Top 7 Free Checked Bag Credit Cards in Canada For 2026
Published Sep 23, 2026 7:18 AM • 6 min read
Paying for checked bags when flying is never fun! Especially if you're travelling with family, in which case, you'd probably need to spend over a few hundred dollars to cover the fees on Canadian airlines.
Luckily, some credit cards allow you to get free first checked bags on associated flights, a valuable perk included on a few of the best travel credit cards in Canada. Whether you call it free checked luggage or free baggage, the cards below waive the fee on your first checked bag with their partner airline.
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Best Free Checked Bag Credit Cards in Canada
Our choice for: Best Overall for AirCanada flights
on TD's website
Welcome Bonus
Up to $1,550 in value† including up to 50,000 Aeroplan points† and a first-year Annual Fee rebate.
Annual Fee
$139 $0
Interest Rates
21.99% / 22.99%□
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
4.5/5
The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Card* is an excellent choice for frequent Air Canada travelers looking to maximize their rewards with Aeroplan points. With perks like free checked bags, Preferred Pricing, and a first-year fee rebate, it’s ideal for users who value Air Canada-specific benefits. However, the card’s high income requirement and limited non-Air Canada redemption options may not appeal to everyone.
Awards & Recognition
Best Aeroplan Credit Card
2026
Pros
- Decent rewards
- First-year fee rebate
- Comprehensive insurance
- Impressive travel perks
Cons
- Relatively lower reward rates
- Limited airline loyalty
- Annual fee
- Income requirements
Rewards
- Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 spent on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, grocery and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®) made with your Card.
- Earn 1 point† 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 200+ online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore (www.aeroplan.com/estore).
- Your Aeroplan Points do not expire as long as you are a TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Cardholder in good standing.
- Earn more at Starbucks: Link your eligible Card to earn more Starbucks Stars at participating Starbucks stores. Conditions apply.
Insurance
Coverage
Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)†
21 daysTravel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)†
4 days
Trip Cancellation†
$1,500
Trip Interruption†
$5,000
Flight Delay†
$500Baggage Delay†
$1,000
Lost or Stolen Baggage†
$1,000
Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance†
$500,000.svg)
Car Rental Damage & Theft†
yes
Hotel Burglary Insurance†
$2,500
Purchase Protection†
90 days
Extended Warranty†
1 year
Mobile Device Insurance†
$1,000
Benefits
Details
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Free first checked bag†
First checked bag is free for primary cardholder on Aircanada flights and up to 8 guests
Nexus Program Rebate†
$100 every 4 years
Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits†
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Concierge Services†
Golf Benefit†
Troon Rewards Golf benefits like discounts at over 95 resorts and courses around the world plus access to select private clubs across the U.S
Extra points†
Link your eligible Card to earn more Starbucks Stars at participating Starbucks stores. Conditions apply.Extra points†
Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and over 200 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore.svg)
Status lift†
Reach Aeroplan Elite™ Status sooner by earning 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and one (1) Status Qualifying Segment for every $10,000 of net purchases
Car Rental Discount†
10% off base rate of Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car
Trip and legal Assistance†
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$60,000 personal or $100,000 household
Our choice for: Top Option for Porter Airlines
on BMO's website
Welcome Bonus
Get up to 70,000 VIPorter points and a round-trip companion pass.* Plus receive $1,000 in Qualifying Spend.*
Annual Fee
$199 $0
Interest Rates
21.99% / 23.99%□
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
4.5/5
This is easily the best credit card in Canada for frequent Porter airline (and its partners) travelers. Earning 2x VIPorter points on common everyday purchases like groceries, dining and transportation is a massive benefit, allowing you to rack up points really fast and enjoy travel via Porter and it's airline partners. The premium benefits of this card make your travels smooth as you get priority security screening, early boarding and priority re-accommodation for flight delays, one complimentary checked bag, a carry-on bag with every fare type (including Basic), and complimentary PorterClassic seat selection.
