Top 12 Lounge Credit Cards in Canada for October 2026

Published Aug 29, 2026 10:01 PM • 14 min read

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The best way to prepare for an upcoming flight is to be absolutely pampered. That’s where airport lounges come in. These lounges are tucked away in participating terminals, providing passengers with a peaceful escape prior to takeoff. Complete with exclusive amenities, dining experiences, and services.

  • Data-driven rankings of 120+ credit cards using a proprietary algorithm

  • Comprehensive analysis using 25+ data points including terms and conditions, points programs, and more

  • Objective editorial approach - we strive for unbiased reviews following our editorial guidelines

FinlyWealth's credit cards content, including rankings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of engineers and writers who specialize in credit cards, banking, and personal finance. Our work has been featured in The Globe and Mail, GoBankingRates, and AOL. Our proprietary analysis systems evaluate product features, terms, and conditions to deliver comprehensive reviews and comparisons while maintaining strict editorial standards for accuracy and integrity.

  • American Express Platinum Card®: Best Overall (Unlimited visits)
  • Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite +* Card: Best No-FX Fee Card (6 Dragon Pass visits)
  • American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card: Best Aeroplan Option (Unlimited Maple Lounge visits + Priority Pass)
  • Wealthsimple Visa Infinite Privilege*: Best Potential No Fee (6 Dragon Pass visits)
  • Tangerine® Money-Back World Mastercard®*: Best No annual fee (Dragon Pass only)
  • RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege: Best Privilege Contender (6 Dragon Pass visits)
  • TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card: Best Aeroplan Dual Lounge Access (6 Dragon Pass visits + Unlimited Maple Lounge visits)
  • American Express Gold Rewards Card®: Best Affordable Plaza Premium Access (4 Plaza Premium visits + Priority Pass)
  • Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card: Best Plaza Premium + Priority Pass Access
  • National Bank World Elite® Mastercard®: Best National Bank Lounge Access (Unlimited National Bank Lounge visits)
  • BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®*: Most Affordable (4 Dragon Pass visits)
  • CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card: Honourable Mention (6 Dragon Pass visits + Unlimited Maple Lounge visits)
  • An exclusive $140 cash rebate + earn up to 70,000 WestJet points¹
    Sponsored

    An exclusive $140 cash rebate + earn up to 70,000 WestJet points¹

    If you travel frequently with WestJet, this card is a no-brainer. $140 rebate to offset the first year's fee, 30,000 WestJet points upon your first purchase 30,000 WestJet points when you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months, plus, 10,000 WestJet points after your first year anniversary.

    on FinlyWealth

    This is a paid advertisement. FinlyWealth may be compensated when you apply for or are approved for this product, and paid placements like this can affect where and how prominently offers appear. This compensation does not influence our editorial ratings or recommendations.

    Best Lounge Access Credit Cards in Canada

    Our choice for: Best Overall (Unlimited visits)

    APPLY NOW

    Apply with Confidence — won't impact your credit score

    on American Express' website

    Welcome Bonus

    Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points

    Rewards Rate

    1x - 2x

    Points

    Annual Fee

    $799

    Interest Rates

    21.99% - 30%* / N/A*

    RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

    300
    Poor
    693
    Fair
    743⁎
    Good
    790⁎
    Very Good
    833⁎
    Excellent
    ⁎Estimates based on TransUnion scoring

    4.6/5

    If you're a frequent traveler, the Platinum card is an excellent choice. It's highly recommended for its extensive travel benefits, including unlimited lounge access for you and a guest at the American Express Lounge collection, making it the best card for lounge access in Canada. The card also offers unique perks not commonly found with other Canadian cards, such as status upgrades at Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton, dining and travel credits, concierge service, airport benefits, Nexus application reimbursement, and more. These benefits can more than offset the annual fee. However, if you don't travel often or are mainly looking for a card that maximizes rewards, this card may not be the best option for you.

    Awards & Recognition

    Best Lounge Access Credit Card

    Best Lounge Access Credit Card

    2026

    Pros


    • Most premium perks
    • Dining and travel credits
    • Unlimited airport lounge access
    • Multiple redemption options
    • Comprehensive coverage
    • Luxurious metal card
    • Instant decision. No credit impact.

