With travel costs climbing, picking one of the best travel credit cards in Canada for 2026 matters more than ever. The right card helps you earn points or miles on the purchases you’re already making—points you can use to reduce the cost of flights, hotels, vacation packages, and more.

In this updated list, I’m only recommending cards I’ve personally used in the last few years. That way, every pick comes from real experience, not theory.

To be clear, I’m not suggesting you apply for every card below. But opening two or three of them over the course of a year can unlock a huge amount of value. That exact strategy is how I flew Emirates First Class from Dubai to Toronto and EVA Air Business Class from Toronto to Taipei for under $140 CAD each.

The key thing to understand is that the “best” travel credit card depends entirely on your goals. If you’re chasing a discounted business‑class flight, you’ll gravitate toward one set of cards. If you want free hotel nights, you’ll choose something completely different.

Credit card	Best travel card for
American Express Platinum Card	Luxury travel perks
American Express Cobalt Card	Everyday spending
American Express Business Gold Rewards Card	Welcome bonus
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card	All in one travel
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card	Aeroplan rewards
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card	Air Canada benefits
WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard	WestJet flyers
Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card	Hotel stays
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card	No annual fee
EQ Bank Card	No foreign transaction fees

Best travel card for luxury or frequent travellers

If you travel often or you’re chasing premium travel perks, the American Express Platinum Card is one of the strongest options in Canada. The primary cardholder and a guest get unlimited access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, plus automatic hotel status upgrades with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors. You also get a NEXUS rebate (which covers Global Entry and TSA PreCheck) and a robust travel insurance package that includes travel medical and trip cancellation.

Yes, the $799 annual fee looks steep. But in practice, you can get it down to $399. You get a $200 dining credit every calendar year, and you receive a $200 annual travel credit at select restaurants. Combined, that’s up to $400 in credits in year one.

The welcome bonus is another major draw. With a referral link, the offer is typically worth 100,000+ American Express Membership Rewards points, which is worth at least$1,000. If you transfer those points to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio, the value can easily be worth 1.5X, putting the welcome offer at $1,500.

If you’re a frequent traveller, the ongoing perks alone can justify keeping the card long term. Even if you don’t travel regularly, the first‑year bonus and credits make it an excellent one‑year play.

Eligibility: There’s no minimum income required. A credit score of 740 is recommended before applying.
Welcome bonus: Typically worth 80,000 to 100,000 American Express Membership Rewards points when using a referral link. The minimum spending requirement is usually $5,000 to $10,000.

Best travel card for overall spending

When you’re earning travel rewards, sometimes the smartest move is to use a card that quickly racks up points on your everyday spending. The American Express Cobalt Card excels earns you earn 5 points per $1 spent on eats and drinks (including groceries), 3 points on streaming services, 2 points on travel and transit, and 1 point on everything else. Each category has a monthly cap of $2,500 – after that, the earn rate drops to 1 point per dollar.

Because you can transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio, the value can be huge. Aeroplan points are often worth around 1.5 cents each, which means your 5x earn rate on eats and drinks can translate into an effective return of up to 7.5%. No other Canadian card comes close to that level of everyday earning power.

The trade‑off is that the Cobalt doesn’t come with many travel perks. That said, you do get mobile device insurance, and the welcome bonus has remained consistently strong.

Eligibility: There’s no minimum income required. A credit score of 700 is recommended before applying.
Welcome bonus: Typically, you’ll earn 1,250 American Express Membership Rewards points when you spend $750 monthly for the first 12 months. That’s 15,000 bonus American Express Membership Rewards points you can earn in the first year.

Best travel card for all-in-one-travel

When you look at the best travel credit cards in Canada, you’ll notice most cards excel in one area but fall short in others. The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is one of the few that strikes a solid balance: a decent earning rate paired with useful travel benefits. It’s a great fit for anyone who prefers to keep things simple and carry just one card, whether you’re spending at home or abroad.

You’ll earn 3 Scene+ points at Empire‑owned grocery stores (IGA, Safeway, Sobeys), 2 points on other eligible grocery stores, dining, entertainment, and transit, and 1 point on everything else. It’s not the highest earning structure on the market, but it’s respectable and easy to maximize.

