25 Best Travel credit Card Canada for Traveler as of April 2023

Discover Canada’s top travel credit cards for everyday purchases, flexible travel rewards, generous welcome bonuses, and more.

According to the Scotiabank Spring Travel Poll done by Maru/Blue in 2023, 23% of Canadians said they are going on vacation this spring. Most people who are organising a trip (53%) want to travel abroad.

To assist you get discounts, perks, and points before your next trip, we’ve selected the finest credit cards available in Canada for travel.

Best credit cards for travel in Canada

Cobalt American Express Card

  • Yearly Charge $155.88 
  • Yearly Charge $155.88 
  • Rates of Interest: 20.99% / 21.99% 
  • Rate of Reward 1x–5x Points 
  • Offer to Start Up to 30,000 Points

Our View

Why we enjoy it

The American Express Cobalt Card offers excellent returns on all purchases, a sizable welcome bonus, extensive travel insurance coverage, flexible point redemption, and a tonne of speciality benefits to keep things interesting all year long.

Pros

Spending up to $30,000 on meals, beverages, and groceries can earn you 150,000 points in the first year. You might accumulate 180,000 points in your first year when combined with the 30,000 point welcome bonus, which you could then use for travel and other rewards.

You may quickly transfer your earned points to well-known hotel and airline reward programmes like Marriott Bonvoy and Aeroplan.

Cons

  • The lack of access to airport lounges may displease some frequent flyers.
  • Cardholders over 65 are not covered for travel-related medical expenses.

Card for TD Aeroplan with Visa Infinite

  • Annual Price $139 
  • first year exempted
  • Rates of Interest: 21.9 % / 20.9 % 
  • 1x-1.5x Points/Points Reward Rate 
  • Offer to Start Up to 55,000 Points

Our View

Why we enjoy it

The TD Bank Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card is a great option for those with a taste for the finer things because it gives access to special dining, golfing, and drinking events. For many people, the $7,500 annual spending cap should make the introductory point incentives feasible.

Pros

  • A small membership fee and special benefits, such 10% off Budget and Avis car rentals.
  • When you enter your Aeroplan number, you double your point total.

Cons

  • There aren’t many chances to gain more than 1.5x the points.
  • Some benefits, such as a once every four years NEXUS rebate, might not make you want to throw up.

Visa Infinite Card from TD First Class Travel

  • Annual Price $139 
  • First-year interest rates are waived at 20.99% or 22.99% 
  • Rate of Reward 2x–8x Points 
  • Welcome Bonus Up to 145,000 Points 

Our View

Why we enjoy it

  • The TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card, which offers a sizable welcome bonus and an accelerated earn rate on travel booked through ExpediaForTD.com, is ideal for travellers hoping to score free flights and hotel stays.

Pros

  • A substantial welcome incentive of up to $1,000.
  • Baggage fees, airport parking, auto rentals, cruises, travel attractions, entertainment, and other travel expenses are all eligible for reimbursement in addition to hotel stays and airfare.

Cons

  • This card doesn’t have as many travel benefits as some of the others on the list, but you may easily accrue cost-free travel and lodging.
  • You only get an annual discount on a Priority Pass lounge membership; there is no free access to airport lounges.

The American Express Platinum Card

  • Annual Cost: $699
  • Rewards Rates Vary Interest Rates 1x-3x Points 
  • Initial Promotion 80,000 Points 

Our view

Why we enjoy it

This expertly cut and engraved metal Platinum Card offers a significant welcome bonus, high reward earn rates, and a staggering selection of first-rate bonuses and advantages.

Pros

  • With free, individualised assistance from Platinum Concierge, which is accessible around-the-clock, you can improve your travel experiences with everything from special reservations to insider insights.
  • Gain access to a comprehensive list of Platinum-level travel benefits, including the Global Dining Collection and access to airport lounges all over the world.

Cons

  • If you don’t intend to travel frequently, it could be challenging to justify the expensive yearly charge of $699.
  • Cardholders over 65 are not covered for travel-related medical expenses.

