Annual fee
$599
Primary cardholder
Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada
Travel rewards are better when the value is easy to understand
Travel cards can be powerful, but points, insurance, lounge access, foreign transaction fees, and redemption rules can make comparison harder than it should be. RateBuddy helps bring the key travel card details together so you can review rewards, benefits, fees, and real-world usefulness before choosing a card.
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Compare Top Travel Rewards Cards
Use the filters to shape the card results below. Adjust your monthly spend, narrow by provider, or highlight no-fee and welcome-bonus options — RateBuddy will quietly refresh the list so the results stay connected to your choices.
Ready to refine
Annual fee
$599
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
TD Canada Trust
Best for
Travel Rewards
Premium
Rewards
Best for
Travel Rewards
Premium
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$3,000
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$258.75
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$599
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$2,659.75
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 1.5% | $81 |
| Dining | $300 | 1.5% | $54 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1.5% | $27 |
| Travel | $75 | 2% | $18 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1.25% | $11.25 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1.25% | $67.50 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
Aeroplan
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$199
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
$150,000
Minimum household income
$200,000
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$399
Purchase APR
9.99%
Cash advance
9.99%
Scotiabank
Best for
Travel Rewards
Low Interest
Premium
Best for
Travel Rewards
Low Interest
Premium
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$2,500
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$360
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$399
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$2,461
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 2% | $108 |
| Dining | $300 | 2% | $72 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 2% | $36 |
| Travel | $75 | 2% | $18 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 2% | $18 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 2% | $108 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
Scene+
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$399
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
9.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
9.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$99
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
$12,000
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$149$0
First year waived
Purchase APR
14.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
TD Canada Trust
Best for
Travel Rewards
Business
Rewards
Best for
Travel Rewards
Business
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$1,900
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$211.50
First-year annual fee
$149 first-year fee waiver applied
$149
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$2,111.50
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 1% | $54 |
| Dining | $300 | 1.5% | $54 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1% | $18 |
| Travel | $75 | 2% | $18 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1.5% | $13.50 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
Aeroplan
First year free
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0 first year
Then $149 annually
Purchase APR
14.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$49
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
—
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$139$0
First year waived
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
TD Canada Trust
Best for
Travel Rewards
Rewards
Best for
Travel Rewards
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$1,400
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$396
First-year annual fee
$139 first-year fee waiver applied
$139
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$1,796
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 3% | $162 |
| Dining | $300 | 3% | $108 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1% | $18 |
| Travel | $75 | 4% | $36 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 2% | $18 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
TD Rewards
First year free
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0 first year
Then $139 annually
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$50
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
$60,000
Minimum household income
$100,000
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$199$0
First year waived
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
23.99%
BMO Bank of Montreal
Best for
Travel Rewards
Premium
Rewards
Best for
Travel Rewards
Premium
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$1,400
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$306
First-year annual fee
$199 first-year fee waiver applied
$199
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$1,706
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 2% | $108 |
| Dining | $300 | 2% | $72 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 2% | $36 |
| Travel | $75 | 3% | $27 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
First year free
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0 first year
Then $199 annually
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
23.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
—
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
$80,000
Minimum household income
$150,000
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$150
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
Scotiabank
Best for
Travel Rewards
Premium
Best for
Travel Rewards
Premium
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$1,500
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$324
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$150
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$1,674
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 3% | $162 |
| Dining | $300 | 2% | $72 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1% | $18 |
| Travel | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
Scene+
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$150
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
20.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$50
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
$60,000
Minimum household income
$100,000
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$139$0
First year waived
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
TD Canada Trust
Best for
Travel Rewards
Rewards
Best for
Travel Rewards
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$1,450
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$220.50
First-year annual fee
$139 first-year fee waiver applied
$139
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$1,670.50
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 1.5% | $81 |
| Dining | $300 | 1% | $36 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1.5% | $27 |
| Travel | $75 | 1.5% | $13.50 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
Aeroplan
First year free
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0 first year
Then $139 annually
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$75
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
$60,000
Minimum household income
$100,000
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$149$0
First year waived
Purchase APR
19.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
TD Canada Trust
Best for
Travel Rewards
Business
Rewards
Best for
Travel Rewards
Business
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$1,300
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$337.50
First-year annual fee
$149 first-year fee waiver applied
$149
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$1,637.50
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 1% | $54 |
| Dining | $300 | 3% | $108 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 3% | $54 |
| Travel | $75 | 4.5% | $40.50 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 3% | $27 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
TD Rewards
First year free
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0 first year
Then $149 annually
Purchase APR
19.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$49
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
—
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$599
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
23.99%
BMO Bank of Montreal
Best for
Travel Rewards
Balance Transfer
Premium
Best for
Travel Rewards
Balance Transfer
Premium
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$1,500
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$648
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$599
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$1,549
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 5% | $270 |
| Dining | $300 | 5% | $180 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 5% | $90 |
| Travel | $75 | 5% | $45 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$599
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
23.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
—
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
$150,000
Minimum household income
$200,000
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$599
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
21.99%
American Express(Canada)
Best for
Travel Rewards
Business
Premium
Best for
Travel Rewards
Business
Premium
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$1,800
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$240.75
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$599
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$1,441.75
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 1.25% | $67.50 |
| Dining | $300 | 1.25% | $45 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1.25% | $22.50 |
| Travel | $75 | 3% | $27 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1.25% | $11.25 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1.25% | $67.50 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
Aeroplan
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$599
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
21.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$199
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
—
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Showing 10 of 30 cards
More Premium Travel Cards
Explore other highly-rated options you might have missed.
