Paying for a Trip by Credit Card: Which One to Choose in Canada
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To pay for your trip, first pick the card whose insurance covers you, then the one that earns you the most points. The National Bank World Elite Mastercard covers trip cancellation and interruption even if you charge only part of the ticket to the card, and a no-FX-fee card saves you 2.5% on every purchase in a foreign currency.
We are often faced with a dilemma: what is the best credit card to use to pay for our trip (airline ticket, accommodation, etc.)?
How do you choose a credit card to optimize your purchase on all levels?
- benefits (travel insurance)
- ability to use points
- earning points in the right category
- welcome bonus
Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine the best credit card to pay for your trip!
To go further, consult our ranking of the best travel credit cards in Canada. You will also find our complete selection of the best credit cards, across all categories.
Best Travel Multipliers
Here is a brief table summarizing the different credit card reward multipliers available for expenses categorized as “travel.”
As you can see, you shouldn’t just rely on the multiplier since point values differ from one program to another. Furthermore, the credit card providing the best return for travel will also depend on the currency in which you make your purchase. Finally, some credit cards offer a higher return on more specific travel expenses, such as on certain sites or platforms.
So, here are some points to consider when determining which is the best credit card to use to get the highest return on your travel purchase, depending on its type.
Flights
Do you need travel insurance?
This section mainly concerns needs for cancellation, interruption, flight delay, lost luggage insurance, etc., since coverage for emergency medical care is automatically included with many credit cards, regardless of the payment method (subject to certain conditions).
Airline ticket paid with reward points
Generally speaking, the best credit card will be:
- an Aeroplan credit card to cover a trip for which you used Aeroplan points
- a Membership Rewards credit card to cover a trip for which you used American Express Membership Rewards points
- and so on for each program (CIBC Aventura, TD Rewards, BMO Rewards, etc.)
However, some credit cards stand out by offering protection even if the trip is partially paid for with the credit card; see the following point.
Airline ticket partially paid with the credit card
These cards stand out from all others because you will be covered when a portion of the trip has been charged to the credit card! So if you pay the taxes on an Aeroplan reward ticket or if you use a travel credit, you will be protected in case of a problem.
In this situation, the best credit card will be one of the following:
However, baggage delay insurance requires that the full cost of the airline ticket be purchased with NBC cards. Rental car insurance, on the other hand, applies as soon as part of the rental is paid with the card.
Airline ticket paid in full with the credit card
Some cards require the trip to be paid in full on the credit card. Therefore, you cannot go wrong if you charge all travel expenses to your credit card and those mentioned above.
However, travel insurance is not equivalent from one credit card to another! When comparing coverage amounts, they differ significantly between cards.
Do you intend to use reward points on an airline ticket?
Do you have points in the bank and want to use them to offset the cost of this trip? You must therefore use the credit card linked to the reward points program in question.
For example, by paying for your airline ticket with the National Bank World Elite Mastercard, you will be covered in case of a problem and be able to use your NBC reward points within 60 days after the purchase.
Exclusive
- Annual feeNo annual fee the first year
- $0 $150
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueAnnual fee rebated$150Total$150Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $150
- Welcome offer$150 annual fee rebated
- First Year Annual Fee Rebate
- Ends Nov 4, 2026
Apply Now
on National Bank's website
Do you need to earn a particular type of point?
Following your airline ticket purchase, you will be able to earn points. Turn to the card that provides the type of points you are looking for! To do this, you must determine your goals and your points earning strategy.
However, you must ask yourself which aspect to prioritize when the card that provides the best insurance does not match the card that provides the type of points you want.
Similarly, the return (cash back) may be higher with another card, but travel insurance must be considered in the equation and not just the “best return” as illustrated in the table at the beginning of the article.
Do you need to unlock a bonus?
Finally, if you do not need travel insurance and your priority is to unlock a bonus, you can consult the best current offers!
Accommodation, Car, and Activities
Do you need travel insurance?
Regarding accommodation, travel insurance may be slightly less important. Indeed, a large majority of establishments allow reservation cancellation without fees for a specific period (often up to 24 hours before the stay).
