Do you judge a travel points program based on its flexibility and how easy it is to earn points? Or perhaps your best travel rewards program is more dependent upon how easy it is to redeem those points you've just earned.
And if you've been using the same travel points program for a while, it might be worth your time to review the options out there. We've analyzed the best travel rewards programs in Canada and how they work below. Or you can jump to our guide on the best travel credit cards in Canada to start your search.
| Travel rewards program | Recommended credit card | Average point value | Flexibility* | Transfer partners | Expiry date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aeroplan | TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card | $0.02 | Good | No | 18 months after account inactivity |
| AIR MILES | BMO AIR MILES®† MasterCard®* | $0.105 | Weak | No | 24 months after account inactivity |
| American Express Rewards | The Platinum Card® | $0.01 | Excellent | Yes | None with active account; 90 days after account closed |
| BMO Rewards | BMO Ascend World Elite®* Mastercard®* | $0.0067 | Good | No | None with active account; 90 days after account closed |
| CIBC Aventura | CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card | $0.0116 | Excellent | Yes | None with active account; 60 days after account closed |
| Marriott Rewards | Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* | $0.01 | Excellent | Yes | 24 months after account inactivity |
| MBNA Rewards | MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus® Mastercard® | $0.01 | Good | No | None with active account |
| RBC Avion Rewards | RBC Avion Visa Infinite | $0.021 | Excellent | Yes | None with active account; 90–365 days after account closes |
| Scene+ Travel | Scotiabank Gold American Express® | $0.01 | Excellent | Yes | None with active account; account may close after 24 months of inactivity |
| TD Travel Rewards | TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card | $0.005 | Excellent | No | None with active account |
| WestJet Rewards | WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard | $1 | Excellent | No | None with active account |
*Flexibility refers to the number of different redemption paths available, minimum number of points required to redeem, ability to redeem points for existing purchases, etc.
Air Canada recently purchased Aeroplan and there are still some lingering questions about what that means for the value of Aeroplan miles. But as of now Aeroplan is still one of the best frequent flyer programs out there, as its miles can be used to redeem flights on Canada's largest carrier and its partners.
Aeroplan has two options when it comes to redeeming flights: Fixed Mileage and Market Fare. As the name implies, fixed fares will cost you a set amount of points to fly to different zones as long as there is a reward seat available. With market fare redemptions, you get access to any seat that hasn't sold, but you'll pay the market price in points which is often significantly higher than prices in the fixed fare program.
Market fare prices can be lower than the fixed mileage seats, but that's usually for routes or times that are less desirable. Some airlines charge high fees, taxes, and surcharges, so you need to keep that under consideration when booking a redemption flight.
A great thing about Aeroplan is that there are multiple Aeroplan credit cards where you can earn points, but an Aeroplan card that we particularly love is the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card:
Featured Aeroplan credit card
up to 85,000 pts†
Welcome Bonus
$3,067
First Year Value
$67
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to $3,000 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points† could be yours. Conditions Apply.
Get this card if you...
- want exclusive travel perks like lounge access
- want to maximize your Aeroplan points with great offers
- want comprehensive travel insurance to ensure peace of mind
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$599
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card is a premium travel rewards credit card tailored for frequent Air Canada travelers, offering elevated Aeroplan points on direct Air Canada purchases, as well as on eligible gas, grocery, travel, and dining expenses. Cardholders benefit from perks such as a partial NEXUS application fee rebate†, complimentary first checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to eight companions on Air Canada flights†, and access to select airport lounges†; however, the card carries a substantial annual fee and requires a high personal or household income for eligibility.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$150,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$200,000
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
- Welcome bonus up to $3,000 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points†
- Complimentary Maple Leaf Lounge† access and six worldwide lounge visits annually†
- Priority Airport Services† like Boarding, Baggage Handling, and Priority Boarding
- High Aeroplan® earn rates, double points on eligible Air Canada purchases
- Extensive travel insurance benefits
- Free checked bags on Air Canada
- Preferred Pricing on Aeroplan® flight rewards
- Visa Infinite Privilege* designation perks (e.g. DragonPass membership)
- Up to $100 CAD NEXUS credit†
- Troon Rewards Platinum status benefit
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $599
- High eligibility requirements ($150,000 personal or $200,000 household income)
- Additional cardholder fee of $199
- High-value rewards mainly for Air Canada flights
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$599
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards Aeroplan
2 points†
Earn 2 points† for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada® including Air Canada Vacations®.
1.5 points†
Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 you charge to your Card on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, travel & transit and dining purchases.
1.25 points†
Earn 1.25 points† for every $1 you charge to your Card on all other purchases.
6
Get 6 lounge visits included for each Cardholder per membership year at over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide with DragonPass†
2x
Earn points twice when you pay with your Card and provide your Aeroplan number at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and at 200+ online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore (www.aeroplan.com/estore).
50%
Get 50% more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your TD card with your Starbucks® Rewards account. Conditions Apply.
$100
Apply for the NEXUS program membership and once every 48 months get a partial application fee rebate (up to $100 CAD)†.
1st
Get your 1st checked bag free for you and up to eight companions† when your travel originates on an Air Canada flight.
10%
Get 10% savings at Avis and Budget in North America, 5% off internationally†
Insurance Benefits
$1,500
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $3,000 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points and additional travel benefits. Conditions Apply.
Earn a welcome bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first Purchase with your new Card†
Earn an additional 35,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 180 days of Account opening†
Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 30,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $24,000 within 12 months of Account opening†
Offer may be changed, withdrawn, or extended at any time and cannot be combined with any other offer unless otherwise indicated.
Additional Travel Benefits
Apply for the NEXUS program membership and once every 48 months get a partial application fee rebate (up to $100 CAD)†.
Share first free checked bags with up to 8 travel companions† and get unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges† including complementary access for one guest.
Plus, primary cardholders get 6 complimentary worldwide select airport lounge visits annually through the Visa Airport Companion Program†
Disclosures:
†Terms and conditions apply.
This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button. Sponsored Content.
