Are you dreaming of jet-setting across the globe and craving to find the best travel credit card in Canada that can turn those dreams into reality? Finding the best travel credit card in Canada can be overwhelming-There’s many different credit card options, not only through banks but through airlines and hotels.
I know when I picked my travel credit card, it took me a couple of weeks before I decided which one to go with. I wanted to make sure I was making the best decision for me-and that’s what you need to make sure when selecting the best travel credit card for you!
One thing to consider when selecting your travel credit card-Not all retailers/Countries accept all credit cards! Make sure to check each creditor to verify where cards may not be accepted.
What’s the Best Travel Credit Card in Canada?
Hopefully your convinced and now just looking for the best travel credit card option for you! Below we’ve highlighted features and benefits of the 8 best travel credit cards in Canada! Use this guide to help you make a decision!
1. American Express Cobalt-Best Overall Value
New client promo
Earn up to 15,000 points over the year. A total purchase of $750 must be spent each month to qualify to receive 12,500 in points.
how to earn points
5x the points on eligible restaurants and food delivery in Canada
3x points on eligible streaming services
2x points on eligible travel and transit, including rideshare
1x point on everything else
1 additional point on Amex Travel Online
Benefits
Front of the Line: Presale and reserved tickets for concerts, shows, and other special events with American Express Experiences
The Hotel Collection: Special benefits when you stay 2 or more nights
Member Extras: Additional special offers included, changes periodically
Insurance Benefits
Mobile Coverage: Up to $1,000 in coverage due to theft, loss, or accidental damage anywhere in the world.
Travel Coverage: Road trip or flight; Due to Covid and Travel Restrictions certain trip cancellation/interruption might be restricted or unavailable.
Out of Province/Country Medical: Provides up to $5,000,000 in coverage for eligible medical expenses incurred by insured person under age of 65, for first 15 consecutive dates of trip.
Flight Delay: up to $500 in coverage, for emergency purchases within 48 hour of delayed/denied boarding for 4 hours or more and no alternate transportation is made available.
Baggage Delay/Lost or Stolen Baggage: can receive up to $500 in coverage for reasonable and necessary emergency purchases within 4 days of your destination arrival if your baggage is delayed for 6 or more hours. You can also be covered up to a maximum of $500 per trip if checked-in luggage or carry-on baggage with personal belongings are loss/damaged.
Hotel Burglary: can receive up to $500 in coverage against loss of personal items, including cash.
Accidental Travel Coverage: you will be covered up to $250, 000 due to Accidental Death and Dismemberment.
Car Rental Theft, Loss and Damage: Covered for theft, loss and damage of rental vehicle with an MSRP up to $85, 000 for rental 48 days or less..
Eligibility
Must be a Canadian Resident and have Credit History in Canada.
You are the age of maturity in your Province/Territory.
Interest Rate
20.99% on purchases
Fee
$12.99/Monthly
Website
2. CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students – Best Student Card
New Client Promo
Earn up to 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase (that’s up to $200 in travel credit)!
How to Earn Points
1x point for every $1 spent on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, and Air Canada
1x point for every $1.50 spent on all eligible purchases
2x points through Aeroplan e-store with over 150 Aeroplan partners and 170 online retailers
Benefits
SPC+ Membership: Save up to 30% with over 400 stores when you shop in store or online. You will also receive other exclusion SPC perks!
Air Canada Point Redemption: You can purchase any Air Canada seat with points or combine points with cash!
Overseas Money Transfer: $0 transfer fee if sending money abroad to over 120 Countries.
Insurance Benefits
Trip Cancellation/Interruption: If round-trip is delayed, interrupted or cancelled, you may be eligible for reimbursement.
Premium Global Assist Hotline: Receive 24/7 medical, legal, financial and other emergency assistance while travelling more than 100 miles.
Trip Delay: If a trip is delayed for over 6 hours, you can receive up to $500.
Lost Baggage: Receive up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to $3,000 when combined with a carry-on, if lost, damaged, or stolen.
Auto Rental Collision/Loss Damage Coverage: You can be covered for Damage or Theft of a Rental Vehicle in a covered territory, not all
Phone Protection: If your phone is lost or stolen on your trip, you can receive up to $800 reimbursement to repair/replace the phone.
Eligibility
Canadian Resident
Interest Rate
20.99-29.99% on purchases (depending on credit score/market)
Fee
$650/Annually
Website
Aeroplan Visa Credit Card for Students
3. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card – Best Airline Card
New Client Promo
Earn up to 50,000 Aeroplan points including offers up to $1200 in value-including a Nexus applicable fee rebate and free first checked bag!
How to Earn Points
1.5x points for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery, and direct Air Canada purchases
1x point for every $1 spent on all other purchases
2x points twice when you pay with your Card and provide an Aeroplan number
2x more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when linked with your rewards account
Benefits
Save on baggage fees: Primary, additional and travel companions (up to 8 on the same reservation) receive the first checked bag for free when travel originates on an Air Canada flight.