This card really shines in its travel perks. There are no foreign transaction fees, saving you 2.5% on every purchase made in a foreign currency. You also get complimentary access to the Visa Airport Companion Program, including six free lounge passes each year. Add in a comprehensive travel insurance package, and you’ve got a well‑rounded travel card that delivers solid value without needing multiple cards in your wallet.

Eligibility: A minimum personal income of $60,000 or a household income of $100,000 or at least $250,000 in assets under management. A credit score of 700 is also recommended.
Welcome bonus: You’ll typically get 35,000 to 50,000 Scene+ points as the welcome offer. In most cases, you’ll need to spend a minimum amount in the first three months and another in the first 12 months for the full bonus.

Best travel card for Aeroplan rewards

Since Air Canada is the country’s largest airline, it makes sense that many Canadians want to earn Aeroplan points. For most people, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card is the best all‑around choice for Aeroplan. You’ll earn 1.5 Aeroplan points per $1 spent on gas, groceries, and Air Canada purchases, and 1 point per dollar on everything else. In other words, every purchase helps grow your Aeroplan balance.

A major perk is the free first checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to eight travel companions on the same reservation. With checked bags typically costing $30–$50 each way, this benefit alone can save a meaningful amount. You also get a NEXUS rebate and a solid travel insurance package.

Another advantage is Aeroplan’s wide network of retail partners. By shopping through the Aeroplan eStore and paying with your Aeroplan credit card, you can “double dip” and earn points twice on the same purchase. It’s one of the easiest ways to accelerate your earnings without changing your routine.

Eligibility: A minimum personal income of $60,000 or a household income of $100,000 is required. It’s also recommended that you have a credit score of at least 700.
Welcome bonus: New cardholders typically get between 40,000 to 70,000 Aeroplan bonus points. This intro offer is usually divided into multiple parts with different minimum spending requirements.

Best travel card for premium Air Canada benefits

Normally, I wouldn’t include two Aeroplan cards in the same list, but the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card comes with enough extra perks to justify its own category. On top of the free first checked bag, you get unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access within North America for you and a guest, six complimentary passes to lounges in the Visa Airport Companion Program, priority boarding (Zone 2), priority baggage handling, priority airport services, and priority standby and upgrade privileges.

The annual fee is $599, but the benefits stack up quickly. Lounge access and priority services alone can make a huge difference in your travel experience. The earning rate is also stronger: 2 Aeroplan points per $1 spent on Air Canada purchases, 1.5 points on gas, groceries, travel, and dining, and 1 point on everything else.

Many travellers take a strategic approach with this card. You can sign up during a heavy travel year to maximize the perks, then downgrade to the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card before the next annual fee posts. This lets them earn two welcome bonuses, often totalling well over 150,000 points.

Eligibility: A minimum personal income of $60,000 or a household income of $100,000 is required. It’s also recommended that you have a credit score of at least 700.
Welcome bonus: Typically worth between 50,000 to 70,000 Aeroplan points. This bonus is usually divided into multiple parts with different minimum spending requirements.

Best travel card for WestJet flyers

Over the past few years, WestJet has shifted its strategy to focus heavily on Alberta, so the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard can be useful. In the past, WestJet offered strong coverage across Canada, but today it operates more like a niche airline—great if it fits your routes, less useful if it doesn’t.

The card earns 2 WestJet points per dollar spent on WestJet, WestJet Vacations, Sunwing Vacations, groceries and gas, and 1.5 points back on all other purchases.

Where this card really shines is in its WestJet‑specific perks. The primary cardholder and up to eight guests on the same itinerary get their first checked bag free, a meaningful savings for families and groups. You also receive an annual companion voucher, which lets a travel partner pay a reduced base fare when flying with you. For many travellers, that benefit alone can save hundreds of dollars a year.

Eligibility: Minimum personal income of $80,000 or a household income of $150,000.
Welcome bonus: Usually up to 45,000 WestJet points.

Best travel card for hotel stays

So far, the list of the best travel credit cards in Canada has focused on airline rewards. But plenty of travellers care more about saving on hotels or scoring free nights. That’s where the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card shines. Marriott has more than 8,500 properties in 130+ countries, so you’ll have no trouble using your points almost anywhere in the world.

