The Canadian Travel Credit Card Portfolio

Building the perfect travel credit card portfolio in Canada requires a mix of cards that maximise 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 (on up to $2,500 of combined spend per month, then 1x)
• 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 the cornerstone of the portfolio. No real alternative provides the same combination of high multipliers and transfer flexibility.

2. Premium Travel & Lounge Access

American Express Platinum Card

• Extensive airport lounge access through the Global Lounge Collection — in Canada that means Plaza Premium and Priority Pass lounges (Centurion Lounges are US and international only). Currently unlimited; effective January 1, 2027, Priority Pass and Plaza Premium visits are capped at 6 per year each unless you charge $20,000 annually
• $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 travellers 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
• Aeroplan preferred pricing on redemptions (a benefit shared by primary cardholders of all Aeroplan co-branded cards)

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
• A Mastercard, so it works at Costco — though Costco purchases earn the base rate, not a bonus category

Why get it? A great alternative for those who fly with WestJet and want a Mastercard in the portfolio for Costco and other Amex-averse merchants.

Conclusion

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