15 Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada for April 2025

If you’re not particularly partial to any one specific airline or hotel chain, then a general travel rewards card may interest you. The points you earn can typically be used for various travel redemptions, including airfare, hotels, car rentals, cruises — even vacation packages.

Generalist travel cards may not be affiliated with a particular airline or brand, but that doesn’t mean they should be overlooked. Many of these cards offer enticing travel perks that warrant consideration.

Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card

Best overall travel card

Frequent flyers seeking premium travel perks should look no further than the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card. I’m particularly impressed by its complimentary Priority Pass membership, which boasts 14 free airport lounge visits each year (10 for you, and 4 for supplementary cardholders). Not only is that nearly double the number offered by its competitors, it’s an amount that could feel unlimited, depending on how much you travel.

I’ll be honest: the $399 annual fee may sting. But so long as you maximize the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card’s perks — the lounge access alone is a $650+ value — the benefits can easily offset the cost.

Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card

Our pick for: Newcomers to Canada

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card ticks a lot of boxes: accelerated points on popular spending categories, waived foreign exchange fees and six free airport lounge passes annually. While a $60,000 minimum annual income is required, you don’t necessarily need a Canadian credit history to apply.

If approved, an expanded credit limit is within reach for eligible newcomers courtesy of Nova Credit. Applicants from select countries, including Australia, India, Mexico and the UK, can call on their existing credit records to access higher credit limits on eligible Scotiabank credit cards.

Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card

Our pick for: No foreign transaction fees

Any credit card that waives foreign exchange fees is something of a rare gem, but what makes the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card especially attractive are the perks it packs to sweeten the pot. Cardholders receive discounted airport lounge access, comprehensive travel insurance and whopping earn rates of up to 6x Scene+ points — all for a reasonable $120 annual fee.

For those seeking a simple, well-equipped travel card that will help them save on pesky fees for spending abroad, the Scotiabank Gold Amex is worth a look.

CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card

Our pick for: NEXUS rebates

For those who prefer to breeze through lengthy customs lines with a NEXUS membership, the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card provides a $100 NEXUS application fee rebate every four years. Beyond expedited border crossing, this card also comes equipped with four complimentary airport lounge passes annually and comprehensive travel insurance.

Aventura points may not carry the prestige of Aeroplan points or brand recognition of Air Miles, but CIBC’s in-house rewards program has plenty to offer. Points can be redeemed for flights, merchandise, statement credits — even payments toward CIBC financial products, like loans and RRSPs. The bottom line? Savvy cross-border travellers won’t want to overlook the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Our pick for: Airport lounge access

Airport lounge connoisseurs — say hello to the Platinum Card from American Express, offering the creme de la creme of travel perks with unmatched lounge access. Cardholders gain access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, unlocking 1,400 airport lounges in 140 countries, including Plaza Premium lounges, Priority Pass lounges, and the highly exclusive Centurion Lounge.

Lounge entry is but the tip of the Platinum Card’s luxuriously outfitted iceberg. Cardholders also get annual travel credits, dining credits, NEXUS credits, hotel upgrades, priority airport services — the list goes on. I won’t deny that this card’s $799 annual fee is positively dizzying. But for frequent travellers who prioritize premium perks, this card is a first-class head rush.

Airline credit cards allow you to earn points or miles for an airline’s in-house rewards program. Redemption options typically include flights with the affiliated airline but may encompass a broader pool of redemption options, too.

For example, besides WestJet flights, WestJet dollars can be redeemed for flights with WestJet airline partners, including Delta Air Lines, Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

Depending on the tier of your airline rewards credit card, you may get additional perks such as free checked bags, priority boarding and collector status boosts. Having an airline credit card can be highly lucrative if you frequently fly with one airline or network.

WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard

Our pick for: WestJet flyers

WestJet loyalists needn’t look further than the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard. Cardholders get free checked bags, annual companion vouchers starting at $119 and up to 2% back in WestJet dollars on eligible purchases. The annual voucher alone could shake out to hundreds of dollars saved on a single flight, easily offsetting this card’s $119 annual fee. It’s got travel insurance and Petro-Canada discounts, too.

All in all, this card is a solid travel option for frequent WestJet flyers.

Aeroplan is Air Canada’s loyalty program, and its points can be redeemed for flights on any Star Alliance network carrier. Beyond airfare, Aeroplan points can be redeemed for hotels, vehicle rentals, vacation packages, merchandise, gift cards and more. Aeroplan even has a points predictor tool to help collectors estimate the range of points needed for a redemption.

Aeroplan’s card provider partners include American Express, CIBC and TD Bank, so if you’re in the market for an Aeroplan credit card, you’ll be selecting from one of these three providers. Expect to earn Aeroplan points on all eligible dollars spent and — depending on the card tier — an array of travel perks, including Maple Leaf lounge access, priority airport services and free checked bags on Air Canada itineraries.

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card

Our pick for: Priority airport services

For busy jetsetters, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card transforms the typical airport rush into a true VIP experience for you and up to eight travel buddies. Glide through dedicated priority check-in counters, enjoy early boarding and be among the first to collect your luggage with priority baggage handling when you fly with Air Canada.

This card’s perks extend beyond airport fast-tracking, too, with free checked bags, complimentary lounge access and annual companion passes that start at $99. But be warned: this card’s lavish perks come at a cost with formidable income requirements to match.

CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card

Our pick for: Premium travel perks

At first glance, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card looks like many of its top-shelf travel card competitors: free checked bags, priority airport services and a full suite of travel coverage. Though it can't compete with the Amex Aeroplan Reserve's earn rate, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card has the edge when it comes to airport perks. It outshines the Amex's discounted lounge access with six free lounge visits annually courtesy of the Visa Airport Companion program.

For Aeroplan collectors who want complimentary lounge visits — not just discounted entry fees — this card makes a compelling case despite its premium price tag.

American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card

Our pick for: Rewards on travel spending

Air Canada loyalists won’t outdo the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card’s earn rate on travel spending: 3 Aeroplan points per dollar spent on Air Canada purchases — the highest on the market. Cardholders also enjoy priority airport services, Maple Leaf Lounge access, free checked bags, NEXUS rebates and more. Did I mention this card is made of metal? Just be prepared for the hefty $599 annual fee — premium perks don’t come cheap.

CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card for Students

Our pick for: Students

No minimum income requirements, no annual fee and Aeroplan points earned on every dollar spent? Sounds like an A+. The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students is a standout travel card that keeps costs low and makes it easy to rack up rewards. Link it to a Skip the Dishes account to nab 12 months of Skip+ for free. Send money internationally with no transfer fee. Grab a free SPC+ membership for in-store and online brand discounts.

For students on the move, this card turns everyday expenses into future adventures, while its student-centric perks help stretch every dollar.

The Air Miles rewards program remains a popular choice for Canadians, with over 9.5 million active accounts across the country. Collectors can earn Dream Miles, which can be redeemed for rewards like flights, vehicle rentals, and accommodations, and Cash Miles, which can be redeemed for cash-back like rewards on both in-person and online purchases.

Unlike one of its major competitors, Aeroplan, Air Miles isn’t affiliated with any one particular airline. Instead, it offers rewards that can be redeemed for airfare with any of its 25+ flight partners, including Air Canada, Porter, WestJet, Air Transat, American Airlines, British Airways, KLM and more.

The only card provider in Canada that offers Air Miles credit cards is BMO.

BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Mastercard®*

Our pick for: Air Miles rewards

Seasoned Air Miles collectors and program newbies alike may find something to write home about in the BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard. With earn rates topping out at 3x the Miles per $12 spent, this card also provides discounts on Shell fuel, airport lounge access, car rentals and Booking.com reservations, plus complimentary travel insurance.

At $120 annually, it’s an accessibly-priced mid-tier travel card, though its eligibility criteria may be a dealbreaker. Cardholders need an annual income of at least $80,000 to qualify.

Hotel credit cards offer perks for more comfortable and accessible hotel experiences, like complimentary stays, collector status upgrades, room upgrades and more. If you opt for a card that’s affiliated with a well-established hotel network, your point-earning and redemption opportunities grow. Marriott, for example, has over 9,000 properties in 140+ countries.

Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card

Our pick for: Hotel rewards

Hotel enthusiasts are sure to appreciate the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card. It offers up to 5x Marriott Bonvoy points on eligible purchases, which can be cashed in for hotel stays, flights, cruises and more. Plus, automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, travel insurance and one free night at a Marriott Bonvoy property annually deliver additional value for accommodation seekers.

Air travel benefits are thin on the ground, but with Marriott perks this robust, hotel hoppers have plenty to love.

Cash back is arguably the most versatile credit card reward available, and there are plenty of cash-back cards with robust travel perks. Whether you’re seeking travel insurance, airport lounge access, waived foreign exchange fees or something more, cash-back cards have plenty to offer the avid traveller.

Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard®

Our pick for: USD purchases

A credit card that earns cash back isn’t all that uncommon, but a card that earns cash back on U.S. dollar purchases? That’s a rare find. The Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard offers 3% back on USD purchases with additional value for loyal customers. Rogers, Fido and Shaw customers earn 2% back on all other spending (versus 1.5% for non-customers) and get a 50% bonus on cash-back when redeemed for Rogers, Fido or Shaw purchases.

You won’t get top-shelf travel perks, like complimentary lounge access or priority airport services, but for the Rogers customer who frequently spends in USD, this card could be a real game-changer.

BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®*

Our pick for: Cash back

If you’re chasing jackpot-level cash-back rates with some travel benefits thrown in, the BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard is a sure bet. With cash-back rates of up to 5% — among the most competitive in Canada — this card delivers in spades. As for its ‘travel card’ credentials, it delivers roadside assistance, travel and medical protection and discounts on car rentals, airport lounge entry, Shell fuel and Booking.com reservations.

I’ll admit, there are cards with more comprehensive travel perks out there. But for those seeking rewards for everyday spending, the BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard leaves the competition in the dust.

EQ Bank Card

Our pick for: Prepaid card

Prepaid cards are a practical addition to any traveller's wallet, offering an accessible, secure way to spend overseas. The EQ Bank Card elevates the experience with no foreign transaction fees, no annual fees, cash-back rewards and free ATM withdrawals across Canada. Plus, you can add the EQ Bank Card to your mobile wallet for extra convenience and utility.

This card won’t get you into an airport lounge, but for travellers who want to avoid FX fees while earning modest cash back rewards, the EQ Bank Card stands tall.