Quicker Aeroplan Elite Status: Primary card holders earn 1,000 Status Qualifying Mile and one Status Qualifying Segment for every $10,000 of net purchases (less any returns and credits).
Car Rental Upgrade with Avis Preferred Plus: Receive one car class rental upgrades. Quicker service to enhance your experience with Avis.
Visa Infinite Exclusives: Receive exclusive benefits including 24 Visa Infinite Concierge, Luxury Hotel Collections, Wine Country Programs (BC, ON, Sonoma Valley), exclusive culinary events and exclusive entertainment events like the Toronto International Film Festival!
Insurance Benefits
Travel Medical: Receive up to $2 million in coverage the first 21 days (if 65 years of age or older only the first 4 days of your trip are covered).
Trip Cancellation/Interruption: Receive up to $1,500 per insured person, with a maximum of $5,000 for all insured, due to trip cancellation. Receive up to $5,000 per insured person, with a maximum of $25,000 for all insured persons, if trip is interrupted.
Flight Delay/Trip Delay: If flight/trip is delayed for over 4 hours, each insured can receive up to $500.
Delayed/Lost Baggage: Receive up to $1,000 per insured for essentials (clothes, toiletries, etc…) if flight is delayed more than 6 hours/ lost.
Accidental Travel Coverage: Up to $500,000 of coverage for covered losses while travelling on a common carrier
Auto Rental Collision/Loss Damage Coverage: Up to 48 days of car rental coverage if in an accident/loss.
Hotel Burglary Coverage: Up to $2,500 for eligible personal items stolen from rooms that belonged to cardholder or eligible family members.
Eligibility
Resident of Canada
Valid health care plan in Canada
Interest Rate
20.99% on purchases
Fee
$139 /Annually
Website
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Credit Card
4. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card- Best Hotel Card
New Client Promo
Earn up to 185,000 bonus points after a total purchase of $6,000 is made, within 6 months of card membership.
How to Earn Points
6x points for each $1 spent at eligible hotels
3x points at restaurants worldwide and flights
2x the points for each $1 spent with all other eligible purchases
Benefits
Platinum Elite Status: Receive discounted rates and room upgrades at select properties if available.
Quicker Aeroplan Elite Status: Primary card holders earn 1,000 Status Qualifying Mile and one Status Qualifying Segment for every $10,000 of net purchases (less any returns and credits).
Dining Credits: Receive up to $300 in statement credits once a year, with eligible restaurants.
Property Credit: Receive up to $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis with a 2 night minimum stay.
Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite Status: Earn up to 5x points from Marriott Bonvoy on eligible hotel purchases
TSA/Global Entry Credit: Receive a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for the Global Entry ($100) or every 4.5 years with a five years membership for TSA Precheck (up to $85).
American Express Experiences: Receive exclusive ticket presales and events like Broadway shows, concert tours and more.
Free Night: Receive 1 free night award every year after your Card renewal month.
Airport Lounge with Priority Pass Select: Receive unlimited lounge visits with up to two guests with access to over 1,200 worldwide.
ShopRunner: Free 2-day shipping on eligible purchases with over 100 online stores.
$1,000 Bed Discount: Redeem $1,000 off select Marriott Retail Brands’ mattresses and box springs through select benefits.
Free Internet: At participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, you can receive free internet access! Must provide account number at time of booking reservations.
Eligibility
Resident of Canada
Valid health care plan in Canada
Interest Rate
20.99%-29.99% on purchases depending on credit score and market
Fee
$650/Annually
wEBSITE
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
5. MBNA True Line Mastercard – Lowest Interest Rate
New Client Promo
Receive 12 months 0% annual interest rate on balance transfers (must be done within 90 days of opening account)
How to Earn Points
There is no point system for this card.
benefits
Low interest: Since the card has a low rate (compared to the average cards’ rates of 20.99% and up) the benefits in this card could be additional savings toward your next trip!
Additional Users: Add up to 9 authorized users for no additional fees
Save on Avis/Budget Car Rentals: Save 10% off base rates in Canada and US and 5 % off base rates internationally at participating locations.
insurance
Enhanced Security Features: If your an international traveler, you can tap your card wherever contactless is accepted (some cards require a pin if abroad)! Also, you won’t be responsible for any unauthorized charges to your card!
Eligibility
Canadian Resident
Interest
12.99% on eligible purchases and balance transfers
fee
$0
WEBSITE
6. American Express Platinum – Best Perks
New Client Promo
Receive 70,000 Welcome Bonus points after you spend $10,000 in net purchases within first three months of receiving card. Plus, earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of your new card.
How to Earn Points
2x points on eligible dining and food delivery purchases in Canada
2x points from eligible flights, hotels, and tours
1x points on everything else
1x additional point on eligible hotel and car rental booking through Amex Travel Online
benefits
Annual Travel & Food Credit: Receive a $200 annual travel credit towards your next vacation as well as $200 credit to some of Canada’s top restaurants!
American Express Global Lounge Collection: Enjoy complimentary access to Canadian and International airport lounges (at participating locations) when you travel!