CIBC
PC Financial
American Express(Canada)
Welcome Bonus
Annual Fee: $599
Purchase Int: 21.99%
1st Yr Value
$1369
View Offer
Desjardins Group
American Express(Canada)
Welcome Bonus
Annual Fee: $150
Purchase Int: 21.99%
1st Yr Value
$823
View Offer
American Express(Canada)
Welcome Bonus
Annual Fee: $799
Purchase Int: 21.99%
1st Yr Value
$426
View Offer
BMO Bank of Montreal
Welcome Bonus
Annual Fee: $49
Purchase Int: 21.99%
1st Yr Value
$-49
View Offer
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Maximize Your Potential
Why use a generic card? Choosing a card that aligns with your spending habits could help you earn more value over time.
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Upgrade Your Travel Experience
The right travel card does more than just earn points—it protects your trip, saves you fees, and upgrades your comfort level.
Comprehensive Trip Protection
Travel cards often include valuable insurance suites that would cost significant money to purchase separately. Coverage like Trip Cancellation, Flight Delay, and Lost Baggage insurance protects your financial investment if things go wrong. Importantly, many cards also include Travel Medical insurance, which is essential for Canadians traveling abroad. You can also decline the expensive collision insurance at rental car counters, relying on your card instead. This coverage alone can justify an annual fee.
Foreign Currency Savings
Savvy travelers specifically look for cards with "No Foreign Transaction Fees." Standard credit cards charge a 2.5% surcharge on every non-Canadian currency purchase, which adds up quickly on a trip. By using a No-FX card, you save that fee on every meal, hotel, and souvenir you buy abroad. For a $2,000 trip spend, that is $50 kept in your pocket. It ensures you get the real exchange rate, not an inflated one.
Airport Luxury & Comfort
Premium travel cards unlock access to airport lounges worldwide through programs like DragonPass or Priority Pass. Instead of waiting at a crowded gate, you can relax in a quiet lounge with complimentary food, drinks, and Wi-Fi. Some cards also offer benefits like priority security screening at Canadian airports or Nexus application fee rebates. These perks transform the most stressful parts of travel into a comfortable, VIP experience. It makes the journey as enjoyable as the destination.
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Not sure about Points?
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Travel Rewards is great, but sometimes a different card fits your lifestyle better. Use our Smart Finder to see what else you qualify for.
Cash Back
Simple, flexible earnings.
No Annual Fee
Great value, zero cost.
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ISSUERS
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LOYALTY PROGRAMS
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PAYMENT NETWORKS
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From entry-level options to exclusive black cards. Find the eligibility level that fits you.
KNOWLEDGE BASE
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Compare Top Travel Rewards Cards Cards and financial strategy.
Disclaimer: Information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Terms subject to change by issuers.
Credit card travel insurance can provide valuable coverage, but it often has limitations regarding trip duration (e.g., 15 days) and the traveler's age (often under 65). It may also exclude pre-existing medical conditions. We strongly advise reviewing your certificate of insurance to ensure the coverage meets your specific medical needs before traveling.
If you close a credit card account, you may forfeit any unredeemed points associated directly with that card. However, if the points are held in a separate loyalty program account (like Aeroplan or Air Miles), they generally remain safe. Always check the forfeiture policy before closing an account.
Eligible cards may offer membership to networks like Priority Pass or DragonPass. Some cards include a set number of free visits per year, while others provide the membership only, requiring you to pay a fee per visit. You typically need to enroll in the program before your travel date to utilize the benefit.
Trip Cancellation/Interruption insurance usually covers specific unforeseen events, which may include sudden illness or injury. However, coverage is subject to specific exclusions and requires that the trip was paid for (in whole or in part) with the eligible card. Always verify the definition of 'covered causes' in your insurance booklet.
For most personal credit cards, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) typically treats cash back as a 'discount' rather than income, meaning it is generally not taxable. However, rewards earned on business credit cards or through banking signup bonuses may be treated differently. RateBuddy recommends consulting a tax professional for your specific situation.
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