td credit cards for travel

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TD First Class SM Visa ® Signature Credit Card

Travel rewards – Earn triple miles on travel and dining

Compare TD cards >

Read complete terms and conditions for details about APRs, fees, eligible purchases, balance transfers and program details.

Offer details, rates, fees and terms

Bonus miles offer.

Earn up to 25,000 bonus miles within the first 6 billing cycles of account opening, which equals a $250 statement credit towards travel or dining purchases

Bonus miles will be reflected on your credit card statement 6 to 8 weeks after a qualified first purchase and/or 6 to 8 weeks after $3,000 in total net purchases made within the first 6 billing cycles of your credit card account opening date. This offer is non-transferable. This online offer is not available if you open an account in response to a different offer that you may receive from us. This online offer is not available if you open an account in response to a different offer that you may receive from us.

Rewards details

3X First Class miles on travel and dining purchases , including flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises and dining, from fast food to fine dining

1X First Class miles on all other purchases – no categories or gimmicks and earn points that never expire as long as your account is open and in good standing.

Rates and fees

Need more information?

Take a look at our terms and conditions or personal cardmember agreement .

Earn unlimited points with every purchase, and triple the miles on travel

See how many miles you can earn from travel and other purchases.

Redeem your First Class miles for a statement credit toward travel and dining purchases >

To earn and redeem points, your account must be open and in good standing.

Credit Card FAQs

Manage your card, security you can count on.

Don't worry-we're protecting your every move. Our built-in chip technology helps guard you against fraud. Plus, you get the benefits of Visa Zero Liability 2

Managing your account is easy

Get the service you need, when you need it. Log in to your account or talk to a TD Bank representative 24/7 at 1-877-468-3178.

Redeem your rewards

Visit the td first class rewards site >.

• Credit Cards
• TD Platinum Travel Visa Card Review: One of the Best Credit Cards for Expedia Loyalists

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TD Platinum Travel Visa Card Review 2024

Updated: Mar 5, 2024, 12:47pm

The TD Platinum Travel Visa has plenty to offer, like no annual fee the first year, the ability to earn TD Rewards Points on purchases and a generous welcome bonus . However, when you look a little closer, there are some drawbacks, like conditions and caveats aplenty. Still, within the landscape of travel cards , the TD Platinum Travel Visa Card shines, but not nearly as bright as the competition. The main reason? Its affiliation with Expedia, both the card’s greatest strength and, paradoxically, its biggest limitation. That’s because the card’s offers are largely confined to Expedia getaways, demanding loyalty you may not want to give so readily.

• Generous welcome bonus.
• Better rewards program than most TD cards .
• Similarly-priced cards have better travel perks

Table of Contents

Introduction, quick facts, td platinum travel visa* card rewards, td platinum travel visa* card benefits, how the td platinum travel visa* card stacks up, methodology, is the td platinum travel visa* card right for you.

• Advertiser's Disclosure

Featured Partner Offers

TD Cash Back Visa Infinite* Card

On TD’s Secure Website

Welcome Bonus

Up to $500 in value†

$139 (rebated in the first year, account must approved by June 3, 2024)

Regular APR (Purchases) / Regular APR (Cash Advances)

20.99% / 22.99%

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum* Card

$89 (first year of annual fee rebated)

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card

Up to 85,000 Aeroplan points†

Travel rewards for a low annual fee? Get the TD Platinum Travel Visa Card.

On TD’s Website

• Earn up to $370 in value†, including up to 50,000 TD Rewards Points†. Conditions apply. Account must be approved by September 3, 2024.
• Welcome Bonus of 15,000 TD Rewards Points when you make your first Purchase with your Card†.
• 35,000 TD Rewards Points when you spend $1,000 within 90 days of Account opening†.
• Pay no annual fee for the first year
• To receive the first-year annual fee rebate, you must activate your Card and make your first Purchase on the Account within the first 3 months after Account opening and you must add your Additional Cardholders by September 4, 2024.
• Earn up to 6 TD Rewards Points for every $1 spent on Expedia ®  for TD †  
• Earn 4.5 TD Rewards Points on every $1 you spend at your favourite eateries and grocery stores
• Earn 3 TD Rewards Points for every $1 of your recurring bill payments
• Earn 1.5 TD Rewards Points for every $1 you spend on everything else
• Includes travel insurance coverage
• Benefit from no travel blackouts, no seat restrictions and no expiry for your TD Rewards Points (as long as your account is open and in good standing)
• This offer is not available to residents of Quebec.
• † Terms and conditions apply.

When you think about a credit card that ties its perks to a popular online travel agency, TD Platinum Travel Visa Card immediately comes to mind. It’s almost as if TD had a tête-à-tête with Expedia and, together, they concocted an array of credit card benefits suited for the travel-savvy cardholder. If you’ve got a penchant for frequently booking through Expedia, TD Platinum Travel Visa Card isn’t just an option—it’s one of the best options. The world of travel rewards credit cards is vast, and in that sea TD Platinum Travel Visa stands out like a beacon for travellers anchored to Expedia.

Yet, while this card seems bespoke to a specific audience, what about the travellers who don’t necessarily pledge allegiance to Expedia? Here’s where things get a bit murky.

Do we love the fact that there’s no annual fee for the first year, a juicy introductory perk that could see you pocketing up to 50,000 TD Rewards Points? Absolutely. Is it phenomenal that you can bag 6 TD Rewards Points for every $1 on bookings through Expedia and up to 4.5 TD Rewards Points for every $1 you spend on everything else? Again, a resounding yes.

But, in the larger landscape of travel cards, where some offer travel perks like lounge access or extravagant concierge services, TD’s card feels a tad limited. Avid globe-trotters might find themselves yearning for a few more travel-related luxuries.

Would we recommend the TD Platinum Travel Visa Card? If Expedia is your go-to travel companion, yes, without any hesitation. But if you’re an indiscriminate traveller who casts a wider net to find the best deal, this might not be your catch of the day.

• Annual fee: Waived for the first year, then it’s $89 per year
• Reward rate: Ranging from 1.5 to 6 TD Rewards Points across diverse spend categories
• Flexibility: Points can be used for travel, merchandise or bill payments
• Introduction offer: Up to $370 in value and 50,000 TD Rewards Points, with certain conditions
• Insurance coverage: Comprehensive travel insurance included

Earning Rewards

Jumping into the rewards scene Collecting rewards with the TD Platinum Travel Visa Card can feel like striking gold. Each bite at a restaurant or grocery run puts 4.5 TD Rewards Points in your pocket. Your recurring bills? A nifty 3 points for each $1 you spend. And every other purchase earns you a steady 1.5 points. In the bustling world of reward credit cards, this one can hold its own. Plus, the TD Platinum Travel Visa Card offers a distinct Expedia advantage, turning everyday expenses into potential travel adventures.

Redeeming Rewards

With the TD Platinum Travel Visa Card’, you can convert your hard-earned points into exciting getaways on Expedia, choosing from a plethora of destinations. TD and Expedia have made redeeming points easy, so you can harness the full potential of your rewards on Expedia® For TD. You can also use your accumulated points to splurge on merchandise, even Amazon purchases. Plus, you can use TD Rewards Points to lower your credit card balance. While some cards make you jump through hoops for redemptions, TD’s portal makes redeeming your TD Rewards Points a breeze.

Rewards Potential

Savvy spenders who harness the card’s earning potential could pocket an impressive number of points towards travel, merchandise and more. Based on how Canadians typically spend, Forbes Advisor Canada estimates that cardholders can see an annual return of $312.42 worth of points, with the annual fee factored in, when you book travel with Expedia. When you book travel elsewhere, the annual return drops to $292.82 worth of points, with the annual fee factored in.

• First-year perks: No annual fee and up to 50,000 TD Rewards Points (Up to $370 in value)
• Dine and dash to points: Enjoy 4.5 TD Rewards Points on every $1 you spend at restaurants and grocery stores
• Expedia euphoria: Be the traveller that gets 6x TD Rewards Points for every $1 you spend on Expedia bookings, ensuring every trip, big or small, becomes a rewarding journey
• Security and peace of mind: Rest easy with comprehensive travel insurance that ensures that your voyages remain hiccup-free

Interest Rates

• Regular APR Min: 20.99%
• Cash Advance APR: 22.99%
• Balance Transfer APR: 22.99%
• Cash Advance fee: 1% ($3.50 minimum and $10 maximum)
• Balance Transfer fee: 3% maximum
• Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.5%
• Annual Fee: $89 (Get an annual fee rebate in the first year; account must be approved by September 3, 2024)
• Over Limit Fee: $29.00
• Late Payment Fee: $0

When evaluating the TD Platinum Travel Visa Card against some of its competitors, namely the TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum , American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card and CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card, it’s clear that each has its unique strengths. While they may cater to different traveller preferences, from Expedia loyalists to Air Canada aficionados, picking the most suitable one for you depends on your travel habits, reward preferences and fee comfort levels.

TD Platinum Travel Visa Card vs. TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum Card

At face value, both cards come with an identical annual fee and APR, and both are generous with their first-year annual fee rebates. Yet, they’re tailored to different travellers. If Expedia is your go-to for travel bookings, the TD Platinum Travel Visa Card’s 6-point-per-$1 earn rate is unmatched. That said, TD Platinum Travel Visa Card offers a hearty welcome in the form of 50,000 TD Rewards Points, while TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum welcomes new cardholders with a 20,000 Aeroplan Point offer. But here’s the twist: TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum Card’s potential $500 value, along with the versatility of earning points in multiple ways, may out-woo the frequent traveller. However, for the everyday spender leaning into travel, TD Platinum Travel Visa Card’s reward structure, especially with groceries and dining , holds an edge.

TD Platinum Travel Visa Card vs. American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card

When deciding between the TD Platinum Travel Visa Card and American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card, travellers have a lot to unpack. TD Platinum Travel Visa Card offers an attractive welcome bonus and a more affordable annual fee, especially with the first-year waiver. It’s also the perfect choice for dedicated Expedia customers looking to earn more rewards, faster than ever, on their getaways. On the flip side, the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card offers a superior range of travel benefits, from lounge access to comprehensive insurance. But, with its higher annual fee, it’s geared towards frequent Air Canada travellers who’ll make the most of its perks. For the budget-conscious, TD Platinum Travel Visa Card takes the lead, but American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card is unrivalled when it comes to premium Air Canada perks.

TD Platinum Travel Visa* Card vs. CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card

Pitting the TD Platinum Travel Visa Card against the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card is an exercise in balance. Both cards offer strong travel rewards, but they cater to slightly different demographics. TD Platinum Travel Visa Card, with its Expedia tie-in, is a dream for the site’s loyalists. Its annual fee is also modest, which is appealing for cardholders who balk at high yearly charges. Conversely, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card leans heavily into its Air Canada affiliation, granting perks like free checked bags and priority boarding. The card’s insurance coverage is also commendable. If you’re after broader travel flexibility and a cheaper fee, TD Platinum Travel Visa Card is your go-to. But, for frequent Air Canada flyers, CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card stands out.

When determining a rating for individual credit cards, the Forbes Advisor Canada editorial team factors in an exhaustive list of data points. With rewards, the scoring model used takes into account factors such as, but not limited to, rewards rates and categories, fees, welcome bonuses, and other benefits and features. Keep in mind, what may be best for some people might not be right for you. Conduct informed research before deciding which cards will best help you achieve your financial goals.

In short, the TD Platinum Travel Visa Card is a stellar choice for cardholders who frequently use Expedia. If you’re looking to cash in on a generous welcome bonus without a hefty annual fee, this is the card for you. It’s particularly suited to users who dine out or spend heavily on groceries , given the rewards rate. However, if you’re a travel enthusiast in search of comprehensive travel perks and insurance , you might find other similarly priced cards more appealing. While the TD Platinum offers decent protection features, there are more competitive options out there.

Related: Best Credit Cards To Use in Canada

Advertiser's Disclosure

Our partners are not responsible for anything reported by Forbes Advisor. To the best of our knowledge, everything is accurate at the time of publishing as of the date posted. For full information and details, please visit the advertiser’s website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the first-year annual fee really waived for the td platinum travel visa card.

Yes, as long as you activate your card and make your first purchase within the first three months of opening your account.

How do I earn the maximum welcome bonus for the TD Platinum Travel Visa Card?

To earn up to 50,000 TD Rewards Points, you must be approved by September 3, 2024. Once approved, activate your card and make your first purchase within the first three months. Also, remember to add any additional cardholders by September 4, 2024.

How does the TD Platinum Travel Visa Card's rewards program benefit frequent Expedia customers?

You earn 6 TD Rewards Points for every $1 you spend when you book your travel through Expedia For TD, making it a rewarding choice for cardholders who frequently use this platform.

What’s the earning rate for the TD Platinum Travel Visa Card on everyday purchases?

You earn 1.5 TD Rewards Points for every $1 you spend on everyday purchases. Plus, you can rack up 4.5 TD Rewards Points on every $1 you spend at restaurants and grocery stores.

Is the TD Platinum Travel Visa Card offer available to residents of Quebec?

Unfortunately, this offer isn’t available to Quebec residents.

Kevin Nishmas is an expert financial content writer with a long and successful history of working with Canada's largest financial institutions. His knack (and passion) for transforming complex personal finance information into clear, compelling content has landed him in leading business publications such as Report on Business, Advisor’s Edge, Benefits Canada and Investor's Digest of Canada.

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Exciting news for TD Rewards members

Members can earn and redeem points on vacation packages, flights, hotels, car rentals and more. Who doesn't like to save?

Sign-in using your existing TD online banking credentials.

The expedia for td program.

It's easier than ever for TD Travel or Rewards credit card holders to find and book their dream vacation on Expedia For TD.

The best part? Not only do you have the flexibility to use your TD Rewards Points to pay for all or part of your trip, but eligible TD credit cards can also earn up to 9 points for every $1 spent on travel purchases 1.

TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite * 

• 8 TD Rewards Points per $1 Spent on Travel Purchases at Expedia For TD (Online/ Phone) 1
• Annual $100 TD Travel Credit on your first Eligible Travel Credit purchase of $500 that is made with Expedia For TD 2
• Birthday Bonus - earn up to 10K bonus TD Rewards Points a year (up to $50 value on Expedia For TD) 3,4
• Comprehensive Travel insurance coverage 4

TD Platinum Travel Visa *

• 6 TD Rewards Points per $1 spent on Travel Purchases at Expedia For TD (Online/Phone) 1
• Car Rental Discounts 5,6,7

TD Rewards Visa *  

• 4 TD Rewards Points per $1 Spent on Travel Purchases at Expedia For TD (Online/Phone) 1
• Car rental discounts 5,6,7

TD Business Travel Visa *  

• 9 TD Rewards Points per $1 when you book travel online, or 6 Points per $1 Spent on travel made by phone through Expedia For TD 1

Not only does Expedia For TD provide you with exclusive deals on travel , but y ou r TD points are worth more when redeeming them and you can earn TD points faster when purchasing travel with your TD credit card. 1,9  

Explore with Options

A flight to Las Vegas? How about an all-inclusive stay at a Cancun resort? A house in Banff for a ski trip? All of these are available on Expedia For TD.

No restrictions on adventure

We don't have black-out dates or seat restrictions on flights, 8  which means you're free to book anytime you want.

Redeem and earn points on:

• Flights and packages
• Hotels, vacation rentals, car rental
• Activities and cruises

And you’ll have access to Expedia benefits

Expedia’s Price Guarantee

Find a cheaper Flight + Hotel package within 24 hours of booking or a cheaper hotel rate up to 48 hours before check-in and Expedia will refund the difference. Sign in to find out more.

Save on hotels

Exclusive offers and deals, including up to 20% off hotel stays

Fulltime support

A dedicated customer service team available 24/7 at 1-877-222-6492

How it works

Paying with TD points                        .

It’s easy to shop for travel: Find your ideal trip and pay with your TD Travel or Rewards Credit Card at checkout. On the billing page, select the amount of TD points you wish to redeem.                                                                          

200 TD Rewards Points = $1                            .            .

Every 200 points are worth $1 off travel purchases on Expedia For TD. Redemptions are made in 200-point increments, and travelers need a minimum of 200 points to make a redemption.

Use points for all or part of your trip

For example, if your trip costs $1000, use 120,000 Rewards Points (worth $600). Pay the remainder with your TD credit card and earn up to additional 8 points for every $1 spent 1,9 . That is up to 32k additional points!

Automatic credit for points redeemed

When you purchase travel using TD Rewards Points your TD credit card will be charged the full amount. The dollar value of points redeemed will be credited to your account in 3-5 business days.

Already an eligible TD cardholder?

Use your existing TD online banking credentials to sign in to Expedia For TD and find your perfect trip Sign In

Earn TD Rewards Points on bookings made with your TD Travel Rewards Credit Card and pay with points by redeeming TD Rewards Points towards all or part of your trip. Sign In

Pay for travel and everyday items with your TD Travel Credit Card to earn TD Reward Points. When you're ready, you can redeem TD points to pay for all or part of your trip.

Looking to become a TD travel cardholder?

Learn more about TD’s travel credit cards and choose the one that best matches your spending habits and travel style.

1 TD First Class Travel Cardholders earn eight TD Rewards Points for every dollar spent on travel Purchases made online or by phone through Expedia For TD. TD Platinum Cardholders earn six TD Rewards Points for every dollar spent on travel purchases made online or by phone through Expedia For TD. TD Rewards Cardholders earn four TD Rewards Points for every dollar spent on travel purchases made online or by phone through Expedia For TD. TD Business Travel Cardholders earn 9 TD Rewards Points for every dollar spent on travel purchases made online through Expedia For TD and 6 TD Rewards Points for every dollar spent on travel purchases made by phone through Expedia For TD. Any returned items, refunds, rebates or other similar credits will reduce or cancel the TD Rewards Points earned on the original Travel Purchase. Fees, Cash Advances (including Balance Transfers, Cash-Like Transactions and TD Visa Cheques), interest charges, optional service, refunds, rebates or other similar credits do not earn TD Rewards Points. Other Conditions: Offer may be changed, withdrawn or extended at any time and cannot be combined with any other offer.

  2 In order to receive the TD Travel Credit, the Account must be open, active and in Good Standing. An Eligible Travel Credit Purchase means:    • A Hotel, Motel, Lodging, or Vacation Rental Purchase of $500.00 CAD or more made with Expedia For TD;    • A Vacation Package Purchase of $500.00 CAD or more made with Expedia For TD, that includes a Hotel, Motel, Lodging or Vacation Rental booking packaged with a transportation booking.   See your TD Rewards Program Terms and Conditions for more details.  

3 Each year, receive a TD Rewards Birthday Bonus (“Birthday Bonus”) equal to 10% of the TD Rewards Points earned while using the TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* over the 12 months preceding the Primary Cardholder’s birthday, to a maximum Birthday Bonus of 10,000 TD Rewards Points. For the first year, we will only award the TD Rewards Birthday Bonus based on the TD Rewards Points earned from October 30, 2022, to your next birthday. Previously earned points on other Rewards Cards, Acquisition Bonus Points, or other Promotional Rewards Points earned do not count towards the Birthday Bonus. 

4 Insurance coverages are subject to conditions, limitations and exclusions. For more information, (including information on the insurer and/or administrator) please refer to the Certificate of Insurance included with your TD Credit Cardholder Agreement.

