Looking for the best credit cards in Canada for travel rewards? The right card can unlock free flights, upgrades, and premium perks — especially when timed with a top welcome bonus. We’ve rounded up the best offers in Canada this month to help you earn more on every dollar.
Best Overall Travel Rewards Card
American Express Cobalt Card
Arguably the most well-rounded, powerful, and best credit card in Canada for everyday spending and travel rewards.
Why it stands out:
- 5x points on food and groceries — includes restaurants, cafes, takeout, delivery apps, and major grocery stores. $2,500 limit on this category.
- 3x points on streaming services.
- 2x points on gas, transit, and ride shares.
- 1x point on everything else.
- Points are transferable to both Aeroplan (1:1) and Marriott Bonvoy (1:1.2).
- Monthly fee: $12.99 (instead of a lump-sum annual fee).
The Cobalt earns Amex Membership Rewards — one of Canada’s most flexible (and frankly, underrated) points currencies. With smart redemptions, the monthly fee is a small price to pay for big rewards. The real MVP? That juicy 5x points category. You could theoretically earn 12,500 points a month — 150,000 a year — just from groceries. And let’s just say… not everything in your cart has to be edible. 😉
Apply Here $100 rebate with GCR
Best for: Everyday spenders, foodies, and anyone looking for flexible travel rewards on regular purchases.
Low-Fee Starter Travel Cards Worth Considering
These cards offer low annual fees and strong entry-level bonuses.
American Express Green Card
One of the most accessible travel rewards cards in Canada.
Key perks:
- No annual fee.
- 10,000 Amex MR signup bonus
- Earn Amex Membership Rewards points.
- Points can be transferred to Aeroplan (1:1) and Marriott Bonvoy (1:1.2).
- A great way to get into the Amex ecosystem and qualify for targeted upgrade offers later.
Best for: Beginners, students, or those who want to start collecting travel points without paying an annual fee.
Apply Here $30 rebate with GCR
TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum
A good introduction to Aeroplan, with a low annual fee.
What to know:
- Annual fee is waived for the first year.
- Earn a solid welcome bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points wit a low minimum spend requirement.
- Earn Aeroplan points on all purchases — redeemable for Air Canada flights and Star Alliance partners.
- Comes with limited travel insurance, but no premium perks like lounge access or free checked bags.
Best for: Newcomers to the Aeroplan program who want to test the waters without a high fee.
Best Hotel Travel Credit Cards
The Amex Bonvoy cards are the only co-branded hotel cards in Canada. They offer outstanding benefits in terms of free night certificates, elevated status, and earning rates.
Amex Bonvoy and Amex Bonvoy Business
The American Express Marriott Bonvoy personal and business cards are top picks for Canadian travellers looking to save on hotel stays. Both cards come with an annual Free Night Award easily worth $350 or more—often outweighing the annual fee on its own. Plus, you’ll earn Bonvoy points on everyday spending, making it easy to rack up rewards for your next getaway. Whether you’re booking a weekend escape or a longer trip, these cards offer solid value year after year.
Related: Amex Bonvoy Cards: The Secret to Ongoing Hotel Savings
- Best offer is through a referral link like the one below
- Instant Silver Elite Status
- Spend $3,000 in 3 months → Earn 58,000 points
- Free night certificate every year up to 35,000 points starting on the first anniversary (~$350 value)
- Annual fee: $120
- Apply Here
- Best offer is through a referral link like the one below
- Instant Silver Elite Status
- Spend $5,000 in 3 months → Earn 65,000 points
- Free night certificate every year up to 35,000 points starting on the first anniversary (~$350 value)
- Annual fee: $150
- Apply Here
Best Travel Credit Cards for Flyers
These cards go beyond just earning points — they offer tangible travel perks like free checked bags, seat selection, and lounge access.
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite
A great all-around option for Aeroplan collectors, especially if you fly with Air Canada.
Key benefits:
- $139 annual fee, waived the first year.
- Earn up to 52,000 Aeroplan points after meeting minimum spend of $12,000.
- First checked bag free for you and up to 8 companions on Air Canada flights.
- Comprehensive travel insurance package.
- Visa Infinite perks, including concierge service.
