Whether or not you’ve acquired a giant worldwide journey or the cross-country Canadian trip of a lifetime arising, the best journey bank card is among the finest issues you could possibly pack. Journey bank cards can earn you rewards on prime of frequent purchases like flights, gasoline, and eating out, however they’ll additionally embody advantages like journey insurance coverage and reductions to unique occasions or eating places.
We’ve named the Scotiabank Gold American Categorical the #1 journey bank card because of robust rewards and advantages, however we’ll take a look at your different bank card choices that will help you discover the bank card most suited to your journey wants.
The most effective journey bank cards in Canada
featured
Gold: Greatest journey bank card
Scotiabank Gold American Categorical Card
Earn as much as 6 Scene+ factors per $1 spent and entry unimaginable journey perks, together with no overseas transaction charges.
GO TO SITE
Curiosity Charges:
20.99% buy, 22.99% money advance, 22.99% steadiness switch
Welcome supply:
$500 worth
Earn as much as $1,050 in welcome provides, first yr rewards and financial savings worth, together with no annual charge in your first yr, and as much as 50,000 bonus Scene+ factors.
featured
Silver: Greatest journey bank card
American Categorical Cobalt Card
One of many quickest methods to earn versatile Membership Rewards factors. You’ll be able to switch factors to Aeroplan to spice up their worth.
GO TO SITE
Curiosity Charges:
21.99% buy, 21.99% money advance, N/A steadiness switch
Welcome supply:
$150 worth
Earn 1,250 factors for every month you spend $750, as much as a most of 15,000 factors.
featured
Bronze: Greatest journey bank card
MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard
Get 5 MBNA Rewards factors per $1 throughout 5 classes, plus an annual bonus of 10% of the factors earned over 12 months.
GO TO SITE
Curiosity Charges:
19.99% buy, 24.99% money advance, 22.99% steadiness switch
Welcome supply:
$200 worth
Earn 20,000 bonus factors (roughly $165 in money again worth) after you make $2,000 or extra in eligible purchases inside the first 90 days.
Gold: Scotiabank Gold American Categorical
The Scotiabank Gold American Categorical is our choose for Canada’s finest all-round journey bank card. It comes with unbeatable rewards and advantages, together with as much as 6 factors per greenback on groceries and 5 factors on eating, meals supply, and leisure—plus the flexibility to redeem factors retroactively for purchases made inside the previous 12 months.
With complete journey insurance coverage, no overseas transaction charges, and unique American Categorical perks, this card is the proper journey companion for each on a regular basis spending and your subsequent journey.
featured
Scotiabank Gold American Categorical
Annual charge: $120
Welcome supply: Earn as much as $1,050 in worth within the first 12 months, together with as much as 50,000 bonus Scene+ factors. Supply ends October 31, 2025.
Card particulars
| Rates of interest | 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on money advances, 22.99% on steadiness transfers |
| Earnings required | $12,000 per yr |
| Credit score rating | 725 or greater |
| Level worth | 1 Scene+ level = $0.01 when redeemed for journey, retailer purchases and food and drinks at Cineplex and Scene companions |
Silver: American Categorical Cobalt
With excellent earn charges in broadly-defined, widespread spending classes like eating, groceries, and streaming providers, the American Categorical Cobalt card is a journey rewards beast. Factors are straightforward to redeem and extremely versatile—and you’ll enhance their worth by transferring them to different journey loyalty applications. Plus, it features a complete insurance coverage bundle.
featured
American Categorical Cobalt
Annual charge: $155.88 ($150 for Quebec residents)
Welcome supply: Earn 1,250 factors for every month you spend $750, as much as a most of 15,000 factors.
Card particulars
| Rates of interest | 21.99% on purchases and money advances, 25.99% to 29.99% penalty APR on purchases and money advances (charges are variable) |
| Earnings required | None specified |
| Credit score rating | 725 or greater |
| Level worth | 1 Amex Membership Rewards level = $0.01 when redeemed with the Versatile Factors Journey Program, $0.015 on common with the Fastened Factors Journey Program, and as much as $0.02 with airline factors transfers |
Execs
- Excessive earn charges: Get a few of the highest charges round, together with 5x factors on meals and drinks, 3x on streaming providers, and 2x on gasoline, transit, and ridesharing. The bottom earn charge is a decent 1 level per $1 spent.
