The best airline credit cards in Canada will get you closer to nearly free flights the fastest and give you plenty of value.
You’ll earn valuable airline points from welcome bonuses and by maximizing your credit card spending.
There are great options to save money and enjoy nearly free flights more often.
Plus, you’ll get travel benefits that make every trip easier and more enjoyable. These include perks like free checked bags, lounge access, and companion passes.
You can also earn plenty of Membership Reward points and can transfer them to many travel partners. This includes Aeroplan, Flying Blue, and British Airways for free flights.
Here’re our hand-picked best airline credit cards for earning points for flights in Canada for May 2026.
Best reward cards
Our Best Airline Credit Cards
Best Primeum Amex Aeroplan Card
American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
Terms & Conditions apply
The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card is the premium Aeroplan card for collectors who value top-tier earning, VIP Air Canada benefits, and Amex perks.
You’ll get a strong welcome bonus and earn Aeroplan points on every purchase, with the best earning rates when paying for Air Canada earn Aeroplan flights.
Plus, a free checked bag for you plus 8, and priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling with Air Canada.
You’ll also get Maple Leaf Lounge access for you and one guest in Canada and the U.S. when flying on Air Canada, and excellent travel insurance.
Welcome Points: 85,000
Welcome Value: $3,280
Annual Fee: $599
Best Primeum Aeroplan Business Card
American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card
Terms & Conditions apply
The American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card is the best premium Aeroplan card for small business owners who value top-tier earning, VIP Air Canada benefits, and Amex perks.
You’ll get a strong welcome bonus and earn Aeroplan points on every purchase, with the best earning rates when paying for Air Canada earn Aeroplan flights.
Plus, a free checked bag for you plus 8, and priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling with Air Canada.
You’ll also get unlimited Air Canada Lounge Access in North America for you plus guests, and excellent travel insurance.
Welcome Points: 90,000
Welcome Value: $3,380
Annual Fee: $599
Best Premium Aeroplan Card
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
Terms & Conditions apply
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card is the best premium Aeroplan Visa for collectors who value VIP Air Canada benefits, top-tier Aeroplan earning, and broader acceptance.
You’ll get a strong welcome bonus and earn Aeroplan points on every purchase, with the best earning rates when paying for Air Canada earn Aeroplan flights.
Plus, a free checked bag for you plus 8, and priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling with Air Canada.
You’ll also get unlimited Air Canada Lounge and Air Canada Café access in North America for you plus guests, six Visa Airport Companion Lounge passes worldwide and excellent travel insurance.
Welcome Points: 85,000
Welcome Value: $3,580
Annual Fee: $599
Best Mid-Tier Aeroplan Card
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
Terms & Conditions apply
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card is the best mid-tier Aeroplan Visa for collectors who want broader acceptance.
You’ll get a strong welcome bonus and earn Aeroplan points on every purchase, with the best earning rates when paying for Air Canada earn Aeroplan flights.
Plus, a free checked bag for you plus 8 when flying with Air Canada and solid travel insurance.
Welcome Points: Elevated 45,000
Welcome Value: $1,819
Annual Fee:$139. 1st Year Rebate
Best WestJet Credit Card
RBC WestJet Elite Mastercard
Terms & Conditions apply
The RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard is the best WestJet credit card for WestJet travellers who want to earn WestJet points and perks.
You’ll get a welcome bonus and earn WestJet points on every purchase. You earn the most when paying for WestJet flights or vacation packages.
Plus, you’ll get a free first checked bag for you and up to eight guests on the same booking and a yearly World Elite companion voucher.
Welcome Points: 45,000
Welcome Value: $450
Annual Fee:$119
Best United Credit Card
United MileagePlus Neo World Elite Mastercard
Terms & Conditions apply
The United MileagePlus Neo World Elite Mastercard is the best choice for travellers who fly United regularly and want to earn miles and travel perks on every purchase.
You’ll get a welcome bonus of up to 20,000 miles and earn MileagePlus miles on every transaction, with the highest earning rates when paying for United and Star Alliance flights. Plus, you’ll get a 5,000-mile renewal bonus every year you keep the card.
You’ll benefit from a free first checked bag and Group 2 priority boarding on United-operated flights. You’ll also get exclusive access to expanded Saver Award availability and a 10% discount on United award flights, making it easier to book award seats for fewer miles.
Welcome Points: Elevated 20,000
Welcome Value: $350
Annual Fee:$89
Summary of the Best Airline Credit Cards
Choosing the best airline credit cards in Canada is the fastest way to turn everyday spending into free flights. These cards offer welcome bonuses and earn rates that help you get closer to your next trip.
Beyond earning points, travel benefits like free checked bags and lounge access save you money and improve your airport experience.
What to Look for in the Best Airline Credit Cards
When choosing from the best airline credit cards in Canada, focus on the welcome bonus, the earn rates, and the travel benefits that matter to you.
Welcome Bonus
The welcome bonus is the fastest way to earn plenty of airline points.
Some mid-level airline cards offer as many as 45,000 points, which is enough for a round-trip flight within North America.
Premium cards can come with 85,000 points or more. This is enough for a round-trip to Europe in economy or a one-way flight in business class with programs like Aeroplan and Flying Blue.
Opening a new card with a generous welcome offer is the cheapest way to earn airline points to fund your next trip
Earn Rates
You’ll earn more airline points, like Aeroplan, on the money you’re already spending by picking a card that fits your habits. The best airline credit cards in Canada offer high earn rates on both everyday categories and direct airline travel.
For example, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite earns 1 Aeroplan point on everything.
The Amex Aeroplan Reserve earns 3 points per $1 on Air Canada purchases, making it the most lucrative for earning with Air Canada flights.
Airline and Travel Benefits
Travel benefits are a major reason to choose airline cards over a cash back card. These perks can save you hundreds in fees and elevate your travel experience.
For example, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite offers a free first checked bag for you plus eight traveling with you on Air Canada flights.
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege and Amex Aeroplan Reserve include unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access in North America.
These benefits help you travel in comfort while keeping more money in your pocket.
Best cards by program
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Learn everything you need to know to start using credit cards, points, and travel loyalty programs. Make your first redemption with points for nearly free travel.
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From points newbie to booking your first trip
Learn everything you need to know to start using credit cards, points, and travel loyalty programs. Make your first redemption with points for nearly free travel.
Award Booking Concierge
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You’ve earned your points! Now let me do all the work of finding the best available award flights and hotels for your next trip.
Limited-time sale pricing. Limited spots available.
Award Booking Concierge
Let us find your award flights and hotels
You’ve earned your points! Now let me do all the work of finding the best available award flights and hotels for your next trip.
Limited-time sale pricing. Limited spots available.
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