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2026's Best Travel Credit Cards for Canadians
Love to travel? Make travelling more affordable by earning travel rewards with a travel credit card.
The Best of Finance Winners for 2026: Best Travel Credit Cards
| First-year value* | Credit score required | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,894 | Good | RBC Avion® Visa Infinite Card | |
| $1,380 | Fair | American Express Cobalt® Credit Card | |
| $1,074 | Good | Scotiabank®* Gold American Express® Card | |
| $545 | Good | MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus® Mastercard® |
*The Rates.ca Best of Finance methodology assumes the cardholder spends an average of $2,000 a month on their card to determine the first-year value. The calculation includes all welcome bonuses and promotional offers at the time of publishing.
Best Overall Travel Credit Card
With travel resuming all around the globe, having the best travel rewards credit card can help you earn rewards for everyday purchases and redeem them for flights, hotel stays and vacation packages.
Many travel credit cards also feature great additional perks, like shopping coverage, mobile device insurance and exclusive offers.
We compared the top travel credit cards using our Best of Finance methodology and ranked the cards that provided the highest first-year value.
| First-year value | Credit score required | Top features | |
|---|---|---|---|
WINNER | $1,894 | Good | Get up to 70,000 Avion points, that’s a travel value of up to $1,500. Apply by July 15, 2026 |
Runner up | $1,536 | Excellent | Sign up bonus of up to $900 in travel value. NEXUS Application Fee Rebate, complimentary lounge visits, and travel insurance. |
Runner up | $1,380 | Fair | Earn up to $150 in points as a new cardmember. Access to hotel bookings, room upgrades extended check-in/out times, and up to USD $100 in hotel credits. Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs. |
Winner: RBC Avion® Visa Infinite Card
Of all the credit cards participating in the Avion program, the RBC Avion® Visa Infinite Card is the most popular with Canadian consumers.
First, let’s go over its exceptional promotional offer: get up to 70,000 Avion points* - that’s a travel value of up to $1,500
Now for the regular earn rate:
- 1.25 Avion points for every $1 spent on travel.
- Can be spent on airlines, accommodations, tour operators, cruise lines, travel agencies and car rental companies
- 1 Avion point for every $1 spent on anything else.
You can choose to redeem your Avion points for merchandise, charitable donations, or put it towards paying your card balance. You can even use your points towards a mortgage payment, if you have one with RBC.
However, Avion points have the highest redemption rates when put towards travel expenses. Avion points can be worth up to 2.33 cents per point, according to RBC's Air Travel Redemption Schedule. Conversion rates for other purchases varies from 0.75 cents to 1 cent.
Another reason to prioritize travel spending on the card: there are no blackout dates when booking flights and you can choose from more than 130 participating airlines.
The Visa Infinite program gives cardholders access to various experiences (dining, travel, entertainment) and services (concierge services), and hotel upgrades. Included with the card is travel, rental car, retail, and mobile device insurance.
Avion points can also be converted into Hudson’s Bay Rewards points, American Airlines AAdvantage miles, British Airways Avios and WestJet dollars.
Few cards provide the ability to transfer points to other providers and you can take advantage of the flexibility when alternative providers offer transfer bonuses.
Runners-up: Best Overall Travel Credit Card
2. CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite™ Card
3. American Express Cobalt® Credit Card
Best Credit Card for Earning Travel Points
Travel programs typically offer the best redemption value of all rewards credit cards. Whether they offer rewards, points or miles, these cards will always provide more value than cashback cards (even if the flexibility the latter provides is nice to have).
Most programs allow members to redeem rewards for flights, vacation packages, upgrades and other travel savings. Some programs also allow point conversions to other popular travel programs. Additionally, many of our top picks feature insurance coverage and exclusive offers like lounge access or benefits at hotels and resorts.
We compared Canada’s leading travel credit cards and ranked them according to first-year value.
| First-year value | Credit score required | Top features | |
|---|---|---|---|
WINNER | $1,380 | Fair | Flexible rewards points + travel insurance. |
Runner up | $1,393 | Good | High rewards rates and great travel insurance perks |
Runner up | $1,536 | Excellent | Generous welcome offer and NEXUS fee rebate. |
Winner: American Express Cobalt® Credit Card
The American Express Cobalt® Credit Card is one of the best cards for amassing rewards, offering cardholders five points for every $1 spent on restaurants and food deliveries, three points for every $1 spent on eligible streaming subscriptions, two points for every $1 spent on eligible travel and transit and one point for every $1 spent anywhere else.