- Versatile redemptions: Amex Membership Rewards factors are fairly profitable. Redeem the easy means at a flat charge of 10,000 factors for $10 in the direction of any journey expense, enhance level values by utilizing Amex’s Fastened Level chart, or switch factors to Aeroplan for one of the best worth.
Cons
- Reward cap on meals: This card has a $2,500 month-to-month cap on rewards for meals and groceries.
- Restricted acceptance: Though American Categorical can be utilized at tens of 1000’s of companies throughout the nation, it’s not as extensively accepted as Visa or Mastercard.
- Excessive annual charge: The month-to-month charge involves a complete of $155.88 per yr—a bit greater than the $120 charged by comparable playing cards in Canada.
- No journey cancellation protection: Whereas the cardboard consists of loads of insurance coverage, it lacks the journey interruption and cancellation protection that you simply’ll discover with many different premium playing cards.
Bronze: MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard
You’re certain to rack up factors shortly with the MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard. Along with incomes 5 MBNA Rewards factors per $1 spent throughout 5 classes—restaurant, grocery, digital media, membership and family utility purchases—Canadian cardholders get an annual birthday bonus of 10% of the factors earned within the final 12 months. Pleased birthday to you!
featured
MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard
Annual charge: $120
Welcome supply: earn 20,000 bonus factors (roughly $165 in money again worth) after you make $2,000 or extra in eligible purchases inside the first 90 days. (Not accessible for residents of Quebec.)
Card particulars
| Rates of interest | 19.99% on purchases, 22.99% on steadiness transfers and 24.99% on money advances
Discover charge modifications starting in September of 2025: 21.99% on eligible purchases, 22.99% on steadiness transfers, and 22.99% on money advances. |
| Earnings required | $80,000 per yr |
| Credit score rating | 660 or greater |
| Level worth | 1 MBNA Rewards level = $0.01 when redeemed for journey |
How we decide one of the best playing cards
To pick one of the best playing cards on this aggressive class, we evaluated a number of key elements which can be essential when utilizing a journey bank card. First, we thought-about the return on spending and weighed that in opposition to any annual charge. We additionally checked out travel-related perks and advantages, like insurance coverage protection and no overseas alternate charges. The addition of hyperlinks from affiliate companions has no bearing on the outcomes on this rating. Learn extra about the MoneySense selection process and about how MoneySense makes money.
Different prime journey bank cards
If our prime picks aren’t fairly what you’re on the lookout for, check out our runners up.
Greatest airline journey card: TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite tops our checklist of finest airline bank cards in Canada for its straightforward redemption course of for the Aeroplan program and extras just like the $100 Nexus charge rebate. Plus, should you ceaselessly spend on Uber rides and deliveries or are an everyday at Starbucks, you could possibly stretch your rewards even additional.
featured
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
Annual charge: $139 (waived first yr)
Welcome supply: Earn as much as $1,300 in worth, together with as much as 40,000 Aeroplan factors and no annual charge for the primary yr. Circumstances apply.
Card particulars
| Rates of interest | 21.99% on purchases, 22.99% on money advances (21.99% in Quebec), 22.99% on steadiness transfers (21.99% in Quebec) |
| Earnings required | Private revenue of $60,000 or family revenue of $100,000 |
| Credit score rating | 680 or greater (beneficial) |
| Level worth | Aeroplan factors are price $0.02 on common |
Greatest no-fee journey card: American Categorical Inexperienced Card
That is certainly one of Canada’s best no-fee credit cards. The Amex Inexperienced earns factors on all of your on a regular basis spending, which you’ll be able to redeem for journey, assertion credit, reward playing cards, and merchandise. Or, you’ll be able to switch them 1:1 to different frequent flyer journey or rewards applications. That is noteworthy as a result of by transferring your factors to a journey program like Aeroplan, you’ll be able to considerably enhance their worth.
featured
American Categorical Inexperienced Card
Annual charge: $0
Welcome supply: earn 10,000 Membership Rewards factors if you cost $1,000 in purchases to your card within the first three months of cardmembership.
