Best Travel Credit Cards In Canada 2025
Picture this: You’re boarding a flight to Tokyo, your hotel is booked using travel rewards points from one of the Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada 2025, and your luggage delay insurance kicks in when your suitcase takes a detour to Paris. How? By choosing the right travel credit card. In 2025, Canadian travelers have more options than ever to turn everyday spending into unforgettable journeys, thanks to the latest innovations in the Credit Cards. Whether you’re chasing premium travel perks, comprehensive travel insurance, or simple no-fee rewards, this guide will help you navigate and select the Best Travel Credit Cards to elevate every adventure.
Let’s dive in.
What Are Travel Credit Cards?
Travel credit cards are specialized financial tools designed to reward users for travel-related spending.
Unlike general travel cards or cashback alternatives, these cards typically offer points or miles redeemable for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses.
Many also bundle perks like lounge access, travel insurance coverage, and waived foreign transaction fees. For example, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card eliminates the 2.5% foreign transaction fee, making it a favorite for international jetsetters.
How to Get a Travel Credit Card in Canada
To get a travel credit card in Canada, you must meet the eligibility criteria set by the credit card issuer.
Typically, this includes having a good credit score and income level.
You can apply for a travel credit card online through the issuer’s website or in person at a bank branch.
It’s essential to research and compare different travel credit cards to find the one that suits your travel goals and lifestyle.
Why Consider a Travel Credit Card in 2025?
Post-pandemic travel has rebounded fiercely, and credit card rewards have evolved to match wanderlust. In 2025, top cards offer higher point valuations, broader insurance benefits, and flexible redemption options.
For instance, the American Express Cobalt Card lets you transfer Membership Rewards points to six airline loyalty programs, maximizing value for frequent flyers.
Plus, with rising travel costs, earning points on everyday spending and travel purchases made with these cards can offset expenses significantly.
How Have Travel Credit Cards Evolved Over the Years?
Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all rewards. Today’s cards cater to niche needs:
- No annual fee options like the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Card appeal to budget-conscious travelers.
- Premium cards such as the American Express Platinum Card offer luxe perks like unlimited lounge access and $5 million emergency medical coverage.
- Co-branded travel cards (e.g., Aeroplan, WestJet) now provide tailored benefits, including free checked bags and companion vouchers.
Key Features to Look for in a Travel Credit Card
What Are Must-Have Features for 2025?
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Save 2.5% on overseas spending (e.g., Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite).
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Prioritize cards like the National Bank World Elite for $5M medical coverage.
- High Reward Rates: Aim for 3x–5x points on travel and daily categories.
- Flexible Redemption: Transferable points (e.g., Amex Membership Rewards) offer better value than fixed-rate systems.
How Can Reward Points Be Maximized?
- Stack Bonuses: Use the Amex Cobalt for 5x points on groceries, then transfer to Aeroplan for premium flights.
- Time Redemptions: Book Air Canada flights during promotional periods to stretch points further.
- Leverage Welcome Offers: Earn bonus points when you spend $3,000 in the first 3–6 months.
What Are the Common Fees and How Can They Be Avoided?
Annual fees (0–0–599) are the biggest cost. Waive them by:
- Choosing no-fee cards like the CIBC Aeroplan Visa.
- Offsetting fees with perks (e.g., the $200 annual travel credit on the American Express Platinum Card).
Comparing Travel Credit Card Rewards
What Types of Rewards Are Available?
- Points/Miles: Flexible (Amex Membership Rewards) or airline-specific (Aeroplan).
- Cashback: Less valuable for travel, but cards like the BMO AIR MILES® Mastercard let you redeem for flights.
- Travel Credits: Annual stipends (e.g., $100 USD hotel credit with premium cards).
How Do Cashback and Points-Based Rewards Differ?
Cashback is straightforward but often yields less value. For example, 2% cashback versus transferring 50,000 Amex points to a $1,500 flight.
Which Cards Offer the Most Versatile Redemption Options?
American Express Cobalt Card
The American Express Cobalt Card leads here, allowing point transfers to Air Canada, British Airways, and Marriott.
