Best Lounge Access Credit Cards in Canada

The best way to prepare for an upcoming flight is to be absolutely pampered. That’s where airport lounges come in. These lounges are tucked away in participating terminals. They provide passengers with a peaceful escape prior to takeoff – complete with exclusive amenities, dining experiences, and services.

This type of luxury typically comes with a price, but if you already have a credit card equipped with lounge access perks, consider the experience paid for (through your card’s annual fee of course).

In this blog post, discover the best credit cards in Canada that offer access to your airport lounge partner of choice, plus which premium cards come with unlimited access altogether.

Which Airport Lounge Collection is Best?

Before we move any further, you might be wondering which airport lounge collection is best.

In this blog post, we've listed the best lounge access credit cards by lounge collection, so it's a good idea for you to familiarize yourself with each lounge collection before you dive in. This way, you'll be able to decipher which collection is best for you and your travel habits.

Maple Leaf Lounges

Brought to you by Air Canada, Maple Leaf lounges are designed to help passengers relax and recharge before their flights. Each affiliated lounge is situated within 17 airports across Canada, the United States, and Europe.

This tight-knit collection of lounges includes amenities like:

• Complimentary snacks and beverages
• Showers
• Wi-Fi
• Business centres
• Cell phone-free quiet zones
• News and entertainment

Keep in mind that amenities may differ depending on the lounge location.

Here’s where you can find a Maple Leaf lounge to suit your itinerary: 

• Calgary International Airport
• Edmonton International Airport
• Halifax Robert L. Stanfield International Airport
• Los Angeles International Airport
• Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau International Airport (Montreal)
• LaGuardia Airport (New York)
• Newark Liberty International Airport (New York)
• Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport
• Regina International Airport
• San Francisco International Airport
• Saskatoon Airport
• St. John’s International Airport
• Lester B. Pearson International Airport (Toronto)
• Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (for Aspire Air Canada Cafe)
• Vancouver International Airport
• Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport

Since each Maple Leaf lounge access card on this list only grants cardmembers access to select lounges in Canada and the US, this type of lounge access might be best for domestic and transborder travellers (those travelling on US-to-Canada or Canada-to-US flights). 

Dragon Pass Lounges

The Dragon Pass provides access to over 1,300 airport lounges across the globe, particularly concentrated in Asia. Canadian travellers can enjoy Dragon Pass services at airports in Montreal (YUL), Toronto (YYZ), Calgary (YYC), Quebec (YQB), Edmonton (YEG), Winnipeg (YWG), and Vancouver (YVR), with some airports hosting multiple Dragon Pass lounges.

Dragon Pass lounges include facilities like:

• Refreshments
• Entertainment
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Showers
• Flight Status Updates

It’s important to note, however, that facilities may differ between lounges.

Many Dragon Pass affiliated credit cards come with a complimentary pass that includes some free visits. After the complimentary visits have been redeemed, travellers and any accompanying guests need to pay an entry fee per visit.

 For the budget-conscious, there are also some no-fee credit cards that include a free Dragon Pass membership without any complimentary visits.

So, Dragon Pass lounges might be the ideal choice for Canadian travellers who want a bit of a broader airport lounge network (especially for those travelling to Asia), and travellers who want airport lounge perks but who are on a bit of a budget.

Priority Pass Lounges

Linked to plenty of premium credit cards, Priority Pass offers eligible cardholders access to over 1,700 airport lounges and experiences. Compared to the Dragon Pass, these lounges are more focused in North America.

Cardholders can unlock access to the following Canadian airports using Priority Pass:

• Edmonton International: Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic-International Terminal and US Transborder Terminal)
• Montreal Pierre E. Trudeau International: Air France Lounge operated by Plaza Premium Group, National Bank Lounge
• Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International: Aspire Salon Lounge
• Quebec Jean Lesage International: V.I.P Lounge Par Club Med
• Toronto Billy Bishop City: Aspire Lounge
• Toronto Lester B. Pearson International: Plaza Premium Lounge (US Transborder, Terminal 1), Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures, Terminal 1), Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic Departures, Terminal 1), plus 2 Be Relax Spas (Terminal 1)
• Vancouver International: 2 Plaza Premium Lounges (Domestic Departures, Domestic Terminal), Sky Team Lounge (International Departures, International Terminal), Plaza Premium Lounges (US Departures, International Terminal, Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures, International Terminal)
• Winnipeg J.A. Richardson International: Plaza Premium Lounge
• YYC Calgary International: Elevation Lounge (Concourse B), Aspire Lounge International Departures (Concourse D), Aspire Lounge Transborder Departures Concourse E

Depending on which Priority Pass lounge you visit, you can find the following facilities:

• Refreshments and Dining: some lounges provide complimentary snacks and drinks, plus exclusive restaurant availability.
• Free Wi-Fi: keep yourself connected with your colleagues, friends, and family. 
• Workspaces: stay focused by booking a desk, meeting room, or private office in over 80 countries.
• Spa Treatments: including Oxygen Aromatherapy, massages, manicures, and facials through Be Relax Spas packages.
• Gaming Experiences: select lounges provide access to Game Space, an area where gamers of all ages can play leading game titles and try out purpose-built gaming stations.
• Sleeping Areas: certain locations provide sleep pods so you can be well-rested before takeoff.
• Premium Service and Support: offered by the Membership Services team, access support from multilingual advisors.

Ultimately, if you’re an eligible premium cardholder who wants a widespread selection of global lounges (particularly in North America) with top-tier services, Priority Pass lounge access might actually be a priority. 

To learn more about Priority Pass lounges prior to exploring the “Best Credit Cards for Priority Pass Airport Lounge Access” category, check out our Priority Pass blog post that specifically covers everything you need to know about this airport lounge network.

Plaza Premium Lounges

You’ll see Plaza Premium lounge access sometimes included as a package deal on certain lounge access networks like the Dragon Pass, Priority Pass, or even the American Express Global Lounge Collection. 

On its own, Plaza Premium provides airport lounges to over 250+ locations, 80+ International Airports, and 30+ countries and regions.

Plaza Premium lounges are scattered across the following destinations:

• Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan regions
• The Americas (including the US, Canada, Mexico, and more)
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• India/Middle East/Africa

Canadian travellers in particular will find lounges at the following airports in Canada:

• Edmonton (YEG)
• Montreal (YUL)
• Toronto (YYZ)
• Vancouver (YVR)
• Winnipeg (YWG)

Depending on which lounge you visit, you can take advantage of amenities like:

• Bar access
• Showers
• Dining experiences
• Lounge seating
• Entertainment
• Wi-Fi
• Charging stations

Besides the Maple Leaf lounge network, you may be able to find Plaza Premium lounges affiliated with other lounge access packages mentioned in this post. Look for these high-quality independent lounges in your lounge access network or opt into these lounges alone as a loyal member with cards like the American Express Gold Rewards Card. 

The American Express Global Lounge Collection

This collection provides top-quality lounge access to Amex Platinum Cardmembers at more than 1,400 airport lounges across over 140 countries. It encapsulates other lounge networks on this list, like Plaza Premium and Priority Pass, offering more airport lounge options than any other competitor on the market.

