9 Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada: Choose by Travel Goal, Not by Hype
What Is the Best Travel Credit Card in Canada?
The best travel credit card in Canada depends on where you want to travel, which airlines serve your routes, and how you spend money. There is no single universal best card—only the right card for your specific travel goals.
I say this as someone who used to work as an investment consultant at TD Canada Trust and has personally tested most of these cards. When I worked at the bank, I recommended cards based on what we offered, not what actually matched how my clients traveled. That job taught me that the “best” card according to advertising is rarely the best card for a specific person.
The right travel credit card:
- Earns rewards matching the spending you already do
- Redeems for trips you actually want to take
- Has benefits you’ll realistically use
- Costs less in fees than the value it creates
I have seen people spend 10+ years collecting the wrong points because they chose a card based on a friend’s recommendation rather than their own travel goals. One client collected CIBC Aventura points from university into her early thirties, only to discover they didn’t work for her dream trip—a business-class flight for her wedding.
Don’t let that be you.
Credit card offers, fees, interest rates, eligibility requirements, earn rates, insurance coverage, and welcome bonuses can change without notice. The information below was checked against the card issuers’ Canadian websites on July 28, 2026. Always review the issuer’s current terms before applying.
9 Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada by Travel Goal
| Best for | Card | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Flexible everyday earning | American Express Cobalt | 5 points/$ on groceries, dining, food delivery |
| Beginners | TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite | Straightforward TD Rewards, easy redemptions |
| Aeroplan collectors | TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite | Aeroplan earning + Air Canada benefits |
| No foreign transaction fees | Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite+ | Fee-free international spending + 6 lounge visits |
| WestJet travelers | WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard | WestJet points + free checked bags + companion benefit |
| Hotel stays | Marriott Bonvoy American Express | Annual free-night award + Bonvoy points |
| Airport lounge access | American Express Platinum | Extensive lounge network + annual travel/dining credits |
| Business travel | RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business | Boosted earning on first $75,000 + transferable points |
| No annual fee | TD Rewards Visa | Start earning with zero cost |
How to Choose Your Card: Start With Your Trip, Not the Card
Your first question should not be “which card should I get?” It should be “where do I want to travel?”
Step 1: Know Your Destination and Which Airlines Reach It
A card earning Aeroplan points is powerful when Air Canada or Star Alliance partners serve your destination. The same card adds little value if you prefer WestJet or fly primarily with carriers outside the Aeroplan network.
Question to ask: Which airlines actually fly from my home airport to my destination?
Step 2: Review Your Actual Spending Patterns (Last 3 Months)
Do you spend most on:
- Groceries?
- Restaurants and dining?
- Gas and transportation?
- Business expenses?
- International purchases?
Choose a card that rewards your highest spending categories. Do not change how you spend to fit a card’s earning rate—the card should fit your spending.
Step 3: Calculate Real Value, Not Just Advertised Points
A card advertising “earn 8 points per dollar” sounds better than one earning “6 points per dollar.” But one point from Card A might be worth more than one point from Card B depending on redemption options, transfer partners, and how you travel.
Real value = points earned × redemption flexibility × your travel goals
Step 4: Ask: Will I Actually Use These Benefits?
Count only the benefits you’ll genuinely use:
- Will I visit airport lounges or buy access anyway?
- Will I use the free checked-bag benefit?
- Can I redeem the annual hotel certificate?
- Will I use the travel credit or dining credit?
Do not count theoretical benefits. Count real savings.
Card-by-Card Breakdown
1. American Express Cobalt Card: Best for Flexible Everyday Earning
Ideal for: Canadians spending heavily on groceries, restaurants, takeout, and food delivery.
Annual fee: $191.88 (Quebec residents pay $191.88; non-Quebec pay $15.99/month)
Welcome offer: Up to 15,000 Membership Rewards points (1,250 points per month for 12 months with $750+ monthly spending)
Earn rates:
- 5 points per 1 on groceries, dining, restaurants, food delivery (up to $2,500/month, then 1 point/ )
- 3 points per $1 on streaming subscriptions
- 2 points per $1 on gas and local transportation
- 1 point per $1 on everything else
Foreign transaction fee: 2.5%
Why it stands out
The Cobalt is the strongest everyday earning card for Canadians whose biggest spending aligns with its bonus categories. If you spend $2,500+ monthly on groceries and restaurants, the 5-point-per-dollar rate can generate a substantial number of flexible Membership Rewards points.