In a nutshell: The American Express Cobalt Card, one of the Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada 2025, is ideal for foodies and frequent travelers.
- Rewards: Earn 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on eats and drinks in Canada (including groceries, dining, and food delivery), 3x on streaming services, 2x on travel and transit, and 1x on all other purchases.
- Welcome offer: 50,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months 1.
- Travel perks: Basic travel insurance (trip interruption, baggage delay), no foreign transaction fees, and access to American Express Invites for exclusive events.
Fees and Requirements
- Annual fee: 12.99/month(12.99/month(155.88 annually).
- Income requirement: 15,000personal/15,000personal/20,000 household.
- Credit score: Good to excellent (680+).
How to Apply
Apply online via American Express Canada.
Pros:
- High rewards on dining and groceries.
- Points transferable to Aeroplan, British Airways, and Marriott Bonvoy.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons:
- Higher effective annual fee.
- Limited acceptance at small retailers.
Additional Information
Includes purchase protection, extended warranty, and 24/7 concierge.
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
In a nutshell: A top co-branded card for Air Canada loyalists among the Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada 2025.
- Rewards: Earn 1.5x Aeroplan points on Air Canada flights, gas, groceries, and 1x on other purchases.
- Welcome offer: 50,000 Aeroplan points after spending $5,000 in the first 6 months.
- Travel perks: First checked bag free, priority check-in, and 20% savings on Air Canada flight rewards.
Fees and Requirements
- Annual fee: $139 (first year rebated).
- Income requirement: 60,000personal/60,000personal/100,000 household.
- Interest rate: 20.99% on purchases.
How to Apply
Apply via TD Canada Trust.
Pros:
- Complimentary Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge access (4 passes/year).
- Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection perks.
Cons:
- High income requirement.
- Limited rewards outside Air Canada.
BMO World Elite Mastercard
The BMO World Elite Mastercard is a great travel credit card option for frequent travelers.
With this card, you can earn points on your purchases that can be redeemed for travel rewards, including flights, hotels, and car rentals.
This card also offers travel insurance coverage and other benefits, making it a popular choice among frequent flyers.
In a nutshell: A premium choice in the Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada 2025 for flexible travel rewards.
- Rewards: Earn 5x BMO Rewards points on travel, 3x on dining/entertainment, 1.5x on other purchases.
- Welcome offer: 55,000 points ($550 travel value) after first purchase.
- Travel perks: $200 annual travel credit, Priority Pass lounge access (4 visits/year), and comprehensive insurance.
Fees and Requirements
- Annual fee: $150 (waived for Premium Chequing Account holders).
- Income requirement: 80,000personal/80,000personal/150,000 household.
Pros:
- High earning potential on travel.
- No foreign transaction fees when redeeming points for travel.
Cons:
- Limited airline transfer partners.
How to Apply
Apply online via BMO Ascend World Elite
Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card offers a competitive rewards rate of 5 points per dollar spent on groceries, dining, and entertainment, as well as 3 points per dollar spent on gas, transit, and select streaming services.
It also offers a welcome bonus of up to 40,000 points, which can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, merchandise, and more.
Cardholders also receive access to exclusive events and experiences through the American Express Invites program.
In a nutshell: A standout for maximizing Membership Rewards points in the Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada 2025.
- Rewards: Earn 5x Scene+ points on groceries, dining, and entertainment; 3x on gas, transit, and streaming.
- Welcome offer: 50,000 Scene+ points after spending $1,000 in 3 months 4.
- Travel perks: No foreign transaction fees, trip cancellation insurance, and emergency medical coverage.
Fees and Requirements
- Annual fee: $150.
- Income requirement: $12,000.
Pros:
- Flexible redemption via Scene+ partners.
- Robust travel insurance.
Cons:
- Limited acceptance outside Canada.
How to Apply
Apply online via Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite is a popular travel credit card in Canada that offers various benefits and rewards to its users.
Here are the details:
In a nutshell: Ideal for flexible redemptions among the Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada 2025.