Best for: Canadians who fly Air Canada or want to build Aeroplan points fast with meaningful travel perks.
BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard
A brand new card built specifically for Porter Airlines flyers — with generous benefits for both casual and frequent travelers.
Perks include:
- 70,000 VIPorter points (~$1,050 in value) after tiered minimum spend.
- $199 annual fee waived for the first year.
- Free seat selection, carry-on, and checked baggage for you and up to 8 companions.
- Priority airport check-in and dedicated customer service line.
- Access to Mastercard Travel Rewards and concierge.
Best for: Travelers in Eastern Canada who fly Porter Airlines at least once or twice a year.
BMO VIPorter Mastercard (Non-World Elite Version)
Same airline, slightly more accessible option for those who don’t meet World Elite income requirements.
Similar perks include:
- 40,000 VIPorter points (valued at ~$600, tiered welcome bonus).
- $89 annual fee, First-year fee waived.
- Priority customer service and check-in access.
- Fewer complimentary baggage and seat perks compared to the World Elite version.
Best for: Occasional Porter flyers looking for value with a lower annual fee.
Best Mid-Tier Travel Card with Flexible Rewards
American Express Gold Rewards Card
A premium-feel card without the Platinum-level commitment — offering a well-rounded mix of travel credits, lounge access, and elevated earn rates.
What you get:
- 83,000 Membership Rewards points after minimum spend (with a referral link).
- $100 annual travel credit when booking through the Amex portal.
- 4 complimentary airport lounge visits per year (Canada-based lounges).
- 2x points on groceries, gas, travel, and drugstore purchases.
- Points transfer to Aeroplan and Bonvoy just like the Cobalt.
Best for: Travelers who want to earn big bonuses and enjoy some premium travel perks — without the higher annual fees of Platinum cards.
Best for Online Travel Bookings
TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card
If you book flights and hotels through Expedia for TD, this card offers one of the highest points return rates in Canada.
Key details:
- 135,000 TD Rewards Points after $5,000 minimum spend — worth $675 in travel.
- $100 travel credit for Expedia for TD bookings.
- 8x points on travel purchases through Expedia for TD.
- $139 annual fee waived for the first year.
Caution: You may miss out on hotel or airline status perks when booking through Expedia, so this isn’t ideal for elite status chasers.
Best for: Price-sensitive travelers who want to maximize rewards on online bookings and don’t rely on elite travel status benefits.
Apply Here $75 Rebate from GCR
Cards Worth Waiting For: Amex Platinum
American Express Platinum Card
One of the most premium cards in Canada, but it shines only when the welcome bonus is elevated.
Watch for: Offers of 140,000–150,000 points, often available via referral or targeted promotions.
Benefits include:
- Annual fee of $799
- $200 annual travel credit + $200 dining credit at select restaurants.
- Unlimited Airport lounge access, including Amex Centurion and Priority Pass lounges.
- Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status and hotel perks.
- Premium insurance, concierge access, and exclusive shopping offers.
- Numerous shopping discount offers: Lululemon, Instacart, Dell, Turbotax, etc.
Best for: Frequent travelers who want luxury perks — but only apply when the sign-up bonus is high to offset the high annual fee.
Final Thoughts (a.k.a. Your Wallet’s Glow-Up Plan)
Choosing the right travel credit card comes down to three things:
1. How You Spend
2. Where You Want To Go
3. Whether The Current Offer Is Too Good To Pass Up (Cue FOMO)
Cards like the Amex Cobalt or TD Aeroplan Infinite (if you travel with Air Canada often) offer ongoing value through elevated earn rates and travel perks, while cards like the Amex Green, TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum, or BMO VIPorter provide great entry points to rewards without high costs.
👉 New to the game? Start with low fees and flexible points. Jetting off regularly? A premium card might just pay for itself in lounge lattes, free checked bags, and travel insurance you’ll hopefully never use.
📌 Bookmark this post — we update monthly, because banks love to change things more often than Netflix changes show thumbnails.
Still unsure? Email me Mike @ Pointswithmike.com or DM me on Instagram — I’m happy to help you choose the right card for your goals.
Related: What You Really Need to Know About Credit Card Offers