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Best Perks Credit Cards in Canada
Sara Skodak
Author8 min read
This blog post is all about perks and the best credit cards that offer them.
A few of these cards are packed with perks and come with high annual prices. That said, we’ve also included some credit cards with benefits lists that are less extensive but less expensive, yet notable due to their unique additions.
Best Overall Perks Credit Card
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%
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
- 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.
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
$1,000Baggage Delay
$1,000
Hotel Burglary Insurance
$1000
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000
Travel Accident
$500,000.svg)
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..svg)
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.svg)
Status lift
Upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold StatusStatus 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.svg)
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
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
With some of the most extensive and comprehensive perks on the market, the American Express Platinum Card wins first place for the best overall perks credit card.
Travellers can take advantage of an annual travel credit – applicable towards trips booked through American Express Travel Online using the Platinum Card as payment. For the foodies, there’s also an annual dining credit – redeemable at some of Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants. Need extra help while you’re away? Luckily, the Platinum Card is also equipped with trip and legal assistance, providing you with translation services, passport replacement assistance, and emergency legal or medical referrals.
Frequent flyers will love the unlimited access to over 1,400 lounges included in the American Express Global Lounge Collection – complete with comfortable seating, complimentary amenities, and pre-takeoff entertainment. Not to mention, the Platinum Card features Priority Travel perks like access to the Pearson Priority Security Lane, complimentary valet service, and discounted parking. There's also a NEXUS Program rebate on NEXUS application and renewal fees.
Are you constantly staying at a hotel? If so, prepare to be upgraded to Hilton Honors Gold Status and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status – offering you room upgrades, bonus points and more depending on the loyalty program.
If you don’t have time to make plans or shop for presents, the Platinum Card also comes with concierge services with experts ready to book your reservations, tickets, and trips.
Unfortunately, you do have to pay a high price annually to take advantage of these perks, but you can certainly offset this fee if you’re a big enough spender who uses the Platinum Card to its full potential.
As for the other aspects of the card, the points program earns you decent rewards on dining and travel, and the coverage is just about as extensive as the benefits.
All in all, the American Express Platinum Card is the best overall perks credit card because it doesn’t have tricky application requirements (besides the annual fee), and it offers cardholders the best possible spread of benefits to support their spending and travelling.
Best Credit Cards With the Most Perks
To start our list off right, we're going to take a look at all of the best Canadian credit cards with the most perks – ideal for cardholders who want to indulge in as many benefits as possible. Let's begin with a contender from the Visa Infinite Privilege card variety.
Visa Infinite Privilege credit cards are a premium tier of the Visa network that tend to come with plenty of perks. The best and most extensive option of the bunch is issued by TD.
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%
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
- 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.
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 AirCanada flight and up to 8 guestsNexus 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.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 CarTrip 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
For a slightly lower (but still pricey) annual fee, you can swap the American Express Platinum Card for the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card. Mind you, you will need to meet some steep income requirements – which is expected with Visa Infinite Privilege Cards.
At first glance, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card’s benefits list appears to be much longer than the American Express Platinum Card’s list, sporting 20 perk categories, most of which pertain to travel. It’s jam-packed with similar perks to the Platinum Card, like status lifts (including one for Aeroplan Elite Status, one for Avis President’s Club, and one for Diamond Status with Visa RSVP Rewards), extra point potential (through Starbucks stores, Aeroplan partners, and Rocky Mountaineer purchases), a NEXUS Program rebate, and Priority Travel perks. The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card’s list continues with Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car discounts, 6 complimentary visits to Dragon Pass airport lounges, unlimited access to Maple Leaf and Air Canada Cafes, a Troon Rewards Gold benefit, free first checked bags, and a companion voucher. Still, some benefits, like airport lounge access perks for example, are far more comprehensive with the American Express Platinum Card, since the American Express Global Lounge Collection is a much bigger network than the Dragon Pass or Maple Leaf Lounge networks.
Compared to the Platinum Card, insurance is a bit more comprehensive and extensive with the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card. With higher value in shared coverage categories like lost or stolen baggage, extended warranty, and emergency out of province medical insurance. Plus, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card adds mobile device insurance and emergency medical over 65 coverage to the mix.
