Best credit cards for airport lounge access 2024
Jordann Brown
Travel rewards credit cards typically include perks and benefits beyond just miles or points. Insurance coverage, reduced rates for car rentals, and 24-hour concierge service are all common benefits for rewards credit cards.
One of the most exclusive and sought after card perks is access to airport lounges. Below, we cover the benefits of lounge access, how it works, and which credit cards offer lounge access as complimentary benefits.
Best featured credit cards for airport lounge access
Featured
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite
Earn up to $1,100 in value in the first 12 months, including up to 35,000 bonus Scene+ points. To qualify, apply by December 31, 2024.
Featured
BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard
Welcome offer: Get up to 100,000 points and the annual fee waived in your first anniversary for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.
Featured
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite
Join and get up to $1,450 in value including a first year annual fee rebate.
Credit cards with lounge access in Canada
What are the benefits of airport lounges?
It’s simple: airline traffic is at an all-time high.
The hustle and bustle of the airport is not the quaint atmosphere that it was when the McCallister family went rushing through O’Hare in Home Alone almost 30 years ago, with some of the world’s busiest airports now serving well over 100,000 passengers every day.
In a nutshell, airports are busy, they are noisy, and downright stressful, especially if you’re stuck facing long wait times or a flight delay. Airport lounges are an oasis of calm in the chaos and offer:
- A private place of peace and quiet that’s secluded from the rest of the airport.
- An abundance of plush leather or fabric chairs so you’ll never have to hunt for a comfortable place to sit. Even better, some lounges include reclining seats for added relaxation and designated quiet areas with day beds.
- The majority of airport lounges are equipped with free Wi-fi, phone charging stations, and complimentary refreshments including coffee, tea, light appetizers — even alcohol. Some lounges even serve hot meals and full-fledged buffets.
- Feel refreshed while in between flights by taking advantage of shower facilities, which can be found in most lounges.
- Stay up to date on your departure times with flight monitors or catch up on the news with daily newspapers and magazines, along with televisions tuned to news stations.
- Need to catch up on work? Along with free Wi-fi, several lounges provide their own computers linked up to the internet, access to printers and fax machines, telephones for making international calls, and semi-private conference room facilities (in some cases, you may have to pay an additional fee to use these perks).
- They also have operating hours that are convenient for travellers, opening as early as 5 a.m. and staying open late.
Airport lounge programs
There are four popular lounge programs, offering lounge access at dozens or even hundreds of airports around the world.
- Priority Pass and Mastercard Airport Experiences by LoungeKey both operate very similarly and offer access to many of the same lounges. The biggest advantage of these two programs is the sheer size of their lounge networks – Priority Pass grants access to 1,200 lounges worldwide while Mastercard Airport Experiences offers access to 1,000. Most of these lounges are associated with airlines, and while amenities can vary from one lounge to the next, they all provide a comfy place to relax. And with so many options, you’ll always find a lounge no matter which airport you’re at.
- Maple Leaf Lounges are operated by Air Canada. There are 23 Maple Leaf Lounges in Canada, the United States, and Europe, and access is reserved for paying Maple Leaf Lounge members, Air Canada or Star Alliance flyers with elite airline status, and people with the right credit card.
- Centurion Lounges are run by American Express. These lounges are typically on the higher end of the spectrum and are often less crowded due to the fact they’re exclusive to AMEX cardholders. Eight lounges can be found south of the border and one is located in Hong Kong.
How to access airport lounges
These lounges aren’t free, but you have a few options to get your foot in the door.
First, you could pay as you go. But paying per pass is an expensive route, especially if you travel often. The second option is to enroll in the lounge program directly. For example, you could become a Priority Pass member through their website at a cost of around USD$99 per year. This membership cuts down your visit fee to USD$27 per visit, per visitor.
The third option is to choose one of the best travel credit cards in Canada that include lounge access as a perk. Below are the top three credit cards with lounge access. It’s important to note that the lounge access offered by these credit cards are not equal, they all have specific limitations, so if this is an important perk to you, make sure to choose the credit card that suits your needs.
FAQ
Which credit card gives airport lounge access in Canada?
Several credit cards give airport lounge access in Canada, either by providing a complimentary membership or both a membership and complimentary lounge passes. For a moderate annual fee, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite offers a good amount of annual lounge passes around the globe. If you want unlimited airport lounge access, consider either American Express The Platinum card, or if you fly with Air Canada and affiliated airlines, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege
What credit card gets you into the Air Canada lounge?
The best credit card that gets you into the Air Canada lounge is the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege.
