Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada
Updated for 2026 • Reviewed for accuracy
Compare popular Canadian travel credit cards for flexible points, airline rewards, no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance, airport perks, and everyday rewards that can be used toward travel.
Card terms, fees, rewards, welcome offers, eligibility requirements, and benefits can change. Always verify details directly with the card issuer before applying.
Top Travel Credit Card Picks in Canada
These travel credit cards are grouped by common use case. The best choice depends on whether you value flexible points, airline rewards, no foreign transaction fees, premium perks, or simple travel redemptions.
American Express Cobalt
A strong choice for users who want to earn flexible travel rewards from everyday categories like groceries, dining, and streaming.
Best for: Everyday spending that turns into travel rewards
Annual fee: $15.99/month
Rewards: Membership Rewards
Highlight: Strong food and lifestyle earn rates
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite
Useful for travellers who want to reduce foreign currency costs while still earning travel rewards.
Best for: Travellers and foreign currency purchases
Annual fee: $150/year
Rewards: Scene+
Highlight: No foreign transaction fee
RBC Avion Visa Infinite
A practical card for users who want flexibility rather than being tied to one airline program.
Best for: Flexible travel redemptions
Annual fee: $120/year
Rewards: Avion points
Highlight: Flexible redemption options
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite
A good fit for users who already collect Aeroplan points or frequently fly with Air Canada.
Best for: Air Canada and Aeroplan travellers
Annual fee: $139/year
Rewards: Aeroplan points
Highlight: Aeroplan earning and Air Canada benefits
American Express Platinum Card
A premium option for frequent travellers who can use lounge access, travel credits, insurance, and higher-end benefits.
Best for: Premium travel benefits and lounge access
Annual fee: $799/year
Rewards: Membership Rewards
Highlight: Premium travel features
Travel Credit Card Comparison Table
Use this table to compare common Canadian travel card categories before using the full credit card comparison tool.
| Card | Best for | Fee | Rewards | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Cobalt | Everyday spending that turns into travel rewards | $15.99/month | Membership Rewards | Strong food and lifestyle earn rates |
| Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite | Travellers and foreign currency purchases | $150/year | Scene+ | No foreign transaction fee |
| RBC Avion Visa Infinite | Flexible travel redemptions | $120/year | Avion points | Flexible redemption options |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite | Air Canada and Aeroplan travellers | $139/year | Aeroplan points | Aeroplan earning and Air Canada benefits |
| American Express Platinum Card | Premium travel benefits and lounge access | $799/year | Membership Rewards | Premium travel features |
How to choose a travel credit card in Canada
The best travel credit card depends on how you travel and how you prefer to redeem rewards. Some users want airline points, while others prefer flexible points that can be used across multiple travel providers.
Travellers should also compare annual fees, travel insurance, foreign transaction fees, airport benefits, lounge access, and whether the card’s reward categories match everyday spending.
A premium card may be worth the fee if you use the perks often. A lower-fee card may be better if you travel occasionally and want simple value without needing to maximize every benefit.
Flexible points vs airline rewards
Flexible points can be useful because they are not tied to one airline. They may allow redemptions through travel portals, statement credits, or transfer partners depending on the program.
Airline rewards can be valuable if you frequently fly with a specific airline or alliance. For Canadian travellers, Aeroplan can be attractive if Air Canada is a common choice, but the value depends on redemption availability and travel patterns.
Travel Credit Card FAQ
What is the best travel credit card in Canada?
The best travel credit card in Canada depends on how often you travel, where you spend, whether you want flexible points, airline rewards, no foreign transaction fees, or premium travel perks.
Are travel credit cards worth it?
Travel credit cards can be worth it if the rewards, insurance, lounge access, travel credits, or redemption value are greater than the annual fee.
What matters most in a travel credit card?
Important factors include annual fee, rewards rate, redemption flexibility, travel insurance, foreign transaction fees, airport benefits, and whether the card matches your travel habits.
Should I choose Aeroplan, Avion, Scene+, or Membership Rewards?
The best rewards program depends on how you redeem. Aeroplan may suit Air Canada travellers, Avion and Scene+ can offer flexible travel options, and Membership Rewards can be useful for users who value transfer partners and flexible points.
Related tools and guides
Disclaimer
This page is for educational purposes only. It does not provide financial advice, and credit card terms, fees, rewards, benefits, eligibility requirements, and offers may change. Always verify information directly with the credit card issuer before applying.