The best overall credit cards in Canada offer the most ways to earn a lot of valuable points and travel benefits.
The best cards come with generous welcome bonuses, strong earning power and great travel benefits that save you money on trips.
If you want to earn a lot of points on every purchase for free flights and hotels, choosing from the best overall cards in Canada is a fast way to reach your next destination on everyday purchases without overspending.
You’ll earn plenty of valuable points when you maximize your credit card spending with the flexibility to redeem them the way you want.
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. Plus, Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors for free hotel stays.
These cards fit different lifestyles and make it simple to earn plenty of valuable points.
Here’re our hand-picked best overall credit cards for earning points in Canada for May 2026.
Best reward cards
Our Best Overall Credit Cards
Best Luxury Travel Card
American Express Platinum Rewards Card
Terms & Conditions apply
The American Express Platinum Rewards Card is the best card for Membership Rewards collectors who value luxury travel experiences.
You’ll get unlimited airport lounge access, statement credits, complimentary hotels and car rentals Elite status, and premium travel insurance. Plus, $600+ worth of credits.
Points transfer to Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, Aeroplan, Flying Blue and other airlines. Sometimes there’s a transfer bonus.
Welcome Points: Elevated 130,000
Welcome Value: $5,544
Annual Fee: $799
⚠ Disclaimer: The information in this content may become outdated over time.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 Luxury Business Travel Card
American Express Business Platinum Card
Terms & Conditions apply
The American Express Business Platinum Card is the best luxury travel card for small business owners who value flexible Membership Rewards points.
You’ll get unlimited airport lounge access, statement credits, complimentary hotels and car rentals Elite status, and premium travel insurance.
You earn 1.25 Membership Rewards points per $1 on everything.
Points transfer to Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, Aeroplan, Flying Blueand other airlines. Sometimes there’s a transfer bonus.
Welcome Points: 120,000
Welcome Value: $5,100
Annual Fee: $799
⚠ 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 Everyday Card
American Express Cobalt Card
Terms & Conditions apply
The American Express Cobalt Card is the best in Canada for collectors who want to earn flexible Membership Rewards points from everyday spending.
You’ll earn an unmatched 5x points per dollar on groceries and dining, plus useful travel and purchase insurance.
Points transfer to Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, Aeroplan, Flying Blue and other airlines. Sometimes there’s a transfer bonus.
Welcome Points: 15,000
Welcome Value: $590
Annually Fee: $191.88 ($15.99 Monthly)
⚠ 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 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 Avion Card
RBC Avion Visa Infinite
Terms & Conditions apply
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card is the best card for travellers who want a card with wider acceptance and good value for domestic and flights to Asia.
You’ll get a strong welcome bonus. Plus, you’ll also earn 1 Avion point for every $1 spent and 1.25 points per $1 on travel. The real value is the Air Travel Redemption Schedule for short-haul domestic flights at a fixed price.
You’ll also get to take advantage of transfer travel partners. Avion points transfer 1:1 to British Airways and Cathay Pacific Asia Miles.
For a limited time, it has an elevated 70,000 Avion points welcome offer!
Welcome Points: 70,000
Welcome Value: $1,400
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 for no FX fees & occasional lounge access
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card
Terms & Conditions apply
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is a card for travellers who want a moderate annual fee and value no foreign transaction fees and occasional lounge access.
You’ll enjoy 6 complimentary Visa Airport Companion lounge visits each year. No other card in Canada with the same level of annual fee offers this much lounge access.
You’ll also get no foreign transaction fees on all purchases.
Plus, 1 GB of global data from GigSky every year, valid for up to 15 consecutive days of travel.
Welcome Points: 60,000 Scene+
Welcome Value: $1,320
Annual Fee: $150
⚠ 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.
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Best cards by program
What to Look for in the Best Overall Credit Cards
When choosing from overall best credit cards, consider three aspects: the welcome bonus, the annual fee, and the benefits that matter to you.
Welcome Offers
The welcome bonus is your opportunity to earn a lot of points quickly.
Premium cards like the American Express Platinum Card and TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege typically offer the largest welcome offer.
It’s usually enough for a one-way or even a round trip in business class to Europe. Though they require a higher minimum spend.
Opening a card is typically the fastest and cheapest way to get there. This is ideal if you need points fast.
Earning Rates
The best overall credit cards in Canada will earn you a lot of points on your everyday purchases without overspending.
The American Express Cobalt Card is the best card in Canada for everyday earnings. You'll earn 5 points per $1 on the largest household expense in Canada, groceries and dining. Racking up points on every trip to the grocery store and every meal out.
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege is a great card to use for non-multiplier categories. You’ll earn a flat 1.25 points per $1 on everything.
Travel and Other Benefits
Travel benefits and lifestyle credits are a major reason to choose the best overall credit cards in Canada over a cash back card. These perks can save you hundreds of dollars in fees and significantly improve your airport experience.
Mid-tier cards like the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite give you great Air Canada benefits when it comes to checked bags and travel insurance.
You get a free checked bag for you plus eight people travelling with you on Air Canada. You also get preferred Aeroplan award pricing on Air Canada flights.
Premium cards like the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege and American Express Platinum Card offer a true VIP travel experience.
You’ll get unlimited access to lounges, priority security, and a better airport experience.
The Amex Platinum also comes with over $1,000 of credits, practically more than paying for the annual fee.
New to Points? Start Here
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.
New to Points? Start Here
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.
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