Best airport lounge access credit cards
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite
Best for Travel perks
based on spending $2,200/mo after $150 annual fee
- Earn rewards
1pt – 3pts / dollar spent
- Welcome bonus
25,000 points (a $250 value)
- Annual fee
$150
Perks of the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card
Perks | Details | |
---|---|---|
Lounge access | Includes 6 visits per year | You’ll gain complimentary passes to airport lounges. The number of passes and lounges you have access to will vary. |
Waived foreign transaction fees | Included | A surcharge that credit card holders pay for purchases made in a foreign currency (typically 2.5%). |
Travel accident insurance | $500,000 per person ($1 million total) | If you suffer a loss as a result of an accidental bodily injury sustained while occupying a common carrier, you are eligible for this coverage. |
Travel emergency medical | $2,000,000 for 25 days (under 65) | If you require urgent medical care while on a trip outside of your home province, you will be covered for any eligible medical expenses incurred. |
Car rental insurance | MSRP of up to $65,000, for 48 days | Credit card rental car insurance usually covers theft, loss and damage to your rental car in the case of an accidental collision. |
Trip cancellation | Up to $1,500 per person | If you have to cancel your trip before it’s even started, your prepaid travel costs will be covered up to a maximum amount if the cause of cancellation is eligible for the insurance. |
Trip interruption | Up to $2,500 per person | If your trip has to be cut short or is delayed after the scheduled departure date, you will be covered up to a maximum amount for an eligible cause of interruption or delay. |
Flight delay insurance | Up to $500 coverage per person | If your flight departure is delayed by a certain number of hours, you’ll be reimbursed a certain amount for necessary and reasonable expenses. |
Baggage loss insurance | Combined maximum $1,000 | If your checked bag cannot be located by a common carrier, you’ll be reimbursed for a portion of the replacement cost of lost personal property. |
Baggage delay insurance | Up to $1,000; delays over 4 hours | If your checked bag is not delivered within a specified time upon your arrival, you’ll be reimbursed for the cost to replace essential items. |
Hotel/motel burglary | Included | Provides protection, while you’re checked in, for your personal belongings when left unattended in your room up to a certain dollar amount. |
Mobile insurance | Not included | Reimburses a portion of your cell phone in the event it’s damaged or lost. Device coverage is limited to a certain period of time after purchasing with your credit card. |
Purchase assurance | $60,000 lifetime limit | Automatically protects new purchases by insuring them for 90 days from the date of purchase in the event of loss, theft or damage. |
Extended warranty | Up to one additional year | Either doubles the length of the item’s manufacturer’s warranty coverage or extends it by 1 year, whichever is less. |
Price protection | Included | If, within a certain amount of time of purchasing an item, its price drops or you find an identical item offered for a lower retail price than what you paid, you will be reimbursed for the difference. |
Other perks
Ratehub.ca’s 2024 Credit Card Award Winner
- Earn up to $1,100* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 35,000 bonus Scene+ points
- Earn 3x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating
Co-ops and more - Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including rideshares, buses, subways taxis and more)
- Plus earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- 6 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance coverage
- Visa Infinite* Concierge Services
- Visa Infinite* Hotel Collection
- Visa Infinite* Dining and Wine Country program
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 02, 2024. Subject to change.
Ratehub’s take
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card makes a great vacation companion, designed for Canadians who travel abroad and explore the world. It is one of the few cards that covers foreign transaction fees, and also includes valuable travel benefits like airport lounge access.
