Travelling is a wonderful way to explore new places and experience different cultures. One of the best ways to make the most of your travel expenses is using a credit card offering travel rewards. In Canada, several credit cards provide excellent travel rewards, allowing you to earn points or miles that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and more. This article will discuss the best credit cards for travel rewards in Canada, including the popular American Express Gold Reward Card.
Why Choose a Travel Rewards Credit Card?
Travel rewards credit cards offer numerous benefits that can make your trips more enjoyable and cost-effective. These cards allow you to earn points or miles on your everyday purchases, which can be redeemed for travel-related expenses. Some of the key benefits include:
- Free Flights and Hotel Stays: Accumulate enough points or miles, and you can book flights and hotel stays for free.
- Travel Insurance: Many travel rewards credit cards include travel insurance, which provides peace of mind during trips.
- Airport Lounge Access: Some cards offer complimentary access to airport lounges, making your travel experience more comfortable.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Save money on foreign transaction fees when you purchase abroad.
Top Travel Rewards Credit Cards in Canada
1. American Express Gold Reward Card
The American Express Gold Reward Card is a top choice for travellers looking to maximize their rewards. Here are some of its key features:
- Welcome Bonus: Earn a generous welcome bonus of 25,000 points when you spend $1,500 in the first three months.
- Earning Rates: Earn 2 points for every dollar spent on eligible travel and everyday purchases and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
- Flexible Redemption: Through the American Express Membership Rewards program, points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more.
- Travel Insurance: Includes comprehensive travel insurance coverage, including emergency medical, trip cancellation, and lost baggage insurance.
2. Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is another excellent option for travellers. Its features include:
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Avoid foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad.
- Welcome Bonus: Receive a welcome bonus of up to 30,000 points.
- Earning Rates: Earn 2 points for every dollar spent on eligible grocery stores, dining, entertainment, and daily transit purchases, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
- Airport Lounge Access: Enjoy six complimentary visits per year to Priority Pass airport lounges.
- Travel Insurance: Includes travel insurance benefits such as emergency medical, trip interruption, and flight delay insurance.
3. TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card
The TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card is ideal for those who want flexibility in redeeming travel rewards. Key features include:
- Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 80,000 points as a welcome bonus.
- Earning Rates: Earn 3 points per dollar spent on travel purchases made through ExpediaForTD.com and 1.5 points per dollar on all other purchases.
- Flexible Redemption: Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more through Expedia For TD.
- Travel Insurance: Includes extensive travel insurance coverage, including travel medical, trip cancellation, and travel accident insurance.
Tips for Maximizing Travel Rewards
To make the most of your travel rewards credit card, follow these tips:
- Pay Your Balance in Full: Avoid interest charges by paying your balance in full each month.
- Take Advantage of Welcome Bonuses: Many travel rewards cards offer substantial welcome bonuses. Be sure to meet the spending requirements to earn these bonuses.
- Use Your Card for Everyday Purchases: Use your travel rewards card to accumulate points or miles faster for everyday expenses.
- Redeem Points Wisely: Plan your redemptions to get the most value from your points or miles. Consider booking flights and hotels during promotions or sales.
Conclusion
Choosing the right travel rewards credit card can significantly enhance your travel experience and save you money. The American Express Gold Reward Card, Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, and TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card are among the best options available in Canada. Evaluate your travel habits and preferences to select the card best suits your needs.