- Rewards: Earn 1.5x Aventura points on travel, gas, and groceries; 1x elsewhere.
- Welcome offer: 45,000 Aventura points after spending $1,000 in 4 months.
- Travel perks: Visa Infinite Concierge, travel insurance, and no foreign transaction fees.
Fees: $139 annually (first year rebated).
Pros:
- Points redeemable for flights, hotels, or cash.
Cons:
- Lower rewards rate compared to competitors.
How to Apply
Apply online via CIBC AVENTURA® VISA INFINITE* CARD
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite offers an array of benefits and rewards to its cardholders.
For every $1 spent using the card, cardholders earn 1 RBC Rewards point.
Additionally, cardholders can earn up to 25% more points when they book their flights using RBC’s travel booking service, and they can also earn bonus points when they shop at select retailers.
In a nutshell: A premium option in the Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada 2025 for RBC loyalists.
- Rewards: Earn 1.25x RBC Rewards points on all purchases.
- Welcome offer: 55,000 points after spending $5,000 in 3 months 6.
- Travel perks: Priority Pass lounge access (4 visits/year), comprehensive insurance.
Fees: $120 annually.
Pros:
- Points transfer to British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and more.
Cons:
- High income requirement ($60,000+).
How to Apply
Apply online via RBC Avion Visa Infinite
Capital One Aspire Travel World Elite Mastercard
Capital One Aspire Travel World Elite Mastercard is a travel rewards credit card designed for frequent travelers who want to earn miles for every dollar spent.
With this card, you can earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on all purchases, which is a great reward rate compared to other travel credit cards.
The card comes with a welcome bonus of up to 40,000 miles and offers a flexible redemption option that allows you to use your miles to book any travel-related expense, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and more.
In a nutshell: A high-reward card in the Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada 2025 for flexible travelers.
- Rewards: Earn 2x miles on every $1 spent.
- Welcome offer: 80,000 miles after spending $5,000 in 3 months 7.
- Travel perks: $150 annual travel credit, lounge access, and trip cancellation insurance.
Fees: $150 annually.
Pros:
- Miles never expire.
- Redeem for any travel expense.
Cons:
- High income requirement ($80,000+).
Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
In a nutshell: The best no-fee travel credit card in Canada for cashback enthusiasts.
- Rewards: Earn 2% cashback on 2–3 categories (e.g., groceries, transit) and 0.5% elsewhere.
- Travel perks: Basic insurance and no foreign transaction fees 8.
Fees: $0 annually.
Pros:
- Customizable rewards categories.
Cons:
- Limited insurance coverage.
How to Apply
Apply online via Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
Last Thought
In conclusion, choosing the right travel credit card can greatly enhance your travel experience and save you money in the long run.
With so many options available in Canada, it’s important to do your research and find the card that best suits your needs and spending habits.
When choosing a travel credit card, it’s important to consider your spending habits and travel preferences.
If you frequently fly with a specific airline, a co-branded card may be a better choice for you.
If you want more flexibility in your rewards, a card with a flexible rewards program may be a better choice. Additionally, make sure to consider the annual fee and any other benefits offered by the card.
Whether you prioritize earning points for flights and hotels or want to enjoy perks like lounge access and travel insurance, there is a travel credit card out there for you.
So, go ahead and explore the possibilities, and don’t forget to use your card responsibly to make the most of your rewards.
Safe travels!
FAQ Section
What is the best credit card for travel insurance coverage?
The National Bank World Elite Mastercard offers the most comprehensive travel insurance, including $5 million emergency medical coverage.
How do I redeem points for travel?
Most cards let you redeem points through their travel portals or transfer partners. For example, Amex Membership Rewards points can be transferred to Aeroplan.
Are no-annual-fee travel credit cards worth it?
Yes! Cards like the CIBC Aeroplan Visa offer solid rewards without annual fees, ideal for occasional travelers.
Which card is best for Air Canada flights?
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card earns 1.5x Aeroplan points on Air Canada purchases and offers companion passes.
Do travel credit cards cover rental car insurance?
Many do, including the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite, which covers rental car damage up to $65,000.
