The Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards in Canada 2024

Travel rewards credit cards come with various travel benefits, ranging from free annual companion vouchers to travel insurance.

With most credit cards, you can earn points and redeem them for flight tickets or vacation packages.

Travel credit cards are ideal for those who travel often and want to reap the benefits of spending money on their travels and daily purchases.

Below are our top picks of the best travel rewards credit cards in Canada.

Best Travel Credit Cards With An Annual Fee

The following top travel credit cards have an annual fee, though they tend to include many travel benefits that offset the cost, including roundtrip companion vouchers, flight upgrades, travel insurance, and more.

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card

• Annual fee: $150
• Interest rate: 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances
• Income requirement: $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
• Top features: no FX fees, 6 airport lounge passes, travel insurance

On every purchase with the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, you earn Scene+ points.

These points can be redeemed for travel purchases, Cineplex purchases, food, drink, and restaurant purchases, and more.

With this Scotiabank travel credit card, you earn:

• 3 Scene+ points for every $1 spent at eligible grocery stores
• 2 Scene+ points for every $1 spent on dining, other grocery purchases, and daily transit
• 2 Scene+ points for every $1 spent at Cineplex and Cineplex.com
• 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on everything else

This Scene travel credit card does not charge foreign currency conversion fees, which means you’ll save 2.5% to 3% every time you shop abroad.

You also get a complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program membership plus six complimentary airport lounge visits per year.

As this is a Visa Infinite credit card, you get access to Visa Infinite benefits, including a free concierge service, the Hotel Collection, and Dining and Wine Country program.

8 types of travel insurance come with the card, including travel emergency medical insurance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, and flight delay insurance.

Scotiabank Gold American Express Card

• Annual fee: $120 (waived in the first year)
• Interest rate: 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances
• Income requirement: $12,000 personal
• Top features: no FX fees, earn Scene+ points on every purchase

The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card charges no foreign exchange fees, making it a great travel rewards credit card to use abroad.

You earn a high amount of Scene+ points on each purchase, as follows:

• 6 Scene+ points for every $1 spent at eligible grocery stores
• 5 Scene+ points for every $1 spent on dining, food delivery, other grocery purchases, and entertainment purchases
• 3 Scene+ points for every $1 spent on gas, daily transit, and select streaming services
• 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on everything else

Since this is an American Express credit card, you get access to Amex Offers and Front of the Line presale tickets.

You also get a discounted Priority Pass membership to over 1,2000 VIP airport lounges worldwide.

9 types of travel and shopping insurance are included, like travel emergency medical insurance, flight delay insurance, travel accident insurance, and purchase security & extended warranty protection.

Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card

• Annual fee: $399
• Interest rate: 9.99% on purchases, 9.99% on cash advances
• Income requirement: N/A
• Top features: no FX fees, 10 free airport lounge passes

With the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card, you earn 2x Scene+ points on every purchase.

Like the other Scotiabank credit cards on this list, it does not charge foreign transaction fees.

It only has a 9.99% interest rate, which is much lower than all other travel credit cards we reviewed.

Mobile device insurance is included, as well as 10 complimentary airport lounge passes per year.

More benefits include complimentary concierge services, booking travel through Scene+ Travel, and many insurance benefits.

This card includes all other insurance except for purchase security and extended warranty protection, which you can add for an additional fee.

American Express Cobalt Card

• Annual fee: $12.99 monthly
• Interest rate: 20.99% on purchases, 21.99% on cash advances
• Income requirement: N/A
• Top features: earn & redeem Membership Rewards points

The American Express Cobalt card is a low-fee travel rewards credit card in Canada that makes it easy to earn and redeem Membership Rewards points.

You can use them for discounts on bookings at American Express Travel, eats and drinks, movie tickets, statement credits, and more.

You earn:

• 5x the points on eats and drinks purchases (up to a combined maximum of $30,000 annually)
• 3x the points on streaming subscriptions
• 2x the points on transit, gas, and travel purchases
• 1x the points on everything else

When you book with American Express Travel, you get an additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 spent.

This card includes a USD $100 hotel credit and hotel upgrades on check-in.

Mobile device insurance and a host of travel insurance are included as well.

Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card

• Annual fee: $120
• Interest rate: 19.99% on purchases, 21.99% on cash advances
• Income requirement: N/A
• Top features: earn & redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for free hotel stays and more

The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is perfect for those loyal to staying at Marriott hotels, as all benefits of this card are tailored towards Marriott Bonvoy properties.

On every purchase at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, you earn 5x Marriott Bonvoy points. You earn 2 points for every $1 spent on everything else.

After charging $30,000 in net purchases to your card each year, you’ll automatically be upgraded to Gold Elite status.

As a Marriott Bonvoy member, you can redeem points for free hotel stays or transfer your points to frequent flyer miles.

Flight delay insurance, baggage delay insurance, hotel burglary insurance, and a few other types of protection are all included as well.

You also get access to exclusive offers and events with American Express.

National Bank World Elite Mastercard

• Annual fee: $150 (first year rebated)
• Interest rate: 20.99% on purchases, 22.49% on cash advances
• Income requirement: $80,000 personal or $150,000 household
• Top features: unlimited airport lounge access, full coverage travel insurance

The National Bank World Elite Mastercard earns you points on every purchase, which can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, statement balances, merchandise, and more at the online boutique.

You can earn:

• 5 points per $1 spent on groceries and restaurants (up to $2,500 monthly)
• 2 points per $1 spent on a la carte travel bookings, recurring bill payments, and gas & EV charging
• 1 point per $1 spent on everything else

This is one of the best travel credit cards in Canada for lounge access.

As a World Elite Mastercard cardholder, you get free, unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at Montréal-Trudeau Airport. If you live in Montreal, this is a steal!

Also included with this credit card is a wide range of travel insurance, including out-of-province hospital medical insurance, flight cancellation or trip interruption insurance, delayed flight and stolen luggage insurance, and vehicle rental insurance.

Extended warranty and purchase protection, as well as mobile device insurance is also included.

American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card

• Annual fee: $599
• Interest rate: 20.99% on purchases, 21.99% on cash advances
• Income requirement: N/A
• Top features: Air Canada benefits, a free Priority Pass membership, a free Annual Worldwide Companion Pass

The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card is a premium travel credit card that earns you Aeroplan points on all purchases.

You earn 3x Aeroplan points on Air Canada purchases, 2x points on dining and food delivery, and 1.25x points on everything else.

These points can be redeemed for many travel benefits, including Air Canada flights and vacations, in-flight wifi, seat upgrades, hotel stays, and car rentals.

Many Air Canada travel benefits come with this card, including priority airport check-in, boarding, and baggage handling for you and up to 8 people, a free first checked bag, and access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf lounges and cafes.

After you spend $25,000 in net purchases, you get a free Annual Worldwide Companion Pass, which allows you to buy an accompanying Air Canada ticket for less than $600.

You also get a free Priority Pass membership which gives you access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide.

At Toronto Pearson Airport, you get through security faster, free valet service, and 15% off parking rates.

Comprehensive travel coverage, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance, flight delay insurance, baggage delay insurance, and emergency medical insurance, comes with this card for free.

TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card

• Annual fee: $120
• Interest rate: 19.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances
• Income requirement: $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
• Top features: earn points quickly at Expedia and redeem for travel bookings

If you book travel through Expedia often, consider applying for the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card.

It earns you TD points on every purchase, which you can use towards Amazon purchases or travel bookings at ExpediaForTD.com.

You earn 9 TD points for every $1 spent on travel bookings through Expedia for TD, and 3 TD points for every $1 spent on everything else.

As long as you remain a cardholder, your TD points will never expire.

As a TD Travel Credit Cardholder, you get an annual discount on a Priority Pass membership.

Travel insurance included with this card is delayed and lost baggage insurance, travel medical insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and common carrier travel accident insurance.

If you need help at any time, you can call TD for toll-free access in the event of an emergency.

Auto rental collision and loss damage insurance is also included, and you can get up to 10% savings at Avis and Budget car rental locations.

The Platinum Card from American Express

• Annual fee: $699
• Interest rate: 30%
• Income requirement: N/A
• Top features: no pre-set spending limit, a $200 annual travel credit, airport lounge access

The Platinum Card from American Express is a credit card with no pre-set spending limit.

What this means is your purchases are approved based on various factors, including account history and credit record.

You can pay your card off flexibly, with the minimum amount due, the full balance, or anything in between.