Card particulars
| Rates of interest | 21.99% on purchases, 21.99% on money advances |
| Earnings required | None specified |
| Credit score rating | 725 or greater |
| Level worth | 1 Amex Membership Rewards level = $0.01 when redeemed with the Versatile Factors Journey Program, $0.015 on common with the Fastened Factors Journey Program, and as much as $0.02 with airline factors transfers. |
Greatest premium journey card: American Categorical Aeroplan Reserve
Designed for Air Canada loyalists, this premium card unlocks elite journey advantages like complimentary Maple Leaf Lounge entry, airport advantages, companion passes, NEXUS charge rebates, and extra. The rewards charge can be nice, incomes you 3 factors on Air Canada purchases, 2 factors on eating/meals supply, and 1.25 factors on all different purchases.
featured
American Categorical Aeroplan Reserve
Annual charge: $599
Welcome supply: Earn 60,000 factors after you spend $7,500 in your first 3 months of card membership. Plus, earn an extra 40,000 factors after you spend $45,000 in your card in your first 12 months of card membership.
Card particulars
| Rates of interest | 21.99% on purchases and 21.99% on money advances |
| Earnings required | None specified |
| Credit score rating | 725 or greater |
| Level worth | Aeroplan factors are price $0.02 on common |
Execs
- In depth journey insurance coverage: This card consists of protection for journey medical, journey cancellation/interruption, flight delays, baggage, resort burglaries, journey accidents, and rental automobiles.
- Airport lounge entry: You’ll take pleasure in limitless Maple Leaf Lounge visits in North America for main and extra cardholders plus one visitor on eligible Air Canada and Star Alliance flights.
- Premium airport advantages: Get pleasure from unique Air Canada perks like precedence check-in and boarding, and a free checked bag on eligible Air Canada flights for you and as much as eight journey companions. Toronto Pearson perks embody precedence safety, complimentary valet parking, and reductions on parking and automotive care providers.
- Companion voucher: Get an annual worldwide companion go at a set base fare between $99 and $599. Additionally, take pleasure in most well-liked pricing on Air Canada flight redemptions.
- Earn factors twice: Pay with this card and supply your Aeroplan quantity at accomplice manufacturers and on-line retailers to earn factors twice.
Cons
- Excessive annual charge: Though the cardboard provides spectacular perks, the annual charge is excessive at $599. You’ll have to maximise the cardboard’s advantages to outweigh the hefty value.
- No cellular system insurance coverage: Although it’s a premium card, you gained’t getmobile system protection as a part of the insurance coverage bundle.
- Redemption values: You’ll get essentially the most worth in your factors when redeeming for Air Canada flight.
- Decrease acceptance: American Categorical isn’t as extensively accepted as Visa and Mastercard.
Greatest journey card for lounge entry: Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite
The Passport Visa Infinite is among the many hottest for airport lounge entry, providing six free visits per yr, Plus, this is among the few journey bank cards in Canada with no overseas transaction (FX) charges, so that you’ll save 2.5% on purchases exterior of CAD.
featured
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite
Annual charge: $150
Welcome supply: Earn as much as $1,350 in worth within the first 12 months, together with as much as 45,000 bonus Scene+ factors. Supply ends October 31, 2025.
Card particulars
| Rates of interest | 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on money advances, 22.99% on steadiness transfers |
| Earnings required | Private revenue of $60,000 per yr or family revenue of $100,000 per yr |
| Credit score rating | 725 or greater |
| Level worth | 1 Scene+ level = $0.01 when redeemed for journey on any airline or resort (together with Airbnbs). |
- Airport lounge entry: The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite is the one no-foreign-exchange-fee card in Canada to supply airport lounge entry. You’ll get complimentary Precedence Move membership with six free airport lounge visits per yr—essentially the most accessible on a card with an annual charge of lower than $200.
- No FX charges: Non-CAD purchases gained’t have the everyday 2.5% overseas transaction charge, so that you’ll take pleasure in purchasing for souvenirs much more.
- Journey insurance coverage: This card consists of emergency medical insurance coverage for as much as 25 days, plus journey cancellation, flight delay, misplaced baggage, rental automotive insurance coverage, and extra.
- Straightforward journey bookings: Whilst you can e-book with Scene+ Journey, it’s also possible to e-book journey on-line or with any journey company and redeem Scene+ factors to cowl the price of your journey.