$100 Nexus Credit: Receive up to $100 in statement credit when charged Nexus application or renewal fees on to your Platinum Card.
Exclusive Hotel/Resorts Experiences: Receive exclusive benefits, worth over $550 US, with eligible hotels worldwide. Some of the benefits include daily breakfast for two, 4 pm late check-out, room upgrade upon arrival if available, in-room WIFI, and early check-in.
Hotel Status Benefit: Receive higher tiers of hotel loyalty programs like Hilton Honors Gold Status and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status, without having to fulfill regular qualifying requirements.
Priority Access to Toronto Pearson International Airport: Receive access to Priority Security Lane, complimentary valet service in Terminal 1, and 15% discount on parking at the Express or Daily Park.
insurance
Emergency Medical Insurance: Provides a maximum $5,000,000 or eligible emergency medical expense while travelling outsides of your Canadian province/territories, and the incident occurs with the first 15 days of the trip.
Eligibility
Canadian Resident
Interest
20.99%
fee
$799/Annually
wEBSITE
7. MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard – Best Point/Insurance Benefits
New Client Promo
Earn up to 30,000 bonus MBNA Rewards Points for cash back, gift cards and more! Also, receive 20,000 bonus points with a purchase of $2,000 on eligible purchases within first 90 days of opening account, and 10,000 bonus points once enrolled for paperless!
How to Earn Points
5x points on eligible dinning, grocery, digital media, membership and household utility purchases until $50,000 spend annually.
1x points on all other purchases
benefits
MBNA Rewards Program: Earn, save and redeem 100 points per $1 by shopping online with the MBNA Rewards Catalogue.
Birthday Bonus: Receive 10% of total numbers of Pints in the Account within 12 months before the primary cardholder’s
Save on Avis/Budget Car Rentals: Save 10% off base rates in Canada and US and 5 % off base rates internationally at participating locations.
insurance
Travel Medical: Receive up to $2millon of coverage within first 21 days of trip
Delayed/Lost Luggage: Receive up to $1,000/per insured person towards trip essentials (like clothes and toiletries), if luggage is delayed over 4 hours
Flight/Trip Delay: Receive up to $500 per insured person for flight/tri[p if delayed over 4 hours
Car Rental: Receive collision damage coverage for up to 31 days for eligible auto rental damage.
Phone Protection: If mobile device is lost, stolen, accidently damaged, or mechanically issues you can receive up to $1,000 in coverage for eligible devices.
Trip/Legal Assistance: Receive support for lost baggage, pre-trip information, ticket replacement, lost document and emergency cash transfers.
Eligibility
Canadian Resident
+$80,000/personal annual income or $150,000+/household annual income
Interest
19.99%
fee
$120/Annually
Website
MBNA Rewards World Elite® Mastercard
8. Meridian Visa US Dollar Card – Best U.S. Card
New Client Promo
Annual fee waived the first year!
How to Earn Points
1x point for every $1 on eligible card purchases!
benefits
Meridian Rewards Program: Redeem points for travel, merchandise, gift cards and an account credit, once enrolled into the Visa Rewards Program!
No Currency Fees: No currency conversion fees on US dollar purchases!
insurance
Trip Cancellation/Interruption/Delay: Receive up to $2,000 per person if trip is cancelled before departure. If trip is interrupted/delayed you can receive up to $2,000 for missed connections and unlimited coverage due to illness/accident.
Accidently Travel Coverage: You can receive up to $100,000 of cover per person in the event of accidental death or injure for you, your spouse, or eligible children while travelling by common carrier.
Car Rental Collision/Loss Damage: If your car rental is stolen or involved in an accident, within 48 days of rental period, you will be covered through your card.
Purchase Protection: Receive up to $10,000 per item, up to a maximum of $50,000 (account lifetime) incase of loss, theft or damage within 90 days of eligible purchases.
Extended Warranty: Receive double manufacture’s warranty up to 1 year on eligible purchases, with maximum of $10,000 per item and up to a maximum of $50,000 (account lifetime).
Eligibility
Credit score of 700 and up
Interest
19.50%
fee
$65 USD/Annually – 1st year waived
Website
Which travel credit card will you choose?
We’ve only covered some of the best travel credit cards in Canada. Maybe you’re more interested in a point systems, which can be valuable to someone who pays with their credit card for everything. Or maybe you’re someone who’s more interested in some of the insurance perks. There’s even a low interest rate, which even if you’re not a traveling might seem enticing! There’s a card for everyone!
What to learn more about travel credit cards? Check out Credit Card Myths Debunked – 6 of the Great Myths No One Talks About!
Remember that the right card can unlock a world of possibilities and elevate your travel experiences. Stay tuned to ‘Elle and the City’ for more insightful articles on optimizing your travels and discovering hidden gems around the globe. Happy travels and see you on the next adventure!
*Please note I have no affiliations with these companies, and the information can change at any time. In order to qualify for most of the coverages, the purchase of the trip must be made with the same credit, the same applies for any warranty/phone protection. Please make sure to check all exclusions and limitations on each website for full credit card conditions.