You earn Amex Membership Rewards points on every purchase. The earning structure is as follows:

• 3x the points on dining and food delivery purchases
• 2x the points on travel purchases
• 1x the points on everything else

In addition, you get one extra point when you book travel through Amex Travel Online.

This premium travel points credit card includes a $200 annual travel credit, as well as other platinum level benefits, including American Express Global Lounge Collection access, a $100 NEXUS card statement credit, and benefits at Toronto Pearson Airport, like access to the Priority Security Lane.

You also get the Hotel Status benefit, where you’ll be fast-tracked to higher tiers of hotel loyalty programs.

​​Fine Hotels + Resorts is also included, which unlocks hotel benefits such as guaranteed 4pm late checkout, free complimentary breakfast, and other benefits at over 1,100 hotels worldwide.

Platinum concierge service is available to cardholders 24/7.

A wide range of travel and shopping coverage is included, like out of province/country emergency medical insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and flight delay insurance.

BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard

• Annual fee: $120
• Interest rate: 20.99% on purchases, 23.99% on cash advances
• Income requirement: $80,000 personal or $150,000 household
• Top features: cash back rewards, Boingo Wi-Fi access, Mastercard Travel Pass

The BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard rewards your spending with cash back. You can earn:

• 5% cash back on groceries (up to $500 monthly)
• 4% cash back on transit purchases
• 3% cash back on gas and electric vehicle charging
• 2% cash back on recurring bill payments (up to $500 monthly)
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

You can redeem your cash back at any time and put it towards your monthly statement, in a BMO chequing or savings account, or put it into your InvestorLine account.

Besides cash back rewards, this card comes with complimentary access to over a million wifi hotspots with Boingo Wi-Fi, a complimentary membership to Mastercard Travel Pass by DragonPass, and Mastercard Travel Rewards cash back offers.

You can get up to 25% off at select Alamo and National Car Rental locations. Concierge staff is there to help 24/7.

Though this is on our list of the best travel reward credit cards in Canada, it does not include travel insurance.

RBC ION+ Visa

• Annual fee: $48
• Interest rate: 19.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances
• Income requirement: N/A
• Top features: earn & redeem Avion points, mobile device insurance

The RBC ION+ Visa is a great travel credit card for earning Avion points on every purchase.

These points can be redeemed for travel bookings, statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, and more.

On each purchase, you earn 3x Avion points for every $1 spent on groceries, dining, food delivery, gas and EV charging, streaming, and recurring subscriptions.

You’ll earn 1x Avion point on all other purchases.

In addition, you can earn 50 Be Well points for every $1 spent at Rexall.

Insurance coverage included with this card are mobile device insurance (up to $1,000 for 2 years) and purchase security and extended warranty insurance.

Other additional features include savings of 3¢/L on fuel and a complimentary 3 month DashPass subscription.

CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card

• Annual fee: $139 (first year rebated)
• Interest rate: 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances
• Income requirement: $60,000 individual or $100,000 household
• Top features: earn & redeem Aventura points on travel

The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card is a flexible travel rewards card that earns you Aventura points on your purchases, as follows:

• 2 points for every $1 spent on travel through the CIBC Rewards Centre
• 1.5 points for every $1 spent on gas, grocery store, and drugstore purchases
• 1 point for every $1 spent on everything else

Aventura points never expire. They can be used on travel bookings like flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and vacation packages, merchandise, gift cards, and more.

Some travel benefits include 4 complimentary airport lounge visits, a NEXUS rebate every 4 years, and Visa Infinite benefits, like tickets, upgrades, and tours.

This CIBC credit card includes valuable travel insurance, including flight delay and baggage insurance, emergency travel medical insurance, and common carrier accident insurance.

WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard

• Annual fee: $119
• Interest rate: 19.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances
• Income requirement: $80,000 personal or $150,000 household
• Top features: earn & redeem WestJet dollars, get a free World Elite roundtrip companion voucher

The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard rewards you in WestJet Dollars.

You earn 2% back in WestJet Dollars when you purchase WestJet flights or vacation packages, and 1.5% back on everyday purchases.

WestJet Dollars never expire, and you can redeem them on travel bookings with no blackout periods.

With this card, you receive a World Elite roundtrip companion voucher to any WestJet destination, and a free first checked bag.

