15 Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada for April 2025
Our picks for Canada’s best travel credit cards include top cards across numerous categories to help you earn discounts, perks and rewards before your next trip.
Earn up to $1,300 in value including up to 40,000 Aeroplan points and no annual fee for the first year. Conditions Apply. Click "Apply Now" for details.
Compare the best travel credit cards in Canada
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdown
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's take
Card details
Card details
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownNerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeCard details
Card details
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownNerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeCard details
Card details
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownNerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeCard details
Card details
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownNerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeCard details
Card details
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownNerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeCard details
Card details
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownNerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeCard details
Card details
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownNerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeCard details
Card details
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownNerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeCard details
Card details
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownNerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeCard details
Card details
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownNerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeCard details
Card details
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownNerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeCard details
Card details
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownNerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeCard details
Card details
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownNerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeCard details
Card details
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownNerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeCard details
Card detailsMethodology
BACK TO TOPWhat our Nerd thinks about the best overall travel card
View details
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.
Pros:
Low interest rate.
Airport lounge access.
Travel insurance.
No FX fees.
Cons:
Steep annual fee.
No free checked bags.
No priority boarding.
No bonus categories.
Types of travel credit cards in Canada
Generally speaking, there are three different categories of travel rewards credit cards. Knowing how they differ will help you determine what card is best for you.
General travel rewards credit cards
If you’re not loyal to one specific airline or hotel chain, then a general travel rewards program is something that will interest you. The points you earn can typically be used for any type of travel redemption, such as airfare, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and even vacation packages. Since your points don’t belong to one specific program, you have more options.
Some general travel rewards credit cards only allow you to use your points when booking travel through their online portal, while others let you use your points for any travel purchases you charge to your card.
Airline rewards credit cards
Airline credit cards allow you to earn points or miles for a specific airline. What’s interesting about airline credit cards is that the points you earn can usually be used on any airline that’s part of their network.
For example, Aeroplan is the loyalty program for Air Canada. Even if you don’t have one of the best Aeroplan credit cards, you can redeem your points for a flight on any carrier that’s part of the Star Alliance network. There are also some general travel rewards programs, such as Air Miles, that also earn miles and can offer some additional value.
Depending on the tier of your airline rewards credit card, you may get additional perks such as free checked bags, priority boarding and increased status. Having an airline credit card is highly lucrative if you frequently fly with one airline or network.
Hotel rewards credit cards
While some people love the idea of free flights, getting a luxury stay at a nice hotel appeals to other people. Some would argue that hotel rewards are better than airline rewards since some hotel chains have a greater reach. For example, Marriott has over 9,000 properties in 140+ countries, so no matter where you’re travelling, it won’t be hard to find a room where you can use your points.
Hotel rewards credit cards will also typically include benefits that will make your stay more comfortable. For instance, you could get early check-in and late check-out. You could also get free high-speed WiFi or enhanced status.
Additional travel card perks to consider
Beyond travel points, a card’s perks may help you determine whether to apply.
Consider the following as you compare your card options:
Free checked bags. Airlines charge anywhere from $30 - $80 per checked bag, each way, so getting free checked bags can save you money.
Airport lounge access. Some credit cards offer complimentary airport lounge access. Single-use lounge entry typically costs $50 - $100, so this perk can help offset any annual fee you might pay for the credit card.
Travel insurance. Some credit cards offer extensive travel insurance coverage. This can help cover the cost of medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and more.
No foreign transaction fees. Most credit cards charge an additional 2.5% for transactions conducted in foreign currencies. A card that waives foreign transaction fees can cut costs on purchases made while travelling abroad.
Concierge service. A credit card concierge can help you make restaurant reservations, book a ride, explore your travel options and more.
Point transfers. The ability to move points from one rewards program to another can help you take advantage of a wider swath of redemption options.
Beyond these perks, consider whether a travel card aligns with your spending habits and financial goals before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
How do I earn travel rewards?
How do I earn travel rewards?
Credit cards either earn flat-rate rewards, where cardholders earn a set number of points on every $1 spent, or tiered rewards, where accelerated earn rates may apply to dollars spent in specific spending categories, like groceries, gas or travel bookings. Travel cards may also offer bonus points on purchases made with program partners. For example, Aeroplan credit cards earn additional points on Air Canada purchases.
When it comes to bank rewards programs, your points may never expire as long as your credit card account is in good standing. Of course, your account would only fall out of good standing if it becomes delinquent or you use your credit card for fraudulent activity.
How do I calculate the value of my travel points?
How do I calculate the value of my travel points?
The formula used to determine the value of one reward point is as follows:
Cash value of the redemption x 100 / number of points required = Cost per point.
Maximizing the value of your credit card rewards can be accomplished through strategic point earning and redemption.
Do travel rewards points ever expire?
Do travel rewards points ever expire?
Points from a number of major loyalty programs expire as a result of account inactivity within two years:
Aeroplan: 18 months.
Air Miles: 24 months.
Scene +: 24 months.
Marriott Bonvoy: 24 months.
If you earn or redeem points in this timeframe, the expiry countdown resets.
How do I redeem travel rewards?
How do I redeem travel rewards?
Some credit card rewards programs only let you redeem points or miles through their rewards portals. Others allow point redemption for any eligible purchase you make with your credit card.
Dedicated rewards portals, where collectors can go to track earned points and make redemptions, are common. Some programs, like Aeroplan, have point redemption options built directly into their travel portals, so cardholders can search for flights, accommodations or car rentals and opt to pay with cash, points or a combination of both.
Are there different travel reward redemption models?
Are there different travel reward redemption models?
There are two popular redemption models that travel credit cardholders are likely to encounter. Consistent point systems have rewards that hold a constant value, regardless of season or travel destination. Fluctuating point models have rewards with values that shift in response to consumer demand. For example, it may require more points for an airfare redemption during peak season as opposed to off-season bookings.
How do I apply for a travel credit card?
How do I apply for a travel credit card?
Before you apply for a travel card, review its eligibility criteria, including any applicable annual income requirements, to ensure you qualify. To apply for a credit card, visit the provider’s website or mobile app to access its online application. Or, if the card provider offers in-person facilities, you can visit a branch during business hours to fill out an application.
DIVE EVEN DEEPER
Georgia Rose