The Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards in Canada for May 2025

Canadians love to travel. Whether it be to escape the winter (snowbirds), for a summer vacation abroad, or any travel for that matter, the best travel credit cards in Canada can help you save a ton of money.

These credit cards offer a combination of rewards, including comprehensive travel insurance, free airport lounges, sign-up bonuses, and travel perks that can make your vacations much more enjoyable.

Because the cards on this list are awesome and offer real value, you will also find some of them on my list of best cash back credit cards and best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees in Canada.

Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada for 2025

Many of these two cards are the epitome of everything you want in a great card: high earn rates, easy and flexible redemption, solid sign-up bonuses, multiple perks, and a reasonable annual fee.

Read on to see what each card offers for perks and benefits, their annual fees, income eligibility, and any downsides.

1. Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card

For a combination of zero foreign transaction fees and premium travel perks, the Passport Visa Infinite Card is a top contender.

• $150 annual fee (waived in the first year)
• Earn up to 40,000 bonus Scotia Rewards points ($400 value)
• Earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, FreshCo, and other partner stores
• Earn 2 points per $1 spent on grocery, dining, entertainment, and transit purchases
• Earn 1 point on all other purchases
• No FX mark-up on foreign currency purchases
• Complimentary Priority Pass membership with 6 free airport lounge visits per year
• Comprehensive travel insurance, including travel emergency medical, trip cancellation and interruption, travel accident, flight delay, delayed and lost baggage, rental car collision loss/damage waiver, and more
• Purchase protection and extended warranty

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite’s 40,000 bonus point is worth $400 in travel costs. Earn 30,000 points when you spend $2,000 in the first 3 months and an additional 10,000 points if your annual card spending is $40,000 or more.

The annual complimentary Priority Pass membership and 6 free lounge visits are worth around $379, which more than covers the card’s annual fees. Add in your savings from foreign transaction fees, and this card has very little competition.

You need a minimum personal income of $60,000 (or $100,000 household income) to qualify for this card. You can also read my complete Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite review.

2. American Express Cobalt Card

The American Express Cobalt is not just a travel card; it is also great for earning rewards on your everyday spending. Here’s what you get:

• $12.99 monthly fee ($155.88 annual)
• Earn 5 points for every $1 spent at grocery stores, restaurants, bars, and cafes
• Earn 3 points for every $1 spent on streaming subscription services
• Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on gas, travel, and transit purchases
• Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases
• Comprehensive travel insurance, including emergency travel (up to $5 million), flight and baggage delay, hotel/motel burglary, lost or stolen baggage, car rental, and travel accident insurance (up to $250,000)
• Purchase protection plan and extended warranty
• Access to VIP perks, including Amex Invites with Front Of The Line Access to in-demand events
• Multiple rewards redemption options
• Free supplementary cards

In addition to great travel rewards, the Amex Cobalt card also has a high earn rate for grocery and food purchases in Canada.

Best Prepaid Travel Credit Cards

This prepaid travel card is light on your wallet, and you won’t have to worry about interest or hefty annual fees. It offers the convenience of credit cards and helps you waive foreign currency transaction fees.

3. EQ Bank Card

The EQ Bank Card waives foreign currency transaction fees and has no annual fees. You can also use it at any ATM in Canada and pay no ATM fees.

Even better, this card earns 0.50% cash back on all purchases. And you get 2.50% saving interest on your balance.

4. KOHO Extra Prepaid Mastercard

The KOHO premium Mastercard waives the foreign currency transaction fee and pays up to 1.5% instant cash back on your purchases.

Here are some of the benefits offered by KOHO:

• No FX fees
• Automatic savings using the roundup feature
• Earn up to 5% interest on your balance
• Earn cash back on purchases with 1.5% on three categories of spending and at select merchants
• Get a $40 welcome bonus after you make your first purchase with the card (use GETCASH promo code)
• No monthly account fees for the basic account ($9 for KOHO Premium)
• Price matching
• Free financial coaching
• 1x free international ATM withdrawal/month

Read our KOHO Premium review.

Best Travel Card With No Foreign Transaction Fee

When you use your credit cards abroad, the foreign transaction fees add up. At a cost of 2.5% or more, these no-FX fee cards come in handy.