You can earn 50 Be Well points for every $1 spent when shopping at Rexall, and save 3¢/L on fuel at Petro-Canada. A 12-month complimentary DashPass subscription is also included.

Broad insurance coverage includes emergency medical insurance, trip interruption insurance, and hotel burglary insurance.

MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard

• Annual fee: $120
• Interest rate: 19.99% on purchases, 24.99% on cash advances
• Income requirement: $80,000 personal or $150,000 household
• Top features: earn & redeem MBNA Rewards points

With the MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard, you earn MBNA points on every purchase.

For every $1 spent on grocery, restaurant, household utility, membership, and digital media purchases, you earn 5 points up to a maximum of $50,000 annually.

After that and on all other eligible purchases, you earn 1 point for every $1 spent.

Each year, you’ll receive birthday points, equal to 10% of the total number of points earned in the 12 months before your birthday (up to 15,000 points).

MBNA Rewards points never expire. You can redeem them for cash back, travel, merchandise, gift cards, and more.

MBNA also has a payment plan where you can split up purchases over $100 in 6, 12, or 18-month terms.

4 types of insurance are included with this card – mobile device insurance, travel medical insurance, flight/trip delay insurance, and delayed and lost baggage insurance.

RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card

• Annual fee: $120
• Interest rate: 19.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances
• Income requirement: $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
• Top features: earn & redeem Avion points, savings at Petro-Canada and Hertz

On every dollar spent, you earn 1 Avion point with the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card.

You can redeem Avion points on travel, statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, and more, with no blackout dates on travel.

You can enjoy exclusive experiences, offers, and benefits with the Avion Collection as well as reap the benefits of Visa Infinite.

Insurance coverage includes mobile device insurance, purchase protection, trip interruption/cancellation insurance, and emergency medical insurance.

More benefits include savings at Petro-Canada, earning more Be Well points at Rexall, 20% savings and 3x more Avion points at Hertz, and a complimentary 12-month DashPass subscription.

Best No-Fee Travel Credit Cards in Canada

The following 3 no annual fee travel credit cards in Canada include some benefits of the paid travel credit cards, without annual fees that can be upwards of $500.

CIBC Aventura Visa Card

• Annual fee: $0
• Interest rate: 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances
• Income requirement: $15,000 household
• Top features: earn & redeem Aventura points

The CIBC Aventura Visa Card pays in Aventura points whenever you make a purchase. You’ll earn:

• 1 point for every $1 spent on travel through the CIBC rewards centre
• 1 point for every $1 spent on gas, grocery, and drugstore purchases
• 1 point for every $2 spent on everything else

You can redeem Aventura points on flights, hotels, car rentals, vacation packages, gift cards, merchandise, and more.

Aventura Travel Assistant can help book personalized travel with no booking fees.

Link your Journie Rewards card to save on gas at participating gas stations.

Included with this CIBC travel credit card is $100,000 common carrier accident insurance, auto rental collision and loss damage insurance, and purchase security and extended protection insurance.

BMO AIR MILES Mastercard

• Annual fee: $0
• Interest rate: 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances
• Income requirement: $15,000
• Top features: earn up to 3 Air Miles per $25 spent

This BMO travel credit card rewards you with Air Miles for every dollar spent. You earn:

• 3 Miles for every $25 spent at Air Miles partners
• 2 Miles for every $25 spent at eligible grocery stores
• 2x Air Miles at participating partners

Air Miles can be redeemed on travel purchases, as cash back, or dream rewards.

Cardholders get up to 25% off base rates at Alamo and National Car Rental locations, as well as 15% to 20% off Cirque du Soleil shows in Canada and Las Vegas.

Rogers World Elite Mastercard

• Annual fee: $0
• Interest rate: 19.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances
• Income requirement: $80,000 personal or $150,000 household
• Top features: earn & redeem 1.5% to 3% cash back

The Rogers World Elite Mastercard rewards you with cash back plus insurance benefits.

The insurance that comes with this card includes extended warranty and purchase protection, out-of-province/country emergency medical insurance, rental car collision/damage insurance, trip interruption, and cancellation insurance. 

On every purchase, you earn 1.5% cash back, and 3% cash back in US dollar purchases.

You also get a complimentary membership to Mastercard Travel Pass by DragonPass.

Best Business Travel Credit Cards in Canada

If you own a business and travel often, these top 3 business travel credit cards are worth checking out.