Awards & Recognition
Best Airline Loyalty Credit Card
2026
Pros
- First-year fee rebate
- Generous welcome bonus
- Solid everyday earning opportunities
- Impressive Porter redemptions
- Comprehensive coverage
- Valuable travel perks
Cons
- Higher annual fee
- Companion pass spending requirement
- Limited redemption opportunities
- Spending caps
- High income requirements
Rewards
- Earn 3 VIPorter points for every $1 spent on eligible Porter purchases via flyporter.com (up to $20,000 in spending annually)
- Earn 2 VIPorter point for every $1 spent on eligible gas and transportation purchases (up to $5,000 in spending annually combined)
- Earn 2 VIPorter point for every $1 spent on eligible groceries and dining purchases (up to $10,000 in spending annually combined)
- Earn 2 VIPorter point for every $1 spent on eligible hotel accommodation purchases (up to $5,000 in spending annually)
- Earn 1 VIPorter point for every $1 spent everywhere else
- Primary cardholders will receive an annual companion pass after spending a minimum of $50,000 (less refunds and excluding cash advances, cash-like transactions, interest charges, fees, credit or debit adjustments) within the first 365 days after the account open date. On the anniversary date of your card, the calculation of the purchases will reset to zero and primary cardholders must qualify again for the new annual period.
Insurance
Coverage
Extended Warranty
1 yearPurchase Protection
90 daysTravel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
Up to $5M per insured person, per trip, for 21 days per tripCommon Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
Up to $500,000 per insured personTrip Cancellation
Up to $1,500 per insured person, per trip (maximum of $5,000 per trip for all insured persons combined)Trip Interruption
$2,000 per insured personFlight Delay
Up to a maximum of $500 per trip for all insured persons combinedBaggage Delay
Up to $500 per insured person, to a maximum of $1,000 per trip for all insured persons combined, for the purchase of essential itemsLost or Stolen Baggage
Up to $500 per insured person to a maximum of $1,000 per trip for all insured persons combinedHotel Burglary Insurance
Up to $1,000 per occurrence for all insured persons combinedCar Rental Damage & Theft
Rental period up to 48 days, with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of up to $65,000
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass. As a member enjoy lounge access for a fee of just US$32 per person, per visit.*Free first checked bag
1 complimentary checked bag as well as 1 complimentary carry-on bag on all Porter fare types up to 8 companions travelling on the same booking
Companion Voucher
A round-trip companion pass per year
Priority Travel
Priority check-in, security, and early boarding for up to 8 companions travelling on the same bookingCar Rental Discount
Save up to 20% on National Car Rental®†† and Alamo Rent A Car®†† and up to 5% on Enterprise Rent-A-Car®†† at locations worldwide using the Car Rental Booking tool
Hotel Booking Discount
Save up to 7% on your Booking.com prepaid hotel or property rental bookings at booking.com/mastercardcanada*
Mastercard On-Demand and Subscription Services
Discount
Enjoy six months of Instacart+ and a $10 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$80,000 personal or $150,000 household
Our choice for: Best WestJet Contender
on RBC's website
Welcome Bonus
Get up to 70,000 WestJet points(1)
Annual Fee
$139
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.99%□
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
4.2/5
If you travel frequently with WestJet, you must get this card because you are missing out on many benefits, even if you don't use this card for rewards. The round-trip companion voucher, status lift, and free checked bag benefits alone more than make up for the annual fee. For WestJet purchases, this card is great for earning rewards, but for all other categories, we recommend pairing it with another card.
Pros
- Solid WestJet optimizations
- Generous welcome bonus
- Comprehensive insurance
- Airport lounge access
- Annual companion voucher
- Free first checked bags
Cons
- Annual fee
- Limited rewards
- Limited redemption opportunities
- High income requirements
Rewards
- Earn 2 points per $1 spent on WestJet flights, WestJet Vacations, and Sunwing Vacations
- Earn 2 points per $1 spent at grocery stores and on transportation, including gas, EV charging, public transit and rideshare
- Earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on all other everyday purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)†
15 daysTravel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)†
3 daysCommon Carrier Travel Accident Insurance†
$500,000Car Rental Damage & Theft†
$65,000 car MSRP up to 48 daysTrip Interruption†
$5,000/person, $25,000/tripFlight Delay†
$250/person, $500/occurrenceBaggage Delay†
$500/person, $2,500/occurrencePurchase Protection†
90 daysExtended Warranty†
1 yearMobile Device Insurance†
$1,500Trip Cancellation†
$1,500
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass†
Pass only, complimentary visits not included! World Elite Companion Voucher can be exchanged for 2 visits.Companion Voucher†
Spend $5,000 annually and get a companion voucher starting at $119 CAD (plus fees), or exchange it for a 30% flight discount, $200 vacation package credit, or two lounge passes.Status lift†
Earn $500 in tier qualifying spend which applies towards achieving the next WestJet Rewards tier for every $15,000 CAD in Eligible Purchases on your WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard (up to a maximum of $1,500 in tier qualifying spend in a qualifying year)Free first checked bag†
First checked bag is free for primary cardholder on WestJet flight and up to 8 guests when you pay with your WestJet RBC World Elite MastercardDiscount†
Member Exclusive fares: Exclusive discounts when you pay the full base fare with WestJet dollars.svg)
Gas Discount†
save 3¢/L on fuel and always earn 20% more Petro-Points at Petro-CanadaExtra points†
50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at RexallDiscount†
Enjoy unlimited $0 delivery fees with DoorDash. Get a complimentary DashPass subscription from DoorDash for up to 12 months and enjoy unlimited deliveries from qualifying restaurants you love.
