Unlocking the Best Credit Card for Travel in Canada: Your 2026 Guide

Planning a trip can be a lot, right? You've got to figure out where to go, what to pack, and how to get there without breaking the bank. One big part of that is picking the right credit card. For Canadians looking to make their travel dreams a reality in 2026, finding the best credit card for travel in Canada is key. It’s not just about swiping plastic; it’s about earning points, getting perks, and maybe even snagging some free flights or hotel stays. Let's look at some of the top contenders to help you travel smarter.

Key Takeaways

• The American Express Cobalt Card is a top pick for overall spending and everyday rewards, with flexible points that are great for travel.

• For those who travel often, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is a strong choice, especially because it doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.

• If you're loyal to a specific airline, cards like the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card can offer significant benefits for frequent flyers.

• Premium travel cards, such as the American Express The Platinum Card, come with a higher annual fee but offer a wealth of perks like lounge access and travel credits.

• Don't forget about hotel-specific cards like the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card if you frequently stay at Marriott properties, as they can offer great value and free nights.

American Express Cobalt Card

Okay, let's talk about the American Express Cobalt Card. This card is a real standout if you spend a good chunk of your money on food and everyday things. It earns points like crazy in those categories, which is pretty sweet.

Here's a quick look at how you rack up points:

• 5x points on eligible eats and food delivery services.

• 3x points on eligible streaming subscriptions.

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

• 1x point on everything else.

So, if you're someone who orders takeout often or enjoys dining out, this card really pays off. The points you earn are called Membership Rewards, and you have a few ways to use them. You can transfer them to travel partners like Aeroplan, use them for travel bookings directly through Amex, or even just get a statement credit. It’s pretty flexible, which is a big plus.

The card comes with a monthly fee, which adds up over the year. It's not the cheapest card out there, but the rewards in those specific spending categories can easily make up for it if you use it right. Just keep in mind that American Express isn't accepted everywhere, so you might still need another card for places that don't take Amex.

It also includes some decent travel insurance, like emergency medical coverage, which is good to have when you're away from home. However, it's worth noting that the travel insurance has age limits, and it doesn't cover trip cancellation or interruption. Also, don't expect airport lounge access with this one; it's not part of the package.

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card

If you're someone who travels a lot, especially outside of Canada, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is definitely worth a look. One of its biggest draws is that it doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. That alone can save you a decent chunk of change when you're buying things in a different currency.

This card is all about earning Scene+ points, which you can use for travel. You get a good amount of points back on certain spending.

Here's a quick breakdown of how you earn:

• 3x Scene+ points on every dollar spent at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, and other participating grocery stores.

• 2x Scene+ points on eligible grocery stores (that aren't the ones above), dining, entertainment, and transit like buses, subways, and even ride-shares.

• 1x Scene+ point on everything else.

Plus, you get extra points when you book hotels, car rentals, or activities through Scene+ Travel, which is powered by Expedia. They also throw in six complimentary airport lounge visits each year, which is pretty nice when you're waiting for a flight. And don't forget the Visa Infinite perks, like concierge services and access to their hotel collection.

The annual fee is $150, but for frequent travelers, the benefits like no foreign transaction fees and lounge access can easily make up for it. It's a solid choice for getting more out of your trips abroad.

It also comes with travel insurance, which is always a good thing to have when you're away from home. Overall, it's a pretty well-rounded card for anyone who travels regularly and wants to earn rewards on their spending.

Scotiabank Gold American Express Card

The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is a solid contender if you spend a good chunk of your money on groceries, dining out, and entertainment. It racks up points pretty quickly in these categories, which is nice. Plus, it doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, so if you're buying stuff in another currency online or traveling, you save that extra 2.5% that most cards hit you with. That alone can add up.

This card is a great option for everyday spending that translates into travel rewards.

Here's a quick look at what you get:

• Welcome Bonus: Up to 45,000 points (worth about $450).

• Annual Fee: $120.

• Points Earning:5 points per $1 on groceries, restaurants, food delivery, and entertainment.3 points per $1 on gas and transit.1 point per $1 on everything else.

• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Saves you money on purchases made in foreign currencies.

It also comes with a decent insurance package, including travel medical for 25 days and trip cancellation/interruption coverage. You don't get free airport lounge access, but you can get a discount on a Priority Pass membership. The main drawback is that American Express isn't accepted everywhere, so you might need a backup card.

