The Ultimate 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
- **1.25x Aeroplan points per $1 spent** on all purchases
- **Priority boarding & lounge access** with Air Canada
- **Free first checked bag** on Air Canada flights
- Exclusive **Aeroplan preferred pricing** on redemptions
Alternatives: The **CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege** and **TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege** offer the same **1.25x base rate** with lower multipliers for Air Canada and dining, but they are **Visa**—making them more widely accepted.
4. WestJet Travel & Costco Shopping
WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard
- **Earn WestJet Dollars** 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.