Are you a travel lover and looking to earn free flights, hotel centuries and VIP lounge access with credit card points? This article is for you! We’ve rounded up the top travel credit cards in Canada so every dollar spent gets you closer to your dream vacation. This guide, along with high-priced keywords, will show you the cards that offer the most rewards.
Contents
American Express Cobalt® Card
Best for: Foodies & Flexible Rewards
Annual Fee: $12.99/month ($155.88 yearly)
Welcome Bonus: 15,000 Membership Rewards (MR) points ($150 travel value)
Rewards Rate:
- 5x MR points on groceries & food delivery (except Uber Eats)
- 3x on streaming (Netflix/Spotify)
- 1x on everything else
Perks:
- MR points can be redeemed on Air Canada, British Airways, or hotel bookings in a 1:1 ratio
- No foreign transaction fee (FTF) on Amex travel bookings
- Supplementary cards free
- Drawback: Amex is not accepted everywhere, especially in small stores
- Ideal for: Foodies and flexible travel rewards seekers
2. Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite
Best for: International Travel
Bonus: 35,000 Scene+ Points ($350 travel value)
Annual Fee: $150
Rewards Rate:
- 3x Points on groceries, dining, entertainment
- 1x on other spen
Perks:
- Zero foreign transaction fee (FTF)
- No extra charges on international trips
- 6x lounge access (Priority Pass)
- Travel insurance (medical, baggage delay) included
Drawback: Cannot transfer Scene+ Points to flights
Ideal for: Frequent international travelers who want to avoid fixed fees
3. TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite
Best for: Air Canada frequent flyers and Aeroplan Points collector
Annual Fee: $139 (First year free with $60K income)
Welcome Bonus: 50,000 Aeroplan Points ($1,000 on flights)
Rewards Rate:
- 1.5x Aeroplan Points on groceries, gas, Air Canada bookings
- 1x on everything else
Perks:
- Free checked bag on Air Canada flights
- Book Star Alliance flights with Aeroplan Points
- Travel insurance (trip cancellation)
Drawback: Aeroplan rewards can be complicated for noobs.
Also Read: How to get a $5,000 Personal Loan In the USA?
4. RBC Avion® Visa Infinite
Best for: Luxury travelers who prefer insurance and flexibility
Annual Fee: $120 (First year 50% off)
Welcome Bonus: 35,000 Avion Points ($700 travel value)
Rewards Rate:
- 1x point on every $1 spent
Perks:
- Transfer points 1:1 to other airlines (British Airways, WestJet, etc.)
- Comprehensive insurance (trip interruption, rental car coverage, etc.)
- 24/7 concierge service for bookings
Drawback: Rewards rate is average compared to competitors
5. CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers who prefer simplicity
Annual Fee: $139 (First year waived with $60K income)
Welcome Bonus: 35,000 Aventura Points ($350 travel value)
Rewards Rate:
- 2x points on gas, groceries, travel
- 1x on other purchases
Perks:
- Points do not expire
- Travel Anywhere Credit: Book flights/hotels through other sites, then use points to offset cost
- Nexus fee credit ($50)
Drawback: Limited lounge access.
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Comparison Table: Face-off of the best cards
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Welcome Bonus | Top Perk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amex Cobalt | $155.88 | 15,000 MR | 5x on Food/Groceries |
| Scotiabank Passport | $150 | 35,000 Scene+ | Zero FX Fees + Lounge Access |
| TD Aeroplan | $139 | 50k Aeroplan | Air Canada Benefits |
| RBC Avion | $120 | 35k Avion | Any Airline Transfers |
| CIBC Aventura | $139 | 35k Aventura | Travel Anywhere Credit |
How to Choose the Perfect Card for You?
Look at Spending Habits: If you spend a lot on food/groceries, Amex Cobalt is best.
Annual Fee vs Benefits: Scotiabank Passport’s $150 fee is justified if you go on international trips (save FX fees).
Redemption Flexibility: RBC Avion or Amex which have more options to transfer points.
Credit Score Matters: Premium cards require a 680+ credit score.
Is the annual fee for travel credit cards worth it?
Yes! The welcome bonus and lounge access fees are covered if you take 2-3 trips.
What are Foreign Transaction Fees (FTF)?
There is an extra 2.5% charge if you make purchases outside Canada. Scotiabank Passport avoids this.
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