Our Take
The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card is a premium travel rewards credit card tailored for frequent Air Canada travelers, offering elevated Aeroplan points on direct Air Canada purchases, as well as on eligible gas, grocery, travel, and dining expenses. Cardholders benefit from perks such as a partial NEXUS application fee rebate†, complimentary first checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to eight companions on Air Canada flights†, and access to select airport lounges†; however, the card carries a substantial annual fee and requires a high personal or household income for eligibility.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$150,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$200,000
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
- Welcome bonus up to $3,000 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points†
- Complimentary Maple Leaf Lounge† access and six worldwide lounge visits annually†
- Priority Airport Services† like Boarding, Baggage Handling, and Priority Boarding
- High Aeroplan® earn rates, double points on eligible Air Canada purchases
- Extensive travel insurance benefits
- Free checked bags on Air Canada
- Preferred Pricing on Aeroplan® flight rewards
- Visa Infinite Privilege* designation perks (e.g. DragonPass membership)
- Up to $100 CAD NEXUS credit†
- Troon Rewards Platinum status benefit
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $599
- High eligibility requirements ($150,000 personal or $200,000 household income)
- Additional cardholder fee of $199
- High-value rewards mainly for Air Canada flights
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$599
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards Aeroplan
2 points†
Earn 2 points† for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada® including Air Canada Vacations®.
1.5 points†
Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 you charge to your Card on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, travel & transit and dining purchases.
1.25 points†
Earn 1.25 points† for every $1 you charge to your Card on all other purchases.
6
Get 6 lounge visits included for each Cardholder per membership year at over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide with DragonPass†
2x
Earn points twice when you pay with your Card and provide your Aeroplan number at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and at 200+ online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore (www.aeroplan.com/estore).
50%
Get 50% more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your TD card with your Starbucks® Rewards account. Conditions Apply.
$100
Apply for the NEXUS program membership and once every 48 months get a partial application fee rebate (up to $100 CAD)†.
1st
Get your 1st checked bag free for you and up to eight companions† when your travel originates on an Air Canada flight.
10%
Get 10% savings at Avis and Budget in North America, 5% off internationally†
Insurance Benefits
$1,500
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $3,000 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points and additional travel benefits. Conditions Apply.
Earn a welcome bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first Purchase with your new Card†
Earn an additional 35,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 180 days of Account opening†
Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 30,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $24,000 within 12 months of Account opening†
Offer may be changed, withdrawn, or extended at any time and cannot be combined with any other offer unless otherwise indicated.
Additional Travel Benefits
Apply for the NEXUS program membership and once every 48 months get a partial application fee rebate (up to $100 CAD)†.
Share first free checked bags with up to 8 travel companions† and get unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges† including complementary access for one guest.
Plus, primary cardholders get 6 complimentary worldwide select airport lounge visits annually through the Visa Airport Companion Program†
Disclosures:
†Terms and conditions apply.
This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button. Sponsored Content.
Some Canadians have historically disliked AIR MILES because it can be difficult to earn points quickly without an AIR MILES credit card , and making redemptions can be tricky. That said, there is a sweet spot to be found: If you book interprovincial flights through the AIR MILES Dream Miles option, you get an incredible value for your points since those flights typically cost a fair amount in cash. The amount of AIR MILES it takes depends on where you're going and what season you're flying, which complicates things a bit. But Air Miles does provide a helpful chart to show you what it'll cost.
The nice thing about AIR MILES is that they have a co-branded credit card with no annual fee in the BMO AIR MILES® † MasterCard® *.
Featured AIR MILES credit card
1,200 AIR MILES*
Welcome Bonus
$263
First Year Value
$143
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get 1,200 AIR MILES Bonus Miles‡ and a 0.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee.† Expires Jun 01, 2026
Get this card if you...
- quickly rack up more Air Miles
- want rewards, with no annual fee
- value a great welcome offer
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$0
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The BMO® AIR MILES®† Mastercard®* is a no-annual-fee credit card that allows cardholders to earn AIR MILES on everyday purchases, with accelerated rates at participating AIR MILES Partners and eligible grocery stores. It includes benefits such as purchase protection, extended warranty, and discounts on car rentals, making it a practical choice for those looking to accumulate AIR MILES without an annual fee.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- No annual fee with a substantial welcome offer
- Earn Air Miles with both credit and collector cards
- Low eligibility requirements
- Additional Benefits include discounts, insurance, and a low balance transfer rate
Cons
- A 2% fee applies to balance transfers.
- Limited redemption options
- Variable redemption values may vary based on last-minute short-haul flights
- Its specific rewards program is best for those interested in the Air Miles loyalty program
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
0.99%
Balance Transfer (Introductory)
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.00%
Balance Transfer
Rewards AIR MILES
3x
the Miles for every $25 spent at participating AIR MILES Partners
2x
the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible grocery store*
2x
the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible wholesale clubs, membership-based retailers and alcohol retailers
1 Mile
for every $25 that you spend with your credit card everywhere else
Get 1,200 AIR MILES Bonus Miles‡ (that’s enough for $120 towards purchases with AIR MILES Cash) and a 0.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee.†
Plus, enjoy three months of Instacart+ and a $5 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
†Terms and Conditions Apply.
Our Take
The BMO® AIR MILES®† Mastercard®* is a no-annual-fee credit card that allows cardholders to earn AIR MILES on everyday purchases, with accelerated rates at participating AIR MILES Partners and eligible grocery stores. It includes benefits such as purchase protection, extended warranty, and discounts on car rentals, making it a practical choice for those looking to accumulate AIR MILES without an annual fee.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- No annual fee with a substantial welcome offer
- Earn Air Miles with both credit and collector cards
- Low eligibility requirements
- Additional Benefits include discounts, insurance, and a low balance transfer rate
Cons
- A 2% fee applies to balance transfers.
- Limited redemption options
- Variable redemption values may vary based on last-minute short-haul flights
- Its specific rewards program is best for those interested in the Air Miles loyalty program
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
0.99%
Balance Transfer (Introductory)
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.00%
Balance Transfer
Rewards AIR MILES
3x
the Miles for every $25 spent at participating AIR MILES Partners
2x
the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible grocery store*
2x
the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible wholesale clubs, membership-based retailers and alcohol retailers
1 Mile
for every $25 that you spend with your credit card everywhere else
Get 1,200 AIR MILES Bonus Miles‡ (that’s enough for $120 towards purchases with AIR MILES Cash) and a 0.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee.†
Plus, enjoy three months of Instacart+ and a $5 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
†Terms and Conditions Apply.
