Best Metal Credit Cards in Canada for 2024
Sara Skodak
Author6 min read
In search of top-of-the-line perks from the best credit cards? This post has you covered with a comprehensive list of premium metal credit cards. From travel benefits to business extras and notable welcome bonuses, these cards have it all – for an annual price of course.
Read on for the best metal credit cards in Canada, plus some insight into what makes them so exclusive.
Best Overall Metal Credit Card
American Express Gold Rewards Card®
4.2
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus*
Up to 60,000 points
Annual Fee*
$250
Interest Rates*
21.99% / 21.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
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 & 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.
Product Details
Product 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 after 4 hour delayBaggage Delay
$500 after 6 hour delay
Hotel Burglary Insurance
$500
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500
Travel Accident
$500,000.svg)
Car Rental Damage & Theft
$85K, up to 48 days
Purchase Protection
90 days, Up to $1,000
Extended Warranty
Up to 1 year
Benefits*
Details*
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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.svg)
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
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
The American Express Gold Rewards Card offers tons of flexibility and customization for its cardholders – right down to its colour (choose between a yellow gold or rose gold finish).
You can redeem rewards your way with points per dollar spent flexibly on categories like gas, groceries, and travel. Top that off with a high earning potential, plus travel perks from a generous annual travel credit to extensive insurance coverage.
Like what you hear? The best part about this card is it offers all these benefits for a relatively lower annual fee (compared to the American Express Platinum Card, explored below) and takes first place for this list's first-year value, effectively mixing flexibility, travel perks, and luxury.
Best Metal Credit Cards for Air Canada Travellers
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege*
3.2
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus
Up to 100,000 points (70,000 in 1st year)
Annual Fee
$599
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
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 & 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.
Product Details
Product 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 daysEmergency Medical Over 65
$5M/insured up to 4 daysTrip Cancellation
$2.5K/person, $5K/tripTrip Interruption
$5K/person, $25K/tripFlight Delay
$1,000/person after 4 hoursBaggage Delay
$1K/person after 4 hoursLost or Stolen Baggage
$2.5K/personTravel Accident
$500,000Car Rental Damage & Theft
Up to 48 consecutive rental daysHotel Burglary Insurance
$2500Purchase Protection
120 daysExtended Warranty
2 years
Mobile Device Insurance
$1,500
Benefits
Details
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Free first checked bag
First checked bag is free for primary cardholder on WestJet flight and up to 8 guestsNexus Program Rebate
$100 every 4 years
Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
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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.SExtra points
Earn 50% more Stars and 50% more Aeroplan points at participating Starbucks storesExtra points
Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and over 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStoreStatus 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 upgradeStatus lift
Complimentary upgrade to Avis® President's ClubStatus 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 visitsAirport 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
ExcellentAnnual Income
$150,000 personal or $200,000 household
All the coverage of the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card (which we'll expand on next), but often at slightly higher values, plus mobile device insurance and emergency medical over 65 coverage – something we didn’t even see from the American Express Gold Rewards Card.
Without the added American Express network, this visa card is also more accepted for spending.
Objectively, the reward rates sit pretty low compared to other premium cards, but at the lowest annual fee from this list for a metal card, it’s still a great card for people that frequently travel with AirCanada.
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
Annual Fee*
$599
Interest Rates*
21.99% / 21.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
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 & 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.
Product Details
Product 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 daysTrip Cancellation
$1.5K/person, $3K/tripTrip Interruption
$1.5K/person, $6K/tripFlight Delay
$1,000/person after 4 hoursBaggage Delay
$1K/person after 6 hoursLost or Stolen Baggage
$1KTravel Accident
$500,000Car Rental Damage & Theft
$85K Up to 48 consecutive rental daysHotel Burglary Insurance
$1000Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
1 years
Benefits*
Details*
Free first checked bag
First checked bag is free for primary cardholder on WestJet flight and up to 8 guestsNexus Program Rebate
$100 every 4 yearsAmex Experiences™
Amex Experiences™ opens doors for you to access a number of special events, including special dining experiences, VIP parties, advance film screenings and moreExtra points
Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and over 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStoreStatus 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 purchasesStatus lift
Complimentary upgrade to Avis® President's ClubStatus 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 guestCompanion 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
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
If you’re a frequent Air Canada flyer, looking for a substantial sign-up bonus, annual earnings in Aeroplan points, and extensive travel coverage – then the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card is for you.