You can expect the following airport lounges to be included on your participating card:

• The Centurion Lounge
• Plaza Premium Lounges
• Delta Sky Club
• Airspace Lounges
• Escape Lounges
• Escape Lounges - The Centurion Studio Partner
• Priority Pass 
• Executive Lounges by Swissport (available to Canadian Platinum Cardmembers)

These lounges will vary in terms of amenities, but oftentimes, they’re stacked with:

• Snacks and beverages
• Specialty bars
• Dining experiences
• Wi-Fi
• Entertainment
• Personalized customer support
• Work spaces
• Comfortable seating areas

If you’re a frequent traveller who wants top-of-the-line airport lounge access, then you must consider an American Express Global Lounge Collection credit card.

Best Overall Lounge Access Credit Card 

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Yes

No

American Express Platinum Card®

4.5

Finly Rating

Welcome Bonus*

Up to 140,000 Membership Rewards® points (100,000 in 1st year)

Rewards Rate*

1x - 2x Points

Yes

No

Annual Fee*

$799

Interest Rates*

21.99% - 30% / 21.99% - 30%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE*

300

Poor

560

Fair

660

Good

725

Very Good

760

Excellent

Get your free credit score

Our Take

If you're a frequent traveler, the Platinum card is an excellent choice. It's highly recommended for its extensive travel benefits, including unlimited lounge access for you and a guest at the American Express Lounge collection, making it the best card for lounge access in Canada. The card also offers unique perks not commonly found with other Canadian cards, such as status upgrades at Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton, dining and travel credits, concierge service, airport benefits, Nexus application reimbursement, and more. These benefits can more than offset the annual fee. However, if you don't travel often or are mainly looking for a card that maximizes rewards, this card may not be the best option for you.

Pros & Cons

Pros

---

• Offers more perks than any other credit card in Canada, catering to premium users who value extensive benefits.
• Enjoy $400 in annual travel and dining credits, which can offset some of the card's cost.
• Gain unlimited access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, enhancing your travel experience.
• Multiple options for redeeming points for high value, giving you flexibility in how you use your rewards.
• Includes 11 types of insurance coverage, offering comprehensive protection for cardholders.

Cons

---

• As with other American Express cards, it may have lower acceptance in some locations compared to other networks.
• The high annual fee of $799 may be a barrier for some users, especially those who do not fully utilize the card's benefits.
• Some benefits are limited to specific airports and hotels.

Card Details

Rewards*

• 2x points per $1 spent on eligible dining & food delivery purchases (restaurant, fast food, coffee shop, food delivery)
• 2x points per $1 spent on eligible travel purchases (flights, hotels, tours and more)
• 1x point per $1 spent for all other purchases

Insurance*

Coverage*

• 

  Emergency Out of province Medical

  15 days
• 

  Trip Cancellation

  $2,500
• 

  Trip Interruption

  $2,500
• 

  Flight Delay

  $1,000
• 

  Baggage Delay

  $1,000
• 

  Hotel Burglary Insurance

  $1000
• 

  Lost or Stolen Baggage

  $1,000
• 

  Travel Accident

  $500,000
• 

  Car Rental Damage & Theft

  Yes
• 

  Purchase Protection

  120 days
• 

  Extended Warranty

  1 year

Benefits*

Details*

• 

  Airport Lounge - American Express Global Lounge

  Take full advantage of The American Express Global Lounge Collection™ which unlocks access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide. This includes The Centurion® Lounge network, Plaza Premium Lounges, and hundreds of other domestic and international lounges designed to enhance your travel experience.
• 

  Travel Credit

  $200
• 

  Dining Credit

  $200 at Select Restaurants
• 

  Nexus Program Rebate

  $100 statement credit every 4 years
• 

  Complimentary Hotel Benefits

  Hotels booked American Express Travel
• 

  Status lift

  Upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold Status
• 

  Status lift

  Upgrade to Marriott BonvoyTM Gold Elite status
• 

  Priority Travel

  At Toronto Pearson Airport get Priority Security lane, Complimentary valet and 15% discount at the Express Park and daily park
• 

  Concierge Services
• 

  Trip and legal Assistance
• 

  American Express® Experiences
• 

  Extra points

  Earn 2 points on Amex Travel Online purchases and extra points on American Express offers

Eligibility*

• Credit Score

  Good
• Annual Income

  N/A

^*American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment. Check here for full details and current product information.

There’s one card that’s known far and wide for its perks – particularly its top-tier lounge access perk. The American Express Platinum Card is your platinum-plated ticket to The American Express Global Lounge Collection – a network of over 1,400 partnered airport lounges at over 500 airports in approximately 140 countries. Not only do you have access to these lounges, but you can also visit as many times as you’d like without paying an entry fee – plus, oftentimes, you can bring a travel companion.

Here are some of the specific lounges included in this collection and the regulations on who can accompany you during your stay (subject to change, availability, and location):

• The Centurion Lounge: with up to two additional guests permitted at no cost.
• Plaza Premium Lounges: with up to one guest allowed at no fee.
• Delta Sky Club: guests with same-day corresponding Delta departures may enter the lounge with the cardholder for an additional fee.
• Airspace Lounges: cardholders may be accompanied by up to two guests per visit, both at no additional cost.
• Escape Lounges - The Centurion Studio Partner: up to two complimentary companions are permitted.
• Priority Pass (which you will need to enrol for, call Platinum Card Service for assistance): available for the cardholder and up to one guest free of charge.
• Executive Lounges by Swissport: here, the cardmember's spouse, and up to two children under the age of 21, or one travel companion, may access the lounge for free.

While the card's annual fee is one of the highest you’ll see, you’re ultimately paying for a card that’s packed with the most perks in Canada, including a generous travel and dining credit, hotel status lifts, a NEXUS program rebate, and Priority Travel advantages.

To complement your benefits list, earn points on every dollar spent on dining and travel purchases.

While other cards on the market also offer unlimited access to certain airport lounges, none of them feature unlimited access to a network with quite as many airport lounge partners, on top of comprehensive coverage and extensive accompanying travel perks.

Best Credit Cards for Maple Leaf Lounge Access

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No

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege*

3.2

Finly Rating

Welcome Bonus

Up to 100,000 points (70,000 in 1st year)

First Year Value

$1,472.85

Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards.

Yes

No

Annual Fee

$599

Interest Rates

20.99% / 22.99%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300

Poor

560

Fair

660

Good

725

Very Good

760

Excellent

Get your free credit score

Our Take

If you travel a lot throughout the year with Air Canada, the benefits of this card can significantly enhance your experience. It can help you achieve the next status level with Aeroplan and provide a better airport experience, therefore it can be worth the price tag. However, if you don't frequently fly with Air Canada, the benefits may not justify the card's expensive price tag.

Pros & Cons

Pros

---

• Premium experience for Elite Air Canada travelers with many benefits and status upgrades.
• High coverage limit on insurance.
• Numerous luxury benefits and statuses available for use.

Cons

---

• The rewards rate on this card is not that high. There are non-Aeroplan cards with much better reward programs, and their points can later be transferred to this card, making them better options if you are looking to gather Aeroplan points.
• You lose the flexibility to use other airlines if you want to take advantage of the benefits of this card.
• The high price tag makes this card a poor choice if you don't frequently travel with Air Canada.
• The unlimited lounge access is limited to Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafe lounges which don't have a great worldwide coverage.

