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13 of the Best Canadian Cards

Fear not, our friends to the north! We've created a list of the top Canadian cards we think should have a cozy home in your wallet. No matter if you're looking for a premium card with premium perks, or a more humble piece of plastic for everyday spending—we've got you covered.

American Express® Aeroplan® Reserve Card

90,000Bonus Points

Earn 7,500 Aeroplan points for every month that you spend $2,000 (for the first 6 months). Earn another 35,000 points when you spend $6,000 between months 13 and 16 of card holdership. Earn another 5,000 points for each additional cardholder you add at the time of application.

This is our personal favorite Canadian credit card. Given the popularity of Air Canada and Aeroplan, this card offers TONS of value for frequent or semi-frequent fliers. The high points earning, valuable insurance, and numerous perks like unlimited lounge access make this card a must-have for Canadians. *All information about the American Express® Aeroplan® Reserve Card has been collected independently by Daily Drop.

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American Express Cobalt® Card

15,000Bonus Points

Earn 1,250 Membership Rewards points for every month you spend $750 (for the first 12 months).

This is certainly one of the best starter cards for Canadians. Not only does it have a low monthly fee, but it also earns valuable Membership Rewards points that can be transferred to airline and hotel programs. It's a valuable card without the high price tag or fuss of a premium card. *All information about the American Express Cobalt® Card has been collected independently by Daily Drop.

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The Platinum Card®

100,000Bonus Points

Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend $10,000 in the first 3 months. Earn another 30,000 points when you make a single purchase between months 14 and 17 of card holdership.

Much like its U.S. counterpart, the Amex Platinum Card is a must-have for globetrotters. It comes with premium perks, great insurance, worldwide lounge access, numerous credits, and earns points that you can transfer to many travel partners. *All information about The Platinum Card® has been collected independently by Daily Drop.

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Marriott Bonvoy® American Express® Card [Canada]

Annual Fee: $120 CAD

55,000Bonus Points

Earn 55,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when you spend $1,500 CAD in the first three months.

We think every Canadian should have this card (and the business version of this card). It has an annual fee of $120, but comes with an Annual Free Night Award, plus high earning rates at Marriott hotels and automatic Silver Elite Status.

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American Express® Gold Rewards Card

70,000Bonus Points

Earn 5,000 Membership Rewards points for each month in which you spend $1,000 (for the first 12 months). Earn 10,000 more points when you spend a total of $4,000 on the card.

This is a great card for people who want to dabble in the Amex Membership Rewards space without needing to shell out a huge annual fee. This card earns Membership Rewards Points on all purchases and comes with a hefty signup bonus relative to its modest annual fee. *All information about the American Express® Gold Rewards Card has been collected independently by Daily Drop.

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The Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express® Card [Canada]

Annual Fee: $150 CAD

90,000Bonus Points

Earn 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when you spend $6,000 CAD in the first three months. Plus, earn 5x points on gas, dining and travel up to 15,000 additional bonus points.

We think every Canadian should have this card (and the personal version of this card). It comes with an Annual Free Night Award, and with high earning rates at Marriott hotels and automatic Silver Elite Status, and this is a card to keep forever. *All information about The Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express® Card has been collected independently by Daily Drop.

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American Express® Aeroplan® Business Reserve Card [Canada]

Annual Fee: $599 CAD

100,000Bonus Points

Earn 7,500 Aeroplan points for every month that you spend $3,000 (for the first 6 months). Earn another 45,000 points when you spend $9,000 between months 13 and 16 of card holdership. Earn another 5,000 points for each additional cardholder you add at the time of application.

This card is basically the same as the personal version. If you have a small business in Canada, this is a fantastic way to get meaningful airline benefits (like free checked bags, priority services, unlimited lounge access, etc.) for a not-so-crazy annual fee. *All information about the American Express® Aeroplan® Business Reserve Card has been collected independently by Daily Drop.

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Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card

40,000Bonus Points

Earn up to $850 in welcome offers, first year rewards and savings value, and up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points.¹

Scene+ points can be used to offset travel purchases directly at a rate of one cent per point. So, the 40,000 points you earn from signing up for the card can cover $400 worth of general travel expenses, which isn't too shabby. *All information about the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card has been collected independently by Daily Drop.

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The Business Platinum Card™ from American Express® [Canada]

Annual Fee: $799 CAD

120,000Bonus Points

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend $15,000 in the first 3 months. Earn another 40,000 points when you make a single purchase between months 14 and 17 of card holdership.