Reserve Card for American Express Aeroplan

  • Annual Price $599
  • Rates of Interest: 20.99% / 21.99% 
  • Rate of Reward 1.25x-3x Points 
  • Offer to Start Up to 85,000 Points 

Our View

Why we enjoy it

For frequent travellers, the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card is a solid option because to its extensive travel insurance, Air Canada advantages, exceptional earn rates, and unlimited rewards.

Pros

  • high gain rates and limitless incentives.
  • A free checked bag, priority airport check-in, and priority boarding for you and up to eight travelling companions are just a few of the airport perks offered by Air Canada.

Cons

  • a high annual cost of $599.
  • If you prefer a different airline, this card might not be a suitable choice for you since the greatest earn rate only applies to Air Canada travel expenditures.

Visa Infinite Privilege Card from TD Aeroplan

  • Annual Cost: $599
  • Rates of Interest: 21.9 % / 20.9 % 
  • Rate of Reward 1.25x–2x Points 
  • Welcome Bonus Up to 115,000 Points

Our View

Why we enjoy it

Strong travel insurance and benefits are included with the TD® Aeroplan® Visa* Infinite Privilege* Card, along with good earn rates on regular transactions.

Pros

  • a free membership to Visa Airport Companion with six annual airport lounge visits.
  • Numerous airport benefits, including as priority boarding, luggage handling, airport upgrades, and airport standby.

Cons

  • Large annual charge.

Mastercard BMO AIR MILES World Elite

  • Annual Fee $120 First Year Free
  • Rates of Interest: 20.9 % / 23.9 % 
  • Miles at a Reward Rate of 0.08 to 0.25 
  • Offer Initiation 2,000 Miles

Our View

Why we enjoy it

The BMO AIR MILES® World Elite® Mastercard®* provides frequent travellers with a premium travel experience at a great price. It features airport perks, travel benefits, 24/7 concierge access, and an exceptional standard earn rate of 1 AIR MILE for every $12 spent.

Pros

  • Access to airport lounges with a free Mastercard Airport Experiences membership provided by LoungeKey.
  • Strong insurance coverage, including up to $2 million in emergency medical insurance for outside of your province or nation.

Cons

  • On several areas of spending, this card doesn’t offer accelerated earn rates.

Mastercard BMO Ascend World

  • $150 annual fee waived the first year
  • Rates of Interest: 20.9 % / 23.9 % 
  • Rate of Reward 2x–5x Points 
  • Offer to Start Up to 60,000 Points

Our View

Why we enjoy it

  • The BMO AscendTM World Elite® Mastercard®* offers a high starting rate on points, a solid return on travel expenses, first-quality travel privileges, and a comprehensive travel insurance package.

Pros

  • LoungeKey offers four free tickets per year in addition to a complimentary membership in the Mastercard Airport Experiences programme.
  • At participating National Car Rental and Alamo Rent a Car locations, get 2x extra points and receive up to 25% off rentals.

Cons

  • BMO Reward points cannot be transferred to frequent flyer or loyalty programmes, although you can accrue frequent flyer miles when you fly.
  • Cardholders over 65 are not covered for travel-related medical expenses.

Gold American Express Card from Scotiabank

  • Annual Fee $120 First Year Free
  • Rates of Interest: 21.9 % / 20.9 % 
  • Rate of Reward 1x-6x Points 
  • Offer to Start Up to 45,000 Points

Our View

Why we enjoy it

  • The Scotiabank Gold American Express card comes with no foreign exchange costs in addition to rewarding you with remarkable rates throughout six well-liked purchasing areas.

Pros

  • You only have to pay the exchange rate when buying anything in a foreign currency whether travelling overseas or shopping online.

Cons

  • Once an expenditure reaches $50,000 per year, the extra rewards rates are reduced to the 1x flat rate. Although this seems like a lot, a large portion of your daily expenses are probably covered by the six bonus categories, so you might reach the maximum sooner than you anticipate.
  • If you don’t use your points within a year of the purchase date, they will expire.

Tangerine Credit Card with Cash Back

  • Annual Cost $0
  • 19.95% interest rates 
  • Rate of Reward 0.5%-15% 
  • Introduction Deal Up to $150 

Our View

Why we enjoy it

  • In addition to earning 0.50% back on everything else, you can receive an unlimited amount of cash back at a rate of 2% in up to three of your preferred categories.