Both cards were created with perks in mind, so their points systems aren’t super lucrative, but the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card’s rates tend to cater to Air Canada purchases, gas, groceries, travel and dining, whereas the American Express Platinum Card earns points on dining and travel. It’s also worth noting that the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card has a lower base rate on all other eligible purchases that aren’t specialized.
Ultimately, the choice between the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege and the Amex Platinum depends on the specific perks you’re looking for. If you travel with Air Canada frequently, the TD card’s perks might prove more useful. Otherwise, the Amex card is likely the better option.
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%
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
- 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.
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
$200Dining 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
If you count all of the perk categories on the Platinum Card, you'll tally up 12 – many of which are super comprehensive. Take the airport lounge access through the American Express Global Lounge Collection for example, which gives cardholders unlimited access to the most lounges around the world. This perk alone comes with tons of benefits in and of itself. Overall, the quality of the Platinum Card's perk categories are superior to the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card.
Pair this superiority with its easier accessibility for most applicants, and you'll find yourself staring at the most advantageous and abundant perks credit card on the market, particularly suited to high-spending frequent travellers.
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%
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
- 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.
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
The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card’s annual fee is still considered high, but it’s much more affordable than the fees associated with the Platinum Card.
With the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card, you'll find about 14 perk categories. These benefits include several status lifts (including some that expedite or optimize Aeroplan Elite Status, plus upgrades to the Avis President’s Club), a free extra night on eligible hotel stays paid for by Aeroplan points, a NEXUS Program rebate, Priority Travel perks, a companion voucher, free first checked bags, and extra points through Aeroplan partner and Aeroplan eStore purchases. With this card, you’ll even get the airport lounge Priority Pass (without complimentary visits), and unlimited access to Maple Leaf and Air Canada Cafe lounges – although this airport lounge access isn’t quite as extensive as the access offered through the American Express Global Lounge Collection.
The coverage on the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card is pretty comprehensive, although not as comprehensive as the American Express Platinum Card, or as extensive as the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card.
That said, the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card has more specialized rewards categories than the American Express Platinum Card, and earns more Aeroplan points on Air Canada purchases and dining than the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card. Considering it’s not affiliated exclusively with Air Canada, the travel rewards category for the Platinum Card is more flexible and so are its redemption categories.
At the end of the day, you might opt for the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card over the Platinum Card if you want more benefits (although sometimes less comprehensive), a lower annual fee, and you’re loyal to Air Canada travel. Otherwise, the Platinum Card specifically is a better perks card for some more travel flexibility, lounge access, and premium benefits.
As for the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card, while both cards have the same annual fee, the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card doesn’t require a high income, making it much easier to qualify for. However, in exchange, there are around 10 perks offered by the TD card that the American Express card doesn’t provide, meaning you would miss out on those benefits.
Best Unique Perk Credit Cards
If you're looking for rarity over quantity, there are plenty of credit cards that forgo the extensive benefits list, and lead with unique perks instead.
In this section, we're going to highlight some of the top cards that offer rare perks like price protection, a companion voucher, roadside assistance, free extra hotel nights, no foreign transaction fees, and an anniversary lifestyle credit.
Best Credit Card for Price Protection
MBNA Rewards World Elite® Mastercard®
4
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus
Up to 30,000 points ($300 value)
Annual Fee
$120
Interest Rates
19.99% / 24.99%
The MBNA Rewards World Elite® Mastercard® is one of the best reward credit cards in Canada, offering high rewards on frequently spent categories such as groceries and restaurant purchases. The annual birthday bonus, unique to this card, also provides a significant boost to your yearly earnings. Additionally, the card features a comprehensive list of benefits, including price protection—a rare and valuable perk not found with many other cards in Canada. These factors make this card one of the best to have in Canada.
Pros
- Both restaurants and groceries, two of the most commonly spent categories, earn decent rewards.
- Great annual birthday bonus with up to $150 in value.
- A solid list of travel insurance and benefits.
- Price protection, a rare feature not offered by many other cards.
- Good value for many of the card's redemption options.
Cons
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance, two great benefits are missing from this card.
- Not the best card for gas purchases.