If you're primarily looking for flexibility, you should consider American Express Membership Rewards®. Travel can be booked through the American Express travel portal, where you can redeem 1,000 Membership Rewards® (MR) points for $10 in travel. Alternatively, you can charge any travel expense to your American Express credit card and then redeem your points toward that purchase at the same ratio.
American Express has multiple travel partners where you can transfer your points, but the two that give the most value are Aeroplan and Marriott Rewards. With Aeroplan, it'll cost you 1,000 MR points to get 1,000 Aeroplan points (ie a 1:1 transfer). If you want Marriott Rewards points, you'll get 1,200 points for every 1,000 MR points transferred.
American Express also has the Fixed Points Travel Program, which can be beneficial. Most of the redemptions require the same amount of points compared to Aeroplan, but with Amex, you get access to all seats available on any airline, so that means you get more options for your travels.
One of the best ways to earn American Express Membership Rewards® is with The Platinum Card®.
Featured American Express card
up to 100,000 points
Welcome Bonus
$471
First Year Value
$0
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points* - that’s up to $1,000 towards a weekend away.
Get this card if you...
- are a frequent traveler who wants luxury perks like lounge access
- want to rack up rewards quickly
- want great travel insurance, perks and concierge services
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$799
Annual Fee
21.99% - 29.99%
Purchase
Our Take
The American Express Platinum Card® is a premium travel rewards credit card offering elevated Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases, with a substantial welcome bonus for new cardholders. Cardholders enjoy exclusive benefits such as access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide† through the American Express Global Lounge Collection™, comprehensive travel insurance, and personalized concierge services.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- Access to a wide range of luxury perks, including premium concierge service
- Complimentary lounge membership providing access to over 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide†
- Annual statement credits: $200 annual travel credit, $200 annual dining credit
- Special insurance coverages like trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, lost or stolen baggage and rental car theft & damage.
- Provides extended warranty (2 years) and purchase protection (120 days).
Cons
- High annual fee of $799, one of the heftiest among Canadian cards
- The rewards system can be complicated, especially for users not familiar with maximizing credit card points
- Requires good to excellent credit for eligibility
Annual Interest Rates
21.99% - 29.99%
Purchase
30%
Penalty
Fees
$799
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Membership Rewards
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
1x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1
additional point on Amex Travel Online for eligible hotel or car rental bookings
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points - that’s up to $1,000 towards a weekend away! Here's how:
New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn 70,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $10,000 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
Plus, earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase between 15 and 17 months of Cardmembership
Terms and Conditions Apply.
Our Take
The American Express Platinum Card® is a premium travel rewards credit card offering elevated Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases, with a substantial welcome bonus for new cardholders. Cardholders enjoy exclusive benefits such as access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide† through the American Express Global Lounge Collection™, comprehensive travel insurance, and personalized concierge services.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- Access to a wide range of luxury perks, including premium concierge service
- Complimentary lounge membership providing access to over 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide†
- Annual statement credits: $200 annual travel credit, $200 annual dining credit
- Special insurance coverages like trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, lost or stolen baggage and rental car theft & damage.
- Provides extended warranty (2 years) and purchase protection (120 days).
Cons
- High annual fee of $799, one of the heftiest among Canadian cards
- The rewards system can be complicated, especially for users not familiar with maximizing credit card points
- Requires good to excellent credit for eligibility
Annual Interest Rates
21.99% - 29.99%
Purchase
30%
Penalty
Fees
$799
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Membership Rewards
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
1x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1
additional point on Amex Travel Online for eligible hotel or car rental bookings
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points - that’s up to $1,000 towards a weekend away! Here's how:
New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn 70,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $10,000 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
Plus, earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase between 15 and 17 months of Cardmembership
Terms and Conditions Apply.
Admittedly, BMO Rewards is a bit more complicated than it needs to be, but it's still among the best travel rewards in Canada since BMO will price match if you call into its customer service line.
You can redeem travel with any provider with BMO Rewards points. You have full control and freedom of choice to book with any travel provider you like so you can benefit from any last-minute deals or better pricing found on another platform including Air Canada/West Jet, Expedia, Airbnb/VRBO while still receiving BMO Rewards' richest redemption rate (150 pts = $1). Once you make your booking, you can immediately redeem BMO Rewards points using the Pay with Points feature. After the redemption is completed, a credit will be applied to your account within 3 to 5 days.
Featured BMO Rewards credit card
up to $1,600*
Welcome Bonus
$1,922
First Year Value
$322
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get up to $1,600 in value including up to 100,000 points, Mastercard Travel Pass & 4 Complimentary Lounge Passes, NEXUS Statement Credit and the annual fee waived in the first year for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.*
Get this card if you...
- are a high-earning globetrotter, looking for travel perks
- value travel insurance, lounge access, and concierge services
- appreciate a great welcome offer
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$150
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®* is a premium travel rewards credit card with elevated earn rates on eligible travel, dining, entertainment, and recurring bill payments. Cardholders benefit from complimentary lounge membership, which includes complimentary passes, as well as comprehensive travel insurance coverage, making it a suitable option for frequent travelers seeking both rewards and travel-related perks.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
- High-value welcome offer
- Flexible airport lounge access
- BMO Rewards points can be used to cover flight taxes and fees
- Great for those who frequently rent cars
- Good for Costco and No Frills shoppers
Cons
- So-so earn rates relative to its annual fee
- Points have low redemption value compared to other travel rewards programs
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- Relatively high minimum income requirements
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$150
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
Rewards BMO Rewards
5x
Earn 5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases*
3x
Earn 3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments*
1x
Earn 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else*
4
Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass, with 4 annual complimentary passes
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to $1,600 in value including up to 100,000 points, Mastercard Travel Pass & 4 Complimentary Lounge Passes, NEXUS Statement Credit and the annual fee waived in the first year for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.*
Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on Balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% transfer fee.*
Also, enjoy six months of Instacart+ and a $10 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
*Terms and conditions apply.
