Best Credit Cards for Travel in Canada (2026)
Looking to maximize your travel rewards? We've tested and compared every major travel credit card available to Canadians. Here are our top picks for 2026.
Quick Picks
Earn 5x on dining & entertainment, 3x on groceries & gas, 2x on travel. The absolute best MR earn rate for daily spending. $10/month ($120/year) billed monthly.
Earn 5x points on dining & entertainment, 3x on groceries & transportation, 1x on everything else. No foreign transaction fees makes it a standout.
Earn 3x on travel, 2x on dining. Comes with Platinum Lounge Access, Hotel Collection benefits, and comprehensive travel insurance.
Simple 2% cash back on all purchases. No annual fee and solid travel insurance included. Great for beginners.
Full Comparison
| Card | Rewards Rate | Annual Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amex Cobalt | 5x dining/ent, 3x groc/gas | $120 | Everyday spending |
| Scotiabank Gold Amex | 5x dining/ent, 3x groc/transit | $120 | Big spenders, diners |
| Amex Platinum | 3x travel, 2x dining | $699 | Frequent travelers |
| TD First Class Visa Infinite | 3x travel, 2x dining | $120 | TD customers |
| CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite | 1.5x base + bonus | $120 | Aeroplan collectors |
| BMO World Elite | 3x travel, 2x dining | $120 | Cash back preference |
| RBC ION | 2% cash back | $0 | No-fee seekers |
What to Look For
1. Foreign Transaction Fees
Many cards charge 2.5-3% on foreign purchases. If you travel at all, no-foreign-fee cards like Scotiabank Gold, Amex Platinum, or Rogers WE Mastercard save you real money.
2. Points Multipliers
Cards that give 3x-5x in categories where you spend most (dining, travel, groceries) outperform generic 1.5x cards easily.
3. Transfer Partners
AMEX MR points transfer to 14+ partners. Aeroplan and Avios are especially valuable. This is where AMEX shines over cash-back cards.
4. Travel Insurance
Premium cards include trip cancellation, medical, and flight delay insurance. If you don't have coverage elsewhere, this alone can justify the annual fee.
🏆 Our Verdict
Best for Everyday Spending: American Express Cobalt — the 5x on dining & entertainment combined with 3x on groceries makes it the highest MR earner for daily spending. Perfect pair with a travel-focused card.
Best Overall: Scotiabank Gold Amex — the 5x on dining combined with no foreign fees makes it unbeatable for most Canadians.
Best Premium: American Express Platinum — worth it if you use the lounge access and travel insurance regularly.
Best No-Fee: RBC ION Visa Infinite — simple 2% everywhere with solid insurance.
Ready to Apply?
Use our links above or check each provider's website for current sign-up bonuses. Bonuses change frequently — apply when you see a good offer.