Pros

  • By selecting up to three categories from Tangerine’s list of 10, which includes everyday items like gas and groceries as well as unique choices like furniture and home improvement, you can tailor the 2% rewards to your spending.
  • Pay only 1.95% interest on transferred balances for the first six months (19.95% beyond that) if you move balances within your first 30 days of account opening.

Cons

  • Although 2% cash back is an attractive rate, many credit cards quadruple rewards in several areas.
  • Tangerine is a completely online bank with no real-world locations.

American Express Marriott Bonvoy Card

  • Annual Charge $120
  • Rates of Interest: 19.99% / 22.99% 
  • Rate of Reward 2x–5x Points 
  • Initial Promotion 50,000 Points 

Our View

Why we enjoy it

The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card offers useful insurance options, freedom in how Marriott Bonvoy® points can be utilised, and the ability to earn complimentary stays and experiences at some of the world’s poshest hotels, restaurants, and spas.

Pros

  • Members of the Marriott Bonvoy® programme should be able to earn free hotel nights thanks to strong earn rates.
  • Some airlines, such as Air Canada’s Aeroplan, accept the transfer of Marriott Bonvoy® points in exchange for frequent flyer miles.
  • access to a number of insurance options as well as American Express® Experiences.

Cons

  • To access the most beneficial features of the card, you must be a Marriott Bonvoy® member.
  • The Marriott Bonvoy American Express may not always be usable wherever you go because American Express isn’t always as extensively recognised as some other credit cards.

Mastercard RBC World Elite WestJet

  • Annual Charge $119
  • Rates of Interest: 19.99% / 22.99% 
  • 1.5% to 2% in rewards 
  • Introduction Deal Up to $450 

Our View

Why we enjoy it

  • Frequent WestJet travellers can receive free checked bags, Status Lift privileges, an annual companion ticket, and the opportunity to earn rewards on travel and everyday purchases with the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard.

Pros

  • Benefit from an annual round-trip companion voucher for World Elite members that may be used on any WestJet flight.
  • When flying WestJet, the cardholder and up to eight guests are entitled to free checked bags.
  • It is simpler to approach tier status with WestJet thanks to the perks of Status Lift.

Cons

  • Although cards won’t have free access to airport lounges, they will get a free membership to the DragonPass Airport Lounges Programme and can enter some lounges for US$32 per person, each visit.
  • Only Delta, Air France, KLM Royal Dutch carriers, and Qantas Airways are considered partner carriers.

American Express Platinum Card from Scotiabank

  • Annual Price $399
  • 9.99% interest rates 
  • Rate of Reward 2x Points 
  • Offer to Start Up to 60,000 Points

Our View

Why we enjoy it

The Scotiabank Platinum American Express card is a unicorn for regular travellers looking for luxurious privileges, premier travel advantages and excellent interest rates on purchases and cash advances thanks to its low rates and substantial rewards programme.

Pros

  • Low interest rates, no foreign transaction fees, and an amazing insurance package with freshly added mobile device insurance on top of comprehensive travel insurance coverage.
  • The benefits of luxury travel include 10 free annual trips to VIP airport lounges and a free Priority Pass membership.

Cons

  • Although the $399 annual fee is considerably greater than that of other rewards cards, frequent travellers looking for a low rate on purchases and cash advances can easily justify the expense.

World Elite Mastercard from HSBC

  • Annual Charge $149
  • Reduction in annual fees during the initial year
  • Rates of Interest: 21.9 % / 20.9 % 
  • Rate of Reward 2x–6x Points 
  • Offer to Start Up to 80,000 Points 

Our View

Why we enjoy it

This World Elite credit card offers a high rewards rate on travel-related transactions in addition to a number of exclusive travel benefits, including a $100 trip enhancement credit and a 31-day global emergency travel medical insurance policy.

Pros

  • A $100 annual credit for travel enhancements can be used to pay for lounge access, baggage fees, and seat upgrades.
  • zero foreign transaction costs.

Cons

  • If you don’t charge 75% of your travel costs to the card, some types of travel insurance won’t be applicable.
  • Cardholders over 65 are not covered for travel-related medical expenses.

