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Canadians looking to save money on travel and earn rewards should be more cautious when selecting a travel credit card. Canadians are increasingly using credit cards that provide points programs, travel protections, and savings on foreign transactions. Airfare and hotel rates are expected to increase in 2025, and there remains a desire for international travel.
We will provide an overview of the travel credit cards available in Canada. Each one offers various benefits, such as welcome bonuses, rewards multipliers, and insurance coverage. These credit cards can assist you in managing your everyday spending and provide some travel benefits without incurring additional fees, whether you’re traveling for work, leisure, or to visit family.
- 1. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
- 2. Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
- 3. BMO World Elite Mastercard
- 4. American Express Cobalt Card
- 5. RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card
- 6. Capital One Aspire Travel World Elite Mastercard
- 7. HSBC World Elite Mastercard
- 8. National Bank Travel Platinum Mastercard
- 9. Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard
- 10. Sun Life Financial Optimize+ Credit Card
- 11. PC Financial World Elite Mastercard
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Recommended Reads
1. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
This card is well-suited for frequent Air Canada travelers. It earns 1.5 Aeroplan points per dollar on travel-related purchases and 1 point per dollar on other spending. Points can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and partner services in the Aeroplan network.
Features
- Aeroplan point accumulation for both travel and everyday purchases
- Emergency medical and travel accident insurance
- Coverage for delayed or lost luggage
Its combination of airline rewards and travel protections makes it a reliable option for those traveling regularly with Air Canada or its partners.
2. Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
This card offers strong value by eliminating foreign transaction fees and providing high rewards on popular spending categories.
Features
- No foreign currency conversion fees on international purchases
- Earn Scotia Rewards points on restaurants, groceries, and entertainment
- Competitive point redemption options for travel, merchandise, or statement credit
It appeals to users who want to avoid currency conversion costs while earning rewards on lifestyle expenses that often occur during trips.
3. BMO World Elite Mastercard
Designed for premium travelers, this card combines high rewards rates with access to airport lounges and strong insurance coverage.
Features
- 3 BMO Rewards points per dollar on travel purchases
- Complimentary LoungeKey access to 1,000+ lounges worldwide
- Comprehensive insurance, including trip cancellation, interruption, and emergency medical
- No foreign transaction fees
This card is suitable for frequent flyers who value comfort, convenience, and broad redemption options through the BMO Rewards portal.
4. American Express Cobalt Card
A standout for food and beverage purchases, the Cobalt Card is ideal for those who frequently dine out or travel.
Features
- 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar on dining and food delivery
- 2 points per dollar on travel purchases
- Transferable points to hotel and airline partners
Its strong earning categories and flexible redemption options make it a valuable everyday card for those who blend travel with a culinary lifestyle.
5. RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card
This card offers broad airline compatibility and redemption flexibility, allowing users to avoid blackout dates when booking flights.
Features
- Redeem Avion points across multiple airlines
- Emergency medical, trip cancellation, and baggage insurance
- No blackout dates or seat restrictions on flights booked through the Avion program
It supports spontaneous travel planning and provides dependable insurance protection while abroad.
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6. Capital One Aspire Travel World Elite Mastercard
This card combines a large welcome bonus with a straightforward and flexible rewards system.
Features
- Earn 2x miles on dining and entertainment
- Redeem miles across a wide range of airlines with no blackout dates
- Option to transfer points to partner airline programs
It’s a practical card for travelers who want flexible rewards and a quick path to free travel.
7. HSBC World Elite Mastercard
This option blends cashback flexibility with travel perks, appealing to users looking for both savings and premium benefits.
Features
- Global airport lounge access
- Points earned on all purchases and redeemable for travel, merchandise, or credit
- Transfer options to airline and hotel loyalty programs
- No foreign transaction fees
The HSBC World Elite Mastercard provides a broad suite of rewards and international travel advantages, especially for users with diverse booking preferences.
8. National Bank Travel Platinum Mastercard
Designed for flexible travel redemptions, this card is suited for users who prefer a simplified rewards model.
Features
- Redeem points for flights, hotels, car rentals, and travel packages
- Travel insurance coverage, including emergency medical and baggage protection
- No foreign transaction fees
It offers useful flexibility for users planning a range of travel styles from organized tours to last-minute vacations.
9. Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard
This card focuses on elevated service and benefits for both domestic and international travelers.
Features
- Accelerated points on travel purchases
- Extensive travel insurance, including trip interruption and emergency medical
- Access to global airport lounges
- 24/7 concierge services
- No foreign transaction fees
Strong customer support and flexible point usage make it an attractive choice for frequent travelers who value premium experiences.
10. Sun Life Financial Optimize+ Credit Card
Uniquely positioned in the travel card space, this card integrates healthcare and wellness-related spending.
Features
- Supports Health Spending Accounts (HSAs)
- Bonus rewards on wellness-related travel
- No foreign transaction fees
The card is suited for users prioritizing health and wellness while traveling, including those participating in medical tourism or retreats.
11. PC Financial World Elite Mastercard
With a focus on grocery rewards and no annual fee, this card helps travelers save before and during their trips.
Features
- 30 PC Optimum points per $1 spent at participating food retailers
- Redeemable points for groceries and other essentials
- No annual fee
- Accepted internationally with widespread merchant support
Its strong grocery rewards and no-cost structure provide everyday savings for travel-minded consumers.
Conclusion
In 2025, Canadians who travel will have a lot of credit card options that fit their spending habits, travel preferences, and reward expectations. The cards above are all great options for people with different needs, whether they want to get into a lounge, avoid foreign transaction fees, redeem airline points more easily, or get grocery rewards faster.
The best travel credit card for you will depend on how often you travel, how much you spend on things like food and entertainment, and what kind of rewards you want, like flights, cash back, or hotel stays. To get the most out of these options, consumers should consider annual fees, redemption rules, and insurance coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best travel credit card in Canada right now?
There is no single best card for everyone. Cards like the BMO World Elite Mastercard or RBC Avion Visa Infinite are popular for frequent flyers, while the Scotiabank Gold American Express offers strong value for international travelers avoiding foreign fees.
Do travel credit cards in Canada cover travel insurance?
Yes, many premium cards offer travel insurance, including emergency medical, trip cancellation, lost baggage, and accident coverage. Always check the policy details before relying on them.
Are travel credit card points taxable in Canada?
Generally, credit card rewards are not considered taxable if they are earned through personal spending. However, if points are earned through business expenses and converted to cash or used personally, tax implications may apply.
What does “no foreign transaction fee” mean?
It means the card issuer does not charge extra for converting foreign currency when you make purchases outside Canada. This can save 2.5% to 3% per transaction compared to cards that do apply such fees.
Can points from travel cards be transferred to airline programs?
Some cards, like the American Express Cobalt or HSBC World Elite offer transfer options to airline and hotel partners. Others may restrict redemption to their own portals or networks.
Reviewed and edited by Albert Fang.
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Article Title: Best Travel Credit Card Canada
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