For car rentals, the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard covers vehicles with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of up to $65,000, for 48 days, if you charge the full rental to the card. The American Express Cobalt Card goes up to $85,000, also for 48 days. Compare rental car insurance coverage before declining the rental company's.
For activities, organized tours, excursions, etc., most of these purchases are non-refundable, so it is imperative to put these expenses on cards with good travel insurance like the National Bank World Elite Mastercard.
Do you intend to use reward points on this same trip?
Just like airline tickets, you must use the card with the rewards program you wish to use to reduce the bill.
Do you need to earn a particular type of point?
Some credit cards, such as the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite+ Card, provide points for travel purchases (3 extra points per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Scene+ Travel), do not charge foreign currency fees, and allow you to use those same points as a statement credit.
- Annual fee
- $150
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $350
- Welcome offerAfter $2,000 in 3 months
- Up to 35,000 points
- Ends Nov 1, 2026
Apply Now
on Scotiabank's website
If you are staying at a Marriott Bonvoy chain hotel, it is more advantageous to pay with credit cards linked to this program to earn more points.
However, do you want to earn 5X Marriott Bonvoy points or would you prefer to save on foreign currency fees? The answer is up to you.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $120 | |||
| $150 |
Do you need to unlock a bonus?
Same as the answer given above for airline tickets.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $799 | |||
| $599 | |||
| $120 | |||
| $250 |
Conclusion
There is no single answer regarding the choice of credit card to pay for a trip and obtain the “best return.” Indeed, there are several factors to consider to make the “best choice” for your situation.
In short, if you want to be protected even when you pay part of the trip with points, the National Bank World Elite Mastercard covers trip cancellation and interruption as soon as part of the cost is charged to the card. If you pay in a foreign currency, a no-FX-fee card like the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite+ Card saves you the usual 2.5%. And if you are aiming for a specific program, we recommend the card that earns its points.
- Annual fee
- $191.88
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$255Total$255Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $255
- Welcome offerGet 1,250 points after $750 in purchases per month for 12 months
- Up to 15,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best credit card for earning travel points?
The best credit card for earning travel points is often one that offers generous welcome bonuses, point multipliers on travel spending, and zero conversion fees for foreign purchases. Compare current offers to get the best return.
What benefits can I expect from a travel credit card?
With a travel credit card, you can benefit from rewards such as points or airline miles, cash back, airport lounge access, and comprehensive travel insurance. These cards are designed to increase savings and convenience while traveling.
What fees should I watch out for on a travel credit card?
Watch for annual fees, interest rates, and foreign currency conversion fees, as well as additional fees for travel insurance that is not included. It is crucial to choose a card that offers a good balance between costs and benefits.
Do travel credit cards offer insurance?
Yes, many travel credit cards offer comprehensive insurance coverage, including trip cancellation and medical insurance. Check the specific conditions of each card to understand the extent of the coverage offered.
How can I maximize my travel points with a credit card?
To maximize your travel points, choose a card that offers bonuses on the spending categories where you spend the most, such as travel, transportation, or groceries. Use your credit card to pay for the majority of your daily purchases and take advantage of loyalty programs and seasonal offers to maximize your points.
Should you pay for the entire trip with the same credit card?
It depends on the insurance you need. Some cards cover a trip that was only partially paid with the card, while others, like National Bank cards, require the full cost of the transportation to be charged to the card to trigger certain protections, such as baggage delay insurance.
Should you prioritize travel insurance or the best points return?
There is no single answer: it depends on your priorities. If you travel often without health or cancellation concerns, the points return can come first, but if you want peace of mind, a card with stronger travel insurance can be worth a slightly lower return.
Does credit card travel insurance cover travellers 65 and over?
Not always, and the number of days covered drops with age. The National Bank World Elite Mastercard covers emergency medical care for 15 days from age 65 to 75, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege and TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite cards for 4 days, and the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card for 10 days. The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard and the American Express Cobalt Card no longer cover emergency medical care from age 65: check your card's certificate before you leave.