The best credit cards for free checked bags in Canada offer high value. This is especially true if you fly even a few times a year.
If you travel with a partner or family, the savings on luggage fees often cover the annual fee.
Instead of paying $35 to $70 per suitcase at the airport, you can use top cards to get your first bag free. This benefit usually applies to you and up to eight companions on the same reservation.
For frequent flyers and families, these benefits can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars saved over time.
Here’re our hand-picked best credit cards for free checked bags in Canada for March 2026.
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What to Look for in Cards for Free Checked Bags
When choosing a card specifically for baggage savings, consider three aspects: the airline you fly, the annual fee, and the companion coverage.
Airline You Fly Most Often
The free checked bag benefit is usually tied to a specific airline. To maximize your savings, pick a card that aligns with your preferred carrier.
Most major Canadian airlines offer co-branded cards that provide this benefit for both the primary cardholder and travel companions.
If you even fly just a couple of times a year with Air Canada, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite or Privilege would make most sense.
Annual Fee of Cards for Free Checked Bags
Baggage benefits can easily offset an annual fee after just one or two trips.
While some cards have higher fees, like the TD Aeroplan Visa Privilege and Amex Aeroplan Reserve, they often include more travel perks like lounge access or higher point multipliers.
Mid-tier cards like TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite and American Express Aeroplan offer a lower entry point while still providing the baggage benefit you need to save money.
Companion Coverage of Cards for Free Checked Bags
One of the best things about these cards is that you can share the benefit.
The best credit cards for free checked bags extend the free checked bag to people you’re traveling with on the same booking.
The best credit cards for free checked bags cover up to eight companions. Making those cards much more valuable for your families.
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When flying with Air Canada, many Aeroplan cards include a free checked bag for you and up to eight people on the same booking, even if you didn’t use the card to pay.
Summary of the Best Cards for Free Checked Bags
Choosing from the best cards for free bags is a fast way for you to save money on every trip.
You should look for the card that covers the most companions on the airline you use most.
Whether you choose a premium card or a mid-tier option, these top cards ensure you never have to pay for a checked bag when you fly.
Best Mid-Tier Aeroplan Card
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
Terms & Conditions apply
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card is the best Aeroplan credit card in Canada for Aeroplan collectors who want broader acceptance.
You’ll get a strong welcome bonus. You’ll earn 1.5 Aeroplan points for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery, and Air Canada purchases. Plus 1 Aeroplan point per $1 on all other purchases.
You’ll enjoy a free first checked bag for you and up to eight people travelling with you on the same reservation with Air Canada. Plus solid travel insurance.
For a limited time, it has an elevated 45,000 Aeroplan points welcome offer and 1st year rebate!
Welcome Points: Elevated 45,000
Welcome Value: $1,819
Annual Fee:$139. 1st Year Rebate
⚠ Disclaimer: The information in this content may become outdated over time. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, please visit the Apply Now link provided.
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 Credit card in Canada for travellers who want VIP Air Canada benefits, top-tier Aeroplan earning, and broader acceptance.
You’ll get a strong welcome bonus. Plus, you’ll earn 1.25 Aeroplan points on every purchase and 2 Aeroplan points per $1 on Air Canada flights.
You’ll enjoy a free first checked bag for you and up to eight people travelling with you, priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling on Air Canada.
This card also comes with unlimited Air Canada Lounge and Air Canada Café Access in North America for you plus a guest. You’ll also get six Visa Airport Companion Lounge passes worldwide and excellent travel insurance.
Welcome Points: 85,000
Welcome Value: $3,580
Annual Fee: $599
⚠ Disclaimer: The information in this content may become outdated over time. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, please visit the Apply Now link provided.
Best Mid-Tier Amex Aeroplan
American Express Aeroplan Card
Terms & Conditions apply
The American Express Aeroplan Card is the mid-tier Aeroplan card for collectors who value strong earning rates and Amex perks.
You’ll get a free checked bag for you plus 8, and preferred pricing.
Welcome Points: 40,000
Welcome Value: $1,280
Annual Fee: $120
⚠ Disclaimer: The information in this content may become outdated over time. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, please visit the Apply Now link provided.
Best Primeum Amex Aeroplan Card
American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
Terms & Conditions apply
- The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card is the best premium Aeroplan card in Canada for collectors who value Amex perks, top-tier Aeroplan earning, and VIP Air Canada benefits.
- You’ll earn 1.25 Aeroplan points on every purchase. Plus 3 Aeroplan points per $1 on Air Canada flights and vacations, the best earn rate out of all Aeroplan cards.
- You’ll enjoy a free first checked bag for you and up to eight people travelling with you, priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling on Air Canada.
- This card also provides unlimited Air Canada Lounge Access and Air Canada Café access in North America for you, plus a guest.
- You’ll also get exclusive Toronto Pearson VIP perks like the Priority Security Lane.
Welcome Points: 85,000
Welcome Value: $3,280
Annual Fee: $599
⚠ Disclaimer: The information in this content may become outdated over time. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, please visit the Apply Now link provided.
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
⚠ Disclaimer: The information in this content may become outdated over time. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, please visit the Apply Now link provided.
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