Infinite RBC British Airways Visa

  • Annual Price $165
  • Rates of Interest: 20.50% / 22.99% 
  • Mileage Reward Rate 1x-2x 
  • Offer to Start Up to 60,000 Miles 

Our View

Why we enjoy it

The RBC British Airways Visa Infinite is a wise choice for regular British Airways fliers as it is the only co-branded card available in Canada.

Pros

  • Spend $30,000 or more in any one calendar year to receive a Companion Award eVoucher.
  • A spending limit does not apply to accelerated reward rates.

Cons

  • Only British Airways customers can benefit from this card because Avios cannot be transferred to other reward programmes.
  • Access to the airport lounge is not included.

Visa Prepaid AC Conversion Card

  • Annual Cost $0
  • Rate of Reward 1% 
  • Minimum Deposit: $20,000 
  • Initial Promotion 1% Cash Back

Our View

Why we enjoy it

The AC Conversion Prepaid Visa Card allows international students, regular travellers, and newcomers to Canada to avoid exchange rate swings and skip the additional conversion cost by allowing them to carry and spend up to 10 foreign currencies at once. Additionally, cardholders can benefit from 1% cash back on any foreign currency purchases.

Pros

  • When you make a transaction, load up to 10 foreign currencies from 45 different countries to avoid paying conversion costs. The following currencies are accepted: Canadian dollars (CAD), US dollars (USD), Euros (EUR), British pounds (GBP), Australian dollars (AUD), Japanese yen (JPY), Hong Kong dollars (HKD), Turkish lira (TRY), Swiss francs (CHF), and Mexican pesos (MXN).

Cons

  • This card cannot be used to send money to friends or family.

Mastercard HSBC Rewards

  • Annual Cost: $25
  • Reduction in annual fees during the initial year
  • 11.90% interest rates 
  • Rate of Reward 1x-2x Points 
  • Offer to Start Up to 35,000 Points 

Our View

Why we enjoy it

This rewards card with a low interest rate and annual fee grants extra points for spending on restaurants and entertainment as well as various insurance policies.

Pros

  • With an interest rate on purchases and cash advances of 11.9%, this rewards card offers you a better deal than many others.
  • Redeem points for cash prizes, gift cards, or trips.

Cons

  • Despite the low interest rate, there is no promotional period for balance transfers.
  • An additional $69 per year is charged for travel and medical insurance coverage.

Travel Mastercard from KOHO

  • Annual Cost $0
  • Rate of Reward 0.5%-6% 
  • $20000 is the maximum deposit. 
  • No Intro Offer

Our View

Why we enjoy it

This prepaid card is a sensible option for people looking for a simple prepaid card that offers rewards in cold, hard cash without a credit check. Earn up to 6% cash back on qualifying purchases made at Altitude Sports, Baskin Robins, Indigo, Reebok, and other participating KOHO brand partners.

Pros

  • simple rewards for cash back.
  • 24/7 customer service from KOHO.

Cons

  • You cannot borrow money with this type of card since you can only utilise the money that is already in your account.

Platinum RBC Cathay Pacific Visa

  • Annual Charge $120
  • Rates of Interest: 20.50% / 22.99% 
  • Miles Rewarded 1x–2.5x 
  • Initial Promotion 15,000 Miles 

Our View

Why we enjoy it

The RBC British Airways Visa Infinite is a wise choice for regular British Airways fliers as it is the only co-branded card available in Canada.

Pros

  • Spend $30,000 or more in any one calendar year to receive a Companion Award eVoucher.
  • A spending limit does not apply to accelerated reward rates.

Cons

  • Only British Airways customers can benefit from this card because Avios cannot be transferred to other reward programmes.
  • Access to the airport lounge is not included.

Visa for Business Travel

  • Annual Charge $149
  • First-year interest rates are waived at 19.99% and 22.99% 
  • Rate of Reward 2x–9x Points 
  • Offer to Start Up to 150,000 Points 

Our View

Why we enjoy it

The TD Business Travel Card is a fantastic alternative for businesses of all sizes because to its sizable welcome offer, excellent earn rates on travel and foreign currency, and wide range of perks and benefits.

