1.TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
TD Canada Trust
- 1.5Points on gas, groceries, and Air Canada purchases
- 1Points on all other spending
Earn 10,000 points on the first purchase, 15,000 upon spending CA$3,000 in 3 months, and 20,000 upon spending CA$12,000 in 12 months.
Earn 1.5 points per $1 on gas, groceries, and Air Canada purchases, and 1 point on all other spending.
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card stands out as the top choice because it offers a robust rewards structure tailored for frequent Air Canada flyers, making it ideal for those who travel often. With a generous welcome bonus and valuable travel perks, it provides significant value for its annual fee.
Pros:
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Free first checked bag
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Limited to Air Canada purchases for maximum rewards
2.American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
American Express
- 3Points on Air Canada purchases
- 2Points on dining and food delivery
- 1.25Points on all other purchases
Earn 60,000 Aeroplan points after spending CA$7,500 in the first 3 months and an additional 25,000 points upon spending CA$2,500 in month 13.
Earn 3 points on Air Canada purchases, 2 points on dining, and 1.25 points on all other purchases.
What sets the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card apart is its premium travel benefits, including unlimited lounge access and a companion pass, making it a top-tier choice for frequent travelers. The high earn rates on Air Canada purchases further enhance its appeal for those who prioritize travel rewards.
Pros:
- Unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access
- Worldwide companion pass
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Requires significant spending to maximize rewards
3.TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
TD Canada Trust
- 2Points on Air Canada purchases
- 1.5Points on gas, groceries, dining, and travel
- 1.25Points on all other purchases
Earn 20,000 points upon your first purchase, 35,000 points after spending CA$12,000 in the first 180 days, and 30,000 points as an anniversary bonus for spending CA$24,000 within 12 months.
Earn 2 points on Air Canada purchases, 1.5 points on gas, groceries, dining, and travel, and 1.25 points on all other purchases.
This card shines for its extensive travel benefits, including a high earn rate on Air Canada purchases and a complimentary companion pass, making it ideal for frequent flyers. The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card is designed for those who can leverage its perks to offset the annual fee.
Pros:
- Extensive Air Canada perks
- Complimentary companion pass
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Requires significant spending to earn maximum rewards
4.WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard
RBC Royal Bank
- 2Points on WestJet/Sunwing travel and everyday spending
- 1.5Points on all other purchases
Earn 25,000 Welcome WestJet Points after your first purchase and 5,000 points up to twelve weeks after your first purchase transaction date.
Earn 2% back on WestJet/Sunwing travel and everyday spending, and 1.5% back on all other purchases.
A key differentiator is the annual round-trip companion voucher, which adds significant value for frequent travelers. The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard is tailored for those who want to maximize their rewards on WestJet and everyday spending.
Pros:
- Annual round-trip companion voucher
- First checked bag free for the holder and up to 8 guests
Cons:
- Annual fee applies
- Limited to WestJet travel for maximum rewards
- 3Points on Porter flights
- 2Points on dining, groceries, gas, and transportation
- 1Points on all other purchases
Earn 20,000 VIPorter points after spending CA$5,000, with additional points awarded based on spending CA$18,000 within 365 days.
Earn 3 points per $1 on Porter flights, 2 points on dining, groceries, gas, and transportation, and 1 point on other purchases.
The standout feature here is the ability to earn 3 points per dollar on Porter flights, making it an excellent choice for frequent travelers with the airline. The BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard is designed for those who want to maximize their travel rewards specifically with Porter Airlines.
Pros:
- Free checked bags for up to 8 companions
- Priority services
Cons:
- Annual fee applies
- Requires significant spending to earn maximum rewards
Final Words
As you evaluate the best airline credit cards this March, remember that your needs and travel habits should guide your choice. Take time to compare the features, fees, and rewards of each option to make an informed decision that maximizes your travel benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card offers a welcome bonus of 10,000 points on the first purchase, 15,000 upon spending CA$3,000 in 3 months, and 20,000 upon spending CA$12,000 in 12 months. Additionally, it provides 1.5 points per $1 on gas, groceries, and Air Canada purchases, and 1 point on all other spending.
With the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card, you can earn 60,000 Aeroplan points after spending CA$7,500 in the first 3 months and an additional 25,000 points upon spending CA$2,500 in month 13. The card offers 3 points on Air Canada purchases, 2 points on dining, and 1.25 points on all other purchases.
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card provides a welcome bonus of 20,000 points upon your first purchase, 35,000 points after spending CA$12,000 in the first 180 days, and 30,000 points as an anniversary bonus for spending CA$24,000 within 12 months.
Yes, most airline credit cards in Canada do have annual fees. For example, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card has an annual fee of CA$139, while the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card charges CA$599 annually, reflecting their premium features and rewards.
To choose the best airline credit card, consider factors like your travel habits, preferred airlines, and how often you can meet spending requirements for bonuses. Evaluate the reward rates, annual fees, and any additional benefits such as travel insurance and lounge access to find a card that aligns with your lifestyle.
Eligibility for airline credit cards typically requires you to be at least 18 years old and a Canadian resident with a good credit score. Some cards may also require a minimum income level, so it's important to check the specific requirements of each card before applying.
Airline credit cards usually offer rewards in the form of points or miles that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other travel-related expenses. Additionally, many cards provide bonus points for specific spending categories like groceries, dining, or direct airline purchases.