Rewards
- 5 points on restaurant, grocery, digital media, membership, and household utility purchases (maximum $50,000 spend annually per category)
- 1 point for everything else
Insurance
Coverage
Mobile Device Insurance
$1000Purchase Protection
Up to 90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to a yearCar Rental Damage & Theft
31 daysFlight Delay
$500/person after 4 hoursTravel Accident
$1,000,000Emergency Out of province Medical
$2M for 21 daysLost or Stolen Baggage
$1000/personBaggage Delay
$1000/person
Benefits
Details
Annual Birthday Bonus
10% of the Points earned the 12 months prior to the primary cardholder's birthday month (up to a max 15,000 bonus points per year)Car Rental Discount
10% off base rate of Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car in Canada and US and 5% internationallyTrip and legal Assistance
Concierge Services
Price Protection
$500/item, $1000/account per year
Eligibility
Credit Score
Very GoodAnnual Income
$80,000 personal or $150,000 household
It’s about time a Mastercard made its way into this blog post.
The MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard can actually be singled out for 2 unique perks. The first rare perk is price protection. If you happen purchase something, then later (within 60 days) find a similar (eligible) model retailed at a lower price, price protection can reimburse you for the price difference. The second unique perk is the birthday bonus, an annual benefit that’s made up of 10% of the points earned during the year leading up to the cardholder’s birthday month. Among these two notable benefits, you’ll also get a car rental discount, trip and legal assistance, plus concierge services.
The coverage on the MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard is also decent, and the points reward program offers high rates on grocery, digital media, membership, and household utility purchases – all for a much lower annual fee compared to the cards we’ve seen so far (but that’s because there are fewer perks).
So, if you don’t need a ton of perks but are intrigued by the exclusive price protection or birthday bonus benefits, the MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard could be a simpler perks credit card to consider.
Best Credit Card for the Anniversary Lifestyle Credit
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
3
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus
Up to 120,000 points
Rewards Rate
1x - 5x points
Annual Fee
$499
Interest Rates
20.99% / 23.99%, for Quebec 21.99%
The BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card is ideal for those who want to maximize rewards on essential categories like travel, dining, groceries, and gas, while enjoying premium benefits. With a generous welcome bonus, lifestyle credit, and comprehensive insurance, this card is designed for frequent travelers who are willing to pay for luxury perks like lounge access and exclusive Visa Infinite privileges. The 25% rewards boost for authorized users adds further value for families or couples who want to rack up points faster.
Pros
- Generous rewards: Earn 5x points on travel, dining, groceries, gas, and drugstore purchases.
- $200 lifestyle credit: Annual credit that can be used on any purchase over $200.
- 25% bonus points with authorized user: Adding an authorized user increases your rewards by 25%.
- Comprehensive insurance: Includes 12 types of coverage, including emergency medical and trip interruption insurance.
- 6 lounge visits: Complimentary Priority Pass membership with 6 free airport lounge visits annually.
Cons
- High annual fee: The card has a steep $499 annual fee, which is not waived in the first year.
- High income requirements: Requires $150,000 personal or $200,000 household income, limiting eligibility.
- Low point value: Points are valued at only 0.67 cents, reducing their overall worth.
- Additional card fees: Adding authorized users costs $75 per year per user.
Rewards
- 5x points per $1 spent on grocery, dining, gas, drugstore and travel related purchases (maximum $100,000 in spending)
- 1x point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
120 daysExtended Warranty
2 yearsEmergency Out of province Medical
22 daysEmergency Medical Over 65
3 daysTravel Accident
$500,000Trip Interruption
$5,000Trip Cancellation
$2,500Flight Delay
$1,000Baggage Delay
$500Lost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000Hotel Burglary Insurance
$2,500Car Rental Damage & Theft
yesMobile Device Insurance
$1,000
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
Visa Airport Companion membership and 6 complimentary airport lounge visits per year
Anniversary Credit
$200 anniversary lifestyle creditExtra points
Earn 25% more points on all purchases when you add an authorized user to your accountConcierge Services
Visa Infinite Privilege Concierge like having a personal assistant on speed dialVisa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
Visa Infinite luxury hotel collection, dining series and wine countryGolf 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
Discount
Priority Security Lane, airport parking and valet service discounts at select Canadian airports
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$150,000 personal or $200,000 household
Here comes another Visa Infinite Privilege Card, so you already know that it's gonna be pricey and exclusive. However, this exclusivity comes with an interesting and substantial anniversary lifestyle credit. This annual statement credit comes around each year starting from the anniversary date of your BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card account activation. The credit can be applied to each year's first eligible purchase of over $200. On top of this unique perk, you’ll also get some complimentary airport lounge access through a Dragon Pass membership, extra points when you add an authorized user to your account, concierge services, Troon Rewards Golf benefits, and discounts on Priority Security Lane, airport parking, and valet services at certain Canadian airports.
