Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada for 2026

Travel credit cards are designed to reward users with points, miles or cash back that you can redeem toward travel-related purchases, such as flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, vacation packages and more. 

Many travel cards offer accelerated earning rates for travel purchases. They can also include other valuable benefits, such as complimentary insurance coverage, airport lounge passes or airline or hotel status. 

However, with so many travel credit cards available to Canadians, finding the right card can be challenging. To help, we’ve compiled a list of Canada's best travel credit cards. Each card has one or more standout features and has been carefully selected from a much larger group of cards.

Benefits of Choosing a Travel Credit Card

If you’re an avid traveller and wish to save on travel expenses, a travel credit card can help you earn free or discounted flights and hotel stays, exclusive airport perks and premium shopping or dining experiences. Depending on the card, you can also earn valuable credits that you can use to save money while you travel. 

Tips for Choosing the Right Travel Credit Card

The best travel credit card for you is the one that meets your individual travel needs and spending habits. Here are some things to consider when choosing a travel card: 

• Annual Fee vs. Benefits: Most travel credit cards charge annual fees between $120 and $150. However, more exclusive cards can cost $599 or higher. But you’ll need to spend a lot of money to justify paying the higher fee. Before choosing, measure the card's rewards and benefits against the annual cost to ensure you will get your money’s worth.  

• Earning Potential: Some travel reward programs, like Aeroplan and American Express Membership Rewards, offer enormous value depending on how you earn and redeem points. For example, you can often transfer your points to partner airlines and benefit from cheaper redemptions or flight options.

• Reward Flexibility: Some travel reward programs, such as the ones provided by the bank credit cards, e.g., Scotiabank Scene+, TD Rewards and BMO rewards, are less valuable but maximize flexibility by allowing you to book travel through any provider and cover the cost with points.

• Other Perks and Benefits: Do you enjoy luxury experiences while travelling? If so, look for a card that offers complimentary airport lounge passes, priority check-in and boarding or upgraded hotel or airline status. You can even access exclusive dining, shopping and golf experiences with some cards.

Key Features to Consider for Travel Credit Cards

Here are some key features to look for when choosing a travel credit card: 

• Travel Insurance Coverage: Most travel credit cards include complimentary travel insurance, such as emergency travel/medical coverage, trip cancellation, trip interruption, car rental insurance and more. Look for a travel card with comprehensive travel coverage, as it can save you a lot of money in the long run while offering peace of mind.

• Welcome Bonus: Some travel card welcome bonuses can be worth in excess of $1,000 to new cardholders over the first year of card ownership. This is an important consideration, as not all welcome offers are equal. That said, remember that a welcome bonus is a one-time benefit, so it may not be as crucial as other ongoing benefits.

• Foreign Transaction Fees: Most credit cards add a foreign transaction fee of 2.5% whenever you spend in a foreign currency. This can be a significant expense when travelling. Some travel credit cards, including three on our list, waive this fee, which is an important consideration.

Are Travel Credit Cards Worth It?

Travel credit cards can be worth it if you travel several times a year and can take advantage of their benefits, such as lounge access, free checked bags, travel insurance, or companion vouchers. Of course, you also have to spend enough money with the card to earn enough travel points or miles to justify the annual fee. 

Many Canadians struggle to decide between earning travel rewards and choosing a simple cash-back credit card. The best choice comes down to your spending habits and how you want to use rewards. Travel points can be more valuable, especially if you’re using programs like Aeroplan or Amex Membership Rewards, which can provide incredible value if you are strategic in how you use them. But cash back is often simpler and can be more useful if you want to use your points toward other everyday purchases, such as gas or groceries. Ultimately, travel cards offer the best value for frequent travellers; otherwise, you may be better off with a top-notch cash-back card.

Key Takeaways

*First-year value estimates were taken directly from the Borrowell Marketplace or the respective credit card websites and are subject to change.

Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada

​​Based on our research, here are the 11 best travel credit cards in Canada for 2026. Each card has one or more standout features:

Best Overall Travel Card

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite

Overview

• Annual Fee: $150

• Supplementary Card: $0 (for the first card)

• Purchase Interest Rate: 20.99%

• Cash Advance Interest Rate: 22.99%

Rewards and Perks 

• Earn 3X Scene+ points at select grocery stores

• Earn 2X points for dining, other grocery stores, entertainment, transit, and rideshare

• Earn 1X points on all other eligible purchases

• Includes seven types of travel insurance 

• Enjoy six complimentary lounge visits annually (over 1,200 lounges) 

• No foreign transaction fees

• Avis car rental benefits

Pros

• Flexible reward redemptions (travel, merchandise, dining, gift cards, etc.) 

