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F-14/15, Orbit Mall, Civil Lines, Jaipur-302006 support@thetaxheaven.comTravel rewards credit cards are one of the most valuable tools for frequent travelers. They allow Canadians to earn points, miles, or cashback that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, car rentals, and other travel perks. With 2025 approaching, the Canadian credit card market offers a wide range of travel rewards cards, each with unique features, annual fees, and redemption options.
Choosing the right travel rewards credit card can help you maximize your travel benefits, enjoy premium perks, and save on travel expenses. This article explores the best credit cards in Canada for travel rewards in 2025, their features, benefits, and answers to the most common questions travelers have.
Travel rewards credit cards are more than just a payment method—they are a way to earn valuable points or miles every time you spend. Benefits include:
Free Flights and Upgrades – Redeem points for airline tickets or seat upgrades.
Hotel Stays – Use points to pay for hotel rooms and resorts.
Airport Lounge Access – Many premium cards provide complimentary lounge entry.
Travel Insurance – Coverage for trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost baggage.
Global Acceptance – Widely accepted across countries, making it ideal for international travelers.
Bonus Offers – Sign-up bonuses, referral rewards, and promotional points.
With careful selection, these cards can pay for a significant portion of your travel expenses while also offering lifestyle benefits like concierge services and airport fast-track access.
Before applying, consider the following:
Annual Fees – Higher fees often mean better perks, but calculate ROI based on your travel habits.
Reward Rates – Points or miles earned per dollar spent, especially on travel-related purchases.
Redemption Flexibility – How easily can you redeem points for flights, hotels, or other rewards?
Sign-Up Bonuses – Large bonuses can offset annual fees in the first year.
Travel Insurance – Coverage for trip interruptions, medical emergencies, and car rentals.
Foreign Transaction Fees – Avoid cards that charge extra for purchases outside Canada.
Here’s a detailed list of the top travel rewards credit cards for Canadians based on rewards, perks, and overall value:
Reward Rate: 5 points per $1 on groceries, 3 points on travel and dining.
Annual Fee: $155.88 ($12.99/month)
Key Features:
Flexible Membership Rewards points redeemable for flights and hotels.
Access to Amex Experiences and concierge services.
Best For: Frequent travelers who also spend heavily on dining and groceries.
Benefits: High points accumulation, flexible redemption, comprehensive travel perks.
Considerations: Not accepted everywhere, especially outside major cities.
Reward Rate: 2 points per $1 on travel purchases, 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
Annual Fee: $139
Key Features:
No foreign transaction fees.
Complimentary Priority Pass membership (up to 6 visits/year).
Travel insurance including trip cancellation, car rental, and medical.
Best For: International travelers looking to avoid foreign transaction fees.
Benefits: No foreign transaction fees, airport lounge access, strong travel insurance.
Considerations: Points redemption mostly for travel bookings through Scotiabank Rewards.
Reward Rate: 3 points per $1 on travel booked via Expedia for TD, 1.5 points on all other purchases.
Annual Fee: $120
Key Features:
Flexible points redeemable for flights, hotels, and packages.
Travel insurance included.
Best For: TD customers who frequently book travel online.
Benefits: High rewards on travel bookings, solid insurance, flexible redemption.
Considerations: Higher rewards only through Expedia portal.
Reward Rate: 1.5 Aeroplan points per $1 on gas, groceries, and daily purchases, 3 points on Air Canada purchases.
Annual Fee: $139
Key Features:
Earn Aeroplan points redeemable for Air Canada flights, Star Alliance partners, and upgrades.
Comprehensive travel insurance including trip interruption.
Best For: Frequent Air Canada flyers and Star Alliance travelers.
Benefits: Direct airline rewards, elite perks, travel protection.
Considerations: Best value for Air Canada flights; limited flexibility outside the airline.
Reward Rate: 3 points per $1 on travel, dining, and entertainment, 1 point per $1 elsewhere.
Annual Fee: $150
Key Features:
3x points on travel, dining, and entertainment.
Travel insurance and concierge services.
Lounge access through Mastercard Airport Experiences.
Best For: Canadians who want premium travel perks with flexible redemption.
Benefits: High earning rates, lounge access, insurance coverage.
Considerations: Annual fee higher than mid-tier cards.
Reward Rate: 1 point per $1, 1.25 points per $1 on travel booked via RBC Rewards.
Annual Fee: $120
Key Features:
Points can be redeemed for flights with RBC’s travel partners.