Card Details

Rewards

• 2 points on Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations if they are in the first $100k transactions of the year
• 1.5 points on Gas, Groceries, Travel and Dining if they are in the first $100k transactions of the year
• 1.25 Point on everything else

Insurance

Coverage

• 

  Emergency Out of province Medical

  $5M/insured up to 31 days
• 

  Emergency Medical Over 65

  $5M/insured up to 4 days
• 

  Trip Cancellation

  $2.5K/person, $5K/trip
• 

  Trip Interruption

  $5K/person, $25K/trip
• 

  Flight Delay

  $1,000/person after 4 hours
• 

  Baggage Delay

  $1K/person after 4 hours
• 

  Lost or Stolen Baggage

  $2.5K/person
• 

  Travel Accident

  $500,000
• 

  Car Rental Damage & Theft

  Up to 48 consecutive rental days
• 

  Hotel Burglary Insurance

  $2500
• 

  Purchase Protection

  120 days
• 

  Extended Warranty

  2 years
• 

  Mobile Device Insurance

  $1,500

Benefits

Details

• 

  Free first checked bag

  First checked bag is free for primary cardholder on AirCanada flight and up to 8 guests
• 

  Nexus Program Rebate

  $100 every 4 years
• 

  Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
• 

  Concierge Services
• 

  Golf Benefit

  Troon Rewards Golf benefits like discounts at over 95 resorts and courses around the world plus access to select private clubs across the U.S
• 

  Extra points

  Earn 50% more Stars and 50% more Aeroplan points at participating Starbucks stores
• 

  Extra points

  Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and over 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore
• 

  Status lift

  Reach Aeroplan Elite™ Status sooner by earning 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and one (1) Status Qualifying Segment for every $5,000 of net purchases
• 

  Car Rental Discount

  10% off base rate of Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car
• 

  Trip and legal Assistance
• 

  Extra points

  Earn 2 Aeroplan points for every $1 you spend on eligible purchases with Rocky Mountaineer, Plus, cardholders could receive a GoldLeaf Upgrade, and a hotel room upgrade
• 

  Status lift

  Complimentary upgrade to Avis® President's Club
• 

  Status lift

  Primary Cardholders who also hold Aeroplan Elite Status can roll over up to 200,000 Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) beyond the status level for which they’ve qualified, from the prior qualification year to qualify for status the next year.
• 

  Status lift

  Primary Cardholders who also hold Aeroplan Elite Status will benefit from an extra 12 months to use eUpgrade credits, for a total of 24 months from issuance.
• 

  Status lift

  Diamond Status with Visa RSVP Rewards™ Benefit. Benefits at 60+ participating Sandman, Sandman Signature and Sutton Place Hotels from coast-to-coast in Canada and beyond.
• 

  Priority Travel

  At Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and Montreal airports get benefits such as Priority Security lane, Complimentary valet, premium parking spots, priorioty taxi and limo lane and discount for parking.
• 

  Priority Travel

  Get Priority Check-in, Priority Boarding and Priority Baggage Handling, Priority Airport Standby & Priority Airport Upgrades for you, your authorized users and up to 8 companions on the same flight (Only AirCanada)
• 

  Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass

  6 Free complimentary visits
• 

  Airport Lounge - Maple Leaf and AirCanada Cafes

  Unlimited Access for you and one guest
• 

  Companion Voucher

  Annual Worldwide Companion Pass from $99 to a max of $599 After spending $25,000 on your card

Eligibility

• Credit Score

  Excellent
• Annual Income

  $150,000 personal or $200,000 household

This card boasts unlimited access for you and one accompanying guest at Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafes in Canada and the US, plus some complimentary airport lounge access through the Dragon Pass (which we’ll get into further in the next section). To access a Maple Leaf Lounge or Air Canada Cafe, cardholders and their eligible guest must present a same-day boarding pass under the Air Canada Express brand or any Star Alliance member airline (Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge. etc.). Guests under the age of the majority must also be accompanied by an adult to visit a lounge or cafe.

Compared to the following American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card offers more comprehensive and extensive insurance, more travel benefits, and more specialized earning categories at the same annual price. The earning categories, however, offer lower point rates overall than the categories provided by the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card, but add gas and groceries to the mix whereas the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card only covers Air Canada purchases and eligible dining and food delivery purchases.

So, if you want to get more out of a steep annual fee, including extra airport lounge access and can meet some high annual income requirements, then the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card might be worth it. An additional reason you might consider the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card over the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card is network acceptability. If you're constantly traveling, having a Visa card is much better than an Amex card, especially in Europe (where Amex isn't as widely accepted). Otherwise, with no annual income requirements, the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card might be easier to get, and still gives you unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafes alongside other valuable benefits and coverage.

Apply NowMore Details

Yes

No

American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card

4.1

Finly Rating

Welcome Bonus*

Up to 85,000 Aeroplan® points (60,000 in 1st year)

Rewards Rate*

1.25x - 3x Aeroplan® points

Yes

No

Annual Fee*

$599

Interest Rates*

21.99% / 21.99%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE*

300

Poor

560

Fair

660

Good

725

Very Good

760

Excellent

Get your free credit score

Our Take

If you are a frequent Air Canada traveler, having an Aeroplan card for perks like free checked bags and priority service can be very beneficial. Many financial institutions offer Aeroplan cards, but I don't believe the American Express version is the best one. Opting for another option might be better. However, the Amex card does have a very large sign-up bonus, making it a great choice for those specifically seeking that.

Pros & Cons

Pros

---

• Generous rewards rate with up to 3 Aeroplan points per $1 spent on purchases, particularly beneficial for frequent flyers.
• Enjoy free checked bags when flying with Air Canada, reducing travel costs.
• Access to preferred pricing on Aeroplan flight awards, maximizing the value of your points.
• Unlimited access to Maple Leaf lounges when flying with Air Canada, providing a more comfortable travel experience.
• Extensive insurance coverage, including 11 types of insurance, offering peace of mind during your travels.

Cons

---

• As an American Express card, it may have limited acceptance compared to other credit cards, potentially limiting its use in some places.
• The most valuable rewards are generally tied to Air Canada flights, which may not appeal to travelers who fly with other airlines.
• The card comes with a high annual fee of $599, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious users.
• The unlimited lounge access is limited to Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafe lounges which don't have a great worldwide coverage.

Card Details

Rewards*

• 3x Aeroplan® points per $1 spent on eligible Air Canada® and Air Canada Vacations® purchases
• 2x Aeroplan® points per $1 spent on eligible dining & food delivery purchases
• 1.25x Aeroplan® points per $1 spent on all other purchases

Insurance*

Coverage*

• 

  Emergency Out of province Medical

  $5M/insured up to 15 days
• 

  Trip Cancellation

  $1.5K/person, $3K/trip
• 

  Trip Interruption

  $1.5K/person, $6K/trip
• 

  Flight Delay

  $1,000/person after 4 hours
• 

  Baggage Delay

  $1K/person after 6 hours
• 

  Lost or Stolen Baggage

  $1K
• 

  Travel Accident

  $500,000
• 

  Car Rental Damage & Theft

  $85K Up to 48 consecutive rental days
• 

  Hotel Burglary Insurance

  $1000
• 

  Purchase Protection

  90 days
• 

  Extended Warranty

  1 years

Benefits*

Details*

• 

  Free first checked bag

  First checked bag is free for primary cardholder on WestJet flight and up to 8 guests
• 

  Nexus Program Rebate

  $100 every 4 years
• 

  Amex Experiences™

  Amex Experiences™ opens doors for you to access a number of special events, including special dining experiences, VIP parties, advance film screenings and more
• 

  Extra points

  Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and over 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore
• 

  Status lift

  Reach Aeroplan Elite™ Status sooner by earning 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and one (1) Status Qualifying Segment for every $5,000 of net purchases
• 

