Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada for May 2026
Travel credit cards do not all solve the same problem. Some are built to earn flexible rewards for future trips. Some work best when you are loyal to one airline or hotel program. Others are less about points than about making travel smoother right now through lounge access, insurance, checked bags or no foreign transaction fees.
That is what makes this category harder than it first appears. The best travel card is not just the one with the biggest welcome offer or the flashiest perk. It is the one that fits the kind of traveller you already are — or the kind of travel friction you most want to remove.
Compare the best travel cards at a glance
BACK TO TOPThese are our picks for readers who already know they want a travel-focused card and need to decide what kind of travel value fits best.
Best for | Card |
|---|---|
Flexible travel rewards | Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card |
First travel points card | American Express Cobalt Card |
Premium Air Canada loyalty | TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card |
Low-fee travel rewards | CIBC Aventura Visa Card |
Premium travel perks | The Platinum Card from American Express |
Airport perks under $400 | Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card |
No foreign transaction fees | Scotiabank Gold American Express Card |
WestJet loyalty | WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard |
Hotel perks | American Express Marriott Bonvoy Card |
Best travel cards for different kinds of travellers
BACK TO TOPScotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card — Best flexible travel rewards 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.
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is our pick for readers who want useful travel value without committing to one airline or hotel program. No foreign transaction fees, lounge visits, solid insurance and broad Visa acceptance make it one of the easier travel cards to use well.
That is what makes the Passport feel flexible in a practical way. You do not need to learn transfer partners or build your strategy around one loyalty program before the card starts paying off. The $150 annual fee is also easier to justify than it first appears, especially if you will use the no-FX feature and lounge visits even a few times a year.
Readers who fly Air Canada often enough to get real value from airline-specific perks may be better served by the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card — or, for a more premium Air Canada travel experience, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card. But for broad, lower-friction travel value, the Passport is the stronger fit.
American Express Cobalt Card — Best first travel points card
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Points 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.
A 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.
- 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.
The American Express Cobalt Card is our pick for readers who want to start earning travel points before they have settled on one specific travel strategy. Its biggest strength is how quickly it can turn everyday spending, especially groceries and dining, into a strong stream of points.
That makes it a natural starting point. Membership Rewards points can later be transferred to programs like Aeroplan, British Airways Avios and Marriott Bonvoy, which gives readers flexibility now and more options later. The tradeoff is usability: American Express is still not accepted everywhere, so it is not the simplest one-card setup.
Readers who would rather have immediate travel perks than transferable points may find the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card easier to use. But for building travel rewards quickly through everyday spending, the Cobalt remains one of the strongest entry points in Canada.
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card — Best premium Aeroplan 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.
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card is our pick for readers who want premium Air Canada perks tied directly to Aeroplan. Its value comes less from being an entry point and more from what it can do for frequent Air Canada travellers: Maple Leaf Lounge access, a free first checked bag for the cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation, six annual Visa Airport Companion lounge visits and priority airport services.
The annual fee is high, so this is not the right fit for someone who just wants a lower-fee way into Aeroplan. Readers who want Aeroplan earning with a more manageable annual fee may be better served by the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card or the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card. But for readers who want a more premium Air Canada travel experience, the Privilege card makes the stronger case.
CIBC Aventura Visa Card — Best low-fee card for travel rewards
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Point 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.
This 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.
- $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.
The CIBC Aventura Visa Card is our pick for readers who want a lower-cost way to start earning travel rewards. It is best understood as a starting point, not a full travel-perks card: useful for building travel points without a high annual fee, but weaker than stronger mid-tier options on perks, insurance and rewards power. That makes it a reasonable fit for readers who care more about keeping costs down than maximizing travel benefits right away.
Those who care more about avoiding foreign transaction fees than earning travel rewards may find the Home Trust Preferred Visa more practical, while readers who want richer perks or faster rewards accumulation will usually find better value by moving up to a stronger mid-tier card.
The Platinum Card from American Express — Best premium travel card
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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.
The Platinum Card from American Express is our pick for readers whose travel habits are substantial enough to justify a premium-fee card. Its value comes from pulling a long list of premium benefits into one place, including lounge access, hotel status, travel credits, dining credits and strong insurance.
The $799 annual fee is high enough that this card only works when the benefits are real, not aspirational. For frequent travellers who will actually use the credits, the lounge access and the hotel perks, the package can be genuinely valuable.
Readers who want premium travel benefits tied more closely to Air Canada may be better matched with the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card, but for the best broad premium travel setup, the Amex Platinum is still the stronger pick.
Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card — Best airport perks under $400
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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.
The Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card is our pick for readers who want lounge access to be a regular part of how they travel, but do not want to pay Amex Platinum-level pricing to get it. Its biggest advantage is the combination of unlimited Priority Pass lounge access for the cardholder and one guest, no foreign transaction fees, strong travel insurance and a relatively unusual low-interest feature for a travel card.
That mix gives it a more practical kind of premium travel value: stronger airport perks than most cards below the ultra-premium tier, without requiring Amex Platinum-level commitment.