5 Rate displayed by Expedia For TD reflects the discounted offer.  No discount code needs to be applied. 

6 Provided by Avis Rent A Car System ULC. Minimum discount offer subject to discount code  and to terms and conditions which may change without notice. Blackout dates may apply. Base rate refers to time and kilometer/mile charges only. Taxes, fees and surcharges are extra. The Toronto-Dominion Bank is not responsible for any vehicles, services, discounts or other offers made available by Avis Rent A Car System ULC.

7 Provided by Budget Rent A Car System, Inc. Minimum discount offer subject to discount code and to terms and conditions which may change without notice. Blackout dates may apply. Base rate refers to time and kilometer/mile charges only. Taxes, fees and surcharges are extra. The Toronto-Dominion Bank is not responsible for any vehicles, services, discounts or other offers made available by Budget Rent A Car System, Inc.

8 Subject to carrier/space availability.  9 Every 200 TD Points redeemed are worth $1 in travel savings off the cost of Travel Purchases made through Expedia For TD. Redemptions can only be made in 200 TD Points increments. * Trademark of Visa International Service Association; Used under license.

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18 Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada for May 2024

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own.

Our picks for Canada’s best travel credit cards include top cards across numerous categories to help you earn discounts, perks and rewards before your next trip.

• The best travel credit cards in Canada
• Why you should trust us
• Summary of our selections

How travel credit cards work in Canada

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card

Intro offer details: Earn up to $1,200 in value†, including up to 50,000 Aeroplan points† (enough for a round trip to New York City†), and additional travel benefits. Account must be approved by June 3, 2024. †Terms and conditions apply.

Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada from Our Partners

Best travel credit cards in canada, best overall.

Best overall travel card

Scotiabank platinum american express® card.

• Earn up to $2,100* in value in your first 14 months, including up to 60,000* bonus Scene+ points. Offer ends October 31, 2024.
• You will not pay 2.5% foreign transaction fees on any foreign currency purchases, including online shopping and when travelling abroad. Only the exchange rate applies.
• Earn 2X Scene+™ points for every $1 CAD you spend on all your eligible purchases.
• Scene+ points can be redeemed for travel purchase, merchandise and other non-travel rewards such as gift cards and prepaid cards.
• You must redeem a minimum of 5,000 points per travel-related rewards redemption, equivalent to $50 in travel savings. Points must be redeemed within 12 months of the purchase date.
• $399 annual fee.
• Redeem points for any flight, any time through Scene+ Travel, a full-service travel agency. Plus, take advantage of a best price guarantee on airfare.
• Get a Hertz #1 Club Gold membership for special privileges and rental car benefits at over 8,500 locations in 147 countries.
• Enjoy culinary events and experiences, entertainment, luxury fashion, tours, and more through American Express benefits, including American Express Invites, Platinum VIP offers and access to 24/7 premium concierge services for restaurant reservations, show tickets, and gift purchases.
• Lounge access at over 600 VIP airport lounges around the world with a complimentary Priority Pass membership, which includes 10 free visits per year.
• 12 types of insurance provided, including 31-day travel medical benefits — up to $2 million in coverage — for you, your spouse and any dependent children under the age of 65. 10-day coverage available for those over the age of 65.
• Preferred rates: 9.99% for purchases, 9.99% for cash advances.
• To be eligible, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
• Terms and Conditions Apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details.

If this card doesn’t seem like a good fit for your wallet, take a look at NerdWallet’s selection of the  best credit cards  to help find the right option for you.

Best for: Expedia bookings

Td first class travel® visa infinite* card.

• Earn up to $800 in value†, including up to 100,000 TD Rewards Points† and no Annual Fee for the first year†. Conditions Apply. Account must be approved by June 3, 2024.
• Earn a welcome Bonus of 20,000 TD Rewards Points when you make your first Purchase with your Card†.
• Earn 80,000 TD Rewards Points when you spend $5,000 within 180 days of Account opening†.
• Earn a Birthday Bonus of up to 10,000 TD Rewards Points†.
• To receive the first-year annual fee rebate, you must activate your Card and make your first Purchase on the Account within the first 3 months after Account opening.
• To receive the first Additional Cardholder first-year annual fee rebate, you must add your first Additional Cardholder by June 4, 2024.
• Earn 8 TD Rewards Points† for every $1 you spend when you book travel through Expedia® For TD†.
• Earn 6 TD Rewards Points† for every $1 you spend on Groceries and Restaurants†.
• Earn 4 TD Rewards Points† for every $1 you spend on regularly recurring bill payments set up on your Account†.
• Earn 2 TD Rewards Points For every $1 you spend on other Purchases made using your Card† plus earn an annual Birthday Bonus† of up to 10,000 TD Rewards Points.
• No travel blackouts†, no seat restrictions† and no expiry† for your TD Rewards Points as long as your account is open and in good standing.
• Each year, you will receive one $100.00 TD Travel Credit on your first Eligible Travel Credit Purchase of $500.00 or more made with Expedia For TD and posted to the Account in a calendar year.
• Interest Rates: 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances.
• Go Places on Points: Your Points are worth more when you redeem through Expedia® For TD: Search over a million flights, hotels, packages and more! When you’re ready to book, you can redeem† your TD Rewards Points towards your travel purchase right away.
• Redeem your TD Rewards Points towards making purchases at Amazon.ca with Amazon Shop with Points. Conditions apply.
• Shop online through TDRewards.com Redeem your TD Rewards Points for great deals on a wide selection of merchandise and gift cards.
• Option to purchase TD Auto Club Membership†: and be covered 24 hours a day for emergency roadside assistance services in case something goes wrong when you are out on the road.
• Travel Medical Insurance†: Up to $2 million of coverage for the first 21 days. If you or your spouse is aged 65 or older, you are covered for the first 4 days of your trip. Additional top-up coverage is available.
• Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance†: For Trip Cancellation, up to $1,500 of coverage per insured person, with a maximum of $5,000 for all insured persons, and for Trip Interruption, up to $5,000 of coverage per insured person, with a maximum of $25,000 for all insured persons on the same covered trip.
• To be eligible, $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
• †Terms and conditions apply.
• This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
• The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button.

Best for: Airport lounge access

The platinum card® from american express.

• Unlock special experiences with the Platinum Card®.
• Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points – that’s up to $1,000 towards a weekend away.
• New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn 70,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $10,000 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership.
• Plus, earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership.
• Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada, 2points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel, and 1 point for every $1 in all other Card purchases.
• Access a $200 Annual Travel Credit through American Express Travel Online or Platinum® Card Travel Service.
• Enjoy a $200 Annual Dining Credit at some of Canada’s best restaurants.
• Unlock $200 or more in additional value with Member extras. You can earn statement credits for qualifying purchases with participating brands.
• Take full advantage of The American Express Global Lounge Collection™ which unlocks access to over 1300 airport lounges worldwide. This includes The Centurion® Lounge network, Plaza Premium Lounges, and hundreds of other domestic and international lounges designed to enhance your travel experience.
• Enjoy flexible ways to use your points such as statement credits for any eligible purchase charged to your Card, new travel purchases booked on American Express Travel Online through the Flexible Points Travel Program, and eligible flights through the Fixed Points Travel Program.
• Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs.
• Enjoy complimentary benefits that offer an average value of $600 USD at over 1,500 extraordinary properties worldwide when you book Fine Hotels + Resorts
• Platinum Cardmembers can enjoy access to special events and unique opportunities.
• Enjoy premium benefits at the Toronto Pearson Airport.
• You will also have access to many leading hotel and car rental companies’ loyalty programs. Our partners include Marriott International, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Hertz and Avis.
• Interest applies in accordance with your Cardmember Agreement, Information Box, and Disclosure statement if the total New Balance is not paid by the Payment Due Date each month. All payments must be received by the Payment Due Date shown on the monthly statement.
• American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, NerdWallet may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Best for: Aeroplan points

American express® aeroplan® reserve card.

• New American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Cardmembers can earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points.
• Earn 60,000 Aeroplan points after spending $7,500 in purchases on your Card within the first 3 months.
• Plus, earn an additional 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $2,500 in purchases in month 13.
• That’s up to $2,600 or more in value when you combine your welcome bonus points and card benefits.
• New Offer: Cardmembers can now get an extra night free for every 3 consecutive hotel nights redeemed with Aeroplan points. Offer ends December 31, 2024.
• Highest Air Canada earn rate on an Aeroplan payment card in Canada: Earn 3X the points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®*.
• Standard Earn Rate: Earn 2X the points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada and earn 1.25X the points on everything else.
• Get through the airport quicker with Air Canada Priority Check-In, Air Canada Priority Boarding and Air Canada Priority Baggage Handling.
• Enjoy access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges™* and Air Canada Café™ in North America for you and a guest, with a same day ticket on a departing Air Canada or Star Alliance flight.
• Enjoy your eligible first checked bag free for up to 9 people travelling on the same reservation on Air Canada flights.
• Roll over any unallocated Aeroplan Elite™* Status Qualifying Miles and unused eUpgrade Credits to the following year to enjoy during your travels.
• Get access to more than 1,200 Priority Pass™ airport lounges and enjoy an oasis of comfort before your flight, regardless of your airline or cabin class.
• Insurance Coverage: whether you’re shopping nearby or travelling abroad, you can feel confident knowing you can be taken care of.
• American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information click the Apply now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, NerdWallet may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Best for: Hotel rewards

Marriott bonvoy® american express®* card.

• Travel to new heights with the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card.
• Earn up to 80,000 Points:
• New Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Cardmembers, earn 65,000 Welcome Bonus points after you spend $3,000 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership.
• Plus, earn an additional 3 points for a total of 5 points on every $1 spent on eligible travel and gas purchases in your first 6 months (up to 15,000 points).
• Offer ends May 6, 2024.
• Earn 5 points for every dollar in eligible Card purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®.
• Earn 2 points for every $1 in all other Card purchases.
• Receive an Annual Free Night Award for up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide every year after your first anniversary.
• No annual fee on Additional Cards.
• Redeem points for free nights with no blackout dates at over 7,000 of the world’s most desired hotels.
• Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status membership.
• Receive 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card. These can be used towards attaining the next level of Elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy program.
• Enjoy an automatic upgrade to Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card each year or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your card.
• American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. Conditions Apply. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, NerdWallet may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Best for: British Airways flyers

Rbc® british airways visa infinite‡.

• Intro offer: Get Up to 60,000 Aviosˆ: Receive 15,000 Avios as welcome bonus upon approval. 35,000 bonus Avios when you spend $6,000 CAD in the first 3 months. Another 10,000 bonus Avios after your first yearˆ.
• Earn 3 Avios for every $1 CAD spent at British Airways and British Airways Holidays
• Earn 2 Avios for every $1 CAD spent on qualifying dining spend
• Earn 1 Avios for every $1 CAD spent on all other qualifying net purchases
• Earn a companion voucher when you spend $30,000 CAD annually. You can either take a companion with you or fly solo instead for a 50% Avios discount on the cost of one reward seat ticket. Plus, you’ll have the flexibility to pay a lower, flat fee to cover taxes, fees and carrier charges and a fixed Avios amount when you make a Reward Flight booking.
• Eligible members who spend a minimum of $30,000 CAD on qualifying purchases on their card in a calendar year (“calendar year” refers to the time period starting from January 1 and ending December 31) will receive a maximum of one Companion Voucher for that calendar year. See ba.com/rbc-visa for full terms and conditions.
• 10% off British Airways flights when you book and pay with your card∞
• Redeem for flights and more – you can spend your Avios on all of the travel things you love, including cabin upgrades with British Airways or reward flights with British Airways and any of the oneworld partner airlines to almost 1,000 destinations worldwide**
• Comprehensive Insurances including 31–day out of country/province emergency medical insurance¹, flight delay insurance², hotel burglary³ and rental car⁴ insurance. Even eligible purchases you make with the card are protected³.
• Luxury Visa Infinite benefits⁵ such as first in line service for exclusive events and hotel and dining exclusives via www.visainfinite.ca
• Complimentary 24/7 Concierge Service⁵.
• Link your RBC card with a Petro-Points membership to instantly save 3₵ per litre on fuel at Petro-Canada stations and earn 20% more Petro-Points and 20% more Avion points
• Get $0 delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash
• Link your RBC British Airways Visa Infinite card with a Rexall Be Well account and get 50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall. Redeem Be Well points faster for savings in store on eligible purchases where 25,000 Be Well points = $10
• Eligibility: This card requires a minimum personal income of $60,000 or a minimum household income of $100,000. Must also be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory of residence.
• Corresponding legal references and product terms are available on the RBC website, which will be available and agreed upon in the customer onboarding process.

Best for: AIR MILES rewards

Bmo air miles®† world elite®* mastercard®*.

• Welcome offer: Get 2,000 AIR MILES Bonus Miles and we’ll waive the $120 annual fee for the first year.*
• Get 3x the Miles for every $12 spent at participating AIR MILES Partners and 2x the Miles for every $12 spent at any eligible grocery store*.
• Earn 1 reward mile for every $12 in credit card purchases, everywhere you spend.*
• Get valuable benefits and offers for digital everyday services from a variety of on-demand apps and subscription services.
• Use your card at Costco.*
• Extended Warranty.
• Access over 1 million Wi-Fi hotspots around the world – all at no added cost, and no added fees or roaming charges.*
• Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass.*
• Use less Miles with our exclusive 25% discount on one worldwide AIR MILES flight redemption during the calendar year.*
• BMO AIR MILES World Elite Travel and Medical Protection.*
• BMO Concierge Service.*
• Unlock Mastercard Travel Rewards cashback offers when you travel and shop outside of Canada.
• *Terms and conditions apply.
• BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.

Best for: Newcomers to Canada

Scotiabank passport™ visa infinite* card.

• Earn up to $1,100+ in value in the first 12 months, including up to 35,000 bonus Scene+ points and first year annual fee waived on your first supplementary card. Offer Ends January 3, 2024.
• The only major bank credit card offering you no foreign transaction fees, including for shopping online or abroad.
• Your Award Winning Card For Travel.
• Earn 2 Scene+ points on every $1 you spend on eligible grocery stores, dining, entertainment purchases, and daily transit purchases (including buses, subways, taxis and more).
• Earn 1 Scene+ point on every $1 you spend on all other eligible purchases.
• You’ll earn 3X Scene+ points for each dollar charged to your account on all eligible purchases¹ at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà by IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Chalo! FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés TradItIon, Rachelle Béry and Co-Op.
• Airport lounge access through complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program membership, plus six complimentary lounge visits per year from the date of enrollment, providing you with access to 1,200+ airport lounges globally, including participating Plaza Premium Lounges.
• Visa Infinite* benefits including Visa Infinite Concierge, Visa Infinite* Luxury Hotel Collection, Visa Infinite* Dining Series, and Entertainment & Lifestyle Offers.
• Access to Scotia SelectPay™.
• To be eligible, $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household) annual income is required, or a minimum assets under management of $250,000. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.

If this card doesn’t seem like a good fit for your wallet, take a look at NerdWallet’s selection of the best newcomer credit cards to help find the right option for you.

Best for: Cash back

Bmo cashback® world elite®* mastercard®*.

• Welcome offer: Get up to 10% cash back in your first 3 months and the $120 annual fee waived in the first year.*
• Earn more cash back on the categories that mean the most: 5% on groceries.* 4% on transit including ride sharing, taxis and public transportation.* 3% on gas and electric vehicle charging.* 2% on recurring bill payments like your monthly phone bill or favourite streaming service.* 1% unlimited cashback on all other purchases.*
• Get the highest cash back earn rate on groceries in Canada.†
• Extended Warranty Plus.*
• Purchase Protection Plus.*
• Complimentary membership in Mastercard Airport Experiences provided by LoungeKey.*
• Complimentary Roadside Assistance Program.*
• BMO CashBack World Elite Travel and Medical Protection.*
• †Statement based on a comparison of the non-promotional grocery rewards earn rate on Canadian cash back credit cards as of January 4, 2023.

Best for: WestJet flyers

Westjet rbc world elite mastercard.

• Get up to $450 in WestJet dollars¹ with the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard. Plus, get a Round-Trip Companion Voucher Every Year – for any WestJet destination starting from $119 CAD³ (plus taxes, fees, charges and other ATC).
• Get free first checked bags for the primary cardholder and up to 8 guests on the same reservation⁴
• Earn WestJet dollars 1.5% on everyday purchases and 2% on flights or packages with WestJet or WestJet Vacations⁸
• WestJet dollars never expire¹⁰ Use your WestJet dollars to book flights anytime so you can travel when and where you want.
• No blackout periods.
• Travel coverage including emergency medical insurance²⁰ as well as trip interruption insurance²¹, hotel burglary¹⁸ and rental car insurance¹⁸. Even eligible purchases you make on the card are protected.
• Link your RBC card with a Petro-Points membership to and instantly save 3₵ per litre on fuel¹² and always earn 20% more Petro-Points¹³ at Petro-Canada.
• Free Boingo Wifi for Mastercard holders¹¹ at over 1 million hot spots.
• Get $0 delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash^. Add your eligible RBC credit card to your DoorDash account to: Get a 12-month complimentary DashPass subscription± – a value of almost $120. Enjoy unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees on orders of $15 or more when you pay with your eligible RBC credit card.
• Eligibility: This card requires a minimum personal income of $80,000 or a minimum household income of $150,000. Must also be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory of residence.

Best for: Aventura points

Cibc aventura® gold visa* card.

• Earn up to 35,000 Aventura Points (up to $800 in value) during your first year. Receive 15,000 Aventura Points when you spend $3,000 or more in the first 4 monthly statement periods.
• Get a one-time annual fee rebate ($139) for you (the primary cardholder) and up to three authorized users ($50 each): over $189 value.
• Enjoy 4 complimentary visits with the Visa Airport Companion Program.
• Plus, get a NEXUS Application Fee rebate: a $50 value.
• Offer applies to newly approved card accounts only.
• 2x for every $1 spent on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre.
• 1.5x on for every $1 spent at eligible gas stations, electric vehicle charging stations, grocery stores and drug stores, up to $80,000 annual spend.
• 1x for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
• 1x for every $4.00 spent on a CIBC Global Money Transfer, through June 30, 2022.
• Redeem points for airline tickets, merchandise, gift cards and more.
• Apply points to your CIBC Aventura card balance or select CIBC financial products.
• $139 annual fee.
• Access to more than 1,300 airport lounges across the globe. Priority Pass membership with 4 complimentary lounge visits a year. Zip in and out of the country with a rebate on one NEXUS™ application fee every 4 years.
• Fly any airline with points that don’t expire.
• Use Aventura Points to cover full airfare including taxes and fees.
• Link your Journie Rewards card to save on every fill-up at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stationsabout the features of this card.
• Visa’s Zero Liability Policy and Fraud Alerts.
• Valuable insurance included: Out-of-Province Emergency Travel Medical Insurance, Flight Delay and Baggage Insurance, Auto Rental Collision and Loss Damage Insurance, $500,000 Common Carrier Accident Insurance, Purchase Security and Extended Protection Insurance, Hotel Burglary Insurance and Mobile Device Insurance.
• Access to installment plans through CIBC Pace It.
• Preferred rates: 20.99% for purchases, and 22.99% for cash advances (21.99% for Quebec residents).
• To be eligible, a $15,000 individual annual income is required and you must be a Canadian resident that has reached the age of majority in your province.

Best for: Students

Cibc aeroplan® visa card for students.

