Unlock the Best Card for Travel Rewards in Canada: Your 2026 Guide

Planning your next getaway and wondering which credit card will give you the most bang for your buck? You're in the right place. Figuring out the best card for travel rewards in Canada can feel like a puzzle, with so many options out there. We've looked at a bunch of them to help you find one that fits how you spend and how you travel. Let's get you set up for some sweet travel perks.

Key Takeaways

• The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite is a top pick for travelers, especially those who want no foreign transaction fees and get airport lounge access.

• For flexible points that can transfer to programs like Aeroplan, the American Express Cobalt Card is a strong contender, offering good rewards on everyday spending.

• If you're looking for solid travel insurance and good earning rates on groceries and dining, the Scotiabank Gold American Express is worth considering.

• Premium travelers might find the benefits of The Platinum Card from American Express, like extensive lounge access, justify its higher annual fee.

• Cards like the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite and RBC Avion Visa Infinite offer good options for earning travel points, often tied to specific travel partners or programs.

1. Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite

When you're looking for a card that really handles international travel well, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card is a solid choice. One of its biggest draws is that it doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, which can add up pretty quickly when you're spending money in another country. This alone can save you a good chunk of change over the course of a trip.

This card is also pretty generous with its rewards program, called Scene+ points. You get a good rate on groceries, dining, and entertainment, plus bonus points when you book travel through their Scene+ Travel portal. It's nice to get points back on things you're already buying, and even better when those points can be used for future trips.

Here's a quick look at how you earn Scene+ points:

• 3x points on eligible groceries at Sobeys, Safeway, and more.

• 2x points on other groceries, dining, entertainment, and transit.

• 1x point on all other eligible purchases.

• Bonus points on hotel bookings, car rentals, and activities booked via Scene+ Travel.

Beyond the points, the card comes with some pretty useful travel perks. You get six complimentary airport lounge passes each year, which is great for making those long layovers more comfortable. Plus, there's a whole suite of travel insurance benefits included, covering things like trip cancellation, interruption, and even emergency medical care when you're away from home. It's the kind of coverage that gives you peace of mind when you're exploring new places.

Having a card that waives foreign transaction fees is a game-changer for international travel. It means every dollar you spend abroad is actually worth its face value, without that extra percentage tacked on by the card issuer. This can really add up, especially on longer trips or if you're making big purchases.

It also comes with Visa Infinite* Concierge Services, which can help with things like booking reservations or finding tickets to events. For frequent travelers, this card offers a lot of practical benefits that go beyond just earning rewards. You can find out more about the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card and its features.

2. American Express Cobalt

Okay, let's talk about the American Express Cobalt Card. This card is a real standout, especially if you spend a good chunk of your money on food and entertainment. It's often called one of the best cards in Canada for earning flexible travel points.

Here's a quick look at how you earn points:

• 5x points on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada.

• 3x points on eligible streaming services in Canada.

• 2x points on eligible ride shares, transit, and gas in Canada.

• 1x point on everything else.

There's also a bonus of 1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings made through American Express Travel Online. So, if you're someone who eats out a lot, orders takeout, or subscribes to a bunch of streaming services, this card racks up points pretty fast. The 5x multiplier on food is pretty generous, honestly.

When it comes to using those points, you've got options. You can transfer them 1:1 to travel partners like Aeroplan, use them in the Fixed Points Travel Program, or even get a statement credit at a decent rate. Plus, you get access to Amex's presale tickets and other special events, which is a nice perk.

Now, about the cost. It's not a flat annual fee, but rather a monthly charge of $15.99 (or $191.88 annually for Quebec residents). So, it works out to about $192 a year for most people. It's a bit different from other cards, but many feel the earning potential makes it worth it.

The American Express Cobalt Card is a bit of a unique beast in the Canadian credit card market. Its strength lies in its high earning rates on everyday spending categories that many people use frequently, like groceries and dining. While it doesn't offer airport lounge access, its point-earning structure and redemption flexibility make it a top contender for those looking to maximize their rewards on regular purchases that can then be converted into travel.

