Best travel credit cards in Canada for 2026
Verified Oct 16, 2026CAD
Travel cards ranked by 3-year value on a frequent traveller's spending. Each card shows Year 1 against every year after, so a card that's mostly its welcome bonus is easy to spot.
Advertiser disclosure: we may earn a commission when you apply through some links on this page. It never affects rank: cards are ordered by the value worked out from your spending. How we make money · Methodology
Spending: Frequent traveller · $3,880/moRank these on my own spending
- #1
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$1,255Year 2+$9553 years $3,166 after fees· pays for itself in month 1
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$1,255Year 2+$955Welcome or anniversary bonus$300 / $0Rewards on spending$1,075 / $1,075Fees (taken off the end)−$120 / −$120 Pays for itself in month 1 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
5xGrocGroceries5xDineDining and takeout3xGasGas and EV charging1xAirFlights1xHotelHotels and car rentals3xTransitTransit and rideshare3xStreamStreaming1xDrugDrugstores1xOnlineOnline shopping1xBillsPhone, internet and utilities1xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #1 of 19. By 3-year value on the frequent traveller preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $3,166 after fees.
- Year 1. $1,255 = welcome bonus $300 + rewards $1,075 − fee $120.
- Each year after. $955 = rewards $1,075 − fee $120.
- Against #2. Beats TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite by $44 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$806).
Points valued at 1.00¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #2
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$1,666Year 2+$7273 years $3,121 after fees· pays for itself in month 1
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$1,666Year 2+$727Welcome or anniversary bonus$800 / $0Rewards on spending$806 / $806Credits$60 / $60Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / −$139 Pays for itself in month 1 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
6xGrocGroceries6xDineDining and takeout2xGasGas and EV charging2xAirFlights2xHotelHotels and car rentals6xTransitTransit and rideshare4xStreamStreaming2xDrugDrugstores2xOnlineOnline shopping4xBillsPhone, internet and utilities2xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #2 of 19. By 3-year value on the frequent traveller preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $3,121 after fees.
- Year 1. $1,666 = welcome bonus $800 + rewards $806 + credits $60.
- Each year after. $727 = rewards $806 + credits $60 − fee $139.
- Against #1. Trails Scotiabank Gold American Express by $44 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$806).
- Against #3. Beats BMO eclipse Visa Infinite by $432 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (+$331).
Points valued at 0.50¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #3
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$1,369Year 2+$6603 years $2,689 after fees· pays for itself in month 1
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$1,369Year 2+$660Welcome or anniversary bonus$469 / $0Rewards on spending$730 / $730Credits$170 / $50Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / −$120 Pays for itself in month 1 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
5xGrocGroceries5xDineDining and takeout5xGasGas and EV charging1xAirFlights1xHotelHotels and car rentals5xTransitTransit and rideshare1xStreamStreaming1xDrugDrugstores1xOnlineOnline shopping1xBillsPhone, internet and utilities1xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #3 of 19. By 3-year value on the frequent traveller preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $2,689 after fees.
- Year 1. $1,369 = welcome bonus $469 + rewards $730 + credits $170.
- Each year after. $660 = rewards $730 + credits $50 − fee $120.
- Against #2. Trails TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite by $432 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (−$331).
- Against #4. Beats Scotiabank Platinum American Express by $92 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (+$957).
Points valued at 0.67¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #4
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$1,332Year 2+$5323 years $2,597 after fees· pays for itself in month 2
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$1,332Year 2+$532Welcome or anniversary bonus$800 / $0Rewards on spending$931 / $931Fees (taken off the end)−$399 / −$399 Pays for itself in month 2 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
2xGrocGroceries2xDineDining and takeout2xGasGas and EV charging2xAirFlights2xHotelHotels and car rentals2xTransitTransit and rideshare2xStreamStreaming2xDrugDrugstores2xOnlineOnline shopping2xBillsPhone, internet and utilities2xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #4 of 19. By 3-year value on the frequent traveller preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $2,597 after fees.
- Year 1. $1,332 = welcome bonus $800 + rewards $931 − fee $399.
- Each year after. $532 = rewards $931 − fee $399.
- Against #3. Trails BMO eclipse Visa Infinite by $92 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (−$957).
- Against #5. Beats American Express Gold Rewards Card by $501 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$788).
