What is the best travel card in Canada?

The American Express Cobalt Card is widely considered the best overall travel card in Canada due to its incredibly high earning rates on food and groceries, which can be transferred to Aeroplan.

Are there Canadian cards with no FX fees?

Yes, but they are less common than in the US. The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite and Scotiabank Gold American Express are two top options with no foreign transaction fees.

Do Canadian credit cards offer good lounge access?

Yes, several cards offer Priority Pass or DragonPass access. The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite, for example, offers 6 free visits per year.

Best Travel Cards Canada

Amex Cobalt, Scotia Passport, CIBC Aventura, and more.

The Canadian Travel Card Landscape

While the US market often steals the spotlight, Canadians actually have access to a very robust ecosystem of travel rewards cards. Whether you are deeply invested in Air Canada's Aeroplan program or prefer flexible points, there are excellent options available to fund your next trip or digital nomad adventure.

If you're looking for a broad overview of what makes a card great, check out our general travel card comparison guide.

Top Picks for Canadians

1. The American Express Cobalt Card

Best for: Earning points on daily spend.

This is arguably the single best rewards card in Canada. It earns an unprecedented 5x points on eats and drinks (groceries, restaurants, delivery) and 3x on streaming. These Membership Rewards points can be transferred 1:1 to Aeroplan, making it incredibly easy to rack up flights quickly.

2. Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite

Best for: No FX fees and lounge access.

This is the perfect card for Canadians actually traveling abroad. It is one of the few Canadian premium cards that charges no foreign transaction fees. It also includes 6 free airport lounge visits per year, making it a strong contender for the best lounge access card for moderate travelers.

3. CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite

Best for: Included travel perks like NEXUS.

This card frequently offers strong sign-up bonuses, comes with 4 free lounge passes per year, and provides a rebate on the NEXUS application fee—a massive time-saver for Canadians traveling to the US.

4. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite

Best for: Dedicated Air Canada flyers.

If you fly Air Canada frequently, this card offers a free checked bag, improved award availability, and solid earning rates directly into the Aeroplan ecosystem.

What to Consider Before Applying

Before jumping on a sign-up bonus, ensure the card aligns with your goals. Are you looking for points or cashback? Do you need robust travel insurance for an upcoming long trip? Evaluate your spending habits and travel frequency.

For more advanced strategies, some Canadians engage in credit card churning to maximize welcome bonuses, though rules in Canada are becoming stricter.