Travellers who only need a handful of lounge visits each year may find the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card easier to justify at a lower fee, while those who want the broadest premium lounge access overall may still be better matched with The Platinum Card from American Express.
WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard — Best for WestJet loyalty
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Points 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.
Free 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.
- Get up to 45,000 WestJet points¹: 25,000 welcome WestJet points upon your first purchase and an additional 20,000 WestJet points when you spend a minimum of $5,000 in the first 3 months.
- 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.
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard is our pick for readers who already know they want to get more value from flying WestJet. Its strongest features are the annual companion voucher, the free first checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to eight additional guests on the same reservation, and the ability to keep earning within the WestJet ecosystem.
The card is most compelling for travellers who regularly book WestJet and can make use of its boosted earning categories between trips. The tradeoff is concentration: this is not the right card for someone who wants broad flexibility across multiple airlines. Readers who are not committed to WestJet will usually be better served by a more flexible card like the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card or the American Express Cobalt Card, but for WestJet loyalty, this is the clearest fit.
American Express Marriott Bonvoy Card — Best for hotel perks
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Points for every dollar in eligible Card purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®.
Points for every $1 in all other Card purchases.*
The 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.
- 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.
The American Express Marriott Bonvoy Card is our pick for readers who want a travel card with meaningful hotel-specific value. It earns this slot because Marriott’s footprint is large enough to make a hotel card feel genuinely useful, not overly niche.
The annual free night award can easily outweigh the $120 annual fee for someone who stays at Marriott-family hotels at least once a year. Add automatic Silver Elite status and annual elite night credits, and the card becomes a simple way to get more value from Marriott stays.
Readers already considering a premium-fee card may get more from the Platinum Card from American Express, which includes Marriott Bonvoy Gold and Hilton Honors Gold status, but for a lower-fee hotel card, this is the stronger fit.
Scotiabank Gold American Express Card — Best no foreign transaction fee travel card
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Points 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.
A 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.
- 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.
The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is our pick for readers who want to avoid foreign transaction fees without giving up strong everyday rewards. Its main appeal is that it pairs no foreign transaction fees with one of the stronger earn structures at this fee level, especially for grocery and dining spending.
That combination makes the $120 annual fee easier to justify than it may first appear. The tradeoff is acceptance: American Express is not accepted everywhere, so it is not the best fit for travellers who want the broadest possible merchant coverage abroad. Readers who want no foreign transaction fees plus broader acceptance and stronger travel perks may prefer the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, but for no-FX value paired with everyday rewards, the Gold makes the stronger case.
More travel cards worth considering
BACK TO TOPRBC Avion Visa Infinite — A strong Visa for flexible travel points
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Points on eligible travel-related purchases
Points on everything else.
The 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.
- Get up to 55,000 Avion points¹ (max travel value of $1,100†), that’s up to 3 round trip flights^. Get 35,000 Welcome Points on approval and 20,000 bonus points when you spend $5,000 in your first 6 months¹. Apply by June 15, 2026.
- Earn 1 Avion point for every dollar you spend* and an extra 25% on eligible travel purchases.
- Avion Visa Infinite Cardholders can book flights with points on any airline, on any flight, at any time, early or last minute, with no blackout periods or restrictions.
- 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 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 access to RBC offers which provides access to earn points faster at specified brands.
- Extensive insurance 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.
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite is a good fit for readers who want a Visa travel card with airline-transfer flexibility. Its biggest advantage is access to partners like British Airways Avios without requiring commitment to Aeroplan or an American Express setup.
It is not the strongest card for maximizing everyday earn. It makes more sense for readers who want a widely accepted Visa with more flexibility than a single-airline card.
TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card — A smart travel card for Expedia for TD portal bookings
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Points 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†.
Avid 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.
- Earn up to $1,400 in value†, including up to 165,000 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 145,000 TD Rewards Points when you spend $7,500 within 180 days of Account opening†.
- 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.
- 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.
The TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card is best for readers who regularly book through Expedia for TD, where its earning structure is strongest. For travellers who already prefer a single booking portal, that can be a simple way to build points quickly.
The tradeoff is flexibility. TD Rewards are most useful inside the Expedia for TD ecosystem, so this card is a better fit for portal users than for readers who want airline transfers or broader redemption options.
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card — A useful travel card with NEXUS rebates
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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.
The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card is a reasonable fit for travellers who value NEXUS rebates, a few lounge visits and a mid-tier card with practical airport perks. For cross-border travellers, the NEXUS credit can be a meaningful differentiator.
Its broader rewards value is less compelling than some of the page’s main picks. This is not the strongest option for flexible travel rewards or airline loyalty, but it can make sense for readers who care about cross-border convenience and occasional lounge access more than optimization.
BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard — A World Elite option for Porter loyalty
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Points 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.*
This 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.
- 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.
The BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard is best for readers who regularly fly Porter and want to earn more value within that ecosystem. The 5x earn on Porter purchases helps build points and status quickly, while category earn on dining and groceries adds value between trips.