Pros
- No foreign transaction fee: Save 2.5% on all non-Canadian currency purchases
- Scene+ points: Earn three Scene+ points per $1 spent at participating grocery stores (e.g., Sobey’s, IGA, and FreshCo) and two Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible grocery, dining, entertainment, and daily transit purchases
- Flexible redemption: Enjoy flexible point redemption options including for travel, groceries, statement credits, gift cards, and movie tickets
- Airport lounge access: Access airport lounges with six free visits per year to over 1,200 lounges worldwide
- Visa Infinite benefits: Benefit from the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection, Visa Infinite Dining series, and complimentary Avis Preferred Plus membership
- Comprehensive travel insurance: Enjoy coverage for emergency medical, trip cancellation/interruption, flight delays, and more
Cons
- Annual fee: The annual fee of $150 is higher than some comparable cards
- Low point return: The earn rate for certain spending categories like dining and entertainment is lower compared to other cards
- Consistent point values: Travel points are always worth one cent per point and you can’t transfer your points to other airline rewards programs like you can with some Amex cards
Eligibility requirements
Minimum credit score: 725
Minimum income: $60,000/yr
Interest rates
Purchase interest: 20.99%
Cash advance: 22.99%
Balance transfer: 22.99%
BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard
Best for Travel perks
based on spending $2,200/mo after $150 annual fee
- Earn rewards
1pt – 5pts / dollar spent
- Welcome bonus
100,000 points (a $667 value)
- Annual fee
$150
Perks of the BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®*
Perks | Details | |
---|---|---|
Lounge access | Includes 4 visits per year | You’ll gain complimentary passes to airport lounges. The number of passes and lounges you have access to will vary. |
Waived foreign transaction fees | Not included | A surcharge that credit card holders pay for purchases made in a foreign currency (typically 2.5%). |
Travel accident insurance | $500,000 per person | If you suffer a loss as a result of an accidental bodily injury sustained while occupying a common carrier, you are eligible for this coverage. |
Travel emergency medical | $5,000,000 for first 21 days (under 65) | If you require urgent medical care while on a trip outside of your home province, you will be covered for any eligible medical expenses incurred. |
Car rental insurance | MSRP of up to $65,000, for 48 days | Credit card rental car insurance usually covers theft, loss and damage to your rental car in the case of an accidental collision. |
Trip cancellation | Up to $1,500 per person | If you have to cancel your trip before it’s even started, your prepaid travel costs will be covered up to a maximum amount if the cause of cancellation is eligible for the insurance. |
Trip interruption | Up to $2,000 per person | If your trip has to be cut short or is delayed after the scheduled departure date, you will be covered up to a maximum amount for an eligible cause of interruption or delay. |
Flight delay insurance | Up to $2,000 per person | If your flight departure is delayed by a certain number of hours, you’ll be reimbursed a certain amount for necessary and reasonable expenses. |
Baggage loss insurance | $500; delays 6 hours or more | If your checked bag cannot be located by a common carrier, you’ll be reimbursed for a portion of the replacement cost of lost personal property. |
Baggage delay insurance | $500; delays 6 hours or more | If your checked bag is not delivered within a specified time upon your arrival, you’ll be reimbursed for the cost to replace essential items. |
Hotel/motel burglary | Not included | Provides protection, while you’re checked in, for your personal belongings when left unattended in your room up to a certain dollar amount. |
Mobile insurance | Not included | Reimburses a portion of your cell phone in the event it’s damaged or lost. Device coverage is limited to a certain period of time after purchasing with your credit card. |
Purchase assurance | Covered for 90 days | Automatically protects new purchases by insuring them for 90 days from the date of purchase in the event of loss, theft or damage. |
Extended warranty | Up to one additional year | Either doubles the length of the item’s manufacturer’s warranty coverage or extends it by 1 year, whichever is less. |
Price protection | Included | If, within a certain amount of time of purchasing an item, its price drops or you find an identical item offered for a lower retail price than what you paid, you will be reimbursed for the difference. |
Other perks
- Welcome offer: Get up to 100,000 points and the annual fee waived in your first anniversary for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.*
- 5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases,* 3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments,* 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else.*
- Unforgettable travel experiences start with our premium flexible travel credit card!
- Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass,* with four annual complimentary passes.
- Access over 1 million Wi-Fi hotspots around the world – all at no added cost, and no added fees or roaming charges*
- Get valuable benefits and offers for digital everyday services from a variety of on-demand apps and subscription services
- Points you can use to cover all flight charges & taxes*
- Fly on any airline, with no blackout dates*
- Best-in-class travel and medical insurance (unlimited trips per year)*
- Unlock Mastercard Travel Rewards cashback offers when you travel and shop outside of Canada
- BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information
- *Terms and conditions apply
- †Statement based on a comparison of the redeemable value of the non-promotional travel rewards points earned on premium flexible Canadian credit cards as of May 3, 2022. “Flexible” is defined as points earned when you purchase travel anywhere and “premium” refers to cards with an annual fee of ≤ $150 or has an income requirement of ≤ $150,000 annual individual income.
Ratehub’s take
The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard is a top choice among seasoned travellers, particularly those who prefer a Mastercard, and who like to frequently fly and dine out. This card offers a suite of perks that cater to travel enthusiasts.