Our Take
The BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®* is a premium travel rewards credit card with elevated earn rates on eligible travel, dining, entertainment, and recurring bill payments. Cardholders benefit from complimentary lounge membership, which includes complimentary passes, as well as comprehensive travel insurance coverage, making it a suitable option for frequent travelers seeking both rewards and travel-related perks.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
- High-value welcome offer
- Flexible airport lounge access
- BMO Rewards points can be used to cover flight taxes and fees
- Great for those who frequently rent cars
- Good for Costco and No Frills shoppers
Cons
- So-so earn rates relative to its annual fee
- Points have low redemption value compared to other travel rewards programs
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- Relatively high minimum income requirements
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$150
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
Rewards BMO Rewards
5x
Earn 5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases*
3x
Earn 3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments*
1x
Earn 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else*
4
Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass, with 4 annual complimentary passes
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to $1,600 in value including up to 100,000 points, Mastercard Travel Pass & 4 Complimentary Lounge Passes, NEXUS Statement Credit and the annual fee waived in the first year for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.*
Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on Balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% transfer fee.*
Also, enjoy six months of Instacart+ and a $10 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
*Terms and conditions apply.
CIBC Travel Rewards has its own travel portal, which gives access to flights, hotels, car rental, and all-inclusive properties, but if you call the CIBC travel agency, you'll also get access to anything sold on Expedia or Orbitz. This little-known trick allows you to make travel purchases such as cruises, tours, and attraction tickets. The redemption ratio is 100 Aventura points for $1 in travel.
There's also the Aventura Airline Rewards Chart, which allows you to book travel at fixed prices. This is an attractive option since you can get a higher value for your points compared to when you book via the travel portal or CIBC travel agent.
For example, you could book a flight within a province, territory or US state to an adjoining province, territory or US state with a maximum base fare of $400 for 10,000 – 20,000 Aventura points. In many cases, that's a better value compared to Aeroplan and RBC's fixed schedule. Taxes and fees are extra, but you can use your points to pay for them.
Featured CIBC Aventura credit card
up to 60,000 pts†
Welcome Bonus
$2,320
First Year Value
$570
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get up to $1,750 in value, including up to 60,000 Aventura Points.†
Get this card if you...
- want to earn Aventura points on everyday purchases
- value travel perks, including comprehensive travel insurance
- want flexible redemption, including loyalty points conversion
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$139
Annual Fee
20.99%†
Purchase
22.99%†
Cash Advance
22.99%†
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card is a travel rewards credit card that allows cardholders to earn Aventura Points on everyday purchases, with accelerated rates for eligible travel booked through the CIBC Rewards Centre, as well as at gas stations, EV charging stations, grocery stores, and drug stores. It also offers benefits such as a NEXUS™ application fee rebate, access to airport lounges, and comprehensive travel insurance.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$15,000
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
- High value welcome offer
- Minimal household annual income required
- Exceptional points-redeemable travel opportunities and other perks
Cons
- High annual fee (rebated for your first year)†
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%†
Purchase
22.99%†
Cash Advance
22.99%†
Balance Transfer
25.99%†
Penalty
Fees
$139
Annual Fee
2.50%†
Foreign Transaction
$5
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$42.5
Return Penalty
Rewards Aventura
2
points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre†
1.5
points for every $1 spent at eligible gas stations, EV charging, grocery stores and drug stores†
1
point for every $1 spent on all other purchases†
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to $1,750 in value, including up to 60,000 Aventura Points†:
15,000 Aventura Points when you make your first purchase†
30,000 Aventura Points when you spend $3,000 or more in net purchases in the first 4 monthly statement periods†
15,000 Aventura Points if you have at least $5,000 in net purchases posted to your account in the first 4 monthly statement periods†
Get a one-time annual fee rebate ($139) for you (the primary cardholder) and up to three authorized users ($50 each): up to $189 value.†
Elevate your airport experience with 4 complimentary visits at 1,200+ lounges globally through Visa Airport Companion Program: up to $277 value.
Plus, get a NEXUS™ Application Fee rebate: a $100 value.†
Our Take
The CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card is a travel rewards credit card that allows cardholders to earn Aventura Points on everyday purchases, with accelerated rates for eligible travel booked through the CIBC Rewards Centre, as well as at gas stations, EV charging stations, grocery stores, and drug stores. It also offers benefits such as a NEXUS™ application fee rebate, access to airport lounges, and comprehensive travel insurance.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$15,000
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
- High value welcome offer
- Minimal household annual income required
- Exceptional points-redeemable travel opportunities and other perks
Cons
- High annual fee (rebated for your first year)†
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%†
Purchase
22.99%†
Cash Advance
22.99%†
Balance Transfer
25.99%†
Penalty
Fees
$139
Annual Fee
2.50%†
Foreign Transaction
$5
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$42.5
Return Penalty
Rewards Aventura
2
points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre†
1.5
points for every $1 spent at eligible gas stations, EV charging, grocery stores and drug stores†
1
point for every $1 spent on all other purchases†
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to $1,750 in value, including up to 60,000 Aventura Points†:
15,000 Aventura Points when you make your first purchase†
30,000 Aventura Points when you spend $3,000 or more in net purchases in the first 4 monthly statement periods†
15,000 Aventura Points if you have at least $5,000 in net purchases posted to your account in the first 4 monthly statement periods†
Get a one-time annual fee rebate ($139) for you (the primary cardholder) and up to three authorized users ($50 each): up to $189 value.†
Elevate your airport experience with 4 complimentary visits at 1,200+ lounges globally through Visa Airport Companion Program: up to $277 value.
Plus, get a NEXUS™ Application Fee rebate: a $100 value.†
Mariott Bonvoy is considered one of the best hotel loyalty programs, with more than 7,000 properties in 130+ countries. What makes this program most appealing is that it's free to join and you earn points with every stay in a participating Marriott Bonvoy®* property. Eventually you can use your accumulated points to redeem for free hotel nights or experiences. Alternatively, you can transfer them to various airline programs.
If you frequently stay at hotels, then being loyal to Marriott really pays off as your status level increases when you accumulate more nights. Every time you hit a new status tier you get additional benefits such as free breakfast and a higher earn rate on eligible expenses.
Featured Marriott Bonvoy® card
up to 50,000 points
Welcome Bonus
$719
First Year Value
$269
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points.
Get this card if you...