It also comes with some decent travel insurance, including emergency medical coverage for trips up to 15 days (if you're under 65) and rental car insurance. It's not the most comprehensive travel insurance package out there, but it's good to have.

Overall, if your spending habits align with its bonus categories, the Amex Cobalt can be a really smart card to have in your wallet.

3. Scotiabank Gold American Express

This card is a real contender if you spend a lot on groceries and dining out. It racks up Scene+ points pretty fast in those categories, which is nice. You get 5 points for every dollar spent on groceries, restaurants, and food delivery, plus entertainment. That's a pretty good rate, honestly. They also give you 3 points on gas and transit, which is handy.

One of the best things about this card, and it's a big one, is that it doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. Seriously, no extra charge when you buy stuff in a different currency. This can save you a decent amount of money when you're traveling or shopping online from international sites. It also comes with some solid insurance, like $1 million in travel medical insurance for up to 25 days, which is pretty generous.

The annual fee is $120, which isn't nothing, but considering the perks, especially the lack of foreign transaction fees and the strong earn rate on everyday spending categories, it can definitely pay for itself if you use it right. It's a card that rewards you for the spending you're likely already doing.

However, it's an American Express card, so you do need to keep in mind that it's not accepted everywhere. Visa and Mastercard are still more common. You also don't get free airport lounge access, though you can get a discount on a membership. Overall, if you're looking for a card that gives you good value on dining and groceries and want to avoid those pesky foreign transaction fees, the Scotiabank Gold American Express card is worth a look. Forbes Advisor Canada even named it the best credit card in Canada, which is quite an endorsement.

Here's a quick rundown of the points you can earn:

• 5x Scene+ points on groceries, dining, food delivery, and entertainment.

• 3x Scene+ points on gas and transit.

• 1x Scene+ point on all other eligible purchases.

It's a solid choice for everyday spending that can really add up, especially if you're a foodie or travel often.

4. American Express The Platinum Card

Okay, let's talk about the American Express Platinum Card. This one's definitely for the serious traveler, the kind who sees airports as a second home. The annual fee is pretty hefty, no sugarcoating it, but the perks can really stack up if you use them.

This card is all about premium travel benefits that go way beyond the basics.

Here’s a quick look at what you get:

• Airport Lounge Access: This is a big one. You get unlimited access to over 1,400 lounges worldwide through the American Express Global Lounge Collection. Think Centurion Lounges, Plaza Premium, and more. It’s a serious upgrade from just a few passes.

• Travel Credits: You get a $200 annual travel credit for bookings made through American Express Travel Online or their Platinum Card Travel Service. Plus, there’s another $200 annual dining credit at select Canadian restaurants.

• Hotel Perks: You can get complimentary Gold status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors, which can mean room upgrades and other nice little extras.

• Welcome Bonus: New cardmembers can earn a substantial welcome bonus, often in the form of Membership Rewards points, after meeting a spending requirement in the first few months. There's also an anniversary bonus.

• Insurance Coverage: It comes with pretty solid travel insurance, including out-of-province emergency medical, trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, and baggage loss/delay coverage.

Keep in mind this is a charge card. That means you need to pay your balance in full every month. If you don't, you'll face some pretty high interest rates. Also, while it’s great for travel, Amex isn't accepted everywhere in Canada like Visa or Mastercard, so you might still need another card for everyday purchases.

Earning Points:

Purchase Category	Points per $1 Spent
Eligible Dining & Food Delivery (Canada)	2x
Eligible Travel Purchases	2x
All Other Purchases	1x

Your Membership Rewards points are pretty flexible. You can use them for statement credits, book travel through Amex, or transfer them 1:1 to various airline and hotel loyalty programs. It’s a card that really rewards you for spending on travel and dining, but you have to be strategic to get the most out of that annual fee.

5. TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite

If you're looking for a Visa card that really leans into travel perks, the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite might be your jam. It's designed for people who travel a fair bit and want to get more out of their spending, especially when booking through Expedia for TD. You get a pretty decent welcome bonus, which is always a nice way to start, and the first year's annual fee is often waived, making it easier to try out.