    Cons


    • High annual fee
    • Limited acceptance
    • Benefit limitations

    Rewards

    • 2x points per $1 spent on eligible dining & food delivery purchases (restaurant, fast food, coffee shop, food delivery)
    • 2x points per $1 spent on eligible travel purchases (flights, hotels, tours and more)
    • 1x point per $1 spent for all other purchases

    Insurance

    Coverage

    • travel accident medical

      Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)

      15 days
    • cancel airplane

      Trip Cancellation

      $2,500
    • pause

      Trip Interruption

      $2,500
    • hourglass timer

      Flight Delay

      $1,000
    • hourglass timer

      Baggage Delay

      $1,000
    • burglar

      Hotel Burglary Insurance

      $1000
    • lost baggage

      Lost or Stolen Baggage

      $1,000
    • heart lock

      Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance

      $500,000
    • car insurance

      Car Rental Damage & Theft

      Yes
    • purchase protection

      Purchase Protection

      120 days
    • extended warranty

      Extended Warranty

      1 year

    Benefits

    Details

    • alcohol cheers

      Airport Lounge - American Express Global Lounge

      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. Terms and Conditions apply
    • travel

      Travel Credit

      $200
    • food location

      Dining Credit

      $200 at Select Restaurants
    • border guard

      Nexus Program Rebate

      $100 statement credit every 4 years
    • hotel

      Complimentary Hotel Benefits

      Enjoy complimentary benefits that offer an average value of $550 USD at over 1,600 extraordinary properties worldwide when you book Fine Hotels + Resorts
    • star fall

      Status lift

      Upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold Status
    • star fall

      Status lift

      Upgrade to Marriott BonvoyTM Gold Elite status
    • airport waiting room

      Priority Travel

      At Toronto Pearson Airport get Priority Security lane, Complimentary valet and 15% discount at the Express Park and daily park
    • concierge

      Concierge Services

    • gavel

      Trip and legal Assistance

    • Amex logo

      American Express® Experiences

    • reward cup

      Extra points

      Earn 2 points on Amex Travel Online purchases and extra points on American Express offers

    Eligibility

    • Credit Score

      Good
    • Annual Income

      N/A

    Our choice for: Best No-FX Fee Card (6 Dragon Pass visits)

    Welcome Bonus

    Earn up to $1,250 in value, including up to 35,000 bonus Scene+ points

    First Year Rewards

    $566.8

    Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards

    Annual Fee

    $150

    Interest Rates

    20.99% / 22.99%

    RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

    300
    Poor
    560
    Fair
    660⁎
    Good
    725⁎
    Very Good
    760⁎
    Excellent
    ⁎Estimates based on Equifax scoring

    4.8/5

    The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + is a strong choice for frequent travelers, especially those who value flexibility and premium perks. It stands out with its rare benefit of no foreign transaction fees, making international purchases more cost-effective. Additionally, the card offers a valuable blend of travel perks, including airport lounge access, comprehensive insurance coverage, and flexible rewards, making it an ideal companion for those who frequently travel abroad and want to avoid extra fees while enjoying premium benefits.

    Awards & Recognition

    Best Travel Credit Card

    Best Travel Credit Card

    2026

    Pros


    • High rewards
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Airport lounge access
    • Shell Fuel Savings
    • Comprehensive insurance
    • Generous intro offer

    Cons


    • High income requirements
    • High annual fee

    Rewards

    • Earn 3x Scene+™ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more†
    • Earn 2x Scene+™ points 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†
    • Earn additional benefits + up to 4x Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia†

    Insurance

    Coverage

    • travel accident medical

      Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)

      $2M/insured up to 25 days
    • travel accident medical

      Travel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)

      $2M/insured up to 3 days
    • cancel airplane

      Trip Cancellation

      $1,500/person, $10,000/trip
    • pause

      Trip Interruption

      $2,500/person, $10,000/trip
    • hourglass timer

      Flight Delay

      $500/person after 4 hours
    • lost baggage

      Lost or Stolen Baggage

      $1,000
    • hourglass timer

      Baggage Delay

      $1,000
    • heart lock

      Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance

      $500,000/insured, $1M combined
    • car insurance

      Car Rental Damage & Theft

      $65,000 up to 48 days
    • burglar

      Hotel Burglary Insurance

      $1,000
    • purchase protection

      Purchase Protection

      90 days
    • extended warranty

      Extended Warranty

      1 year

    Benefits

    Details

    • exchange money

      No Foreign Transaction Fees

      Avoid the usual 2.5% forex fees on your purchases when you travel outside of Canada
    • alcohol cheers

      Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass

      6 Free complimentary visits
    • gas station

      Gas Discount2

      Get up to 10¢/L in value on fuel purchases at Shell stations
    • star fall

      Status lift

      Avis® Preferred Plus membership
    • concierge

      Concierge Services

    • discount

      Discount**

      Yearly GigSky 1GB/15-Day plan, 20% off future purchases, and 10GB of global data for 15 days with Travel Essentials
    • exclusive

      Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits

    Eligibility

    • Credit Score

      Good
    • Annual Income

      $60,000 personal or $100,000 household

    Our choice for: Best Aeroplan Option (Unlimited Maple Lounge visits + Priority Pass)

    APPLY NOW

    Apply with Confidence — won't impact your credit score

    on American Express' website

    Welcome Bonus

    Earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points.