  Status lift

  Complimentary upgrade to Avis® President's Club
• 

  Status lift

  Primary Cardholders who also hold Aeroplan Elite Status can roll over up to 200,000 Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) beyond the status level for which they’ve qualified, from the prior qualification year to qualify for status the next year.
• 

  Status lift

  Primary Cardholders who also hold Aeroplan Elite Status will benefit from an extra 12 months to use eUpgrade credits, for a total of 24 months from issuance.
• 

  Priority Travel

  At Toronto Pearson airport get benefits such as Priority Security lane, Complimentary valet, premium parking spots, priorioty taxi and limo lane and discount for parking and car care.
• 

  Priority Travel

  Get Priority Check-in, Priority Boarding and Priority Baggage Handling, Priority Airport Standby & Priority Airport Upgrades for you, your authorized users and up to 8 companions on the same flight (Only AirCanada)
• 

  Airport Lounge - Priority Pass

  Pass only. No Complimentary visits!
• 

  Airport Lounge - Maple Leaf and AirCanada Cafes

  Unlimited Access for you and one guest
• 

  Companion Voucher

  Annual Worldwide Companion Pass from $99 to a max of $599 After spending $25,000 on your card
• 

  Free Extra Night at Hotels

  Cardmembers can now get an extra night free for every 3 hotel nights redeemed with Aeroplan points.

Eligibility*

• Credit Score

  Good
• Annual Income

  N/A

^*American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment. Check here for full details and current product information.

The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card generously offers unlimited access for you and one accompanying guest to Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafes. This access is available at any Maple Leaf Lounges or Air Canada Cafes in Canada and the United States – including international terminals.

Similarly, the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card also provides cardholders with a Priority Pass – but this perk includes the pass only and no complimentary airport lounge access. You’ll also find benefits like Priority Travel advantages, status lifts, a companion voucher, and a free first checked bag packed onto this card. The insurance coverage is extensive and the Aeroplan points per dollar spent on Air Canada purchases and dining makes the card perfect for travellers and foodies alike. The annual fee is expensive, but you’re essentially paying for some top-tier travel perks. 

So, if you can financially support the card on a year-to-year basis, and you’re looking for unlimited lounge access in Canada and the US, plus some other amazing benefits and insurance coverage, then the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card is a great option for you.

Best Credit Cards for Dragon Pass Airport Lounge Access

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No

Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card

4.8

Finly Rating

$100 Cash Rebate From FinlyWealth

Welcome Bonus*

Up to 30,000 Scene+ points

First Year Value

$593.9

Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards.

Yes

No

Annual Fee*

$150

Interest Rates*

20.99% / 22.99%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE*

300

Poor

560

Fair

660

Good

725

Very Good

760

Excellent

Get your free credit score

Our Take

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite is a strong choice for frequent travelers, especially those who value flexibility and premium perks. It stands out with its rare benefit of no foreign transaction fees, making international purchases more cost-effective. Additionally, the card offers a valuable blend of travel perks, including airport lounge access, comprehensive insurance coverage, and flexible rewards, making it an ideal companion for those who frequently travel abroad and want to avoid extra fees while enjoying premium benefits.

Pros & Cons

Pros

---

• High Rewards on Select Purchases: Earn up to 3 points per $1 spent on select categories.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Shop abroad without additional charges.
• Comprehensive Insurance: Includes 11 types of insurance coverage.
• Airport Lounge Access: Enjoy up to 6 airport lounge passes per year through the Visa Airport Companion program.

Cons

---

• High Income Requirements: Requires $60,000 personal or $100,000 household income.
• Lower Overall Rewards: Rewards potential is lower compared to premium credit cards.
• High Annual Fee: Comes with a significant annual fee.
• Average Insurance Coverage: Insurance benefits are standard, not exceptional.
• Mediocre Earnings Potential: The card’s rewards structure might not offer the highest returns for every spender.

Card Details

Rewards*

• Earn 3x Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
• Earn 2x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options(including rideshares, buses, subways taxis and more)
• Plus earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
• Earn additional benefits + up to 4x Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia

Insurance*

Coverage*

• 

  Emergency Out of province Medical

  $2M/insured up to 25 days
• 

  Emergency Medical Over 65

  $2M/insured up to 3 days
• 

  Trip Cancellation

  $1,500/person, $10,000/trip
• 

  Trip Interruption

  $2,500/person, $10,000/trip
• 

  Flight Delay

  $500/person after 4 hours
• 

  Lost or Stolen Baggage

  $1000
• 

  Baggage Delay

  $1000
• 

  Travel Accident

  $500,000/insured, $1M combined
• 

  Car Rental Damage & Theft

  $65,000 up to 48 days
• 

  Hotel Burglary Insurance

  $1,000
• 

  Purchase Protection

  90 days
• 

  Extended Warranty

  1 year

Benefits*

Details*

• 

  No Foreign Transaction Fees

  Avoid the usual 2.5% forex fees on your purchases when you travel outside of Canada
• 

  Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass

  6 Free complimentary visits
• 

  Status lift

  Avis® Preferred Plus membership
• 

  Concierge Services
• 

  Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits

Eligibility*

• Credit Score

  Good
• Annual Income

  $60,000 personal or $100,000 household

^*See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information. Check here for full details and current product information.

Through the Dragon Pass, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card offers cardholders 6 complimentary visits to participating airport lounges annually through the Visa Airport Companion Program. To access these visits, you must enrol in the program through the Visa Airport Companion App or on the Program Website. These complimentary visits can also be used for any of the cardholder’s guests, as long as the primary cardholder is with them. After the complimentary visits have been used up, members and companions are required to pay an entry fee before entering eligible lounges. All participating lounges are documented on the Visa Airport Companion App. The app also highlights each lounges’ opening hours and facilities.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card’s airport lounge access is accompanied by another exclusive perk, the no foreign transaction fee benefit. This benefit allows travellers to shop internationally without any extra charges – besides of course any differences in conversion rates.

If that wasn’t enough, the card also boasts extensive travel insurance, including sought-after categories like trip interruption and trip cancellation insurance, plus emergency medical over 65 coverage. Not to mention, competitive points on every dollar you spend at partnered grocers, plus points on groceries, entertainment, and transit.

You will need to meet some annual income requirements for this card, but if you do, you’ll be adding a helpful travel companion to your wallet.

Apply NowMore Details

Yes

No

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege*

3.2

Finly Rating

Welcome Bonus

Up to 100,000 points (70,000 in 1st year)

First Year Value

$1,472.85

Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards.

Yes

No

Annual Fee

$599

Interest Rates

20.99% / 22.99%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300

Poor

560

Fair

660

Good

725

Very Good

760

Excellent

Get your free credit score

Our Take

If you travel a lot throughout the year with Air Canada, the benefits of this card can significantly enhance your experience. It can help you achieve the next status level with Aeroplan and provide a better airport experience, therefore it can be worth the price tag. However, if you don't frequently fly with Air Canada, the benefits may not justify the card's expensive price tag.

Pros & Cons

Pros

---

• Premium experience for Elite Air Canada travelers with many benefits and status upgrades.
• High coverage limit on insurance.
• Numerous luxury benefits and statuses available for use.

Cons

---

• The rewards rate on this card is not that high. There are non-Aeroplan cards with much better reward programs, and their points can later be transferred to this card, making them better options if you are looking to gather Aeroplan points.
• You lose the flexibility to use other airlines if you want to take advantage of the benefits of this card.
• The high price tag makes this card a poor choice if you don't frequently travel with Air Canada.
• The unlimited lounge access is limited to Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafe lounges which don't have a great worldwide coverage.