The only downfall is the card’s exclusivity, from being networked with American Express (which isn’t as widely accepted) to having the most value when staying loyal to Air Canada airlines. Not to mention, while any airport lounge access is exciting, this card’s access only extends to Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafe lounges which aren’t always covered worldwide.
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
3.2
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus
Up to 60,000 Aeroplan® points
Annual Fee
$599
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.99%, for Quebec 21.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card is ideal for frequent Air Canada flyers who want to maximize their Aeroplan points and enjoy premium travel perks. With 2 points per $1 spent on Air Canada purchases and free checked baggage on every flight, this card offers significant value for those who travel often. Additionally, the extensive travel insurance and unlimited Maple Leaf lounge access make it a solid choice for high-income individuals looking for convenience and protection during their travels. However, the high annual fee and income requirements mean it's best suited for those who can take full advantage of its Air Canada-specific benefits.
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Earn up to 2 points per $1 on Air Canada purchases, and 1.5 points per $1 on gas, groceries, dining, and travel.
- Air Canada perks: Includes free checked bags, priority check-in, boarding, and Maple Leaf lounge access.
- Unlimited lounge access: Enjoy unlimited Maple Leaf lounge visits when flying Air Canada.
- Comprehensive insurance: Offers extensive travel and purchase protection, including trip cancellation and mobile device insurance.
Cons
- High annual fee: The card has a steep $599 annual fee.
- Strict income requirements: Requires a personal income of $150,000 or household income of $200,000 to qualify.
- Limited reward value: Best value is achieved only when redeeming for Air Canada flights, making it less versatile for non-Air Canada redemptions.
Product Details
Product Details
Rewards
- 2 Aeroplan® points per $1 spent on Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations if they are in the first $100k transactions of the year
- 1.5 Aeroplan® points per $1 spent on gas, groceries, travel and dining if they are in the first $100k transactions of the year
- 1.25 Aeroplan® point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Travel Accident
$500,000Emergency Out of province Medical
31 daysEmergency Medical Over 65
10 daysFlight Delay
$1,000Baggage Delay
$1,000Trip Cancellation
$2,500Trip Interruption
$5,000Lost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000Hotel Burglary Insurance
$2,500Purchase Protection
180 daysExtended Warranty
Up to 2 yearsCar Rental Damage & Theft
yesMobile Device Insurance
$1,500
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - Maple Leaf and AirCanada Cafes
Access select Maple Leaf Lounges™ and Air Canada Cafés™, plus get 6 complimentary lounge visits per year per cardholder through Visa Airport Companion Program.svg)
Gas Discount
save up to 10¢/L on fuel at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stationsCar Rental Discount
Get up to 25% off auto rentals at participating Avis and Budget locations worldwide.Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
Exclusive offersStatus lift
Reach Aeroplan Elite™ Status sooner by earning Status Qualifying Miles and Status Qualifying Segments with purchases made on your accountStatus lift
Complimentary upgrade to Avis® President's ClubCompanion Voucher
Receive an Annual Worldwide Companion Pass from $99 to a max of $599 (plus taxes, fees, charges and surcharges) when you spend $25,000 on your cardPriority Travel
Priority Check-in, Priority Boarding and Priority Baggage Handling for you, your authorized users and up to 8 companions on the same flightFree first checked bag
Enjoy a free first checked bag for you, authorized users and up to 8 companions every time you fly with Air Canada
Eligibility
Credit Score
Very GoodAnnual Income
$150,000 personal or $200,000 household
The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card pairs perks from both the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card and the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card.
While it matches the types of insurance coverage from the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card, like mobile device insurance and emergency medical coverage for people over 65, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card adds a bit more value to most categories like trip cancellation and interruption insurance and lost or stolen baggage.
Like the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card, it offers free checked baggage, Maple Leaf Lounge access, and runner-up Aeroplan points in popular categories (travel, gas, groceries) when spent in the first $100k transactions of the year, all at the same annual fee.
On its own, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card requires a larger personal income alongside a very good credit score, so it’s best for higher earners and bigger spenders who lean toward Air Canada travel.
Best Metal Credit Card for Luxurious Perks
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
Annual Fee*
$799
Interest Rates*
21.99% - 30% / 21.99% - 30%
Why we like it
Why we like it
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 & 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.
