Best Credit Cards in Canada With Airport Lounge Access
Airport lounge access can sound like a straightforward perk, but the right card depends on more than just how many visits it offers.
Some cards are built for frequent travellers who want lounge access to be part of nearly every trip. Others are better for people who only travel a few times a year, mostly fly one airline or simply want lounge access included as a useful extra. A card can look generous on paper and still be a poor fit if the lounges are not where you fly, the visits run out too quickly or the benefit is tied to travel habits you do not actually have.
That is why the best airport lounge card is not always the one with the most impressive perk. It is the one that fits how you actually travel — including which airport you use most, which airline you usually fly, how often you travel and whether you typically travel alone or with someone else.
Compare the best lounge-access credit cards at a glance
These cards stand out for different kinds of travellers, from frequent flyers who want premium lounge access on a regular basis to occasional travellers who only want a few visits a year or access when they need it.
If you want | Consider these cards | What to compare |
|---|---|---|
The Platinum Card from American Express Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card | Broadest access vs more practical premium value | |
American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card | Pure Maple Leaf access vs Maple Leaf plus general visits | |
American Express Gold Rewards Card CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard | Network, fee and how often you really travel | |
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card | Fee, overall travel value and bank fit | |
National Bank World Elite Mastercard Desjardins Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege | Which local lounge perk is more useful | |
Tangerine Money-Back World Mastercard | Whether you want access only when needed |
Want premium lounge access with meaningful value?
The Platinum Card from American Express
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Points on eligible dining and food delivery purchases in Canada.
Points on eligible travel purchases.
Points on all other purchases.
As 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.
- Unlock special experiences with the Platinum Card®.
- Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points - that’s up to $1,000 towards a weekend away
- New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn 70,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $10,000 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
- Plus, earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase between 15 and 17 months of Cardmembership
- 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.
Lounge access: Access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries through the American Express Global Lounge Collection. Some Canadian Platinum lounge benefits are scheduled to change in 2027.
Choose if: You want the broadest premium lounge access overall and travel often enough to justify a premium annual fee, even with some Canadian Platinum lounge-access changes coming in 2027.
Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card
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Points for every $1 you spend on all your eligible purchases.
Scotiabank’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.
- 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.
Lounge access: 10 annual visits through Priority Pass and Plaza Premium.
Choose if: You want strong lounge access and airport perks at a lower fee than ultra-premium cards.
Mostly fly Air Canada?
American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
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Points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations.
Points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada.
Points on on everything else.
This top-shelf Aeroplan card offers 3x points on purchases made with Air Canada — the highest Aeroplan earn rate on the market. Comprehensive insurance coverage, annual companion passes and priority airport services add to the luxe factor, but the hefty $599 annual fee may be more than some cardholders are willing to spend. Best for: Air Canada enthusiasts who want to maximize their Aeroplan point accumulation.
Pros
- Up to 3x points on eligible dollars spent.
- Free Maple Leaf Lounge access, plus a complimentary Priority Pass membership.
- Free checked bags.
- Priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling.
Cons
- Steep $599 annual fee.
- Priority airport services only apply to Air Canada itineraries.
- Pay-per use rates apply to Priority Pass lounges.
- New American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Cardmembers can earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points.
- Earn 60,000 Aeroplan points after spending $7,500 in purchases on your Card within the first 3 months.
- Plus, earn an additional 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $2,500 in purchases in month 13
- You could earn up to $4,400 in value within your first 13 months. When you combine the Welcome Bonus offer of up to $1,700 in value, your earn potential in accelerated and everyday spend earn rate categories with approximately $1,760 in value, and the $1,000 in value you get from exceptional benefits, you can earn up to $4,400 or more in value within your first 13 months. Terms and usage assumptions apply.
- Cardmembers can now get an extra night free for every 3 hotel nights redeemed with Aeroplan points. Enjoy even more at over 300,000 hotel properties worldwide
- 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
- Highest Air Canada earn rate on an Aeroplan payment card in Canada: 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 and 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.