5. Scotiabank Gold American Express Card

The Scotiabank Gold American Express is one of Scotiabank’s best credit cards, with a top-notch earn rate and a variety of redemption options. It offers:

• $120 annual fee (waived in the first year)
• Earn 20,000 bonus Scene+ points ($200 value) when you spend $2,000 in the first 3 months plus an extra 20,000 bonus points ($200 value) when you spend at least $7,500 in the first year (total bonus valued at $400)
• Earn 6 points for every $1 spent at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland, and other partner stores
• Earn 5 points for every $1 spent on groceries, dining, and entertainment
• Earn 3 points for every $1 you spend on gas, daily transit, and streaming services
• Earn 1 point for every $1 spent elsewhere
• No foreign transaction fee (a 2.5% savings on foreign currency purchases)
• Comprehensive travel insurance including travel emergency medical, flight delay, trip cancellation/trip interruption, travel accident, rental car, hotel/motel burglary, delayed and lost baggage insurance.
• Purchase security and extended warranty
• Discounted Priority Pass membership (35% off) with access to 600+ VIP airport lounges worldwide
• Special access to events with American Express Invites
• Up to 25% discount on AVIS and Budget car rental
• Complimentary 24/7 concierge services

The 5-6% rewards rate for this card on grocery, dining, and entertainment purchases are great. Add in the $400 bonus offer (40,000 points), and the $120 annual fee is easily paid off.

Personal income eligibility for the Scotiabank Gold Amex is very low at $12,000 per year. You can also read my complete Scotiabank Gold American Express review.

Best Travel Credit Card for Airport Lounge Access

If you want a travel credit card with excellent airport lounge access and premium perks, the Platinum Card from American Express is a good bet.

6. The Platinum Card from American Express

Best Travel Credit Card For Hotel Stays

Premium credit cards come in various flavours. These two cards take the top spot for the best sign-up welcome bonuses.

7. The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card

The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card offers one of the best rewards for hotel stays for Canadians. It replaces the Starwood Preferred Guest SPG card.

• $120 annual fee
• Earn 5 points for every $1 spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties
• Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases
• Redeem points for hotel stays at more than 7,000 hotels, including names like the Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Marriott Hotels, Le Meridien, and Sheraton
• Get one free night every year (worth up to 35,000 points)
• Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status
• Free supplementary cards
• Free Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status when you spend up to $30,000 each year
• 15 Elite night credits each year
• Comprehensive travel insurance
• Access to American Express Invites such as Front of The Line Advance Access
• Purchase protection and extended warranty

The 50,000 bonus points are earned after you charge $1,500 in purchases to your Card in your first three months.

When you look at the value of the bonus points and add in the 15 Elite night credits and annual free night, this card is worth every penny.

Lastly, you can easily transfer your Marriott Bonvoy points to several other frequent flyer programs in exchange for miles.

Best Travel Credit Cards for Students

Want to pay low annual fees and earn reasonable rewards or cash back? Consider the RBC ION+ Visa or Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card.

8. Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card

You can apply for this credit card with a credit score of 600+ and an annual income of $12,000 or higher.

Best Travel Credit Card for WestJet Rewards

9. WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard

The WestJet RBC World Elite card is a great card for maximizing your WestJet Rewards.

• $119 annual fee
• Earn 2% back on all WestJet flights and travel packages
• Earn 1.5% on your general spending and save 3 cents per litre when you buy gas at Petro Canada
• Free first checked bags on WestJet flights for the primary cardholder and up to 8 guests
• Annual round-trip companion voucher
• Comprehensive travel and purchase insurance coverage
• Complimentary 24/7 concierge service

10. RBC Avion Visa Infinite

Another RBC travel credit card to consider is the RBC Avion Visa Infinite.

Best No Fee Travel Credit Cards

If you don’t like the idea of paying annual fees in exchange for travel rewards, these cards charge $0 annual fees, offer travel insurance, flexible rewards, perks, and more.

11. Rogers World Elite Mastercard

The Rogers World Elite Mastercard often features among the best cards with no foreign transaction fees; however, its reward offerings were recently downgraded.