Product Details
Product 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 daysTrip Cancellation
$2,500Trip Interruption
$2,500Flight Delay
$1,000Baggage Delay
$1,000Hotel Burglary Insurance
$1000Lost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000Travel Accident
$500,000Car Rental Damage & Theft
YesPurchase Protection
120 daysExtended 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 RestaurantsNexus Program Rebate
$100 statement credit every 4 yearsComplimentary Hotel Benefits
Hotels booked American Express TravelStatus lift
Upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold StatusStatus lift
Upgrade to Marriott BonvoyTM Gold Elite statusPriority Travel
At Toronto Pearson Airport get Priority Security lane, Complimentary valet and 15% discount at the Express Park and daily parkConcierge 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
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
All the luxury a credit card could ask for, plated in platinum. The American Express Platinum Card offers the most perks out of all other credit cards in Canada – which is fitting since it’s also one of the most expensive cards on this list in terms of annual fees.
Overall, you’re paying for premium benefits, including hundreds of dollars in annual travel and dining credits and a long list of insurance coverage. In terms of accommodations, enjoy its complimentary benefits and programs at tons of hotels and resorts, plus upgrades compatible with stays at the Hilton and Marriot Bonvoy hotels. Additionally, if you liked the idea of lounge access in the last section, you won’t want to miss this card’s impressive unlimited access to over 1,300 airport lounges across the globe.
The biggest con is its cost, which won’t be worth it if you’re not a big enough spender willing to work your way up to all the benefits.
Best for Metal Credit Card for Business
American Express Business Platinum Card®
4.2
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus*
Up to 150,000 Membership Rewards® points (110,000 in 1st year)
Rewards Rate*
1.25x points
Annual Fee*
$799
Interest Rates*
21.99% - 30% / 21.99% - 30%
Why we like it
Why we like it
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is ideal for frequent business travelers who can take full advantage of the premium perks and extensive insurance coverage. Despite the high annual fee, the generous rewards and travel benefits may offset the cost for those who maximize the card's offerings.
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Generous Earn Rate: 1.25 points per $1 spent on all purchases.
- Premium Travel Perks: Includes a $200 annual travel credit, access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, and hotel benefits like Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status.
- Comprehensive Insurance: Extensive travel and purchase insurance, including mobile device coverage and trip interruption protection.
- Interest Grace Period: Up to 55 interest-free days
Cons
- High Annual Fee: The card comes with a hefty $799 annual fee, which may not be justifiable for all users.
- Limited Acceptance: As an American Express card, it has lower acceptance compared to Visa or Mastercard.
Product Details
Product Details
Rewards*
- 1.25x points per $1 spent on all purchases
Insurance*
Coverage*
Travel Accident
$500,000Emergency Out of province Medical
15 daysFlight Delay
$1,000Baggage Delay
$1,000Lost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000Hotel Burglary Insurance
$1,000Trip Cancellation
$1,500Trip Interruption
$1,500Mobile Device Insurance
$1,500Car Rental Damage & Theft
YesExtended Warranty
1 yearPurchase Protection
90 days
Benefits*
Details*
Airport Lounge - American Express Global Lounge
Take full advantage of the American Express Global Lounge Collection™ which unlocks access to over 1400 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.Status lift
Earn Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status by spending $30,000 or staying 10 nights combined with 15 Elite Night Credits. Status retention depends on Marriott Bonvoy terms.Free Extra Night at Hotels
Each year, 8-10 weeks after your anniversary, receive a Free Night Award for a Marriott Bonvoy room up to 35,000 points, valid for 1 year. Resort fees excluded.
Interest on Balance
Up to 55 interest-free daysNexus Program Rebate
Access a $100 credit for NEXUS with your CardmembershipConcierge Services
Personalized concierge at your service
Discount
Your Business Platinum Card gets you savings on the seats you really want and lower fares on premium tickets with participating airlinesAmerican Express® Experiences
Access Front Of The Line® Presale & Reserved Tickets to some of your favourite concerts, theatre shows, and special offers with American Express® ExperiencesPriority Travel
At Toronto Pearson Airport get Priority Security lane, Complimentary valet and 15% discount at the Express Park and daily parkTravel Credit
Access a $200 Annual Travel Credit each year of your Cardmembership
Wireless Credit
Up to $120 in statement credits each year. Spend $10 each month with eligible wireless providers month and get a $10 credit.