- Get a 10% Head Start. Starting in 2027, eligible Basic Cardmembers with Aeroplan Elite™* Status will receive a 10% head start toward qualification, based on Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) accumulated the year before. Roll over any unallocated unused eUpgrade Credits to the following year to enjoy during your travels
- 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.
- Amex 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
- Insurance Coverage: whether you’re shopping nearby or travelling abroad, you can feel confident knowing you can be taken care of.
- American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card is made from precision cut and engraved 13g metal – it’s the perfect companion on your next exceptional journey
- 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.
Lounge access: Unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access in Canada and the U.S.
Choose if: Your travel is built around Air Canada, and Maple Leaf Lounge access is the benefit you care about most.
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card
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Points† 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.
This 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.
- Priority airport services.
- Annual $99 companion pass.
Cons
- Steep $599 annual fee.
- High $150,000 minimum income requirement.
- 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, primary 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.
Lounge access: Unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access plus six annual visits through Visa Airport Companion.
Choose if: You want your card to work well on Air Canada trips, but still want a separate pool of lounge visits for travel on other airlines.
Only need a few visits a year?
American Express Gold Rewards Card
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Points on eligible travel purchases.
Points on eligible purchases at gas stations in Canada.
on eligible purchases at grocery stores in Canada.
on eligible purchases at drugstores in Canada.
Point on purchases everywhere else.
This flexible, mid-tier travel card is outfitted in an eye-catching stainless steel, typically reserved for premium cards with $500+ annual fees. The Amex Gold Rewards boasts broad rewards earning categories for eligible dollars spent on travel, gas, groceries and drugstore purchases. Perks like a $100 annual travel credit and airport lounge access add tangible value but only help offset the $250 annual fee if they’re put to use. Best for: Travellers seeking occasional lounge access and flexible, everyday rewards.
Pros
- Four complimentary Plaza Premium lounge visits annually.
- $50 NEXUS statement credit.
- Comprehensive travel coverage.
Cons
- Limited airport lounge passes.
- Earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points:
- New American Express® Gold Rewards Cardmembers, earn 5,000 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $1,000 in net purchases on your Card.
- Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases for eligible travel purchases, including flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more.
- Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases at eligible gas stations, grocery stores and drugstores in Canada, and 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else.
- The Card is now available in your choice of Gold or Rose Gold metal options.
- Receive a $50 CAD statement credit when a NEXUS application or renewal fee is charged to your American Express Gold Rewards Card.
- You have access to an annual $100 CAD Travel Credit, compliments of your American Express Gold Rewards Card. Use the credit once annually towards any single travel booking of $100 or more charged to your Gold Rewards Card through American Express Travel Online.
- As a Gold Rewards Cardmember, you can receive complimentary membership in Priority PassTM – one of the world’s largest independent airport lounge programs. Escape the chaos of airports and relax in an oasis of calm and simply enjoy the fact that the travel experience has begun before your plane has even left the ground. Enrollment is required and entry fees apply.
- Enjoy four (4) complimentary visits per Calendar year to Plaza Premium Lounges across Canada. Entry fees apply once complimentary visits have been used.
- Charge any eligible purchase to your credit Card then log in to redeem your earned points for a statement credit.
- Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs.
- 1 Free Additional Gold Rewards Card (a $50 value) to help you earn points faster.
- Subject to approval. The preferred rate for purchases is 21.99% and funds advances is 21.99%. If you have Missed Payments, the applicable rates for your account will be 25.99% and/or 29.99%. See the information box included with the application for the definition of Missed Payment and which rates apply to charges on your account and other details
- American Express is not responsible for maintaining of monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information click the Apply now link. Conditions apply.
- 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.
Lounge access: Four annual Plaza Premium lounge visits.
Choose if: You want a well-rounded travel rewards card with a modest lounge perk and do not need the broadest network or the biggest benefit.
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card
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Points 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.†
The 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.