While the points are straightforward (one cent per point) and can't be transferred to airline partners, their high earning rate on common spending categories makes them quite useful for booking travel directly through Scotiabank's travel portal or for statement credits. It's a good choice if you prefer simplicity and value everyday spending.

TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card

If you're a regular flyer with Air Canada or 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, which can then be used for flights on Air Canada and its partner airlines. Think of it as a way to get more bang for your buck when you book your next trip.

One of the big draws here is the potential welcome bonus. You can earn a good chunk of Aeroplan points right off the bat, which can significantly offset the cost of a flight. Plus, there's an anniversary bonus each year, giving you a little something extra just for being a cardholder. The annual fee is $139, but it's often waived for the first year, which is a nice way to try out the card without immediate cost.

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

• Aeroplan Point Earning: You'll earn points on your everyday spending, with bonus points on Air Canada purchases.

• Air Canada Benefits: Get your first checked bag free on Air Canada flights for you and up to eight companions. This can add up to real savings, especially if you travel with family or friends.

• Nexus Reimbursement: The card offers up to $100 every 48 months to reimburse you for a Nexus membership, which can speed up your trips through security and customs.

• Travel Insurance: This card comes with a solid travel insurance package. It includes coverage for things like emergency medical care when you're out of province, trip cancellation, trip interruption, flight delays, and lost or delayed baggage. It's good to have that peace of mind when you're traveling.

While the card offers a lot for Aeroplan enthusiasts, it's important to remember that Aeroplan points are primarily for Air Canada and its Star Alliance partners. If you prefer more flexibility to book with any airline, you might want to explore other options.

It's worth noting that the Aeroplan program itself can be a bit complex. It takes a little effort to really understand how to get the most out of your points, but for those who fly Air Canada often, the benefits can be quite substantial. This card is a strong contender for frequent Air Canada flyers looking to maximize their rewards.

RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card is a solid choice if you're looking for a flexible travel rewards card. It's not tied to one specific airline or hotel, which is a big plus for many travelers who like to mix and match their trips. You earn Avion points on every purchase, and these points can be redeemed for pretty much any flight, on any airline, at any time. No blackout dates or silly restrictions, which is always nice.

The welcome bonus can be quite generous, often giving you a good chunk of points right off the bat, especially if you meet spending requirements within the first few months. This can get you a few flights sooner than you might expect. Plus, your points don't expire, so you can let them build up for a bigger trip if you want.

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

• Earn Rate: You get 1 Avion point for every dollar spent, and a bonus 25% when you book eligible travel through RBC. Some partners, like Petro-Canada and Rexall, offer bonus points too.

• Redemption Flexibility: Use points for flights, hotels, car rentals, merchandise, gift cards, or even to pay down your credit card balance. You can also convert points to other loyalty programs like WestJet dollars or British Airways Avios.

• Travel Insurance: The card comes with a decent suite of travel insurance, including trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, baggage loss/delay, and travel emergency medical coverage. It also includes car rental insurance.

While this card offers great flexibility, it's worth noting that it doesn't include airport lounge access. If that's a must-have for you, you might need to look at a different card or consider a supplementary lounge pass.

To qualify, you generally need a good credit score and a decent household income, typically around $60,000. The annual fee is $120, but the welcome bonus and the value you get from the points can often offset that cost in the first year, especially if you travel regularly.

BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard

If you're looking for a Mastercard that really leans into travel perks, the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard is definitely worth a look. It's got a pretty solid rewards structure, especially if you spend a good chunk of change on dining out or entertainment. You'll snag 3x the points on those categories, plus recurring bills, and a decent 1x point on everything else. For eligible travel purchases, it's even better at 5x points.

One of the standout features here is the insurance package. It's quite robust, offering up to $5 million in out-of-country emergency medical coverage, which is more than what many other cards provide. Plus, you get rental car insurance, trip cancellation, and trip interruption coverage. It really feels like they've thought about most travel mishaps.

Here's a quick rundown of some key benefits:

• Rewards: Earn 5x points on eligible travel, 3x points on dining, entertainment, and recurring bills, and 1x point on other purchases.

• Lounge Access: Comes with a complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass (powered by DragonPass) and four annual passes for you and a guest.

• Insurance: Comprehensive travel medical, trip cancellation/interruption, baggage loss, and rental car insurance.

• Concierge Service: 24/7 access to a concierge for travel assistance.

