Search
Search for an ETF or holding
Best credit cards for travel rewards in Canada (2026)
IE
Written by Investir en Bourse
•6 min read
When you travel regularly, choosing a credit card that delivers the right rewards and benefits matters. Travel rewards cards are built to help you maximize your points and get more out of every trip. With earn rates as high as 6.0x on certain spending categories, you can stack up points for your next adventure surprisingly fast.
Travel rewards credit cards typically bundle perks like travel insurance, airport lounge access, and annual travel credits. The trick is picking the card that matches your spending habits and how often you fly. In this article, we cover the best travel rewards credit cards in Canada, ranked by earn rate, annual fee, and benefits.
1. BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card
With a 5.0x earn rate on groceries, gas, and dining, the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card is one of the strongest options for frequent travellers. It also comes with a 200,000-point welcome bonus and comprehensive travel insurance. The trade-off: a $599 annual fee and 2.5% foreign transaction fees.
Key details
- Annual fee: $599
- Earn rate: 5.0x
- Welcome bonus: 200,000 points
- Travel insurance: Yes
- Best for: Frequent travellers
2. TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card
The TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card offers a 6.0x earn rate on groceries and dining, plus a 165,000-point welcome bonus. It includes comprehensive travel insurance and a $139 annual fee. The catch: 2.5% foreign transaction fees.
Key details
- Annual fee: $139
- Earn rate: 6.0x
- Welcome bonus: 165,000 points
- Travel insurance: Yes
- Best for: Occasional travellers
3. American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card earns 1.25x on groceries, gas, and dining, with an 85,000-point welcome bonus. It bundles comprehensive travel insurance and carries a $599 annual fee. Foreign transaction fees are 2.5%.
Key details
- Annual fee: $599
- Earn rate: 1.25x
- Welcome bonus: 85,000 points
- Travel insurance: Yes
- Best for: Frequent travellers
4. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card earns 1.5x on groceries, gas, and dining, with an 85,000-point welcome bonus. It includes comprehensive travel insurance and a $599 annual fee. Foreign transaction fees are 2.5%.
Key details
- Annual fee: $599
- Earn rate: 1.5x
- Welcome bonus: 85,000 points
- Travel insurance: Yes
- Best for: Frequent travellers
5. CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card earns 1.5x on groceries, gas, and dining, with a 100,000-point welcome bonus. It includes comprehensive travel insurance and a $599 annual fee. Foreign transaction fees are 2.5%.
Key details
- Annual fee: $599
- Earn rate: 1.5x
- Welcome bonus: 100,000 points
- Travel insurance: Yes
- Best for: Frequent travellers
6. National Bank World Elite Mastercard
The National Bank World Elite Mastercard earns 5.0x on groceries and dining, with a 50,000-point welcome bonus. It includes comprehensive travel insurance and a $150 annual fee. Foreign transaction fees are 2.5%.
Key details
- Annual fee: $150
- Earn rate: 5.0x
- Welcome bonus: 50,000 points
- Travel insurance: Yes
- Best for: Occasional travellers
7. American Express Platinum Card
The American Express Platinum Card earns 1.0x on groceries, gas, and dining, with a 100,000-point welcome bonus. It includes comprehensive travel insurance and a $799 annual fee. Foreign transaction fees are 2.5%.
Key details
- Annual fee: $799
- Earn rate: 1.0x
- Welcome bonus: 100,000 points
- Travel insurance: Yes
- Best for: Frequent travellers
8. Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Business Card
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Business Card earns 1.5x on groceries, gas, and dining, with a 40,000-point welcome bonus. It includes comprehensive travel insurance and a $199 annual fee. Best of all, foreign transaction fees are 0%.
Key details
- Annual fee: $199
- Earn rate: 1.5x
- Welcome bonus: 40,000 points
- Travel insurance: Yes
- Best for: Occasional travellers
9. American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card
The American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card earns 1.25x on groceries, gas, and dining, with a 90,000-point welcome bonus. It includes comprehensive travel insurance and a $599 annual fee. Foreign transaction fees are 2.5%.
Key details
- Annual fee: $599
- Earn rate: 1.25x
- Welcome bonus: 90,000 points
- Travel insurance: Yes
- Best for: Frequent travellers
10. Business Platinum Card from American Express
The Business Platinum Card from American Express earns 1.25x on groceries, gas, and dining, with a 120,000-point welcome bonus. It includes comprehensive travel insurance and a $799 annual fee. Foreign transaction fees are 2.5%.
Key details
- Annual fee: $799
- Earn rate: 1.25x
- Welcome bonus: 120,000 points
- Travel insurance: Yes
- Best for: Frequent travellers
Comparison table
| Card | Annual fee | Rewards | Bonus | FX fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Platinum Card | $799 | 1.0x Groceries, 1.0x Gas, 2.0x Dining, 2.0x Travel, 1.0x Recurring payments, 1.0x All purchases | Up to 100,000 Membership Rewards points | 2.5% |
| Business Platinum Card from American Express | $799 | 1.25x Groceries, 1.25x Gas, 1.25x Dining, 1.25x Travel, 1.25x Recurring payments, 1.25x All purchases | Up to 120,000 Membership Rewards points | 2.5% |
| National Bank World Elite Mastercard | $150 | 5.0x Groceries, 2.0x Gas, 5.0x Dining, 1.0x Travel, 2.0x Recurring payments, 1.0x All purchases | Up to 50,000 points | 2.5% |
| BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card | $599 | 5.0x Groceries, 5.0x Gas, 5.0x Dining, 5.0x Travel, 1.0x Recurring payments, 1.0x All purchases | Up to 200,000 points | 2.5% |
| Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Business Card | $199 | 1.5x Groceries, 1.5x Gas, 1.5x Dining, 1.5x Travel, 1.5x Recurring payments, 1.5x All purchases | Up to 40,000 Scene+ points | 0% |
| American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card | $599 | 1.25x Groceries, 1.25x Gas, 2.0x Dining, 1.25x Travel, 1.25x Recurring payments, 1.25x All purchases | Up to 85,000 Aeroplan points | 2.5% |
| American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card | $599 | 1.25x Groceries, 1.25x Gas, 1.25x Dining, 2.0x Travel, 1.25x Recurring payments, 1.25x All purchases | Up to 90,000 Aeroplan points | 2.5% |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card | $599 | 1.5x Groceries, 1.5x Gas, 1.5x Dining, 1.5x Travel, 1.25x Recurring payments, 1.25x All purchases | Up to 85,000 Aeroplan points | 2.5% |
| CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card | $599 | 1.5x Groceries, 1.5x Gas, 1.25x Dining, 1.25x Travel, 1.25x Recurring payments, 1.25x All purchases | Up to 100,000 Aeroplan points | 2.5% |
| TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card | $139 | 6.0x Groceries, 2.0x Gas, 6.0x Dining, 2.0x Travel, 4.0x Recurring payments, 2.0x All purchases | Up to 165,000 TD Rewards points | 2.5% |
How to choose your card
If you travel 1–2 times a year, the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card or the National Bank World Elite Mastercard are solid picks. If you travel 4+ times a year, the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card or the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card are better suited to your needs. If you're just starting out, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Business Card is a good first option. If comprehensive travel insurance is what you're after, the American Express Platinum Card or the American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card are the safer bets.