These are Canada's best travel rewards credit cards
Travel can be expensive, but if you live in Canada, some credit cards offer a smart way to make trips much more affordable.
On Jan. 3, Rewards Canada published its 18th annual ranking of the top travel rewards credit cards. Rewards Canada is an online resource for travel, cash back, and shopping loyalty and credit card rewards.
The ranking was researched by founder Patrick Sojka, who compiled the best travel rewards credit cards depending on various categories. Once again, the American Express Cobalt Card tops the list, but Sojka noted that it’s important to find the one that suits your lifestyle.
“The card that is best for John may not be the best for Jane, and vice versa, so that is why we present the five best cards in each of our multiple categories to help you decide which is best for you,” reads the report.
“In general, you need to look at your spending habits, what your reward goals are and what extra benefits you would like before picking the right credit card or credit cards.”
This year, the report added a new category: the Top Travel Credit Card, which offers benefits like travel discounts, airport access, and no foreign transaction fees.
These are the top credit cards in Canada that offer the best travel rewards.
Top Overall Travel Rewards Credit Card
Rewards Canada
The American Express Cobalt Card retains its number one spot for the ninth year in a row.
Cardholders concerned about Amex’s acceptance rate can rest assured — 90 per cent of Canadian retailers now accept Amex. Plus, putting just 50 per cent of your spending on the Cobalt card will earn you more rewards than putting 100 per cent of your purchases on another card.
You also get a five per cent return when you redeem points towards bookings made with any travel provider. Earn five times the points if you spend $2,500 every month on food and drinks, and get a 10 per cent return when you use Amex’s Fixed Points for Travel program. Earn three times the points on streaming services and two times the points on gas, transit, and ridesharing.
The card was also named the top hybrid credit card as it allows you to convert your points to airline and hotel programs like Air Canada, Air France and KLM’s frequent flyer program Flying Blue, the British Airways Club, and Marriott Bonvoy.
The downside is that the card’s monthly fee went up in 2025 to $15.99, but the report states that it still “provides unmatched value.”
Top Travel Credit Card
Rewards Canada
This year, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is the ultimate travel companion for the fifth year in a row.
The card earns its top spot due to travel benefits such as lounge access, no foreign transaction fees, travel discounts, great travel insurance coverage, affordability, and acceptance rate.
You can get up to three per cent returns when you redeem points when booking a trip yourself with any travel provider. Earn three times the points at Empire grocery stores, two times the points for other grocery stores and dining, and two times the points on gas and transit.
It’s easy to use, as there are no restrictions when redeeming points for travel. The card was also the top choice for cards offering no foreign transaction fees.
Top Travel Points Card with an Annual Fee
Rewards Canada
Considered a “points eating machine,” the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card takes the top spot in this category for the sixth year in a row.
In 2022, Scotiabank expanded its Scene+ rewards program into groceries, which means you can earn six points for every dollar spent at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, and other Empire stores. You also get five points for every dollar on other grocery purchases, restaurants, fast food, and drinking establishments, as well as three points per dollar spent on gas, rideshare, and transit.
The card has zero foreign transaction fees, and it’s one of the last premium cards that charges just $120 a year in fees.
Top No Fee Travel Rewards Credit Card
Rewards Canada
Those who aren’t fans of annual credit card fees can opt for the American Express Green Card, which has remained the top choice in this category for the past five years.
Book trips using its flexible travel rewards or convert points to Air Canada, Air France, KLM, British Airways, and Marriott. And the card keeps it simple: cardholders earn one point per dollar spent on any purchase.
Top Airline Credit Card
Rewards Canada
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card is the top airline credit card for the sixth year in a row. That’s because it gives cardholders the ability to redeem points to almost any destination, whether they’re flying economy, business, or first class.
And according to the report, Aeorplan is tough to beat. Cardholders get access to fantastic perks like getting their first checked bag free on Air Canada flights, discounted reward flight pricing, and a NEXUS credit.
Top Ultra Premium Credit Card
Rewards Canada
While it does come with an annual fee of over $300, the Platinum Card from American Express remains the best Ultra Premium Card in Canada.
That’s because it offers the best airport lounge access benefits, automatic hotel elite status through several programs, as well as discounts on premium class travel.
“On top of this, it has decent earn rates and the amazing redemption options from the Membership Rewards program, including any travel at anytime and conversions to Aeroplan and other airlines,” reads the report. “This Ultra Premium card is really tough to beat.”
Check out the full report. Rewards Canada also published its best cash back credit cards for 2026.