This card really shines when you book travel through Expedia for TD, offering a hefty 8 TD Rewards Points for every dollar spent. Beyond that, you'll earn points on everyday spending categories too, like groceries, dining, and public transit, which is handy. Even recurring bills and streaming services get you points, though at a lower rate.

Here's a quick look at how the points stack up:

• 8 TD Rewards Points: For every $1 spent on travel booked via Expedia® For TD.

• 6 TD Rewards Points: For every $1 spent on groceries, dining, and public transit.

• 4 TD Rewards Points: For every $1 spent on recurring bill payments and streaming/digital gaming.

• 2 TD Rewards Points: For every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Plus, there's an annual birthday bonus that can add up to 10,000 extra points, which is a nice little treat.

Beyond the points, the insurance coverage is pretty extensive. You're looking at things like travel medical insurance, trip cancellation and interruption coverage, flight delay, and even baggage delay insurance. It's the kind of stuff that can save you a lot of hassle and money if something goes wrong on a trip.

The TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite comes with a suite of travel insurance benefits designed to give you peace of mind. This includes coverage for unexpected medical emergencies abroad, trip cancellations or interruptions, and even flight and baggage delays. It's a solid package for frequent travelers.

Keep in mind, this card isn't for everyone. There are income requirements to qualify, and the points are best redeemed through Expedia for TD. If you're someone who likes flexibility and books travel directly or through various providers, you might find other cards offer better value for your points. But if you're a TD customer who frequently books travel and wants a Visa card with good perks and insurance, this one is definitely worth a look.

6. RBC Avion Visa Infinite

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite card is a solid choice if you're looking for a flexible travel rewards card. It's not the flashiest, but it gets the job done for many Canadians.

You earn 1 Avion point for every dollar you spend, with an extra 25% bonus on eligible travel purchases. This means your points go a bit further when you book flights, hotels, or other travel directly. What's really nice is that Avion points can be used for flights on any airline, any time, with no blackout dates. That's a big deal because you're not stuck with limited options.

Here's a quick look at some of the perks:

• Welcome Bonus: You can often get a good chunk of points when you first get the card, sometimes with a bonus if you spend a certain amount in the first few months. Keep an eye out for these offers.

• Point Flexibility: Beyond travel, you can use your Avion points for things like paying bills, your card balance, or even gift cards and merchandise. It's not just for flights.

• Partnerships: Link your card with Petro-Points to save on gas and earn more points, or with Rexall's Be Well program for savings on health and beauty items. You can also get a free 12-month DashPass subscription with DoorDash.

• Insurance: The card comes with decent travel insurance, including trip cancellation, trip interruption, and flight delay coverage. There's also car rental insurance and mobile device protection.

While it doesn't include airport lounge access like some premium cards, you can still get good value from this card, especially if you're a frequent traveler who appreciates flexibility. It's a good all-around card for everyday spending that can be redeemed for travel.

The annual fee is $120, which is pretty standard for a card with these kinds of benefits. You'll need a decent credit score, generally considered good, and a personal income of at least $60,000 to apply. It's a good middle-ground option for many people who want travel rewards without the super high fees of some other cards.

If you're interested in seeing how this card stacks up against others, you might want to check out RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege for a more premium experience.

7. BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard

The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard is a solid choice if you're a frequent traveler and prefer using a Mastercard. It's got a good mix of perks that really cater to people who like to get out and see the world, especially if dining out is a big part of your trips.

When it comes to earning points, this card is pretty generous. You get three points for every dollar spent on dining, entertainment, and recurring bills. That's a nice chunk of points if you're paying for subscriptions or enjoying nights out. Plus, you get one point for every dollar on everything else, which is standard but still adds up.

One of the standout features is its insurance package. It's known for being quite robust, offering $5 million in out-of-country medical insurance. That's a lot more than what many other cards provide, giving you some real peace of mind when you're far from home.

Here's a quick look at some of the insurance benefits:

• Out-of-Province/Out-of-Country Emergency Medical: Up to $5 million for the first 21 days (if you're under 65).

• Car Rental Insurance: Covers collision damage waivers on rental cars.

