Earn 1 point for every $1 spent at eligible gas stations, electric vehicle charging stations, grocery stores and drug stores, up to $6,000 annual spend.
- Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre.
- Earn 1 point for every $2 spent on all other purchases.
- Accelerate your savings with up to 10 cents off per litre on gas by linking your Journie Rewards account.
- Redeem Aventura Points to cover full airfare including taxes and fees.
- Visit the CIBC Rewards Centre to redeem your points for hotel stays, vacation packages, cruises, merchandise, gift cards and one-of-a-kind activities.
- Use your Aventura Points to help pay down your credit card balance or contribute them to select financial products.
- Earn 1 Aventura point for every $8.00 spent on a CIBC Global Money Transfer™.
- Card protections include fraud alerts, Visa’s Zero Liability Policy, and a Digital Disputes Platform.
- Insurance included: $100,000 Common Carrier Accident Insurance and Purchase Security and Extended Protection Insurance.
- Preferred rates: 21.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash transactions (21.99% in Quebec).
- $15,000 minimum annual household income required.
- The information for the CIBC Aventura® Visa* Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more.
Points for every $1 you spend on dining & food delivery. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
Points for every $1 you spend at other eligible grocery stores.
Points for every $1 you spend in Canada on eligible entertainment purchases. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
Points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas purchases.
Points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more.
Points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services.
Point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeA well-rounded rewards earner that stands out for its top-tier rates in popular categories, like groceries and entertainment spending. Its waived foreign exchange fees and travel insurance will appeal to travellers, but there’s no complimentary airport lounge access, just discounted membership to Priority Pass. Best for: Travellers and families who spend big on groceries, restaurants and commuting and want to collect Scene+ points.
Pros
- Generous rewards rates of up to 6x Scene+ points.
- No FX fees.
- Priority Pass airport lounge membership discount.
Cons
- No complimentary airport lounge access.
- Highest earn rate only applies to dollars spent at Sobeys and its subsidiary stores.
Card details
Card details- Earn up to $850 in welcome offers, first year rewards and savings value and up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points.¹
- Earn 6x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
- Earn 5x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
- Earn 5x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purchases. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
- Earn 3x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more
- Earn 3x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services
- Plus earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
- Earn additional benefits + up to 4X Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia.
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance coverage
- AMEX Offers®
- AMEX Front of the Line®
- American Express Invites®
- Complimentary Concierge Services
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of January 2, 2026. Subject to change.
- *See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.
Methodology
BACK TO TOPHow did we select credit cards for this roundup?
For this roundup, we focused on cards that deliver meaningful travel value in different ways, including flexible rewards, airline and hotel loyalty, premium travel perks, travel insurance, no foreign transaction fees, lounge access, checked-bag benefits and lower-cost ways to earn travel rewards.
Factors in our evaluation include:
Rewards earn rates.
Rewards structure.
Annual fee.
Welcome offer.
Redemption options.
Travel transfer options.
Airline or hotel loyalty value.
Travel insurance.
Airport lounge access.
No foreign transaction fees.
Companion vouchers or passes.
NEXUS rebates.
Card acceptance.
Suitability for specific travel goals.
How to choose a travel credit card in Canada
BACK TO TOPThe best travel card is not simply the one with the biggest welcome offer. It is the one that fits how you actually travel.
Before choosing a travel card, ask:
Do you want flexible rewards or loyalty-program rewards?
Do you travel often enough to use premium perks?
Do you usually book through one airline, hotel program or travel portal?
Do you spend enough to justify the annual fee?
Do foreign transaction fees matter for your travel habits?
Will you pay the balance in full every month?
No travel reward is worth paying credit card interest. If you usually carry a balance, a low-interest credit card may be a better fit than a travel rewards card.
What makes travel credit cards different?
Goal | What to look for |
|---|---|
Flexible travel rewards | Points you can redeem for different kinds of travel without committing to one airline or hotel program. |
Airline loyalty | Free checked bags, priority boarding, companion vouchers, lounge access or bonus earn with a specific airline. |
Hotel loyalty | Free night awards, hotel status, elite-night credits or higher earn rates at participating hotels. |
Premium travel perks | Lounge access, travel credits, hotel benefits, concierge service, stronger insurance or airport benefits. |
Lower-cost travel rewards | No-fee or lower-fee cards that earn travel rewards without requiring premium spending. |
No foreign transaction fees | Cards that waive the usual fee on purchases made in a foreign currency. |
Travel perks that can actually change the value of a card
Beyond points, a travel card’s perks can make a meaningful difference in whether it is worth the annual fee.
Compare cards for:
Airport lounge access.
Free checked bags.
Companion vouchers or companion passes.
NEXUS rebates.
Hotel status.
Free night awards.
Travel credits.
Priority airport services.
Car rental insurance.
Mobile device insurance.
Are premium travel cards worth it?
Premium travel cards can be worth it, but only when the perks are real for you.
Airport lounge access, hotel credits, travel insurance, concierge service, NEXUS rebates and priority airport benefits can help offset a high annual fee. But those perks are only valuable when you travel enough to use them.
A premium travel card may be worth it when you:
Travel several times a year.
Use airport lounges.
Value stronger travel insurance.
Can use annual credits or rebates.