Comprehensive insurance including trip interruption and emergency medical.
Best For: RBC account holders seeking flexible travel rewards.
Benefits: Strong insurance package, global travel redemption options.
Considerations: Rewards better when booking through RBC platform.
Reward Rate: 2 points per $1 on travel, 1 point on all other purchases.
Annual Fee: $150
Key Features:
Flexible Membership Rewards points redeemable for flights, hotels, and gift cards.
Travel insurance coverage.
Best For: Travelers looking for points flexibility across airlines and hotels.
Benefits: Points versatility, premium travel perks, insurance included.
Considerations: Higher annual fee compared to basic cards.
Reward Rate: 5 points per $1 on groceries, 3 points on dining and entertainment, 1 point elsewhere.
Annual Fee: $120
Key Features:
Membership Rewards points redeemable for travel, merchandise, and gift cards.
Travel insurance included.
Best For: Cardholders who spend heavily on groceries and dining while traveling.
Benefits: High points on daily expenses, flexible redemption, travel insurance.
Considerations: Not accepted as widely outside Canada compared to Visa/Mastercard.
Reward Rate: 3 points per $1 on travel and dining, 1 point on other purchases.
Annual Fee: $149
Key Features:
Global travel insurance coverage.
Airport lounge access.
Exclusive travel offers and promotions.
Best For: Frequent international travelers seeking premium benefits.
Benefits: High earning rates, lounge access, robust insurance.
Considerations: Best value for travelers spending significantly on travel and dining.
Reward Rate: 1.5 WestJet dollars per $1 on WestJet purchases, 1 per $1 elsewhere.
Annual Fee: $119
Key Features:
WestJet dollars redeemable for flights and vacation packages.
Complimentary first checked bag for cardholder and companion.
Best For: Frequent WestJet flyers looking for airline-specific rewards.
Benefits: Airline perks, flexible flight redemption, companion benefits.
Considerations: Best for WestJet travel; limited for other airlines.
Use Travel Portals or Specific Booking Platforms – Some cards offer higher points when booking flights or hotels via their designated portals.
Combine Cards – Use a primary card for daily spending and a travel-focused card for airfare and hotel bookings.
Redeem Strategically – Redeem points for flights and upgrades for maximum value instead of cashback.
Take Advantage of Sign-Up Bonuses – Many cards offer 10,000–50,000 bonus points after meeting the spending requirement.
Monitor Foreign Transaction Fees – Prefer cards with no foreign transaction fees for international travel.
Q1. Which credit card is best for frequent travelers in Canada?
Cards like American Express Cobalt, Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite, and TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite offer high rewards and travel perks.
Q2. Can travel rewards points be redeemed for international flights?
Yes, most cards allow points redemption for domestic and international flights, with some offering partnerships with global airlines.
Q3. Do travel rewards cards charge foreign transaction fees?
Not all. Cards like Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite and Amex Cobalt have no foreign transaction fees, ideal for international travel.
Q4. Are travel insurance benefits included?
Yes, premium travel rewards cards include coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical emergencies, and lost baggage.
Q5. Can points be transferred to airline frequent flyer programs?
Many cards allow transferring points to airline programs, including Air Canada Aeroplan, British Airways Avios, and others.
Q6. Are annual fees worth it?
Yes, if you travel frequently and redeem rewards strategically, benefits often outweigh the annual fee.
Q7. Can multiple cards be used together for maximum rewards?
Yes, using one card for travel bookings and another for daily spending can maximize points accumulation.
Q8. Do all cards offer airport lounge access?
Premium cards like Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite and BMO World Elite offer complimentary lounge access; basic cards may not.
Q9. Can I redeem points for hotel bookings?
Yes, most cards allow redemption for hotels, vacation packages, or even Airbnb stays through partner portals.
Q10. Is credit score important for travel rewards cards?
Yes, most premium travel rewards cards require a good to excellent credit score (typically 700+).
With 2025 fast approaching, Canadians have access to a variety of travel rewards credit cards offering points, miles, insurance, and premium perks. Cards like American Express Cobalt, Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite, and CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite cater to frequent travelers with high rewards and flexible redemption options.
Choosing the right card depends on your travel habits, spending patterns, and preferred airlines or hotel chains. By selecting strategically and using rewards wisely, you can significantly reduce travel costs, enjoy luxury perks, and make the most of your adventures.
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