• Trip Cancellation/Interruption: Provides coverage up to $1,500 per person for cancellation and $2,000 per person for interruption.

• Flight Delay Insurance: Reimburses up to $500 per trip if your flight is delayed by more than four hours.

• Baggage Loss Insurance: Offers up to $500 per person (max $1,000 per trip) if your checked bags go missing.

This card also comes with a 24/7 concierge service, which can be super helpful for booking things or sorting out travel issues. You also get a complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass, which includes four free passes to airport lounges each year. It's a nice perk to start your trip off relaxed.

The points you earn with the BMO Ascend card can be redeemed for flights on pretty much any airline, and there are no blackout dates. You can even use your points to cover taxes and fees, which adds a good amount of flexibility.

Now, it's not for everyone. The personal income requirement is $80,000, so it might be out of reach for some. Also, while the points are flexible, their value per point is a bit lower compared to some other travel rewards programs, usually around 0.67 cents per point.

8. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite

If you're someone who flies with Air Canada a lot, or you're part of the Star Alliance network, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite card is definitely worth a look. It's designed to help you rack up Aeroplan points pretty quickly, which you can then use for flights.

This card is a solid choice for frequent flyers who want to get more out of their Aeroplan membership.

Here's a quick rundown of how you earn points:

• Travel Booked Through Expedia for TD: You get a whopping 8 TD Rewards Points for every dollar spent. That's a lot if you're booking flights, hotels, or car rentals this way.

• Groceries, Dining, and Public Transit: You'll earn 6 TD Rewards Points for each dollar spent in these everyday categories. Pretty good for your regular spending.

• Recurring Bills and Streaming/Gaming: For things like your phone bill or Netflix subscription, you get 4 TD Rewards Points per dollar. It's a nice little bonus on payments you're making anyway.

• Other Purchases: For everything else, it's 2 TD Rewards Points for every dollar. Plus, you get a birthday bonus of up to 10,000 points each year, which is a nice touch.

Beyond the points, this card comes with some pretty decent travel perks. You get a first checked bag free on Air Canada flights for the cardholder and up to eight companions, which can save you a good chunk of change, especially if you travel with family or friends. There's also coverage for things like flight delays, lost or delayed baggage, and even travel medical emergencies for up to 21 days. If you travel across the border often, the reimbursement for a Nexus membership is a nice bonus too.

However, it's not all perfect. The annual fee is $139, which is a bit higher than some other cards out there. And while Aeroplan points are great for flights, the program itself can be a little complicated to figure out the best way to use your points. You're mostly limited to Air Canada and its Star Alliance partners for redemptions.

Keep in mind that this card is not available for residents of Quebec. Also, the points system and benefits can change, so it's always a good idea to check the latest details directly with TD.

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9. BMO VIPorter Mastercard

Alright, let's talk about the BMO VIPorter Mastercard. This card is aimed at folks who fly with Porter Airlines quite a bit. It's got an $89 annual fee, but you can get that waived in the first year, which is a nice little bonus to start with.

The welcome offer is pretty decent, giving you a chance to earn up to 40,000 VIPorter points, which they say is worth about $600. Plus, there's a voucher for 35% off flights, which could save you some serious cash on your next trip. It's a good way to get your foot in the door with this card.

Here's a quick look at how you earn points:

• 2 points for every $1 spent on Porter purchases

• 1 point for every $1 spent on gas and transportation

• 1 point for every $1 spent on groceries and dining

• 1 point for every $1 spent on hotel stays

• 0.5 points for every $1 spent on everything else

So, if you're a frequent flyer with Porter, racking up points on their flights is where you'll see the most benefit. For everyday spending like gas or groceries, it's a bit more of a standard earn rate.

Beyond the points, the card throws in some nice travel perks. You get priority re-accommodation if your flight gets delayed, dedicated check-in, and early boarding. These benefits can extend to up to eight companions traveling with you, which is pretty handy if you're traveling with family or friends.

While the BMO VIPorter Mastercard offers some good perks, especially for Porter loyalists, it's worth noting that its airline partner selection is limited. If you fly with a variety of airlines, you might find other cards offer more flexibility.

