The Canadian Travel Credit Card Portfolio

Building the perfect travel credit card portfolio in Canada requires a mix of cards that maximize rewards while covering key spending categories. Here's the best combination of cards to help you earn and redeem travel rewards efficiently.

1. Everyday Spending & Dining

American Express Cobalt Card

• 5x points on dining, groceries, and food delivery
• 2x points on transit and gas
• Transfer 1:1 to Aeroplan and other airline programs
• Flexible redemption for travel and statement credits

Why get it? This is a must-have card. No real alternative provides the same level of high multipliers and transfer flexibility.

2. Premium Travel & Lounge Access

American Express Platinum Card

• Unlimited airport lounge access (including Amex Centurion Lounges)
• $200 annual travel credit for bookings via Amex Travel
• $200 annual dining credit at select restaurants in Canada
• 2x points on travel and dining

Why get it? Perfect for frequent travelers who want VIP perks and premium lounge access.

3. Aeroplan Loyalty & Premium Travel

American Express Aeroplan Reserve

• 3x Aeroplan points on Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations purchases
• 2x Aeroplan points on dining and food delivery
• 1.25x Aeroplan points on everything else
• Priority boarding, Maple Leaf Lounge access, and free first checked bag on Air Canada
• Exclusive Aeroplan preferred pricing on redemptions

Alternatives: The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege and TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege match the 1.25x base rate but earn 2x on Air Canada (vs 3x) and 1.5x on dining (vs 2x). They are Visa cards, so they are more widely accepted than Amex — which can be the deciding factor depending on where you spend.

4. WestJet Travel & Costco Shopping

WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard

• Earn WestJet Points for flights and travel
• Free first checked bag for you and up to 8 people
• Annual companion voucher starting at $119
• One of the best Mastercards for Costco shoppers

Why get it? A great alternative for those who fly with WestJet and need a Mastercard for Costco.

Conclusion

The ultimate travel credit card portfolio consists of cards that complement each other, covering dining, general travel redemptions, and airline-specific perks. With these cards, you maximize rewards, enjoy premium travel perks, and ensure wide acceptance across different merchants.