• 1x Aeroplan points per dollar on gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries and Air Canada travel purchases, up to $40,000 annual spend.
• 1x Aeroplan points per $1.50 spent on all other purchases, including gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries and Air Canada travel purchases that exceed the $40,000 threshold.
• Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partners and 170+ online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore.
• Aeroplan Points never expire and can be redeemed for a variety of travel, merchandise, gift card, and other rewards offered by Aeroplan’s participating partners and suppliers.
• $0 annual fee.
• Get three free months of Uber Pass for discounts on rides, meals and more. Offer ends September 8, 2022.
• Earn 1 Aeroplan point for every $6 spent on CIBC Global Money Transfer, with no transaction fees or interest as long as you pay your balance on time. Offer ends June 30, 2022.
• Maximize your points by adding up to three additional cards and giving them to your spouse or other family members. Points can be shared with other Aeroplan members in your household.
• Earn points by using your CIBC Aeroplan Visa to automatically make recurring bill payments.
• Receive preferred pricing when paying for flights with your Aeroplan points.
• Save up to 25% on car rentals at participating Budget and Avis locations worldwide when paying with your card.
• Save up to 10 cents per litre at participating Chevron, Ultramar and Pioneer gas stations if you link your card with Journie Rewards.
• Use the CIBC Pace It feature to make installment payments on large purchases.
• Four types of insurance are provided: auto rental collision and loss damage insurance, purchase security, extended protection insurance, and $100,000 in common carrier accident insurance.
• Preferred rates: 20.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances.
• To be eligible, you must have full-time status in a college or university.

Best for: Businesses

Td® aeroplan® visa* business card.

• Earn up to 60,000 Aeroplan points¹, with no Annual Fee in the first year¹. Conditions Apply. Account must be opened by June 3, 2024.
• Earn 2 Aeroplan points for every dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada, including Air Canada Vacations.
• Earn 1.5 Aeroplan points for every dollar spent on eligible travel, dining and select business categories, such as shipping, internet, cable and phone services.
• Earn 1 Aeroplan point for every dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• Earn points twice when paying with a TD Aeroplan Visa Business Card and providing an Aeroplan number at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and more than 170 online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore.
• Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, merchandise, gift cards and more. They can also be used to pay down the card’s balance.
• Linked cards earn 50% more Aeroplan points and Stars at participating Starbucks stores.
• $149 annual fee — rebated in the first year.
• Free first checked bag for up to 9 people travelling on the same reservation on Air Canada flights.
• One free one-time guest pass to Maple Leaf Lounges for every $10,000 in net purchases. Maximum of 4 passes a year.
• Reach Aeroplan Elite Status more quickly by earning 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and one Status Qualifying Segment for every $5,000 in net purchases.
• Access online reporting, review business expenses, managing existing credit limits and apply spend controls through the TD Card Management Tool.
• Visa SavingsEdge program: save up to 25% on eligible business purchases.
• Travel benefits: travel medical insurance (up to $2 million in coverage for the first 15 days for those under 65; coverage lasts for 4 days for those 65 and older); common carrier travel accident insurance (up to $500,000 for covered losses), trip cancellation insurance (up to $1,500 per insured person; maximum of $5,000), trip interruption insurance (up to $5,000 per insured person; maximum of $25,000), flight/trip delay insurance (up to $500 if a flight or trip is delayed for longer than 4 hours), delayed and lost baggage insurance (up to $1,000 of overall coverage per insured person), auto rental collision/loss damage insurance (covers the full cost of a car rental for up to 48 days), hotel/motel burglary insurance (up to $2,500), mobile device insurance (up to $1,000 in coverage).
• Toll-free emergency travel assistance services.
• Receive a rebate of up to $100 on NEXUS enrolment application/renewal fee costs once every 48 months.
• Save a minimum of 10% on the lowest available base rates in Canada and the U.S., and a minimum of 5% on the lowest base rates internationally on qualifying car rentals at participating Avis and Budget locations.
• Visa Zero Liability protection, Verified by Visa and instant alerts to prevent fraudulent card use.
• Purchase security and extended warranty protection.
• Minimum credit limit of $1,000.
• Interest rates: 14.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances.

Best for: USD purchases

Rogers™ mastercard®.

• No annual fee.
• 10% cashback on eligible purchases for the first three months, up to $1,000 spend.
• 2% unlimited cash back on all eligible purchases if you have 1 qualifying service with Rogers, Fido or Shaw.
• For cardholders who don’t have a qualifying service, earn 2% unlimited cash back on U.S. dollar purchases and 1% unlimited cash back on all other eligible purchases.
• 1.5x More cash back every time you redeem for Rogers, Fido or Shaw purchases – that’s a 3% cash back value.
• Get five free Roam Like Home days in 185 destinations for talk, text and data.
• Pay your bill using your mobile phone device.
• Transaction monitoring and fraud alerts.
• Balance protection insurance helps pay your minimum payment in the event of illness, disability or job loss.
• To apply, you must be the age of majority, be a resident of Canada, and have not filed for bankruptcy in the last seven years or have worked with a trustee under a formal Consumer Proposal.

Best for: Rewards on travel spending

Td® aeroplan® visa infinite privilege* credit card.

• Earn up to $2,900 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points (enough for a round trip to Honolulu†) and additional travel benefits. Conditions Apply. Account must be approved by June 3, 2024.
• Earn a welcome bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase with your new card†.
• Earn an additional 40,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $10,000 within 180 days of Account opening†.
• Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $15,000 within 12 months of Account opening†.
• Earn 2 points† for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®).
• Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery, travel and dining purchases.
• Earn 1.25 points† for every $1 spent on all other purchases made with your Card.
• Earn points twice when you pay with your Card and provide your Aeroplan number at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and at 170+ online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore.
• Global Airport Lounge Access†: Receive a complimentary membership to the Visa Airport Companion† Program hosted by Dragonpass International Ltd. and take advantage of six lounge visits included for each Cardholder per membership year at over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide. Enroll through the Visa Airport Companion App or through visaairportcompanion.ca
• Complimentary Visa Infinite Concierge† : On-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the Visa Infinite Concierge can help with any Cardholder request — big or small, to help you get the most out of life whenever you travel, shop and use your Card.
• Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection†: Receive seven exclusive benefits when you book your stay through the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection featuring over 900 of the world’s most intriguing properties. Enjoy an additional 8th benefit at over 200 properties, exclusively for Visa Infinite Privilege cardholders.
• Travel Medical Insurance†: Up to $5 million of coverage for the first 31 days. If you or your spouse is aged 65 or older, you are covered for the first 4 days of your trip. Additional top-up coverage is available.
• Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance†: For Trip Cancellation coverage of up to $2,500 per insured person, with a maximum of $5,000 for all insured persons, and for Trip Interruption coverage of up to $5,000 per insured person, with a maximum of $25,000 for all insured persons on the same covered trip.
• Flight/Trip Delay Insurance†: Up to $1,000 in coverage per insured person if your flight/trip is delayed for over 4 hours.
• Delayed and Lost Baggage Insurance†: For delayed baggage over 4 hours, up to $1,000 of coverage per insured person for the purchase of essentials, such as clothing and toiletries. For lost baggage, up to $2,500 of coverage per insured person.
• Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance†: Up to $500,000 of coverage for covered losses while travelling on a common carrier (for example, a bus, ferry, plane, train or auto rental).
• Save time at the border with NEXUS: Enroll for a NEXUS and once every 48 months get an application fee rebate (up to $100 CAD)†. Additional Cardholders can also take advantage of this NEXUS rebate.
• To be eligible, $150,000 annual personal income or $200,000 household annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.

Best for: NEXUS rebates

Cibc aventura visa infinite card.

• Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre.
• Earn 1.5 points for every $1 spent at eligible gas stations, electric vehicle charging stations, grocery stores and drug stores, up to $80,000 annual spend.
• Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on other purchases or on category spending in excess of the $80,000 annual limit.
• Earn 1 Aventura Point for every $4.00 spent on a CIBC Global Money Transfer. There are no transaction fees, and you won’t be charged interest as long as you pay your balance by the payment due date.
• Use Aventura Points to cover full airfare, including taxes and fees.
• To redeem your points for hotel stays, vacation packages, cruises, merchandise, gift cards and one-of-a-kind activities, visit the CIBC Rewards Centre.
• Use your Aventura Points to help pay down your credit card balance or contribute them to select financial products.
• Enjoy an annual fee rebate every year for the primary cardholder of up to $139 if you have a CIBC Smart Plus Account.
• Out-of-province emergency travel medical insurance.
• Flight delay and baggage insurance.
• Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance.
• Auto rental collision and loss damage insurance.
• $500,000 common carrier accident insurance.
• Purchase security and extended protection insurance.
• Hotel burglary insurance.
• Mobile device insurance.
• Kick back in a comfortable lounge before boarding and enjoy your four complimentary visits with the Visa Airport Companion Program. Zip in and out of the country with a rebate on one NEXUS application fee every four years.
• Score luxury upgrades, tickets and tours through Visa Infinite Exclusive Offers.
• Fly any airline with points that don’t expire. Access personalized travel booking and trip planning with no booking fees through the Aventura Travel Assistant.
• Link your Journie Rewards card to save on every fill-up at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.
• To be eligible, a $60,000 individual or $100,000 household minimum annual income is required.

Best for: Premium travel perks

Cibc aeroplan® visa infinite privilege card.

• Get up to 110,000 Points: You’ll receive 20,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase, another 30,000 points if you spend $6,000 or more during your first four monthly statement periods, and 60,000 more points as an additional anniversary bonus if you have at least $25,000 in net eligible purchases posted on your account during the first 12 monthly statement periods. This offer only applies to newly approved card accounts.
• 2x Aeroplan points on Air Canada purchases, including Air Canada Travel Vacations.
• 1.5x Aeroplan points on gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, travel and dining, up to annual $100,000 spend.
• 1.25x Aeroplan points on other purchases.
• Earn points twice by providing your Aeroplan number at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and over 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore.
• Points can be redeemed for flights, car rentals and hotel stays, as well as complete vacation packages like cruises and all-inclusive resort visits. Points can also be redeemed for gift cards and merchandise sold through the Aeroplan eStore.
• $599 annual fee, which can be reduced by up to $139 each year if you have a CIBC Smart Plus account.
• An annual Worldwide Companion Pass, worth up to $599, to any destination in the world that Air Canada flies when you spend $25,000 on your card.
• Exclusive access to Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Program, Visa Infinite Dining Series and the Visa Infinite Wine Country Program.
• Reach Aeroplan Elite status sooner by earning 1,000 Status Qualifying miles and one Status Qualifying segment for every $5,000 you spend on eligible purchases.
• Save up to 25% on car rentals at participating Avis and Budget locations.
• Authorized users can access travel benefits when travelling without you by linking their Aeroplan number.
• Access to CIBC Pace It, an installment plan designed to help you pay off large or unexpected purchases over time at a lower interest rate.
• 13 types of insurance provided, including 31-day travel medical benefits (10 days if you’re 65 or older on your departure date) — worth up to $5 million in coverage per insured person.
• To be eligible, $150,000 (individual) or $200,000 (household) annual income is required. You must be a Canadian resident who has reached the age of majority in your province or territory and who hasn’t made a bankruptcy claim in the last seven years.

Best prepaid card

Eq bank card.

• Customers who set up direct deposit on their EQ Bank account will also get a bonus interest on recurring pre-authorized debits.
• Here’s how to get the bonus interest: (a) Set up $500/month or more in either direct deposit for your pay or recurring pre-authorized debits. (b) Applies to your Savings Plus Account, Joint Savings Plus Account and EQ Bank Card¹ balance. (c) Once set it up, they’ll be eligible for the increased rate of 4.00%* for 12 months! (d) Those who already set up the above automatically qualify for bonus interest!
• Free withdrawals from any ATM in Canada.***
• Earn 0.50% cash back on every purchase.***
• Earn 2.50% interest right up until you spend.
• No FX fees, monthly fees, or other hidden fees.
• Use your card anywhere in the world where Mastercard® is accepted.
• Open and fund an EQ Bank Savings Plus Account to start.

Methodology: How we evaluate cards

NerdWallet Canada selects the best travel rewards credit cards based on overall consumer value as well as their suitability for specific kinds of travellers. Factors in our  evaluation methodology  include each card’s annual fee, foreign transaction fees, rewards earning rates, ease of use, redemption options, domestic and international acceptance, promotional APR period, bonus offers, insurance offers, and cardholder perks such as automatic statement credits and airport lounge access.

Summary of the best travel credit cards

Travel rewards credit cards earn points or miles as a reward for making eligible purchases. The type and rate of rewards you earn depends on the travel credit card you have. Additionally, how you can use those rewards may depend on the loyalty program associated with your card.

Why get a travel credit card?

Travel rewards credit cards account for 22% of credit cards in Canada, according to a 2021 report by Payments Canada. Outside reduced travel costs, travel cards can offer travel insurance, airport lounge access , baggage fee discounts, no foreign transaction fees and more. The right travel credit card can help you plan trips and access upgraded services that may have once been out of reach.

Types of travel credit cards in Canada

Generally speaking, there are three different categories of travel rewards credit cards. Knowing how they differ will help you determine what card is best for you.

General travel rewards credit cards

If you’re not loyal to one specific airline or hotel chain, then a general travel rewards program is something that will interest you. The points you earn can typically be used for any type of travel redemption, such as airfare, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and even vacation packages. Since your points don’t belong to one specific program, you have more options.

Some general travel rewards credit cards only allow you to use your points when booking travel through their online portal, while others let you use your points for any travel purchases you charge to your card.

Airline rewards credit cards

Airline credit cards allow you to earn points or miles for a specific airline. What’s interesting about airline credit cards is that the points you earn can usually be used on any airline that’s part of their network.

For example, Aeroplan is the loyalty program for Air Canada. Even if you don’t have one of the best Aeroplan credit cards, you can redeem your points for a flight on any carrier that’s part of the Star Alliance network. There are also some general travel rewards programs, such as Air Miles , that also earn miles and can offer some additional value.

Depending on the tier of your airline rewards credit card, you may get additional perks such as free checked bags, priority boarding and increased status. Having an airline credit card is highly lucrative if you frequently fly with one airline or network.

Hotel rewards credit cards

While some people love the idea of free flights, getting a luxury stay at a nice hotel appeals to other people. Some would argue that hotel rewards are better than airline rewards since some hotel chains have a greater reach. For example, Marriott has over 7,000 properties in 130+ countries, so no matter where you’re travelling, it won’t be hard to find a room where you can use your points.

Hotel rewards credit cards will also typically include benefits that will make your stay more comfortable. For instance, you could get early check-in and late check-out. You could also get free high speed WiFi or enhanced status.

Additional rewards to look for in a travel card

Besides the main rewards categories that come with travel credit cards, consider the additional perks that are included. These extra perks can often be the thing that helps you choose one card over another.

Consider the following benefits that often come with travel rewards credit cards:

• Free checked bags. Airlines charge anywhere from $30-$60 per checked bag, each way, so getting free checked bags can save you a fair amount of money.
• Airport lounge access. Some credit cards include airport lounge access , plus free annual lounge passes. These benefits could easily have a value of over $300, so it can offset any annual fee you might pay.
• Travel insurance. An extensive travel insurance package is included on some credit cards. This could cover things such as medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and more.
• No foreign transaction fees. Many credit cards charge a 2.5% fee when you make a purchase in any currency that’s not Canadian dollars. You simply pay the straight exchange rate if your card has no foreign transaction fees .
• Extended warranty. Many credit cards will lengthen your warranty up to one additional year as long as you charge the full cost of the purchase to your card.
• Price protection. If you find a lower price after making a purchase, some credit cards will give you back the difference if it falls within a specific period.
• Concierge service. A credit card concierge can help you with basic tasks such as booking travel, ordering fits and securing event tickets.

As you can see, the list of additional benefits you can get with your travel rewards credit cards can be pretty extensive. Some of the best travel credit cards in Canada will have many of the above benefits, but not all of them. Always prioritize the perks that are important to you when applying for a credit card .

Travel credit card pros and cons

• Earn points or miles to reduce travel costs, like discounted flights and hotel stays.
• Get additional perks, like travel insurance, discounted baggage fees, airport lounge access and more.
• Earn introductory bonus points when you sign up for certain travel credit cards.
• Some cards let you transfer points to airline and hotel loyalty programs.
• Many travel credit cards carry annual fees.
• Blackout periods may restrict when you can redeem your points.
• Introductory bonus offers may require you to spend a large sum of money in a short period of time.
• Some travel rewards points expire if you don’t use them quickly enough.

Using travel rewards

Understanding travel credit card earn rates.

The earn rate on a travel credit card is the number of rewards points or miles you earn on each dollar spent.

Some cards offer a flat rate, meaning you earn the same rewards on every purchase. For example, you may earn 2 points for every $1 you spend with your card.

Most rewards credit cards have a tiered rewards structure when making purchases. The type of structure can vary quite a bit between cards. For example, you may have an accelerated earn rate on purchases made in certain categories, such as travel, groceries, gas and drugstores. All other purchases will use the lower base earn rate.

Ideally, you want to choose a credit card with an accelerated earn rate that is aligned with your spending habits.

“You have to make sure the loyalty program is going to let you do what you want,” says Laura Scheck, vice president of credit cards at Scotiabank. “Or else you’ll end up with points that you can’t necessarily use. And no one wants to be in that situation. Points are fun!”

Additionally, travel credit cards may deliver additional points or miles when you make purchases with their main partner, if they have one. For example, an Aeroplan credit card gives you an accelerated earn rate on Air Canada purchases. Some loyalty programs even have a network of partners where you can earn additional points or miles.

How to calculate the value of travel credit card points

Knowing how to calculate the value of your points or miles is essential since not every redemption value is the same. By establishing a baseline value for your points, you can decide if specific redemptions are worth it — even if you’re not getting the maximum value.

The formula used to determine the value of one point is as follows:

Cash value of the redemption x 100 / number of points required = Cost per point

Let’s say you want to fly from Vancouver to Toronto, and it’s going to cost $585 in cash, or 25,000 Aeroplan points, plus $75 in taxes. You would use the following formula. Note that since you have to pay $75 in taxes, you’d have to subtract that amount from the cash value for an accurate assessment.

$510 x 100 / 25,000 = 2.04 cents per point

This formula can be applied to any redemption regardless of the loyalty program. For example, let’s say you want to redeem 13,400 points for a $100 gift card. Your formula would be the following:

$100 x 100 / 13,400 = .75 cents per point

The flight is a better bang for your points if these redemption options are available with the same program.

Do travel rewards points ever expire?

It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been a loyalty program member or how many points you’ve accumulated; you can lose everything if you’re not paying attention.

Generally speaking, most loyalty programs that belong to an airline or hotel have a defined expiry date of 12 – 18 months. However, that only applies if there’s been no account activity in your account during that time. If you earn or redeem just one point during that time, your clock would reset. Even if you’re not travelling anytime soon, you could make a small redemption or donate some points to ensure you don’t lose the rest of your points.

When it comes to bank credit card rewards programs, it’s unlikely your points will expire as long as your credit card account is in good standing. Your account would only fall out of good standing if it becomes delinquent or your credit card is used for fraudulent activity.

How to redeem travel credit card rewards

Some credit card rewards programs only let you redeem points or miles through their rewards portals. Others allow point redemption for any eligible purchase you make with your credit card.

Rewards programs offered through banks typically have their own website where you can make redemptions. They often have separate tabs where you can choose from travel, gift cards, merchandise, and financial rewards. While this can be handy, you’re typically limited to their offerings — what you see is what you get.

