The Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada

Global payments are easier with virtual credit cards. They work well if you travel often, work remotely, or need to pay for things in other countries.

You can use these virtual credit cards online or in stores without the headache of converting money or paying extra fees for international purchases.

Let's look at how these cards can help you manage your money across borders and make your international spending simpler.

1. KOHO

Travel gets simpler with KOHO Prepaid Travel Card, eSIM and Travel Insurance—all in one spot.

What you get:

• No extra foreign transaction fees*

• Access your money anywhere with one free international ATM withdrawal monthly

• Lock your card in-app if lost or stolen

• Protection against unauthorized use with Mastercard zero liability

• Up to 2% cash back on groceries, food and transportation—even abroad

• Extra cash back from travel partners like Expedia, Booking.com and Contiki

No 1.5% FX fee if you are on Extra or Everything plan, currency conversion rate applies.*

Travel data with eSIM

Use your phone abroad just like at home. Your free KOHO eSIM (from Airalo) comes with your plan.

• Up to 3GB free data

• Works in 200+ countries

• Top up when needed

Insurance coverage**

• Emergency medical: Covers unexpected medical problems abroad

• Trip cancellation & interruption: Helps if your trip gets cancelled or cut short

• Accidental death & dismemberment: Financial protection for serious injuries while travelling

• Lost or damaged baggage: Covers your stuff if it's lost, stolen or damaged

• Rental car protection: Coverage for damage, theft or liability with rental cars

Coverage starts at $20**Pick what you need—get it all or just a few options.

2. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card

If you fly Air Canada often, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite card helps you earn points faster for flights.

Pros

• Flexible flights: Use points for Air Canada or 27+ partner airlines like United and Lufthansa

• Free checked bags: You and up to 8 travel companions get your first bag free (saves about $30 per person on Canada/US flights)

• Nexus credit: Get back up to $100 for Nexus Membership every 4 years for faster border crossing

• Travel insurance: Includes medical coverage up to 21 days, flight delay protection, baggage insurance, and hotel theft coverage in North America

• Double points: Earn twice as many points when you show both this card and your Aeroplan card at certain stores

Cons

• Annual fee: Costs $139 (most similar cards charge around $120)

• Points system: Aeroplan's program can be confusing, and points only work with Air Canada and its partners

3. American Express Cobalt Card

The American Express Cobalt gives you travel points for regular purchases. It's good if you want one card for both daily spending and travel benefits.

Pros

• Big points on food: Get 5x points at restaurants and on food delivery - much higher than most cards

• More points: 3x points on streaming services, 2x on transit, rideshares and gas

• Use points your way: Transfer to Aeroplan, book travel directly, or get statement credits at 1 cent per point

• Entertainment perks: Get early access to concert tickets and special events

• Good travel insurance: Includes $5 million in emergency medical coverage

• Add users for free: No charge for additional cards (saves $30-50 compared to other cards)

Cons

• Monthly payments: $12.99 monthly fee ($156 yearly - higher than most reward cards)

• Not accepted everywhere: Fewer stores take Amex compared to Visa or Mastercard

• Age limits on insurance: No trip cancellation or medical coverage if you're over 65

• No airport lounges: Doesn't include airport lounge access

4. BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Card

This free card gives you solid points on regular purchases like gas, bills, groceries and takeout. BMO Rewards are pretty good for travel since you can use Pay with Points.

Pros

• Book travel anywhere: Use Pay with Points to book with any travel company, then cover the cost with points as a statement credit

• Points for other stuff: Put your points toward investments or savings accounts

• Bonus for paying on time: Get 2,500 extra points when you pay your full balance on time for a year

• More points for redeeming: Get another 2,500 points when you use at least 12,000 points through Pay with Points in a year

Cons

• Limited bonus earning: The higher earn rates only apply to the first $5,000 in each category (about $416 per month) - after that, you earn at the basic rate

• Points worth less: BMO points aren't worth quite as much as programs like Aeroplan, and you can't get better value by being strategic about when or where you book

5. Scotiabank Gold American Express Card

The Scotiabank Gold American Express is worth considering if you're looking for a travel card. It works especially well if you eat out a lot, travel, or spend on entertainment.

