Finding the right travel credit card can significantly enhance your travel experience while helping you save money on flights, hotels, and other travel expenses. This guide explores the top travel credit cards available in Canada for March 2025, featuring exceptional rewards, perks, and welcome bonuses.
What Makes a Great Travel Credit Card?
The best travel credit cards offer a combination of valuable features including generous welcome bonuses, flexible reward programs, comprehensive travel insurance, and airport lounge access. When evaluating travel credit cards, it's essential to consider the annual fee, foreign transaction fees, and earning potential based on your spending habits.
5 Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada This March 2025
1. TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card
The TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card stands out with its impressive welcome bonus of up to 135,000 TD Rewards points (minimum value of $540). New cardholders receive 20,000 points on their first purchase and can earn an additional 115,000 points by spending $5,000 in the first 180 days.
- Welcome Bonus: Up to 135,000 TD Rewards points
- Annual Fee: $139 (waived for first year)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.5%
- Income Requirement: $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
2. RBC British Airways Visa Infinite Card
For those interested in collecting Avios points, the RBC British Airways Visa Infinite Card offers exceptional value with up to 60,000 Avios points (worth approximately $900). The multi-tiered welcome bonus structure rewards both initial spending and long-term card ownership.
- Welcome Bonus: Up to 60,000 Avios points
- Annual Fee: $165
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.5%
- Income Requirement: $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
3. American Express Platinum Card
The American Express Platinum Card delivers premium travel benefits with its extensive rewards program and VIP airport lounge access. The significant welcome bonus of up to 100,000+ Membership Rewards points makes it an attractive option for luxury travelers.
- Welcome Bonus: Up to 100,000+ Membership Rewards points
- Annual Fee: $799
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- Income Requirement: None specified
4. Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card
This card combines a generous welcome bonus with practical travel benefits, including no foreign exchange fees and airport lounge access. The $1,000 value welcome bonus helps offset the annual fee and provides immediate value for new cardholders.
- Welcome Bonus: Value of $1,000
- Annual Fee: $399
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- Income Requirement: $70,000 personal or $120,000 household
5. American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
Perfect for Air Canada frequent flyers, this card offers premium Air Canada benefits including lounge access and priority benefits. The welcome bonus of approximately $1,041 in value provides an excellent return on the annual fee.
- Welcome Bonus: Value of $1,041
- Annual Fee: $599
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.5%
- Income Requirement: None specified
Summary of the Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada This Month (February 2025)
| Card | Welcome Bonus Value | Annual Fee | Foreign Transaction Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite | $540 | $139 (first year waived) | 2.5% |
| RBC British Airways Visa Infinite | $900 | $165 | 2.5% |
| American Express Platinum | 100,000+ points | $799 | None |
| Scotiabank Platinum American Express | $1,000 | $399 | None |
| American Express Aeroplan Reserve | $1,041 | $599 | 2.5% |
Smart Tips for Maximizing Travel Credit Card Benefits
To get the most value from your travel credit card, consider these strategies:
- Time your application with large planned purchases to meet minimum spend requirements
- Compare the annual fee against the value of benefits you'll actually use
- Look for cards that align with your preferred airlines or hotel chains
- Consider combining multiple cards to maximize different bonus categories
Learn more about saving money while traveling in our guide to smart travel savings tips. For those interested in other credit card options, check out our guide to cashback credit cards.
Final Words
Choosing the right travel credit card depends on your specific travel habits, spending patterns, and preferred rewards program. While premium cards with high annual fees offer substantial benefits, they're only worth it if you can take advantage of those perks. Consider your travel goals and spending habits carefully when selecting a card, and remember to factor in both the welcome bonus and ongoing benefits in your decision.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Credit Cards
Are travel credit cards worth the annual fee?
Travel credit cards can be worth the annual fee if you travel frequently and can take advantage of the benefits. The value of welcome bonuses, travel insurance, lounge access, and rewards points often exceeds the annual fee. However, you should calculate the potential value based on your specific travel habits and spending patterns.
What's the difference between flexible travel points and airline-specific miles?
Flexible travel points (like American Express Membership Rewards) can be transferred to multiple airline and hotel partners or redeemed directly for travel, offering more versatility. Airline-specific miles are tied to one airline and its partners, potentially offering better value for specific routes but with less flexibility.
How important is travel insurance coverage on credit cards?
Travel insurance coverage on credit cards can be very valuable, potentially saving thousands of dollars. Most premium travel cards offer comprehensive coverage including trip cancellation/interruption, travel medical, car rental, and lost baggage insurance. However, it's important to read the terms carefully as coverage varies by card.
Should I get a card with no foreign transaction fees?
If you frequently travel internationally or make purchases in foreign currencies, a card with no foreign transaction fees can save you significant money. The standard 2.5% foreign transaction fee can add up quickly, making cards that waive this fee particularly valuable for international travelers.