Not only that, but the Membership Rewards® program is incredibly flexible, allowing members to redeem points for almost anything — travel, merchandise and more. Eligible cards, including the American Express Cobalt® Credit Card, can access the Fixed Points Travel Program and American Express Travel Online for travel offers and special rates. Cardholders can even use Membership Rewards® to pay for taxes, fees and carrier surcharges.
According to our Best of Finance methodology, the average Canadian could earn around $1,380 in rewards in the first year.
Runners-up: Best Credit Card for Earning Travel Points
2. TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card
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3. CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card
Best Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fees
Travellers can forgo the foreign currency exchange line and pack a much smaller wallet for their next trip. These credit cards offer no foreign transaction fees on purchases, sparing cardholders the extra 1.5% to 3% providers typically charge. Only the exchange rate applies.
Cardholders also get the added convenience of tracking all their transactions from little trips to the grocery store, tours and excursions all in one place. Plus, travellers won’t get stuck with extra foreign coins and bills at the end of their trip.
These credit cards also feature various benefits and travel insurance to help make trips more comfortable and carefree. Spend points on flights, rental cars, hotel stays or merchandise and get the most out of your next adventure.
We compared the top credit cards with no foreign transaction fees using our Best of Finance methodology and ranked the cards that provided the highest first-year value.
| First-year value | Credit score required | Top features | |
|---|---|---|---|
WINNER | $1,074 | Good | Flexible Scotia rewards program + no foreign transaction fees. |
Runner up | $704 | Excellent | Offers great insurance and a Priority Pass package, in addition to no foreign transaction fees. |
Runner-up | $240 | Good | Includes purchase protection insurance and earns you 1% cash back rewards on every purchase, in addition to no foreign transaction fees. |
Winner: Scotiabank®* Gold American Express® Card
The Scotiabank®* Gold American Express® Card offers a great return on spending. Earn five Scotia Scene+ points for every $1 spent on groceries, restaurant, food delivery and entertainment purchases. Get three Scotia Scene+ points for every $1 spent on gas, daily transit purchases and select streaming services and earn one Scotia Scene+ point for every $1 spent everywhere else.
Cardholders pay no foreign transaction fees on foreign currency purchases, typically around 2.5%. Only the exchange rate applies. Plus, access discounts through the Scotia Rewards Travel Service and get a wide range of travel insurance through the card.
According to our Best of Finance methodology, the average Canadian would earn around $1,244 in rewards in the first year.
Runners-up: Best Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fees
2. Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card
3. Home Trust Preferred Visa Card
Best No-Fee Travel Credit Card
Access the top travel rewards programs with these no-fee cards. While this batch of cards have slightly lower earn rates than their counterparts with a fee, they still provide excellent value and great perks.
Plus, these cards can slide into your wallet as a primary or secondary credit card, and you don’t have to worry about another annual expense. You can use the card as often or sparingly as you like without having to justify its worth.
We compared the top no-fee travel credit cards using our Best of Finance methodology and ranked the cards that provided the highest value while also considering additional complimentary travel perks and benefits.
| First-year value | Annual fee | Top features | |
|---|---|---|---|
WINNER | $545 | $0 | 5,000 bonus points after you make $500 or more in eligible purchases within the first 90 days. Plus, 5,000 bonus points once enrolled for paperless e-statements within the first 90 days of account opening. |
Runner up | $595 | $0 | Welcome Bonus of 10,000 Membership Rewards® points (equal to $100) when you charge $1,000 in purchases to your card in the first 3 months. Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs. |
Runner up | $527 | $0 | Flexible travel rewards program. Get up to 10,000 Aventura Points (up to $100 in travel value) for no annual fee. |
Winner: MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus® Mastercard®
The MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus® Mastercard® is a strong no‑fee travel rewards card thanks to its high earn rates on everyday spending. You can collect points quickly, especially in the first 90 days when you earn 4 points per dollar on groceries, restaurants, digital media, memberships and utilities.
Its rewards program is simple and flexible, letting you redeem points for travel purchases like flights, hotels and car rentals. The welcome bonus and the unique 10% Annual Birthday Bonus give you a helpful boost right from the start.
Despite having no annual fee, the card includes valuable extras such as mobile device insurance, purchase protection and extended warranty coverage, plus rental car discounts — making it a cost‑effective choice for travellers who still want solid perks.
Runners-up: Best No Fee Travel Credit Cards
2. American Express® Green Card
3. CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite*
Travel credit cards come with a lot of great features. Here’s what you need to know before choosing a travel credit card.
Am I be eligible for a travel credit card?