- 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.
Lounge access: Four annual visits through Visa Airport Companion.
Choose if: You want a mid-tier travel card with a small annual lounge perk and are already in the CIBC ecosystem.
BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard
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Points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases.
Points for every $1 spent on eligible dining purchases.
points for every $1 spent on eligible entertainment purchases.
Points for every $1 spent on eligible recurring bill payments.
Point for every $1 spent everywhere else.*
This card offers a healthy return on travel spending, complimentary airport lounge access and robust travel insurance for added peace of mind. But high annual income criteria will put it out of reach for some. Best for: Higher-income earners seeking competitive rewards on travel dollars spent.
Pros
- Up to 5x points per eligible dollar spent.
- Four free airport lounge visits annually.
Cons
- High $80,000 individual or $150,000 household annual income criteria.
- Get up to $1,600 in value including up to 100,000 points, Mastercard Travel Pass & 4 Complimentary Lounge Passes, NEXUS Statement Credit and the annual fee waived in the first year for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.¹ Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on Balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% transfer fee.∆∆∆
- 5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases,* 3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments,* 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else.*
- Now get the highest rewards points for travel of any premium flexible travel card in Canada!†
- Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass,* with four annual complimentary passes.
- Access over 1 million Wi-Fi hotspots around the world - all at no added cost, and no added fees or roaming charges.*
- Get valuable benefits and offers for digital everyday services from a variety of on-demand apps and subscription services.
- Points you can use to cover all flight charges & taxes.*
- Fly on any airline, with no blackout dates.*
- Best-in-class travel and medical insurance (unlimited trips per year).*
- BMO Concierge Service.*
- Unlock Mastercard Travel Rewards cashback offers when you travel and shop outside of Canada.
- 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.
Lounge access: Four annual visits through Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass.
Choose if: You want a Mastercard travel card with a few annual lounge visits and stronger everyday value than a lounge-only decision would suggest.
Want lounge visits as part of a broader travel card?
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card
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Points 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.
A 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.
- 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.
Lounge access: Six annual visits through Visa Airport Companion.
Choose if: You want a strong everyday travel card with no foreign transaction fee and lounge visits as a useful extra, not the entire reason for carrying the card.
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege
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Points for every $1 you spend.
High-end perks like airport lounge access, security fast track lanes, ski passes and flexible rewards, make the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege a solid choice for travellers looking for a little extra.
Pros
- Six complimentary airport lounge passes per year.
- Rental car discounts.
- Airport security fast track lanes.
- Book rewards travel on any airline, at any time.
Cons
- High annual fee.
- Low earn rate.
- Get up to 70,000 Avion points* (a travel value of up to $1,500†): 35,000 Avion Points on approval*, 20,000 bonus points when you spend $5,000 in your first 6 months*, 15,000 one-time anniversary bonus points after 12 months of account opening*.
- 70,000 Avion points* is enough for two roundtrip tickets to almost anywhere in Canada & the US (Alaska and Hawaii require more points). Taxes and fees extra.†
- Earn 1.25 Avion points for every dollar you spend.
- Minimum personal income of $200,000 required to apply.
- Enjoy VIP travel benefits including Visa Airport Companion (that’s six lounge visits per membership year for every enrolled cardholder on your account!),² Plus, fast track security and other benefits at select airports¹,²
- Book flights on any airline, on any flight, at any time³. You can also use your points to redeem for vacation packages, hotels, cruises and tours³.
- Pick any seat you want from 500+ airlines - with no seat restrictions or blackout periods, even during peak seasons.
- Access more of the world with your 24/7 Visa Infinite Privilege Concierge¹¹
- Avion Infinite Privilege card holders have access to book business or first class at a rate of 100 points for $2³
- 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 Avioner.
- Eligible Avion Rewards members can also convert points to other loyalty programs including WestJet dollars and British Airways Avios.
- 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
- Link your RBC 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
- Get $0 delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash¹⁸ – Add your credit card to your DoorDash account and get a free 12-month DashPass subscription¹⁸.