Some other attractive aspects of this card are its comprehensive insurance categories and its competitive points program that caters to everyday and travel-related purchases.
Therefore, if you’re a high-earning frequent traveller who’d love an extra statement credit each year, the BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card might be what you’re looking for.
Best Credit Card for No Foreign Transaction Fees
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card
4.9
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus*
Up to 40,000 Scene+ points ($400 value)
Annual Fee*
$120
Interest Rates*
20.99% / 22.99%
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is one of our favorite cards. It has a very solid rewards program, earning one of the highest rewards among all credit cards in Canada. In addition, it offers comprehensive travel benefits, including the rare and valuable no foreign transaction fee benefit, making it a great and balanced credit card in terms of both rewards and benefits. The first-year annual fee waiver is the cherry on top, providing even greater value to cardholders.
Pros
- No foreign transaction fee saves you 2.5% on all non-CAD purchases.
- Rewards cover all high-spending categories, including food, groceries, entertainment, and gas.
- Comprehensive coverage of all travel insurance.
Cons
- The card network is American Express, which might not be widely accepted in some countries, making it a bit harder to use the no foreign transaction fee benefit.
- Having a lounge pass would have made this card even more perfect, but there is access to a discount code for lounge access pass purchases.
Rewards*
- Earn 6x Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
- Earn 5x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
- Earn 5x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
- Earn 3x Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more
- Earn 3x Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services
- 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
$1M, Up to 25 daysEmergency Medical Over 65
$1M, Up to 3 daysTrip Cancellation
$1500/person, $10000/tripTrip Interruption
$1500/person, $10,000/tripLost or Stolen Baggage
$500/person, $1000/tripBaggage Delay
$500/person, $1,000/trip After 4 hoursFlight Delay
$500/personTravel Accident
$500K/person, $1M/occurrenceCar Rental Damage & Theft
$65K up to 48 daysHotel Burglary Insurance
$1000/occurrenceMobile Device Insurance
$1,000Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to 1 year
Benefits*
Details*
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Avoid the 2.5% foreign transaction fees incurred when spending in non $CADAmerican Express® Experiences
Concierge Services
Discount
Discount on PriorityPass Membership
Eligibility*
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$12,000 personal or $12,000 household
The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card isn’t the only Canadian credit card on the market with this rare perk, but it is one of the best card out there that offer it.
The perk in question is the no foreign transaction fee benefit – which allows cardholders to shop internationally without any extra charges (only conversion rates).
Aside from no foreign transaction fees, the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card boasts benefits like the standard Amex Experiences, concierge services, and a discount on a Priority Pass membership.
Cardholders will also be pleased with the card’s extensive insurance coverage and rewards program – earning them points per dollar spent on partnered grocers, eligible dining, other grocery stores (not partnered with the card), entertainment, transit, and streaming.
The best part? The annual fee is lower by comparison to many of the other cards in this post, plus it’s completely waived in the first year of membership.
So, if you’re constantly traveling and shopping abroad, or you’re just an avid online international shopper, then the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card might be the simplified yet unique perks credit card for you.
Best Credit Cards for Roadside Assistance
There are actually a couple of credit cards that come with roadside assistance and are worth mentioning, one with a fee and few more benefits, and another without an annual fee for the budget-conscious.
Triangle World Elite Mastercard
3.5
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Interest Rates
21.99% / 22.99%
This card is the only one with no annual fee that provides a roadside assistance benefit, which can be a lifesaver for people who travel on the road a lot. The main reason to apply for this card is to have free access to this benefit, given that the rewards are not great in most categories (except for Canadian Tire and grocery purchases).
Pros
- The only credit card in Canada that offers the highly valuable benefit of roadside assistance!
Cons
- This card has a very low acceptance rate based on prior user applications.