Points valued at 1.00¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #5
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$1,098Year 2+$4983 years $2,095 after fees· pays for itself in month 2
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$1,098Year 2+$498Welcome or anniversary bonus$600 / $0Rewards on spending$668 / $668Credits$80 / $80Fees (taken off the end)−$250 / −$250 Pays for itself in month 2 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
2xGrocGroceries1xDineDining and takeout2xGasGas and EV charging2xAirFlights2xHotelHotels and car rentals1xTransitTransit and rideshare1xStreamStreaming2xDrugDrugstores1xOnlineOnline shopping1xBillsPhone, internet and utilities1xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #5 of 19. By 3-year value on the frequent traveller preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $2,095 after fees.
- Year 1. $1,098 = welcome bonus $600 + rewards $668 + credits $80 − fee $250.
- Each year after. $498 = rewards $668 + credits $80 − fee $250.
- Against #4. Trails Scotiabank Platinum American Express by $501 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$788).
- Against #6. Beats American Express Cobalt Card by $69 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (+$450).
Points valued at 1.00¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #6
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$775Year 2+$6253 years $2,026 after fees· pays for itself in month 2
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$775Year 2+$625Welcome or anniversary bonus$150 / $0Rewards on spending$799 / $799Credits$18 / $18Fees (taken off the end)−$192 / −$192 Pays for itself in month 2 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
1xGrocGroceries5xDineDining and takeout2xGasGas and EV charging1xAirFlights1xHotelHotels and car rentals2xTransitTransit and rideshare3xStreamStreaming1xDrugDrugstores1xOnlineOnline shopping1xBillsPhone, internet and utilities1xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #6 of 19. By 3-year value on the frequent traveller preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $2,026 after fees.
- Year 1. $775 = welcome bonus $150 + rewards $799 + credits $18 − fee $192.
- Each year after. $625 = rewards $799 + credits $18 − fee $192.
- Against #5. Trails American Express Gold Rewards Card by $69 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (−$450).
- Against #7. Beats RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard by $96 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (−$159).
Points valued at 1.00¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #7
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1estimated value, about $643, based on 1 cents per pointYear 2+estimated value, about $643, based on 1 cents per point3 years estimated value, about $1,930, based on 1 cents per point after fees· pays for itself in month 3Bonus not counted
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1estimated value, about $643, based on 1 cents per pointYear 2+estimated value, about $643, based on 1 cents per pointRewards on spending$782 / $782Fees (taken off the end)−$139 / −$139 Pays for itself in month 3 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
2xGrocGroceries1.5xDineDining and takeout2xGasGas and EV charging2xAirFlights1.5xHotelHotels and car rentals2xTransitTransit and rideshare1.5xStreamStreaming1.5xDrugDrugstores1.5xOnlineOnline shopping1.5xBillsPhone, internet and utilities1.5xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #7 of 19. By 3-year value on the frequent traveller preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth about $1,930 (estimated) after fees.
- Year 1. about $643 (estimated) = rewards $782 − fee $139.
- Each year after. about $643 (estimated) = rewards $782 − fee $139.
- Against #6. Trails American Express Cobalt Card by $96 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (+$159).
- Against #8. Beats CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite by $27 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$826).
- Not counted. Welcome offer not counted: Up to 70,000 WestJet points; the spend requirements aren't on the card page.
Points valued at 1.00¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #8
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$1,127Year 2+$3883 years $1,903 after fees· pays for itself in month 1
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$1,127Year 2+$388Welcome or anniversary bonus$600 / $0Rewards on spending$507 / $507Credits$20 / $20Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / −$139 Pays for itself in month 1 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
1.5xGrocGroceries1xDineDining and takeout1.5xGasGas and EV charging1xAirFlights1xHotelHotels and car rentals1xTransitTransit and rideshare1xStreamStreaming1.5xDrugDrugstores1xOnlineOnline shopping1xBillsPhone, internet and utilities1xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #8 of 19. By 3-year value on the frequent traveller preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $1,903 after fees.
- Year 1. $1,127 = welcome bonus $600 + rewards $507 + credits $20.
- Each year after. $388 = rewards $507 + credits $20 − fee $139.
- Against #7. Trails RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard by $27 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$826).
- Against #9. Beats TD Platinum Travel Visa by $17 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (+$350).