When it comes to insurance, it's not too shabby. You get travel accident insurance up to $500,000 and travel emergency medical coverage up to $5 million, though the latter is limited to eight consecutive days per trip if you're 64 or younger. There's also car rental insurance and flight delay insurance, which can cover up to $500 if your flight is delayed by more than four hours. It's not the most extensive insurance package out there, but it covers some of the most common travel hiccups. You can find more details on their travel benefits on their website.

10. Marriott Bonvoy American Express

If you're someone who loves staying at Marriott properties, this card is definitely worth a look. The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is pretty much built for people who want to get the most out of their hotel stays.

The big draw here is the welcome bonus, which can get you a lot of points right off the bat. For instance, you can earn up to 110,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy® Points. That's a pretty sweet deal to start with, especially if you're planning a trip soon. Plus, there's an extra bonus of 30,000 points after your first year, which is nice.

Here's a quick rundown of how you earn points:

• Earn 5 points for every dollar spent at hotels that are part of the Marriott Bonvoy program.

• Earn 2 points for every dollar on everything else you buy.

Every year, you get a free night award that you can use at eligible hotels. It's good for up to 35,000 points, which can cover a decent hotel stay. You also get automatic Silver Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy, and you can even get Gold Elite status if you spend enough or stay enough nights. This means better perks and potentially more points when you stay.

One thing to keep in mind is that while this card is great for hotels, the points might not be as valuable if you're trying to use them for flights. You can transfer them, but the conversion rate isn't always the best.

Also, it's important to note that this card doesn't come with travel emergency medical insurance, which is something many other travel cards include. So, if that's a big concern for you, you might want to look into separate coverage. But for racking up Marriott points and getting free nights, this card is a solid choice for frequent hotel guests.

Wrapping It Up

So, picking the right travel credit card in Canada for 2026 really boils down to what you do most. Are you always grabbing groceries and eating out? Maybe a card that gives you lots of points for that makes sense. If you travel a lot and worry about fees, look for one with no foreign transaction charges. Don't forget to check out the perks like airport lounge access or travel insurance, too. It might seem like a lot to sort through, but taking a little time now to find the card that fits your spending habits could save you a good chunk of change and make your future trips a lot smoother. Happy travels!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best travel credit card in Canada for 2026?

The 'best' card really depends on what you're looking for! Some cards are great for earning lots of points on everyday buys like groceries and dining, while others offer awesome perks for frequent flyers, like lounge access or free checked bags. Cards like the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite are praised for having no foreign transaction fees, which is super handy when you travel abroad. Others, like the American Express Cobalt, are loved for how many points you can earn on things you buy often.

Can I have more than one travel credit card?

Absolutely! Many Canadians have multiple travel cards. It's a smart way to earn points on different types of spending. For example, you might use one card for groceries and dining and another for gas and travel bookings. Just be sure to manage them wisely by paying your bills on time and keeping track of any annual fees.

Do travel points ever expire?

Sometimes, yes. Most airline or hotel loyalty programs have a rule where your points might expire if you don't use your account for a certain period, usually 12 to 24 months. The good news is that as long as you make some activity, like earning or using points, your balance should stay active.

What are foreign transaction fees and why should I care?

A foreign transaction fee is an extra charge (usually a percentage) that your credit card company adds when you make a purchase in a different currency. If you travel a lot outside of Canada, getting a card with no foreign transaction fees, like the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite, can save you a good chunk of money over time.

How do I figure out if a travel card is worth the annual fee?

Think about the value you'll get from the card's perks and rewards. If a card has a $150 annual fee but gives you benefits like free airport lounge access (which can cost $50 per visit!), travel credits, or enough bonus points to cover a flight, then it's likely worth it. You need to do the math based on how you plan to use the card.

What's the difference between earning travel points and cashback?

Cashback is straightforward – you earn a percentage of your spending back as money. Travel points, on the other hand, are like a special currency you can use for travel. You can often get more value by using points for flights or hotel stays compared to getting cash back. Plus, travel cards often come with extra travel perks like insurance or lounge access that you don't usually get with cashback cards.