Card Details

Rewards

• 2 points on Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations if they are in the first $100k transactions of the year
• 1.5 points on Gas, Groceries, Travel and Dining if they are in the first $100k transactions of the year
• 1.25 Point on everything else

Insurance

Coverage

• 

  Emergency Out of province Medical

  $5M/insured up to 31 days
• 

  Emergency Medical Over 65

  $5M/insured up to 4 days
• 

  Trip Cancellation

  $2.5K/person, $5K/trip
• 

  Trip Interruption

  $5K/person, $25K/trip
• 

  Flight Delay

  $1,000/person after 4 hours
• 

  Baggage Delay

  $1K/person after 4 hours
• 

  Lost or Stolen Baggage

  $2.5K/person
• 

  Travel Accident

  $500,000
• 

  Car Rental Damage & Theft

  Up to 48 consecutive rental days
• 

  Hotel Burglary Insurance

  $2500
• 

  Purchase Protection

  120 days
• 

  Extended Warranty

  2 years
• 

  Mobile Device Insurance

  $1,500

Benefits

Details

• 

  Free first checked bag

  First checked bag is free for primary cardholder on AirCanada flight and up to 8 guests
• 

  Nexus Program Rebate

  $100 every 4 years
• 

  Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
• 

  Concierge Services
• 

  Golf Benefit

  Troon Rewards Golf benefits like discounts at over 95 resorts and courses around the world plus access to select private clubs across the U.S
• 

  Extra points

  Earn 50% more Stars and 50% more Aeroplan points at participating Starbucks stores
• 

  Extra points

  Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and over 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore
• 

  Status lift

  Reach Aeroplan Elite™ Status sooner by earning 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and one (1) Status Qualifying Segment for every $5,000 of net purchases
• 

  Car Rental Discount

  10% off base rate of Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car
• 

  Trip and legal Assistance
• 

  Extra points

  Earn 2 Aeroplan points for every $1 you spend on eligible purchases with Rocky Mountaineer, Plus, cardholders could receive a GoldLeaf Upgrade, and a hotel room upgrade
• 

  Status lift

  Complimentary upgrade to Avis® President's Club
• 

  Status lift

  Primary Cardholders who also hold Aeroplan Elite Status can roll over up to 200,000 Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) beyond the status level for which they’ve qualified, from the prior qualification year to qualify for status the next year.
• 

  Status lift

  Primary Cardholders who also hold Aeroplan Elite Status will benefit from an extra 12 months to use eUpgrade credits, for a total of 24 months from issuance.
• 

  Status lift

  Diamond Status with Visa RSVP Rewards™ Benefit. Benefits at 60+ participating Sandman, Sandman Signature and Sutton Place Hotels from coast-to-coast in Canada and beyond.
• 

  Priority Travel

  At Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and Montreal airports get benefits such as Priority Security lane, Complimentary valet, premium parking spots, priorioty taxi and limo lane and discount for parking.
• 

  Priority Travel

  Get Priority Check-in, Priority Boarding and Priority Baggage Handling, Priority Airport Standby & Priority Airport Upgrades for you, your authorized users and up to 8 companions on the same flight (Only AirCanada)
• 

  Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass

  6 Free complimentary visits
• 

  Airport Lounge - Maple Leaf and AirCanada Cafes

  Unlimited Access for you and one guest
• 

  Companion Voucher

  Annual Worldwide Companion Pass from $99 to a max of $599 After spending $25,000 on your card

Eligibility

• Credit Score

  Excellent
• Annual Income

  $150,000 personal or $200,000 household

The next couple of cards are premium Visa Infinite Privilege cards, starting with the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card.

This card grants you the Dragon Pass and the same annual 6 complimentary visits we’ve seen so far (it even provides unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafes). For the Dragon Pass and the 6 free visits, you’ll first want to make sure you enrol in the Visa Airport Companion Program either through the app or official website. Again, these complimentary visits can cover both the cardholder and their guests, but once they’re gone, entry fees will apply at each participating lounge. The 6 free visits will be renewed each year on the anniversary date of enrolment.

Compared to the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card (coming up next), the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card has similar coverage, more travel benefits (including a free first checked bag, a NEXUS Program Rebate, and a companion voucher), and more opportunities to earn more valuable Aeroplan points through Air Canada purchases, plus gas, groceries, travel, and dining expenses.

However, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card is a bit more expensive annually than the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card, but its personal annual income requirement is a little lower – just make sure you’re responsible with your credit as well for a competitive application.

Overall, if you don’t mind paying extra money on an annual fee, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card could be the better Privilege Card choice over the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card if you want a better and more valuable rewards program, and more travel benefits – including extra lounge access on top of the Dragon Pass lounge access.

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Yes

No

RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege

3.3

Finly Rating

Welcome Bonus

Up to 55,000 Avion points

First Year Value

$494.43

Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards.

Yes

No

Annual Fee

$399

Interest Rates

20.99% / 22.99% (for Quebec 21.99%)

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300

Poor

560

Fair

660

Good

725

Very Good

760

Excellent

Get your free credit score

Our Take

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege is an excellent choice for frequent travelers who want premium travel perks and high-value rewards. The welcome bonus, insurance coverage, and airport benefits offer significant value for those who qualify. However, the high annual fee and income requirements may limit its accessibility, and the reward rate outside of the travel chart is less competitive.

Pros & Cons

Pros

---

• High-value points when redeemed via the Air Travel Redemption chart, with up to 2.33 cents per point.
• Extensive insurance coverage including emergency medical, trip cancellation, and mobile device insurance.
• Access to airport perks, including fast-track security and lounge access.
• Flexible rewards that can be transferred to airline partners like British Airways and Cathay Pacific.

Cons

---

• High annual fee of $399.
• Requires a high personal or household income of $200,000 to qualify.
• Only 1.25 points per $1 spent on all purchases, which is lower compared to other premium cards.
• Limited redemption value outside of the Air Travel Redemption chart.

Card Details

Rewards

• 1.25x points per $1 spent on eligible purchases

Insurance

Coverage

• 

  Purchase Protection

  120 days
• 

  Extended Warranty

  Up to 2 years
• 

  Mobile Device Insurance

  $1,500
• 

  Travel Accident

  $500,000
• 

  Emergency Out of province Medical

  31 days
• 

  Emergency Medical Over 65

  7 days
• 

  Trip Interruption

  $5,000
• 

  Trip Cancellation

  $2,500
• 

  Hotel Burglary Insurance

  $3,000
• 

  Baggage Delay

  $750
• 

  Lost or Stolen Baggage

  $2,500
• 

  Flight Delay

  $1,000
• 

  Car Rental Damage & Theft

  yes

Benefits

Details

• 

  Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass

  Visa Airport Companion membership + 6 complimentary airport lounge visits per year
• 

  Gas Discount

  save 3¢/L on fuel and always earn 20% more Petro-Points at Petro-Canada and 20% more Avion points at Petro-Canada
• 

  Extra points

  50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall
• 

  Concierge Services

  Connect to the Visa Infinite Privilege Concierge like having a personal assistant on call!
• 

  Priority Travel

  Enjoy global airport lounge access, airport security fast track lanes, and dedicated airport parking at select Canadian airports
• 

  Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits

  Dining series and Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection offers with benefits like late check out and upgrades

Eligibility

• Credit Score

  Very Good
• Annual Income

  $200,000 personal or $200,000 household

Seeing as this credit card is a Privilege card, to get it, you’ll need to meet some major annual personal and household income requirements. If you do, similar to the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, you’ll unlock 6 complimentary visits to airport lounges hosted by the Dragon Pass through a Visa Airport Companion membership every year. Also like the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, to access this benefit, you must enrol in the Visa Airport Companion Program. Once enrolled, you can enter the qualifying airport lounges for free by either presenting your RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege card, showing your digital membership card and QR code through the Program App or website, or by providing a printed or emailed e-Certificate that contains your membership card and QR code.