The annual fee is $150, but it's often waived for the first year, which is a nice way to try it out.

Now, it's not for everyone. You'll need a personal income of at least $80,000 to qualify, so that's a barrier for some. Also, while the points are flexible for booking flights with no blackout dates, their actual value per point can be a bit lower compared to some other premium travel cards. Still, for frequent travelers who appreciate a strong insurance suite and lounge access, it's a strong contender.

This card is a good option if you're a regular traveler who likes to dine out and wants solid insurance coverage. The income requirement is a bit high, but if you meet it, the perks can really add up, especially with the first-year fee waiver.

American Express The Platinum Card

Okay, let's talk about the American Express Platinum Card. This one's definitely in the premium category, and you'll notice that right away with its $799 annual fee. It's not for everyone, but if you travel a lot and really want to lean into the perks, it might be worth a look. The big draw here is the extensive airport lounge access. We're talking unlimited visits to over 1,400 lounges worldwide through the American Express Global Lounge Collection. That's a pretty sweet deal if you're often stuck waiting at airports.

Beyond the lounges, this card packs a punch with its travel insurance. You get solid coverage for things like trip cancellation, trip interruption, and even flight delays. Plus, there's travel accident insurance and emergency medical coverage, which can be a lifesaver when you're far from home.

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

• Travel Accident Insurance: Up to $500,000 per person.

• Emergency Medical: $5,000,000 for the first 15 days (for those under 65).

• Trip Cancellation: Up to $2,500 per person.

• Trip Interruption: Up to $2,500 per person.

• Flight Delay Insurance: Up to $1,000 for delays over 4 hours.

• Baggage Loss/Delay: Up to $1,000 coverage.

It also comes with car rental insurance, covering rentals up to $85,000 for 48 days. You also get some nice hotel perks, like Gold status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors, which can mean room upgrades and other benefits.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is a charge card. That means you generally need to pay off your balance in full each month. If you don't, you'll face some pretty high interest rates. Also, while Amex is widely accepted, it's not quite as common as Visa or Mastercard in some places, so that's something to consider for your travels.

When it comes to earning rewards, you get 1 point per dollar spent on most purchases, and 2 points per dollar on eligible travel booked through American Express Travel. They also offer a welcome bonus, which can be quite generous, and an anniversary bonus each year. You can transfer these points to various travel loyalty programs, which adds a good amount of flexibility.

Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card

If you're someone who loves staying at hotels, especially those within the Marriott Bonvoy program, this card is definitely worth a look. It's designed to give you a lot of perks when it comes to hotel stays. You can earn a pretty sweet welcome bonus right now, up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, if you meet the spending requirements. That's a lot of points that can go towards free nights.

Here's a quick rundown of what you get:

• Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 110,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points. You get 80,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months, and another 30,000 points when you make a purchase in your 15th month. This offer is good until April 7, 2026.

• Earning Rate: You'll get 5 points for every dollar spent at hotels in the Marriott Bonvoy program and 2 points for every dollar on all other purchases.

• Annual Free Night Award: After your first year, you get a free night award worth up to 35,000 points each year. This can be used at many hotels worldwide.

• Elite Status: You automatically get Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. Plus, you can earn Gold Elite status if you spend $30,000 in a year or combine 10 paid nights with the 15 Elite Night Credits the card provides each year.

This card really shines if you're a frequent guest at Marriott properties. The points you earn can be redeemed for free nights with no blackout dates, which is a big plus. It also helps you move up the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty ladder faster.

Redeeming points is pretty straightforward, with over 7,000 hotels to choose from. It's a solid choice for anyone looking to get more out of their hotel stays and travel experiences. You can check out the Marriott Bonvoy program for more details on where you can use your points.

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TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card

If you're looking for a Visa card that lets you earn points on everyday spending and use them for pretty much any trip, the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card is worth a look. It's designed for people who want flexibility in how they collect and spend their travel rewards.

This card offers a solid welcome bonus, often with a first-year annual fee rebate, making it a good way to start racking up points.

Here's a breakdown of how you can earn TD Rewards Points:

• 8 points per $1 spent on travel booked through Expedia® For TD.

• 6 points per $1 spent on groceries, dining, and public transit.

• 4 points per $1 spent on recurring bill payments and streaming, digital gaming & media.

• 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.

• An annual birthday bonus of up to 10,000 points.

