Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada for 2025

Earn flights, hotel stays, and lounge access with Canada's top travel rewards credit cards — compared and ranked for 2025.

Are Travel Cards Worth It in Canada?

For frequent travelers, a premium travel credit card can easily deliver $1,000–$3,000+ in value per year through sign-up bonuses, lounge access, travel insurance, and points on everyday spending. The key is choosing a card aligned with your airline, hotel, or travel style — and actually using the perks.

If you travel once or twice a year, a no-fee card may be a better fit. If you're a road warrior or international traveler, a premium travel card usually pays for itself.

Best Travel Credit Cards Canada 2025 — Ranked

Card	Welcome Bonus	Annual Fee	Best For
RBC Avion Visa Infinite	55,000 Avion pts	$120	Flexible travel redemption
Scotiabank Gold Amex	60,000 Scene+ pts	$120	Groceries + travel earners
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite	50,000 Aeroplan pts	$139	Air Canada frequent flyers
Amex Cobalt	Up to 30,000 MR pts	$155.88/yr	Dining and streaming spenders
BMO Ascend World Elite MC	Up to 100,000 BMO pts	$150	Premium lounge access
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite	Up to 35,000 Aventura pts	$139	Flexible travel booking

RBC Avion Visa Infinite

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite is one of Canada's most flexible travel cards. Avion points can be redeemed for flights on virtually any airline through RBC's travel portal — no blackout dates. You earn 1 pt per $1 spent on most purchases and 1.25 pts on travel-related spending. The 55,000-point welcome bonus is worth approximately $550 in travel redemptions.

Perks include comprehensive travel medical insurance, trip cancellation, and car rental coverage. Annual fee: $120.

Scotiabank Gold American Express

The Scotiabank Gold Amex has become one of the best all-around travel cards in Canada. You earn 6 Scene+ pts/$1 at Sobeys/Safeway/FreshCo (essentially 6% return), 5 pts/$1 at restaurants/fast food/streaming, 3 pts/$1 at gas/transit, and 1 pt/$1 everywhere else. No foreign transaction fees — rare for Canadian cards. Annual fee: $120.

TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite

If you fly Air Canada regularly, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite is a natural fit. You earn Aeroplan points that redeem for Air Canada flights (and 40+ partner airlines), plus priority boarding, free first checked bag, and preferred pricing on Aeroplan redemptions. Earn 1.5 pts/$1 on grocery, gas, and Air Canada purchases; 1 pt/$1 everywhere else. Annual fee: $139.

American Express Cobalt

The Amex Cobalt earns 5x Membership Rewards points on restaurants and food delivery, 3x on streaming, 2x on travel and transit, and 1x everywhere else. Monthly fee structure ($12.99/month = $155.88/yr) feels higher but the 5x food category is unmatched in Canada. MR points transfer to Aeroplan and Marriott Bonvoy.

Travel Card Perks to Look For

• Travel medical insurance — Emergency coverage abroad (look for $5M+ coverage)
• Trip cancellation/interruption — Reimbursement if your trip is cancelled
• Airport lounge access — DragonPass, Visa Airport Companion, or Priority Pass
• No foreign transaction fees — Save the typical 2.5% surcharge abroad
• Car rental insurance — Avoid paying for CDW at the rental counter
• Travel delay coverage — Hotel/meal expenses if delayed 4+ hours

When a Travel Card Isn't Worth It

Travel cards make sense if you travel at least 2–3 times per year and can maximize the card's perks. If you're an occasional traveler spending mostly on groceries and everyday items, a no-fee cash back card like Tangerine or Rogers World Elite will likely deliver more net value after subtracting the annual fee.