• No annual fee
• Earn 3% unlimited cash back on eligible USD purchases
• Earn 1.50% cash back on all other eligible purchases
• Comprehensive travel insurance, including car rental collision/damage, emergency medical, trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance
• Purchase protection and extended warranty
• Redeem your cash back rewards as a statement credit at any time (minimum $20), against your phone bill, for Toronto Blue Jays tickets, and more

The minimum personal income to apply for this card is $80,000 per year.

• ^ Terms and conditions apply. For full and up-to-date product information and applicable terms and conditions, visit Rogersbank.com. Rogers Bank is not responsible for maintaining or controlling the accuracy of the information published on this website.
• ®/TM Mastercard and World Elite are registered trademarks and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Used under license.​
• TM Rogers and Mobius Design, Rogers Bank and related marks, logos and brand names are trademarks of Rogers Communications Inc., or an affiliate, used under license. © 2025 Rogers Bank.​
• ​Rogers Bank is the issuer of this credit card.

12. MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus Mastercard

The MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus takes top-tier status in the no-fee cash back and travel rewards categories.

• No annual fee
• Earn 4 points per $1 spent on eligible restaurant, grocery, digital media, membership, and household utility purchases
• Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
• Flexible rewards redemption, including travel, cash back, and merchandise
• Comprehensive travel insurance
• Purchase protection and extended warranty

This card has a cap of $10,000 on each purchase category eligible for the 2% earn rate. Learn more in this review.

13. Tangerine World Mastercard

The Tangerine World Mastercard offers up to 2% cash back on purchases, and cardholders enjoy access to insurance and a complimentary airport lounge access membership.

• No annual fee
• Rental car collision/loss damage insurance
• Mobile device insurance
• Mastercard Airport Experiences Provided by Loungekey
• Purchase protection and extended warranty
• Access to Boingo Wi-Fi for Mastercard

Best Air Miles Travel Credit Card in Canada

Check out these cards for accelerated travel rewards.

14. BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard

The BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard has one of the best earn rates of any AIR MILES credit card in Canada. Here’s how it stacks up:

• $120 annual fee
• Earn 1 reward mile for every $12 spent anywhere
• Earn 2 rewards miles for every $12 spent at any eligible grocery store
• Earn 3 rewards miles for every $12 spent on purchases at participating AIR MILES partners
• 25% discount on one worldwide AIR MILES flight redemption during the year
• Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass with access to VIP airport lounges for a fee of $32 USD
• Up to 25% discount at National Car Rental and Alamo Rent-a-Car
• Comprehensive travel insurance
• Extended warranty and purchase protection

The $120 annual fee for the BMO AIR MILES World Elite is waived in year one. Since there is no limit to how many miles you can earn with the card, you could easily accumulate several free flights each year.

Like other World Elite cards, you need a minimum personal income of $80,000 to qualify. An alternative card without the income requirement is the BMO AIR MILES Mastercard.

More Travel Rewards Cards For Canadians

There are a few other travel credit cards that are worth checking out if you plan to travel frequently within and outside of Canada.

15. TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card

The TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite comes loaded with bonus TD Points and a full annual fee rebate for the first year.

• $139 annual fee
• Earn 8 TD Points for every $1 spent on travel through Expedia for TD (4.5% reward rate)
• Earn 3 points for every $1 spent on everything else (1.5% reward rate)
• Comprehensive travel insurance
• Discounted Priority Pass membership
• Up to 10% off car rentals at participating Avis and Budget locations

Note that a personal income of $60,000 or $100,000 household income is required to be eligible for this card.

16. Home Trust Preferred Visa

The Home Trust Preferred Visa is the second card I recommend if you want a travel credit card with zero foreign transaction fees.

• No annual fee
• No foreign currency conversion fees
• Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all purchases
• Purchase security insurance

While the Home Trust Preferred has no sign-up bonus, its no annual fee, 1% flat rewards rate, and savings on foreign currency purchases are noteworthy.

Some downsides to this card include its unavailability to Quebec residents and a limit of 10 transactions per day.

17. CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card

The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card offers a noteworthy set of travel benefits and rewards.

• $139 annual fee
• Complimentary Priority Pass membership with four free VIP airport lounge passes
• Earn 2 points per $1 spent on trips purchased through the CIBC rewards centre
• Earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on gas, grocery, and drugstore purchases
• Earn 1 point per $1 for everything else
• Comprehensive travel and purchase insurance
• Nexus card application fee rebate every fourth year (worth $50)
• Mobile device insurance (up to $1,000)

Travel Credit Cards Explained

Travel credit cards are popular in Canada, and there are two main types: those specific to an airline or hotel and those that offer general travel rewards you can use in more ways.