    Rewards Rate

    1.25x - 3x

    Points

    Annual Fee

    See Rates

    Interest Rates

    21.99%* / 21.99%*

    RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

    300
    Poor
    693
    Fair
    743⁎
    Good
    790⁎
    Very Good
    833⁎
    Excellent
    ⁎Estimates based on TransUnion scoring

    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 accident medical

      Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)

      15 days
    • cancel airplane

      Trip Cancellation

      $1,500/person, $3,000/trip
    • pause

      Trip Interruption

      $1,500/person, $6,000/trip
    • hourglass timer

      Flight Delay

      $1,000/person after 4 hours
    • hourglass timer

      Baggage Delay

      $1,000/person after 6 hours
    • lost baggage

      Lost or Stolen Baggage

      $1,000
    • heart lock

      Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance

      $500,000
    • car insurance

      Car Rental Damage & Theft

      48 days
    • burglar

      Hotel Burglary Insurance

      $1,000
    • purchase protection

      Purchase Protection

      90 days
    • extended warranty

      Extended Warranty

      1 year

    Benefits

    Details

    • luggage

      Free first checked bag

      First checked bag is free for primary cardholder on Air Canada branded flight and up to 8 guests
    • border guard

      Nexus Program Rebate

      $100 every 4 years
    • Amex logo

      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 more
    • reward cup

      Extra points

      Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and over 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore
    • star fall

      Status lift

      Complimentary upgrade to Avis® President's Club
    • star fall

      Status 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 travels
    • star fall

      Status 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.
    • airport waiting room

      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.
    • airport waiting room

      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)
    • alcohol cheers

      Airport Lounge - Priority Pass

      Pass only. No Complimentary visits!
    • alcohol cheers

      Airport Lounge - Maple Leaf and AirCanada Cafes

      Unlimited Access for you and one guest
    • airplane love

      Companion Voucher

      Annual Worldwide Companion Pass from $99 to a max of $599 After spending $25,000 on your card
    • bed furniture

      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

      Good
    • Annual Income

      N/A

    Our choice for: Best Potential No Fee (6 Dragon Pass visits)

    Wealthsimple

    Wealthsimple Premium client, or $4,000+/mo direct deposit?

    Either one waives the $240/yr card fee (Premium = $100k+ in assets)

    +$240

    Welcome Bonus

    Get 5% cash back for the first 30 days (1)

    First Year Rewards

    $300

    Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards

    Annual Fee

    See Rates

    Interest Rates

    20.99%* / 22.99%*

    RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

    300
    Poor
    560
    Fair
    660⁎
    Good
    725⁎
    Very Good
    760⁎
    Excellent
    ⁎Estimates based on Equifax scoring

    4.4/5

    The Wealthsimple Cash Back Visa Infinite Privilege offers a no-FX-fee spending solution with a conditional no-fee setup that earns 2% cash back on all purchases without any limits! It's currently the ONLY Visa Infinite Privilege card with an annual fee that can be completely waived. It also lets you grow your rewards—as you can deposit your cashback whenever you want in a high-interest chequing account. Its simplicity and flexibility make it ideal for many Canadians.

    Pros


    • Decent cashback
    • No premium client annual fee
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Solid insurance
    • Airport lounge access

    Cons


    • High annual fee
    • High income requirements

    Rewards

    • 2% cash back on all eligible purchases, no limits.

    Insurance

    Coverage

    • mobile device insurance

      Mobile Device Insurance

      $1,000
    • purchase protection

      Purchase Protection

      90 days
    • extended warranty

      Extended Warranty

      1 year
    • travel accident medical

      Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)*

      14 days up to $2M (under age 65)
    • cancel airplane

      Trip Cancellation*

      $1,500/person ($5,000 per trip)
    • pause

      Trip Interruption*

      $1,500/person ($5,000 per trip)
    • hourglass timer

      Baggage Delay*

      $1,000 ($1,250 combined with Lost or Stolen Baggage coverage)*
    • lost baggage