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$80,000 personal or $150,000 household
Our choice for: The Premium Aeroplan Pick for AirCanada flights
Welcome Bonus
Earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points.
Annual Fee
See Rates
Interest Rates
21.99%* / 21.99%*
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
4.7/5
If you are a frequent Air Canada traveler, having an Aeroplan card for perks like free checked bags and priority service can be very beneficial. Many financial institutions offer Aeroplan cards, but we don't believe the American Express version is the best one. Opting for another option might be better. However, the Amex card does have a very large sign-up bonus, making it a great choice for those specifically seeking that.
Pros
- Generous rewards rate
- Free checked bags
- Preferred flight pricing
- Unlimited airport lounge access
- Extensive coverage
- Instant decision. No credit impact.
Cons
- Limited acceptance
- Limited loyalty rewards
- High annual fee
- Limited lounge brand access
Rewards
- 3x Aeroplan® points per $1 spent on eligible Air Canada® and Air Canada Vacations® purchases
- 2x Aeroplan® points per $1 spent on eligible dining & food delivery purchases
- 1.25x Aeroplan® points per $1 spent on all other purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
15 daysTrip Cancellation
$1,500/person, $3,000/tripTrip Interruption
$1,500/person, $6,000/tripFlight Delay
$1,000/person after 4 hoursBaggage Delay
$1,000/person after 6 hoursLost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$500,000Car Rental Damage & Theft
48 daysHotel Burglary Insurance
$1,000Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
1 year
Benefits
Details
Free first checked bag
First checked bag is free for primary cardholder on Air Canada branded flight and up to 8 guestsNexus Program Rebate
$100 every 4 years
Amex Experiences™
Amex Experiences™ opens doors for you to access a number of special events, including special dining experiences, VIP parties, advance film screenings and moreExtra points
Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and over 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStoreStatus lift
Complimentary upgrade to Avis® President's ClubStatus lift
Get a 10% Head Start. Starting in 2027, eligible Basic Cardmembers with Aeroplan EliteTM* Status will receive a 10% head start toward qualification, based on Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) accumulated the year before. Roll over any unallocated unused eUpgrade Credits to the following year to enjoy during your travelsStatus lift
Primary Cardholders who also hold Aeroplan Elite Status will benefit from an extra 12 months to use eUpgrade credits, for a total of 24 months from issuance.Priority Travel
At Toronto Pearson airport get benefits such as Priority Security lane, Complimentary valet, premium parking spots, priorioty taxi and limo lane and discount for parking and car care.Priority Travel
Get Priority Check-in, Priority Boarding and Priority Baggage Handling, Priority Airport Standby & Priority Airport Upgrades for you, your authorized users and up to 8 companions on the same flight (Only AirCanada)Airport Lounge - Priority Pass
Pass only. No Complimentary visits!Airport Lounge - Maple Leaf and AirCanada Cafes
Unlimited Access for you and one guestCompanion Voucher
Annual Worldwide Companion Pass from $99 to a max of $599 After spending $25,000 on your card
Free Extra Night at Hotels
Cardmembers can now get an extra night free for every 3 hotel nights redeemed with Aeroplan points. Enjoy even more at over 300,000 hotel properties worldwide
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
Our choice for: An Affordable Amex Aeroplan Alternative for AirCanada flights
Welcome Bonus
Earn up to 45,000 Aeroplan points
Annual Fee
See Rates
Interest Rates
30% Annual* / 30% Annual*
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
3.8/5
This card comes with the free checked bag benefit, which can save hundreds on a single trip for you and your family, more than making up for the annual fee of the card. In addition, the card helps you reach the next Aeroplan Status faster with spending on the card. However, if you don't have a specific use for these two benefits, there are many better cards in terms of benefits and rewards.