- are loyal to the Marriott Bonvoy program
- want Silver Elite status, with great perks like late checkout
- value travel insurance and no foreign transaction fees
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$120
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
Our Take
The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is a travel rewards credit card that allows cardholders to earn Marriott Bonvoy points on everyday purchases, with elevated rates for spending at Marriott properties. Benefits include an annual free night award, complimentary Silver Elite status, and the flexibility to transfer points to various frequent flyer programs.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
- Annual free night award — Receive an Annual Free Night Award for up to 35,000 points†
- Earn points with every eligible card purchase
- Complimentary upgrade to Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status
- Flexibility to transfer to other frequent flyer programs
- Includes travel accident insurance†
- Generous welcome bonus
Cons
- Annual fee—$120
- Travel medical insurance not included
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
25.99% - 29.99%
Penalty
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$2.75
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Bonvoy
5x
points for every dollar in eligible Card purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®
2x
points for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1
Annual Free Night Award for up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide every year after your first anniversary
1
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status membership
15
Elite Night Credits each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card.
Insurance Benefits
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
New Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Cardmembers earn 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points after you charge $1,500 in purchases to your Card in your first three months of Cardmembership.
Subject to change at any time.
Our Take
The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is a travel rewards credit card that allows cardholders to earn Marriott Bonvoy points on everyday purchases, with elevated rates for spending at Marriott properties. Benefits include an annual free night award, complimentary Silver Elite status, and the flexibility to transfer points to various frequent flyer programs.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
- Annual free night award — Receive an Annual Free Night Award for up to 35,000 points†
- Earn points with every eligible card purchase
- Complimentary upgrade to Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status
- Flexibility to transfer to other frequent flyer programs
- Includes travel accident insurance†
- Generous welcome bonus
Cons
- Annual fee—$120
- Travel medical insurance not included
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
25.99% - 29.99%
Penalty
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$2.75
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Bonvoy
5x
points for every dollar in eligible Card purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®
2x
points for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1
Annual Free Night Award for up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide every year after your first anniversary
1
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status membership
15
Elite Night Credits each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card.
Insurance Benefits
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
New Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Cardmembers earn 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points after you charge $1,500 in purchases to your Card in your first three months of Cardmembership.
Subject to change at any time.
MBNA Rewards points have competitive value: Points are worth $0.01 each when redeemed for travel (flight, hotel, car rental, etc.) and between $0.005–$0.0083 each when redeemed for a statement credit, depending on the credit card that was used to earn them. Points can also be redeemed for merchandise and gift cards, for which redemption values vary.
The most glaring weakness of the program is probably the fact that you can't use points to pay for an independently booked travel purchase; you need to use MBNA's own portal to book travel with points, though it's worth noting that you can at least take advantage of MBNA's Price Match Guarantee if you find better travel deals elsewhere.
Featured MBNA Rewards card
up to 10,000 points
Welcome Bonus
$860
First Year Value
$360
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn 4 points per $1 spent on eligible restaurant, grocery, digital media, membership, and household utility purchases until $10,000 is spent annually. Plus, earn up to 10,000 bonus points†.
Get this card if you...
- want to earn rewards on everyday purchases such as groceries
- value flexible redemption options
- want to avoid paying any annual fees
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$0
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus® Mastercard® is a no-annual-fee credit card that allows cardholders to earn rewards points on everyday purchases, with accelerated rates in categories such as groceries, restaurants, digital media, memberships, and household utilities. These points can be redeemed flexibly for travel, merchandise, gift cards, or cash back, providing versatility to suit various spending habits and preferences.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- No annual fee
- Accelerated rewards on groceries, restaurants, and more
- Simple point structure with flexible redemption options
- Generous introductory bonus of up to 10,000 points
- No cap on total points earned
Cons
- Lower cash back redemption rate compared to designated cash back cards
- Limited benefits beyond rewards
- Points system may not appeal to cash back enthusiasts
- Higher earning categories have a spending cap of $10,000 annually
- Better suited for travel rewards than cash back
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
3.00%
Balance Transfer
Rewards MBNA Rewards
10,000
Get up to 10,000 MBNA Rewards points†† as an introductory bonus (see details below)
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
For the first 90 days of account opening, new cardholders will earn an additional 2 points/$1 spent on eligible restaurant, grocery, digital media, membership, and household utility purchases (on top of the regular earn rate of 2 points/$1 spent) until $10,000 is spent annually in each category.
Plus, new cardholders can get up to 10,000 bonus MBNA Rewards points †† when they sign up for paperless e-statements (5,000 points†) and make $500 or more in purchases within the first 90 days (another 5,000 points†).
Our Take
The MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus® Mastercard® is a no-annual-fee credit card that allows cardholders to earn rewards points on everyday purchases, with accelerated rates in categories such as groceries, restaurants, digital media, memberships, and household utilities. These points can be redeemed flexibly for travel, merchandise, gift cards, or cash back, providing versatility to suit various spending habits and preferences.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- No annual fee
- Accelerated rewards on groceries, restaurants, and more
- Simple point structure with flexible redemption options
- Generous introductory bonus of up to 10,000 points
- No cap on total points earned
Cons
- Lower cash back redemption rate compared to designated cash back cards
- Limited benefits beyond rewards
- Points system may not appeal to cash back enthusiasts
- Higher earning categories have a spending cap of $10,000 annually
- Better suited for travel rewards than cash back
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
3.00%
Balance Transfer
Rewards MBNA Rewards
10,000
Get up to 10,000 MBNA Rewards points†† as an introductory bonus (see details below)
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
For the first 90 days of account opening, new cardholders will earn an additional 2 points/$1 spent on eligible restaurant, grocery, digital media, membership, and household utility purchases (on top of the regular earn rate of 2 points/$1 spent) until $10,000 is spent annually in each category.
Plus, new cardholders can get up to 10,000 bonus MBNA Rewards points †† when they sign up for paperless e-statements (5,000 points†) and make $500 or more in purchases within the first 90 days (another 5,000 points†).
The most impressive aspect of Avion Rewards points is perhaps their transferability. Points can be converted to a number of other of these best travel rewards programs, like WestJet, British Airways Avios, and Cathay Pacific; and the conversion rates are generally very favorable, eg 100 RBC Avion Rewards points for 1 WestJet Dollar, 1:1 conversion ratios for Avios and Cathay Pacific, etc. And quite often RBC runs promotions that generate extra miles when transferring to partners like Avios, which can get you extra bang for your buck.
Featured RBC Avion credit card
35,000 points^
Welcome Bonus
$963
First Year Value
$213
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Enjoy 35,000 Avion points upon approval^ (travel value of $750†).
Get this card if you...