You’ll earn 5 Marriott Bonvoy points per $1 spent at Marriott properties and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases. With Marriott points typically worth around 0.7 cents each, the return is solid.

Realistically, anyone who travels should consider this card. The standout perk is the annual free night certificate worth up to 35,000 points. That certificate alone can easily be worth $245 or more, far exceeding the card’s $120 annual fee. You also get automatic Silver Elite status, which includes priority late checkout and a 10% points bonus on stays, plus some built‑in travel insurance.

Eligibility: No listed income requirement. A credit score of at least 700 is recommended.
Welcome bonus: Typically worth 50,000 – 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when you spend $3,000 in the first three months of card membership.

Best travel card with no annual fee

Unfortunately, most of the best travel credit cards in Canada come with an annual fee, but the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card does not. The earning rate is 1 Aeroplan per $1 spent on gas, groceries, and Air Canada purchases. For every other eligible purchase, you’ll get 1 Aeroplan point per $1.50 spent. 

Since this is a no fee card, the main benefits you get are purchase security and extended warranty. With purchase security, your purchases are protected from loss, theft, and damage for 90 days. The extended warranty doubles your manufacturer’s warranty for up to one additional year.

Eligibility: Minimum income of $15,000. A credit score of at least 640 is recommended.
Welcome bonus: Typically 10,000 Aeroplan points after your first purchase.

Best travel card for no foreign transaction fees

I have a full breakdown of the best no‑foreign‑transaction‑fee credit cards in Canada, but the one I recommend most often is the EQ Bank Card. It’s a prepaid card, so you’ll need to load funds before using it, either directly from your EQ Bank account or via e‑transfer. Once it’s funded, any purchase made in a currency other than Canadian dollars avoids the standard 2.5% foreign transaction fee.

What really sets this card apart is how it handles ATM withdrawals. You won’t pay foreign transaction fees when taking out cash abroad, whereas most major banks now charge around 3.5% on foreign ATM withdrawals. The ATM operator may still charge a one‑time fee, but EQ Bank doesn’t add anything on top. And if you use the card at an ATM within Canada, EQ Bank reimburses the fee entirely.

For everyday spending, you’ll earn 0.5% cash back on eligible purchases, and any money you’ve loaded onto the card continues to earn interest while it sits there.

Eligibility: Must have an EQ Bank account. No income or credit history is required.
Welcome bonus: You get a $20 cash bonus when signing up with a referral link and funding your account with $100 within 30 days of account opening.

What are Canada’s top travel credit card loyalty programs?

Travel rewards programs from Canadian banks vary significantly in how you can use your points and what value they deliver. The programs below represent the strongest options available to Canadian cardholders.

Amex Membership Rewards

The American Express Membership Rewards program stands out for its flexibility. You can transfer your points to multiple airline and hotel loyalty programs, including Aeroplan and Marriott Bonvoy. This gives you access to better value when booking premium travel.

Beyond transfers, you have additional redemption methods. You can apply your membership rewards points directly to any travel purchase on your statement. The Fixed Points Travel program provides another option with set redemption rates.

The variety of redemption channels means you’re not locked into one method. If airline transfers don’t suit your needs, you can still extract solid value through other options.

Avion Rewards from RBC

RBC operates the Avion Rewards programme, which offers several ways to use your points. The fixed travel program lets you redeem points at set rates for flights and other travel bookings. You can also book through their travel portal for more flexibility.

Avion Rewards includes airline transfer partnerships with WestJet and British Airways. The British Airways partnership gives you access to Avios, which can be valuable for certain routes. These partnerships add flexibility beyond standard portal bookings.

Your RBC Avion points provide decent versatility, though fewer transfer options than some competitors. The programme works well if you prefer straightforward redemptions or fly with their partner airlines.

Scene+

Scene+ operates as a multi-partner loyalty program with competitive earning rates. The credit cards in this program often feature higher point accumulation on everyday purchases. You can earn additional Scene+ points through various retail and entertainment partners.

For travel redemptions, you have two main paths. The travel portal lets you book flights, hotels, and other travel directly through their system. Alternatively, you can book travel independently and redeem points against those purchases.