Beyond the points, you get a decent set of travel perks. This includes things like travel accident insurance, emergency medical coverage, car rental insurance, and even trip cancellation and interruption protection. It also covers flight delays and lost or delayed baggage, which can be a lifesaver when things go wrong.

While this card doesn't waive foreign transaction fees, the points you earn can be redeemed for a wide variety of travel options, giving you a lot of freedom to book flights, hotels, and more without being tied to a specific airline or hotel chain. It's a good option if you like to have choices.

Keep in mind that eligibility requirements, like a minimum credit score and income, usually apply. It's always a good idea to check the specific terms and conditions for the most current offers and details.

Tangerine Money-Back World Mastercard

Okay, so let's talk about the Tangerine Money-Back World Mastercard. This card is pretty neat if you're looking for a no-annual-fee option that actually gives you some decent cash back. It's a solid choice for everyday spending, especially if you like to pick your own bonus categories.

Here's the deal with the rewards:

• You get 2% cash back on purchases in two categories you choose. Think groceries, gas, restaurants, drug stores – you name it, there are 13 options to pick from.

• Want a third category? If you deposit your cash back rewards into a Tangerine Savings Account, you'll get that third 2% category. Pretty sweet, right?

• For everything else you buy that isn't in your chosen categories, you'll earn 0.5% cash back. It's not a ton, but it's better than nothing, especially since there's no annual fee.

They also have this welcome bonus thing going on. If you apply by April 30, 2026, you can get up to $120 back if you spend $1,500 in the first three months. Plus, there's an extra 10% back (up to $100) if you spend $1,000 in your first two months. That's a nice little boost to start with.

This card is surprisingly good for insurance coverage, too. It comes with Purchase Assurance and Extended Warranty, which can be really helpful if something you buy breaks or gets stolen. It even has mobile device insurance, which you don't see on a lot of no-fee cards.

Now, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. The income requirement for the World Mastercard version is pretty high – $60,000 annually. If you don't meet that, you might want to look at the regular Tangerine Money-Back card, which is similar but without some of the World Mastercard perks. Also, that 0.5% on regular purchases isn't the highest rate out there, so if you spend a lot outside your bonus categories, you might want to consider another card for those purchases.

Wrapping It Up

So, picking the right travel credit card in Canada for 2026 really comes down to what you do most. Are you always on the go, or do you mostly spend money on groceries and dining? We looked at a bunch of cards, from ones with no foreign fees like the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite to cards that give you tons of points on everyday stuff, like the American Express Cobalt. Remember, the best card for your buddy might not be the best one for you. Think about your spending habits, what kind of travel you do, and if you want perks like lounge access or great insurance. Don't forget to check the fine print on fees and how you can actually use those points. By doing a little homework, you can find a card that makes your future trips a lot more rewarding and maybe even cheaper. Happy travels!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to pick a travel credit card?

To find the perfect travel credit card for you, think about what you usually buy and where you spend your money. Some cards are great for everyday stuff like groceries, while others give you more points for flights. Also, check out the yearly fee and any cool extras like airport lounge access or travel insurance. It's all about matching the card to your life!

Can I have more than one travel credit card?

Absolutely! Lots of Canadians have more than one travel card. It's a smart way to earn different kinds of points for different things you buy. Just make sure you use them wisely, pay your bills on time, and don't apply for too many at once, as that can hurt your credit score a little.

Do my travel points ever run out?

Yep, sometimes points can expire, usually after a year or two if you don't use your card. But don't worry! If you keep using your card and earning points, they usually won't disappear. Picking a card that works with your favorite airline or hotel program can help keep your points active.

Are there travel cards that don't charge extra fees for using them abroad?

Yes, there are! Cards like the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite and the Scotiabank Gold American Express are awesome because they don't charge you extra fees when you use them in other countries. This can save you a good chunk of money when you're traveling.

How do I get the most value out of my travel points?

To get the most bang for your buck, try to use your points for things related to travel, like flights or hotel stays. Redeeming them for stuff like gift cards or money back on your statement usually doesn't give you as much value. It's like getting a better deal when you use them for the trip itself!

Why should I even bother with a travel credit card?

Travel credit cards are super helpful because they let you earn points or miles on things you buy every day. You can then use these points to save money on flights, hotels, or rental cars. Plus, many of these cards come with awesome extras like travel insurance, which can be a lifesaver if something goes wrong on your trip, and access to fancy airport lounges.