Pros
- Expedited status upgrades
- Free first checked bags
- Free extra hotel night
- Instant decision. No credit impact.
Cons
- Limited rewards
- Weaker insurance coverage
Rewards
- Earn 2X the points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada®* and Air Canada vacations®*
- Earn 1.5X the points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada
- Earn 1X the points on everything else
Insurance
Coverage
Flight Delay
$500 (Aggregated with Baggage Delay)Baggage Delay
$500 (Aggregated with Flight Delay)Hotel Burglary Insurance
$500Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$500,000Car Rental Damage & Theft
$85K, up to 48 daysPurchase Protection
90 days, $1,000 per occurrenceExtended Warranty
1 year
Benefits
Details
Free first checked bag
Enjoy your first checked bag free (up to 23kg/50lb) for up to 9 people travelling on the same reservation on Air Canada®* flightsStatus lift
Get 1,000 Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) for every $20,000 in eligible net purchases charged to your Card, up to 25,000 SQCFree Extra Night at Hotels
Receive an extra night free for every 3 hotel nights redeemed with Aeroplan pointsAmex Experiences™
From music and movies, to specially curated dining and online shopping opportunities, stay connected with all that we have to offer from the comfort of your own homeExtra points
Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
Our choice for: Another Affordable and Accessible Option for AirCanada flights
on CIBC's website
Welcome Bonus
Up to 50,000 Aeroplan® points
Annual Fee
$139 $0
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.99%□
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
3.3/5
The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card is great for Air Canada travelers who want to rack up Aeroplan points and enjoy perks like free checked bags and preferred pricing on flight redemptions. With solid reward rates in key spending categories like gas, groceries, and Air Canada purchases, this card offers decent returns. Additionally, the first-year annual fee waiver and comprehensive travel insurance make it a solid option for those looking for value without the upfront cost. However, its highest value is for people who frequently travel with Air Canada and make use of Aeroplan rewards, especially for flights.
Pros
- Generous welcome bonus
- High reward rates
- Air Canada perks
- Aeroplan flight preferred pricing
Cons
- Income requirements
- Limited redemption value
Rewards
- 1.5 Aeroplan® points per $1 spent on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries and with Air Canada directly, including through Air Canada Vacations®
- 1 Aeroplan® point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$500,000Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
15 daysTravel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)
3 daysFlight Delay
$500Baggage Delay
$500Trip Cancellation
$1,500Trip Interruption
$2,000Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500Hotel Burglary Insurance
$2,500Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to 1 yearCar Rental Damage & Theft
yesMobile Device Insurance
$1,000
Benefits
Details
Gas Discount
save up to 10¢/L on fuel at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stationsCar Rental Discount
Get up to 25% off auto rentals at participating Avis and Budget locations worldwide.Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
Exclusive offersStatus lift
Reach Aeroplan Elite Status sooner: Earn 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and 1 Status Qualifying Segment for every $10,000 in eligible purchases made on your cardFree first checked bag
Enjoy a free first checked bag for you, authorized users and up to 8 companions every time you fly with Air CanadaDiscount
Primary cardholders can often book flight rewards for even fewer pointsFree Extra Night at Hotels
Extra night free for every 3 hotel nights redeemed with Aeroplan points
Eligibility
Credit Score
Very GoodAnnual Income
$60,000 personal or $100,000 household
Our choice for: An Additional Premium Aeroplan Competitor for AirCanada flights
on CIBC's website
Welcome Bonus
Up to 100,000 Aeroplan® points
Annual Fee
$599
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.99%□
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
3.2/5
The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card is ideal for frequent Air Canada flyers who want to maximize their Aeroplan points and enjoy premium travel perks. With 2 points per $1 spent on Air Canada purchases and free checked baggage on every flight, this card offers significant value for those who travel often. Additionally, the extensive travel insurance and unlimited Maple Leaf lounge access make it a solid choice for high-income individuals looking for convenience and protection during their travels. However, the high annual fee and income requirements mean it's best suited for those who can take full advantage of its Air Canada-specific benefits.