- want to earn Avion points on everyday purchases
- value a generous welcome offer
- need comprehensive travel insurance benefits
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$120
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card is a flexible travel rewards credit card that allows cardholders to earn Avion points on everyday purchases, with additional benefits such as comprehensive travel insurance and access to exclusive events. It is well-suited for frequent travelers seeking a versatile rewards program and value-added perks.
Eligibility
Very Good (671 - 739)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Pros
- Rewards program is highly flexible, transferable, and includes a slew of non-travel-related reward options
- Partnerships with other retailers like HBC and Petro-Canada
- Provides excellent travel insurance
- New cardholders get 35,000 Avion points^
- Solid option for looking for a travel-centric points program
Cons
- The points-to-dollars ratio is only average and there are few opportunities for accelerated earning.
- The $120 annual fee isn’t cheap
- High annual income requirement: Personal: $60,000 or Household: $100,000
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
Rewards Avion Elite
1
Earn 1 Avion point for every dollar you spend*.
25%
extra Avion points on eligible travel purchases
$1,500
mobile device insurance
3¢/L
savings on fuel at Petro-Canada and always earn 20% more Avion points
50
Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall
20%
off at Hertz and earn 3x the Avion points
$0
delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash
Insurance Benefits
$1,500
Mobile device insurance amount
3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Enjoy 35,000 Avion points upon approval^ (travel value of $750†).
^This offer only applies to new applications for an RBC Avion Visa Infinite or RBC Avion Visa Platinum credit card (each, an “Eligible Credit Card”) approved by Royal Bank of Canada (“Royal Bank”) subject to the conditions below. Additional cardholders(s) (co-applicant and authorized user(s)) on the Eligible Credit Card account, as well as existing cardholders on any RBC Royal Bank personal credit card account transferring to an Eligible Credit Card account during the Offer Period, are not eligible for the offer. See RBC site for full Terms and Conditions.
Our Take
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card is a flexible travel rewards credit card that allows cardholders to earn Avion points on everyday purchases, with additional benefits such as comprehensive travel insurance and access to exclusive events. It is well-suited for frequent travelers seeking a versatile rewards program and value-added perks.
Eligibility
Very Good (671 - 739)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Pros
- Rewards program is highly flexible, transferable, and includes a slew of non-travel-related reward options
- Partnerships with other retailers like HBC and Petro-Canada
- Provides excellent travel insurance
- New cardholders get 35,000 Avion points^
- Solid option for looking for a travel-centric points program
Cons
- The points-to-dollars ratio is only average and there are few opportunities for accelerated earning.
- The $120 annual fee isn’t cheap
- High annual income requirement: Personal: $60,000 or Household: $100,000
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
Rewards Avion Elite
1
Earn 1 Avion point for every dollar you spend*.
25%
extra Avion points on eligible travel purchases
$1,500
mobile device insurance
3¢/L
savings on fuel at Petro-Canada and always earn 20% more Avion points
50
Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall
20%
off at Hertz and earn 3x the Avion points
$0
delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash
Insurance Benefits
$1,500
Mobile device insurance amount
3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Enjoy 35,000 Avion points upon approval^ (travel value of $750†).
^This offer only applies to new applications for an RBC Avion Visa Infinite or RBC Avion Visa Platinum credit card (each, an “Eligible Credit Card”) approved by Royal Bank of Canada (“Royal Bank”) subject to the conditions below. Additional cardholders(s) (co-applicant and authorized user(s)) on the Eligible Credit Card account, as well as existing cardholders on any RBC Royal Bank personal credit card account transferring to an Eligible Credit Card account during the Offer Period, are not eligible for the offer. See RBC site for full Terms and Conditions.
There is no fixed travel program with the Scene+ program, but you can redeem your points at a ratio of 100 points for $1 through the Scene+ travel portal or on travel expenses you've already charged to your Scotiabank credit card . There is a minimum redemption of 5,000 points for independently booked travel (no minimum for bookings with the Scene+ travel portal), but you can also apply that redemption to any fees, taxes, and surcharges.
Featured Scene + credit card
up to 45,000 points†
Welcome Bonus
$1,582
First Year Value
$732
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to $850 in welcome offers, first year rewards and savings value, including up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points.† Expires Jul 01, 2026
Get this card if you...
- want exclusive travel benefits like no foreign exchange fees
- need comprehensive travel insurance benefits
- want to access exclusive Amex offers
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$120
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is a rewards credit card that offers accelerated earn rates on categories such as groceries, dining, and entertainment. It also provides benefits like no foreign transaction fees and comprehensive travel insurance, making it suitable for both everyday spending and international use.
Eligibility
Very Good (671 - 739)
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- Lots of daily spend options to earn multiplied point bonuses
- Swanky Amex perks like Front of the Line presale concert tickets
- Save on foreign transaction fees when abroad
- Fantastic insurance coverage, especially for travel
Cons
- Relatively low-value welcome bonus
- $120 annual fee that chews into your point value substantially
- Scene points redeem poorly for travel
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
0.00%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards Scene+
6x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
4x
Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$1,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $850* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points. Here's how:
$450 in travel rewards (45,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Gold American Express Card clients who spend $2,000 within the first 3 months (to earn 25,000 points) and who spend $7,500 within the first 12 months (to earn an additional 20,000 points);
$58 in foreign transaction fee savings based on average annual foreign spend per account over the last 24 months (save the 2.5% foreign transaction fee markup typically charged by other card issuers);
$386 in first year point earn potential (38,500 Scene+ points) on everyday purchases based on average annual spend per account over the last 24 months with an average spend of 30% in 6X, 5X and 3X accelerator categories.
Potential First Year Value = up to $894 (rounded down to $850)
To qualify for these offers make sure to apply for and open a new Scotiabank Gold American Express credit card account (“Account”) between January 2, 2026 and July 1, 2026.
*Savings and reward potential in first 12 months includes welcome offer value, first year point earn potential and foreign transaction fee savings as of November 4, 2025.
See terms and conditions for full details.
Rates, fees and other information are effective as of October 31, 2025. Subject to change.
Our Take
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is a rewards credit card that offers accelerated earn rates on categories such as groceries, dining, and entertainment. It also provides benefits like no foreign transaction fees and comprehensive travel insurance, making it suitable for both everyday spending and international use.