The complimentary visits can be used for the cardholder alone or the cardholder and any accompanying guests. Once the free visits are used up, the cardholder and their guests will be subject to participating airport lounge entry fees.

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card also features more extensive and comprehensive coverage than the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card. Not to mention, extra benefits like a gas discount at Petro Canada, and Priority Travel perks on top of its airport lounge access.

Still, the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card’s annual fee is over double the annual fee of the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, and the annual income requirements are some of the highest you’ll see. The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card also has a more of a flexible rewards program, earning you higher value Scene+ points overall.

So, unless you meet the high income requirements, can front the high annual cost, and want to pay more for better coverage and slightly more benefits, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is still the more affordable alternative to the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card, and it gives you the same airport lounge access alongside other valuable travel perks. 

Apply NowMore Details

Yes

No

CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card

3

Finly Rating

Welcome Bonus

Up to 80,000 Aventura points

First Year Value

$376.86

Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards.

Yes

No

Annual Fee

$499

Interest Rates

20.99% / 22.99%, for Quebec 21.99%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300

Poor

560

Fair

660

Good

725

Very Good

760

Excellent

Get your free credit score

Our Take

The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card offers a well-rounded suite of travel benefits, making it ideal for frequent travelers. The annual $200 travel credit, complimentary lounge access, and comprehensive insurance package ensure you’re covered for both convenience and protection. Plus, the ability to earn up to 3 points per dollar spent and redeem them at high values for flights makes this card an excellent choice for those who value travel rewards. However, it comes with a high annual fee and income requirements, so it's best suited for those who can fully take advantage of its perks.

Pros & Cons

Pros

---

• Generous rewards: Earn up to 3 points per $1 spent on travel and 2 points per $1 on gas, groceries, restaurants, and more.
• Valuable travel perks: Includes an annual $200 travel credit, 6 complimentary airport lounge passes, and discounts at Avis and Budget car rentals.
• High point value: Points are worth up to 2.29 cents each when redeemed for flights.
• Comprehensive insurance: Offers 12 types of insurance, including mobile device protection and emergency medical coverage.

Cons

---

• High annual fee: A $499 annual fee makes this a more expensive option.
• Strict income requirements: Requires a personal income of $150,000 or household income of $200,000 to qualify.

Card Details

Rewards

• 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Center
• 2 points per $1 spent on dining, entertainment, gas, transportation, and groceries if they are in the first $200k transactions of the year
• 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases

Insurance

Coverage

• 

  Travel Accident

  $500,000
• 

  Emergency Out of province Medical

  31 days
• 

  Emergency Medical Over 65

  10 days
• 

  Flight Delay

  $500
• 

  Baggage Delay

  $500
• 

  Trip Cancellation

  $2,500
• 

  Trip Interruption

  $5,000
• 

  Lost or Stolen Baggage

  $1,000
• 

  Hotel Burglary Insurance

  $2,500
• 

  Purchase Protection

  180 days
• 

  Extended Warranty

  Up to 2 years
• 

  Car Rental Damage & Theft

  up to car value of $65k
• 

  Mobile Device Insurance

  $1,500

Benefits

Details

• 

  Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass

  Airport lounges Visa Airport Companion Program managed by DragonPass International + 6 Free complimentary visits
• 

  Gas Discount

  save up to 10¢/L on fuel at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations
• 

  Car Rental Discount

  Get up to 25% off auto rentals at participating Avis and Budget locations worldwide.
• 

  Nexus Program Rebate

  Up to $100 statement credit for Nexus Application fee every 4 years
• 

  Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits

  Exclusive offers
• 

  Travel Credit

  Annual $200 travel credit to use at the CIBC Rewards Center

Eligibility

• Credit Score

  Very Good
• Annual Income

  $150,000 personal or $200,000 household

There’s a third Dragon-Pass-affiliated Visa Infinite Privilege Card worth mentioning, the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card. Like the cards that came before it, this card offers the same 6 complimentary annual airport lounge visits through the Visa Airport Companion Program hosted by the Dragon Pass. To access these lounges, you’ll of course need to enrol in the program online or through the app. After these free visits are redeemed, they’ll renew on the anniversary of the cardholder’s Airport Companion Program enrolment date. The visits are applicable to both the cardholder and any accompanying guests.

When compared alongside the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card, the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card has less comprehensive coverage across most categories, and fewer additional benefits on top of airport lounge access – but it still provides helpful gas discounts and an annual travel credit, not to mention a NEXUS program rebate and car rental discount (like the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card). As for rewards, the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card offers substantial points per dollar spent on travel purchases through the CIBC Rewards Centre, plus more points on dining, entertainment, gas, and groceries than the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card. Its points are also more valuable when redeemed towards eligible travel.

In the end, you might choose the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card over the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card if you want a privilege card with a lower annual fee that still comes with the same Dragon Pass airport lounge access. However, if you don’t mind spending more money for more benefits, better coverage, and extra airport lounge access outside of the Dragon Pass, then you might want to stick with the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card.

Apply NowMore Details

Yes

No

BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®*

2.8

Finly Rating

Welcome Bonus

Up to 90,000 points and first annual fee waived

First Year Value

$608.63

Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards.

Yes

No

Annual Fee

150 $0

Interest Rates

20.99% / 23.99%, for Quebec 21.99%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300

Poor

560

Fair

660

Good

725

Very Good

760

Excellent

Get your free credit score

Our Take

The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard is perfect for frequent travelers who want a premium card offering high earning rates on travel, dining, and entertainment, plus valuable travel perks like lounge access and comprehensive insurance coverage. If you travel often and can meet the income requirement, this card offers flexibility and peace of mind with both rewards and protection while you're on the go.

Pros & Cons

Pros

---

• Generous rewards: 5 points per $1 spent on travel, 3 points per $1 spent on dining, entertainment, and recurring bills, and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
• Lounge access: Includes 4 free annual lounge passes through Mastercard Travel Pass.
• Comprehensive insurance: 14 types of insurance, including emergency medical and trip cancellation coverage.
• First year fee waived: Try the card for a year without paying the $150 annual fee.

Cons

---

• Low point value: Points are worth only 0.67 cents each, which is lower than other cards.
• High income requirements: Requires $80,000 personal income or $150,000 household income, making it inaccessible for many.
• Limited lounge availability: Users have reported issues with lounge access.