Business Statement Credits
Up to $500 in business statement credits. Enroll and earn statement credits on eligible purchases with $200 Dell statement credit, $300 Indeed statement credit.
Eligibility*
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
Similar to the American Express Platinum Card, but with a slightly bigger bonus and business-focused benefits. Enjoy perks like added mobile device insurance, business statement credits, and up to 55 interest-free days on your balance.
Business travellers will also enjoy an annual travel credit, access to plenty of airport lounges worldwide, discounted premium seating from participating airlines, and Marriot Bonvoy Gold Elite status.
Like the American Express Platinum Card, there’s a high annual fee, but frequent work travellers should be able to offset the cost by indulging in benefits on every business trip.
Best Metal Credit Card for Bonuses
American Express Gold Rewards Card®
4.2
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus*
Up to 60,000 points
Annual Fee*
$250
Interest Rates*
21.99% / 21.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
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 & 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.
Product Details
Product 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 daysTrip Cancellation
$1,500 per person, $3,000 combinedTrip Interruption
$1,500 per person, $6,000 combinedFlight Delay
$500 after 4 hour delayBaggage Delay
$500 after 6 hour delayHotel Burglary Insurance
$500Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500Travel Accident
$500,000Car Rental Damage & Theft
$85K, up to 48 daysPurchase Protection
90 days, Up to $1,000Extended Warranty
Up to 1 year
Benefits*
Details*
Travel Credit
$100Nexus Program Rebate
$50 statement credit every 4 yearsAirport Lounge - Priority Pass
Pass only. No Complimentary visits!Airport Lounge - Plaza Premium
4 Free complimentary visitsComplimentary Hotel Benefits
Hotels booked American Express TravelStatus lift
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® loyalty programAmerican Express® Experiences
Extra points
Earn 2 points on Amex Travel Online purchases and extra points on American Express offers
Eligibility*
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
Let's talk a little bit more about the American Express Gold Rewards Card. With the best first-year value on this list, it should come as no surprise that this card offers not only the best in welcome bonuses, but also the most attainable bonuses. For example, your spending levels can be much lower than other premium cards (like the American Express Platinum Card) and still earn you those Membership Rewards points in no time.
Honorable Mention
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
3
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus
Up to 80,000 Aventura points
Annual Fee
$499
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.99%, for Quebec 21.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
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 & 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.
Product Details
Product 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
$500,000Emergency Out of province Medical
31 daysEmergency Medical Over 65
10 daysFlight Delay
$500Baggage Delay
$500Trip Cancellation
$2,500Trip Interruption
$5,000Lost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000Hotel Burglary Insurance
$2,500Purchase Protection
180 daysExtended Warranty
Up to 2 yearsCar Rental Damage & Theft
up to car value of $65kMobile Device Insurance
$1,500
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
Airport lounges Visa Airport Companion Program managed by DragonPass International + 6 Free complimentary visitsGas Discount
save up to 10¢/L on fuel at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stationsCar 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 yearsVisa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
Exclusive offersTravel Credit
Annual $200 travel credit to use at the CIBC Rewards Center
Eligibility
Credit Score
Very GoodAnnual Income
$150,000 personal or $200,000 household
The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card is a metal credit card worth mentioning when it comes to travel perks, redemption flexibility, and insurance coverage. Instead of the commonly mentioned Aeroplan points above, this card specializes specifically in Aventura points. As a CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege cardholder, you can earn high-value points per dollar spent on travel and other popular categories like gas and groceries. Not to mention, an annual travel credit accompanied by complimentary airport lounge passes and discounts on car rentals.
The only drawbacks are the high-income requirements, the necessary "very good" credit score, and the annual fee that falls on the higher end of the spectrum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which credit card companies offer metal credit cards?
American Express, BMO, CIBC, and TD all offer metal credit cards in Canada. You’ll see metal cards from each of these companies included in our list above.
Are metal credit cards worth it?
A metal credit card is worth it if you find that you’ll be taking enough advantage of the rewards and benefits to make up for the cost of the annual fee. Luckily, annual fees among metal cards do have some variation, so you can pick the perks and price points that work for you.
What credit score do I need for a metal credit card?
Since metal credit cards are considered premium credit cards, you will need at least a “good” credit score to apply. This is a credit score of around 660, depending on the card issuer. Some metal credit cards will require a higher score. For example, from our featured list, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card calls for a “very good” credit score (which is about 725) and the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card expects an “excellent” credit score (around 760).