Best Credit Cards in Canada for Travel

Forget everything you know about travel credit cards. While traditional banks pile on annual fees and confusing point systems, KOHO is quietly building the future of travel rewards.

One that actually makes sense for real Canadians who want to explore the world without breaking the bank.

Why most travel credit cards are designed to disappoint

The travel credit card industry has a dirty secret: most cards are designed for high-income earners who can afford $150+ annual fees and meet minimum spending requirements of $3,000+ within three months.

For average Canadians, these cards often cost more than they deliver in value.

Traditional travel cards burden you with:

• High annual fees that eat into your rewards

• Complex point systems that devalue over time

• Foreign transaction fees that add up quickly

• Rigid redemption restrictions and blackout dates

1. KOHO Travel Prepaid Mastercard

Unlike traditional travel cards that lock you into specific airlines or hotel chains, KOHO gives you:

• No Foreign Transaction Fees*

• One free international ATM withdrawal each month

• Lock your card in app if it's lost or stolen

• Rest easy in case of unauthorized use with Mastercard zero liability policy

• Get up to 2% cash back on groceries, dining and transportation, even when abroad

• Extra cash back on from travel-related partners like Expedia, Booking.com, Contiki

• Get up to $250 interest-free right when you need it

This means whether you're booking a last-minute flight on Expedia, paying for a hostel in Prague, or grabbing street food in Bangkok, your KOHO prepaid mastercard works seamlessly while earning you money back.

Find out what KOHO account works for you.

2. American Express Cobalt® Card

This credit card rewards both everyday spending and travel.

Annual Fee: $156

Welcome Bonus: 15,000 points ($150 value)

Minimum Credit Score: 725

Purchase Interest: 21.99%

Cash Advance: 21.99%

3. BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card

Everyday purchases for everything from gas, to recurring bills, groceries and takeout.

Annual Fee: $120 (first year waived)

Welcome Bonus: 70,000 ($466 value)

Minimum Credit Score: 725

Minimum Income: $60,000/year

Purchase Interest: 21.99%

Cash Advance: 23.99%

Balance transfer: 23.99%

4. Scotiabank®* Gold American Express® Card

This card is particularly useful for those who dine out often, travel, and enjoy entertainment.

Annual Fee: $120 (first year waived)

Welcome Bonus: 50,000 ($500 value)

Minimum Credit Score: 725

Minimum Income: $12,000/year

Purchase Interest: 20.99%

Cash Advance: 22.99%

Balance transfer: 22.99%

The hidden costs traditional travel cards won't tell you

Traditional travel credit cards hide costs that can devastate your rewards value:

Annual Fee Trap: A $150 annual fee requires $15,000 in spending at 1% rewards just to break even—before you see any actual benefit.

Foreign Transaction Fees: Most cards charge 2.5% on foreign purchases, quickly negating any rewards earned abroad.

Point Devaluation: Airlines and hotels regularly devalue their points, making your accumulated rewards worth less over time.

Complex Redemption: Blackout dates, limited availability, and minimum point requirements often prevent you from using rewards when you actually want to travel.

Your next steps to smarter travel rewards

The best travel credit card for Canadians isn't necessarily the one with the highest annual fee or most complex point system. It's the one that consistently puts money back in your pocket while supporting your actual travel habits.

Remember: the goal isn't to collect credit cards—it's to collect experiences. Choose tools that support your adventures, not overshadow them with fees and restrictions.

Your next trip is waiting. Make sure your credit card strategy helps you get there, rather than holding you back.