Key Scene+ Details:

• Minimum redemption of 50,000 points required for self-booked travel
• High earning rates on affiliated credit cards
• Multiple partners for bonus points accumulation
• Straightforward redemption structure

The program’s strength lies in earning potential rather than complex transfer partnerships. If you spend in categories where Scene+ cards offer elevated earning rates, you can accumulate points quickly. The 50,000-point minimum for self-booked travel means you’ll need to save up before redeeming this way.

Top Frequent Flyer Programs in Canada

Choosing the right frequent flyer program depends largely on your travel habits and preferred airlines. Canada offers three primary programs worth considering. When you apply for a co-branded credit card, enrollment happens automatically, or you can enter your existing membership number during signup.

Aeroplan

Aeroplan stands out as a highly versatile program for Canadian travellers. The program makes earning and redeeming points straightforward, with numerous credit cards offering Aeroplan earning potential.

Many co-branded cards include valuable benefits:

• Insurance coverage for travel-related incidents
• Waived baggage fees on eligible flights
• Annual fee rebates under certain conditions

The redemption process offers flexibility since you can use points for any available seat on Air Canada flights. The program employs dynamic pricing, which means point requirements fluctuate based on demand and availability. However, Aeroplan maintains partnerships with various airlines where redemption costs remain fixed, providing predictable value for certain routes.

WestJet Rewards

WestJet Rewards operates as the loyalty program for Canada’s second-largest airline. WestJet Rewards is pretty basic and doesn’t offer as much value as Air Canada’s Aeroplan. That said, you don’t need to worry about dynamic pricing with reward bookings.

VIPorter

Porter Airlines operates VIPorter as its frequent flyer program. This program caters to travellers who regularly fly Porter’s routes across Canada and select international destinations.

VIPorter members earn points based on the fare paid rather than the distance flown. The program offers different membership tiers, with higher levels unlocking additional benefits. You can redeem points for flights, upgrades, and other travel-related purchases.

The program works well for frequent Porter passengers, particularly those travelling between Toronto and major Canadian cities. However, Porter’s more limited route network compared to Air Canada or WestJet means this program suits a specific traveller profile. The airline’s focus on regional routes and select destinations makes VIPorter most valuable when it aligns with your regular travel patterns.

How to Calculate the Value of Travel Credit Card Points

Understanding what your points are worth helps you make informed redemption decisions. General travel rewards programs assign a fixed value to their points, making calculations straightforward.

For airline and hotel loyalty programs, the value fluctuates based on the redemption option you choose. You can determine the value using a simple formula.

Formula: (Cash price of redemption – taxes and fees) × 100 ÷ number of points needed = Cost per point

Here’s an example calculation:

Item	Details
Flight route	Toronto to Los Angeles (roundtrip)
Points required	29,000 Aeroplan points
Cash price	$650
Taxes and fees	$81

Using the formula: ($650 – $81) × 100 ÷ 29,000 = 1.96 cents per point

Apply this calculation before redeeming your points to verify you’re receiving good value. Compare the result against typical redemption values for your specific rewards program. This practice ensures you’re maximizing the benefit of your accumulated points rather than settling for poor-value redemptions.

How to Select a Travel Rewards Credit Card

Choosing the right travel rewards credit card requires careful evaluation of several key factors. The best travel credit card for you depends on your spending habits, travel preferences, and financial goals.

What You Want to Achieve

Think about your specific travel aspirations before selecting a card. If you’re planning to book premium cabin flights through Aeroplan or need accommodation at specific hotel chains, choose a card that earns points compatible with those programs.

American Express cards allow you to transfer points to multiple loyalty programmes, giving you options for both airline and hotel redemptions. If you share travel plans with a partner, coordinate your points-earning strategy so you can pool rewards. Referral programmes can boost your points balance when you introduce others to your chosen card.

Welcome Bonus

Sign-up offers are among the fastest ways to earn rewards. A welcome bonus can significantly increase your first year value and help you reach redemption goals quickly.

Review the spending requirements attached to each offer. Some cards grant bonuses after a single purchase, whilst others require $3,000 to $5,000 in spending within 90 days of approval. Plan your application timing around upcoming major expenses to naturally meet thresholds.

Yearly Cost

The annual fee deserves close scrutiny, particularly if you plan to hold multiple cards. Cards with first-year fee waivers provide an opportunity to test the programme without immediate cost.

