Best Travel Credit Cards Canada 2025

For most Canadians, the Amex Cobalt is the best travel card in 2025 — its 5× on food and dining earns faster than any competitor, and Membership Rewards points transfer to Aeroplan (Air Canada's loyalty program) at a 1:1 ratio, which alone represents exceptional value. For Air Canada loyalists who want direct Aeroplan points, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite is the best choice. For international travellers who hate forex fees, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite is unmatched.

Aeroplan points are worth approximately 1.5–2.5¢ each for most flight redemptions. Economy redemptions within North America typically deliver around 1.5¢/point. Business class long-haul redemptions can deliver 3–5¢/point on partner airlines. Points can also be redeemed for merchandise and gift cards at roughly 0.7–1¢/point — significantly below their flight value. Always redeem for flights when possible to maximize value.

Yes — Amex Membership Rewards points transfer to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio (1,000 MR = 1,000 Aeroplan points). This transfer is instant and makes the Amex Cobalt's 5× on food effectively the highest Aeroplan earn rate in Canada for restaurant and grocery purchases. MR points also transfer to British Airways Avios, Air France/KLM Flying Blue, Cathay Pacific, and hotel programs — providing outstanding flexibility.

KOHO is not a travel card, but it's the best no-fee alternative for Canadians who find points optimization stressful. KOHO earns cash back on everyday purchases, pays 3% on your savings balance, and provides a $100 welcome bonus with code 45ET55JSYA — all with no annual fee and no credit check. If you travel occasionally but find points confusing, KOHO's simple cash back can fund more trips through savings discipline than a points card you don't optimize.

The best no-fee travel option is the MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus Mastercard (2× on restaurants and entertainment, 1× elsewhere) or the American Express Green Card (1× MR on everything, no fee). For pure cash back without fees, the Tangerine Money-Back Card's 2% in chosen categories is excellent. KOHO's free prepaid Mastercard with $100 bonus and 3% interest is the best no-fee option for those who want simplicity over travel point accumulation.