Pros
- Solid optimization
- Air Canada perks
- Unlimited airport lounge access
- Comprehensive insurance
Cons
- High annual fee
- High income requirements
- Limited reward value
Rewards
- 2 Aeroplan® points per $1 spent on Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations if they are in the first $100k transactions of the year
- 1.5 Aeroplan® points per $1 spent on gas, groceries, travel and dining if they are in the first $100k transactions of the year
- 1.25 Aeroplan® point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$500,000Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
31 daysTravel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)
10 daysFlight Delay
$1,000Baggage Delay
$1,000Trip Cancellation
$2,500Trip Interruption
$5,000Lost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000Hotel Burglary Insurance
$2,500Purchase Protection
180 daysExtended Warranty
Up to 2 yearsCar Rental Damage & Theft
yesMobile Device Insurance
$1,500
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - Maple Leaf and AirCanada Cafes
Access select Maple Leaf Lounges™ and Air Canada Cafés™, plus get 6 complimentary lounge visits per year per cardholder through Visa Airport Companion ProgramGas Discount
save up to 10¢/L on fuel at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stationsCar Rental Discount
Get up to 25% off auto rentals at participating Avis and Budget locations worldwide.Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
Exclusive offersStatus lift
Reach Aeroplan Elite™ Status sooner by earning Status Qualifying Miles and Status Qualifying Segments with purchases made on your accountStatus lift
Complimentary upgrade to Avis® President's ClubCompanion Voucher
Receive an Annual Worldwide Companion Pass from $99 to a max of $599 (plus taxes, fees, charges and surcharges) when you spend $25,000 on your cardPriority Travel
Priority Check-in, Priority Boarding and Priority Baggage Handling for you, your authorized users and up to 8 companions on the same flightFree first checked bag
Enjoy a free first checked bag for you, authorized users and up to 8 companions every time you fly with Air Canada
Eligibility
Credit Score
Very GoodAnnual Income
$150,000 personal or $200,000 household
From our editors: The full list of the top 7 Free Checked Bag Credit Cards in Canada
1. Best Overall: TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
Let's start with a card that's considered one of the Best Aeroplan Credit Cards in Canada. The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card also ranks among the top free checked bag credit cards in Canada, offering one complimentary checked bag for the cardholder and up to eight travel companions on the same Air Canada flight. While its point-potential is moderate, it rewards spending on gas, EV charging, and Air Canada purchases, and offers bonus points through Aeroplan partners and the eStore.
This card stands out for its affordability and accessibility, with a waived first-year annual fee and lower income requirements than many premium cards, while still including robust travel coverage and valuable perks. Overall, it’s a practical choice for frequent Air Canada travellers who want solid benefits without the high costs of luxury cards. To learn more, read the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card Review.
2. Top Option for Porter Airlines: BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard
The BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard is a strong pick for Porter Airlines travellers, offering both a free checked and carry-on bag for the cardholder (primary or secondary) and up to eight companions on the same booking. It also delivers solid rewards on Porter purchases, as well as gas, groceries, dining, transportation, and hotels, plus comprehensive travel insurance.
Beyond the baggage perks, the card includes valuable extras like a DragonPass lounge membership, priority boarding and security for up to eight travellers, and an annual companion voucher after meeting spending thresholds. While it’s more affordable than some premium Aeroplan cards and benefits from Mastercard’s wider acceptance, its high income requirements make it best suited for frequent, higher-earning Porter flyers. Read more about this card via the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard Review.
3. The Premium Aeroplan Pick: American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card is the most premium Aeroplan-branded free checked bag credit card in Canada, offering one complimentary checked bag for both primary and supplementary cardholders, plus up to eight companions on Air Canada-operated flights. It also delivers strong rewards on Air Canada, Air Canada Vacations, dining, and food delivery purchases, alongside robust travel insurance.
This card caters to luxury travellers with elite perks like unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access. However, its high annual fee and limited Amex acceptance make it less practical for some. Overall, it’s ideal for frequent Air Canada flyers seeking premium travel experiences. Get the full details from the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card Review.
4. An Affordable Amex Aeroplan Alternative: American Express Aeroplan Card
The American Express Aeroplan Card offers a more affordable alternative to the premium Reserve version, while still including a free first checked bag for the primary and supplementary cardholders plus up to eight companions on Air Canada-operated flights. It earns solid Aeroplan points on Air Canada, Air Canada Vacations, dining, and food delivery purchases, and includes useful travel coverage.
