Best Credit Cards For International Travel In Canada For July 2024

When determining a rating for individual credit cards, the Forbes Advisor Canada editorial team factors in an exhaustive list of data points. With credit cards for international travel, the scoring model used takes into account factors such as, but not limited to, earn rates on purchase categories, fees, welcome bonuses, and other benefits and features. Keep in mind, what may be best for some people might not be right for you. Conduct informed research before deciding which cards will best help you achieve your financial goals.

Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card

Forbes Advisor Canada’s top choice for international travel thanks to its lack of foreign transaction fees, access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide and comprehensive travel insurance coverage.

Rewards: 6 points per dollar at all Sobeys-owned grocery stores, 5 points per dollar for all dining, food delivery and non-Sobeys-owned grocery store purchases, as well as all entertainment purchases, including eligible movie, theatre and ticket agency purchases. Plus, you get 3 points per dollar on all eligible transportation and gas transactions and streaming subscriptions.

Welcome Offer: Earn up to 45,000 Scene+ points (Earn 25,000 points by making at least $1,000 in the first three months, get 20,000 points when you spend at least $7,500 in your first year). Must open card by October 31, 2024 to qualify.

Annual Fee: $120 (waived in the first year)

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: The biggest benefit of this card is the lack of foreign transaction fees, which is rare for a credit card in Canada. However, the highest earn rate is limited to Sobeys-owned grocery stores, significantly limiting your ability to cash in.

Brim World Elite Mastercard

The Brim World Elite Mastercard does not limit you in what purchases earn rewards and what you can redeem those rewards for. It’s also fully digital and can be managed from any mobile device. Add to that Mastercard World Elite benefits, and you get a pretty powerful cash-back offering.

Rewards: Earn 1 point for every dollar spent and more points per dollar depending on the offers available from participating retailers and how often you shop at them.

Welcome Offer: None

Annual Fee: $89

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: Brim’s Open Rewards Program means you aren’t restricted by purchase categories when it comes to earning rewards, and you can redeem for anything from travel to groceries to cash back. However, this card has no welcome bonus, and your accelerated earn rates aren’t straightforward because they depend on what a participating retailer decides to offer and are inconsistent from one shopping experience to the next.

Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard

This is a great card for international travel because it charges no foreign transaction fees and has an unlimited high cash-back earn rate on U.S. dollar purchases.

Rewards: Get 3% unlimited cash back on all eligible purchases made in U.S. dollars, 2% unlimited cash back on non-U.S. dollar purchases when you have a qualifying service from Rogers, Fido or Shaw and 1.5% cash back on all eligible non-U.S.purchases when you don’t have an eligible Rogers. Fido or Shaw service.

Welcome Offer: None

Annual Fee: $0

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: This card also provides complimentary membership to Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass, which gives you access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide at $32 per person per visit. Still, you can only maximize the cash-back benefits offered by this card if you have a Rogers, Fido, or Shaw service and spend a lot of U.S. dollars.

American Express Cobalt® Card

The American Express Cobalt® Card is Canada’s most versatile credit card with high earning potential for groceries, travel, gas, hotels and more. This is because Membership Rewards can be redeemed for almost anything and converted 1:1 into several other leading travel rewards programs.

Rewards: Earn 5 Membership Rewards per dollar spent on groceries (up to $30,000 annually), 3 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada, 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on rideshares, transit and gas in Canada 1 Membership Rewards point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases and 1 additional Membership Rewards point for every dollar spent on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel.

Welcome Offer: You could earn 1,250 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in net purchases on your card in the first year. This could add up to 15,000 points in year one.

Annual Fee: $155.88 ($12.99 per month)

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: While this card earns a ton on travel, you may be limited as far as where you can use it in Canada because American Express is still not as widely accepted as Visa and Mastercard in this country. This might make it difficult to spend enough and, therefore, be rewarded enough to overcome the annual fee.

CIBC Aventura Gold Visa Card

A healthy welcome bonus, flexible travel redemption options and a ton of travel benefits, including travel insurance coverage, make this card with low earn rates in all its purchase categories worthwhile in many other ways.

Rewards: Get 2 points for every dollar spent on travel through the CIBC Rewards Centre. You also get 1.5 points per dollar spent on gas, electric vehicle charging stations, drugstores and groceries. Plus, 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

Welcome Offer: Get a total of up to 35,000 Aventura Points (up to $800 in travel value) during your first year: 15,000 Aventura Points when you make your first purchase and 20,000 Aventura Points when you spend $3,000 or more in net purchases in the first four monthly statement periods.

Annual Fee: $139 (first-year rebated)

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: While earn rates on this card are low, even in accelerated categories, you do get many travel benefits, including four complimentary airport lounge passes per year through the Visa Airport Companion Program and an annual NEXUS application fee rebate. Plus, Aventura points can cover not just flights (including taxes and fees) but also hotel stays, rental cars and vacation packages.

CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card

Similar to the reward structure of the CIBC Aventura Gold Visa Card, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite benefits you more as an Aeroplan member and frequent Air Canada flyer. Plus, it comes with a host of Visa Infinite perks and benefits.

Rewards: Earn 1.5 points on gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, and Air Canada purchases. Then, earn 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases and double the points on purchases made through the Aeroplan eStore.

Welcome Offer: Get a total of up to 50,000 Aeroplan points (up to $1,000 in travel value): 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase, 20,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $6,000 or more during the first four monthly statement periods. Plus, get 20,000 Aeroplan points as an additional anniversary bonus when you have at least $15,000 in net purchases posted on your account during the first 12 monthly statement periods. If that weren’t enough, enjoy a free first-checked bag on your first round-trip flight on Air Canada in the first year.

Annual Fee: $139 (rebated in the first year)

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: Though the earn rates are low for getting Aventura points and the electric vehicle charging station purchase category is still pretty niche, you get many travel benefits as long as you fly Air Canada. This includes a free first-checked bag on Air Canada flights for you and up to eight travel companions. You also get Visa Infinite network benefits and the ability to book flights on points for less because Aventura points also cover fuel surcharges and fees.

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite offers great benefits for international travel, including no foreign transaction fees, six complimentary airport lounge passes per year and a complimentary Preferred Plus membership at Avis, which entitles you to complimentary upgrades, dedicated customer service and 5% to 25% off the lowest available discountable retail rates in North America.

Rewards: Get 3 Scene+ points per dollar at Sobeys-owned grocery stores, including Safeway, Foodland, IGA and participating co-ops. Then get 2 points per dollar on dining and at other eligible grocery stores and on eligible entertainment like movies and events and daily transit options, including rideshare, buses and taxis. Finally, get 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.

Welcome Offer: Earn 30,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $1,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first three months. Plus, you can earn an annual 10,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $40,000 in everyday eligible purchases annually.

Annual Fee: $199

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: This card also comes with Visa Infinite benefits, which gives you access to 24/7 Visa Infinite Concierge services to secure gifts and reservations, access to the perks of the Visa Infinite Hotel Collection–free Wi-Fi and automatic room upgrades when available, as well as the Visa Dining and Wine Country Program, which gives youdining and wine pairing experiences in exclusive and secluded settings. The one major drawback is this card has an income requirement. To be eligible to apply for this card, you must make at least $60,000 per year in personal income, have $100,000 in household income, or have $250,000 in assets under management.

CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card

This is CIBC’s premium card offering, giving you a vast number of travel benefits.

Rewards: Get 3 Aventura Points for every dollar spent through the CIBC Rewards Centre. Then get 2 points per dollar on gas, transportation, dining, entertainment, electric vehicle charging and groceries. Finally, get 1.25 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases.

Welcome Offer: Get a total of up to 80,000 Aventura Points (up to $1,600 in travel value) during your first year: 25,000 Aventura Points when you spend $3,000 or more in the first four monthly statement periods, 25,000 Aventura Points when you spend $6,000 or more over the same time period and 30,000 Aventura Points as an additional anniversary bonus.

Annual Fee: $499

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: The $499 annual fee and the income requirements of $150,000 personal and $200,000 household annual income means you must be relatively wealthy even to entertain having this card. It gives you two NEXUS application fee rebates every four years for fast border crossings into the U.S. (a $100 value) a $200 annual travel credit and six complimentary airport lounge passes per year at 1,200 lounges worldwide through the Visa Airport Companion Program. You’ll also have access to business-class bookings that are exclusive to this card specifically, dedicated limo or taxi services, exclusive dining and wine-pairing experiences and VIP benefits at luxury hotels across the globe.

WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard

If you are an international traveller who is partial to WestJet as your preferred airline, this is its best credit card offering.

Rewards: 2% cash back in WestJet Dollars on WestJet flights and vacation packages booked using the card and 1.5% cash back in WestJet Dollars on all eligible everyday purchases.

Welcome Offer: Get up to $450 WestJet Dollars when you spend $5,000 within the first three months of card membership.

Annual Fee: $119

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: Though the earn rates offered by the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard are pretty low, which means it will take you a while to earn enough WestJet dollars to redeem for a flight, the benefits you do get on WestJet flights are stellar. WestJet will give you a free first-checked bag for you and up to eight travelling companions. They also entitle you to an annual World Elite round-trip companion voucher to anywhere WestJet flies- which allows you to book a full fare and then book a companion fare at a reduced rate – redeem for your choice of destination. Then you can get a status lift of $500 in tier-qualifying spending for every $15,000 in everyday purchases, which is good for higher-class tickets, lounge access, and more. You can earn three lifts each qualifying year.

RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card

Forbes Advisor Canada’s top choice for international travel thanks to no foreign transaction fees, access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide and comprehensive travel insurance coverage.

Rewards: Earn 1 Avion point for every dollar you spend, plus an extra 25% on eligible travel-related purchases.

Welcome Offer: 35,000 RBC Avion Points on approval (a $750 value).