Pros
- Earn points: Earn three points per $1 spent on restaurant, entertainment purchases, and recurring bills, and one point per $1 spent on everything else
- Comprehensive insurance package: Recognized for one of the best insurance packages in the market, including $5 million in out-of-country insurance, exceeding the standard $1 million in coverage offered by most other cards
- 24/7 concierge services: Enjoy around-the-clock concierge services for your travel needs
- Airport lounge access: Receive complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass, including four annual complimentary passes
- Redemption flexibility: Enhanced flexibility to redeem points for flights on virtually any airline with no blackout dates (points can be used to cover taxes and fees as well)
Cons
- Income requirements: The card’s minimum personal income of $80,000 may limit accessibility for some users
- Lower point value: While BMO points are flexible, they are worth less than other travel rewards programs (usually around 1 cent per point) at 0.67 cents per point
Eligibility requirements
Minimum credit score: 760
Minimum income: $80,000/yr
Interest rates
Purchase interest: 20.99%
Cash advance: 23.99%
Balance transfer: 23.99%
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card
Best for Travel
based on spending $2,200/mo after the annual fee
- Earn rewards
1pt – 2pts / dollar spent
- Welcome bonus
45,000 points (a $900 value)
- Annual fee
see Details
Perks of the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card
Perks | Details | |
---|---|---|
Lounge access | Included | You’ll gain complimentary passes to airport lounges. The number of passes and lounges you have access to will vary. |
Waived foreign transaction fees | Not included | A surcharge that credit card holders pay for purchases made in a foreign currency (typically 2.5%). |
Travel accident insurance | Up to $500,000 | If you suffer a loss as a result of an accidental bodily injury sustained while occupying a common carrier, you are eligible for this coverage. |
Travel emergency medical | Up to $5,000,000 for 15 days (under 65) | If you require urgent medical care while on a trip outside of your home province, you will be covered for any eligible medical expenses incurred. |
Car rental insurance | MSRP of up to $65,000 for 48 days | Credit card rental car insurance usually covers theft, loss and damage to your rental car in the case of an accidental collision. |
Trip cancellation | Up to $5,000 per occurrence | If you have to cancel your trip before it’s even started, your prepaid travel costs will be covered up to a maximum amount if the cause of cancellation is eligible for the insurance. |
Trip interruption | Up to $2,000 per occurrence | If your trip has to be cut short or is delayed after the scheduled departure date, you will be covered up to a maximum amount for an eligible cause of interruption or delay. |
Flight delay insurance | Up to $500 per occurrence | If your flight departure is delayed by a certain number of hours, you’ll be reimbursed a certain amount for necessary and reasonable expenses. |
Baggage loss insurance | Up to $1,000 per occurrence | If your checked bag cannot be located by a common carrier, you’ll be reimbursed for a portion of the replacement cost of lost personal property. |
Baggage delay insurance | Up to $1,000 per occurrence | If your checked bag is not delivered within a specified time upon your arrival, you’ll be reimbursed for the cost to replace essential items. |
Hotel/motel burglary | Not included | Provides protection, while you’re checked in, for your personal belongings when left unattended in your room up to a certain dollar amount. |
Mobile insurance | Up to $1,000 per occurrence | Reimburses a portion of your cell phone in the event it’s damaged or lost. Device coverage is limited to a certain period of time after purchasing with your credit card. |
Purchase assurance | Up to 90 days | Automatically protects new purchases by insuring them for 90 days from the date of purchase in the event of loss, theft or damage. |
Extended warranty | One additional year | Either doubles the length of the item’s manufacturer’s warranty coverage or extends it by 1 year, whichever is less. |
Price protection | Included | If, within a certain amount of time of purchasing an item, its price drops or you find an identical item offered for a lower retail price than what you paid, you will be reimbursed for the difference. |
Other perks
- This offer is not available for the residents of Quebec.
- Welcome Offer: Join and get up to $1,450 in value including a first year annual fee rebate!† Here’s how you can get up to $1,450 in value
- Get up to 45,000 Aventura Points (up to $ 900 in travel value†):
- 15,000 Aventura Points when you make your first purchase†
- 30,000 Aventura Points when you spend $3,000 or more in the first 4 monthly statement periods†
- Get a one-time annual fee rebate ($139) for you (the primary cardholder) and up to three authorized users ($50 each): up to $189 value.†
- Elevate your airport experience with 4 complimentary visits at 1,200+ lounges globally through Visa Airport Companion Program: up to $277 in value.†
- Plus, get a NEXUS◊ Application Fee rebate†: A $100 value†
- Plus, enjoy extra valuable travel benefits.
- Travel when it’s right for you – your Aventura Points don’t expire†
- Redeem your Aventura Points for more than travel with our Shop With Points/Pay with Points features†
- Travel local – Aventura Points can be redeemed for more than just flights – use your points for hotels and car rentals for a weekend getaway
- 2 points for every $1 spent on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre†
- 1.5 points for every $1 spent at eligible gas stations, EV charging, grocery stores and drug stores†
- 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases†
- Save on gas with CIBC and Journie Rewards Link and use your CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card with Journie Rewards to save up to 10 cents per litre† at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.†
- This is a digital-exclusive offer.†
- To be eligible for this offer, 1) this offer must have been directly communicated to you from CIBC or from a partner/affiliate; and 2) you must apply for the eligible card through the link provided in the CIBC or partner/affiliate communication to you.† This offer is reserved for you. Please do not forward it to anyone else.