Although it lacks some of the elite perks of the Reserve Card, like unlimited lounge access or premium insurance, it delivers excellent value for the price, making it ideal for travellers who want core Aeroplan benefits, free baggage, and lower annual fees without the luxury cost.Visit the American Express Aeroplan Card Review page for further details.
5. Another Affordable and Accessible Selection: CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card is a good alternative for travellers who want a free checked bag without the high annual costs or limited acceptance of American Express cards. It offers one complimentary checked bag for the cardholder, authorized users, and up to eight companions on Air Canada-operated flights, plus solid Aeroplan points on everyday purchases like gas, groceries, EV charging, and Air Canada bookings.
This card also includes comprehensive travel coverage, along with perks like gas and car rental discounts, Aeroplan Elite Status boosts, and a free extra hotel night for every three booked with Aeroplan points. Check out the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card Review for the full breakdown.
6. Another Premium Aeroplan Competitor: CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card is a top-tier option that grants a free first checked bag for the primary cardholder, authorized users, and up to eight companions on Air Canada-operated flights. It mirrors many of the perks of the Amex Aeroplan Reserve Card, including airport lounge access (though with limited complimentary visits).
While both cards carry the same high annual fee, CIBC’s version adds stronger insurance coverage. However, its steep income requirements and fewer luxury perks make it best for high-earning travellers who prefer Visa’s broader acceptance over Amex’s exclusivity. Take a look at our CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card Review for more details.
7. Best WestJet Contender: WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard is the most affordable free checked bag credit card on this list, giving the primary cardholder and up to eight companions one complimentary checked bag on WestJet flights. It also earns solid rewards on WestJet flights and vacation packages while offering valuable travel protections.
Beyond the baggage perk, cardholders enjoy extras such as a DragonPass lounge membership, an annual companion voucher (exchangeable for lounge visits), and access to Boingo Wi-Fi hotspots. Overall, it’s the best choice for frequent WestJet travellers who want solid benefits and savings without the high fees of premium travel cards. Read our WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard Review for the full report.
Which Airlines Offer Free Checked Bag Credit Cards in Canada?
When you get the free checked baggage benefit from a credit card, it's specific to your card's co-branded airline. This means you can't use this benefit on any other airline, so you are somewhat restricted in your airline options if you want to use this benefit every time. Currently, there are three airlines for which you can use this benefit: Air Canada, Porter Airlines, and WestJet.
See more details:
Several Aeroplan credit cards provide free checked bags when travelling with Air Canada.
The free checked bags benefit is identical between these cards. Whether you are a primary cardholder, an additional cardholder, or have a primary business card, you will be deemed eligible for this offer. Not only that, but you can also redeem this offer for up to 8 travel companions, as long as they're on the same reservation.
This benefit is valid when checking in with Air Canada for a flight operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge or under the Air Canada Express brand. The offer is also valid for all flight categories. Whether you have a basic (or standard), Flex (or comfort), or latitude ticket, you will be offered a free checked bag if you are travelling on an Air Canada flight booked with an Aeroplan credit card.
To decide which one of these cards to go for, you need to look at the specific details of those cards.
The rewards for TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite*, CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, and American Express® Aeroplan®* are very similar. If we were to rate one to be the best among three, we would pick the TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card because it has a few more unique benefits compared to the other two options (e.g. Nexus Program fee waiver), and compared to the American Express card, it’s accepted at more merchants.
Premium Aeroplan cards come with some luxury benefits like access to airport lounges, priority check-in, etc. It’s up to you whether you think the $599 price tag is worth those benefits, but the free checked bag benefit is identical to the more affordable cards; if we were to choose one of these premium cards, we would pick the American Express Aeroplan Reserve card.
If you're wondering which credit cards have free baggage on Air Canada, the Aeroplan cards on this list that include a free first checked bag are the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card, CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card, American Express Aeroplan Card, American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card and CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card. The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card offers the same free first checked bag on Air Canada flights. For American Express cardholders, the two Amex Aeroplan cards are the options on this list with the perk.
If you're looking for a business credit card with free checked bags, Aeroplan business cards like the TD Aeroplan Visa Business Card and the American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card also include a free first checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to 8 companions on Air Canada flights.
The BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard provides the free first checked bag benefit on all Porter Airline fare types.
These benefit is available for BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard primary and secondary cardholders, plus up to 8 travel companions on the same reservation. Within your eligible travel party, each passenger is allowed 1 piece of checked luggage that meets Porter's standard checked bag allowance, adhering to regulated size and weight restrictions.