Card Details

Rewards

• 5x points per $1 spent on eligible travel purchases (up to $15,000 spent)
• 3x points per $1 spent on eligible dining, recurring bill payment and entertainment purchases (up to $10,000 spent per category)
• 1x point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases

Insurance

Coverage

• 

  Purchase Protection

  90 days
• 

  Extended Warranty

  1 year
• 

  Emergency Out of province Medical

  21 days
• 

  Travel Accident

  $500,000
• 

  Trip Interruption

  $2,000 per insured person
• 

  Trip Cancellation

  up to $1,500/person, $5000 max
• 

  Flight Delay

  $500
• 

  Baggage Delay

  $500
• 

  Lost or Stolen Baggage

  $500/person per trip, 1k per account max
• 

  Hotel Burglary Insurance

  $1,000
• 

  Personal Effects

  $750
• 

  Car Rental Accident

  $200,000
• 

  Car Rental Damage & Theft

  yes
• 

  Car Rental Personal Effects

  $1,000

Benefits

Details

• 

  Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass

  4 complimentary visits
• 

  Discount

  Up to 7% discount on Booking.com prepaid hotel or property rental bookings
• 

  Discount

  20% off admission to Cirque du Soleil shows touring Canada, and 15% off resident shows in Las Vegas
• 

  Car Rental Discount

  20% off base rate of participating National Car Rental and Alamo Rent a Car and up to 5% on Enterprise Rent-A-Car
• 

  Boingo Wi-Fi hotspot

  1 million Boingo Wifi hotspots worldwide

Eligibility

• Credit Score

  Good
• Annual Income

  $80,000 personal or $150,000 household

For a couple less airport lounge visits, you can opt for the more affordable BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard. This card comes with 4 complimentary Dragon Pass lounge visits rather than 6. For this Mastercard option specifically, you’ll need to enrol in the Mastercard Travel Pass program provided by Dragon Pass, this can be done on the Mastercard Travel Pass official website or mobile app. Once you’ve done so, you may present the Mastercard Travel Pass app or membership document that shows the Dragon Pass membership number and QR code. The 4 free visits can be used by the cardholder and any accompanying travel companions. An entry fee will apply after the free visits have been used.

Especially when compared to Privilege cards like the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card, the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard comes at a much cheaper annual cost – plus that cost is completely waived in the first year of membership. You can also get the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard with lower annual income requirements.

Naturally, Privilege cards like the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card will have some coverage categories that are more comprehensive than the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard – but the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard does come with some exclusive protections like car rental personal effects and personal effects insurance. Like the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card, the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard also offers a slightly lower car rental discount on top of the slightly less extensive airport lounge access. Other than that, the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard comes with discounts on both Booking.com hotel and rental property stays, plus a percentage off admission to select Cirque du Soleil shows. You’ll also get more points on eligible travel, plus dining, recurring bill payments, and entertainment with the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard. However, BMO Reward points are typically less valuable than CIBC Aventura points.

Ultimately, the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard is better than the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card if you prefer Mastercard over Visa. Mastercards can be helpful because if you shop at Costco or Walmart, Mastercard will recognize both establishments as grocery stores rather than department stores. Grocery store purchases often earn more rewards and are more commonly specialized as an earn category. Plus, the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard is much easier to get, with lower income requirements and fees. However, if you don’t want to give up those two extra airport lounge visits, and are happy to pay more for more comprehensive coverage, benefits, and point redemption values – then Visa Infinite Privilege cards like the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card are still superior.

Best Credit Cards for Priority Pass Airport Lounge Access

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Yes

No

American Express Platinum Card®

4.5

Finly Rating

Welcome Bonus*

Up to 140,000 Membership Rewards® points (100,000 in 1st year)

Rewards Rate*

1x - 2x Points

Yes

No

Annual Fee*

$799

Interest Rates*

21.99% - 30% / 21.99% - 30%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE*

300

Poor

560

Fair

660

Good

725

Very Good

760

Excellent

Get your free credit score

Our Take

If you're a frequent traveler, the Platinum card is an excellent choice. It's highly recommended for its extensive travel benefits, including unlimited lounge access for you and a guest at the American Express Lounge collection, making it the best card for lounge access in Canada. The card also offers unique perks not commonly found with other Canadian cards, such as status upgrades at Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton, dining and travel credits, concierge service, airport benefits, Nexus application reimbursement, and more. These benefits can more than offset the annual fee. However, if you don't travel often or are mainly looking for a card that maximizes rewards, this card may not be the best option for you.

Pros & Cons

Pros

---

• Offers more perks than any other credit card in Canada, catering to premium users who value extensive benefits.
• Enjoy $400 in annual travel and dining credits, which can offset some of the card's cost.
• Gain unlimited access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, enhancing your travel experience.
• Multiple options for redeeming points for high value, giving you flexibility in how you use your rewards.
• Includes 11 types of insurance coverage, offering comprehensive protection for cardholders.

Cons

---

• As with other American Express cards, it may have lower acceptance in some locations compared to other networks.
• The high annual fee of $799 may be a barrier for some users, especially those who do not fully utilize the card's benefits.
• Some benefits are limited to specific airports and hotels.

Card Details

Rewards*

• 2x points per $1 spent on eligible dining & food delivery purchases (restaurant, fast food, coffee shop, food delivery)
• 2x points per $1 spent on eligible travel purchases (flights, hotels, tours and more)
• 1x point per $1 spent for all other purchases

Insurance*

Coverage*

• 

  Emergency Out of province Medical

  15 days
• 

  Trip Cancellation

  $2,500
• 

  Trip Interruption

  $2,500
• 

  Flight Delay

  $1,000
• 

  Baggage Delay

  $1,000
• 

  Hotel Burglary Insurance

  $1000
• 

  Lost or Stolen Baggage

  $1,000
• 

  Travel Accident

  $500,000
• 

  Car Rental Damage & Theft

  Yes
• 

  Purchase Protection

  120 days
• 

  Extended Warranty

  1 year

Benefits*

Details*

• 

  Airport Lounge - American Express Global Lounge

  Take full advantage of The American Express Global Lounge Collection™ which unlocks access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide. This includes The Centurion® Lounge network, Plaza Premium Lounges, and hundreds of other domestic and international lounges designed to enhance your travel experience.
• 

  Travel Credit

  $200
• 

  Dining Credit

  $200 at Select Restaurants
• 

  Nexus Program Rebate

  $100 statement credit every 4 years
• 

  Complimentary Hotel Benefits

  Hotels booked American Express Travel
• 

  Status lift

  Upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold Status
• 

  Status lift

  Upgrade to Marriott BonvoyTM Gold Elite status
• 

  Priority Travel

  At Toronto Pearson Airport get Priority Security lane, Complimentary valet and 15% discount at the Express Park and daily park
• 

  Concierge Services
• 

  Trip and legal Assistance
• 

  American Express® Experiences
• 

  Extra points

  Earn 2 points on Amex Travel Online purchases and extra points on American Express offers

Eligibility*

• Credit Score

  Good
• Annual Income

  N/A

^*American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment. Check here for full details and current product information.

The American Express Platinum Card has partnered with the Priority Pass lounge access program to allow unlimited complimentary visits at participating lounges for Platinum cardmembers and one guest. To activate this access, you will need to enrol in the Priority Pass program. Once you are officially enrolled, Priority Pass will have a welcome package delivered to you, complete with your Priority Pass card and a list of participating lounges. To use your pass, present your Priority Pass card and same-day airline boarding pass to lounge reception. Sometimes, your Priority Pass membership can also be scanned within the Priority Pass mobile app. These Priority Pass privileges are packed into this card’s access to The American Express Global Lounge Collection – a collection we’ve created a separate category for later on in this post.

While this card is expensive, it carries the most perks out of all other competing credit cards in Canada. This includes comprehensive travel benefits and coverage. If you plan on optimizing all of these perks to their full potential, then you can certainly offset the steep annual cost.

