Popular Travel Rewards Credit Cards in Canada

Canadians have an undeniable love for travel, whether it’s exploring the beautiful natural landscapes of their country or venturing to international destinations, with an eagerness for adventure and excitement. However, the high costs of travel can sometimes be a deterrent. To manage these expenses, many Canadians turn to travel rewards credit cards, which have become a popular option. These cards generally fall into two main categories: co-branded cards and points-based rewards cards, each offering different benefits and perks to help cardholders effectively manage travel costs.

Co-branded credit cards

Co-branded credit cards are issued in partnership with specific airlines or hotel groups, allowing cardholders to earn points or miles through everyday spending, which can then be redeemed for services from the airline or partner. In Canada, popular co-branded cards include Aeroplan, WestJet Rewards, and Air Miles.

Aeroplan is Air Canada’s frequent flyer program, where cardholders can earn Aeroplan points through everyday purchases, booking tickets, and other expenses. These points can be redeemed for flights within the Star Alliance network, including both international and domestic routes. Aeroplan members also enjoy benefits such as free checked baggage, priority boarding, and access to airport lounges. Additionally, Aeroplan points can be used for shopping at the Aeroplan eStore, offering greater flexibility in spending.

WestJet Rewards is the loyalty program of WestJet, where cardholders can accumulate WestJet Dollars, which can be redeemed for WestJet flights, vacation packages, and other travel services. WestJet Rewards members also receive benefits like free checked baggage and annual companion tickets, making family travel more affordable.

Air Miles is another popular co-branded card program in Canada, allowing users to earn miles through spending with various partners. These miles can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and other travel-related services. The flexibility and wide range of redemption options make Air Miles a favorite among many Canadian households.

Points-based rewards credit cards

Points-based rewards credit cards, on the other hand, are not tied to specific airlines or hotels but allow cardholders to earn rewards through the bank’s own points system, offering more diverse redemption options. In Canada, popular points-based rewards credit cards include AMEX Membership Rewards, TD Rewards, CIBC Aventura, and RBC Rewards.

AMEX Membership Rewards is a highly flexible points system, allowing cardholders to transfer points to various airline and hotel loyalty programs, including Delta SkyMiles, British Airways Executive Club, and Marriott Bonvoy. This flexibility allows AMEX points to be used for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and other travel-related services. Booking through AMEX’s own AMEX Travel can also offer high exchange rates, with potential savings of 20% to 90% on travel expenses or even free upgrades. AMEX also offers airport lounge access (e.g., AMEX Centurion Lounges) and comprehensive travel insurance, enhancing travel comfort and security.

TD Rewards is TD Bank’s travel rewards program, enabling cardholders to use points for travel bookings on Expedia For TD, including flights, hotels, and car rentals. TD Rewards points can also be used to cover taxes and other additional fees, providing greater redemption flexibility. Additionally, TD Rewards offers high points accumulation for certain spending categories, such as travel-related purchases.

CIBC Aventura allows cardholders to use Aventura points for various travel services, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and other experiences. The CIBC Aventura program is particularly suitable for travelers looking for flexibility in choosing among different airlines. The program also offers comprehensive travel insurance and other benefits like priority boarding and free checked baggage.

RBC Rewards’ Avion program is another popular choice in Canada’s travel rewards market. RBC Rewards points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, gift cards, and cash back, providing a wide range of redemption options that cater to diverse travel needs.

Common additional benefits

car rental memberships, and hotel memberships, such as Hertz Gold Plus and Marriott Bonvoy, offering perks like free upgrades and expedited services. Many of these cards also come with travel insurance, including rental car insurance (such as Loss Damage Waiver, LDW), travel medical insurance, travel accident insurance, and trip interruption insurance, providing extra protection and peace of mind for travelers.

In summary, travel rewards credit cards in Canada offer a wide array of choices and benefits, whether they are co-branded or points-based. These cards not only help cardholders save on travel expenses but also provide a range of additional benefits that enhance travel comfort and security. Choosing the right card based on individual travel needs and spending habits can significantly improve the overall travel experience, making each expenditure more valuable and meaningful.