Annual Fee: $120

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: You must maintain an annual personal income of $60,000 or an annual household income of $100,000 to qualify for this card. The welcome bonus and earn rate are straightforward and do not require additional qualifying tasks. In addition to travel benefits and travel insurance coverage, this card gives you a free additional lift ticket when you buy a Friday lift ticket with this card from participating ski resorts across Canada.

A credit card is better than a debit card for international travel because many credit cards come standard with zero liability policies, which means you won’t be held liable for any fraudulent purchases that may happen if your credit card is lost or stolen on a trip. You also can initiate a chargeback on a merchant to reverse the charges if you don’t end up getting what you pay for in a foreign country. A chargeback isn’t possible with a debit card. Your bank account can also be emptied if your debit card is stolen, and it is up to your bank’s discretion to refund you for any fraudulent purchases. The burden of proof is higher than with a credit card, so you may be on the hook for fraudulent purchases up to your daily limit.

Like anything, international travel credit cards have benefits and drawbacks. Here are some things to watch out for, whether positive or negative.

Pros

• Typically, you’ll receive a better exchange rate using a credit card to pay than you will get withdrawing money from a local ATM.
• Credit cards come with fraud protection, unlike cash or debit cards.
• You can earn rewards, especially travel rewards, using a credit card for your international travel expenses.
• Credit cards are accepted worldwide,.
• Credit cards can be immediately replaced from anywhere in the world when lost, stolen or damaged, but cash cannot.

Cons

• Most credit cards charge foreign transaction fees of 2.5%.
• A large credit card bill can increase your debt and be difficult to pay off.
• The chip and PIN technology that comes with most credit cards now may not be accepted everywhere, or the technology may fail, and your card will not be able to be read by the payment processor.
• You may need a local postal code to make some purchases, such as at a local gas station in the U.S.
• You may need to verify your identity to make purchases with a credit card abroad, and the credit card issuer may freeze your account if they consider your purchases unusual account activity.

When using a credit card internationally, carry copies of identifying documents (never the originals) in case you need to verify your identity to make a purchase. Ensure you have a backup payment method in case your credit card fails.

Notify your credit card issuer that you will be travelling before you go so they don’t interpret your purchases abroad as out of the ordinary and potentially freeze your account.

You should also avoid dynamic currency conversion, which is the option to pay in your local currency at the point of sale. You will likely pay fewer fees and face fewer convenience charges if you pay in the local currency instead. Then, upon your return home, carefully review your account statement and contact your issuer to correct any errors or answer any questions you may have.

There are several things to consider when choosing a credit card for international travel.

• Foreign exchange fees. Most credit cards charge 2.5% on international transactions, so if you travel abroad, pick a credit card with no foreign exchange fees.
• High earn rates on travel expenses. If you’re picking a credit card to use around the world, pick one with high earn rates in points or cash back on flights, hotels, transportation and car rentals.
• Free airport lounge access. Many credit cards give you access to airport lounges, but if you want a good credit card for international travel, access is not enough. Instead, look for a card that gives you four to six free airport lounge visits per year.
• A rebated NEXUS application fee. International travel often starts when you cross the U.S. border, so why not cover your NEXUS application fee so you can cross faster? A good credit card for international travel can do that for you.
• Solid travel insurance coverage. If you travel a lot internationally, something will go wrong at some point. Make sure whatever card you’re using has solid travel insurance coverage.
• A card that redeems for flights but covers taxes and fees and has no blackout dates. If you can redeem rewards for flights, make sure those rewards also cover taxes and fees, and as long as a flight is available, you can fly.
• Rental car discounts and upgrades. If you’re driving internationally, it’s worth looking for a credit card that provides rental car discounts and upgrades from a global rental car company. Some cards will also give you rental car insurance if you decline the collision/damage waiver from the rental car company.

To maximize credit card benefits for international travel, look for credit cards that are affiliated with a popular frequent flyer program that doesn’t take a lot of spending to earn enough points for a free flight or hotel stay. It’s important to also consider cards that provide high earn rates for points on purchase categories you spend the most money in. This way, you can earn free flights, hotel stays and vacation packages (paying only taxes and fees) faster, thanks to the travel purchases you are already making. Also, look for credit cards with high welcome bonuses. This way, you can travel on points faster.

You’ll also want a card that gives you benefits once you are travelling, like free airport lounge access, travel insurance coverage with few exclusions and high coverage maximums and no foreign transaction fees, so you’re not paying even more when you buy things on your trips outside of Canada.

There are certainly many credit cards in Canada that provide lucrative benefits for international travellers. If you want to join their ranks, select a card that earns you the most points for the spending you’re already doing the most in your daily life, so you will be rewarded with flights faster. Make sure it also comes with perks that take the stress out of travelling in the first place, like a free checked bag for you and anyone you’re travelling with or free airport lounge access—not just access to airport lounges you still have to pay for. Finally, look for a credit card that makes spending money abroad less expensive with no foreign transaction fees.