- Get access to RBC offers which provides access to earn points faster at specified brands
- Avioners get access to luxury Visa Infinite benefits including first in line for exclusive events, and hotel and dining benefits.
- Flexibility to book flights last-minute: up to 24hrs before
Lounge access: Six annual visits through Visa Airport Companion.
Choose if: You already use RBC and want flexible travel rewards with lounge visits included, rather than a card built around lounge access alone.
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card
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Points on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre.
Points on eligible dining.
Points on eligible gas & electric vehicle charging.
Points on eligible groceries.
Points on everything else.
A metal credit card equipped with all the bells and whistles of a high-end travel companion: accelerated points on travel spending, airport lounge access and an annual travel credit. The trade-offs are what you'd expect at this tier: six-figure annual income eligibility criteria and a sizable annual fee. Best for: Cardholders who spend big on travel and want a card that unlocks luxurious experiences to match.
Pros
- Six complimentary airport lounge visits annually.
- $200 annual travel credit.
- Two NEXUS application fee rebates every four years.
Cons
- Steep $499 annual fee.
- High annual income requirement of $150,000 per individual or $200,000 per household.
- Earn 25,000 Aventura Points when you spend $3,000 or more in the first 4 monthly statement periods. Earn 25,000 Aventura Points when you spend $6,000 or more in the first 4 monthly statement periods. Earn 30,000 Aventura Points as an additional anniversary bonus.
- Receive 6 complimentary visits at 1,200+ lounges globally through Visa Airport Companion Program: over $340 value.
- Get a $200 annual Travel Credit. Plus, get 2 NEXUS™ Application Fee rebates: a $134 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, electric vehicle charging, 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).
- The information for the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Lounge access: Six annual visits through Visa Airport Companion.
Choose if: You already bank with CIBC and want a premium travel card with lounge visits as part of the package, not the main reason to carry it.
Mostly travel through Montréal-Trudeau?
National Bank World Elite Mastercard
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Points per dollar in eligible grocery purchases.*
Points per dollar in eligible restaurant purchases.*
Points per dollar in eligible gas purchases.
Points per dollar in eligible electric vehicle charging purchases.
Points per dollar in eligible recurring bill payments.
Points per dollar in eligible À la carte travel purchases.*
Point per 1 dollar in other purchases.
Get up to 5x points per $1 spent on everyday expenses, expansive travel insurance and the freedom to redeem points in unique ways, like paying your mortgage or investing. Plus, get unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at the Montreal Airport. But the minimum income requirements and $150 annual fee may exclude some users. Best for: Montreal travellers who want a flexible rewards program.
Pros
- Annual $150 travel credit.
- Unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at the Montreal Airport.
- Comprehensive travel insurance.
Cons
- Steep $80,000 minimum income requirement.
- 5x earn rate capped at $2,500 per month.
- Earn up to 40,000 Points – Earn 10,000 points when you make $2,500 in purchases in the first three months. Earn 15,000 points when you make $6,500 in purchases in the first 12 months. Earn 5,000 points when you enroll in payment insurance for at least the first three months. Offer ends on August 15, 2024.
- Earn up to 5 points per dollar in eligible grocery and restaurant purchases*
- Earn 2 points per dollar on gas and electric vehicle charging, recurring bill payments, and à la carte travel.
- Earn 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
- 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.
Lounge access: Unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at Montréal-Trudeau.
Choose if: YUL is your home airport and you travel often enough to get real value from unlimited local lounge access.
Desjardins Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege
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Cash back on restaurants.
Cash back on entertainment.
Cash back on alternative transportation.
Cash back on groceries.
Cash back on travel.
Cash back on everything else.
Not only does this low-interest card feature accelerated rates on daily spending, but it also comes with impressive insurance coverage and car rental discounts of up to 25% at Hertz, Thrifty and Dollar. Not everyone will be able to meet its lofty annual income criteria, though, and annual fees are higher for non-Desjardins members. Best for: High-income Desjardins members in the market for a low-interest card that earns on everyday spending.