• No foreign transaction fees 

• Airport lounge access

Cons

• $150 annual fee is higher than similar cards 

• High minimum income requirement ($60,000 individual or $100,000 household)

Borrowell’s Take

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite is an excellent all-round travel credit card. It offers seven types of travel insurance coverage, complimentary airport lounge passes, and doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. You can book travel and redeem points through Scene+ Travel, or book through another provider and cover the cost with your points.

Best Premium Travel Card

American Express Aeroplan Reserve

Overview 

• Annual Fee: $599

• Supplementary Card: $199 per card 

• Purchase Interest Rate: 21.99%

• Cash Advance Interest Rate: 21.99%

Rewards and Perks

• 3X Aeroplan points on Air Canada

• 2X points on dining & food delivery 

• 1.25X points on all other purchases

• Up to 10 types of travel insurance coverage

• Hotel benefits including 4th night free 

Pros

• Generous welcome offer of up to 70,000 Aeroplan points

• Extensive Air Canada travel benefits 

• Comprehensive travel insurance coverage 

• Free first checked bags on Air Canada flights 

Cons

• High annual fee 

• Amex cards aren’t as widely accepted as Mastercard or Visa

Borrowell’s Take 

The American Express Aeroplan Reserve is a premium credit card with a long list of perks for frequent flyers. In addition to a generous Aeroplan earn rate, cardholders receive extensive travel insurance coverage, exclusive Air Canada airport benefits, including Maple Leaf lounge access, Priority Check-In and Boarding, and free checked baggage. Surprisingly, it doesn’t include complimentary lounge passes outside of Canada or the U.S.

Best for Travel Insurance 

The Platinum Card from American Express

Overview 

• Annual Fee: $799

• Supplementary Card: $250 per card

• Purchase Interest Rate: N/A*

• Flexible Payment Option Rate: 21.99% - 28.99%

* The Platinum Card from American Express is a charge card with no purchase interest rate. If the balance is not fully paid by the due date, a 30% interest rate is applied. 

Rewards and Perks 

• 2X Amex membership points on dining & food delivery in Canada 

• 2X points on travel 

• 1X points on all other purchases 

• Up to 10 types of travel insurance and protection

• $200 annual travel credit 

• $200 annual dining credit 

• Up to $100 in Nexus Credits 

• Hotel Status benefits 

• Toronto Pearson International Airport Benefits 

Pros

• Flexible rewards program 

• Annual travel and dining credits  

• Extensive airport lounge access 

• Comprehensive insurance coverage 

Cons

• High card annual fee for primary and additional cards 

• A charge card that requires the balance to be paid in full monthly 

Borrowell’s Take 

The Platinum Card from American Express has the highest annual fee of any card on our list, but its rewards and benefits are impressive. In addition to earning valuable American Express membership points, cardholders can receive $400 in annual travel and dining credits, as well as 10 types of travel insurance and protections. Note that this is a charge card, so you are expected to pay the full balance each month.

Best Travel Card for Frequent WestJet Flyers 

WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard

Overview 

• Annual Fee: $139

• Supplementary Card: $59

• Purchase Interest Rate: 20.99%

• Cash Advance Interest Rate: 22.99%

Rewards and Perks

• Annual companion voucher (or exchange for four complimentary lounge passes)

• 2 points per dollar on WestJet flights and vacations, and Sunwing Vacations

• 2 points per dollar at grocery stores, gas, EV charging, public transit, and rideshare

• 1.5 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases

• Free first checked bag for primary cardholder and up to eight guests

• Includes seven types of travel insurance coverage

• 12-month complimentary DoorDash subscription ($120 value) 

• Bonus Be Well points at Rexall when you link your card

• Petro-Canada fuel discounts 

Pros

• Generous welcome offer of up to 70,000 WestJet points ($700 value)

• Attractive 1.5% standard earn rate (and 2% at grocery stores, gas, EV charging, WestJet purchases) 

• Annual companion voucher 

• Free checked baggage

Cons

• Annual fee increased to $139

• High minimum income requirement ($80,000 individual or $150,000 household)

• Rewards can only be redeemed for WestJet flights and vacations/SunWing Vacation packages

Borrowell’s Take 

The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard remains the best card for frequent WestJet flyers in 2026, but recent program changes have arguably made the card less appealing. On a positive note, an additional 2% earning category has been added to the card, for groceries and transportation, and there two new insurance coverages have been included: trip cancellation and mobile device protection. However, the annual fee has been increased by $20 to $139, and additional restrictions have been placed on two popular perks: the free checked bags and the popular annual companion voucher. To qualify for the checked bag benefit, you must now pay for your flight with your WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard. And while WestJet is giving cardholders more ways to redeem their companion voucher, you now must reach a qualifying annual spend of $5,000 to unlock the voucher every year. These changes may not dissuade loyal WestJet customers, but if you only want the card for the checked bags or companion voucher, it’s probably not worth it.

