Top 5 Travel Credit Cards in Canada
We evaluated these cards on earn rate, redemption value, travel perks (lounge access, insurance, no foreign transaction fees), and annual fee relative to the rewards delivered. Rankings reflect value for a Canadian spending roughly $3,000/month across typical categories.
Travel Card Comparison
The details that matter most when choosing a travel card, all in one place. Foreign transaction fees and lounge access can swing the value by hundreds of dollars for frequent international travellers.
| Card | Fee | Earn Rate | FX Fee | Lounge Access | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite | $139/yr | 1.5x grocery/gas, 1x other | 2.5% | Maple Leaf (with pass) | Aeroplan collectors |
| Amex Cobalt | $156.60/yr | 5x dining/grocery, 2x transit | 2.5% | None included | Foodies & flexible travellers |
| RBC Avion Visa Infinite | $120/yr | 1x everywhere | 2.5% | None included | Multi-airline flexibility |
| Scotia Passport Visa Infinite | $150/yr | 3x dining/transit, 2x grocery | 0% | 6 Priority Pass visits | International travellers |
| CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite | $139/yr | 2x grocery/gas, 1x other | 2.5% | Maple Leaf (via Aventura) | Occasional travellers |
Points Programs: Aeroplan vs. Avion vs. Scene+
Not all travel points are created equal. The value you get depends on how you redeem them and which program you are using.
Aeroplan (Air Canada / TD)
Aeroplan is Canada's largest loyalty program with access to Star Alliance's 26 member airlines. Points are worth roughly 1.5 to 2.5 cents each when redeemed for flights, making it the highest-value program for frequent flyers. Dynamic pricing means availability varies, but the sweet spots — like 25,000 points for a short-haul flight — deliver exceptional value.
Avion (RBC)
Avion points transfer to 15+ airline programs including British Airways, WestJet, Cathay Pacific, and American Airlines. The flexibility to move points to whichever program has the best availability makes Avion strong for travellers who don't fly one airline exclusively. Points are worth approximately 1.2 to 2.0 cents each depending on the redemption route.
Scene+ (Scotiabank)
Scene+ points can be redeemed through the Scotia Rewards travel portal at roughly 1.0 to 1.5 cents per point. While the per-point value is lower than Aeroplan, the no-FX-fee benefit on the Passport card and the ability to redeem for any travel booking (not just specific airlines) makes Scene+ practical for occasional travellers who want straightforward redemptions.
Foreign Transaction Fees: The Hidden Travel Cost
Most Canadian credit cards charge a 2.5% foreign transaction (FX) fee on purchases made in a non-Canadian currency. This applies to everything — hotel bookings, restaurant meals, Uber rides, and online purchases from international retailers.
For a two-week international trip where you spend $4,000 CAD equivalent, that 2.5% fee adds $100 in hidden costs. Over a year of international spending, FX fees can easily exceed what you earn in rewards.
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite is one of the few premium travel cards in Canada that charges no foreign transaction fee at all. If you travel internationally more than once a year or regularly buy from US-based online retailers, the FX savings alone can justify the $150 annual fee.
Travel Insurance Coverage
Premium travel credit cards include insurance that can replace or supplement standalone travel insurance policies. Here is what the top cards offer.
| Coverage | TD Aeroplan VI | Amex Cobalt | RBC Avion VI | Scotia Passport VI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trip Cancellation | $1,500 | $1,000 | $2,500 | $2,000 |
| Trip Interruption | $3,000 | $2,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Emergency Medical | $500,000 (15 days) | Not included | $5M (15 days) | $2M (21 days) |
| Lost/Delayed Baggage | $1,000 | $500 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Flight Delay | $500 (4+ hrs) | Not included | $500 (4+ hrs) | $500 (4+ hrs) |
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite stands out for emergency medical coverage at $5 million — far above most competitors. The Scotiabank Passport offers the longest trip coverage window at 21 days, making it better for extended vacations. The Amex Cobalt is weaker on insurance but compensates with its market-leading earn rate on dining and groceries.
Travel cards look great on paper, but the real value depends on how you actually spend. A card earning 5x on dining is only valuable if you spend significantly on restaurants. Use the ClearFin calculator to input your real monthly spending and see which travel card delivers the highest annual value after fees — you might be surprised which card comes out on top for your spending pattern.