Some allow you to earn points that you can put towards flights and other travel-related discounts. With others, you earn miles directly.

The value of your rewards can be fixed or variable. For example, if you redeem your rewards for flights, your destination, date of travel, class, etc., can all impact the value of the points.

Many also come with travel-related perks like free access to airline lounges and travel insurance coverage.

Types of Travel Credit Cards in Canada

There are several types of travel credit cards to choose from in Canada.

General Rewards

You can redeem these rewards for different types of travel, not just flights. For example, you may be able to redeem them for stays in hotels, cruises and vacation packages.

These credit cards are more flexible, which is why they are so popular, and you are not restricted to using one airline or staying in one hotel chain.

Hotel Rewards

With these cards, you can redeem your points to stay in hotels for discounts or even get free stays. They are linked to specific chains, and you may get extra bonuses like being able to stay free for your birthday.

You may also get other perks like discounts at the restaurant and free Wifi.

Airline Rewards

With airline rewards cards, you can redeem your points for flights on a specific airline or group of airlines.

You can often transfer your points to another airline in a group. For example, Aeroplan is Air Canada’s loyalty program, but you can use your points for any airline in the Star Alliance network.

You may be able to use your points on vacation packages provided by the airline as well as merchandise. In addition, these credit cards often come with additional perks like priority boarding.

How to Choose a Travel Credit Card in Canada

When choosing a travel credit card in Canada, there are several key areas to consider.

Rewards

Start by looking at the rewards offered. There are different types of rewards, as explained above. For example, you may prefer a specific airline or hotel chain, and you will want to earn points to redeem on an airline or hotel you will use.

How can you redeem the points? Are they just for travel, or can they be used more generally? For example, you might be able to redeem points for gift cards or merchandise.

Earn Rate

How many points can you earn? Naturally, you want as many points as possible. For example, there may be several Aeroplan credit cards, but some may make earning more points easier.

Many cards provide different ways to earn additional points. For example, you could earn more points by spending on specific categories or in specific places.

Annual Fee

You may be tempted by the rewards, but make sure the cost is worth it. Many of the best travel credit cards have an annual fee, and some cost hundreds of dollars.

Make sure you can take full advantage of your card to make the fee worthwhile.

Welcome Bonuses

Look out for welcome bonuses. These change all the time, but they can be excellent and can be especially useful if you are planning a trip.

You may receive many points or miles just to open the account. Or you may have to spend a certain amount on your card to claim them.

Travel Perks

Travel credit cards often come with additional perks, so check whether any are included.

For example, travel insurance is one of the major perks. You may not need to spend extra on travel insurance for your trip because you are already covered by your credit card, saving you hundreds of dollars.

Other perks include:

• Free checked bags for your flight.
• Free access to airport lounges.
• No fees on foreign currency transactions.
• Concierge service to help with booking trips, events, etc.
• Seat upgrades on flights.
• Room upgrades in hotels.
• Discounts on car rentals

Types of Credit Card Travel Insurance in Canada and How Each One Works

Travel insurance coverage is one of the perks offered by many travel credit cards in Canada. But there are several types of travel insurance.

Some cards may include all of these, while others may only include a few.

With all of these, you should find out about limitations. For example, people with pre-existing medical conditions may not be covered.

Out-of-Province Travel Emergency Medical Insurance

This is the most important type of travel insurance. If you have a medical emergency outside of your home province, it could cost tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.

This insurance covers the costs, and the maximum amount is usually high.

Travel Accident Insurance

This insurance covers your medical costs if you have an accident while on transportation.

Sometimes it is limited to travelling by plane. But it may include other types of transport like trains.

This insurance will cover your expenses, but limits are usually lower than those for emergency medical insurance.

Travel Interruption/Cancellation Insurance

If you have to cancel your trip or go home early, you may have lots of expenses to cover, including travel costs. This insurance helps to cover these.

However, check the limitations. You can’t often cancel your trip just because you want to. For example, you may only be able to use this insurance if you fall ill or due to the death of a close relative.