Pros

• No foreign exchange fees: Save the usual 2.5% fee when buying things in other currencies while traveling or shopping online

• Strong insurance: Get $1 million in travel medical coverage for 25 days - longer than many other cards offer

• Big points on everyday stuff: Earn 5 points per dollar on groceries, restaurants, food delivery and entertainment - one of the highest rates out there

• Transit bonus: Get 3 points per dollar on gas and transit costs

Cons

• Not accepted everywhere: Fewer places take Amex compared to Visa or Mastercard

• Annual fee: Costs $120 per year

• Fixed point value: Points are always worth 1 cent each and you can't transfer them to airline programs like some other cards allow

• Pay for lounges: You get a discount on Priority Pass membership but still have to pay for lounge visits

Why get a travel credit card?

Travel credit cards help you save money on trips by turning everyday purchases into travel points. You can use these points for flights, hotels, and car rentals. Many cards also throw in perks like airport lounge access, free checked bags, and priority boarding.

Most travel cards also come with insurance benefits like trip cancellation, baggage protection, emergency medical coverage, and rental car insurance.

How to choose the best travel credit card

With so many options, picking the right travel card can be confusing. Here's what to look at:

1. Sign-up Bonus

• Bigger bonuses are nice, but make sure the card fits your long-term needs

• Check the requirements - you might need to spend a certain amount within a time limit (like $1,000 in the first three months)

2. Earn Rate

• Base earn rate: same points for all purchases - good if you want simplicity

• Bonus earn rate: extra points for specific spending like gas or groceries - make sure these match where you actually spend money

3. Flexibility

• General travel cards let you book with any airline or hotel

• Co-branded cards (like airline cards) limit where you can use points but offer special perks with that brand (like free bags)

4. Perks and Benefits

• Don't overlook benefits like insurance coverage, car rental discounts and airport lounge access

• Think about how often you'll actually use these perks

5. Annual Fee

• Most good travel cards charge around $120 yearly

• Make sure the rewards and benefits are worth more than what you pay

6. Eligibility Requirements

• Better cards often require higher income (around $60,000) and good credit scores (660+)

• Check the requirements before applying to avoid unnecessary hits to your credit score

Pros and Cons of Travel Credit Cards

Pros

• Turn everyday purchases into travel rewards (flights, hotels, car rentals)

• Comprehensive travel insurance coverage (medical, trip cancellation, baggage)

• Extra perks like airport lounge access, priority boarding, and free checked bags

• Welcome bonuses can give you a big points boost when you first get the card

• Some cards let you transfer points to airline and hotel programs

Cons

• Most good travel cards charge annual fees

• Point redemption might be limited by blackout dates or seat restrictions

• Welcome offers usually require spending a certain amount within a time limit

• Points can expire if your account is inactive too long with some programs

How to apply for a travel credit card

1. Check Your Eligibility

Before applying, make sure you qualify:

• Are you a Canadian resident or citizen?

• Do you have a Canadian credit history?

• Are you the age of majority in your province?

• Does your income meet the card's requirements?

2. Apply Online

Ready to apply? Here's the process:

• Review all card details and terms

• Provide personal information (name, birth date, address, contact info)

• Enter your Social Insurance Number

• Share financial details like annual income and monthly expenses

• Verify your identity with government ID (passport or driver's license)

• Double-check everything before submitting

Remember that card applications trigger a hard credit check, which temporarily lowers your score. While one application won't hurt much long-term, applying for multiple cards at once can seriously damage your credit and hurt your chances for future approvals.

Is a travel credit card right for you?

Travel credit cards can be a smart way to earn rewards on money you'd spend anyway. If you travel even once or twice a year, the right card could save you hundreds in flight costs, hotel stays, and insurance coverage.

But they're not for everyone. The annual fees make sense only if you'll use the card enough to earn back more than you pay. And if you carry a balance, the high interest rates will quickly wipe out any rewards you earn.

Think about your travel habits and spending patterns. Do you stick with one airline or hotel chain? A co-branded card might give you better perks. Travel all over? A flexible general travel card could work better.

Also consider your credit situation. The best travel cards need good credit scores and higher incomes. If you're just building credit, you might need to start with a simpler card before upgrading to a premium travel card.