If you're searching for a Porter credit card with a free checked bag, the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard is the one to look at, since the lower-fee BMO VIPorter Mastercard doesn't include the free checked bag benefit.
Similarly, for WestJet, there is only one credit card that offers the benefit of free first checked bags: The WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard.
To use this benefit you need to be the primary cardholder of a WestJet credit card. Up to 8 travel guests can also use this offer, provided that they are travelling with you on the same flight reserved with WestJet.
How Much Can You Save on Checked Bags with this Credit Card Benefit?
To give you a better idea of how much you can save on checked baggage with one of the cards listed above, we've broken down the cost of checked baggage on each participating airline:
To check a bag with Air Canada, you need to pay around $35 - $60 depending on your flight class, fare type, and the amount of bags you check. For international flights, this cost can climb up to $120 (Check here for the latest details).
Based on these prices, you can see how easily a single round trip for a couple can add up. With an eligible Aeroplan card, the cost is covered by the annual fee (at least for your first bag). If you travel multiple times a year or have a bigger family, this benefit could cover baggage fees several times over.
For those without VIPorter status, baggage fees are dependent on the type of airfare you purchase. To check how much you owe, you'll need to select the My Bookings tab on your account and tap the 'Add Baggage' link within the flight Options checklist. Follow the provided prompts to uncover your baggage fee according to your fare. (Get all the full details here).
The fee for a checked bag on WestJet flights depends on your destination and fare type, how many bags you check, plus whether you use prepay, self-serve check-in, or airport check-in.
When travelling in Canada or the U.S., these prices can range anywhere from $40 - $130. When travelling to places like Europe, these prices range anywhere from $40 - $189. (More details on specific fees here).
Are Credit Cards with the Free Checked Bag Benefit Worth it?
If you travel frequently with Air Canada, Porter Airlines or WestJet, applying for one of the best credit cards in Canada for free checked bags is a great idea. Even though you pay an annual fee, you get a lot more value from the other perks, coverage, and rewards included on each card, which often offsets the yearly cost.
Since these cards don’t have the highest rewards, you could get one solely for the purpose of the free first checked bag benefit and accompanying travel perks, and use other cards to accumulate rewards on everyday purchases like gas, groceries, and recurring transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
As mentioned in our list above, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card is often considered to be the best well-balanced option in terms of annual cost, perks, and coverage.
This card supplies primary and additional cardholders, plus 8 travel companions, with one free checked bag on Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, or Air Canada Express flights.
It also includes strong travel insurance, decent Aeroplan point-potential, enticing perks like a Nexus Program rebate, and the first year fee is currently waived.
Yes. There are a few catches to the free checked bag credit card perks. Keep in mind that:
- This benefit only works for the airline co-branded with your card
- The benefit is only applicable towards first checked bags, additional checked bags may be charged a fee
- You often have to book your co-branded airfare using your card equipped with the benefit, and include your loyalty program number when applicable
- The credit cards equipped with this perk tend to come with annual fees, to make the annual fee worthwhile, make sure you're using the card's perks to their full potential
- Premium contenders often have high annual income requirements, making them less accessible to average earners
Of course. There are a couple of options with relatively lower annual fees and income requirements, like the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card, and the American Express Aeroplan Card.
While both the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card and the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card offer first year fee rebates, the American Express Aeroplan Card avoids annual income requirements altogether.
Unfortunately, to use this benefit, you'll be limited to booking flights with the specific airline that is co-branded with your card. For example, your eligible Aeroplan card only applies this benefit to Air Canada flights. Likewise, your BMO VIPorter card only applies this perk to Porter Airlines bookings.
It means the fee for your first standard checked bag is waived. Additional checked bags may still be charged a fee, and each bag needs to meet the airline's standard size and weight restrictions.
With the credit cards on this list, the benefit only applies on the airline co-branded with your card: Air Canada for Aeroplan cards, Porter Airlines for the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard, and WestJet for the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard.
Get a card that includes the benefit for the airline you fly most, then book your co-branded airfare using that card and include your loyalty program number (such as your Aeroplan number) on the reservation. Travel companions need to be on the same reservation to share the benefit.
For Aeroplan cards, the benefit is valid when checking in with Air Canada for a flight operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge or Air Canada Express. If a bag fee still shows on your booking, check that your loyalty number is on the reservation and that the flight is operated by your card's co-branded airline.
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