- CIBC may approve your application, but you are not eligible to receive this Offer if you have opened, transferred or cancelled another Aventura card within the last 12 months.†
- †Terms and Conditions Apply. Select Apply Now to learn more.
Ratehub’s take
The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite card really ramps up rewards for everyday purchases such as gas and groceries. It also provides extensive insurance coverage, lounge access, and a Nexus rebate, proving to be a great travel companion for travelers.
Pros
- Access to airport lounges: Enjoy four complimentary visits at over 1,200 lounges globally through the Visa Airport Companion Program
- Extensive insurance coverage: Enjoy a comprehensive insurance package from mobile device insurance to emergency travel medical insurance
- Additional rebates and perks: Receive a NEXUS application fee rebate
Cons
- Low point earn rate: Other rewards cards offer higher points per spending category
- Income requirement: A minimum personal income of $60,000 may may be prohibitive to some
- Annual Fee: An annual fee of $139 is high compared to others on the market
- Limited travel redemption options: You’ll have to use the CIBC Rewards Centre to book travel with your points, whereas with other cards you can experiment with other providers and platforms to get the most value
Eligibility requirements
Minimum credit score: 725
Minimum income: $60,000/yr
Interest rates
Purchase interest: 20.99%
Cash advance: 22.99%
Balance transfer: 22.99%
Annual fee
$139
American Express Platinum Card
Best for Premium perks
based on spending $2,200/mo after $799 annual fee
- Earn rewards
1pt – 2pts / dollar spent
- Welcome bonus
100,000 points (a $1,000 value)
- Anniversary bonus
40,000 points (a $400 value)
- Annual fee
$799
Perks of the American Express®The Platinum Card®
Perks | Details | |
---|---|---|
Lounge access | Complimentary access; 1,400 lounges | You’ll gain complimentary passes to airport lounges. The number of passes and lounges you have access to will vary. |
Waived foreign transaction fees | Not included | A surcharge that credit card holders pay for purchases made in a foreign currency (typically 2.5%). |
Travel accident insurance | $500,000 per person | If you suffer a loss as a result of an accidental bodily injury sustained while occupying a common carrier, you are eligible for this coverage. |
Travel emergency medical | $5,000,000 for first 15 days (under 65) | If you require urgent medical care while on a trip outside of your home province, you will be covered for any eligible medical expenses incurred. |
Car rental insurance | MSRP of up to $85,000, for 48 days | Credit card rental car insurance usually covers theft, loss and damage to your rental car in the case of an accidental collision. |
Trip cancellation | $2,500 per person, $5,000 per trip | If you have to cancel your trip before it’s even started, your prepaid travel costs will be covered up to a maximum amount if the cause of cancellation is eligible for the insurance. |
Trip interruption | $2,500 per person, $6,000 per trip | If your trip has to be cut short or is delayed after the scheduled departure date, you will be covered up to a maximum amount for an eligible cause of interruption or delay. |
Flight delay insurance | Up to $1,000; delays over 4 hours | If your flight departure is delayed by a certain number of hours, you’ll be reimbursed a certain amount for necessary and reasonable expenses. |
Baggage loss insurance | Combined maximum $1,000 | If your checked bag cannot be located by a common carrier, you’ll be reimbursed for a portion of the replacement cost of lost personal property. |
Baggage delay insurance | Up to $1,000; delays of 6 hours or more | If your checked bag is not delivered within a specified time upon your arrival, you’ll be reimbursed for the cost to replace essential items. |
Hotel/motel burglary | Included | Provides protection, while you’re checked in, for your personal belongings when left unattended in your room up to a certain dollar amount. |
Mobile insurance | Not included | Reimburses a portion of your cell phone in the event it’s damaged or lost. Device coverage is limited to a certain period of time after purchasing with your credit card. |
Purchase assurance | Up to $1,000 within 120 days | Automatically protects new purchases by insuring them for 90 days from the date of purchase in the event of loss, theft or damage. |
Extended warranty | Up to one additional year | Either doubles the length of the item’s manufacturer’s warranty coverage or extends it by 1 year, whichever is less. |
Price protection | Included | If, within a certain amount of time of purchasing an item, its price drops or you find an identical item offered for a lower retail price than what you paid, you will be reimbursed for the difference. |
Other perks
- Ratehub.ca’s 2023 Award Winner – Best Perks Credit Card
- Unlock special experiences with the Platinum Card®
- Earn up to 140,000 Membership Rewards® points – that’s up to $1,400 towards a weekend away. Offer ends Jan 28, 2025
- New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn 100,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $10,000 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership. Offer ends Jan 28, 2025
- Plus, earn 40,000 points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership. Offer ends Jan 28, 2025
- Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada, 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel, and 1 point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
- Access a $200 Annual Travel Credit through American Express Travel Online or Platinum® Card Travel Service
- Enjoy a $200 Annual Dining Credit at some of Canada’s best restaurants
- Unlock $200 or more in additional value with Member extras. You can earn statement credits for qualifying purchases with participating brands