Points valued at 1.00¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #9
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$855Year 2+$5163 years $1,886 after fees· pays for itself in month 1
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$855Year 2+$516Welcome or anniversary bonus$250 / $0Rewards on spending$605 / $605Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / −$89 Pays for itself in month 1 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
4.5xGrocGroceries4.5xDineDining and takeout1.5xGasGas and EV charging1.5xAirFlights1.5xHotelHotels and car rentals4.5xTransitTransit and rideshare3xStreamStreaming1.5xDrugDrugstores1.5xOnlineOnline shopping3xBillsPhone, internet and utilities1.5xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #9 of 19. By 3-year value on the frequent traveller preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $1,886 after fees.
- Year 1. $855 = welcome bonus $250 + rewards $605.
- Each year after. $516 = rewards $605 − fee $89.
- Against #8. Trails CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite by $17 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (−$350).
- Against #10. Beats TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite by $113 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$301).
Points valued at 0.50¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #10
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1estimated value, about $1,017, based on 1 cents per pointYear 2+estimated value, about $378, based on 1 cents per point3 years estimated value, about $1,773, based on 1 cents per point after fees· pays for itself in month 1
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1estimated value, about $1,017, based on 1 cents per pointYear 2+estimated value, about $378, based on 1 cents per pointWelcome or anniversary bonus$500 / $0Rewards on spending$505 / $505Credits$13 / $13Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / −$139 Pays for itself in month 1 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
1.5xGrocGroceries1xDineDining and takeout1.5xGasGas and EV charging1xAirFlights1xHotelHotels and car rentals1xTransitTransit and rideshare1xStreamStreaming1xDrugDrugstores1xOnlineOnline shopping1xBillsPhone, internet and utilities1xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #10 of 19. By 3-year value on the frequent traveller preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth about $1,773 (estimated) after fees.
- Year 1. about $1,017 (estimated) = welcome bonus $500 + rewards $505 + credits $13.
- Each year after. about $378 (estimated) = rewards $505 + credits $13 − fee $139.
- Against #9. Trails TD Platinum Travel Visa by $113 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$301).
- Against #11. Beats Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite by $37 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$423).
Points valued at 1.00¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #11
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$746Year 2+$4963 years $1,737 after fees· pays for itself in month 1
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$746Year 2+$496Welcome or anniversary bonus$250 / $0Rewards on spending$646 / $646Fees (taken off the end)−$150 / −$150 Pays for itself in month 1 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
3xGrocGroceries2xDineDining and takeout1xGasGas and EV charging1xAirFlights1xHotelHotels and car rentals2xTransitTransit and rideshare1xStreamStreaming1xDrugDrugstores1xOnlineOnline shopping1xBillsPhone, internet and utilities1xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #11 of 19. By 3-year value on the frequent traveller preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $1,737 after fees.
- Year 1. $746 = welcome bonus $250 + rewards $646 − fee $150.
- Each year after. $496 = rewards $646 − fee $150.
- Against #10. Trails TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite by $37 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$423).
- Against #12. Beats TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege by $480 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (+$1,347).
Points valued at 1.00¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #12
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1estimated value, about $1,086, based on 1 cents per pointYear 2+estimated value, about $86, based on 1 cents per point3 years estimated value, about $1,257, based on 1 cents per point after fees· pays for itself in month 4Mostly first-year value
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1estimated value, about $1,086, based on 1 cents per pointYear 2+estimated value, about $86, based on 1 cents per pointWelcome or anniversary bonus$1,000 / $0Rewards on spending$672 / $672Credits$13 / $13Fees (taken off the end)−$599 / −$599 Pays for itself in month 4 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
1.5xGrocGroceries1.5xDineDining and takeout1.5xGasGas and EV charging2xAirFlights1.5xHotelHotels and car rentals1.5xTransitTransit and rideshare1.25xStreamStreaming1.25xDrugDrugstores1.25xOnlineOnline shopping1.25xBillsPhone, internet and utilities1.25xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #12 of 19. By 3-year value on the frequent traveller preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth about $1,257 (estimated) after fees.
- Year 1. about $1,086 (estimated) = welcome bonus $1,000 + rewards $672 + credits $13 − fee $599.
- Each year after. about $86 (estimated) = rewards $672 + credits $13 − fee $599.
- Against #11. Trails Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite by $480 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (−$1,347).
- Against #13. Beats TD Rewards Visa by $67 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (−$1,797).