Best Travel Card for Porter Airlines Flyers

BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard

Overview 

• Annual Fee: $199 

• Supplementary Card: $75 

• Purchase Interest Rate: 21.99% 

• Cash Advance Interest Rate: 23.99%

Rewards and Perks

• Annual companion pass (100% off your plus-one’s base fare)

• Up to 10 points per dollar spent on Porter flights 

• 2 points per dollar spent on gas, groceries, dining, transportation and hotel 

• 1 point per dollar on all other purchases

• Complimentary carry-on and a checked bag

• Complimentary PorterClassic seat selection

• Enhanced travel benefits (prioritized service and security, dedicated check-in, early boarding, and more)

• Includes seven types of travel insurance coverage

• Six months of Instacart+ free

Pros

• Extensive Porter travel benefits

• Free carry-on and checked bag

• Annual companion pass covers 100% of base fare

• Comprehensive insurance coverage

Cons

• High annual fee

• High minimum income requirement ($80,000 individual or $150,000 household)

Borrowell’s Take

BMO launched a new line of co-branded credit cards with Porter Airlines in early 2025, with the premium VIPorter World Elite Mastercard offering the most value. While the $199 annual fee ($75 for supplementary cards) is slightly on the high side, it provides standout perks to loyal Porter Airlines travellers. In addition to a generous earn rate for Porter flights, cardholders receive an annual companion pass, a free carry-on and checked bag, and extensive travel perks, including complimentary seat selection, priority services, and comprehensive travel insurance coverage.

Best Travel Card for Frequent Air Canada Flyers  

TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite

Overview 

• Annual Fee: $139

• Supplementary Card: $75

• Purchase Interest Rate: 21.99%

• Cash Advance Interest Rate: 22.99% 

Rewards and Perks

• Earn 1.5X Aeroplan points on eligible gas, grocery, and Air Canada purchases

• Earn 1X point on all other eligible purchases

• Free first checked bag for primary cardholder and up to eight guests 

• Includes seven types of travel insurance coverage

• Complimentary Avis Preferred Plus membership

• Exclusive Visa Infinite benefits 

• Partial NEXUS rebate

Pros

• Generous welcome bonus

• Free first checked bag  

• Comprehensive travel insurance

Cons

• High annual fee for supplementary card

• No complimentary lounge passes 

Borrowell’s Take

The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite is the best way for most Air Canada travellers to earn Aeroplan points. While the aforementioned Amex Aeroplan Reserve has a higher earn rate, its high annual fee and minimum income requirement put it out of reach for the average Canadian. The Aeroplan Visa Infinite offers an accelerated earn rate on gas, grocery and Air Canada purchases, a free first checked bag, plenty of travel insurance coverage and an attractive welcome bonus. Unfortunately, it doesn’t offer complimentary airport lounge passes.

Best for Airport Lounge Passes

Scotiabank Platinum American Express

Overview 

• Annual Fee: $399

• Supplementary Card: $99 per card

• Purchase Interest Rate: 9.99% 

• Cash Advance Interest Rate: 9.99%

Rewards and Perks 

• Earn 2X Scene+ points per dollar spent on all eligible purchases

• 10 complimentary airport lounge passes 

• No foreign transaction fees 

• Comprehensive travel insurance coverage 

• Premium concierge services 

Pros

• Unrivalled airport lounge access 

• Eight types of travel insurance coverage 

• Extensive luxury travel perks 

• Low card interest rate 

Cons

• High card annual fee 

• High minimum credit limit of $10,000 

Borrowell’s Take

The Scotiabank Platinum American Express stands out for offering 10 complimentary annual lounge passes. And like other Scotiabank travel cards, it doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. Other benefits include premium concierge services, access to American Express Experiences, Amex Offers, and a Hertz Gold Club membership. Be mindful of the high $399 annual fee and $10,000 minimum credit limit, however. 