Airline and hotel loyalty programs will almost always allow you to redeem your points or miles directly on their website or mobile app. When searching for flights or hotels, you’ll likely see a box that says “use points.” The prices displayed will be in points, so you’ll know exactly how much you’ll need to make a redemption.

Knowing where to go to redeem your points is important, but you may also want to familiarize yourself with the different point redemption systems.

Travel reward point redemption options

Not all rewards programs are created equal, especially when it comes time to cash in your travel points. These three redemption models tend to be the most popular among travel credit cards:

Consistent points

Consistent points hold a constant value, regardless of season or travel destination. This point redemption model is the most transparent and user-friendly of the three.

Fluctuating points

The value of fluctuating points can be impacted by several factors, including travel destination and time of year. A point may carry less value when travelling during peak season instead of in the off-season. This model can make it challenging to determine the value of your points when trip planning. Look for any provider-issued charts or tables that outline what factors impact the value of your points.

Point transfers

Point transfers let you transfer points to affiliated rewards programs. This model may be useful for those trying to take advantage of multiple rewards programs. The catch? The value of your points may be different once they’ve been transferred, which means you’ll need to figure out the transfer ratio before you make a decision.

What to know about credit card travel insurance

For many, travel insurance is essential — especially when venturing outside Canada. While it’s likely the last thing you want to worry about when on vacation, medical emergencies happen. And your federal, provincial and territorial health plans may not cover the medical expenses you incur while travelling. That’s where travel insurance comes in.

Not only does travel insurance help cover medical expenses, it can also offer trip cancellation coverage, vehicle damage insurance, flight delay insurance and more.

You can get travel insurance from a third party, like a travel agent or insurance provider, but many travel credit cards offer it , too — and at no added cost to the cardholder.

Out-of-province travel emergency medical insurance

Travel medical insurance isn’t only for those travelling outside Canada; it can also provide coverage for those exploring another province or territory. Your provincial plan may not extend to emergency medical expenses incurred out of province. Out-of-province medical insurance can provide coverage for a range of medical needs and services, from prescription medication to emergency evacuations and hospital stays.

If your travel card offers out-of-province medical insurance, ask your provider about coverage limitations. Your medical expenses may not be covered if they’re the result of a pre-existing medical condition or high-risk activity, like bungee jumping or motorized racing.

Travel accident insurance

This type of insurance can be useful in the event of accidental injury or death while travelling on public or ticketed transportation, sometimes referred to as a common carrier. Some policies only cover accidents that happen on airplanes while others encompass a wider range of common transports, like trains, ships and buses.

Travel interruption/cancellation insurance

Trip cancellation coverage reimburses non-refundable travel expenses if your trip gets cancelled. Eligible cancellation circumstances may include dangerous weather conditions, pregnancy complications or the death of an immediate family member.

Trip interruption coverage activates once you’ve departed and reimburses non-refundable travel expenses if your trip is cut short. Again, not every circumstance will qualify for trip interruption coverage. Covered reasons for heading home ahead of schedule are often similar to those that qualify for cancellation coverage.

Flight delay insurance

Flight delays are frustrating, but they happen. If your flight is postponed and you need to book a place to stay or grab a bite to eat while you wait, flight delay insurance may reimburse those costs.

Lost/delayed baggage insurance

If your bags are delayed, this type of insurance will cover the cost of essential items you may need to purchase — like clothes or toiletries — while you wait for your bags to arrive. And if your bags are lost outright, you may be covered up to a predetermined amount for your lost property.

Rental car collision/loss damage insurance

If you plan to rent a car on your next trip, collision and damage insurance may come in handy. This insurance covers costs associated with theft or damage to your rental car. But it doesn’t replace liability insurance — the insurance that provides coverage if you injure someone or damage another vehicle on the road.

Your personal auto insurance policy may come with liability insurance that extends to rental vehicles, but contact your insurance provider to confirm you’re covered before you hit the road.

To take advantage of your credit card’s collision and damage insurance, you’ll need to decline coverage offered by your car rental company.

Hotel/motel burglary insurance

If your hotel or motel room is broken into while on the road, this coverage will reimburse you for the loss of stolen goods up to a set amount. Not all stolen items may be eligible for reimbursement.

How to choose the right travel credit card

Every credit card is good for at least one thing, so deciding on which card is best for you can be difficult. Here are some important criteria you can use to compare different travel credit card options.

Welcome bonus

If you’re trying to decide between several travel cards with similar rewards, the tiebreaker can often be the sign up bonus. Some credit cards offer a generous welcome offer that covers the annual fee or jumpstarts your rewards collection with thousands of free points or miles.

Every credit card has a base earn rate, but many of the best travel credit cards in Canada have an increased earn rate for specific bonus categories — like the TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card, which offers up to 8x the points per dollar spent on travel through its online Expedia portal.

If you have a general travel credit card, you could earn extra points on categories such as groceries, gas, pharmacies and more, like the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card , which offers 2x the points on food, drink and groceries . The earn rate is essential since choosing a card that lines up with your spending habits can quickly increase the number of points or miles you earn.

If you’re firmly against paying an annual fee for your credit card, you’ll instantly narrow down your choices. That said, there are some instances where an annual fee is worth the cost . Travel credit cards with a yearly fee typically have more benefits than their fee-free counterparts.

Reward flexibility

Having a lot of points is meaningless if it’s hard to redeem them. Look for a loyalty or rewards program where you know you’ll be able to use your points without much trouble. This means programs with no blackout dates and multiple redemption options.

You’ll also want to consider whether the program has any transfer partners, as that’s another way to use your points. Additionally, knowing if and when your points expire is key to ensuring you don’t lose your hard-earned rewards.

Perks and benefits

Besides the type of rewards, welcome bonus and earn rate, additional perks may sweeten the deal and sway your decision.

“Lounge access is always very important,” says Scheck. “It’s nice to have as you’re catching your flight. It’s a little bit quieter — a bit of an oasis from the rest of the airport.”

Another make-or-break consideration? Foreign transaction fees. Scheck says they can really add up, especially if you’re making a lot of transactions while travelling. A card with no transaction fees, like the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card , can help you save in the long run.

Scout for travel card perks when comparing your options: 

• Seat upgrades.
• Room upgrades.
• Premium lounge passes.
• Entertainment ticket presale access.
• Car rental discounts.
• Priority check-in and boarding.
• Various types of credit card insurance.

How to apply for a travel rewards credit card in Canada

Make sure you’re eligible.

Different travel credit cards have different eligibility criteria, so check whether you meet a card’s requirements before you begin the sign-up process. Here are some general eligibility criteria you may encounter when applying for a travel credit card:

• Canadian resident with a Canadian credit file.
• Age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
• Minimum annual income thresholds.

Fill out the application

When you apply for a credit card , you’re typically able to follow an online application process that can be completed from the card issuer’s website. Here’s a general rundown of the application process:

• Review the card’s details, terms and conditions.
• Enter your personal information, including your full name, date of birth, residential address and mobile phone number.
• Enter your Social Insurance Number.
• Enter your financial information, including your annual income and monthly expenses.
• Verify your identity by submitting photos of your original government-issued ID, like your passport or Driver’s Licence.
• Review the information you’ve supplied and submit your application.

Keep in mind that applying for a credit card may impact your credit score .

Tips to maximize your travel credit card rewards

If you’ve decided that a travel credit card is for you, follow these few tips to ensure you get the most out of your credit card rewards .

• Pay your bills in full and on time, so you don’t pay any interest.
• Make sure you meet the minimum spending requirement to get your welcome bonus.
• Pay attention to your earn rate and use your rewards card on purchases that earn extra points.
• Research your rewards program so you know what you can do with your points or miles.
• Calculate the value of your points before making a redemption.
• See if your loyalty program has a partner network where you can earn additional points.

Although choosing a travel credit card may require you to do some research, the value you get is often worth it. Getting free stuff on points feels great, especially if it’s something you’ve been saving a long time for.

FAQs for Canada’s Travel Reward Credit Cards

Yes, travel credit card rewards can expire. Most loyalty programs that belong to an airline or hotel have a defined expiry date of 12 – 18 months. However, that only applies if there’s been no account activity in your account during that time. If you earn or redeem just one point during that time, your clock would reset.

When it comes to bank rewards programs, your points may never expire as long as your credit card account is in good standing. Of course, your account would only fall out of good standing if it becomes delinquent or you use your credit card for fraudulent activity.

In most cases, a good credit score — generally 660 to 724 — is required to get the best travel credit cards. However, some secured credit cards and prepaid options offer rewards, and are more suitable for people with lower credit scores.

DIVE EVEN DEEPER

22 Best Credit Cards in Canada for May 2024

NerdWallet Canada’s picks for the best credit cards include top contenders across numerous card categories. Compare these options to find the ideal card for you.

Interest charges don’t need to be a mystery. Use our credit card interest calculator to see how much interest you’d owe if you carry a credit card balance.

25 Best Rewards Credit Cards in Canada for May 2024

Compare the best rewards credit cards in Canada across numerous rewards categories, including travel, cash back and more, to find the ideal card for your spending preferences.

6 Simple Ways to Save on Your Next Family Vacation

Travelling off-season, booking early and redeeming credit card points are simple ways to vacation smart and save big.

About the Author

Shannon Terrell is a lead writer and spokesperson for NerdWallet, where she writes about credit cards and personal finance. Previously, she was a writer, editor and video host for financial…

TD Travel Rewards Review [2024]: The Credit Cards Worth It?

Looking to earn cashback on your next travel adventure? See if TD's set of travel credit cards are worth the wait! From first class cash back visa cards to travel points, find out if TD travel rewards are worth investing in.

Booking travel is easier than ever, now that everything can be done online, and deals on hotels and flights are in more demand daily. But, to simplify things, whether you want to jet set to Europe or backpack Southeast Asia,  TD Travel Rewards  can help get you there.

With the vast number of travel rewards programs on the market, it can be confusing to determine which ones you should sign up for and which ones to avoid. How do you know if TD Travel Rewards is right for you? Read on to learn the ins and outs of TD Travel Rewards in this handy guide! 

Suppose you are a Canadian resident who holds a TD credit card. In that case, you might be eligible for the TD Travel Rewards program. Even if you aren't a TD customer, applying online and getting started is very easy.

Customers with an eligible TD card can earn points and redeem them for travel through their online portal, partnered with Expedia. Are TD travel points worth it, and are they right for you? Find all your answers and more in this all-inclusive guide!

What Are TD Travel Rewards?

TD Travel Rewards is a rewards program that allows credit card holders to earn points on every purchase. Some TD credit cards specifically earn travel rewards, while some earn cash-back points that can be used for almost anything. Each set of cards has its own travel-specific benefits as well. 

Can Non-Canadian Citizens Apply for a TD Travel Rewards Card?

TD Travel Rewards Credit Cards and cash-back cards are only available to Canadian residents and citizens over the age of 18. If you aren't a Canadian resident or citizen, there are plenty of  US travel credit cards  to choose from!

Some US travel cards require you to be a US citizen or resident. However,  American Express  Travel Cards allow applicants from selected foreign countries, making it a flexible option, perfect for digital nomads.

How Do TD Travel Points Work?

TD Travel Rewards points are easy to use and redeem online for exciting and unique travel benefits. Here is a breakdown of how the travel and cash-back rewards cards work.

• Apply online for a TD Travel Rewards credit card or the cash-back credit card you choose. 
• Earn rewards or cash back on all your everyday purchases, from your morning latte to your weekly groceries shop.
• Once you have earned enough points, you can redeem them online for flights or hotels with TD-specific deals on Expedia. 
• Points can also be used at any travel agency or website.

How Much Are the Points Worth?

TD Travel Rewards points can be used instead of cash and can only be redeemed online in increments of 200. 200 travel rewards points are worth $1. 

How Do I Book A Trip?

The best way to redeem TD Travel Reward Points is by booking through Expedia. Using Expedia gives you 0.5 cents per point, one of the best value for redeeming rewards. Here is how to redeem TD Travel Rewards using Expedia.

• Head to Expedia for  TD 's portal. 
• Sign in to your account. 
• Choose which travel rewards you want, like hotels, flights, or cruises.
• Book as usual and pay with your points! 

What About Cash-Back Credit Cards?

TD cash-back dollars are earned with every purchase using your TD cash-back credit card. Depending on which card you have, you can earn between 1-3% cash back on your everyday purchases. 

Your cash-back dollars can be used for any purchase through the TD app or online, including travel-related purchases! You could also splurge and get a new  Monos luggage  set or help fund the flight for your  Europe trip . 

How Can I Redeem TD Cash-Back Dollars?

If you have a credit card that gives you cash-back dollars, you can also redeem those for travel rewards! Cash-back dollars can be redeemed online in increments of $25. Here's how to redeem TD cash-back dollars.

• Log in to your My TD Rewards in the app or online.
• Select the Pay With Rewards page. 
• Start shopping!
• Enter the amount you want to redeem.
• Confirm and pay for your purchase.

Travel Rewards Credit Cards

TD has 4 Travel Rewards credit cards with different reward levels to choose from. Here's a breakdown of each card.

TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card

This is the highest level of Travel Rewards credit cards that TD has to offer. It's an excellent option for those looking for a card with luxury and regular travel benefits.

Annual Fee: $139

Interest: 20.99%

Cash Advance Interest: 22.99%

Additional Cardholder Fee: $50

Minimum Income to Apply: Single income of 60K or household income of 100k

• Bonus 20,000 TD Rewards Points after your first purchase.
• Birthday bonus of up to 10,000 points.
• Points can be redeemed for eGift cards, education credits, or cash credits.
• 8 points for every $1 when booking through Expedia.
• 6 points for every $1 spent on groceries and restaurants.
• 4 points for every $1 spent on recurring bills.
• 2 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Travel Benefits

• $100 travel credit when booking through Expedia.
• No travel blackouts or limitations whatsoever.
• Extra deals on rentals with Avis Car Rentals Rent-A-Car and Budget Rent-a-Car.

Exclusive Travel Benefits

• Exclusive benefits when booking with Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection.
• Access to special events with The Visa Infinite Dining Series.
• Benefits at over 95 participating wineries in famous wine regions of Canada and the US.
• Golf and entertainment benefits.

Insurance Coverage

• Emergency travel assistance.
• Lost baggage.
• Car rentals. 
• Flight delay or cancellation.
• Medical travel.
• Trip delay or cancellation. 

TD Business Travel Visa Card

This travel card is perfect for business-minded travelers, with great perks for running your business.

Annual Fee: $149

Interest: 19.99%

Additional Cardholder Fee: $49

Minimum Income to Apply: None

• Welcome bonus of 30,000 points after your first purchase. 
• 60,000 points if you spend $2,500 in monthly purchases for the first year.
• Annual fee rebate after the first year.
• Points can be redeemed for anything, like eGift cards or cash credits.
• TD card management access helps you manage business expenses.
• 6 points for every $1 spent on foreign currency, restaurant, and recurring bill payments. 
• Earn 9 points when you book travel through Expedia.
• No travel blackouts or limitations, whatsoever.
• Extra deals on rentals with Avis Car Rentals Rent-A-Car and Budget Rent a Car.
• Travel medical.
• Trip delay or cancellation.
• Auto insurance.

TD Platinum Travel Visa Card

This TD travel card is excellent for travelers who only need some of the luxury perks of the top-tier travel card or the business-focused perks. 

Annual Fee: $89

Additional Cardholder Card Holder Fee: $35

• Welcome bonus of 15,000 points after your first purchase.
• 35,000 points when you spend $1,000 within 90 days of opening an account.
• 6 points for every $1 when booking through Expedia.
• 4.5 points for every $1 spent on groceries and restaurants.
• 3 points for every $1 spent on recurring bills.
• 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

TD Rewards Visa Card

This lowest-tier travel card is an excellent way to budget yet still earn travel points, even on a budget! 

Annual Fee: $0

Interest: 19.9%

Additional Cardholder Fee: $0

• Cellphone insurance of up to $1000 if you lose or damage your phone.
• 4 points for every $1 when booking through Expedia.
• 3 points for every $1 spent on groceries and restaurants.
• 2 points for every $1 spent on recurring bills.
• 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Cash-Back Credit Cards

TD has 2 cash-back credit cards, each with distinct advantages and different levels to choose from. Here's a breakdown of each card.

TD Cash Back Visa Infinite Card

Additional Cardholder Card Holder Fee: $50

• No annual fee for the first year. 
• Cellphone insurance.
• 3% cash-back on groceries and gas.
• 1% cash-back on all other purchases.
• Cash-back dollars can be used for any purchases.
• Emergency Road Services with Deluxe TD Auto Club Membership.

TD Cash Back Visa Card

Cash Advance Interest: 29.99%

Additional Cardholder Card Holder Fee: $0

• 1% cash-back on groceries and gas.
• 0.5% cash-back on all other purchases.
• Cash-back dollars can be used on any purchases.

Is TD Travel Rewards Worth It?

For travelers looking to earn fantastic points and significant cash-back percentages with TD's top-tier travel cards, it's definitely worth it! The top-tier TD Travel Rewards card gives an important point-to-spending ratio, and insurance coverage that's handy on the road. This card also has attractive luxury travel benefits. 

Travelers looking to save money and still get great benefits might want to weigh their other options and compare TD with other travel cards. Although the lower tier cards have $0 in annual fees, they give less than a point-to-point spending ratio. That said, any travel card earning points is better than no points at all. 

Our Rating: 4.1/5 

• Lots of price point options for different card levels.
• Budget cards are available.
• Top-tier cards have excellent insurance coverage.
• Low-tier cards only have a few benefits and only give a few points.
• Minimum income required for top-tier cards.
• Top-tier cards need a high minimum spend to earn bonus points. 

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Understanding the Travel Benefits Your Credit Card Offers

Whether you’re travelling for work or play, there is a possibility of risk when venturing away from home. From losing luggage or scratching the rental vehicle, to injuring yourself or falling sick, the travel benefits included with your TD credit card can help you travel prepared.

How Credit Card Travel Benefits can help you

Travel prepared with the travel benefits on your TD credit card. Depending on the TD credit card, travel benefits could include:

• Travel Medical Insurance 1
• Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance 2
• Delayed and Lost Baggage Insurance 3
• Flight/Trip Delay Insurance 3
• Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance 4
• Auto Rental Collision / Lost Damage Insurance 5
• Emergency Travel Assistance Services 6
• Hotel / Motel Burglary Insurance 7

How do the travel benefits on my credit card work?

Credit card travel benefits can work in many ways. For example, they may:

Provide insurance for travel expenses Depending on the travel benefits included with your TD credit card, you may be insured for certain travel related expenses (i.e. car rentals) and you could also be insured in certain situations (i.e. medical emergencies).

Come with additional Travel Medical Insurance Timeframes vary depending on your age, the length of the trip and the type of credit card.

Make it easier to make a claim In the event of a claim, you’ll want to contact our claims administrator to initiate your claim. It helps to have all your receipts available during this process.

What coverage do I have with my credit card travel benefits?

Depending on the credit card you have, you could be eligible for a range of coverages, from trip cancellations, to lost baggage, to car rental accidents. Check your TD credit card travel insurance benefits  here . It is important to read your  certificate of insurance  to understand which coverages you have with your credit card.

Benefits of having Credit card travel Insurance

There are a number of scenarios when having travel benefits on your credit card may be beneficial.