To be eligible for most travel credit cards, you need to have a credit score of 650 or higher. If you have poor or fair credit, you may want to improve your credit score before applying for a travel credit card. You can rebuild your credit before you start looking for a rewards credit card, with a balance transfer credit card, which makes it easier to pay off your bill faster if interest is piling up on you or another option is a secured credit card. Some travel credit cards also require a minimum income; either individual or household income. Be sure to check this required qualification before applying.
Do travel credit cards come with an annual fee?
Most travel credit cards come with an annual fee ranging from $100-$150. This is because travel credit cards yield high value rewards. Often the rewards value make up for the fee you pay annually given your spend or how cleverly you spend in the categories that earns you multipliers. Therefore, the annual fee is a small price to pay for the exclusive rewards and perks. Some banks and financial institutions may waive the first-year annual fee as part of a sign-up bonus.
Pros and cons of travel credits cards
If you’re a frequent flyer, using a travel credit card can help you access a variety of travel rewards and benefits, such as travel rewards points, hotel upgrades, complimentary lounge access and much more. There are also a few thing to consider before you apply for one.
Here are the main pros and cons of using a travel credit card.
Pros of using a travel credit card
- Higher earn rates: Popular travel credit cards offer high earning rates for points on every dollar spent, allowing you to earn points faster than other rewards cards.
- Welcome bonus offers: Travel credit cards usually come with great bonus offers such as introductory bonus points or gift cards. Such big bonus offers can quickly catapult you in your path towards redeeming big rewards and offset the annual fee.
- Travel rewards: Most travel credit cards offer points or travel miles each time you make payments through your travel credit card, allowing you to rack up travel rewards that can make your trips more enjoyable. Some points programs also offer non-travel rewards such as gift cards, consumer goods, or statement credits, allowing you to choose what you like to redeem your points for.
- Insurance coverage: Many travel credit cards come with a variety of travel insurance benefits such as trip cancellation, accident coverage, lost baggage coverage and car rental insurance. If you tend to travel frequently, such travel insurance coverages will reduce, or even eliminate, the costs associated with such trip disruptions.
- Perks: Your travel credit card can also come with attractive perks such as complimentary airport lounge access, hotel room upgrades and discounts on fine dining and entertainment. Such credit card perks can elevate your travel experience to a whole new level.
- Brand partnerships: Several credit card providers team up with brands to offer you brand loyalty rewards such as Air Mile bonus points, Air Canada discounts, Marriott hotel upgrades, and Visa fine dining events. So, if you’re interested in a particular brand or are already earning perks through them, a travel credit card partnered with them can boost your rewards redemption rate.
Cons of using a travel credit card
- Fluctuating rewards programs: One thing to keep in mind is that travel credit cards aren’t always consistent, and their offers and points values can change suddenly. Such changes can potentially decrease the value of the points you’ve already earned and make the rewards redemption rate slower than before.
- Blackout dates: Also, some travel credit card rewards programs may include blackout dates, meaning you cannot take advantage of some of the perks during that period. These blackout dates usually occur during peak travel seasons like the holidays. Ask the credit card provider for more information about blackout dates.
- High annual credit card fee: Many travel credit cards come with a high annual fee, which can sometimes seem to outweigh the overall pros of the card if you’re not earning rewards points. If you’re planning on using a travel card as your main credit card and you think you’ll be able to offput the fees with points earned, then it may be worth getting the card.
- High interest charges: If you carry a balance month-to-month on a travel credit card — or on any rewards card — interest will compound, making it harder to pay off your card. Not only that, but the interest also you rack up will cancel out any points you’ve earned.
- Foreign transaction fees: Some travel credit cards may come with a foreign transaction fee, which will be applied to all non-CAD purchases, whether in-store or online. This fee can be as high as 3% for some travel credit cards. If you want to use your credit card for frequent foreign currency purchases, look for a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees.
- Mainly travel related rewards: Most travel credit cards mainly offer travel related rewards and benefits such as travel miles and travel insurance. If you’re looking for rewards such as cash back, you might want to reconsider getting a travel rewards card.
Rates, product information and reward estimates are subject to change at any time and do not constitute financial advice. This post was not sponsored. Rates.ca may receive a referral fee from our partners or affiliate links featured on the site; however, our editorial choices are objective and free from bias. The opinions expressed in this article are purely those of Rates.ca; thus, the credit card issuers and partners are not responsible for any editorials or reviews that may appear. Please visit the associated brand’s website for complete and current terms and conditions on any product or service mentioned. The information in this article is accurate as of the date of this posting, January 31, 2026. Read our full disclaimer.
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