Pros

  • Large initial offer that many reputable companies can accept.
  • A wide range of travel benefits, such as discounts on foreign exchange and travel arrangements, a large selection of insurance, and more.
  • extremely high earn rates in several buying categories.

Cons

  • Smaller companies might not spend enough to earn the entire 150,000 TD Rewards point welcome incentive.
  • Lack of freedom when arranging travel because ExpediaForTD.com is required in order to receive points.

Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card from CIBC

  • Annual Price $139 
  • first year exempted
  • Rates of Interest: 21.9 % / 20.9 % 
  • 1x-1.5x Points/Points Reward Rate 
  • Offer to Start Up to 50,000 Points

Our View

Why we enjoy it

The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite card offers an unusual range of rewards that should be more than enough to keep many users happy, even though it’s a touch thin on unique advantages.

Pros

  • A commendable degree of insurance protection in light of the card’s quite cheap yearly charge.
  • Families are able to pool their Aeroplan miles.

Cons

  • There aren’t many possibilities, even during the promotional period, to double your points for purchases.
  • Juicier travel incentives are hard to come by outside the free first checked bag allowance and access to Visa Infinite’s selection of food, beverage, and luxury hotel options.

Visa CIBC Aventura Card

  • Annual Cost $0
  • Rates of Interest: 21.9 % / 20.9 % 
  • Rate of Rewards: 0.5x–1x Points 
  • Offer to Start Up to 2,500 Points

Our View

Why we enjoy it

This no-fee Aventura card is a fantastic first travel rewards credit card because of its flexible travel rewards and simple-to-understand rewards categories.\

Pros

  • Flexible travel incentives with points that never expire let you fly on any airline.
  • No yearly charge.

Cons

  • restricted insurance and added benefits.

Visa CIBC Aventura Gold Card in US Dollars

  • annual cost of USD $35
  • first year exempted
  • 20.99 / 22.99 in interest rates 
  • Rate of Rewards: 0.5x–1x Points 
  • Offer to Start Up to 10,000 Points 

Our View

Why we enjoy it

When shopping at U.S. merchants in-person or online, avoid paying conversion fees on purchases made in US dollars and earn Flexbile rewards.

Pros

  • Without paying any foreign transaction fees, make payments in USD.
  • flexible alternatives for redeeming awards.
  • Included are car rental, purchase security, and accident insurance for common carriers.

Cons

This card only helps Canadians who frequently make USD purchases because foreign currency conversion fees still apply to purchases made in other international countries.

Visa CIBC Aventura Gold

  • Annual Cost
  • $139
  • first year exempted
  • Rates of Interest: 21.9 % / 20.9 % 
  • Rate of Reward 1x-2x Points 
  • Offer to Start Up to 35,000 Points 

What we think 

Why we enjoy it

No established Canadian credit history is necessary to access flexible rewards, travel insurance, and a substantial welcome offer valued at a flight from any location in Canada or the United States to any location in either country (except Hawaii and Alaska).

Pros

  • Initial year’s annual charge is exempt.
  • flexible programme for prizes.
  • Access to the airport lounge and extra travel benefits.

Cons

  • $139 for each year

Visa Infinite Privilege Card from CIBC Aventura

  • Annual Price $499
  • Rates of Interest: 21.9 % / 20.9 % 
  • Rate of Reward 1.25x-3x Points 
  • Offer to Start Up to 80,000 Points 

Our View

Why we enjoy it

A metal credit card with all the perks of a high-end travel card, including access to airport lounges, accelerated points on travel purchases, and other features.

Pros

  • A $200 annual travel credit, two NEXUS application fee refunds every four years, and six free airport lounge visits are all included.
  • A $5 million out-of-province emergency travel medical coverage benefit is included with comprehensive travel insurance, providing 31 days of coverage for those under 65 and up to 10 days of coverage for those 65 and older. Not even your journey must be charged to the card.
  • opportunities for flexible redemption and points with no expiration date.

Cons

  • steep annual cost of $499.
  • high yearly income criterion of either $200,000 for households or $150,000 for individuals.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top