Ultimately, if you’re looking to take full advantage of the Priority Pass through a credit card, the American Express Platinum Card should be your top choice – as long as it fits into your budget and compliments your spending habits!

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Yes

No

Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card

3.8

Finly Rating

Welcome Bonus*

Up to 80,000 Scene+ points ($800 value)

First Year Value

$846.58

Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards.

Yes

No

Annual Fee*

$399

Interest Rates*

9.99% / 9.99%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE*

300

Poor

560

Fair

660

Good

725

Very Good

760

Excellent

Get your free credit score

Our Take

The Scotiabank Platinum American Express is the perfect choice for those seeking a super premium credit card without steep income requirements. With a high flat rate of rewards on all purchases, extensive insurance coverage, and flexible travel redemption options, it offers full-featured perks that cater to frequent travelers and savvy spenders alike.

Pros & Cons

Pros

---

• Low Interest Rate: Offers a competitive interest rate of 9.99%.
• Strong Rewards: Earn 2x Scene+ points on all purchases.
• Airport Lounge Access: Enjoy 10 complimentary lounge visits, including Plaza Premium Lounges, through Priority Pass (membership required).
• Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Includes extensive coverage for travel-related needs.
• Flexible Travel Rewards: Points can be redeemed for travel bookings with any provider.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Shop internationally without extra charges.

Cons

---

• High Annual Fee: The annual fee is steep compared to similar cards offering similar perks.
• Limited Premium Perks: Lacks top-tier travel benefits like free checked baggage and priority boarding.

Card Details

Rewards*

• Earn 2x Scene+ points for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
• Earn additional benefits + up to 4x Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia

Insurance*

Coverage*

• 

  Emergency Out of province Medical

  $2M, Up to 31 days
• 

  Emergency Medical Over 65

  $2M, Up to 10 days
• 

  Trip Cancellation

  $2500/person, $10000/trip
• 

  Lost or Stolen Baggage

  $500/person, $1000/trip
• 

  Trip Interruption

  $5000/person, $25000/trip
• 

  Baggage Delay

  $1000 After 4 hours
• 

  Flight Delay

  $1000/person
• 

  Travel Accident

  $500K/person, $1M/occurrence
• 

  Car Rental Damage & Theft

  $65K up to 48 days
• 

  Hotel Burglary Insurance

  $1000/occurrence
• 

  Mobile Device Insurance

  $1000
• 

  Purchase Protection

  120 days
• 

  Extended Warranty

  Up to a year

Benefits*

Details*

• 

  No Foreign Transaction Fees
• 

  Airport Lounge - Plaza Premium

  10 visits, 4 visits for secondary card (combined with the Priority pass)
• 

  Airport Lounge - Priority Pass

  10 visits, 4 visits for secondary card (combined with the Plaza Premium)
• 

  American Express® Experiences
• 

  Concierge Services
• 

  Discount

  Discount on PriorityPass Membership
• 

  Status lift

  Hertz #1 Club Gold Member
• 

  Extra points

  Extra 4 Scene+ points per Canadian dollar spent on hotel and car rental bookings made through Scene+ Travel using your Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card

Eligibility*

• Credit Score

  Good
• Annual Income

  $12,000 personal or $12,000 household

^*See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information. Check here for full details and current product information.

Priority Pass and Plaza Premium lounges have teamed up to offer Scotiabank Platinum American Express Cardmembers 10 complimentary visits per year that can be used for both the cardholder and any accompanying travel companions. To earn these visits, cardholders are asked to enrol in a Priority Pass membership by providing a special code through a specified Priority Pass and Scotiabank Platinum portal. This perk includes worldwide access to tons of Airport VIP Lounges and experiences, lounge use no matter what class or airline your ticket pertains to, complimentary refreshments and drinks, and conference spaces.

The card also comes with low interest rates, a strong Scene+ points program, comprehensive travel insurance, and the rare no foreign transaction fees benefit. The annual cost is also significantly lower than the other Platinum Card counterparts.

So, if you don’t necessarily need unlimited Priority Pass lounge access, but still want a substantial amount loaded onto a much more affordable card, then the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card could be a great alternative to the American Express Platinum Card, depending on your spending habits and travel needs.

Best Credit Card for Plaza Premium Airport Lounge Access Alone

Although Plaza Premium Lounges are sometimes part of other lounge access networks like the Dragon Pass, the Priority Pass, or even The American Express Global Lounge Collection, there’s still a card that we’d like to highlight that offers some Plaza Premium Lounge access alone as one of its competitive perks.

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Yes

No

American Express Gold Rewards Card®

4.2

Finly Rating

Welcome Bonus*

Up to 60,000 points

First Year Value

$1,629.03

Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards.

Yes

No

Annual Fee*

$250

Interest Rates*

21.99% / 21.99%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE*

300

Poor

560

Fair

660

Good

725

Very Good

760

Excellent

Get your free credit score

Our Take

The American Express® Gold Rewards Card is an excellent choice for travelers seeking an entry-level card that offers a strong balance of generous travel benefits without excessive costs. With a relatively low annual fee, this card provides flexibility and a range of perks that make it stand out among other options. It’s ideal for those who want to maximize their travel rewards without being tied to a specific airline or compromising on the benefits offered.

Pros & Cons

Pros

---

• Flexible Rewards: Enjoy flexible Membership Rewards point conversion with up to 2 points per $1 spent.
• Travel Perks: Includes $100 annual travel credit and 4 free passes to Plaza Premium lounges in Canada.
• Comprehensive Insurance: Comes with 11 types of insurance coverage.
• Multiple Redemption Options: Offers 4 ways to redeem points for maximum value.

Cons

---

• High Annual Fee: The card comes with a $250 annual fee.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: A 2.5% fee applies to foreign transactions.
• Limited Travel Insurance for Seniors: No travel medical insurance coverage for those over 65.
• Lower Acceptance: As an American Express card, it may have lower acceptance compared to Visa or Mastercard.

Card Details

Rewards*

• 2x points per $1 spent on gas, groceries and drugstore purchases
• 2x points per $1 spent on travel (eligible flights, hotels, tours and more)
• 1x point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases

Insurance*

Coverage*

• 

  Emergency Out of province Medical

  15 days
• 

  Trip Cancellation

  $1,500 per person, $3,000 combined
• 

  Trip Interruption

  $1,500 per person, $6,000 combined
• 

  Flight Delay

  $500
• 

  Baggage Delay

  $500
• 

  Hotel Burglary Insurance

  $500
• 

  Lost or Stolen Baggage

  $500
• 

  Travel Accident

  $500,000
• 

  Car Rental Damage & Theft

  yes
• 

  Purchase Protection

  90 days
• 

  Extended Warranty

  Up to 1 year

Benefits*

Details*

• 

  Travel Credit

  $100
• 

  Nexus Program Rebate

  $50 statement credit every 4 years
• 

  Airport Lounge - Priority Pass

  Pass only. No Complimentary visits!
• 

  Airport Lounge - Plaza Premium

  4 Free complimentary visits
• 

  Complimentary Hotel Benefits

  Hotels booked American Express Travel
• 

  Status lift

  Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® loyalty program
• 

  American Express® Experiences
• 

  Extra points

  Earn 2 points on Amex Travel Online purchases and extra points on American Express offers

Eligibility*

• Credit Score

  Good
• Annual Income

  N/A

^*American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment. Check here for full details and current product information.