Points valued at 1.00¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #13
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$447Year 2+$3713 years $1,189 after fees· no fee to cover
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$447Year 2+$371Welcome or anniversary bonus$76 / $0Rewards on spending$371 / $371Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0 No annual fee Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
3xGrocGroceries3xDineDining and takeout1xGasGas and EV charging1xAirFlights1xHotelHotels and car rentals3xTransitTransit and rideshare2xStreamStreaming1xDrugDrugstores1xOnlineOnline shopping2xBillsPhone, internet and utilities1xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #13 of 19. By 3-year value on the frequent traveller preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $1,189 after fees.
- Year 1. $447 = welcome bonus $76 + rewards $371.
- Each year after. $371 = rewards $371.
- Against #12. Trails TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege by $67 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (+$1,797).
- Against #14. Beats National Bank World Elite Mastercard by $112 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (+$450).
Points valued at 0.50¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #14
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$359Year 2+$3593 years $1,077 after fees· pays for itself in month 4
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$359Year 2+$359Rewards on spending$419 / $419Credits$90 / $90Fees (taken off the end)−$150 / −$150 Pays for itself in month 4 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
5xGrocGroceries5xDineDining and takeout2xGasGas and EV charging1xAirFlights1xHotelHotels and car rentals1xTransitTransit and rideshare1xStreamStreaming1xDrugDrugstores1xOnlineOnline shopping2xBillsPhone, internet and utilities1xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #14 of 19. By 3-year value on the frequent traveller preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $1,077 after fees.
- Year 1. $359 = rewards $419 + credits $90 − fee $150.
- Each year after. $359 = rewards $419 + credits $90 − fee $150.
- Against #13. Trails TD Rewards Visa by $112 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (−$450).
- Against #15. Beats American Express Platinum Card by $21 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (+$1,947).
Points valued at 0.40¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #15
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$719Year 2+$193 years $1,056 after fees· pays for itself in month 3Mostly first-year value
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$719Year 2+$19Welcome or anniversary bonus$700 / $0Rewards on spending$658 / $658Credits$160 / $160Fees (taken off the end)−$799 / −$799 Pays for itself in month 3 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
1xGrocGroceries2xDineDining and takeout1xGasGas and EV charging2xAirFlights2xHotelHotels and car rentals1xTransitTransit and rideshare1xStreamStreaming1xDrugDrugstores1xOnlineOnline shopping1xBillsPhone, internet and utilities1xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #15 of 19. By 3-year value on the frequent traveller preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $1,056 after fees.
- Year 1. $719 = welcome bonus $700 + rewards $658 + credits $160 − fee $799.
- Each year after. $19 = rewards $658 + credits $160 − fee $799.
- Against #14. Trails National Bank World Elite Mastercard by $21 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (−$1,947).
- Against #16. Beats TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum by $24 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (−$2,219).
Points valued at 1.00¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #16
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1estimated value, about $537, based on 1 cents per pointYear 2+estimated value, about $248, based on 1 cents per point3 years estimated value, about $1,032, based on 1 cents per point after fees· pays for itself in month 1
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1estimated value, about $537, based on 1 cents per pointYear 2+estimated value, about $248, based on 1 cents per pointWelcome or anniversary bonus$200 / $0Rewards on spending$337 / $337Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / −$89 Pays for itself in month 1 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
1xGrocGroceries0.667xDineDining and takeout1xGasGas and EV charging0.667xAirFlights0.667xHotelHotels and car rentals0.667xTransitTransit and rideshare0.667xStreamStreaming0.667xDrugDrugstores0.667xOnlineOnline shopping0.667xBillsPhone, internet and utilities0.667xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #16 of 19. By 3-year value on the frequent traveller preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth about $1,032 (estimated) after fees.
- Year 1. about $537 (estimated) = welcome bonus $200 + rewards $337.
- Each year after. about $248 (estimated) = rewards $337 − fee $89.
- Against #15. Trails American Express Platinum Card by $24 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (+$2,219).
- Against #17. Beats RBC Avion Visa Infinite by $123 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (+$182).
Points valued at 1.00¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #17
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$486Year 2+$1673 years $908 after fees· pays for itself in month 1
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$486Year 2+$167Welcome or anniversary bonus$319 / $0Rewards on spending$287 / $287Fees (taken off the end)−$120 / −$120 Pays for itself in month 1 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
1xGrocGroceries1xDineDining and takeout1xGasGas and EV charging1.25xAirFlights1.25xHotelHotels and car rentals1xTransitTransit and rideshare1xStreamStreaming1xDrugDrugstores1xOnlineOnline shopping1xBillsPhone, internet and utilities1xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #17 of 19. By 3-year value on the frequent traveller preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $908 after fees.