Pros
- Low 11.9% purchase interest rate.
- Robust travel insurance.
- 12 complimentary passes to Desjardins Odyssey Lounges at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport annually.
Cons
- High annual fee of $295-$395.
- Steep $150,000 individual or $200,000 household annual income requirement.
- 4% in BONUSDOLLARS per dollar spent on restaurants, entertainment and alternative transportation.
- 3% in BONUSDOLLARS per dollar spent on groceries and travel.
- 1.75% in BONUSDOLLARS per dollar spent on everything else.
- Redeem BONUSDOLLARS for statement credits, financial products and services, charity, rewards, gift cards, purchases, and travel.
- 1 BONUSDOLLAR earned = $1 you can redeem. BONUSDOLLARs do not expire.
- $295 annual fee for Desjardins members, $395 annual fee for non-members.
- Airport lounge access through a complimentary Priority Pass membership, plus 6 free visits per year. 12 visits per year to the Desjardin Odyssey Lounge in the Montreal-Trudeau International Airport.
- Visa Infinite Privilege benefits including Visa Infinite Privilege Concierge, Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection, Visa Infinite Dining Series, and Entertainment & Lifestyle Offers.
- Up to 25% off Hertz car rentals and up to 10% off Thrifty or Dollar rentals.
- Access to Accord D financing up to $5,000 a day cash advances at a rate of 9.9%.
- 12 types of insurance provided, including 60-day travel medical benefits — up to $5,000,000 in coverage per person under age 59. 31-day coverage is available for ages 60-64. 15-day coverage is available for ages 65-75.
- Preferred rates: 9.9% for purchases and cash advances.
- To be eligible, $150,000 (individual) or $200,000 (household) annual income, or assets under management of $400,000 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.
Lounge access: 12 annual visits to the Desjardins Odyssey Lounge at Montréal-Trudeau.
Choose if: YUL is your home airport and you want strong local lounge access without giving up broader premium travel perks
Want pay-per-visit access?
Tangerine Money-Back World Mastercard
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Cash back in two 2% categories of your choice.
Cash back on all your other everyday purchases.
You can earn unlimited 2% cash back in up to three categories of your choice, making it one of the more flexible cash-back programs in Canada. The card comes with more perks than the Money-Back version — mobile phone and rental car coverage, as well as discounted airport lounge access and a complimentary data roaming plan with Flexiroam. But the $50,000 minimum income requirements may be restrictive for some users. Best for: Travellers who spend big in unique categories and want a flexible cash-back program.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- Choose the 2% cash-back categories based on your spending.
- Mobile phone and rental car insurance.
Cons
- Must have a Tangerine savings account to unlock 3rd cash-back category.
- Get $100 with a Money-Back World Mastercard®* Spend $1,500 in your first 3 months to enjoy this Bonus. It’s the no annual fee Credit Card with the most cash back categories to choose from ††. Offer Expires September 30, 2026.
- Two Categories – 2% Money-Back Rewards on purchases in two categories of your choice. OR Three categories Deposit your Rewards into a Tangerine Savings Account and get a third 2% Money-Back category. 13 Categories to explore – Groceries, gas, and beyond, choose from 13 categories to suit your spending. And change them up every 90 days to match your purchases.◊
- 0.5% on everything else.
- With Mastercard Travel Rewards, you can unlock cashback offers and get a rebate applied directly to your statement, by using your Tangerine® Money-Back World Mastercard®* at select merchants that accept Mastercard while travelling outside of Canada.
- Save on the things you love with your Tangerine® Money-Back World Mastercard®*. Enjoy special benefits and offers from a growing lineup of on-demand apps and subscription services made available to you as a Tangerine® Money-Back World Mastercard®* cardholder.