Your family vacation

It’s your first family trip, your flight’s been cancelled, and you’ve missed your connection. Fortunately, Trip Cancellation Insurance 2  may provide coverage for the cost of your required hotel room.

Lost luggage? No worries.

Imagine finally being able to travel only to then lose your luggage. Thankfully, Delayed and Lost Baggage insurance 3  can help cover a portion of the loss.

Your business trip

While driving to your annual sales meeting, you get into a minor collision and damage the rental vehicle. Thankfully, your Auto Rental Collision/Loss Damage Insurance 5  could help you get back on your way.

How to get started

If you love to travel the world and experience new places and cultures, a TD® Aeroplan® Visa* Credit Card might be for you.

• Travel Rewards

TD Travel Rewards Cards let you earn points on everyday purchases that can be redeemed for flights, hotels and much more.

Earn cash back on purchases, which can be redeemed whenever you want – for what is most essential to you.

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Explore our Canadian credit card accounts to see which one is right for you.

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1  Underwritten by TD Life Insurance Company. Medical and claims assistance, claims payment and administrative services are provided by our Administrator. Benefits, features and coverages are subject to conditions, limitations and exclusions, including a pre-existing condition exclusion, that are fully described in the Certificates of Insurance included with your TD Credit Cardholder Agreement. Note that this insurance offers different benefits, with different terms and conditions, then the optional Travel Medical Insurance that may be medically underwritten and is available for purchase to all TD customers, which you may be eligible to top up with. The day of departure from and the day of return to your province or territory of residence each count as one full day.

2  Underwritten by TD Life Insurance Company (for medical covered causes) and TD Home and Auto Insurance Company (for non-medical covered causes). To be eligible for this insurance, at least 75% of your trip cost must be paid for using your TD Credit Card and/or Aeroplan points. Benefits, features and coverages are subject to conditions, limitations and exclusions, including a pre-existing condition exclusion, that are fully described in the Certificate of Insurance included with your TD Credit Cardholder Agreement. Note that this insurance offers different benefits, with different terms and conditions, than the optional Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance that is available to all TD customers.

3  Underwritten by TD Home and Auto Insurance Company. To be eligible for this coverage, at least 75% of your trip cost must be paid for using your TD Credit Card and/or associated Aeroplan points. Benefits, features and coverages are subject to conditions, limitations and exclusions that are fully described in the Certificate of Insurance included with your TD Credit Cardholder Agreement.

4  Underwritten by TD Life Insurance Company. To be eligible for this coverage, your trip must be paid for in full using your TD Credit Card and/or Aeroplan points. Benefits, features and coverages are subject to conditions, limitations and exclusions that are fully described in the Certificate of Insurance included with your TD Credit Cardholder Agreement.

5  Underwritten by TD Home and Auto Insurance Company. Car rentals must be charged in full to the Card and/or associated Aeroplan points, cannot exceed 48 consecutive days and the rental agency’s Collision Damage Waiver(CDW) coverage must be declined by the Cardholder. Please note, in some jurisdictions, rental agencies may require you to purchase the CDW coverage from them — it is important to call before booking your car rental to confirm their insurance requirements. Refer to the Auto Rental Collision/Loss Damage Insurance section of your TD Credit Cardholder Agreement for rental exclusions and further details.

6  Provided by our Administrator under a service agreement with TD Life Insurance Company. This is not an insurance benefit but assistance services only.

7  Insurance coverages are underwritten by American Bankers Insurance Company of Florida (ABIC) under Group Policy TDA112020. Benefits, features and coverages are subject to conditions, limitations and exclusions that are fully described in the Certificates of Insurance included with your TD Credit Cardholder Agreement. ABIC, its subsidiaries, and affiliates carry on business in Canada under the name of Assurant ®. ®Assurant is a registered trademark of Assurant, Inc.

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What Is TD First Class Rewards?

Td first class℠ visa signature ® credit card, td cash credit card, td double up card, td cash secured credit card, td business solutions credit card, how to redeem td first class miles & cash rewards, final thoughts.

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TD Bank is an American national bank that also happens to be a subsidiary of a Canadian institution called Toronto-Dominion Bank.

This full-service institution offers various personal, business, commercial, and wealth management products, but it’s probably most well-known for its TD Ameritrade brokerage platform for stock trading and investing.

Even though TD Bank offers its flagship Aeroplan-branded credit cards only to eligible Canadian applicants, it does also offer a range of rewards credit cards to U.S. consumers.

Let’s walk through them together!

TD’s flagship rewards system in the U.S. is called TD First Class Rewards and the rewards you can earn and redeem are called TD First Class miles.

In the U.S., TD Bank’s credit cards use the Visa payment network.

As long as your credit card account is open and in good standing, your miles won’t expire.

If you misuse the rewards program, file for bankruptcy, or have serious payment delinquency, your credit card account may be terminated by TD Bank, after which you’ll have 60 days to use your miles before they expire.

Hot Tip: TD Bank also has a cash rewards system known as TD Cash Rewards, which we will talk about in the later sections. 

TD First Class Rewards Cards

TD’s flagship rewards system has just 1 credit card that earns TD First Class miles; it’s a personal credit card, and it represents a relatively recent consolidation of a few now-discontinued TD rewards credit cards.

The TD First Class Visa card is a premium rewards credit card that comes with a sizable welcome bonus. Typically, the welcome bonus is highest on this TD card compared to other TD cards in the U.S.

When you hold this credit card, you will earn:

• 3x First Class miles per $1 spent on travel purchases, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and cruises
• 3x First Class miles per $1 spent on dining
• 1x First Class miles per $1 spent on all other purchases

There are no caps or limits to the number of miles you can earn.

This card also usually comes with a 0% balance transfer APR promotion ; the 0% introductory APR promotion rarely applies to purchases. There’s a balance transfer fee of 3% or $5, whichever amount is greater.

Other benefits include contactless payments, the ability to add your card to your digital wallet, and Visa’s zero liability security.

This card doesn’t have any foreign transaction fees . The annual fee is $89, which is usually waived for the first year.

TD Cash Rewards Cards

TD’s cash-back system is called TD Cash Rewards . It functions like any other cash-back program in the sense that you accumulate rewards when making purchases and can use your rewards as needed.

In total, TD Bank offers 4 cash-back cards to U.S. residents: 3 personal cards (1 secured) and 1 business card.

Let’s get into it!

The TD Cash card is TD Bank’s best cash-back credit card. Offering a small welcome bonus, generous bonus categories , and exceptional introductory APR offers, it’s TD’s best no annual fee card.

Designed to be an everyday credit card, this product earns:

• 3% cash-back on dining including takeout and delivery
• 2% cash-back at grocery stores
• 1% cash-back on all other purchases

There are no limits to the points you can earn.

When you sign up for the card, you’ll also usually get a 0% introductory APR promotion on both balance transfers and purchases ! The balance transfer offer terms and purchase offer terms will be different (one might be 15 months while the other might be 6 months).

Of course, you’ll also get the ability to use your card in your digital wallet (for contactless payments) and enjoy Visa’s zero liability coverage. Lastly, you can get an instant credit card replacement at a TD Bank location if your card is lost or stolen!

There’s a 3% foreign transaction fee and no annual fee .

The TD Double Up card doesn’t have high bonus categories like the TD Cash card does. Instead, it’s intended to be a rewarding credit card for broad spending habits.

When you sign up, you’re eligible to get a small welcome bonus. As part of the ordinary welcome offer, you’ll usually also get a 0% introductory APR benefit for balance transfers (not purchases).

On an ongoing basis, you can earn up to 2% cash-back :

• 1% cash-back on purchases
• Another 1% cash-back when you redeem into an eligible TD Bank deposit account

Your cash-back rewards are unlimited so long as your card is open and in good standing.

You’ll get digital wallet capabilities, contactless payments, Visa Zero Liability, and instant credit card replacements at a TD Bank branch if your card is stolen or lost.

This card has a 3% foreign transaction fee and no annual fee.

If your credit isn’t stellar, the TD Cash Secured card offers the ability to access credit in a secured product while building and improving your credit when making on-time payments.

You can apply online to get conditionally approved, then fund a minimum of $300 into a savings account (TD Simple Savings) at a TD Bank branch near you.

Your credit limit is equal to the security deposit you put up, which can be $300 to $5,000, subject to credit approval.

You’ll earn 1% cash-back on all eligible purchases.

The TD Cash Secured card has a $29 annual fee, as well as a 3% foreign transaction fee.

Our very last credit card in this section is the TD Business Solutions card, which is TD Bank’s flagship U.S. business credit card.

Offering a nice welcome bonus, the TD Business Solutions card shares the capability of earning up to 2% cash-back on all business purchases:

As usual, there are no caps or limits to earning rewards.

All of the standard benefits apply, including contactless payments, digital wallet compatibility, Visa Zero Liability, and instant card replacements.

There’s a 3% foreign transaction fee but no annual fee when you use this card.

In the U.S., TD First Class miles are worth 1 cent per point , regardless of the redemption method. Currently, you can redeem TD First Class miles for travel, cash-back, and gift cards.

But if all redemption values are the same, it makes the most sense to redeem your miles for cash-back.

On the flip side, you can use your TD Cash Rewards as statement credits or deposits into an eligible TD account. We always recommend depositing your TD Cash Rewards into an eligible TD account when you consider that you might be able to double your rewards by doing so!

Log into your online credit card account and get started redeeming your rewards. Alternatively, you can call the number on the back of your card to redeem your miles.

TD Bank offers a somewhat underwhelming set of rewards credit cards. Miles and cash-back are more or less the same things: 1 cent per mile or point.

There is just 1 TD First Class miles-earning card, while there are 4 TD Cash Rewards credit cards available in the U.S.

With TD Bank, you can earn up to a 3% return on spend with a low or no annual fee card.

The information regarding the TD First Class℠ Visa Signature ® Credit Card, TD Cash Credit Card, TD Double Up Card, TD Cash Secured Credit Card, and TD Business Solutions Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.  The information regarding the TD First Class℠ Visa Signature ® Credit Card, TD Cash Credit Card, TD Double Up Card, TD Cash Secured Credit Card and TD Business Solutions Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much are my td first class travel points worth.

In the U.S., your TD First Class miles are worth 1 cent per point, regardless of how you redeem your miles. You can use your miles for cash-back, travel, or gift cards.

How do I redeem TD First Class Visa card points?

You can redeem your TD First Class points by logging into the online website or calling the phone number on the back of your card.

Do TD Bank credit cards cover car rental insurance?

The TD First Class Visa card is a Visa Signature card that offers a secondary auto rental collision damage waiver.

Is the TD First Class card worth it?

We would generally recommend opening a credit card with a different institution. In most cases, American Express , Chase , Citi , and Capital One offer amazing rewards credit cards to maximize your spending.

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The best travel credit cards in Canada for 2024

From points to perks, a good travel credit card can make your trip more affordable, more comfortable and even more secure.

Why trust us

MoneySense is an award-winning magazine, helping Canadians navigate money matters since 1999. Our editorial team of trained journalists works closely with leading personal finance experts in Canada. To help you find the best financial products, we compare the offerings from over 12 major institutions, including banks, credit unions and card issuers. Learn more about our  advertising and trusted partners .

The best travel credit cards in Canada by category

By Keph Senett on May 1, 2024 Estimated reading time: 22 minutes

There are numerous travel credit cards in Canada to choose from, but you can get the best value by selecting one that pairs a strong earn rate for rewards along with perks like lounge access, travel credits or rebates, superior insurance coverage and the flexibility to transfer points between cards. Ultimately, choose your card based how you like to travel, your spending and credit card habits and travel perks that fit your lifestyle. To help you pick the perfect card, we’ve come up with a list of Canada’s best travel credit cards.

MoneySense insight

Brim credit cards are getting a serious downgrade. Starting May 18, the Brim Mastercard, World Mastercard and World Elite Mastercard will no longer offer no foreign exchange fees. Cardholders will be charged 1.5% on all foreign currency purchases (which is less than the 2.5% typically charged, but a full 1.5% more than existing cardholders are used to). If you’re searching for an alternative no-forex card, the Scotiabank Gold Amex —our runner up for the overall best travel rewards card—is a good option. Or you can check out our list of the best no-forex cards in Canada .

—Justin Dallaire, senior editor

Best overall travel rewards credit card

At a glance: With outstanding earn rates in broadly-defined, popular spending categories, the American Express Cobalt card is a travel rewards beast. Points are easy to redeem and flexible, and you can increase their value by transferring them to other travel loyalty programs. It comes with a comprehensive insurance package, so you travel carefree.

American Express Cobalt

• Annual fee: $156
• Earn rate: 5 points per $1 spent on dining and groceries; 2 points per $1 spent on transit and gas; and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Welcome offer: You can earn 1,250 points for each month you spend $750, up to a maximum of 15,000 points.
• Annual income requirement: None
• Point value: 1 Amex Membership Rewards point = $0.01 when redeemed with the Flexible Points Travel Program, $0.015 on average with the Fixed Points Travel Program, and up to $0.02 with airline points transfers
• Recommended credit score for approval: 725 or higher
• Interest rates: 21.99% on purchases, 21.99% on cash advances
• At 5 points per dollar spent on eats and drinks, 3 points per dollar on streaming services, and 2 points per dollar on travel and transit, this card has some of the highest earn rates around. Plus, the high earn rate on food and groceries is capped at $2,500 per month, and no limits are applied to other categories.
• The boosted spend categories are very broadly defined so you’ll earn more points for more of your purchases. For example, “eats and drinks”  includes everything from grocery stores to coffee shops to food delivery, and everything from gas to rideshares to flights falls under “travel and transit”.
• Amex points are flexible and lucrative. Redeem points the simple way at a flat rate of 10,000 points for $10 towards any travel expense—or, if you’re a savvy points collector—boost your point values by using Amex’s Fixed Point chart or transferring points to another program like Aeroplan.
• Although American Express is accepted at tens of thousands of businesses across the country, it’s not as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard.
• The annual fee is charged monthly which slightly obscures the fact that the total is $155.88 per year, a bit more than the $120 charged by some comparable cards.
• The travel insurance package lacks Trip Cancellation protection which covers you in case of a sudden illness.

Honourable mention

At a glance: With a lower annual fee and no foreign exchange fees, the Scotiabank Gold American Express gives the Amex Cobalt a run for its money. You’ll enjoy strong earn rates, easy and flexible redemptions, and one of the best travel insurance packages on the market. Frequent customers of Sobeys-affiliated stores like Safeway, FreshCo and Thriftys will especially appreciate the extra points boost on grocery purchases there.

Scotiabank Gold American Express

• Annual fee: $120
• Earn rates: 6 points per $1 spent at Sobeys-affiliated stores; 5 points per $1 on dining, entertainment and groceries; 3 points per $1 on gas, transit and streaming; 1 point per $1 on everything else
• Welcome offer: You can earn up to $650 in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points. Must apply by July 1, 2024.
• Annual income requirement: $12,000
• Point value: 1 Scene+ point = $0.01 when redeemed for travel, store purchases and food and drink at Cineplex and Scene partners
• Recommended credit score   for approval : 700 or higher
• Interest rates: 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances, 22.99% on balance transfers
• With 5 points per dollar on entertainment, restaurants, food delivery and groceries (plus an extra point at Sobeys stores).
• Redemptions are simple and super flexible–especially for travel where 10,000 points is equal to $10 in value on any airline. In fact, you can apply points for travel purchases retroactively for up to one year by applying them in your app or online. 
• There are no foreign exchange fees when you use this card to pay in a foreign currency (most cards charge 2.5% on all foreign currency purchases).
• The card’s travel insurance package is excellent and includes up to 25 days of travel emergency medical for those under the age of 65.
• Like all American Express cards, this one won’t be accepted at some retailers such as Loblaws banner stores. 
• Supplementary cards are $29 each, unlike with our winning card, the Amex Cobalt, where they’re free.
• As a fixed-rate program, Scene+ points are always valued at 1 cent per point as opposed to some dynamic programs where you can get better value during certain time periods. 
• You’ll only earn the base rate of 1 point per dollar on foreign currency transactions regardless of whether they are in a bonus category or not.

Best airline travel credit cards

For aeroplan.

At a glance: Although you could use our number one travel card, the Amex Cobalt, to transfer Amex points to Aeroplan, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite tops our list of best Aeroplan credit cards in Canada for its easy redemptions and extras like the $100 Nexus fee rebate. Plus, if you frequently spend on Ubers or are a regular at Starbucks, you could stretch your rewards even further with this card.

TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card

• Annual fee: $139
• Earn rates: 1.5 Aeroplan points per $1 spent on gas, groceries and purchases made directly through Air Canada (including vacation packages), and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
• Welcome bonus: You can earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase with your new card; earn 20,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $6,000 within 180 days of Account opening. Conditions apply. Account must be approved by June 3, 2024.  
• Anniversary bonus: Earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $10,000 within 12 months of opening the account. Conditions apply. Account must be approved by June 3, 2024.
• Annual income requirement: Personal income of $60,000 or household income of $100,000
• Point value: Aeroplan points are worth $0.02 on average
• Recommended credit score for approval : 660 or higher
• Interest rates: 20.99 % on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances, 22.99% on balance transfers
• You can earn Aeroplan Status Qualifying Miles on your everyday purchases so you advance in Aeroplan status faster. The higher you go, the better the perks, like priority boarding, discounts on flights and priority seat selection.   
• Card holders and up to eight travel companions travelling on the same reservation get their first checked bag free when your trip starts on an Air Canada flight. 
• In addition to being able to redeem for Air Canada flights, you can redeem your points on a dozen Star Alliance partners like Lufthansa and United. 
• This card has valuable extras like a $100 Nexus fee rebate every two years. 
• The included insurance package is competitive, and includes emergency medical travel coverage for longer than some competitors (21 days, or 4 days for those 65 and older).
• If you’re looking for the absolute best way to get as many Aeroplan points as you can, using the Amex Cobalt and transferring your points at a 1:1 ratio is a better option, but this is our choice for a simple, Aeroplan-specific card.
• Aeroplan is a dynamic chart-based program which means point values can fluctuate based on where and when you’re flying, so it may not be the right program for cardholders looking for simplicity. 
• This card has a slightly higher annual fee ($139) than some other cards in its category.

Best Aeroplan alternative

If you’re currently a CIBC customer, you might find the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite card to be quite comparable. It shares almost identical earn rates and many similar perks (excluding the Nexus rebate). The insurance offerings are quite similar, though the CIBC card provides $5 million in emergency medical coverage, compared to the $2 million offered by the TD card. However, it’s important to note that CIBC’s coverage is limited to 15 days (or 3 days for those 65 and older). CIBC offers a supplementary card for $50, which is $25 less than the TD card.

For WestJet 

At a glance :   With a 1.5% base rate and 2% back on WestJet flights or vacation packages, this card gives travellers a solid tool to take the sting out of the cost of airfare. Add to that competitive perks like an annual round-trip companion voucher and a free first checked bag for you and up to eight travel companions, and you’ve got a card WestJet flyers will want to consider.

WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard

• Annual fee: $119
• Earn rate : 2% back in WestJet dollars on WestJet flights and vacations packages and 1.5% back on all other purchases
• Welcome offer : You can earn up to $450 in WestJet dollars with the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard. Plus, get a Round-Trip Companion Voucher Every Year – for any WestJet destination starting from $119 CAD (plus taxes, fees, charges and other ATC).
• Annual income requirements : Personal income of $80,000 or household income of $150,000
• Point value: 1 WestJet Dollar = $1 CAD when redeemed for eligible flights or vacation packages
• Recommended credit score: None specified
• Interest rates : 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances
• Get one round-trip companion voucher to anywhere WestJet flies annually, which lets you book a companion fare at a reduced rate when you also book a full fare. Or, you can exchange the companion voucher for four airport lounge passes.
• Receive up to three $500 Status Lifts annually, which get you to the next rewards tier faster. The higher your tier, the more benefits you’ll get, like lounge access.
• The WestJet rewards program is simple, without confusing charts or blackout periods. One point equals 1 cent in savings on Westjet flights. 
• You get rewarded for your loyalty—earn 2% on WestJet flights or vacations, which is a higher earn rate for travel bookings than other cards on this list.
• When you use a round-trip companion voucher, the discount only applies to the base rate of the fare. Taxes, airport fees, and air transportation charges remain the same—and these can be quite hefty. 
• WestJet dollars are not transferable to any other airlines or airline programs.

Best no-fee travel credit card

At a glance: One of our best no-fee cards in Canada , the American Express Green Card earns you points on your everyday spending that you can redeem for statement credits, gifts, cards, merchandise or travel, and like the Cobalt, they’re transferable at a 1:1 ratio to other frequent flyer or rewards programs. This is notable because by transferring to a program like Aeroplan, you can boost the value of your points significantly. 

American Express Green Card

• Annual fee: $0
• Earn rate: 1 point for every $1 spent on all purchases and 1 additional point for every $1 spent on hotel or car bookings made on americanexpress.ca.
• Welcome offer: You can earn 10,000 Membership Rewards points when you charge $1,000 in purchases to your card in the first three months of cardmembership.
• Points values: 1 Amex Membership Rewards point = $0.01 when redeemed with the Flexible Points Travel Program, $0.015 on average with the Fixed Points Travel Program, and up to $0.02 with airline points transfers.
• Recommended credit score for approval: 660 or higher
• Interest rates: 20.99% on purchases, 21.99% on cash advances
• You’ll earn a flat rate of 1 point per dollar on all of your everyday spending with no spending limits, and this will be doubled for hotel or car rental bookings made through Amex Travel Online. 
• When you transfer your points to another program, like Aeroplan, you can double their value to 2 cents apiece. A 1.5% to 2% return on your spending is rare for a no-fee card.
• Amex Membership rewards like Experiences allows you to take advantage of curated dining, shopping, and entertainment events, while Front of the Line gets you advance access to tickets.
• There is no included travel insurance nor travel-related perks like lounge or Wi-Fi access with this card, but that’s not unusual for a no-fee card.
• American Express cards are accepted at tens of thousands of locations across Canada and abroad, but there are limitations–mostly in the grocery sector. In Canada, you cannot use an Amex at Costco or Loblaws banner stores.

At a glance: This no-fee travel card offers accelerated earn rates on restaurant, grocery, digital media, membership and household utility purchases, giving you lots of ways to earn points through your everyday spending. Plus, the birthday bonus perk returns 10% of your annual earnings in points. Points are worth $0.01 each when you redeem for travel, and they never expire.

MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus Mastercard

• Earn rates: Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible groceries, restaurants, digital media, membership and household utility purchases ($10,000 max annual spend) and 1 point per $1 on everything else
• Welcome offer: You can earn 10,000 bonus points ($50 in cash back value). Plus, get 4 points per $1 spent on eligible restaurant, grocery, digital media, membership and household utility purchases during the first 90 days.. (Not available for residents of Quebec.)
• Points values: 1 MBNA Rewards point = $0.01 when redeemed for travel
• Interest rates: 19.99% on purchases, 24.99% on cash advances, 22.99% on balance transfers
• This card comes with an impressive five bonus categories, giving you many opportunities to rack up points. 
• Unique birthday bonus perk returns 10% of your yearly earnings in points so you’ll get an annual boost.
• Includes $1,000 in new mobile device protection.
• The point redemption process isn’t super intuitive or flexible. You have to redeem points on MBNA’s travel portal and can’t transfer points.
• The annual cap on the bonus categories, such as groceries, is $10,000 per category. Any purchases beyond that amount will earn at the base rate of 1 point per $1 spent.
• Unlike a lot of other travel credit cards, this card doesn’t include travel insurance but that’s to be expected in a no-annual-fee card.

Best hotel credit card

At a glance : You’ll earn Marriott Bonvoy points on every purchase you make at the world’s largest hotel conglomerate, redeemable at more than 30 hotel chains (from Marriott and St. Regis to The Ritz-Carlton) in 130 countries. Get service upgrades like free Wi-Fi, spa treatments, dining experiences, or free hotel stays. Points are also transferable to around 40 other airline programs like Aeroplan, Delta SkyMiles and Virgin Atlantic.

Marriott Bonvoy American Express

• A nnual fee:  $120
• Earn rates:  5 points per $1 at Marriott properties, 2 points per $1 everywhere else
• Welcome offer:  earn 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
• Point value: 1 Marriott Bonvoy point = $0.0117 on average when redeemed for eligible flights or hotel stays.
• Recommended credit score for approval : 725 or higher
• Interest rates:  20.99% on purchases, 21.99% on cash advances
• You can treat yourself to hotel-related upgrades, services and free nights at hotels, including St. Regis, The Ritz-Carlton and Westin, or for other travel-related expenses like flights or car rentals. Bonvoy points are flexible—you can also use them for merchandise and experiences.
• The base rate of 2 points per dollar is quite good, but your points will really rack up when you earn 5 points per dollar spent on your Marriott hotel stays. 
• This card comes with some valuable perks like one free night’s stay at a Marriott property every year and 15 Elite Night Credits to help you achieve the next level of status.
• If you reach $30,000 in total annual spending on the card, you’ll be upgraded to Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status and unlock perks like room upgrades, savings on points redemptions for hotel stays and more.
• As an Amex card, this package gets you Amex benefits like Front of the Line and dining, retail and wellness experiences.
• The value of Marriott Bonvoy points can fluctuate based on a mix of factors—from the hotel you’re staying at to the time of the year—meaning maximizing points and transfer options isn’t always straightforward to newer point collectors. 
• Points are worth less for airline transfers at a 3:1 ratio, meaning you’re missing out on maximizing value for anything other than hotel bookings.
• American Express is less widely accepted than Mastercard or Visa.

Best credit card for premium perks

At a glance: The Amex Platinum gives new meaning to the old saying, “You get what you pay for.” In this case, the $799 annual fee pays for itself through a smorgasbord of incredible perks. Your travel experience will be transformed with unlimited airport lounge access, partnerships at Fine Hotel + Resorts properties, and priority treatment at Toronto Pearson Airport. The many perks—like several hundred dollars worth of annual travel and dining credits and a Nexus fee rebate—go a long way toward offsetting the price tag.

American Express Platinum

• Annual fee: $799
• Rewards: 2 points per $1 on dining and food delivery; 2 points per $1 on travel, plus 1 additional point on purchases booked through Amex Travel Online; 1 point per $1 on everything else.
• Welcome bonus: You can earn up to 100,000 rewards points ($1,000 value). Conditions apply.
• Recommended credit score: 760 or higher
• Interest rates: N/A (as a charge card, you’re required to pay off your balance in full every month)
• You’ll get a $200 travel credit each year that can be redeemed towards a travel purchase made through American Express Travel Online. Spend your additional annual $200 dining credit at select restaurants around the world, including 100 in Canada.  
• Get access to The American Express Global Lounge Collection composed of more than 1,300 lounges in over 140 countries, including American Express Centurion Lounges, Plaza Premium and Delta Sky lounges. Cardholders may have unlimited free visits and companion passes at no additional cost, depending on the lounge.
• Automatically achieve the higher tier in the Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy hotel programs.
• Obtain personalized assistance through Platinum Concierge service. The concierge can make restaurant reservations, obtain tickets to special events, book services for you, and more—at no additional cost to you. 
• Because the Platinum is a charge card, high-volume spenders are not restricted by a conventional credit limit.
• Additional cards cost $250 each annually. 
• Given the annual fee, the travel medical insurance is lackluster. Whereas some cards offer 20 days or more, this card only covers you for up to 15 consecutive days and doesn’t offer any insurance to those who are 65 or older.
• Charge whatever you want to the card (there’s no credit limit), but because it’s a charge card, you’re required to pay off the balance in full every month.

Best travel credit card for students

At a glance: The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students bundles the ability to earn Aeroplan rewards with a few travel benefits and student-friendly perks to deliver a competitive package for no annual fee.

CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students

• Earn rates: 1 point per $1 spent on gas and EV charging, groceries and Air Canada purchases, and 1 point per $1.50 on everything else
• Welcome offer: Earn 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase ($200 value).
• Interest rates: 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances
• You can use your points on any available Air Canada seat and there are no blackout dates. Plus, you can use your points with any of Aeroplan’s many partners such as United and Aer Lingus.
• Aeroplan points are worth a lot compared to those of other programs, and they can be redeemed for flights with multiple airlines, not just Air Canada. 
• You can often get preferred pricing so you can often book flights using fewer points and you can pay for flight rewards with a combination of points and cash.
• A free SPC membership is included, giving you access to discounts and giveaways, and you’ll save up to 10 cents off per litre when you buy gas at participating stations with Journie Rewards.
• You’ll have common carrier accident coverage, car rental collision and loss damage protection and purchase protection.
• Unlike other Aeroplan cards, you won’t earn Status Qualifying Miles on your everyday purchases. 
• The Aeroplan points program isn’t the most intuitive to understand, especially for first-time card holders, because point values fluctuate based on a regional chart.

At a glance: The no-fee TD Rewards Visa combines the ability to earn flexible travel rewards points with other student-friendly perks like bundled banking services. Although TD Rewards points are worth less than some other loyalty programs, the earn rate is fairly generous across everyday spending categories giving you lots of opportunities to earn.

TD Rewards Visa Card

• Earn rates: 4 TD Rewards points per $1 spent on travel purchases made through Expedia for TD , 3 points per $1 on groceries and at restaurants, 2 points per $1 on recurring bill payments, and 1 point on all other purchases
• Welcome offer: You can earn a value of $50 in TD Rewards Points to use on eligible Amazon.ca purchases, plus no annual fee. Conditions apply. Account must be approved by June 3, 2024.
• Point value: 1 TD Rewards point = $0.005 when redeemed for travel via Expedia For TD or $0.004 when redeemed through other providers and websites
• Recommended credit score: 660 or higher
• Interest rates: 19.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances and 22.99% on balance transfers
• You can quadruple your points by simply booking travel through Expedia for TD, but bookings made elsewhere still earn at a rate of 1 point per dollar and there’s no limit to how many points you can earn on travel.
• In addition to travel rewards like flights or hotels, you can redeem your points for Amazon purchases, or put them towards statement credits to cover your balance. 
• You’ll enjoy student-friendly perks and discounts at partners including Amazon, Starbucks, and Uber.
• Point values are easy-to-understand: 200 points always equals $1 in travel rewards booked on Expedia. 
• The boosted spending categories for grocery and restaurants, and recurring bill payments are capped at a $5,000 annual spend so after that, you’ll earn at the 1 point per dollar base rate.
• Travel insurance isn’t included with this card, so you’d have to pay extra to cover yourself.

How we determine the best travel credit cards

Our editors apply their credit card expertise and knowledge of Canadians’ financial goals to come up with selection criteria that matches the needs of the intended cardholder. For travel credit cards, your return on spending is a key consideration, because it represents the value of the points you are earning with every purchase. We consider annual fees and eligibility criteria (for student cards), perks and insurance (for premium cards) and other factors, specific to the category. The addition of links from affiliate partners has no bearing on the results. Read more about our selection process and about how MoneySense makes money .

Frequently asked questions

The best travel credit card will depend on your needs, travel habits and how you intend to use the card. The American Express Cobalt , for example, is our pick for the best overall travel rewards credit card because you have the ability to earn rewards at a high rate across everyday purchases. The Scotia Gold Amex is a close second, because of its high earn rates and strong insurance package.

The most common types of travel points programs are consistent or chart-based. With consistent rewards programs, the value of the points is always the same. For example, BMO Ascend World Elite users earn BMO Rewards points, for which 150 points equals $1 in travel rewards. Point values in chart-based programs depend on variables like the destination, ticket price and time of travel. Points redemption for the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite are based on Aeroplan’s dynamic redemption chart. Consistent points programs are ideal if you want a simple redemption process. Chart-based programs are more complex, but potentially more valuable.

Different types of travel credit cards 

Generic travel rewards credit cards.

Some credit cards offer you the ability to earn rewards on everyday purchases and other purchase categories, which can be redeemed towards a wide variety of things, including travel. This means you are not necessarily limited to booking through certain airlines when redeeming your points on flights. You may also be able to transfer your credit card points to an airline rewards program, such as with the American Express Cobalt .

Airline rewards credit cards

Some travel credit cards offer rewards with specific airlines where your points’ redemption values may vary, such as the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite card. When you accumulate enough points, you can book a flight or vacation package with affiliated airlines like WestJet or Air Canada. Keep in mind though that the value of your points can depend on the date of your flight and your destination. 

Hotel rewards credit cards

Hotel rewards credit cards offer you the ability to redeem your points towards a hotel stay, and to earn points when you book at affiliated hotels like Marriott or Delta, or earn perks such as room upgrades or free breakfasts when you book eligible hotel stays. If you frequently book hotels for work or travel, consider a hotel rewards credit card like the Marriott Bonvoy American Express .

Travel credit card features 

Some important features to look out for in travel credit cards, besides points value and your booking redemption options (flights, hotels, cars), include: 

• Travel insurance coverage for medical issues or trip delays. Most credit card travel insurance programs cover you up to 15 days and tend to be more limited for those over the age of 65, but there are exceptions. (Read about how to know if your credit card comes with enough travel insurance coverage .)
• Airport lounge access for free or discounted lounge passes through Priority Pass, Visa Airport Companion Program, Dragon Pass and others. 
• Hotel discounts, like discounts at Marriott hotels. 

Whether the card charges you foreign transaction fees while you are abroad, on top of regular exchange rates. These fees can be as high as an added 2.5% on every purchase.

What travel points program is best?

Not all travel reward programs are created equal. So how do you choose the right one for you? 

First, it’s important to understand that travel rewards programs can be broken down into two basic types: Consistent and chart-based.

It’s worth noting that in rare cases, like the American Express Membership Rewards Program, you might get to choose to redeem points for travel based on either a consistent system or as a chart-based system.

Many of the big banks offer consistent points travel reward programs. They’re aimed at people who want to operate within a simple program that has an easy-to-understand redemption process; people who dislike complicated programs will appreciate these. Chart-based programs can be considerably more complicated—but also potentially more valuable. Since the number of points needed to redeem for a flight isn’t consistent, using the rewards chart strategically can help you stretch the value of your points and net a higher return when flying on certain routes, or even when booking premium seats or business class. These programs are more popular with personal finance enthusiasts and left-brain thinkers.

Compare travel credit cards rewards points values 

How many travel rewards points do you need for a flight , how many avion points you need for a flight.

Premium Avion cardholders need at least 15,000 points for a flight within or near your province or territory, at least 35,000 points for a flight within North America, 65,000 points for a flight to Europe and 100,000 points for other destinations around the globe. 

How many Amex points you need for a flight 

Using the American Express Fixed Points Program, you’d need at least 15,000 points for a short flight within North America, 20,000 points for a flight from a Canadian province or territory to a nearby U.S. State, 40,000 points for a longer North American route, 50,000 points for a vacation destination and at least 60,000 points for Europe or 100,000 points for other continents. 

How many Aeroplan points you need for a flight

Aeroplan’s chart system uses Miles to measure the minimum point redemptions. For shorter flights within North America, you’d need at least 6,000-22,500 points for an Economy flight, 35,000-70,000 points for North America and Atlantic zones, and so on. 

How many Scene points you need for a flight

1 point is worth 1 cent. For a $300 airline ticket, you’d need 300,000 Scene points. 

How many BMO Rewards points you need for a flight

You can redeem your points for a statement credit towards flights. 1 BMO Rewards point is worth 0.7 of a cent in travel rewards.

How many TD points you need for a flight

You need a minimum of 200 points for a redemption through Expedia for TD. 1 TD Rewards point is worth 0.5 cents in travel rewards. 

How many MBNA rewards points you need for a flight

You can redeem a minimum of 10,000 points for a $100 statement credit on travel. 

Do travel credit card points expire? 

Some travel rewards points expire after a certain period of inactivity, while others do not. For example, Aeroplan points expire after 18 months of inactivity, and Marriott Bonvoy points expire after 24 months, while WestJet dollars generally do not expire, unless they were earned during certain promotions or other circumstances. To avoid having your points expire, you can book hotels with your points, buy products through the loyalty program’s store, transfer points from another program or to a family member, in some cases, and more.

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More of Canada’s best credit cards :

• Best credit cards in Canada
• Best rewards credit cards
• Best cash back credit cards
• Best no fee credit cards
• Best low interest credit cards
• Best balance transfer credit cards
• Best student credit cards

Table of contents

• Compare travel cards at a glance
• Best travel cards by category
• About travel cards
• Also read: Best cash back cards

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About Keph Senett

14 Best Travel Credit Cards of May 2024

Best travel cards main takeaways.

• Money has evaluated hundreds of credit cards, comparing their fees, benefits, welcome offers, travel insurance policies and more.
• The top credit cards for travel offer high rewards on travel purchases, which can be redeemed for airfare, hotel nights, cash back, statement credits or more.
• Our picks feature the best travel cards for every budget and include no-annual-fee, low-annual-fee, premium and business cards.

Why Trust Us?

Our editorial team has spent well over a thousand hours analyzing, evaluating and comparing the top credit card offers in the market. We carefully vet each card’s fine print in order to understand their features, limitations and potential benefits for consumers. We review cards independently, ensuring our content is accurate and guided by editorial integrity. Read our full methodology to learn more.

• 46 travel credit cards evaluated
• 10+ data points used, including ongoing fees, reward programs and welcome offers
• 100+ sources reviewed

Money.com has partnered with CardRatings.com for our coverage of credit card products. Money and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. This site does not include all card companies or all available card offers. O ur top picks are listed strictly in alphabetical order.

Our Top Picks for Best Travel Credit Cards

Best no-annual-fee travel credit cards.

• Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card – Best no-annual-fee travel card for flat rate rewards
• Bilt Mastercard® – Best no-annual-fee travel card for paying rent
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card – Best no-annual-fee card for travel partners
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® – Best no-annual-fee travel card for domestic travel
• Discover it® Miles – Best no-annual-fee travel card for simple rewards
• Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card – Best no-annual-fee travel card for everyday spending

Best low-fee-annual-fee travel credit cards

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card – Best travel card for flat-rate rewards
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card – Best travel card for flexible rewards

Best premium travel credit cards

• American Express® Gold Card – Best travel card for dining
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card – Best low-cost premium travel card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® – Best premium travel credit card
• The Platinum Card® from American Express – Best travel card for lounge access

Best business travel credit cards

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express – Best business travel card

Best airline travel credit cards

• United℠ Explorer Card: Best airline credit card

Best Travel Credit Cards Reviews

Our top picks are listed in alphabetical order.

Best No-Annual-Fee Travel Credit Cards

• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• Earns 1.5x points on all purchases
• No bonus category for travel
• Few benefits compared to other cards
• Limited redemption options

Why we chose it: The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is an easy-to-use card best suited for travel reward beginners or those who are already Bank of America customers.