For cards with substantial fees, calculate whether the included perks and welcome bonus justify the expense. Premium cards often deliver benefits that exceed their annual cost when you use all available features.

Points Accumulation

Examine how many points you’ll earn across different spending categories. Cards with enhanced earn rates for travel, dining, groceries, or fuel can accelerate your points growth if these categories match your spending patterns.

Compare both category-specific rates and base rates for general purchases. A card with strong category bonuses but a weak base rate may not suit you if most purchases fall outside bonus categories.

Redemption Options

The value of your points depends heavily on how you can use them. Flexible travel rewards programmes let you book through multiple channels or transfer to various partners, potentially doubling your points’ worth.

Co-branded cards tied to specific airlines or hotels can offer excellent value but may limit your options. Before committing, research award availability, blackout periods, and redemption fees. A large points balance has little value if you cannot book the trips you want.

Supplementary Perks

Beyond earning points, evaluate what additional features each card provides. Frequent travellers benefit from complimentary checked baggage, priority boarding, and airport lounge access.

Cards without foreign transaction fees save money on international purchases. Travel insurance coverage, purchase protection, and concierge services add value that may surpass the annual fee. Premium cards typically bundle more comprehensive benefits for travellers who can take full advantage of them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-performing travel credit cards for Canadians?

The American Express Cobalt Card stands out with its 5x points on eats and drinks, making it powerful for everyday purchases. The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card offers strong travel insurance coverage and no foreign transaction fees, which adds considerable value for international trips.

The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card provides solid earn rates on Air Canada purchases and access to priority boarding. For flexible redemption options, cards linked to transferable points programs like American Express Membership Rewards allow you to move points to multiple airline and hotel partners.

Premium cards like the American Express Platinum Card deliver comprehensive benefits, including lounge access, while cards such as the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card balance rewards with reasonable annual fees.

How do sign-up offers differ among leading travel cards and what must you spend to qualify?

Welcome bonuses typically range from 10,000 to 150,000 points, depending on the card tier. Entry-level cards often require minimum spending of $1,000 to $3,000 within the first three months to earn their introductory bonuses.

Premium cards demand higher spending thresholds. You might need to spend $6,000 to $10,000 in the first few months to unlock the full welcome offer. Some cards structure bonuses in tiers, releasing points as you hit specific spending milestones.

The value of these bonuses varies based on the rewards program. A 60,000-point bonus in a flexible program like Membership Rewards typically provides more value than the same number of points in a fixed-value system.

When should you pay an annual fee for travel perks versus choosing a no-fee option?

Annual fees ranging from $120 to $799 make sense when you use the included benefits regularly. Premium cards justify their cost through airport lounge access, comprehensive travel insurance, and annual travel credits that offset the fee.

Calculate whether you’ll use perks like Priority Pass memberships, hotel status upgrades, and concierge services. If you spend significantly on travel categories that earn bonus points, the accelerated earning can outweigh the annual cost.

No-fee cards suit occasional travellers who won’t maximize premium benefits. These cards still earn points on purchases but typically offer lower earn rates and fewer insurance coverages. Your break-even point depends on annual travel frequency and spending patterns.

Which cards provide superior airport lounge access and travel protection?

The American Express Platinum Card grants you access to the broadest lounge network, including Priority Pass, Centurion Lounges, and Plaza Premium locations. You receive unlimited visits for yourself and typically one guest per visit.

For travel insurance, the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card and TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card offer comprehensive coverage packages. These include trip cancellation insurance, lost luggage protection, medical emergency coverage, and rental car insurance.

Premium cards often offer higher coverage limits, sometimes up to $5 million for medical emergencies. Review policy details for coverage periods, which typically range from 15 to 60 days per trip, and any age restrictions that might apply.

How do foreign exchange fees impact your travel card’s value internationally?

Most standard credit cards charge 2.5% foreign transaction fees on purchases made in other currencies. This fee applies to the converted amount, effectively reducing the value of any rewards you earn on those transactions.

Cards with no foreign transaction fees save you this percentage on every international purchase. If you spend $5,000 abroad annually, eliminating this fee saves $125 before considering rewards earned.

Beyond stated fees, card issuers use different exchange rates when converting foreign currency. The difference between rates is usually minimal, but no-fee cards remove the most significant cost factor when spending outside Canada.