- Visa Infinite advantages: Perks and providers embody the Visa Infinite Luxurious Lodge Assortment, Visa Infinite Eating collection, and complimentary Avis Most popular Plus membership.
Cons
- Low rewards for a premium card: The earn charge for sure spending classes (like eating and leisure) is low in comparison with different journey playing cards, and there are restricted classes for boosted earn charges.
- Constant level values: Journey factors are all the time price 1 cent per level, which is respectable however nothing to put in writing house about.
- Non-transferable factors: You can’t switch factors to airline rewards applications.
Greatest for journey insurance coverage: RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege is the one card with limitless emergency medical protection—a perk that even applies to Canadians over the age of 65. The cardboard comes with all the opposite coverages you would possibly count on from a premium journey bank card, plus Visa Infinite Privilege advantages and 6 airport lounge passes per yr.
featured
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege
Annual charge: $399
Welcome supply: Earn as much as 70,000 Avion factors ($1,500 worth).
Card particulars
| Rates of interest | 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on money advances and on steadiness transfers |
| Earnings required | Private: $200,000 or family: $200,000 or minimal whole investable property of $400,000. |
| Credit score rating | 760 or greater |
| Level worth | 1 RBC Avion level = As much as $0.023 when redeemed for journey utilizing RBC’s Air Journey Redemption Schedule. |
Greatest journey card for resort rewards: American Categorical Marriott Bonvoy
With the flexibility to redeem for the whole lot from room upgrades to spa remedies, Marriott Bonvoy factors are priceless for frequent Canadian travellers. Plus, they’re transferrable to many airline applications. Extras like free resort stays and Amex advantages make this a must have journey bank card should you’re a resort hopper.
featured
Marriott Bonvoy American Categorical
Annual charge: $120
Welcome supply: Earn 65,000 factors after you spend $3,000 in your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership. Earn an extra 30,000 factors after you spend a complete of $20,000 in your card in your first 12 months of Cardmembership.
Card particulars
| Rates of interest | 21.99% on purchases, 21.99% on money advances |
| Earnings required | None specified |
| Credit score rating | 725 or greater |
| Factors worth | 1 Marriott Bonvoy level is price $0.0117 on common |
Execs
- Numerous redemption choices: Put factors towards upgrades at motels just like the St. Regis, Westin, and lots of others, or redeem for merchandise or journey experiences. You too can use factors to cowl journey bills, like automotive leases and flights.
- Annual free night time’s keep: Obtain free lodging in a collaborating Marriott Bonvoy resort yearly, as much as a price of 35,000 factors.
- Silver Elite standing: Get pleasure from complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite standing, which provides unique discounted charges and better earn charges on collaborating stays.
- American Categorical perks: Get early entry to occasion tickets via the Amex Entrance of the Line program, plus make the most of curated eating, retail, and wellness experiences.
Cons
- Dynamic loyalty program: You’ll have to strategize and plan upfront to get essentially the most worth out of your Bonvoy factors.
- Decrease acceptance: American Categorical playing cards usually are not as extensively accepted as Credit cards and Visas, each in Canada and overseas.
- Journey insurance coverage limitations: This card doesn’t embody emergency medical journey insurance coverage.
Reddit evaluations: The most effective journey bank cards in line with Canadian cardholders
We prefer to see what actual cardholders need to say about utilizing them when travelling, so we turned to Reddit (which confirmed certainly one of our favorite playing cards).
As one other reader factors out, take into account which playing cards cost overseas alternate charges should you’re travelling overseas.
A closing remark reminds customers to consider community availability when selecting a journey bank card.
What makes a superb journey bank card?
We briefly talked about what we evaluated when rating our favorite journey bank cards, however let’s broaden on the elements that go into an excellent journey bank card.
- Journey insurance coverage protection: Don’t underestimate how priceless a superb insurance coverage bundle is when travelling. You could possibly find yourself saving 1000’s should you expertise a medical emergency or journey interruption, however learn your card’s high-quality print since credit card travel insurance applications differ extensively. Some would possibly supply transient protection whereas others supply intensive safety (or uncommon protection for these over age 65).
