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Are you thinking of traveling and therefore want one of the best travel credit cards in Canada? The right card is the best way to have a smooth and profitable trip.
Today, we will try to help you find your best travel credit card in Canada. We will detail all the advantages of each of them, especially the benefits aimed at travel – VIP lounge access, concierge, points program, among other benefits, so you can travel knowing that you are saving and having a great experience.
Therefore, keep reading and discover all the best travel credit cards in Canada, in 05 minutes, to have a peaceful and enjoyable trip.
What is better: Points Program or Miles?
Before analyzing the specific options, it is essential to understand the difference between the types of rewards.
Firstly, points cards allow you to accumulate points that you can exchange for trips, products, gift cards, or statement credits. You can also have access to programs like Scene+ and BMO Rewards, allowing you to book flights and hotels through dedicated portals.
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On the other hand, miles cards allow you to earn miles that can be exchanged with the airline to travel spending less.
Knowing where you spend the most and how you prefer to redeem your points is the first step to finding the best travel credit card in Canada.
Main Travel Card Options in Canada
Below, we detail the main travel credit cards in Canada, each with a focus and a traveler profile in mind.
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1. Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite (Best Travel Credit Card Canada)
This card is a strong contender for the best travel credit card in Canada for those who prioritize international travel.
It allows you to accumulate Scene+ points. With it, you earn:
- 3 points per dollar at partner supermarkets;
- 2 points at restaurants, entertainment, and transportation;
- 1 point on other purchases.
Furthermore, an initial bonus can reach CA$632 in value in the first year, depending on your spending.
Also, one of its biggest attractions is the fact that it does not charge an international transaction fee.
You will also have unlimited access to Plaza Premium Lounges, emergency medical insurance, and extensive travel insurance coverage.
2. American Express Cobalt
Frequently considered the card with the best accumulation rate on daily expenses in Canada, it is ideal for those who spend a lot on food. Let’s look at its details.
Initially, you can earn 5 points per dollar at restaurants, delivery, and grocery stores. In addition to 3 points on streaming services, 2 points on transportation and gas, and 1 point on other purchases.
You will also have emergency medical insurance (up to CA$5 million for 15 days) and usual travel insurance (accident and vehicle rental).
This card charges an annual fee of CA$12.99 (about CA$155.88 annually), plus an interest rate of 21.99% on purchases.
3. Scotiabank Gold American Express (Best Travel Credit Card Canada)
This card is a powerhouse in accumulating points in essential spending categories.
It offers one of the best points structures, allowing you to earn:
- 6 points per dollar at major associated supermarket chains;
- 5 points at other grocery stores, restaurants, entertainment, and food delivery;
- 3 points on gas, public transportation, streaming, and travel via Scene+ Travel.
Furthermore, it is possible to earn about CA$1,050 in the first year, combining the sign-up bonus, savings on international fees, and accumulated points.
4. RBC Avion Visa Infinite
The RBC is a very popular card for the flexibility of its Avion points, which can be used to buy tickets on any airline.
With it, you accumulate 1 point per dollar on all purchases and 1.25 points on travel.
You will also have an initial bonus of up to CA$880 in the first year, with the program being one of the most valuable on the market.
You can also purchase emergency medical insurance (up to CA$5 million for 15 days), travel accident insurance (CA$500,000), and trip cancellation/interruption coverage.
5. TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite
This is a points card that stands out when used with the bank’s dedicated travel portal, making it the best travel credit card in Canada for those who use Expedia for TD.
The biggest gain occurs when booking travel on Expedia for TD (8 points per dollar). At grocery stores, restaurants, and transit/streaming expenses, you earn 6 points per dollar.
Also, the annual credit of CA$100 for travel on Expedia for TD. You will also have emergency medical insurance (up to CA$2 million for 21 days) and good insurance coverage (cancellation, interruption, and luggage).
6. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite (Best Travel Credit Card Canada)
Firstly, the TD Aeroplan is ideal for those looking to maximize the value of their rewards on Air Canada flights and its Star Alliance network.
As a general rule, you will earn Aeroplan miles. With it, you will earn 1.5 points per dollar on gas, electric vehicle charging, grocery stores, and Air Canada purchases. The initial bonus can have an estimated value of up to CA$1,450 in flight redemptions in the first year.
You will also get the first checked bag free on Air Canada flights, a CA$100 credit for the NEXUS program, and emergency medical insurance.
7. BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard
Undoubtedly, the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard is an excellent premium option that focuses on lounge access and robust travel insurance. The points earning works as follows:
- 5 points per dollar on airfare, hotels, and travel packages. Other popular categories, such as restaurants and entertainment;
- 3 points per dollar. The promotional sign-up bonus can be worth about CA$400 in travel.
You will also get four annual accesses to VIP lounges via DragonPass, emergency medical insurance (up to CA$5 million for 21 days), and robust coverage for trip cancellation and interruption.
Comparative Table: Best Travel Credit Card Canada
| Card | Annual Fee (1st year) | Approx. Value in 1st Year | International Transaction Fee | Accumulation on Food/Grocery | VIP Lounge Access | Minimum Income (Individual) |
| Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite | CA$150 (total) | CA$632 | NO FEE | 3 points / $ | Unlimited (Plaza Premium) | Not Disclosed |
| American Express Cobalt | CA$155.88 (total) | CA$643 | 2.5% | 5 points / $ | Not Included | Not Disclosed |
| Scotiabank Gold American Express | CA$120 (Exempt) | CA$1,050 | NO FEE | 5 – 6 points / $ | Not Included | Not Disclosed |
| RBC Avion Visa Infinite | CA$120 (total) | CA$880 | 2.5% | 1 point / $ | Not Included | CA$60,000 |
| TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite | CA$139 (Exempt) | CA$825 | 2.5% | 6 points / $ | Not Included | Not Disclosed |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite | CA$139 (Exempt) | CA$1,450 (on flights) | 2.5% | 1.5 points / $ | Not Included | Not Disclosed |
| BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard | CA$150 (Exempt) | CA$400 | 2.5% | 3 points / $ | 4 annual accesses (DragonPass) | CA$80,000 |
| Tangerine World Mastercard | CA$0 (zero) | Varies (Up to CA$120 bonus) | 2.5% | 2% cashback | Optional (US$32/visit) | CA$50,000 |
Conclusion (Best Travel Credit Card Canada)
The best travel credit card in Canada is a personal choice based on your budget, income, and spending patterns.
Initially, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite and the Scotiabank Gold American Express stand out for eliminating the international transaction fee, which is a differential for those who travel frequently abroad.
For those looking for the highest accumulation on daily expenses, the American Express Cobalt has no rivals. The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite offers the highest potential redemption value if you fly regularly with Air Canada.
Now that you have a clear vision of the fees, rewards, and benefits of each card, it’s time to make your choice.
Don’t know what to consider when choosing a card? Then see now the guide to having the best credit card in Canada right now