Want airport or hotel perks that improve the trip itself.
Pay your balance in full every month.
A premium travel card may not be worth it when you:
Travel once a year or less.
Rarely use airports.
Do not care about lounges or hotel perks.
Would need to spend more to justify the fee.
Prefer simple cash back or no-fee rewards.
No foreign transaction fees: when they matter
Most Canadian credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee when you make purchases in another currency. That fee can add up when you travel internationally, shop online from foreign merchants or regularly pay for subscriptions priced outside Canada.
A card with no foreign transaction fees can be useful for people who:
Travel outside Canada.
Shop online in foreign currencies.
Spend heavily while abroad.
Want predictable savings instead of complicated travel rewards.
For some travellers, no foreign transaction fees may matter more than a higher earn rate.
Flexible travel rewards vs. airline loyalty
Flexible travel rewards are better for travellers who do not want to commit to one airline, hotel chain or booking strategy. These cards can be useful when your travel plans change, you do not always fly the same route or you want more than one way to redeem points.
Airline and hotel cards can be better when your loyalty is already clear. A co-branded airline card may offer checked bags, priority airport services, companion benefits or faster progress in that airline’s rewards program. A hotel card may offer free night awards, hotel status or higher earn rates at participating hotels.
The tradeoff is flexibility. A loyalty card can be powerful when you use the program often. It can feel limiting when you do not.
Common travel rewards programs in Canada
Program | Common travel value | Best for |
|---|---|---|
Scene+ | Travel through Scene+ Travel, statement credits and everyday redemptions. | Travellers who want flexible rewards and easy everyday value. |
American Express Membership Rewards | Travel redemptions, statement credits and transfers to select airline or hotel partners. | People who want flexible points with strong travel upside. |
RBC Avion | Travel redemptions and transfers to select airline partners. | Travellers who want Visa acceptance and flexible travel options. |
TD Rewards | Travel through Expedia for TD, eligible travel purchases and other redemptions. | Travellers who like portal-based booking. |
CIBC Aventura | Travel, merchandise, gift cards and other rewards. | CIBC customers who want travel rewards without airline loyalty. |
Aeroplan | Flights, Air Canada travel, partner redemptions and travel extras. | Air Canada travellers. |
WestJet Rewards | WestJet dollars, companion vouchers and WestJet travel benefits. | WestJet travellers. |
VIPorter | Porter flights, Porter perks and VIPorter points. | Porter travellers. |
British Airways Avios | British Airways and partner flight redemptions. | Avios collectors and British Airways travellers. |
United MileagePlus | United flights, Star Alliance partner flights and other travel redemptions. | United flyers. |
Asia Miles | Cathay Pacific and partner travel redemptions. | Cathay Pacific and Asia Miles users. |
Marriott Bonvoy | Hotel stays, free night awards and hotel status benefits. | Hotel rewards seekers. |
Frequently asked questions
How do I earn travel rewards?
Credit cards either earn flat-rate rewards, where cardholders earn a set number of points on every $1 spent, or tiered rewards, where accelerated earn rates may apply to dollars spent in specific spending categories, like groceries, gas or travel bookings. Travel cards may also offer bonus points on purchases made with program partners. For example, Aeroplan credit cards earn additional points on Air Canada purchases.
When it comes to bank rewards programs, your points may never expire as long as your credit card account is in good standing. Of course, your account would only fall out of good standing if it becomes delinquent or you use your credit card for fraudulent activity.
How do I calculate the value of my travel points?
The formula used to determine the value of one reward point is as follows:
Cash value of the redemption x 100 / number of points required = Cost per point.
Maximizing the value of your credit card rewards can be accomplished through strategic point earning and redemption.
Do travel rewards points ever expire?
Points from a number of major loyalty programs expire as a result of account inactivity within two years:
Aeroplan: 18 months.
Scene +: 24 months.
Marriott Bonvoy: 24 months.
If you earn or redeem points in this timeframe, the expiry countdown resets.
How do I redeem travel rewards?
Some credit card rewards programs only let you redeem points or miles through their rewards portals. Others allow point redemption for any eligible purchase you make with your credit card.
Dedicated rewards portals, where collectors can go to track earned points and make redemptions, are common. Some programs, like Aeroplan, have point redemption options built directly into their travel portals, so cardholders can search for flights, accommodations or car rentals and opt to pay with cash, points or a combination of both.
Are there different travel reward redemption models?
There are two popular redemption models that travel credit cardholders are likely to encounter. Consistent point systems have rewards that hold a constant value, regardless of season or travel destination. Fluctuating point models have rewards with values that shift in response to consumer demand. For example, it may require more points for an airfare redemption during peak season as opposed to off-season bookings.
How do I apply for a travel credit card?
Before you apply for a travel card, review its eligibility criteria, including any applicable annual income requirements, to ensure you qualify. To apply for a credit card, visit the provider’s website or mobile app to access its online application. Or, if the card provider offers in-person facilities, you can visit a branch during business hours to fill out an application.
JUMP TO:
Not sure if a travel card is right for you?
If you’re still deciding which type of credit card best fits your needs, you may want to compare options across categories in our guide to the best credit cards in Canada.
DIVE EVEN DEEPER
Shannon Terrell