- Take full advantage of The American Express Global Lounge CollectionTM which unlocks access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide. This includes The Centurion® Lounge network, Plaza Premium Lounges, and hundreds of other domestic and international lounges designed to enhance your travel experience
- Enjoy flexible ways to use your points such as statement credits for any eligible purchase charged to your Card, new travel purchases booked on American Express Travel Online through the Flexible Points Travel Program, and eligible flights through the Fixed Points Travel Program
- Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs
- Enjoy complimentary benefits that offer an average value of $600 USD at over 1,500 extraordinary properties worldwide when you book Fine Hotels + Resorts
- Platinum Cardmembers can enjoy access to special events and unique opportunities
- Enjoy premium benefits at the Toronto Pearson Airport
- You will also have access to many leading hotel and car rental companies’ loyalty programs. Our partners include Marriott International, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Hertz and Avis
- Interest applies in accordance with your Cardmember Agreement, Information Box, and Disclosure statement if the total New Balance is not paid by the Payment Due Date each month. All payments must be received by the Payment Due Date shown on the monthly statement
- American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment
Ratehub’s take
While the American Express Platinum card’s annual fee is steep, the premium travel perks arguably outweigh the cost to use it. You’ll enjoy free, unlimited airport lounge access (while most other cards only offer a free membership or a few passes per year), hotel upgrades, a valuable annual travel and dining credit, and more.
Pros
- Unlimited lounge access: Enjoy free, unlimited lounge visits at over 1,400 lounges across the world with the
- American Express Global lounge collection
- Strong travel insurance offering: Includes everything from out-of-province emergency medical to $500,000 travel accident insurance
- Stretch your points values further: Transfer points to other travel loyalty programs at a 1:1 ratio for increased value and flexibility
- Upgraded gold hotel status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors and deals on car rentals through American Express Online
Cons
- Very high annual fee
- Doesn’t waive foreign transaction fees, which can really add up when you’re traveling
- This is a charge card, so you’ll have to pay off whatever you spend in full each month or face a high interest rate
- American Express isn’t as widely accepted in Canada compared to Visa and Mastercard
Eligibility requirements
Minimum credit score: 725
Minimum income: $40,000/yr
Interest rates
Purchase interest: N/A
Cash advance: N/A
Balance transfer: N/A
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege
based on spending $2,200/mo after $599 annual fee
- Earn rewards
1.25pts – 2pts / dollar spent
- Welcome bonus
50,000 points (a $720 value)
- Anniversary bonus
30,000 points (a $432 value)
- Annual fee
$599
Perks of the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
Perks | Details | |
---|---|---|
Lounge access | Included | You’ll gain complimentary passes to airport lounges. The number of passes and lounges you have access to will vary. |
Waived foreign transaction fees | Not included | A surcharge that credit card holders pay for purchases made in a foreign currency (typically 2.5%). |
Travel accident insurance | Included | If you suffer a loss as a result of an accidental bodily injury sustained while occupying a common carrier, you are eligible for this coverage. |
Travel emergency medical | Included | If you require urgent medical care while on a trip outside of your home province, you will be covered for any eligible medical expenses incurred. |
Car rental insurance | Included | Credit card rental car insurance usually covers theft, loss and damage to your rental car in the case of an accidental collision. |
Trip cancellation | Included | If you have to cancel your trip before it’s even started, your prepaid travel costs will be covered up to a maximum amount if the cause of cancellation is eligible for the insurance. |
Trip interruption | Included | If your trip has to be cut short or is delayed after the scheduled departure date, you will be covered up to a maximum amount for an eligible cause of interruption or delay. |
Flight delay insurance | Included | If your flight departure is delayed by a certain number of hours, you’ll be reimbursed a certain amount for necessary and reasonable expenses. |
Baggage loss insurance | Included | If your checked bag cannot be located by a common carrier, you’ll be reimbursed for a portion of the replacement cost of lost personal property. |
Baggage delay insurance | Included | If your checked bag is not delivered within a specified time upon your arrival, you’ll be reimbursed for the cost to replace essential items. |
Hotel/motel burglary | Included | Provides protection, while you’re checked in, for your personal belongings when left unattended in your room up to a certain dollar amount. |
Mobile insurance | Included | Reimburses a portion of your cell phone in the event it’s damaged or lost. Device coverage is limited to a certain period of time after purchasing with your credit card. |
Purchase assurance | Included | Automatically protects new purchases by insuring them for 90 days from the date of purchase in the event of loss, theft or damage. |
Extended warranty | Included | Either doubles the length of the item’s manufacturer’s warranty coverage or extends it by 1 year, whichever is less. |
Price protection | Not included | If, within a certain amount of time of purchasing an item, its price drops or you find an identical item offered for a lower retail price than what you paid, you will be reimbursed for the difference. |
Other perks
- Earn up to $2,900 in value† including up to 80,000 Aeroplan points (enough for a round trip to Honolulu†) and additional travel benefits. Conditions Apply. Account must be approved by January 6, 2025.