But here’s the critical insight: the card’s real power is flexibility. I have personally transferred Amex points to Aeroplan and British Airways. That ability to move points between programs gives you options a single-airline card cannot.
Who should get it
- Heavy spenders on groceries, restaurants, takeout
- People who want transferable points
- Canadians comfortable using American Express
Who should skip it
- Costco shoppers (Costco doesn’t accept Amex in Canada)
- People spending very little on eligible categories
- Those who prefer fixed-value rewards
- Anyone who cannot pay the balance in full
My verdict: This is one of the strongest earning cards when your spending matches its categories. But do not choose it just because everyone says it’s good. Run the numbers first.
2. TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite: Best for Beginners
Ideal for: First-time rewards users who want straightforward redemptions without complexity.
Annual fee: $139 (waived first year with welcome offer)
Welcome offer: Up to 146,000 TD Rewards points (20,000 after first purchase + 126,000 after $7,500 spending in 180 days). First-year annual fee rebate included.
Earn rates:
- 8 points per $1 through Expedia for TD
- 6 points per $1 on groceries, dining, transit (first $25,000/year per category)
- 4 points per $1 on recurring bills, streaming, digital media
- 2 points per $1 on everything else
Advertised first-year value: Up to $1,300
Travel benefits:
- $100 annual Expedia travel credit (on $500+ booking)
- 4 complimentary lounge visits annually
- 10% birthday bonus (up to 10,000 points)
Foreign transaction fee: 2.5%
Minimum income: $60,000 personal / $100,000 household
Why it stands out
TD Rewards are straightforward. You don’t need to learn airline alliances, award charts, or transfer bonuses to redeem them. You can book economy flights, hotels, rental cars, or pay for trips through Expedia.
I used this card for years while learning how travel rewards worked. In 2023, I booked six flights for $0 using TD Rewards. That clarity was valuable as I built my points strategy.
The catch: TD Rewards points are worth less per point than premium transferable currencies like Aeroplan or Amex points. A larger number of points doesn’t automatically mean greater value.
Who should get it
- Beginners learning rewards
- People wanting straightforward redemptions
- Economy travelers
- Those who want to use Expedia for TD
- Canadians who don’t want to master airline programs
Who should skip it
- Anyone targeting premium international flights
- People wanting transferable points
- Those who don’t qualify for the $60k/$100k income requirement
My verdict: Still one of my favorite beginner cards. The simplicity is the feature, not a drawback.
3. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite: Best for Aeroplan Collectors
Ideal for: Air Canada and Star Alliance travelers building Aeroplan balances.
Annual fee: $139 (waived first year)
Welcome offer: Up to 40,000 Aeroplan points (10,000 after first purchase + 15,000 after $3,000 in 90 days + 15,000 anniversary bonus after $12,000 in 12 months)
Earn rates:
- 1.5 Aeroplan points per $1 on Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations
- 1.5 Aeroplan points per $1 on groceries and gas
- 1 Aeroplan point per $1 on everything else
Travel benefits:
- Free first checked bag for primary cardholder + 8 travel companions on eligible Air Canada flights
- Up to $100 NEXUS application fee rebate (once every 48 months)
Foreign transaction fee: 2.5%
Minimum income: $60,000 personal / $100,000 household
Why it stands out
Aeroplan is particularly valuable for Canadians because you can redeem with Air Canada and participating Star Alliance partners (United, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, etc.). I have used Aeroplan for premium-cabin flights to Europe—something I couldn’t do with domestic-only airline programs.
The free checked-bag benefit alone saves hundreds annually for regular travelers. I typically check luggage, and the Aeroplan card pays for itself through baggage savings alone.
Who should get it
- Air Canada regular flyers
- Aeroplan point collectors
- Star Alliance travelers
- Business-class aspirants
- People who check luggage regularly
- Amex users needing a Visa backup
Who should skip it
- WestJet or Sunwing loyalists
- People who rarely fly Air Canada
- Those unwilling to learn airline award availability
- Travelers wanting rewards applicable to any airline
My verdict: Not the strongest everyday earning card, but essential when Aeroplan matches your actual flying patterns.
4. Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite+: Best for No Foreign Transaction Fees
Ideal for: Frequent international travelers spending $6,000+ annually in foreign currencies.
Annual fee: $150
Welcome offer: Up to 60,000 Scene+ points (40,000 after $2,000 in 3 months + 10,000 after $10,000 in 6 months + recurring 10,000/year after $40,000 annual spending)
Earn rates:
- 3 Scene+ points per $1 at Sobeys grocery stores
- 2 points per $1 at other groceries, dining, entertainment, transit
- 1 point per $1 on everything else
Travel benefits:
- 6 complimentary lounge visits annually
- Zero foreign transaction fee (only currency conversion charged)
Foreign transaction fee: None
Minimum credit limit: $5,000
Why it stands out
The Passport eliminates the 2.5% foreign transaction fee that eats into international spending. But here’s the math you need to do:
$6,000 foreign spending × 2.5% fee = $150 saved
You need approximately $6,000 in annual foreign spending just to recover the annual fee from fee savings alone.
That calculation changes if you also value the lounge visits, Scene+ points, and insurance. But if your only reason for the card is avoiding foreign transaction fees, make sure you actually spend enough internationally.
Who should get it
- Frequent international travelers
- People spending $6,000+ yearly in foreign currencies
- Lounge-access seekers
- Those who refuse foreign transaction fees
- Canadians wanting a widely-accepted Visa
Who should skip it
- Light international travelers
- People spending less than $6,000 annually abroad
- Those who won’t use lounge visits
- Travelers prioritizing transferable points
My verdict: Excellent practical card, but do not choose it just because “foreign transaction fees are bad.” Compare the total value—fee, spending, and benefits—before deciding.
5. WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard: Best for WestJet Flyers
Ideal for: Loyal WestJet travelers and Western Canadian residents with strong WestJet routes.
Annual fee: $139
Welcome offer: Up to 70,000 WestJet points ($700 travel value; confirm exact schedule on application page)
Earn rates:
- 2 WestJet points per $1 on WestJet and WestJet Vacations purchases
- 2 points per $1 on Sunwing Vacations purchases
- 2 points per $1 at groceries
- 2 points per $1 on transportation (gas, EV charging, transit, rideshare)
- 1.5 points per $1 on everything else
Travel benefits:
- Free first checked bag for primary cardholder + 8 eligible companions
- One annual companion round-trip voucher (you pay applicable companion fare + taxes/fees)
Foreign transaction fee: 2.5%
Minimum income: $80,000 personal / $150,000 household
Why it stands out
When WestJet matches your routes and flying patterns, this card delivers real value through checked-bag savings and the companion benefit. The companion voucher isn’t free—you still pay the fare—but it can represent meaningful value on premium routes.
Who should get it
- Loyal WestJet flyers
- Western Canadian travelers
- Families who check bags regularly
- Travelers who can use the companion benefit
- People who prefer Mastercard acceptance
Who should skip it
- Air Canada or Star Alliance loyalists
- People in regions without strong WestJet service
- Solo travelers unable to use companion benefits
- Those wanting transferable points
My verdict: I’m not a WestJet fan myself, but the card makes obvious sense for those who are.
6. Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card: Best Hotel Card
Ideal for: Regular hotel travelers and Marriott property guests.
Annual fee: $120
Welcome offer: Up to 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points (60,000 after $3,000 in 3 months + 10,000 in month 13 after $500 spending)
Earn rates:
- 5 Marriott Bonvoy points per $1 on direct Marriott Bonvoy property bookings
- 2 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases
Hotel benefits:
- One free-night award annually (up to 35,000 points; can add points to upgrade if needed)
- Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status
Foreign transaction fee: 2.5%
Why it stands out
The annual free-night award can pay for itself if you use it strategically. A single night at a mid-tier Marriott property often costs $150+—potentially more than the card’s annual fee.
The key is using the certificate for a stay you were already planning, not booking an unnecessary stay just because you have a certificate expiring.
Who should get it
- Regular Marriott guests
- Business travelers staying multiple times yearly
- People who can use the annual certificate strategically
- Marriott loyalty program members
Who should skip it
- Infrequent hotel travelers
- People who prefer independent hotels or vacation rentals
- Those who struggle to use annual certificates before expiration
- Travelers prioritizing flexibility over loyalty programs
My verdict: When you can use the annual free-night award for a stay you were already planning, this card often pays for itself through that benefit alone.