- Make the most of your travel with Mastercard® Travel Pass Provided by DragonPass. Your complimentary membership gives you exclusive dining, retail and spa offers in over 650 airports worldwide, along with access to over 1,300 airport lounges at $32 USD per visit. Learn more at Mastercard® Travel Pass.
- Rental Car Collision/Loss Damage Insurance**: Damage and theft protection for your car rental when you rent for up to 31 consecutive days and charge the full cost of your rental to your Card.
- Mobile Device Insurance**: Protection on new cell phones, smartphones or tablets when you charge the full cost to your Card, or when you purchase it through a plan and charge all of your wireless bill payments to your Card. Covers up to $1,000 if your mobile device is lost, stolen, accidentally damaged or experiences mechanical failure.
- Preferred rates: 20.95% for purchases, 22.95% for cash advances (including balance transfers).
- To be eligible, a $50,000 (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.
Lounge access: Pay-per-visit access through Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass.
Choose if: You travel occasionally and want lounge access available when you need it, without paying an annual fee mainly to support a benefit you may barely use.
Summary of all selected cards
| Card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Interest rates | Rewards rate | Apply Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | APPLY NOW on American Express' website | ||||
 APPLY NOW on American Express' website | 5.0/5 | $799 | Varies | 1x-2x Points | |
| Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card | APPLY NOW on Scotiabank's website | ||||
 APPLY NOW on Scotiabank's website | 5.0/5 | $399 | 9.99% | 2x Points | |
| American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card | APPLY NOW on American Express' website | ||||
 APPLY NOW on American Express' website | 5.0/5 | $599 | 21.99%/21.99% | 1.25x-3x Points | |
| TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card | APPLY NOW on TD's website | ||||
 APPLY NOW on TD's website | 4.8/5 | $599 | 21.99%/22.99% | 1.25x-2x Points | |
| American Express® Gold Rewards Card | APPLY NOW on American Express' website | ||||
 APPLY NOW on American Express' website | 4.6/5 | $250 | 21.99%/21.99% | 1x-2x Points | |
Methodology
BACK TO TOPHow did we choose the best credit cards with airport lounge access?
For this roundup, we focused on cards that offer a meaningful airport lounge benefit for Canadian travellers. Our evaluation emphasized:
the type of lounge access offered, including airline-specific access, annual complimentary visits and broader multi-network access
how usable that access is in practice, including visit limits, flexibility and whether the benefit fits common travel patterns
the card’s value beyond lounge access, including insurance and other travel perks
the annual fee relative to the strength of the lounge benefit
how well each card fits a specific type of traveller, such as a frequent flyer, an Air Canada loyalist or someone who only travels occasionally.
Guide to credit cards with airport lounge access
The right airport lounge card is not the one with the most impressive network. It is the one that gives you access you can actually use.
For most travellers, that comes down to a few practical questions: Which airport do you use most? Which airline do you usually fly? How often do you travel? And do you usually travel alone or with someone else?
Lounge network
Lounge access is only valuable if the network matches the airports and terminals you actually use.
A card can offer six or 10 annual visits and still disappoint if there are no participating lounges where you tend to fly. The lounge network determines where you may be able to get in. Your card’s terms determine how often you can use that access and whether those visits are complimentary.
For Canadian travellers, lounge-access cards usually fall into three main program types:
Visa Airport Companion Program.
American Express Global Lounge Collection.
Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass.
Lounge access type | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
Visa Airport Companion Program | Travellers with eligible Visa cards. | Eligible cardholders can access lounges through the Visa Airport Companion app. Complimentary visits, if any, depend on the card. |
American Express Global Lounge Collection | Travellers with eligible American Express cards. | This collection includes more than 1,400 lounges across 140 countries and covers several lounge types under one umbrella, including Centurion, Plaza Premium and Priority Pass lounges. |
Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass | Travellers with eligible Mastercards. | This is a DragonPass-run program for eligible cardholders. Included visits, if any, depend on the issuer and the specific card. |
Some cards also stand out for direct access to a specific lounge brand. That can matter if you care less about overall network size and more about getting into a lounge you already know you like, such as a Centurion Lounge or Plaza Premium location.