- Earn a welcome bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase with your new card†
- Earn an additional 30,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 180 days of Account opening†
- Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 30,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $24,000 within 12 months of Account opening†
- Additional Travel Benefits
- Enroll for NEXUS and once every 48 months get an application fee rebate†
- Share first free checked bags with up to 8 travel companions† and get unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges† including complementary access for one guest.
- Plus, primary cardholders get 6 complimentary worldwide select airport lounge visits annually through the Visa Airport Companion Program†
- Earn Aeroplan Points on your everyday purchases
- Take advantage of an extensive suite of travel insurance.
- Get access to Priority Airport Services† like Priority Boarding, Priority Baggage Handling, and Priority Airport Standby & Priority Airport Upgrades†.
- Earn 2 points† for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®)
- Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery, travel and dining purchases
- Earn 1.25 points† for every $1 spent on all other purchases made with your Card
- Earn points twice when you pay with your Card and provide your Aeroplan number at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and at 170+ online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore (www.aeroplan.com/estore).
- †Terms and conditions apply.
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Ratehub’s take
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege is a premium travel rewards card that will get you access to airport lounges around the world, faster access to Aeroplan Elite Status, priority boarding and more. You’ll have to pay for these benefits with the high annual fee, but it might be worth the price for frequent fliers who appreciate luxury.
Pros
- Generous bonuses: Get both a generous welcome bonus and an anniversary bonus to multiply your Aeroplan rewards points (conditions apply)
- Travel insurance: Strong travel insurance package including travel medical and trip cancellation/interruption
- Wide array of travel perks: an annual round-trip companion pass from $99, free access to Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounges in Canada or the United States, priority airport check-in and baggage handling, and an annual fee rebate for NEXUS can every 48 months (up to $100 CAD).
Cons
- Annual fee: Steep annual fee of $599 can be too pricey for some users. However, the amount of perks and benefits offered make it well worth it for the right cardholder
- Mostly suited for loyal Air Canada customers: Those who fly other airlines or want more flexibility may want to look elsewhere
Eligibility requirements
Minimum credit score: 660
Minimum income: $150,000/yr
Interest rates
Purchase interest: 20.99%
Cash advance: 22.99%
Balance transfer: 22.99%
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege
based on spending $2,200/mo after $399 annual fee
- Earn rewards
1.25pts / dollar spent
- Welcome bonus
55,000 points (a $1,178 value)
- Anniversary bonus
15,000 points (a $322 value)
- Annual fee
$399
Perks of the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege
Perks | Details | |
---|---|---|
Lounge access | Included | You’ll gain complimentary passes to airport lounges. The number of passes and lounges you have access to will vary. |
Waived foreign transaction fees | Not included | A surcharge that credit card holders pay for purchases made in a foreign currency (typically 2.5%). |
Travel accident insurance | Included | If you suffer a loss as a result of an accidental bodily injury sustained while occupying a common carrier, you are eligible for this coverage. |
Travel emergency medical | Included | If you require urgent medical care while on a trip outside of your home province, you will be covered for any eligible medical expenses incurred. |
Car rental insurance | Included | Credit card rental car insurance usually covers theft, loss and damage to your rental car in the case of an accidental collision. |
Trip cancellation | Included | If you have to cancel your trip before it’s even started, your prepaid travel costs will be covered up to a maximum amount if the cause of cancellation is eligible for the insurance. |
Trip interruption | Included | If your trip has to be cut short or is delayed after the scheduled departure date, you will be covered up to a maximum amount for an eligible cause of interruption or delay. |
Flight delay insurance | Included | If your flight departure is delayed by a certain number of hours, you’ll be reimbursed a certain amount for necessary and reasonable expenses. |
Baggage loss insurance | Included | If your checked bag cannot be located by a common carrier, you’ll be reimbursed for a portion of the replacement cost of lost personal property. |
