Travel credit cards trade a bit of simplicity for the chance to earn outsized value — through airline miles, flexible travel points, lounge access, and trip insurance you’d otherwise pay for separately. They’re worth it if you travel enough to use the perks; if you rarely fly, a cash back card will usually serve you better. Here’s how the travel and rewards cards we’ve reviewed so far compare.
How we ranked these: we compared travel-specific earning power, redemption flexibility, and trip-related perks (lounge access, insurance, foreign transaction fees) against each card’s annual fee, using terms published directly by each issuer. Redemption value for points and miles can vary depending on how you redeem, so we’ve focused on flexibility and disclosed perks rather than assuming a specific cents-per-point value. We’re continuing to review more cards, so this list will grow.
#1
Scotiabank · Visa
Foreign Transaction Fee
0% (waived)
Credit Score Needed
Very good
No foreign transaction fee — unusual for a travel card — plus 6 complimentary airport lounge visits per year via the Visa Airport Companion Program.
$150/year fee unless bundled with an eligible Scotiabank banking package; income eligibility bar is high and imprecisely published.
#2
RBC Royal Bank · Visa
Redemption Flexibility
Any airline, no blackout dates
Most flexible redemption on this list — any airline, no blackout dates or seat restrictions, plus transfers to WestJet, American Airlines, and British Airways.
No airport lounge access at this tier; full welcome bonus requires a $5,000 spending threshold plus a full year’s wait for the anniversary bonus.
#3
TD Canada Trust / TD Bank Group · Visa
Best For
Air Canada flyers
Credit Score Needed
Very good
Free first checked bag for the cardholder plus up to 8 companions on Air Canada flights — a strong perk on its own for frequent Air Canada travelers.
Aeroplan points are a single, non-transferable loyalty currency tied to Air Canada; base rate outside bonus categories is just 1 point per $1.
#4
CIBC · Visa
Annual Fee
$139/year (rebated to $0 for year one)
Welcome Bonus
Up to 35,000 points combined
Credit Score Needed
Very good
Large advertised welcome bonus plus 4 complimentary airport lounge visits per year and a NEXUS application fee rebate.
Base earn rate of 1 point per $1 is unremarkable versus flat-rate cash back competitors; 2.5% foreign transaction fee with no waiver.
#5
Amex Bank of Canada · American Express
Best For
Premium travelers / high spenders
Credit Score Needed
Excellent
Top-tier perks: access to 1,550+ airport lounges, a $200 annual travel credit, a $200 annual dining credit, and complimentary Hilton Honors Gold / Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status.
Very high $799/year fee; several credits are use-it-or-lose-it and require active management to capture full value.
| Card | Annual Fee | Reward Currency | Lounge Access | Credit Score Needed |
|---|
| Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite | $150/yr | Scene+ points | 6 visits/yr | Very good |
| RBC Avion Visa Infinite | $120/yr | Avion points | None at this tier | Good |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite | $139/yr | Aeroplan points | None at this tier | Very good |
| CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite | $139/yr (year 1 free) | Aventura points | 4 visits/yr | Very good |
| Amex Platinum | $799/yr | Membership Rewards points | 1,550+ lounges | Excellent |
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best travel credit card in Canada?
It depends on how you travel. If you fly Air Canada regularly, TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite’s free checked bags are hard to beat. If you want maximum redemption flexibility across any airline, RBC Avion Visa Infinite is the strongest pick among cards we’ve reviewed. If you travel internationally often, Scotiabank Passport’s waived foreign transaction fee can add up.
Is it worth paying a high annual fee for a travel card?
Only if you’ll actually use the perks. A $799/year card like Amex Platinum can be worth it for someone who travels frequently and will use the lounge access and credits, but it’s a poor fit for an occasional traveler — run the math on your own travel habits first.
Do travel credit cards charge foreign transaction fees?
Most do, typically around 2.5%, which can offset some of the rewards you earn while traveling abroad. Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite is a notable exception on this list, with foreign transaction fees waived entirely.
Rates, fees, and rewards shown are as last verified by MoneyMint and may have changed — always confirm current terms on the issuer’s official page before applying. Some links on this page may be affiliate links, meaning MoneyMint could earn a commission if you apply through them, at no extra cost to you. This never affects which cards we feature or how we rank them. This is general information, not personalized financial advice — consider your own spending habits and consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