There is also airline-specific access, which matters most for travellers who tend to fly the same carrier over and over. For Canadians, that usually means Air Canada.
Maple Leaf Lounge access is not as flexible as a broad multi-network program, but it can be the better fit if you regularly fly Air Canada and want your airport perks to work the same way every trip. Air Canada offers Maple Leaf Lounge access through several paths, including elite status, club memberships, eligible premium Aeroplan credit cards and one-time guest passes tied to some Aeroplan cards.
The network determines which lounges may be available to you. Your card’s rules determine how often you can actually use them.
Guest access
Guest policies vary more than many travellers expect, and they are worth checking before you apply.
Some cards let the primary cardholder or supplementary cardholders bring a guest at no extra charge. Others charge per guest, and those fees can make the lounge perk feel a lot less generous in practice.
If you usually travel with a partner, children or family members, guest rules can matter almost as much as the lounge benefit itself.
Lounge access isn't always as valuable as it sounds
Lounge access is one of those perks that can sound more luxurious than it feels in real life.
Some travellers genuinely love it: a quieter place to sit, a snack before boarding, a drink, a cleaner washroom or a fallback during a delay. For others, overcrowding, waitlists, guest restrictions or mediocre food make the experience less valuable than expected.
It helps to think of lounge access as a travel convenience, not a guaranteed luxury.
Access is also typically subject to capacity limits, so entry may be denied when a lounge is full. That makes it worth checking recent reviews of the lounges at your home airport before giving this perk too much weight in a card decision.
How to use your lounge access
Most credit card lounge programs require enrolment before your first visit.
For Visa Airport Companion and Mastercard Travel Pass, you’ll usually need to register your eligible card first and then use your digital membership credentials to access participating lounges.
For American Express lounge access, the process depends on the lounge. Eligible cardmembers generally need their card and a same-day boarding pass, and Priority Pass access within the Amex ecosystem requires separate enrolment.
Maple Leaf Lounge access through an Aeroplan credit card generally requires the benefit to be linked to your Aeroplan profile, and one-time guest passes are deposited into the Aeroplan account of eligible cardholders.
On the day of travel, entry usually requires your digital membership or eligible card, along with a same-day boarding pass for a departing flight. Access is always subject to available capacity, so arriving earlier can reduce the risk of being turned away when a lounge is full.
» CHECK OUT: Popular loyalty programs for Canadians who love to travel
Frequently asked questions
How do I enrol in Visa Airport Companion or Mastercard Travel Pass?
Download the Visa Airport Companion or Mastercard Travel Pass app, create an account and register your eligible card. Enrolment is free. Once your card is registered, you can use your digital membership credentials to access participating lounges.
What should I do if I'm denied entry to a lounge?
Ask the lounge agent which program your card uses and confirm that you have registered correctly. If you have already used up your annual visits, you may still be able to pay for entry directly. If the lounge is full, there is usually no override, so it may be worth checking whether another eligible lounge is available at the same airport.
Does lounge access apply to connecting flights?
It depends on the card and the lounge program. Many credit card lounge benefits apply to departing flights, which means you will need a same-day boarding pass for an outbound flight. Some programs also allow access during connections, but it is worth checking your card’s terms before assuming that applies.
How does guest access typically work?
Guest policies vary by card. Some include guest access as an ongoing perk, while others charge a fee for each guest. In most cases, the guest must be travelling on the same flight and cannot enter without the eligible cardholder present. It is worth checking your card’s terms rather than assuming guest access is included.
Is a lounge-access card worth it if I only travel once or twice a year?
Sometimes, but not always. If you travel infrequently, a high annual fee can be hard to justify unless the card’s other travel perks are also a good fit. For occasional travellers, a card with a few annual visits or pay-per-visit access is often the better value.
DIVE EVEN DEEPER
Shannon Terrell
Shannon Terrell
Shannon Terrell