Eligibility
Very Good (671 - 739)
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- Lots of daily spend options to earn multiplied point bonuses
- Swanky Amex perks like Front of the Line presale concert tickets
- Save on foreign transaction fees when abroad
- Fantastic insurance coverage, especially for travel
Cons
- Relatively low-value welcome bonus
- $120 annual fee that chews into your point value substantially
- Scene points redeem poorly for travel
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
0.00%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards Scene+
6x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
4x
Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$1,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $850* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points. Here's how:
$450 in travel rewards (45,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Gold American Express Card clients who spend $2,000 within the first 3 months (to earn 25,000 points) and who spend $7,500 within the first 12 months (to earn an additional 20,000 points);
$58 in foreign transaction fee savings based on average annual foreign spend per account over the last 24 months (save the 2.5% foreign transaction fee markup typically charged by other card issuers);
$386 in first year point earn potential (38,500 Scene+ points) on everyday purchases based on average annual spend per account over the last 24 months with an average spend of 30% in 6X, 5X and 3X accelerator categories.
Potential First Year Value = up to $894 (rounded down to $850)
To qualify for these offers make sure to apply for and open a new Scotiabank Gold American Express credit card account (“Account”) between January 2, 2026 and July 1, 2026.
*Savings and reward potential in first 12 months includes welcome offer value, first year point earn potential and foreign transaction fee savings as of November 4, 2025.
See terms and conditions for full details.
Rates, fees and other information are effective as of October 31, 2025. Subject to change.
TD Travel Rewards is a relatively flexible rewards program since it allows for a variety of different redemption options. If you're booking travel through Expedia for TD (not to be confused with Expedia.ca), it'll cost you 200 TD Points to redeem $1 in travel. This is the best value for consumers since you can book anything that is offered on Expedia for TD, which includes flights, hotels, all-inclusive packages, cruises, car rentals and attraction tickets.
You also have the option to redeem your points for any travel expenses that you have charged to your TD credit card, but it'll cost you 250 points per dollar redeemed for the first $1200 of a travel charge and 200 points per dollar redeemed after that . This is obviously a lower redemption value than Expedia for TD, but TD's definition of eligible travel expenses is quite generous as it not only includes flights but also air travel taxes, baggage fees, lodging, car rentals while traveling, and more.
Featured TD Travel Rewards credit card
up to 165,000 pts†
Welcome Bonus
$618
First Year Value
$0
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to $1,400 in value†, including up to 165,000 TD Rewards Points† and receive an annual fee rebate for the first year†. Conditions Apply.
Get this card if you...
- are a frequent traveler and prefer Expedia for bookings
- want comprehensive travel insurance to ensure peace of mind
- value a great welcome offer
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$139
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card is a travel rewards credit card offering elevated TD Rewards Points on purchases made through Expedia® For TD†, as well as on groceries and dining. Cardholders benefit from a substantial welcome bonus, an annual $100 TD Travel Credit†, and access to Visa Infinite privileges, including concierge services and exclusive experiences.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
- Major combined value for the welcome bonus (up to $1,400 in value)†
- Good base earn rate on all purchases
- Huge earn rate when you book travel through Expedia® For TD†
- Very flexible redemption options
- $100 TD Travel Credit†
- Visa Infinite Benefits
- Great savings on annual fees for accountholders of TD’s All-Inclusive Banking Plan
Cons
- Charges foreign transaction fees
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$139
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards TD Rewards
8 Points
Earn 8 TD Rewards Points† for every $1 you spend through Expedia® For TD†.
6 Points
Earn 6 TD Rewards Points† for every $1 you spend on Groceries, Dining, and Public Transit†.
4 Points
Earn 4 TD Rewards Points† for every $1 you spend on Recurring Bill Payments and Streaming, Digital Gaming & Media†.
2 Points
Earn 2 TD Rewards points for every $1 you spend using your card.†
10k Bonus Points
Earn a Birthday Bonus of up to 10,000 TD Rewards points†.
$100
An annual TD Travel Credit† of $100 when you book at Expedia® For TD†.
4
Enjoy your 4 complimentary visits by enrolling now for the Visa Airport Companion Program†.
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $1,400 in value†, including up to 165,000 TD Rewards Points, receive an annual fee rebate for the first year† and additional travel benefits. Conditions Apply.
Earn a welcome Bonus of 20,000 TD Rewards Points when you make your first Purchase with your Card†.
Earn 145,000 TD Rewards Points when you spend $7,500 within 180 days of Account opening†.
Earn a Birthday Bonus of up to 10,000 TD Rewards points†.
Get an annual TD Travel Credit† of $100 when you book at Expedia® For TD.
Get an Annual Fee Rebate for the first year†.
Enjoy your time at the airport with global airport lounge access and 4 complimentary lounge visits with Visa Airport Companion Program (a value of up to $285)†.
To receive the first-year annual fee rebate for the Primary Cardholder, you must activate your Card and make your first Purchase on the Account within the first 3 months after Account opening. To receive the Additional Cardholder(s) first-year annual fee rebate, you must add your Additional Cardholder(s) while the offer is in effect.
Offer may be changed, withdrawn, or extended at any time and cannot be combined with any other offer unless otherwise indicated.
†Terms and conditions apply.
This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button. Sponsored Content.
Our Take
The TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card is a travel rewards credit card offering elevated TD Rewards Points on purchases made through Expedia® For TD†, as well as on groceries and dining. Cardholders benefit from a substantial welcome bonus, an annual $100 TD Travel Credit†, and access to Visa Infinite privileges, including concierge services and exclusive experiences.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
- Major combined value for the welcome bonus (up to $1,400 in value)†
- Good base earn rate on all purchases
- Huge earn rate when you book travel through Expedia® For TD†
- Very flexible redemption options
- $100 TD Travel Credit†
- Visa Infinite Benefits
- Great savings on annual fees for accountholders of TD’s All-Inclusive Banking Plan
Cons
- Charges foreign transaction fees
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$139
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards TD Rewards
8 Points
Earn 8 TD Rewards Points† for every $1 you spend through Expedia® For TD†.
6 Points
Earn 6 TD Rewards Points† for every $1 you spend on Groceries, Dining, and Public Transit†.
4 Points
Earn 4 TD Rewards Points† for every $1 you spend on Recurring Bill Payments and Streaming, Digital Gaming & Media†.
2 Points
Earn 2 TD Rewards points for every $1 you spend using your card.†
10k Bonus Points
Earn a Birthday Bonus of up to 10,000 TD Rewards points†.