Like most airline-specific cards, its value depends on program commitment. It makes the most sense for readers who already know Porter is part of their regular travel pattern.
RBC British Airways Visa Infinite — A strong fit for British Airways loyalty
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Points 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.
As 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.
- 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.
The RBC British Airways Visa Infinite is a strong fit for readers who already know they want to earn Avios directly. Avios can be especially useful for some short-haul redemptions and for oneworld partner flights where distance-based pricing works in your favour.
The card also earns 2x Avios on everyday spending, which helps it hold up better than many airline-specific cards between trips. It is still a better fit for Avios users than for readers who want broad travel flexibility.
United MileagePlus Neo World Elite Mastercard — The Canadian option for United flyers
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Miles per $1 on United & Star Alliance flights.
Mile per $1 on dining & groceries.
Miles per $1 everywhere else.
The 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.
- 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.
The United MileagePlus Neo World Elite Mastercard is best for Canadian travellers who already fly United often enough to care about earning within MileagePlus. Its main appeal is straightforward: it gives Canadians a direct way to keep building United miles between trips.
This is not a flexible travel card for generalists. It makes the most sense for readers who already know United or the broader Star Alliance ecosystem fits how they travel.
The Cathay World Elite Mastercard — powered by Neo — An effective way to earn Asia Miles
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Asia 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.
The 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.
- 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.
The Cathay World Elite Mastercard — powered by Neo — is best for readers who specifically want to earn Asia Miles from Canadian spending. That is a narrow use case, but for travellers who already fly Cathay Pacific or redeem through oneworld partners, that focus can be useful.
This is not the right fit for someone who wants broad travel flexibility. It works best for readers who already know Asia Miles is the program they want to build toward.
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 100,000 Points | 1x-2x Points | |
Methodology
BACK TO TOPHow did we select travel credit cards?
We selected the best travel credit cards by focusing on cards that deliver meaningful value to Canadian travellers in different ways. Our evaluation emphasized:
how rewards are earned and redeemed for travel, including fixed-value travel programs, transferable points and brand-specific loyalty currencies.
the practical usefulness of travel perks, such as lounge access, free checked bags, travel credits, insurance coverage and no foreign transaction fees.
annual fee relative to real-world value, especially whether a card’s perks and rewards are strong enough to justify its cost.
fit for different travel styles, including flexible travellers, brand-loyal travellers, premium travellers and readers looking for lower-cost travel rewards options.
How to choose a travel credit card in Canada
BACK TO TOPIf you are considering a travel card, the key question is not just how you earn points. It is what kind of travel friction you want the card to solve.
Do you want points for later, or perks you can use right away?
Some cards are mainly about turning everyday spending into future trips. Others are built to make the trip itself better through lounge access, checked bags, priority services or no foreign transaction fees.
Those are two different jobs, and the best card for one may not be the best card for the other.
Are you actually loyal to one airline or hotel brand?
Co-branded cards usually make the most sense when you already travel within that ecosystem often enough to use the perks. Airline- and hotel-specific benefits can be more valuable than broad flexibility, but only if your real habits line up with the card.
Are the premium perks real for you, or just good on paper?
Premium travel cards can be worth it, but only when the perks are not theoretical. Lounge access, concierge service, richer insurance and priority airport treatment all sound appealing. The real question is whether you travel often enough to turn those into repeated value.
Do foreign transaction fees matter more than a better points rate?
For some travellers, avoiding extra fees on purchases made in another currency matters more than squeezing out a slightly better points rate. Cards that waive foreign transaction fees can create value in a quieter, more dependable way than flashier travel perks.
Travel perks that can actually change the value of a card
Beyond points, a card’s perks can make a meaningful difference in whether it is worth the annual fee. As you compare options, consider the following:
No foreign transaction fees. Most Canadian credit cards charge about 2.5% on purchases made in foreign currencies. A card that waives that fee can lower the cost of spending abroad. Most useful if you spend abroad or shop in foreign currencies often.
Free checked bags. Airlines often charge $30 to $80 per checked bag, each way, so this perk can offset a fee quickly for frequent flyers. Best for travellers who do not travel light or tend to stick with one airline.
Airport lounge access. Some cards include complimentary lounge visits or memberships. Since single-use entry can cost $50 to $100, this benefit can matter if you travel often enough to use it. Most valuable for frequent travellers, not occasional ones.
Travel insurance. Coverage may include emergency medical insurance, trip interruption, lost baggage and rental car protection. Limits and exclusions vary by card.
Concierge service. Some premium cards include concierge support for reservations, bookings and other travel-related help.
Point transfers. The ability to transfer points to airline or hotel programs can create more flexibility and, in some cases, better value.
Companion vouchers and passes. These can be excellent, but only if you will actually redeem them before they expire.
NEXUS rebates. Small on paper, but meaningful if you value smoother cross-border travel.
Hotel status and free night awards. Most useful when you stay within the same hotel program often enough to feel the difference.
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.
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Compare the best travel cards at a glance
Best travel cards for different kinds of travellers
More travel cards worth considering
How we pick the best travel credit cards
How to choose a travel credit card in Canada
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