It's not a great option to have as your primary credit card, either in terms of rewards or benefits. However, it's a good card to complement your other credit cards.
Rewards
- 4% back in CanadianTire dollars on almost everything at Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, Mark’s, L’Équipeur, Party City, Pro Hockey Life, Atmosphere, Sports Rousseau, Hockey Experts, L’Entrepôt du Hockey, and participating Sports Experts stores
- 3% back in CanadianTire dollars on Groceries (Max 360) Except Costco and Walmart
- 1% back in CanadianTire on all other purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
Up to 90 daysCar Rental Damage & Theft
31 days
Benefits
Details
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Gas Discount
Save 7¢/L on premium fuel and 5¢/L on all other fuel types at Gas+ and Petro-Canada locations on gasConcierge Services
Roadside Assistance
Roadside Assistance Gold Plan: With the Triangle World Elite Mastercard Roadside Assistance Gold Plan, you get towing distance of up to 250 km per service call to the destination of your choice (within Canada or the US)
Eligibility
Credit Score
ExcellentAnnual Income
$80,000 personal or $150,000 household
Let's start with the roadside assistance card without an annual fee, the Triangle World Elite Mastercard.
This card provides cardholders with the Roadside Assistance Gold Plan, a plan that allows you to get a towing distance of up to 250 km per service call to the destination of your choice, as long as that destination is in either Canada or the U.S. To support you even more when you're out on the road, the Triangle World Elite Mastercard also comes with a gas discount, saving you cents per litre on fuel at Gas+ and Petro Canada pumps. The third perk on this card is concierge services, a little something to support your planning, bookings, and shopping.
The insurance coverage is minimal, as to be expected with a no-fee card, but you'll still have coverages like purchase protection and car rental damage and theft insurance.
The rewards program earns you cashback in Canadian Tire dollars on purchases made at participating partners, plus more Canadian Tire dollars back on eligible groceries.
While you won't need to pay an annual fee for this card, you will need a higher annual income.
So, if you're looking for a budget-friendly Canadian Tire credit card with a rare perk that will help you out on the road, look no further than the Triangle World Elite Mastercard, as long as you meet those income requirements.
BMO CashBack® World Elite® Mastercard®
4.2
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus
Up to $200
Annual Fee
120 $0
Interest Rates
20.99% / 23.99%
If you're seeking a cashback credit card, the BMO CashBack® World Elite® Mastercard® stands out for its excellent balance between rewards and benefits. It offers a robust rewards program and a comprehensive benefits list, making it a solid choice. The high first-year value is enhanced by the annual fee waiver, and those with a BMO Premium Chequing Account can enjoy continued fee waivers. While it's highly ranked for rewards alone, it may not be the absolute top choice if benefits are less important to you.
Pros
- Offers one of the highest cashbacks on groceries and gas, two of the most frequently spent categories, compared to other credit cards in Canada.
- Includes roadside assistance, a rare but valuable benefit for people on the road.
- Provides a comprehensive list of insurance coverage and benefits.
- High first-year value.
Cons
- Does not include restaurant purchases as a reward category, which is one of the most important spending categories.
Rewards
- 5% cashback on groceries (maximum $25 per statement)
- 4% cashback on daily transit (maximum $12 per statement)
- 3% cashback on gas (maximum $9 per statement)
- 2% cashback on recurring payments (maximum $10 per statement)
- 1% cashback on all other credit card purchases.
Insurance
Coverage
Emergency Out of province Medical
$5M up to 8 days per covered personTravel Accident
$500,000Flight Delay
$500 After 4 hours delayLost or Stolen Baggage
$500/person, $1000 maximumBaggage Delay
$500/person, $1000 maximum After 6 hoursHotel Burglary Insurance
$1000Car Rental Damage & Theft
$65,000 up to 48 daysPurchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to a year
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
Pass only, complimentary visits not includedRoadside Assistance
Includes free battery boosts, flat-tire change, lockout service and towingCar Rental Discount
25% off base rate of participating National Car Rental and Alamo Rent a CarGas Discount
Get up to seven cents off per litre on Shell® fuelHotel Booking Discount
Save up to 7% on your Booking.com prepaid hotel or property rental bookings
Boingo Wi-Fi hotspot
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$80,000 personal or $150,000 household
If you don't mind paying a reasonable annual fee for roadside assistance and other extra perks, you might appreciate the BMO Cashback World Elite Mastercard instead.
