The Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada: Your Guide to Rewards and Perks

Traveling is one of life’s greatest pleasures, and it can be even more rewarding when you have the right credit card in your wallet. Whether you are planning a quick weekend getaway or a month-long adventure abroad, Canada’s best credit cards can help you save money, earn rewards, and enjoy exclusive perks that make your journey more enjoyable. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one? In this guide, we’ll explore Canada’s top travel credit cards and help you find the perfect card to suit your travel style and spending habits.

Why Choose a Travel Credit Card?

Travel credit cards are specifically designed to offer benefits that cater to travelers. These cards typically reward points or miles for every dollar you spend, which can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other travel-related expenses. Many of these cards also come with additional perks, such as travel insurance, airport lounge access, and no foreign transaction fees, making them an essential tool for frequent travelers.

What to Look for in a Travel Credit Card

When choosing a travel credit card, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money:

• Rewards Program: Look for a card that offers a strong rewards program, with points or miles that can be easily redeemed for travel. Some cards provide flexible rewards that can be used with multiple airlines and hotels, while others may have more restrictive options.
• Sign-Up Bonus: Many travel credit cards offer generous sign-up bonuses that can significantly boost your rewards balance. These bonuses often require you to spend a certain amount within the first few months, so ensure the spending requirement aligns with your budget.
• Annual Fee: While some travel credit cards come with no annual fee, others charge a fee in exchange for more generous rewards and perks. Consider whether the benefits you’ll receive Outweigh the cost of the yearly fee.
• Travel Perks: Look for cards that offer additional travel perks, such as travel insurance, airport lounge access, priority boarding, and no foreign transaction fees. These extras can enhance your travel experience and save you money.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: If you travel abroad frequently, choosing a card with no foreign transaction fees is essential. Typically around 2.5%, these fees can add up quickly when purchasing another currency.

Top Travel Credit Cards in Canada

Here are some of the best travel credit cards in Canada, each offering unique benefits that cater to different types of travelers:

1. American Express Cobalt® Card

The American Express Cobalt® Card is a popular choice for Canadians who want to earn rewards on everyday purchases. With this card, you earn 5x the points on dining and groceries, 3x on streaming services, and 2x on travel and transportation, making it easy to rack up points quickly. Points can be redeemed for travel through the Amex Fixed Points Travel Program or transferred to airline and hotel partners.

• Annual Fee: $12.99 monthly ($155.88 annually)
• Sign-Up Bonus: Up to 30,000 Membership Rewards points in the first year
• Travel Perks: Access to The Hotel Collection, no foreign transaction fees

2. Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite

The Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite is a strong contender for frequent travelers, offering no foreign transaction fees and comprehensive travel insurance. Cardholders earn 2x the points on grocery, dining, entertainment, and transit purchases and 1x on everything else. Points can be redeemed for travel through the Scene+ program.

• Annual Fee: $150
• Sign-Up Bonus: Up to 40,000 Scene+ points
• Travel Perks: Six complimentary airport lounge visits per year, no foreign transaction fees, comprehensive travel insurance

3. TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Card

For those who frequently fly with Air Canada, the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Card is an excellent choice. This card allows you to earn Aeroplan points on every purchase, with bonus points on grocery, gas, and Air Canada purchases. Cardholders also enjoy priority boarding, free checked baggage, and access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges.

• Annual Fee: $139 (waived for the first year)
• Sign-Up Bonus: Up to 50,000 Aeroplan points
• Travel Perks: Priority boarding, first checked bag free, Maple Leaf Lounge access, comprehensive travel insurance

4. RBC Avion Visa Infinite

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite is a flexible travel credit card that allows you to earn points that can be redeemed for flights on any airline with no blackout dates. The card offers 1x the points on all purchases, with a higher earn rate on travel-related purchases. RBC Rewards points can also be transferred to various airline partners, giving you more options for redeeming rewards.

• Annual Fee: $120
• Sign-Up Bonus: Up to 35,000 RBC Rewards points
• Travel Perks: Access to RBC’s Avion Elite concierge service, no blackout dates on flights, comprehensive travel insurance

Conclusion: Find the Best Credit Card for Your Travels

Choosing the best travel credit card in Canada depends on your travel habits and preferences. Whether If you’re looking for a card with no foreign transaction fees, one that offers generous rewards on everyday spending, or a card that provides premium travel perks, there’s an option for you. Take the time to compare the features and benefits of different cards to find the one that best suits your needs. Once you’ve chosen your ideal travel credit card, you’ll be ready to start earning rewards and enjoying all the perks that come with it.