$100
An annual TD Travel Credit† of $100 when you book at Expedia® For TD†.
4
Enjoy your 4 complimentary visits by enrolling now for the Visa Airport Companion Program†.
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $1,400 in value†, including up to 165,000 TD Rewards Points, receive an annual fee rebate for the first year† and additional travel benefits. Conditions Apply.
Earn a welcome Bonus of 20,000 TD Rewards Points when you make your first Purchase with your Card†.
Earn 145,000 TD Rewards Points when you spend $7,500 within 180 days of Account opening†.
Earn a Birthday Bonus of up to 10,000 TD Rewards points†.
Get an annual TD Travel Credit† of $100 when you book at Expedia® For TD.
Get an Annual Fee Rebate for the first year†.
Enjoy your time at the airport with global airport lounge access and 4 complimentary lounge visits with Visa Airport Companion Program (a value of up to $285)†.
To receive the first-year annual fee rebate for the Primary Cardholder, you must activate your Card and make your first Purchase on the Account within the first 3 months after Account opening. To receive the Additional Cardholder(s) first-year annual fee rebate, you must add your Additional Cardholder(s) while the offer is in effect.
Offer may be changed, withdrawn, or extended at any time and cannot be combined with any other offer unless otherwise indicated.
†Terms and conditions apply.
This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button. Sponsored Content.
The biggest draw of WestJet is its use of tiers: As soon as you enroll in the WestJet program, you're instantly awarded Teal tier status, which provides 0.5% back in WestJet dollars on flights. As you spend more on WestJet travel and services, your tier increases, garnering additional travel benefits such as advanced seat selection, free checked bags, airport lounge access, and higher earn rates. Those who reach Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers earn 3%, 5%, and 8% back on WestJet flights respectively. Best of all, your tier stacks with the earn rates provided by WestJet credit cards, so you can potentially earn up to 10% in WestJet dollars on qualifying purchases.
One of the few major criticisms to note about WestJet Rewards is that your WestJet dollars can only be redeemed for base fares; they can't be used to pay for a flight's taxes, fees, or surcharges.
Featured WestJet RBC credit card
70K WestJet points†
Welcome Bonus
$467
First Year Value
$0
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get up to 70,000 WestJet points†. Expires Feb 04, 2026
Get this card if you...
- frequently travel with WestJet
- take advantage of premium travel perks like lounge access
- need robust travel insurance
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$119
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard is a premium travel rewards credit card tailored for frequent WestJet travelers, offering elevated earn rates on WestJet flights and vacation packages, as well as on everyday purchases. Cardholders benefit from a generous welcome bonus, an annual companion voucher, complimentary first checked bags and access to over 1,300 global airport lounges; however, the card carries an annual fee and has high personal or household income requirements for eligibility.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
- A generous welcome bonus of up to 70,000 WestJet points
- Good earn rate of up to 2% back in WestJet points
- Good travel insurance coverage
Cons
- High annual income requirement: Personal: $80,000 or Household: $150,000
- Insurance doesn't include trip cancellation coverage or lost baggage
- Reward redemptions are restricted to WestJet
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$119
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
Rewards Westjet dollars
2
Earn 2 WestJet points on WestJet flights or WestJet vacation packages.
1.5
Earn 1.5 WestJet points on everyday purchases.
Wi-Fi
access to over 1 million Wi-Fi hotsports around the world with Boingo Wi-Fi for Mastercard
1
annual companion voucher (starting at $119)
3¢/L
savings at Petro-Canada and 20% more Petro-Points
$0
delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash
Insurance Benefits
$500,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to 70,000 WestJet points† with the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard.
Here's how:
Get 30,000 WestJet points upon your first purchase
Receive an additional 30,000 WestJet points when you spend at least $5,000 in the first 3 months
An additional 10,000 WestJet points after your first year anniversary
Offer ends February 4, 2026.
Our Take
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard is a premium travel rewards credit card tailored for frequent WestJet travelers, offering elevated earn rates on WestJet flights and vacation packages, as well as on everyday purchases. Cardholders benefit from a generous welcome bonus, an annual companion voucher, complimentary first checked bags and access to over 1,300 global airport lounges; however, the card carries an annual fee and has high personal or household income requirements for eligibility.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
- A generous welcome bonus of up to 70,000 WestJet points
- Good earn rate of up to 2% back in WestJet points
- Good travel insurance coverage
Cons
- High annual income requirement: Personal: $80,000 or Household: $150,000
- Insurance doesn't include trip cancellation coverage or lost baggage
- Reward redemptions are restricted to WestJet
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$119
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
Rewards Westjet dollars
2
Earn 2 WestJet points on WestJet flights or WestJet vacation packages.
1.5
Earn 1.5 WestJet points on everyday purchases.
Wi-Fi
access to over 1 million Wi-Fi hotsports around the world with Boingo Wi-Fi for Mastercard
1
annual companion voucher (starting at $119)
3¢/L
savings at Petro-Canada and 20% more Petro-Points
$0
delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash
Insurance Benefits
$500,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to 70,000 WestJet points† with the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard.
Here's how:
Get 30,000 WestJet points upon your first purchase
Receive an additional 30,000 WestJet points when you spend at least $5,000 in the first 3 months
An additional 10,000 WestJet points after your first year anniversary
Offer ends February 4, 2026.
💰 How to calculate the value of your travel rewards program's points
It's essential to have a good idea of the real value of a program's travel rewards points before you select the rewards program or credit card for you.
To figure out your cost per point (CPP), you would divide 1 by the number of points to earn $1 in travel. That means if it takes 100 points for $1 in travel, then your CPP is $.01. Alternatively, if it takes 140 points to claim $1 in travel, your CPP is $.007. Of course, you also need to factor in any fees, taxes, and surcharges you might pay when making a redemption.
You'll also want to know how many points you can earn with a specific credit card, since the ability to rapidly earn points is just as important as their value when redeemed. If the value of each point is high, but you rarely earn rewards, or earn a low amount, the card is probably not the right choice for you.
Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Best travel rewards programs FAQs
Barry Choi
Contributor
Barry Choi is a Toronto-based personal finance and travel expert who makes frequent media appearances. When he's not educating people on how to be smarter with money, he's earning and burning miles and points for luxury travel.
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Disclaimer
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†Terms and Conditions apply.