Some cardholders can earn up to 75% more points if they are Bank of America Preferred Rewards members — that’s up to 2.62 points for every dollar spent.

However, the card doesn’t offer hotel and airline point transfer partners, travel insurance or extended warranty and purchase protection. Additionally, you can only redeem your points as statement credit to cover travel and dining purchases.

All information about Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Money.com

• No annual or foreign currency conversion fee (Click herehttps://www.wellsfargo.com/credit-cards/bilt/terms/">here; for rates and fees)
• Use it to pay your rent and earn rewards without incurring any processing fees
• You can earn double points on all purchase categories (except rent payments) on the first of every month (up to 10,000 points)
• Earn 2x points on travel (when booked directly through an airline, hotels, car rental agencies and cruise lines)
• No welcome bonus or introductory APR period
• Points redeemed for statement credits are worth 0.55 cents each
• You must make at least five transactions in a statement period to earn points
• Rent payments can only be made to one rental property per month

Why we chose it: The Bilt Mastercard® lets you earn travel rewards on rent payments without incurring any processing fees — unlike most credit cards that typically charge around 2.5% to 2.9% per rent payment.

You can use the card to pay rent without worrying about surcharges. Once you get approved for the card, all you have to do is set up an account through the Bilt app or website and use your assigned routing and account number to pay rent through your usual payment portal. You can also use your card even if your landlord only accepts checks, and Bilt will send a check on your behalf.

Additionally, Bilt doubles the card’s rewards rates on the first of every month, which means you can earn 6x points on dining, 4x points on travel and 2x points on other purchases (up to 10,000 points per month). However, this bonus doesn’t apply to rent rewards.

On the downside, the Bilt Mastercard® doesn’t offer a welcome bonus, and points redeemed for statement credits are only worth 0.55 cents each.

• Can transfer your miles to 16 travel partners
• Earns 5x miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Doesn't earn bonus points on airfare
• No domestic travel partners

Why we chose it: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a great option if you’re looking for a no-annual fee travel credit card with a simple rewards structure.

You can use your miles to book travel through the Capital One Travel portal or as a statement credit to cover travel purchases made from airlines, hotels, rail lines, car rental agencies and more.

You can also transfer your points to one of Capital One’s 16 travel partners, which include international airlines such as Avianca and British Airways. This option is notable since travel credit cards with no annual fee don’t typically offer the option to transfer your reward to airline and hotel partners.

However, the card’s list of bonus categories is limited compared to some other no-annual-fee credit cards, and Capital One doesn’t offer bonus points on airfare booked through Capital One Travel.

• Includes trip cancellation/interruption and car rental insurance
• Features a high flat cash back rate combined and popular bonus categories
• 3% foreign transaction fee

Why we chose it: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is the best credit card for traveling domestically. It offers a 1.5% flat cash back rate on most purchases plus it has several appealing bonus categories, including travel and dining.

This card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, that is, on any transactions made in currency other than US dollars. However, if you mostly travel within the U.S., this card is an excellent option.

For one, you’ll earn an additional 1.5% on each of the card’s bonus categories during the first year of card membership (or up to the first $20,000 spent).

Also, although using this card abroad is not recommended, you can still use it to book international trips while you’re home, and you’ll earn 5% cash back if you book it through Chase Travel℠.

You can redeem your rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and even transfer them to other cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points. It’s also worth noting that this card is one of the few no-annual-fee credit cards with rental car coverage and trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

• No annual or foreign transaction fees
• Discover matches the total miles you earned at the end of the first year
• Earns 1.5x miles on all purchases
• See your FICO score on the Discover mobile app, online and on statements
• Few benefits compared to other travel cards
• Doesn't include extended warranty or purchase protection

Why we chose it: The Discover it® Miles Credit Card is a no-frills card ideal for travelers who don’t want to keep track of bonus categories, earning caps or redemption values.

The card earns a flat 1.5x miles on all eligible purchases without any annual caps. You can redeem your miles for statement credits and account deposits at a rate of 1 cent per mile. You can also use your rewards through Amazon and PayPal checkout with the same value.

Also, the card’s welcome bonus is easily one of the best in the market: Discover matches every mile you’ve earned at the end of your first membership year — without any spending requirements.

However, while the Discover it® Miles Credit Card is a great starter travel card, its lack of bonus categories could hinder your reward-earning potential in the long run. Additionally, Discover cards aren’t as widely accepted internationally as Visa Signature and World Mastercard, for example.

All information about the Discover it® Miles Credit Card has been collected independently by Money.com.

• Earn 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, select streaming services and cell phone plans
• Includes cell phone protection plan
• No airline or hotel transfer partners
• Doesn't include travel insurance
• Netflix and HBO are not eligible for streaming bonus

Why we chose it: The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is the best travel reward card for everyday spending, offering high rewards on several popular spending categories, including travel, dining, gas, streaming services and cell phone plans.

Its travel bonus category is particularly noteworthy because you can earn points regardless of where you make your reservations, whether it’s directly with an airline or through a third-party travel site like Booking.com. (Most travel credit cards limit travel rewards to bookings made exclusively through the card issuer’s travel portal.)

The card also includes rental car insurance and a cell phone protection plan when you use it to pay your monthly bill.

All information about the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card has been collected independently by Money.com.

Best Low-Annual-Fee Travel Credit Cards

• Earn 2x miles per dollar on most purchases
• Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck(R)
• Includes travel accident and car rental insurance
• Fewer bonus categories than other cards with a similar annual fee ($95)
• Doesn't offer travel rewards for flights
• Car rental insurance is secondary

Why we chose it: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is the best credit card for travel miles if you want to earn a high reward rate and not worry about bonus categories.

The Capital One Venture Rewards is ideal for those who want to get the most out of their spending without worrying about tracking bonus categories and spending caps.

You can redeem your miles on the Capital One travel portal and as statement credits to cover travel purchases at a value of one cent per mile. Additionally, you may transfer your miles to more than 15 airline and hotel partners.

However, keep in mind that Capital One doesn’t have domestic travel partners, which can be a drawback if you mainly travel within the U.S.

• Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel purchases through Chase TravelSM
• Receive a point bonus each account anniversary
• Includes primary rental car insurance
• Earn 3x per $1 on dining, including eligible delivery and takeout meals, select streaming services and grocery purchases
• $95 annual fee
• Doesn't offer a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck(R) application fee credit

Why we chose this card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best travel credit card for frequent travelers who want to earn valuable rewards while paying a low annual fee.

The card features six reward categories that offer outstanding rewards on flights, hotels, restaurants and more. You can redeem your points for statement credits, account deposits, gift cards and more. But you can get the most bang for your buck by redeeming them for travel purchases through the Chase Travel℠ portal, which increases your point’s usual one-cent value by 25%.

You can redeem your points for statement credits, account deposits, gift cards and more. But you can get the most bang for your buck by redeeming them for travel purchases through Chase Travel℠, which increases your point’s usual one-cent value by 25%.

You can also transfer your points to one of Chase’s 14 travel partners at a 1:1 ratio (one Chase point equals one hotel point or airline mile). These include popular airlines and hotels like JetBlue, Southwest, United, Marriott and Hyatt.

Best Premium Travel Credit Cards

• Earns 4x points on restaurants worldwide, takeout and food delivery within the U.S.
• Up to $120 in annual dining credits, issued as a $10 statement credit per month for select restaurants (enrollment required)
• Up to $120 as Uber Cash annually ($10 per month) for food delivery orders and rides in the U.S. after you add the American Express(R) Gold Card to your Uber account
• Earn 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x)
• High annual fee ($250)
• Includes few travel perks and insurance policies compared to similarly priced cards

Terms apply. Please click here for applicable rates and fees.

Why we chose it: The American Express® Gold Card is ideal for foodies, offering a high reward rate at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets, takeout and food delivery. (Terms apply.)

The American Express® Gold Card also offers statement credits worth up to $240 combined — almost enough to offset the card’s $250 annual fee. These include:

• Up to $120 every year in dining credits ($10 per month) for select restaurants and food delivery services. The list includes Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and Shake Shack (Enrollment required)
• Automatically get $10 monthly in Uber Cash to use on Uber Eats or Uber rides in the U.S. (after you add the American Express® Gold Card to your account)
• $100 credit for dining, spa services and other activities when you book a two-night minimum stay at a hotel from The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel
• Terms apply

However, note that the American Express® Gold Card offers fewer travel perks than some other premium cards — for instance, it doesn’t offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance or TSA PreCheck® or CLEAR® Plus fee credits.

• 10,000 bonus miles every year
• Statement credit of up to $300 for bookings made through Capital One Travel
• Up to a $100 credit on Global Entry or TSA PreCheck(R)
• Skip the line and get car upgrades when renting a car with Hertz
• High annual fee ($395)
• Fewer bonus categories than other premium cards
• No domestic airline transfer partners

Why we chose it: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the best credit card for travel miles if you want to earn a high reward rate and not worry about bonus categories.

The Capital One Venture X also includes noteworthy perks such as:

• 10,000 bonus miles every year (starting on your first anniversary)
• $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
• Up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges worldwide with Priority Pass™ Select and Plaza Premium Group
• Authorized users at no extra cost (many cards have an annual fee of $75 or more for each additional user)

All in all, the Venture X is a solid option that can easily compete with other premium travel cards, especially considering its more affordable annual fee.

• Up to $300 in statement credits each anniversary year to cover travel purchases
• Transfer your points to 14 travel partners (including United, Southwest, JetBlue and Marriott)
• Points worth 50% more when redeemed for travel expenses through Chase TravelSM
• Comprehensive travel insurance coverage, including emergency dental insurance
• High annual fee ($550)
• Doesn't include a cell phone protection plan

Why we chose it: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is the best credit card for travelers looking for a high reward rate on travel and additional benefits like comprehensive travel insurance and airport lounge access worldwide.

Your points are worth 50% more when you redeem them for travel through the Chase Travel℠ portal. This means each point is worth 1.5 cents per point instead of one cent, like most travel cards. Also, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides several high-end benefits such as:

• $300 annual travel credit to cover travel-related purchases like airfare, hotels, car rentals, rideshares, buses, trains, tolls and/or parking
• Access for you and two guests to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide (after a one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select)
• Statement credit of up to $100 every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or Nexus

The Sapphire Reserve does have a $550 annual fee. But if you take advantage of the $300 annual credit and other perks, the benefits can definitely outweigh its cost.

• Access to the widest network of airport lounges of any card
• Complimentary elite status in the Marriott and Hilton hotel loyalty programs
• Hundreds of dollars in annual statement credits for travel, dining and more
• High annual fee ($695)
• Doesn't include baggage delay, travel accident and primary rental car insurance
• Limited bonus categories

Terms apply. Click here for rates and fees.

Why we chose this card: The Platinum Card® from American Express offers a list of premium benefits that no other travel card offers, including the widest network of airport lounges and room upgrades at Hilton and Marriott hotels. (Terms apply.)

The Platinum Card® from American Express features an impressive list of high-end travel benefits, including:

• Complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges, including Priority Pass, Delta SkyClub and Amex’s own Centurion lounges (enrollment required)
• Gold status in the Marriott and Hilton loyalty programs, which makes you eligible for room upgrades, free breakfast and late checkouts (enrollment required)
• $200 back each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings made through American Express Travel and paid with your Platinum Card® (Hotel Collection bookings require a minimum two-night stay)
• Up to $200 per year when incidental fees, such as checked bags, are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card® (with one selected qualifying airline)
• Complimentary premium status in Avis Preferred®, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards®, and/or National Car Rental® Emerald Club (must enroll through your Amex online account using your card)

The Platinum Card® from American Express does have a hefty $695 annual fee. However, for people who travel often and will take advantage of its annual credits and travel perks, it might almost pay for itself.

Best Business Travel Credit Cards

• 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com
• Around $1,000 in yearly statement credits for select business purchases
• Access to a wide network of airport lounges (terms apply)
• Around $600 in perks in Fine Hotels + Resorts(R) locations booked through American Express Travel (for stays of two nights)
• Secondary rental car coverage**

Why we chose it: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express features an extensive list of benefits that make it an ideal travel and business credit card.

With this card, you can access over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, comprehensive travel insurance and extra amenities at hundreds of hotels, like daily breakfast and free internet access. Additionally, you get a $200 credit to cover baggage fees, in-flight refreshments and more and up to $100 for Global Entry or $85 for TSA PreCheck® every four or 4.5 years respectively. (Terms apply.) (Enrollment required.)

The card also offers several yearly statement credits for business-related purchases that include up to $400 per year ($200 between January and June and $200 between July and December) for U.S. purchases with Dell.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express does have one of the steepest annual fees ($695) among travel credit cards, but its extensive list of benefits makes it a no-brainer for business owners who travel frequently.

Best Airline Travel Credit Cards

• Free first checked bag for you and a companion
• Up to $100 as a statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck(R) or NEXUS every 4 year
• 25% back as a statement credit on food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights
• Complimentary priority boarding for you and companions traveling on the same reservation
• $95 annual fee (after the first year)
• No intro APR period
• Rewards are only valuable when used with United

Why we chose it: The card_name has a low annual fee and gives you valuable benefits that make up for it, such as priority boarding for everyone on the reservation and a free checked bag for you and one companion.

Other perks the card includes are:

• Two one-time passes for United Club℠ airport lounges each account anniversary year
• 25% back as a statement credit on in-flight purchases like food, beverages and Wi-Fi
• Up to $100 every four years to cover the cost of TSA PreCheck®, Global Entry or NEXUS
• Comprehensive travel insurance (auto rental collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation/interruption insurance and trip delay reimbursement)

The United℠ Explorer Card earns miles on United purchases, including tickets, inflight food, beverages, Wi-Fi and more. You also earn rewards at restaurants and select hotel stays.

You can use your miles to book flights on United Airlines or its partners, including Avianca, Lufthansa and Air Canada. You can also redeem them for seat upgrades, inflight Wi-Fi passes and more — although United miles are usually more valuable when used for airfare.

Travel Credit Cards Guide

The best credit cards for travel do more than offer high reward rates on flights and hotel stays. They also provide rewards for everyday spending and perks such as travel insurance , airport lounge access and annual statement credits.

Here’s a rundown of how these cards work:

What is a travel credit card?

Travel credit cards offer benefits and rewards geared towards individuals who travel frequently or want to earn travel benefits.

They provide high rewards for travel-related expenses such as flights, hotels, rental cars and dining. You can then use these rewards (in the form of points or miles) to book travel reservations. Some cards also let you transfer your rewards to hotel and airline partners or redeem them for statement credits, cash back, gift cards and more.

On top of the rewards, these cards often feature several travel-related perks, such as no foreign transaction fees, hotel discounts, travel insurance, free checked bags and airport lounge access.

How do travel credit cards work?

Travel credit cards give you a certain number of points or miles per dollar on eligible purchases. They often offer around 5x points or more for airfare, hotel rooms, rental cars and more. Some cards may also count parking, bus fares, taxis, tolls and ferries as travel purchases.

Besides travel, you’ll typically get bonus points in additional spending categories. For example, some cards may offer 3x points per dollar on dining, groceries, drugstores or streaming services. All other eligible purchases usually get at least one point (1x) per dollar.

You can then redeem your points for flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises and more. Card issuers also usually let you redeem your points for non-travel options like statement credits, cash back or gift cards.

How to use credit card points for travel

Travel credit cards have rewards programs through which you can earn points (or miles). Well-known point programs include Chase Ultimate Rewards®, American Express Membership Rewards® and Citi ThankYou® Rewards.

To redeem your points, go to your travel card’s rewards program portal. The process may differ across credit card issuers, but you’ll usually be able to access it through your online account on the issuer’s website or app.

Points are usually worth one cent each. However, some issuers increase their value if you redeem them for travel. For example, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card points are worth 1.25 cents when used to book flights through the Chase Travel℠ portal.

Points may also be worth less than a cent, depending on how you redeem them. For example, some cards allow you to use your points at Amazon checkout. While this might sound convenient, this option may bring down the value of points to around 0.8 cents.

Some cards also allow you to transfer your rewards to select airline and hotel partners. Typically, you can transfer rewards to these loyalty programs on a 1:1 ratio, meaning that 1,000 credit card points are worth 1,000 loyalty program points.

Difference between points and miles

You’ll earn points or miles depending on which travel credit card you have. For example, Chase travel credit cards earn points, while Capital One travel cards earn miles. Miles and points typically have similar value (around one cent each) and redemption options.

However, keep in mind that several cards that earn miles are tied to a specific airline — like the United℠ Explorer Card. In this case, you can only use your rewards for purchases with the issuing airline such as flights, seat upgrades, inflight dining and more.

Pros and cons of travel credit cards

• Some cards offer up to 10x points per dollar on travel purchases.
• Many have additional bonus categories for dining, grocery shopping and more.
• They may include travel benefits like priority boarding, airport lounge access and late hotel checkouts.
• Points or miles can also be redeemed for cash back, statement credits, gift cards and more.
• Highest reward rates are usually limited to purchases made through the card issuer's travel portal.
• They might not offer high rewards on spending outside of the travel category.
• Some of the best ones can have steep annual fees and require good to excellent credit
• Redeeming points or miles for anything other than travel can reduce their value to less than one cent per dollar.

Types of travel credit cards

Here’s a rundown of the differences between the three main types of travel credit cards:

Airline credit cards

Airline credit cards are ideal for people who regularly fly with the same airline. These cards earn miles you can redeem for flights, seat upgrades, inflight dining, airport lounge access and other travel-related purchases but typically only with the issuing airline.

Some of the best airline travel credit cards include benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding and discounts on in-flight purchases.

Hotel credit cards

With hotel credit cards, you can only redeem your points for stays, discounts and other benefits with one particular hotel chain.

For example, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card earns points for Hilton’s loyalty program, which you can redeem for free nights in the company’s properties, including Hilton Garden Inn and Waldorf Astoria hotels.

Hotel credit cards may also offer complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, late checkouts and bonus points for purchases made during your stay.

General travel credit card

General travel credit cards are more flexible than airline or hotel cards. They aren’t affiliated with a single airline or hotel chain, so their points can be used to book flights, hotel stays, rental cars and more from different companies.

These cards may also offer useful perks for frequent travelers, like airport lounge access. They can also cover the cost of a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership, which allows you to skip the long lines at airport security or customs.

How to choose a travel credit card

Picking the best travel rewards credit card boils down to how often you travel, which cardmember perks you’d benefit the most from and the categories you spend the most on.

Here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing the best card for you:

• Do you travel often? A travel rewards credit card offers high reward rates on travel spending, and you’ll get the most bang for your buck when you use their points on flights, hotels and car rentals. If you don’t take trips often but want to pile up rewards, a cash-back credit card might be a better fit.
• Assess your everyday spending. Many travel cards have additional bonus categories other than travel, like dining, supermarkets, streaming services and drugstores. Consider your day-to-day spending habits and pick a card with bonus categories that fit your lifestyle.
• Consider the card’s annual fees. No-annual-fee travel cards usually have few travel benefits. The best travel credit cards charge annual fees of at least $90 and can go as high as $700. However, these are often best for those that travel enough to take advantage of their benefits.
• General travel card vs co-branded cards. General travel cards have more flexible redemption options. On the other hand, co-branded cards are often tied to a specific airline or hotel, which can limit your options. Still, they do provide valuable perks like free checked bags, in-flight discounts and hotel upgrades.
• Compare extra travel perks. Some cards offer extras like annual statement credits for flights and hotels or upgrades when renting cars. Take the time to compare each card’s roster of add-ons and pick one that will best suit your travel plans.
• Compare insurance policies. The best credit card travel benefits include insurance policies that cover travel accidents, rental cars, trip cancellations and more. These policies can vary widely based on the issuer and the card’s annual-fee tier.
• Beware foreign transaction fees. Most travel credit cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees. Some cash-back cards may offer outstanding rewards for travel purchases but charge around 3% fees on purchases outside the U.S.
• Look beyond welcome offers. A 60,000-point welcome bonus can be enticing. However, it shouldn’t be your deciding factor, especially if you’ll end up paying a high annual fee without getting your money’s worth.