7. American Express Platinum Card: Best for Airport Lounge Access
Ideal for: Frequent travelers who regularly use airport lounges.
Annual fee: $799
Welcome offer: Up to 170,000 Membership Rewards points (offer ends July 28, 2026)
- 90,000 after $10,000 in 3 months
- 40,000 after reaching $45,000 in 12 months
- 40,000 between months 15-17
Earn rates:
- 2 Membership Rewards points per $1 on travel purchases
- 2 points per $1 on dining and food delivery in Canada
- 1 point per $1 on everything else
Travel benefits:
- Access to 1,200+ participating lounges through American Express Global Lounge Collection
- $200 annual travel credit
- $200 annual dining credit (participating Canadian restaurants)
- Premium hotel benefits and status
Foreign transaction fee: 2.5%
Why it stands out
The Platinum is valuable for genuinely premium travelers who use its credits, lounges, and hotel benefits. The $799 annual fee is substantial, but the $200 travel credit + $200 dining credit + lounge access can offset much of that cost—if you use them naturally.
Critical caveat: The dining credit is worthless if you don’t eat at participating restaurants. The travel credit is worthless if you’d pay more booking through American Express Travel than other channels.
I have had friends and clients tell me they carry the Platinum because it’s impressive. That’s a terrible reason to pay $799 annually.
Who should get it
- Frequent travelers (4+ times yearly)
- Regular airport lounge users
- People who can naturally use both annual credits
- Travelers staying at premium hotels
- Those with the budget for $799 annual fees
Who should skip it
- Occasional travelers (1-3 times yearly)
- People attracted primarily to the card’s prestige
- Those who won’t use lounge visits
- Anyone for whom $799 strains the budget
- Travelers who can’t use both annual credits naturally
My verdict: This is one of the easiest cards to overpay for when you’re holding it because someone said it’s impressive. Only get it if you understand exactly how you’ll use the benefits.
8. RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business: Best Business Travel Card
Ideal for: Business owners with meaningful annual operating expenses.
Annual fee: $175
Welcome offer: 35,000 Avion points after approval
Earn rates:
- 1.25 Avion points per $1 on first $75,000 annual qualifying purchases
- 1 Avion point per $1 after threshold
Why it stands out
The enhanced 1.25-point rate on the first $75,000 in spending creates an extra 18,750 points annually—real value when your business has substantial expenses.
Avion is also a transferable currency, meaning you can move points to various airline partners rather than being locked into one program.
Example: $75,000 annual business spending × 0.25 bonus points = 18,750 additional Avion points beyond base earnings.
Who should get it
- Business owners with $75,000+ annual expenses
- Entrepreneurs wanting transferable points
- Owners wanting to separate business and personal expenses
- Businesses paying balances in full
Who should skip it
- Sole proprietors with minimal business expenses
- Businesses carrying credit card debt
- Those with annual spending below $75,000
My verdict: This has been an excellent business card for me because the enhanced earn rate and transferable points generate real value from spending my business already needed.
9. TD Rewards Visa Card: Best No-Annual-Fee Starter Card
Ideal for: Credit builders, students, and beginners not ready for premium cards.
Annual fee: $0
Welcome offer: Up to $100 in TD Rewards value (confirm current amount on application page)
Earn rates:
- 4 TD Rewards points per $1 through Expedia for TD
- 3 points per $1 on groceries
- 3 points per $1 on dining
- 3 points per $1 on transit
- 1 point per $1 on everything else
(Elevated rates apply to first $5,000 annually per category)
Why it stands out
You can start earning travel rewards without paying an annual fee. You’re also building payment history and credit profile while learning how rewards work.
Many cardholders later upgrade to the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite when their income, credit profile, and travel needs change—sometimes with an additional welcome bonus.
Who should get it
- People building credit
- Students
- Beginners learning rewards
- Low-spending households
- Anyone avoiding annual fees
Who should skip it
- People with strong credit ready for premium cards
- High spenders who’d earn more value from a premium card
- Those wanting airline transfer partners
- Travelers prioritizing premium-cabin flights
My verdict: A practical entry point that lets you learn before committing to annual fees. Not the fastest route to premium travel, but solid for early-stage credit building.