This card's roadside assistance perk includes free battery boosts, flat-tire changes, lockout service, and even towing services – roadside services that are much more comprehensive than those offered by the Triangle World Elite Mastercard. These roadside assistance services are accompanied by benefits like a Dragon Pass membership (without any complimentary visits), car rental discounts at National Car Rental and Alamo Rent a Car, gas discounts at Shell, Booking.com hotel stay and rental property discounts, and access to Boingo Wi-Fi hotspots.
The coverage is decent, and more extensive than the Triangle World Elite Mastercard. Plus, there are also plenty of ways to earn cashback with this card on popular categories like groceries, daily transit, gas, and recurring payments. These earnings are much more flexible for redemptions since they aren't restricted to a specific retailer, as the Canadian Tire dollars are with the Triangle World Elite Mastercard.
Still, the extra benefits, coverage and flexibility does come with a cost, which is something to consider.
Ultimately, those who often take road trips and don't mind spending more for extra perks (particularly towards roadside assistance) will be best suited to the BMO Cashback World Elite Mastercard over the Triangle World Elite Mastercard.
Best Credit Card for Companion Vouchers
For a bit of context, companion vouchers allow cardholders to purchase a companion ticket for an accompanying traveller at a reduced rate.
WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard
4
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus
Up to $450 WestJet Dollars
Annual Fee
$119
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.99%
If you travel frequently with WestJet, you must get this card because you are missing out on many benefits, even if you don't use this card for rewards. The round-trip companion voucher, status lift, and free checked bag benefits alone more than make up for the annual fee. For WestJet purchases, this card is great for earning rewards, but for all other categories, we recommend pairing it with another card.
Pros
- A no-brainer if you are a frequent WestJet traveler. The first free checked bag, annual companion pass, and status lift benefits alone make up more than the amount paid for the annual fee.
- A very good list of travel insurance in addition to WestJet-specific benefits.
Cons
- Not the best card for rewards accumulation, so it's better if paired with another card that offers higher rewards on non-WestJet purchases.
- Rewards can only be used on WestJet, making them less flexible.
Rewards
- 2% back in WestJet dollars on WestJet flights or WestJet Vacations packages
- 1.5% back in WestJet dollars on other purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Emergency Out of province Medical
15 daysEmergency Medical Over 65
3 daysTravel Accident
$500KCar Rental Damage & Theft
$65K up to 48 daysTrip Interruption
$5K/person, $25K/tripFlight Delay
$250/person, $500/occurrenceBaggage Delay
$500/person, $2500/occurrencePurchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
1 year
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
Pass only, complimentary visits not included! Companion Voucher can be exchanged for 4 visits.Companion Voucher
Travel within Canada or to the continental U.S. (excluding Hawaii), from $119 CAD, Travel to Hawaii or Mexico from $399 CAD, Travel to the rest of the WestJet network from $399 CADStatus lift
Eern $500 in tier qualifying spend which applies towards achieving the next WestJet Rewards tier for every $15,000 CAD in Eligible Purchases on your WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard (up to a maximum of $1,500 in tier qualifying spend in a qualifying year)Free first checked bag
First checked bag is free for primary cardholder on WestJet flight and up to 8 guestsDiscount
Member Exclusive fares: Exclusive discounts when you pay the full base fare with WestJet dollarsBoingo Wi-Fi hotspot
Gas Discount
save 3¢/L on fuel and always earn 20% more Petro-Points at Petro-CanadaExtra points
50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$80,000 personal or $150,000 household
We've seen a conditional companion voucher or two come up on previous perks credit cards like the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card and the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card. That said, these cards only supply companion vouchers to those who meet a specified spending requirement and fly with Air Canada.
There's another companion voucher credit card that offers a voucher than can be used towards another airline, plus it's awarded to cardholders every year simply for being a member. This voucher comes from the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard, a card that's much cheaper annually than its previously mentioned companion-voucher competitors.
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard's companion voucher is applicable to eligible roundtrip flights within the WestJet network – just be mindful of the additional charges and fees that are still associated with this perk depending on the planned destination and fare-type.
