Travel cards
Travel Credit Cards in Canada: Points, Insurance, and Fees
Updated July 2026 · By CanadianBankNews Editorial Team
Quick answer
A travel credit card is worth considering if you travel often, pay balances in full, and can use the points before they expire or lose value. Compare annual fees, point redemption rules, insurance coverage, and foreign transaction fees.
Travel cards can be valuable when points, insurance, and travel perks match how often you travel. The best card is not always the one with the largest welcome bonus.
Canadian cards to compare
These examples from Canadian issuers help make the guide practical. They are not recommendations, and fees, rewards, eligibility, and offers can change.
| Card | Annual fee | Best fit | Compare these details | Issuer site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
RBC Avion Visa Infinite RBC | Annual fee applies | Travel-points comparison option for flexible reward redemption. | Point value, annual fee, travel insurance, foreign transaction fee, airport perks, and redemption flexibility. | Apply on issuer site -> |
TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite TD | Annual fee applies | Travel rewards option often compared by people booking through travel portals. | Point value, annual fee, travel insurance, foreign transaction fee, airport perks, and redemption flexibility. | Apply on issuer site -> |
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Scotiabank | Annual fee applies | Travel card to compare when foreign transaction fees and travel perks matter. | Point value, annual fee, travel insurance, foreign transaction fee, airport perks, and redemption flexibility. | Apply on issuer site -> |
Look beyond the welcome bonus
Welcome bonuses can be attractive, but long-term value comes from everyday earn rates, point flexibility, insurance, and how easy points are to redeem. A card that looks generous may be less useful if points are restricted to one portal or if blackout rules limit travel options.
- Point value and redemption flexibility
- Travel medical, trip cancellation, rental car, and baggage insurance
- Foreign transaction fee and exchange-rate policy
- Airport lounge access or travel credits
- Minimum income and credit eligibility
When travel insurance matters
Some travel cards include insurance, but coverage depends on card type, age, trip length, whether the trip was purchased with the card, and specific exclusions. Always read the certificate of insurance before relying on a card for coverage.
Foreign transaction fees
Many Canadian cards charge a foreign transaction fee on non-Canadian-dollar purchases. A no-FX-fee card can help frequent travellers, but the overall card value still depends on annual fee, acceptance, rewards, and insurance.
Pros
- Can provide strong value for frequent travellers.
- May include insurance and travel perks.
- Points can help offset flights, hotels, or vacation spending.
Watch-outs
- Annual fees can be high.
- Point value can be hard to compare.
- Insurance terms and exclusions require careful review.
Frequently asked questions
Is a travel card better than cash back?
Travel cards can be better for frequent travellers who use points well. Cash back is usually simpler and may be better for people who want flexible value.
Do travel cards always include travel insurance?
No. Coverage varies by card, cardholder age, trip length, and purchase requirements. Always read the card's insurance certificate.
Sources
Related credit card guides
This guide is educational information, not financial advice. Credit card fees, interest rates, rewards, insurance, and eligibility can change. Confirm current details with the issuer before applying.