TD Business Travel Visa Card

• Annual fee: $149
• Interest rate: 19.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances
• Income requirement: N/A
• Top features: earn & redeem TD Rewards points, 25% off select business purchases

This TD business travel credit card is for the ultimate traveller and business owner. You earn TD Rewards points on every purchase, as per the following:

• 9 points per $1 spent on travel at ExpediaForTD.com
• 6 points per $1 spent on foreign currency purchases, restaurant purchases, and recurring bill payments ($80,000 spend cap)
• 2 points for every $1 spent on business purchaes

TD Rewards points can be redeemed on travel bookings, Amazon.ca, merchandise, statement credits, and more.

There are no travel blackouts or seat restrictions and your TD points will never expire, as long as your account is in good standing.

When you link this card to your Starbucks Rewards account, you get 50% more TD Rewards and Stars.

This TD travel credit card comes with savings of up to 25% off business purchases made under the Visa SavingsEdge Program.

6 types of travel insurance are included, like travel medical insurance, common carrier travel accident insurance, and flight/trip delay insurance.

You also get savings at Avis and Budget car rental locations.

RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business Card

• Annual fee: $175
• Interest rate: 19.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances
• Income requirement: $60,000 personal or $100,000 houeshold
• Top features: earn & redeem Avion points, Visa Airport Companion

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business Card is a great way to be rewarded for your business purchases with Avion points.

You earn 1.25 Avion points for every $1 spent with this card, up to a maximum of $75,000 annually.

Premium travel benefits include access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, plus airport dining and spa offers provided with the Visa Airport Companion.

This RBC travel credit card includes reporting and controls for business spending.

A host of travel insurance is included, as well as savings at Petro-Canada and Hertz.

American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card

• Annual fee: $599
• Interest rate: 16.99% on purchases, 21.99% on cash advances
• Income requirement: N/A
• Top features: annual worldwide companion pass, airport lounge access, priority at the airport

The American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card is a top choice for earning Aeroplan points on everyday transactions. You earn:

• 3x the points on Air Canada flights and vacation purchases
• 2x the points on hotel stays and car rentals
• 1.25x the points on everything else

Aeroplan points can be redeemed for travel benefits, including Air Canada flights and vacations, in-flight wifi, seat upgrades, hotel stays, and car rentals.

This card includes a free annual worldwide companion pass and a $100 NEXUS card statement credit.

Business benefits include expense management tools and resources, insurance benefits, and the flexibility to pay the balance in full or over time.

Additionally, the $599 annual fee may be tax deductible.

Along with a wide range of travel insurance, this card comes with many travel benefits, including a free first checked bag, priority check-in, boarding, baggage handling, airport standby, and upgrades.

You get access to select Maple Leaf airport lounges, a complimentary Priority Pass membership, and benefits at Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Our Methodology:
The Snappy Rates team assesses the best travel rewards credit cards based on their annual fees, interest rates, welcome bonuses, rewards, top features, categories, insurance coverage, and other perks. We carefully evaluate each credit card and place more weight on the long-term rewards value each card offers. Only credit cards we would personally use are recommended. While these credit cards are some of the best on the market, but may not be right for you. Always do your own research before choosing a credit card.

Pros of Travel Rewards Credit Cards

Travel rewards credit cards are great for those who travel often or are loyal to one airline.

Generally, you can earn points or cash back that can be redeemed for travel and other purchases.

Although these credit cards have an annual fee, it typically pays for itself in one way or another with travel benefits.

Many travel credit cards also come with a range of travel insurance, so you don’t need to worry about purchasing it separately.

Cons of Travel Rewards Credit Cards

When choosing a travel rewards credit card, you need to consider the points program.

Most travel credit cards only give you points for a specific airline, like WestJet or Air Canada.

If you are not loyal to that airline, it probably isn’t worth applying for.

Travel rewards credit cards often come with a high fee, and some can cost upwards of $500 per year.

You need to ensure that you can pay the annual fee plus the interest if you don’t pay your balance on time.

Some travel credit cards also charge foreign transaction fees, so when you spend money abroad, you’ll be paying 2.5% to 3% in transaction fees.

FAQs

Related:

• Best Prepaid Credit Cards in Canada
• Best Credit Cards for Students in Canada
• Best Low-Interest Credit Cards in Canada