How get the most out of your travel credit card

To get the most out of your travel credit card, you need to use it as often and strategically as possible. This way, you can earn points or miles with each purchase, which you can then redeem for free or discounted flights, hotels and more.

Use your travel card to pay most of your purchases and bills and then pay your card off in full each month. This will help you earn points while avoiding interest charges and high credit card debt , which can impact your credit score.

Here are some other tips to maximize your rewards and benefits:

• Consider adding an authorized user to your account. They’ll earn points with every purchase they make, and those will get added to your overall total. However, make sure to pick someone who will use the card responsibly since you’ll be legally liable if they ever fail to pay their monthly bills.
• Redeem your rewards for travel through the card issuer’s website. This redemption option usually offers the highest value compared to gift cards or merchandise, for example.
• If your card offers travel protections (like travel accident or luggage insurance), use it to pay for your passenger fares. This way, you could be reimbursed in the event of an accident or lost luggage, for example.
• Use your airline or hotel card to sign up for the company’s frequent flyer or frequent guest loyalty program. You’ll often earn extra points or miles when you’re a member and use your co-branded card to pay for flights, hotel stays and more.
• If you can transfer points from other credit cards to your travel card, take advantage of this feature. This way, you can accumulate extra points for travel booking and sometimes even increase their value.

Best Travel Credit Cards FAQs

What is the best travel credit card, what is the best credit card for international travel, how to travel for free with credit cards, what is the best credit card for travel miles, what is a welcome bonus on a credit card, how we chose the best travel credit cards.

We ranked the best credit cards for travel based on their annual fees, benefits, reward rates and redemption flexibility.

Fees: We compared interest rates and foreign, cash advance and balance transfer fees for more than 50 credit cards. We also considered their annual fee, looking for those that offered the most for the money.

Ongoing benefits: Intro APR and bonus offers are attractive, but they can only get you so far. We focused on cards with year-round benefits such as travel insurance or cell phone protection plans.

Reward rates: We preferred cards that allow you to earn extra points from travel expenses, as well as those that provide significant bonus rewards in popular spending categories, like dining, supermarkets or streaming services.

Redemption flexibility: Our picks don’t limit your redemption options to just travel. Some let you use your points for Amazon purchases, for example. We also preferred issuers that allowed cardholders to transfer their points to airline and hotel partners.

Summary of Money’s Best Travel Credit Cards of May 2024

• Discover it® Miles Credit Card – Best no-annual-fee travel card for simple rewards

Money.com has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Money.com and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

To see rates and fees for the American Express® Gold Card, visit this link . Terms apply.

To see rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express, visit this link . Terms apply.

To see rates and fees for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, visit this link . Terms apply.

* Insurance disclosures for American Express Cards on this page:

Trip Delay Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Baggage Insurance Plan: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Global Assist Hotline: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

** Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

*** Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

© Copyright 2024 Money Group, LLC . All Rights Reserved.

This article originally appeared on Money.com and may contain affiliate links for which Money receives compensation. Opinions expressed in this article are the author's alone, not those of a third-party entity, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed. Offers may be subject to change without notice. For more information, read Money’s full disclaimer .

10 Travel Credit Cards With The Best Perks For 2024

Unlock travel rewards with every purchase; the top travel credit cards for 2024 offer generous rewards on travel spending, flights, hotels, and more.

• Different travel credit cards cater to various needs and preferences, so prioritize the benefits that matter most to you.
• Some travel credit cards offer valuable perks like travel insurance coverage that regular credit cards do not provide.
• Some of 2024's best credit cards with travel rewards include Bilt Mastercard, Amex Green, and Capital One Venture.

There are many excellent travel credit cards that offer specific benefits to travelers , frequent flyers, and explorers that go beyond those of regular credit cards. With new card options and updates constantly emerging, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but considering key features is a great first step.

Whether you're a travel newbie or a seasoned collector, you'll need to prioritize your needs when researching which credit cards are best for travelers. For instance, do you value premium perks like airport lounges, or are you more focused on a low annual fee?

What about unforeseen, sudden circumstances? For example, imagine if you had to cancel your Barcelona trip due to an unexpected medical emergency; travel credit cards with insurance coverage could help recoup some of those lost flight and hotel costs. You'd likely be stuck with those costs with a regular credit card.

Whatever the case, deciding which benefits matter most will help you navigate the crowded market and find the perfect travel credit card for your adventures. To help travelers choose, here's a roundup of some of the best travel credit cards with the best perks in 2024.

7 Ways To Stay In Hotels For Free

10 bilt mastercard, best for: transfer partners.

While not typically classified as a travel credit card, the Bilt Mastercard offers rewards points transferable to travel partners. This card has no annual fee and earns 3x points on dining, 2x points on travel, and 1x points on everything else.

Cardholders also benefit from trip cancelation and interruption insurance, auto rental collision and damage waiver, and cell phone protection, along with no foreign transaction fees and a Lyft credit after three rides in a month.

Renters should definitely consider this card because it accumulates rewards and waives transaction fees when used to pay rent. The points are highly valuable whether used on the Bilt travel portal or any of the numerous airline and hotel transfer partners.

In the context of travel rewards credit cards, "transfer partners" refer to loyalty programs of airlines and hotels that your credit card points can be transferred to. This essentially allows you to convert your credit card rewards into miles or points usable with those specific travel programs.

No welcome bonus. Earns points transferable to travel partners

9 Capital One Venture Card

Best for: mid-tier travelers.

The Capital One Venture Card, with its annual fee, is perfect for individuals seeking to maximize their spending without the hassle of tracking bonus categories and spending limits. It earns 5x points on hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One travel portal and 2x points on all other purchases.

Compared to other travel credit cards in 2024, this one has a larger base reward of 75,000 points, which may be redeemed for travel at one cent per point. You can transfer your points to one of Capital One's 18 travel partners , including international airlines such as Singapore Airlines (voted the best airline in 2023) and British Airways, a feature uncommon among travel credit cards with no annual fee.

75,000 bonus points

8 Capital One Venture X

Best for: frequent travelers.

The Capital One Venture X is an excellent travel credit card with a $359 annual fee and a welcome bonus of 75,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.

This card earns 10x points on hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One travel portal, 5x points on flights booked through the Capital One travel portal, and 2x points on everything else.

Cardholders receive a $300 travel credit, a 10,000-point anniversary bonus, global entry or TSA pre-check credit, Capital One lounge access, Plaza Premium lounge access, Priority Pass lounge access, travel insurance, and protection.

7 Chase Sapphire Preferred

Best for: travel beginners.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred has a $95 annual fee and a current welcome offer of 60,000 Chase Ultimate Reward points. These points are worth 1.25 cents each, making the welcome offer worth $750. The card earns 5x points on travel purchased through the Chase travel portal, 3x points on dining and online groceries, 2x points on all other travel, and 1x points on everything else.

Cardholders receive a $50 hotel credit for hotels booked through the Chase travel portal, travel insurance and protection, and no foreign transaction fees. One of the more interesting benefits of this card is the ability to transfer points to travel partners.

For individuals who are unfamiliar with travel rewards credit cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a good place to start as it gives a good mix of benefits that are clear and affordable.

60,000 bonus points

6 Chase Sapphire Reserve

Best for: advanced travelers.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is the more expensive option from Chase, with a $550 annual fee. This card earns 10x points on hotels and rental cars booked through the Chase travel portal, 5x points on flights booked through the travel portal, and 3x points on dining and all other travel.

It is among the best options for travelers seeking worldwide airport lounge access, a high reward rate on their trip, and full travel insurance. The points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel through the Chase Travel portal, and each point holds a value of 1.5 cents, surpassing the standard 1.0-cent valuation of most travel cards.

This card also offers a $300 travel credit, making it a more attractive option despite the higher annual fee.

Flight Attendant Travel Hacks & Tips That Actually Work

5 wells fargo autograph card, best for: no-fee travelers.

The Wells Fargo Autograph card is ideal for those who travel occasionally and want to earn rewards without an annual fee or reduced cash redemption value. With high bonus rewards for gas, dining, transit, and other travel essentials, it stands out among entry-level travel cards.

Plus, you can swiftly accumulate rewards for travel expenses and transfer points to airline and hotel partners like British Airways Executive Club and Air France/KLM Flying Blue program.

20,000 bonus points

4 Bank Of America Premium Rewards Elite Card

Best for: travel & dining.

The Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Card offers a generous 75,000 online bonus points, equivalent to a $750 value, along with up to $550 in combined Airline Incidental, TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry, and Lifestyle Statement Credits. Additionally, cardholders can save 20% on domestic or international airfare for any class when paying with points.

Travel planning is effortless with free access to airport lounges and experiences across the globe via up to four Priority PassTM Select Memberships and a round-the-clock Full-Service Concierge. The card also earns unlimited 2 points for every dollar spent on travel and dining, 1.5 points per dollar on all other purchases, and offers flexible redemption options, including travel, cash back, experiences, and more.

3 American Express Green Card

Best for: moderate traveler & points transfer.

This card boasts a $150 annual fee and a welcome bonus of 40,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months . It earns 3x points on travel, dining, and select streaming services, and 1x points on everything else.

Cardholders receive airport lounge access through Priority Pass Select membership, baggage credits, and travel insurance. The Amex Green Card offers trip delay insurance (up to $300 per trip), no foreign transaction fees, car rental insurance, and lets you use points for travel on AmexTravel.com.

30,000 bonus points

2 American Express Gold Card

Best for: foodies & grocers.

This card has a $250 annual fee and a welcome bonus of 90,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months. It earns points at a rate of 4x points on restaurants and groceries (up to $25,000 per year in combined spending), and 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on Amex Travel.

Cardholders receive a hefty list of benefits, including airport lounge access through Priority Pass Select membership and Amex Centurion Lounges (subject to space availability), Uber credits, travel insurance, and hotel elite status Marriott Bonvoy, and Hilton Honors, perfect for making the most of the best Hilton hotels around the world .

The Amex Gold Card gets you hotel upgrades (when available) and a $100 credit for spa/dining experiences at over 700 hotels, including major hotel chains Hyatt (which has excellent hotels in the US) and Kempinski.

90,000 bonus points

Frequent Flier: Airlines With The Best Points System

1 american express platinum card, best for: frequent flyers & luxury travelers.

The Platinum Card® from American Express offers unparalleled luxury benefits, albeit with a steep $695 annual fee. However, if you prioritize VIP treatment while traveling, the rewards can be substantial. Cardholders gain access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, comprehensive travel insurance, and exclusive hotel amenities such as daily breakfast and complimentary internet access.

There are credits available for baggage fees, in-flight refreshments, and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® enrollment. When booking via American Express Travel, guests staying at Fine Hotels + Resorts® locations for two nights or longer can enjoy benefits valued at almost $600. The card also gives complimentary premium status in Avis Preferred®, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards®, and/or National Car Rental® Emerald Club.

This card is highly coveted due to the extensive benefits that can potentially outweigh the high annual fee for frequent travelers.

100,000 bonus points

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Which Credit Cards Have the Best Insurance for Seniors?

Insurance coverage offered by credit cards often doesn’t get the same attention as a card’s other benefits. However, it’s an important element to be aware of, particularly for travellers over the age of 65.

While some insurance coverage is fairly comparable among credit cards within the same tier, this isn’t the case when it comes to emergency medical coverage, which can differ dramatically between the cards.

In this guide, we’ll outline the best options for securing coverage for you or your loved ones.

Emergency Medical Care Outside of Your Province of Residence

Before delving into the cards themselves, it’s important to go over what this insurance covers, and to establish a baseline of the lower-end of what you can expect in terms of coverage.

Emergency medical care insurance coverage is designed to reimburse you for a certain dollar amount in the event that you’re injured or experience a medical emergency while travelling outside your home province.

This coverage becomes even more relevant if you’re travelling internationally, where it may be more difficult to navigate and understand the local medical system and its costs.

With coverage, not only do you have peace of mind when you travel, but you can also prioritize getting care without worry, should you run into some bad luck.

As we mentioned above, the emergency medical care coverage can vary considerably across different credit cards; therefore, to establish a baseline from which to compare, let’s first look at the coverage offered by two popular cards.

Our first example, the American Express Cobalt Card, offers emergency medical coverage for the first 15 consecutive days of your trip if you’re 64 years old or under; however, once the cardholder turns 65, there’s no coverage at all.

Looking at higher-end cards, the TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card offers emergency medical coverage for an incrementally better four days if you’re 65 or older.

As we can see, neither of these cards offers much in the way of emergency medical coverage for travellers over 65.

Therefore, you’ll want to consider a credit card that provides the best insurance for anyone travelling in their golden years.

As always, be sure to read the card’s insurance booklet to understand what’s covered in your specific situation. If you ever have any questions, reach out to the card issuer to confirm what’s included.

National Bank World Elite Mastercard

In Canada, the gold standard of insurance coverage is set by the National Bank World Elite Mastercard. Travellers over 65 years old are covered for up to 15 days when travelling out of province. The coverage lasts until you turn 76, at which point you’re no longer covered.

It’s also important to note that if you have a pre-existing illness or injury or if there have been changes to your health within six months of your departure date, you won’t be covered if you suffer an accident directly or indirectly related to the pre-existing condition.

If you qualify for coverage, National Bank will cover you up to $5,000,000 for emergency medical care if you end up needing it.

We consider the National Bank World Elite Mastercard as the best credit card for insurance in Canada. If you make a booking with points, you’ll also be covered, which is another one of the card’s mainstay features.

• Earn 5 x rewards points on grocery and restaurant spend
• Get travel insurance on award travel, as well as medical coverage on longer trips for ages up to 75.
• Receive $150 in annual credits for airport parking, baggage fees, seat selection fees, lounge access, and airline ticket upgrades
• Minimum income: $80,000 personal or $150,000 household
• Annual fee: $150

HSBC World Elite Mastercard

The HSBC World Elite Mastercard has historically been another staple in Canadians’ wallets, due to its lack of foreign exchange fees. However, following the announcement that RBC would acquire HSBC, the card has subsequently been closed to new applications as of October 2023.

It’s unclear what the future holds for this and other HSBC cards, but if you’re currently a cardholder, then it’s business as usual until we hear otherwise.

This is good news, as the HSBC World Elite Mastercard also has quite a generous policy when it comes to emergency medical coverage for seniors.

For people 65 years of age or older, you receive emergency medical coverage for up to 21 consecutive days after you leave your province of residence. This is an improvement over the length of coverage from the National Bank World Elite Mastercard, and there’s no upper limit specified for age, which is outstanding.

While HSBC has a more favourable inclusion list, the insurance coverage is less, at $2,000,000 instead of the $5,000,000 offered by National Bank.

Combined with no foreign transaction fees, competitive earning rates, and generous insurance policy for seniors, it’s no wonder the HSBC World Elite Mastercard was such a popular choice among Canadians.

Desjardins Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege

A less talked about card that deserves a spot on this list is the Desjardins Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege Card, which has a similar insurance structure to the National Bank World Elite Mastercard.

If you’re 65 or older, you’re eligible for emergency medical coverage for up to 15 days from when you leave the province in which you reside. However, once you turn 76, you would no longer be eligible for any coverage.

You’ll be covered up to a maximum of $5,000,000 per person, excluding situations where you have a pre-existing condition, in which case, you won’t be covered if your accident while travelling is related to said condition.

Note that your pre-existing condition window goes back 182 days from date of departure.

Unlike the other cards on this list, the Desjardins Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege is a cash back card, rather than a travel-focused card. It has an annual fee of $295 (CAD) for members, or $395 (CAD) for non-members, which is a fairly steep fee to pay.

• Earn  4% cash back  on restaurant purchases
• Earn  3% cash back  on grocery and travel purchases
• Earn  1.75%   cash back  on everything else
• Access DragonPass airport lounges with six complimentary visits
• Best in-class medical and travel insurance coverage
• Minimum income: $200,000 household
• Annual fee: $395

CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card

When it comes to emergency medical coverage, especially for those older than 65, the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card comes out ahead of its premium Aeroplan co-branded credit card counterparts.

The CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card offers 10 consecutive days of coverage for people 65 or older, which is more than its TD counterpart’s four days of coverage.

As usual, pre-existing conditions exclude you from coverage if your emergency is related or indirectly related to your existing condition.

However, keep in mind that unlike the National Bank World Elite Mastercard or the Desjardins Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege Card, there’s no specified age maximum for coverage. Therefore, you’ll still be eligible for insurance, even if you’re over the age of 76.

This card is a great addition to your wallet if you tend to make shorter trips away from home, and want to remain in the Aeroplan ecosystem.

You’ll also enjoy benefits like lounge access, priority services, and a free checked bag when travelling with Air Canada.

• Earn 20,000 Aeroplan points upon first purchase †
• Earn 30,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $15,000 in the first four months †
• Plus, earn an anniversary bonus of  30,000 Aeroplan points upon renewing the card for a second year, after having spent at least $25,000 in the first year †
• Earn 2x Aeroplan points on Air Canada purchases †
• Earn 1.5x Aeroplan points on gas, groceries, dining, food delivery, electric vehicle charging, and other travel purchases †
• Aeroplan preferred pricing, free checked bag, priority check-in and boarding on Air Canada flights †
• Unlimited Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge access †
• DragonPass membership with six free lounge visits per year †
• NEXUS application credit †
• Minimum income: $150,000 personal or $200,000 household
• Annual fee: $599

While most credit cards don’t offer travel insurance coverage for travellers over the age of 65, and even fewer cover those who are 76 and older, there are still a few standout cards that extend emergency medical protection to travellers in their golden years.

Having emergency medical coverage while you’re travelling is an important way to stay safe and healthy, and to provide yourself and your loved ones with peace of mind.

No matter your age, there’s a card out there that will extend some sort of coverage to you, so make sure to keep that in mind before embarking on your next adventure.

• Earn 80,000 MR points upon spending $15,000 in the first three months
• Plus, earn  40,000 MR points  upon making a purchase in months 14–17 as a cardholder
• And, earn 1.25x MR points on all purchases
• Also, receive a $200 annual travel credit
• Transfer MR points to Aeroplan and other frequent flyer programs for premium flights
• Unlimited airport lounge access for you and one guest at Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, Centurion, and other lounges
• Credits and rebates for business expenses throughout the year with Amex Offers
• Bonus MR points for referring family and friends
• Qualify for the card as a sole proprietor
• Annual fee: $799

Prince of Travel is Canada’s leading resource for using frequent flyer miles, credit card points, and loyalty programs to travel the world at a fraction of the price.

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Business Platinum Card from American Express

120,000 MR points

American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card

85,000 Aeroplan points

American Express Platinum Card

100,000 MR points

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card

Up to 85,000 Aeroplan points†

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