Lost/Delayed Baggage Insurance

If your baggage is lost or delayed during your trip, you can get covered up to the maximum amount stated in the policy.

For example, you may face additional expenses while waiting for your baggage to arrive.

Flight Delay Insurance

Flight delays can be very frustrating. But you may be able to get your expenses covered for things like meals and accommodation, often after a set amount of time has passed.

Hotel/Motel Burglary Insurance

This insurance covers the costs if your items are stolen from your hotel or motel room. But there may be restrictions like the types of items covered and the maximum cost per item.

Rental Car Collision/Loss Damage Insurance

You could get this insurance coverage if you rent a car and are involved in a collision or if it’s stolen.

Your rental car company may offer you a collision damage waiver, but you can use your credit card cover instead.

Primary cover means it will become the primary insurance instead of your personal insurance policy, while secondary means it covers anything your personal insurance does not cover.

How Travel Credit Card Points Rewards Work

To get the most out of your travel rewards, you need to understand how they work.

Earn Rate

The earn rate is the number of points or miles you earn per every dollar spent. The more points you can earn, the better.

Some travel credit cards have a flat rate, while others provide more points for purchases in different categories. Some may have a larger earn rate, and you may earn more when you purchase with a partner, like Air Canada for Aeroplan cards.

Points Value

The value of points can change depending on where you travel to, the time of year you travel, and other factors.

You can work out the value of your points depending on the offer. For example, if a flight costs $500 and you can use 20,000 Aeroplan points to buy it, the value of each point is 500/20,000 ($0.025 per point).

You could compare this with another discount and work out which gives you the most value for your points.

Expiration

Points usually remain active while your account is open, but sometimes they may expire if you don’t use them for a year or 18 months.

But as long as you earn at least one point in that time, you should keep the points.

How to Redeem Travel Credit Card Rewards

Depending on the loyalty program, there are different ways to redeem your miles or points.

You will usually be able to redeem points via the credit card issuer’s website. However, if the rewards are offered by an airline or hotel, you can usually redeem them via the website or app when you book your flight or hotel stay.

Consistent Points

These are where points have the same value whatever you redeem them for, and they are the easiest to use.

Fluctuating Points

These are the most common type of reward points, and the value of the points changes based on how you use them.

For example, the value may depend on your destination, travel date, etc. Your points may also be worth less during peak season.

Point Transfers

This is where you can transfer your points to other loyalty programs. For example, when you earn Amex Membership Rewards, you can often transfer these points to several other loyalty programs at a 1:1 ratio.

With other point transfers, your points may be worth less after making the transfer.

How to Maximize Travel Credit Card Rewards

You’ll want to get the most out of your credit card rewards, and there are several things you can do:

• Get your welcome bonus by meeting any minimum spending requirements.
• Make purchases in categories where you can earn more points, like groceries, to increase your earn rate.
• Always calculate how much your points are worth before you redeem them.
• Research different rewards programs and choose the one that allows you to get the most benefits based on your spending habits.
• Always pay off your balance, so you don’t have to pay any interest.

How to Apply for a Travel Credit Card in Canada

Applying for a travel credit card is straightforward. First, you need to choose the right card for your situation.

This is the step you want to spend the most time on because you want to ensure you find the best card for your needs.

Check the requirements of the card. For example, there may be a minimum personal or family income requirement, and your credit score will usually need to be good.

You can normally apply via the website. Simply provide your details, and your application may be accepted or rejected immediately, or it may take longer.

Then just wait for your card to arrive, activate it and start using it.

Benefits of Travel Credit Card

• Save on flights, hotels and other travel-related expenses.
• Enjoy premium perks like free access to airport lounges.
• You may get travel insurance coverage included.
• Earn points for your everyday spending.
• Transfer your points to other loyalty programs.

Downsides of Travel Credit Card

• Some cards have expensive annual fees.
• There may be restrictions when it comes to travel insurance and other perks.
• Sometimes redeeming points can be complicated when the point values change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Check out this list for some of the best travel credit cards available in Canada. The cards vary in many ways, including annual fees, types of rewards and earn rates, income eligibility, travel insurance coverage, and more.

Depending on what your travel preferences and needs are, one or two of these cards should be able to satisfy your wanderlust requirements and save you money while you are at it!

Related: Best Aeroplan Credit Cards in Canada.

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