The Amex Business Platinum is a heavy hunk of metal that opens a LOT of doors for travelers. It earns 1.25x points on EVERYTHING, comes with business-specific credits, and gives you unlimited global lounge access. *All information about the Business Platinum Card from American Express® has been collected independently by Daily Drop.

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American Express® Business Gold Rewards Card [Canada]

Annual Fee: $199 CAD

75,000Bonus Points

Earn 75,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months.

This card has a fantastic welcome offer for the low annual fee of CA $199. With this welcome offer, 75,000 MR Points could be transferred to Aeroplan to book a 14-hour business-class flight on Etihad, for example. Not bad at all. *All information about the American Express® Business Gold Rewards Card has been collected independently by Daily Drop.

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TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card

Annual Fee: $139

Rates & Fees|Terms Apply

50,000Bonus Points

Earn 10,000 points when you make your first purchase, 25,000 more points when you spend $5,000, and 15,000 more points when you spend $7,500 (all within the first 12 months).

If you bank with TD, this could be a great card to get started in the Aeroplan space. It doesn't have as many perks and benefits as the American Express Aeroplan cards, but it does have a much lower annual fee.

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Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card

35,000Bonus Points

Earn up to $1,100+ in value in the first 12 months, including up to 35,000 bonus Scene+ points.

Much like the earlier Scotiabank card on this list, this card earns Scene+ points which can be used to directly offset travel purchases at one cent per point in value. What makes this card stand out, however, is that is has no foreign transaction fees - a rarity here in Canada.

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RBC Avion Visa Infinite [Canada]

Annual Fee: $120 CAD

35,000Bonus Points

Earn 35,000 Avion points upon approval for the card (no spending required).

Avion points aren't the most valuable points in the biz... But the fact that you earn the welcome bonus without needing to spend a dime makes this card particularly appealing. Plus, you can transfer these points out to valuable travel partners.

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Which Card is Right for You?

Selecting the perfect Canadian card requires a little self-reflection. Are you looking for generous travel rewards, high cash-back rates, or super-duper benefits tailored to Canadian needs? We’ll help you navigate the options to find the card that delivers the most miles and points value possible.

Other Ways to Earn

Beyond the rewards of Canadian cards, there are extra ways to boost your earnings. Look into special offers, bonus categories, and partnerships with Canadian retailers and services that can enhance your rewards and provide additional savings. Learn how to maximize your card's earning potential in the Canadian market.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Many Canadian cards offer benefits tailored specifically to Canadian consumers, such as rewards for local spending and partnerships with Canadian businesses

Enjoy diverse rewards options, including cash-back, travel points, and merchandise, with cards that cater to a wide range of preferences

Cons

While Canadian cards offer great local benefits, they may lack some international perks found in global credit cards, such as extensive travel insurance

FAQs

What are the benefits of Canadian credit cards?

Canadian credit cards offer rewards and benefits tailored to Canadian consumers, including local spending perks, partnerships with Canadian businesses, and features designed for the Canadian market.

Can I use a Canadian card for international purchases?

Yes, Canadian cards can be used for international purchases, but be aware of potential foreign transaction fees unless your card specifically waives them.

Do Canadian cards offer travel insurance?

Many Canadian cards offer various types of travel insurance, such as trip cancellation, travel medical, and rental car insurance. Review the card’s benefits to understand what travel insurance coverage is included.

Are there rewards programs specific to Canadian credit cards?

Yes, many Canadian credit cards feature rewards programs tailored to Canadian consumers, such as points on local spending or partnerships with Canadian retailers. Check the rewards program details for each card to get the specifics.

Why Trust Daily Drop?

At Daily Drop, our editorial team is made up of seasoned travel and credit card experts who have spent years mastering travel rewards and testing the best strategies firsthand. Founder Nate Buchanan, of Kara and Nate, has personally earned and redeemed millions of points and miles over the past 10+ years, saving tens of thousands of dollars on travel. Our team shares similar hands-on experience, ensuring our recommendations are practical, tested, and built on real-world knowledge. After all, we wouldn’t be Daily Drop if we weren’t practicing what we preach.

Our independent reviews break down rewards, perks, fees, and overall value to help you make informed decisions. We also analyze audience data, considering reader engagement and trends, so our recommendations reflect what actually matters to you.

While we may earn a commission if you apply for a card through our site, our opinions are our own — based solely on expert analysis and firsthand experience, not influenced by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Our goal is simple: helping you maximize your rewards and travel smarter.

Read our full methodology for more information.

Authors

Written by: McKay Moffitt

Writer

Edited by: Tiffany Eastham

Writer & Editor

Updated:Jan 27, 2026