Baggage delay insurance | Included | If your checked bag is not delivered within a specified time upon your arrival, you’ll be reimbursed for the cost to replace essential items. |
Hotel/motel burglary | Included | Provides protection, while you’re checked in, for your personal belongings when left unattended in your room up to a certain dollar amount. |
Mobile insurance | Included | Reimburses a portion of your cell phone in the event it’s damaged or lost. Device coverage is limited to a certain period of time after purchasing with your credit card. |
Purchase assurance | Included | Automatically protects new purchases by insuring them for 90 days from the date of purchase in the event of loss, theft or damage. |
Extended warranty | Included | Either doubles the length of the item’s manufacturer’s warranty coverage or extends it by 1 year, whichever is less. |
Price protection | Included | If, within a certain amount of time of purchasing an item, its price drops or you find an identical item offered for a lower retail price than what you paid, you will be reimbursed for the difference. |
Other perks
- Get up to 70,000 Avion points* (a travel value of up to $1,500†). Apply by November 25, 2024
- 70,000 Avion points* is enough for two roundtrip tickets to almost anywhere in Canada & the US (Alaska and Hawaii require more points). Taxes and fees extra.†
- 35,000 Avion Points on approval*
- 20,000 bonus points when you spend $5,000 in your first 6 months*
- 15,000 one-time anniversary bonus points after 12 months of account opening*
- Earn 1.25 Avion point for every dollar you spend1.
- Enjoy six complimentary global airport lounge access passes5 ($375 value^). Plus take advantage of security fast track lanes and parking benefits at select Canadian airports.5
- Book flights on any airline, on any flight, at any time3. You can also use your points to redeem for vacation packages, hotels, cruises and tours3.
- Pick any seat you want from 130+ airlines – with no seat restrictions or blackout periods, even during peak seasons
- Access more of the world with your 24/7 Visa Infinite Privilege Concierge
- Avion Infinite Privilege card holders have access to book business or first class at a rate of 100 points for $23
- Redeem your points for travel and more. Use points for anything from paying bills and paying your card balance to redeeming for Gift Cards and Merchandise at top brands like Apple. The Avion Rewards program gives you the freedom of choice to use your points your way, and helps you make the most as an Avioner.
- Eligible Avion Rewards members can also convert points to other loyalty programs including WestJet dollars and, British Airways Avios.
- Link your RBC card with a Petro-Points membership to instantly save 3₵ per litre on fuel at Petro-Canada stations and earn 20% more Petro-Points and 20% more Avion points
- Link your RBC card with a Rexall Be Well account and get 50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall. Redeem Be Well points faster for savings in store on eligible purchases where 25,000 Be Well points = $10
- Get access to RBC offers which provides access to earn points faster at specified brands
- Avioners get access to luxury Visa Infinite benefits including first in line for exclusive events, and hotel and dining benefits.
- Flexibility to book flights last-minute: up to 24hrs before departure
- Extensive insurance coverage
- Mobile Device Insurance included – up to $1,50012
- Travel with ease with trip cancellation12 and trip interruption12 insurance, and emergency medical12.
- Plus, eligible purchases12 made on the card are protected.
- Extensive insurance including: mobile device insurance, travel insurance (trip cancellation, interruption and emergency medical) and other eligible purchases to protect you and your family
Ratehub’s take
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege is your ticket to luxury travel perks, including airport lounge access, flexible travel point rewards and a full travel insurance package. It is worth noting, however, that the points earning rate could be higher for the annual fee.
Pros
- Airport lounge access: When you register with the Visa Airport Companion program, get 6 annual airport lounge passes, available at 1,200 lounges around the world
- Valuable rewards points: RBC points are extremely valuable when booked for flights and other travel redemptions through the Avion Rewards center
- Generous welcome bonus: The welcome bonus may be enough to cover a flight through the Avion Rewards centre
Cons
- Points earning rate: The base rate of 1.25 points per dollar could be higher compared to other cards with a similar annual fee
- High annual fee: The annual fee is quite high and you’d need to be a frequent flier or really value luxury to get the most out of this card
Eligibility requirements
Minimum credit score: 760
Minimum income: $200,000/yr
Interest rates
Purchase interest: 20.99%
Cash advance: 22.99%
Balance transfer: 22.99%