Along with the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard's companion voucher, other benefits on this card include a free Dragon Pass membership (which can actually come with some free visits if you exchange your companion voucher for complimentary entry), WestJet Rewards tier status lifts, free first checked bags for the cardholder and 8 companions, discounts on full base fares when paid for by WestJet dollars, access to the Boingo Wi-Fi hotspot, gas discounts and extra points at Petro Canada, plus extra points on eligible Rexall purchases.
The coverage on the card is decent, with some valuable insurance categories like trip interruption and emergency medical over 65 protections.
As for the rewards program, you can earn cashback in WestJet dollars on WestJet flights and vacation packages, plus a higher-than-average base rate in WestJest dollars on all other purchases.
Therefore, if you're more likely to travel with WestJest than Air Canada, and you want the opportunity to opt into a companion voucher simply for being a cardholder without meeting certain spending requirements, then the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard is the best companion voucher perk credit card for you.
Best Credit Card for a Free Extra Night at Hotels
Previously in this blog post, we've also seen the free extra night stay at hotels perk, but that doesn't mean that we've seen the best credit card that offers this benefit ... until now.
Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card
4
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus*
Up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points
Annual Fee*
$120
Interest Rates*
21.99% / 21.99%
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is a standout for frequent travelers who value luxury and flexibility in their rewards. With access to over 7,000 participating hotels, cardholders can earn generous points on both Marriott Bonvoy bookings and everyday purchases. The card's annual free night award and complimentary Silver Elite status make it even more appealing, offering service upgrades and extra points on eligible stays. For those who frequently stay at Marriott properties and want to maximize their travel perks, this card is a top choice.
Pros
- Earns high rewards on Marriott Bonvoy hotel stays, with competitive points on other purchases.
- Includes an annual free night certificate, adding significant value to frequent travelers.
- Automatic Silver Elite status provides enhanced benefits during stays, like late checkout and additional points.
- Generous welcome bonus, offering a substantial boost to your rewards balance early on.
Cons
- As an American Express card, it may not be as widely accepted as other credit cards, limiting its usability in some locations.
- Travel insurance coverage is comprehensive but may not match the levels offered by other premium cards in the market.
Rewards*
- 5 points per $1 on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
- 2 points per $1 on all other purchases (i.e. dining, groceries, online shopping, etc.)
Insurance*
Coverage*
Travel Accident
$500,000Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500Baggage Delay
$500Flight Delay
$500Hotel Burglary Insurance
$500Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
1 yearCar Rental Damage & Theft
yes
Benefits*
Details*
Free Extra Night at Hotels
Enjoy an Annual Free Night Award after your Card anniversary each yearFree Extra Night at Hotels
Enjoy 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year to use towards attaining the next level of Elite status with your Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* CardStatus lift
Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite StatusStatus lift
Upgrade to Gold Elite status when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your cardAmerican Express® Experiences
Eligibility*
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
As mentioned, the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card (one of our featured cards with the most perks) also has a free extra night at hotels perk. However, this particular perk comes with conditions. To earn a 4th free night on a 3-night stay at participating hotels, you need to pay for your stay using Aeroplan points.
On the other hand, with the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card, every 8-10 weeks after your annual reset date, you'll receive an Annual Free Night Award. You'll get this perk simply for being a Marriott Bonvoy American Express Cardholder, and the only catch is that you must use this free extra night within 1 year of the award's issuance. This free extra night is redeemable at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties. On top of that, you'll also be issued 15 Elite Night Credits every year, applicable towards attaining the next tier of Elite Marriott Bonvoy status, just make sure your card is in good standing and that you have an active Marriott Bonvoy program account. If the free extra hotel nights weren't enough, with the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card, you'll also earn complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite Status, which can be upgraded to Gold Elite status when you combine 10 eligible paid nights within one year, all by using the 15 Elite Night Credits you also receive from this card.
The coverage for the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is solid, but the rewards program is even more enticing, earning you competitive points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, plus a great base rate on all other purchases.
Another aspect that sets the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card apart from the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card is that its annual fee is a fraction of the cost.
Thus, the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is the top contender for those looking for a free extra night at eligible hotels, a helpful perk for frequent travellers that's unconditionally offered every year.