Canadians love to travel. It’s one of our most cherished leisure activities.
But with the cost of flights, accommodations, and excursions on the climb, it’s more important than ever to select the right travel credit card.
Travel credit cards turn your everyday spending into semi-free trips, enabling you to take that dream vacation.
This article breaks down the best travel credit cards in Canada, explaining their perks and benefits, and offers personalized recommendations so you can find the best one for you.
Why Do You Need A Travel Credit Card
Points or Miles Earning Potential
One of the best things about a travel credit card is the opportunity to earn points or miles on regular (or not-so-regular) purchases.
Whether it’s groceries, gas, dining out, or anything in between, using the card will add to your reward balance.
These points or miles slowly build up, making it easier to finance your next adventure.
Flexibility of Redemption
A travel credit card gives you the freedom to use your points or miles how you want. You can book flights, book hotels, transfer points to airline partners.
The flexibility is incredible. If you like to travel spontaneously, or like to change plans, this is invaluable, since you’re not locked into one carrier or alliance.
Travel Perks
Travel credit cards offer a lot of perks that can significantly enhance your travel.
Think about being able to access airport lounges, receive priority boarding, enjoy a free hotel room.
These amenities make travel easier and more fun while also helping you avoid spending money on unnecessary travel excluded.
Insurance Coverage
One of the overlooked features of travel rewards credit cards is their insurance.
From travel medical insurance to trip cancellation insurance to lost or delayed luggage, many cards offer you coverage in case things go wrong on your trip.
Welcome Bonuses and Introductory Offers
Travel credit cards frequently have juicy welcome bonuses and intro offers.
Welcome bonuses can put a ton of points or miles into your reward account right off the bat after qualifying for a card and reaching a minimum spend.
17 Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada
Everyday Rewards & Flexible Points
1. American Express Cobalt Card
The American Express Cobalt Card is how you make the most of everyday purchases. You’ll earn Membership Rewards points on groceries, dining, and streaming.
And if you’re someone who likes to eat out with friends or stay in and order a lot of food in, this card provides some bonus points for that too.
If you want to turn that routine spending into travel of way more value, this is the card for you.
2. American Express Green Card
What makes the American Express Green Card unique is that it’s basic and doesn’t charge an annual fee. It’s a great way to dip your toes into the world of travel rewards.
The points are flexible, and you can redeem them in a variety of ways. If you want a simple travel rewards card and aren’t willing to pay a fee, this is card you want.
3. MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus Mastercard
The MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus Mastercard is a straightforward, no annual fee way to earn rewards—making it the perfect solution.
You can use your points for travel, merchandise, or gift cards, and that’s about it. If you value straightforward simplicity, this is for you.
A great card for those who just want a little bit of value without any extra work. It’s the card you can depend on for everyday purchases and when planning a trip.
4. MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard
The MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard takes the earn rate and travelinsurance up a notch.
If you’re looking for added insurance and benefits when traveling, this is the card for you.
You’ll feel secure knowing that your travel emergencies are taken care of with the included insurance.
Airline Loyalty Cards (Aeroplan Focus)
5. CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
If you’re a huge fan of Air Canada, you’re going to love the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card. You can earn Aeroplan points on just about everything.
Plus, enjoy the Air Canada benefits, such as a complimentary checked bag, that will sweeten your travel experience.
This card is best suited for the avid Air Canada flyer who flies a lot and appreciates direct airline partnerships.
6. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card – The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card is yet another winner for Aeroplan fans.
It has a welcome offer and earning rates that will help you rack up points fast. If you like additional baggage and priority benefits, this card has you covered.
7. American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card provides an experience packed with luxuries for those after that kind of high-end travel journey, especially with Air Canada.
If you are looking for all the perks, and all the ease of using the points, this is the card for you.
Bank-Issued Travel Reward Programs
8. CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card
The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card aims to deliver a full travel rewards package.
You can tailor the travel rewards it offers to suit your individual preferences.
And it is specifically rewarding if you are able to make use of the NEXUS application rebate and lounge passes.
You will also find the earn rates are pretty generous in addition to how quickly those points can add up towards your next trip.
9. CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card
The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card is all about exclusivity. Its super-premium travel credits make it worth considering if trips are on top of your priority list.
You’ll enjoy high earn rates and luxury travel benefits. This offers incredible value to someone looking for the top-travel-rewards options.
10. RBC Avion Visa Infinite
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite and its namesake Avion points, which can be transferred, offer a lot of flexibility and value when you’re ready to redeem.
