The Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada for 2026

If you travel even a couple of times a year, the right travel credit card can pay for a flight — or several. The best travel cards in Canada combine strong everyday earn rates, no foreign transaction fees, solid travel insurance, and a points currency you can actually use.

Here's the short version: for flexibility and zero foreign transaction fees, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite is our top all-rounder. If you fly Air Canada, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite is tough to beat. And for the highest everyday earning, the American Express Cobalt quietly doubles as a travel card thanks to transferable points.

How to choose a travel card

There are really only three questions that matter:

1. Are you loyal to one airline? If you fly Air Canada, an Aeroplan card captures outsized value. If not, a flexible points card avoids locking you in.
2. Do you spend in foreign currencies? A card with no foreign transaction fee saves you 2.5% on every purchase abroad or in USD — that adds up fast.
3. How much do you value perks? Lounge access and travel insurance can justify an annual fee on their own.

Our top picks

• Best overall: Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite — no FX fees plus six free lounge passes.
• Best for Air Canada: TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite — free first checked bag.
• Best everyday earn: American Express Cobalt — 5x on dining and groceries, transferable to airline partners.

Want to see the full list ranked side by side? Browse the best travel credit cards or compare every card in Canada.

Points vs miles vs cash

Don't overthink it. If you'll put in the effort to redeem for premium flights, transferable points and airline miles deliver the most value. If you won't, a no-fee cash back card may serve you better — and there's no shame in that. Use our rewards calculator to see the real dollar difference for your spending.