- Year 1. $486 = welcome bonus $319 + rewards $287 − fee $120.
- Each year after. $167 = rewards $287 − fee $120.
- Against #16. Trails TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum by $123 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (−$182).
- Against #18. Beats RBC Avion Visa Platinum by $52 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$52).
Points valued at 0.58¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #18
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$469Year 2+$1503 years $856 after fees· pays for itself in month 1
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$469Year 2+$150Welcome or anniversary bonus$319 / $0Rewards on spending$270 / $270Fees (taken off the end)−$120 / −$120 Pays for itself in month 1 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
1xGrocGroceries1xDineDining and takeout1xGasGas and EV charging1xAirFlights1xHotelHotels and car rentals1xTransitTransit and rideshare1xStreamStreaming1xDrugDrugstores1xOnlineOnline shopping1xBillsPhone, internet and utilities1xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #18 of 19. By 3-year value on the frequent traveller preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $856 after fees.
- Year 1. $469 = welcome bonus $319 + rewards $270 − fee $120.
- Each year after. $150 = rewards $270 − fee $120.
- Against #17. Trails RBC Avion Visa Infinite by $52 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$52).
- Against #19. Beats RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege by $460 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (+$837).
Points valued at 0.58¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #19
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$258Year 2+−$613 years $396 after fees· pays for itself in month 3Mostly first-year value
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$258Year 2+−$61Welcome or anniversary bonus$319 / $0Rewards on spending$338 / $338Fees (taken off the end)−$399 / −$399 Pays for itself in month 3 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
1.25xGrocGroceries1.25xDineDining and takeout1.25xGasGas and EV charging1.25xAirFlights1.25xHotelHotels and car rentals1.25xTransitTransit and rideshare1.25xStreamStreaming1.25xDrugDrugstores1.25xOnlineOnline shopping1.25xBillsPhone, internet and utilities1.25xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #19 of 19. By 3-year value on the frequent traveller preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $396 after fees.
- Year 1. $258 = welcome bonus $319 + rewards $338 − fee $399.
- Each year after. −$61 = rewards $338 − fee $399.
- Against #18. Trails RBC Avion Visa Platinum by $460 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (−$837).
Points valued at 0.58¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
All values are after each card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees when you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime or Instacart+) aren't included.
Rates, fees and offers are set by the issuer and may change. Check the issuer's terms before you apply. We don't estimate approval odds.
Values for points and miles are estimates based on published redemption valuations; actual value depends on how you redeem.
More best-of lists
The ranking in numbers
Frequent traveller preset, $3,880 a month, after fees. "~" marks estimates.
| Card | Year 1 | Year 2+ | 3 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotiabank Gold American Express | $1,255 | $955 | $3,166 |
| TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite | $1,666 | $727 | $3,121 |
| BMO eclipse Visa Infinite | $1,369 | $660 | $2,689 |
| Scotiabank Platinum American Express | $1,332 | $532 | $2,597 |
| American Express Gold Rewards Card | $1,098 | $498 | $2,095 |
| American Express Cobalt Card | $775 | $625 | $2,026 |
| RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard | ~$643 | ~$643 | ~$1,930 |
| CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite | $1,127 | $388 | $1,903 |
| TD Platinum Travel Visa | $855 | $516 | $1,886 |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite | ~$1,017 | ~$378 | ~$1,773 |
Frequently asked questions
What are the best travel credit cards?
On frequent traveller spending ($3,880 a month), Scotiabank Gold American Express ranks first: $1,255 in year 1 and $955 a year after fees.
How were these cards picked?
Travel cards ranked by 3-year value on a frequent traveller's spending. The order comes from the same calculation as the comparison tool, with the same tie-breakers; commission never changes it.
Will the order be the same for me?
Only if you spend like the preset. Spending more in a card's bonus categories moves it up. Set your own numbers in the tool to see your order.
Sources
- Amex Cobalt card page
- Milesopedia points valuations, in effect since September 1, 2026
- Prince of Travel points valuations (cross-check, high end of range)
- CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite card page
- RBC Avion Visa Infinite card page
- PC World Elite Mastercard page
- WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard page (70,000 points = up to $700 off travel)
- National Bank World Elite Mastercard page (redemption examples)
Estimates for information only; not financial advice. See how cards are ranked.