My Two-Card Travel Strategy (and Why It Works)
Most Canadians don’t need nine cards. I use a two-card personal strategy:
- Everyday earning card that rewards my largest spending categories
- Visa or Mastercard that adds merchant acceptance, airline benefits, or access to another rewards program
My current combination: Amex Cobalt + TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite
The Cobalt earns flexible Membership Rewards points through groceries and dining. The TD Aeroplan card supports the Star Alliance program I use most and gives me Visa acceptance where Amex isn’t taken.
This is not the correct combination for everyone. A WestJet traveler might choose different cards. Someone prioritizing no foreign transaction fees might pick the Scotiabank Passport.
The principle: Each card should have one specific job.
Annual Fees: Worth It or Not?
An annual fee is worth paying when the real value you receive exceeds the cost.
Real value includes:
- Rewards earned through daily spending
- Annual travel credits
- Checked-bag savings
- Lounge access you’d otherwise buy
- Hotel free-night awards
- Insurance you actually need
- Better redemption opportunities
When I calculate if a card is worth it, I ask:
- How much will I realistically earn from rewards?
- Will I use the travel credit?
- Will I visit the lounges or buy access elsewhere?
- Can I use the checked-bag benefit or annual certificate?
- How much does the annual fee cost vs. total benefits?
If the benefits don’t exceed the fee, the card isn’t worth it—regardless of how impressive it looks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which travel credit card earns the most points?
The American Express Cobalt earns up to 5 points per dollar on groceries and dining—one of the highest earning rates. However, “most points” doesn’t equal “most value” because one Cobalt point isn’t worth the same as one Aeroplan point or one WestJet point. Choose based on how you’ll redeem the points, not just the earning rate.
Can I use multiple travel credit cards together?
Yes. Many travelers use two cards: one for everyday earning and one for airline-specific benefits. I use the Amex Cobalt + TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite. This strategy is called “stacking” and lets you optimize earnings across different spending categories.
How many points do I need for a free flight?
It depends on the airline, route, and cabin class. Economy flights typically require 12,500-25,000 Aeroplan points. Business-class flights range from 60,000-150,000+ points. Use your airline’s award chart or my First Class Points Calculator to estimate.
Do travel credit cards affect my credit score?
Applying for a credit card usually triggers a credit inquiry, which may temporarily affect your score. The impact varies by person. Multiple applications within a short period can have a greater impact than a single application.
Is it worth paying a $150+ annual fee?
Only when the card’s benefits—rewards earned, travel credits, lounge access, hotel certificates—exceed the fee in real value. Do not pay annual fees just for prestige or because someone else recommended it.
Should I apply for travel cards if I carry a balance?
No. Travel rewards are only valuable when you pay the statement balance in full. Interest charges will eliminate any rewards value. Only apply when you can pay in full consistently.
The Bottom Line: Choose by Your Trip, Not by Hype
The best travel credit card for you is not the one with the biggest welcome bonus or the most impressive name.
It’s the one that turns the spending you’re already doing into the trip you actually want to take.
Start with these questions:
- Where do I want to travel?
- Which airlines serve my destination?
- Where do I spend the most money?
- Which rewards program works for my goals?
- Will I realistically use the benefits?
Then choose the card that answers those questions.
For many Canadians with high grocery and dining spending, the Amex Cobalt is a strong start. For beginners wanting simple redemptions, the TD First Class Travel card is hard to beat. For Air Canada travelers, the TD Aeroplan card adds real airline benefits.
The “best” card is the one that moves you from watching other people fly business class to actually booking those seats—without going into debt to do it.
Next Steps
Ready to choose your card?
Use my First Class Points Calculator to estimate the rewards required for your desired route before applying for a card.
Use My First Class Points Calculator
Take the Travel Rewards Quiz
Answer a few questions about your spending, home airport, and travel goals to get a personalized card recommendation.
Important Disclaimers
Credit card welcome offers, fees, interest rates, rewards, insurance, benefits, and eligibility requirements may change after July 28, 2026.
Promotional offers can also end or change earlier than expected.
Review the card issuer’s current application page, benefits guide, insurance certificate, and disclosure statement before applying.
Only apply when the required spending fits expenses you already planned to make and you can pay the statement balance in full.