- Airport lounge entry: Frequent flyers know the true worth of a superb airport lounge in between flights. Whilst you can put a value on lounge charges, it’s exhausting to put a price on having someplace to calm down, seize a chunk, catch a bathe, or get caught up on work within the peace and quiet of a snug lounge. Keep in mind that whereas some playing cards present lounge membership, you’ll have to pay for entry in the event that they don’t embody free passes.
- Lodge reductions and upgrades: For those who ceaselessly keep at chains like Marriott or Hilton, you’ll want to use a journey card that features unique reductions or perks like room upgrades. You’ll earn free nights after making a sure variety of bookings—and whether or not you’re travelling for enterprise or pleasure, it’s good to save lots of on resort stays.
- No overseas transaction (FX) charges: A 2.5% overseas transaction won’t seem to be a lot, however it shortly provides up for frequent travellers. Though it’s not a flashy bank card profit, a credit card with no foreign transaction fees can find yourself being price its weight in gold.
- Roadside help protection: Whether or not you’re driving throughout city or out of your province, you by no means know when roadside assistance will turn out to be useful. This priceless profit can help you within the occasion of a flat tire, useless battery, empty gasoline tank, or mishap that lands you on the aspect of the highway.
- Rental automotive insurance coverage: Earlier than you pay for rental car insurance and seize your keys from the rental counter, test if the bank card you’re paying with consists of the protection you want. Many embody collision and legal responsibility protection, however learn your phrases and situations rigorously.
Canada’s finest bank cards for airport lounge entry
Forms of journey bank cards
Journey bank cards would possibly seem to be all of them supply comparable advantages, however there are literally distinctions between them. Usually, there are 4 kinds of journey bank cards.
1. Versatile journey factors
These playing cards earn you factors which you can spend in quite a lot of methods. For example, should you take part in Amex Membership Rewards or TD Rewards, you could possibly switch factors to a different program, e-book journey, redeem for money again, buy merchandise, or select reward playing cards.
2. Premium journey playing cards
These bank cards are inclined to have greater charges (and revenue necessities), however they provide essentially the most in luxurious perks. For example, the Amex Aeroplan Reserve and Visa Infinite Privilege playing cards include advantages like concierge providers, unique eating and leisure provides, airport lounge entry, higher insurance coverage protection, and journey upgrades.
3. Airline rewards
Relying on the cardboard, you could earn factors to spend with a particular airline. Canada’s three main airways—Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter—all have branded bank cards that supply distinctive perks and allow you to earn factors with every flight. You’ll be able to spend these factors on flights, trip packages, upgrades, and extra for, however keep in mind that some applications place redemption restrictions on rewards flights.
4. Lodge rewards
For those who ceaselessly journey for work and have a tendency to remain at a specific resort model or group, it is smart to make use of a resort rewards card that earns factors at a sooner charge. Plus, these playing cards typically throw in perks like room upgrades or free breakfasts on eligible stays.
Examine all journey bank cards in Canada
Examine journey bank card choices in Canada with our interactive instrument and filter bank cards primarily based in your spending wants, together with rewards worth, annual charges, revenue necessities, and extra.
FAQs
What’s the finest Canadian bank card for worldwide journey?
For essentially the most half, we just like the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite as a result of it doesn’t cost the everyday 2.5% overseas alternate charge. It additionally consists of six free airport lounge visits, complete journey insurance coverage, and earns Scene+ factors, which you’ll be able to redeem for journey bills.
Can I exploit my Scotiabank bank card internationally?
Scotiabank points Visas and American Categorical playing cards, so you shouldn’t have any bother utilizing your Scotiabank bank card internationally. That stated, it’s a good suggestion to contact Scotiabank earlier than you allow to tell them of your journey plans. This may stop them from issuing a brief fraud alert or pause in your account as a consequence of uncommon exercise.
Are journey bank cards price it in Canada?
Sure, journey playing cards are price it! The most effective journey bank cards supply complete journey insurance coverage that may turn out to be useful should you hire a automotive or expertise a medical concern, journey delay, or journey cancellation. Some journey bank cards additionally waive overseas alternate charges (which might prevent the two.5% charge on every overseas transaction). Plus, they typically embody perks like airport lounge entry, concierge service, and extra.