Best Travel Mastercard

BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard

Overview 

• Annual Fee: $150 

• Supplementary Card: $50

• Purchase Interest Rate: 21.99% 

• Cash Advance Interest Rate: 23.99% 

Rewards and Perks 

• 5X points per dollar spent on travel 

• 3X points per dollar spent on entertainment, dining purchases, recurring bill payments 

• 1X points on all other eligible purchases 

• Four complimentary lounge passes per year 

• Six types of travel insurance coverage

• Shell gasoline discounts

Pros

• Attractive earn rate on travel purchases

• Book any way travel rewards  

• Complimentary lounge passes 

• Comprehensive travel insurance

Cons

• High annual fee compared to similar cards 

• High minimum annual income requirement ($80,000 individual or $150,000 household)

Borrowell’s Take 

The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard is a better travel credit card than both The BMO Air Miles and Cash Back World Elite cards, the latter of which isn’t a genuine travel card. The Ascend World Elite offers an accelerated earn rate on travel purchases, complimentary lounge passes and a flexible rewards program. One drawback is its $150 annual fee, which is somewhat higher than similar cards.

Best for Hotel Rewards 

Marriott Bonvoy American Express

Overview 

• Annual Fee: $120

• Supplementary Card: $0

• Purchase Interest Rate: 21.99% 

• Cash Advance Interest Rate: 21.99% 

Rewards and Perks 

• Earn 5X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent on Marriott purchases 

• Earn 2X points per dollar on all other purchases

• Enjoy an annual free night award 

• Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite Status 

• 15 Elite Night credits per year 

• Includes six types of travel insurance coverage 

Pros

• Redeem points for free nights at over 30 hotel brands 

• Points can be transferred to various airline frequent flyer programs 

• Comprehensive travel insurance coverage 

• No supplementary card fee 

Cons

• Not helpful if you don’t frequent Marriott properties 

• Doesn’t include Emergency Travel Medical insurance

• Fewer airport perks than other travel cards

• No airport lounge passes

Borrowell’s Take

Looking for a way to maximize hotel rewards? The Marriott Bonvoy American Express is designed for people who frequent Marriott Bonvoy properties, which include over 30 hotel brands, and 7,000 hotels worldwide. In addition to accelerated earn rates on Marriott purchases, cardholders receive an annual free night award, Silver Elite Status and 15 Elite Night credits annually. You can also transfer your points to various airline reward programs, which is another nice perk. 

Best First-Year Value 

CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card

Overview 

• Annual Fee: $139

• Supplementary Card: $50

• Purchase Interest Rate: 21.99%

• Cash Advance Interest Rate: 22.99% 

Rewards and Perks

• Earn 2 Aventura points per dollar spent on travel purchased through CIBC Rewards

• Earn 1.5 points per dollar spent on gas and EV charging, grocery, and drug stores

• Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases 

• Four complimentary airport lounge passes per year 

• Includes seven types of travel insurance coverage 

• Enjoy exclusive Skip+ benefits

• Save up to 10 cents per litre on gas 

Pros

• Exceptional first-year value for a card with just a $139 annual fee 

• Four complimentary lounge passes yearly 

• Flexible travel rewards program

• Comprehensive insurance coverage

• Nexus application fee rebate 

Cons

• Charges a 2.50% foreign transaction fee 

• High minimum income requirement ($60,000 individual or $100,000 household)

Borrowell’s Take

The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite is a solid all-around travel credit card, but its welcome offer, with a first-year value of up to $1,750, shines. While the Amex Aeroplan Reserve and Scotiabank Platinum welcome offers are higher, so are their annual fees. Beyond the first year, cardholders can enjoy four complimentary lounge passes, food delivery perks through Skip and gasoline discounts of up to 10 cents per litre.

Best Travel Card for Students

CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students

Overview 

• Annual Fee: $0

• Supplementary Card: $0 (for the first three cards)

• Purchase Interest Rate: 21.99%

• Cash Advance Interest Rate: 22.99% 

Rewards and Perks

• Welcome offer values up to $200 in the first year

• Earn 1 Aeroplan point per dollar on gas, EV charging, groceries and Air Canada purchases  

• Earn 1 point per $1.50 spent on all other purchases

• Includes car rental insurance

• Earn bonus points when you shop at Aeroplan partner stores 

Pros

• No annual fee 

• No minimum income requirement 

• Earn valuable Aeroplan points 

Cons

• Minimal travel insurance coverage

• Limited additional perks 

Borrowell’s Take 

The final card on our list is not a premium travel card. However, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students is our top choice for students who travel and want to earn rewards. While the earn rate is mediocre, Aeroplan points are among the most valuable in Canada, depending on how you use them. You even get some insurance, as Auto Rental Collision and Loss Damage coverage is included. This card has no annual fee or minimum income requirement.

The Bottom Line

Travel credit cards are ideal for travellers who wish to save money on flights, hotels and other travel-related expenses. They also make it easier to travel in style, by offering access to airport lounges, luxury experiences and upgraded status with airlines, hotels and car rental companies. Our top travel cards showcase the best options in Canada, with choices for every type of traveller, whether you’re looking for a low annual fee, high earning rates, flexible redemptions or top-notch airport perks.