The included travel insurance is a huge benefit, too. It’s best suited for flexibility and insurance coverage while traveling.
11. BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Card
The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Card stands out in the bonus rewards you’ll get on dining, groceries, and travel categories.
If you want to maximize rewards in everyday spending, this is the card for you. Bonus necessities on your way to the next trip. Also, the travel helps a lot too.
Scotiabank Travel Cards
12. Scotiabank Gold American Express
The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is a good card if you’re looking for high earn rates on groceries and dining.
You’ll especially love the bonus points and no foreign transaction fees if you spend much of your time at restaurants and in grocery stores.
13. Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite
With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card you can travel the world and leave all your worries behind.
This card has no foreign transaction fees and provides you with six free airport lounge passes every year.
That’s perfect times you can sit back and relax while enjoying this luxurious card perk.
14. Scotiabank Platinum American Express
For lounge access and flexible Scene+ points- this card is for you. You can enjoy all the benefits of the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card, and that’s a long list.
If you’re looking for an unparalleled experience, this is the card for you, and best of all, it’s with Scene+ points. You can earn and redeem those points for travel and entertainment.
Other Strong Options
15. Brim World Elite Mastercard
The Brim World Elite Mastercard is great for anyone who lives internationally since it charges no FX fees and is accepted almost everywhere.
Plus, it offers plenty of digital-first tools to make international spending easier. If you’re looking for a simple card that can be used all around the world, this is a great option.
The rewards aren’t just sporadic either—they are tangible and hold value wherever you go. It’s a card that’s perfect for today’s modern, jet-setting traveler.
16. Wealthsimple Visa Infinite Credit Card
The Wealthsimple Visa Infinite Credit Card is a simple and no-fuss option with its flat-rate rewards.
It’s a great option if you value easy-to-understand rewards and appreciate no foreign exchange fees.
With no bells or whistles, this card offers a great way to earn rewards without jumping through any hoops. Use it to get easy rewards and travel abroad fee-free.
17. National Bank World Elite Mastercard
The National Bank World Elite Mastercard gets high marks for its extensive travel insurance and decent earn rates.
It’s a great option for people who prioritize safety and savings on their travels. You’ll have peace of mind thanks to its array of insurance perks.
And its rewards system will give your everyday purchases an added punch. Travel the world with peace of mind with this versatile and rewarding card.
Practical Using Card Tips
Carry Local Cash
In today’s increasingly technological world, many destinations still don’t accept credit cards, particularly in remote or rural destinations.
So it’s wise to always have some cash ready for little things like meals, transit tickets, or gratuities.
Use Cards Strategically on Stopovers
Layovers are never fun — but they’re a lot easier when you have a travel card.
Several cards offer airport lounge access so that those hours don’t have to be completely wasted.
They may even offer meal travel credits, and other helpful things to do in the terminal.
Book Through Card Portals When Beneficial
Sure, booking travel through your card’s portal can get you additional rewards points, but always shop around.
Direct might still be cheaper — even when you account for earned rewards.
It’s good to balance and compare before making a decision, as you don’t want to lose out on potential savings.
Link Cards to Mobile Wallets
Connecting your cards to mobile wallets (such as Apple Pay, Google Pay) is one of the best things you can do for both security and convenience while on the road.
Transactions are quicker and more secure through the mobile wallet’s additional layers of authentication.
Additionally, mobile payments are becoming more common globally, reducing the chance of not being able to pay with a card.
FAQ
1. Which Canadian travel credit cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees?
Cards like the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite and some niche issuers waive the typical 2.5% fee, making them excellent for international travelers.
2. Are travel credit card points taxable in Canada?
No, reward points earned through personal spending are not taxable. However, if points are earned through business expenses and later redeemed for personal use, there may be tax implications.
3. What happens to my points if I cancel my travel credit card?
Points tied to the card’s own rewards program are usually forfeited. Airline or hotel partner points typically remain in your loyalty account even after cancellation.
4. Is it worth having more than one travel credit card to maximize rewards?
For frequent travelers, yes. One card may cover foreign transactions and lounges, while another maximizes grocery or gas rewards. For occasional travelers, one solid card is usually enough.
Conclusion
Picking the right travel credit card can literally mean thousands, even tens of thousands, of dollars in savings and free (or drastically discounted) travel.
No matter if you want to earn points for a free flight or just have the backup of travel insurance or get free phone protection, there is a card that can help you do it.
Ready to get started? All that’s left is for you to take the plunge and sign up for a card and plan your next trip today!