      Lost or Stolen Baggage*

      $1,000 ($1,250 combined with Baggage Delay coverage)
    • car insurance

      Car Rental Damage & Theft*

      31 days, $65K car MSRP

    Benefits

    Details

    • exchange money

      No Foreign Transaction Fees*

      Avoid FX fees when you travel abroad
    • exclusive

      Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits*

    • alcohol cheers

      Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass*

      6 complimentary visits

    Eligibility

    • Credit Score

      Good
    • Annual Income

      $150,000 personal or $200,000 household

    Our choice for: Best No annual fee (Dragon Pass only)

    Welcome Bonus

    Get $120 with a Tangerine® Money-Back World Mastercard®* and a limited time promo rate on balance transfers

    First Year Rewards

    $477.86

    Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards

    Annual Fee

    $0

    Interest Rates

    20.95%* / 22.95%*

    RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

    300
    Poor
    560
    Fair
    660⁎
    Good
    725⁎
    Very Good
    760⁎
    Excellent
    ⁎Estimates based on Equifax scoring

    4.6/5

    While we think Tangerine World Mastercard isn't the best single credit card to own, it's still a valuable card to have in your arsenal for maximizing your rewards. It offers one of the highest cashback rates for pharmacy and recurring bill payments, areas where your other credit cards might not provide significant rewards. For no annual fees

    Pros


    • Customizable cashback
    • No annual fee
    • Unique cashback categories available
    • High recurring transactions optimization
    • High pharmacy purchase optimization
    • Airport lounge membership

    Cons


    • Income requirements
    • Low base earn rate

    Rewards

    • 2% Money-Back Rewards on your choice of two categories from the 13 offered by Tangerine (Grocery, Restaurants, Gas, Entertainment, Furniture, Hotel-Motel, Drug Store, Reccurring Bill Payments, Home Improvement, Public Transportation and Parking and more). Change them up every 90 days to match spending habits.
    • Have your Money-Back Rewards deposited into a Tangerine Savings Account and get a third 2% Money-Back Category.
    • 0.5% cashback on all other eligible purchases.

    Insurance

    Coverage

    • purchase protection

      Purchase Protection

      90 days
    • extended warranty

      Extended Warranty

      1 year
    • mobile device insurance

      Mobile Device Insurance

      $1,000
    • car insurance

      Car Rental Damage & Theft

      31 days

    Benefits

    Details

    • alcohol cheers

      Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass

      Pass only. No Complimentary visits!
    • mobile phone wifi

      Wireless Credit

      FlexiRoam 1GB Global Data Roaming Plan and 15% off on purchase of Data Plans.
    • entertainment popcorn

      Mastercard On-Demand and Subscription Services

      Access 50+ live-stream sports channels and save $30 on your first three months of Fubo (excludes Quebec)

    Eligibility

    • Credit Score

      Good
    • Annual Income

      $50,000 personal or $80,000 household

    Our choice for: Best Privilege Contender (6 Dragon Pass visits)

    Welcome Bonus

    Get up to 100,000 Avion points(1)

    First Year Rewards

    $2,201

    Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards

    Annual Fee

    $399

    Interest Rates

    20.99% / 22.99%□

    RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

    300
    Poor
    560
    Fair
    660⁎
    Good
    725⁎
    Very Good
    760⁎
    Excellent
    ⁎Estimates based on Equifax scoring

    4.4/5

    The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege is an excellent choice for frequent travelers who want premium travel perks and high-value rewards. The welcome bonus, insurance coverage, and airport benefits offer significant value for those who qualify. However, the high annual fee and income requirements may limit its accessibility, and the reward rate outside of the travel chart is less competitive.

    Pros


    • High value travel points
    • Extensive Coverage
    • Airport perks
    • Flexible rewards
    • Airport lounge access

    Cons


    • Higher annual fee
    • High income requirements
    • Relatively lower rewards
    • Limited redemption options

    Rewards

    • 1.25x Avion points per $1 spent on all eligible purchases

    Insurance

    Coverage

    • purchase protection

      Purchase Protection12

      120 days
    • extended warranty

      Extended Warranty12

      Up to 2 years
    • mobile device insurance

      Mobile Device Insurance12

      $1,500
    • heart lock

      Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance12

      $500,000
    • travel accident medical

      Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)12

      31 days
    • travel accident medical

      Travel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)12

      7 days
    • pause

      Trip Interruption12

      $5,000
    • cancel airplane

      Trip Cancellation12

      $2,500
    • burglar

      Hotel Burglary Insurance12

      $3,000
    • hourglass timer

      Baggage Delay12

      $750
    • lost baggage

      Lost or Stolen Baggage12

      $2,500
    • hourglass timer

      Flight Delay12

      $1,000
    • car insurance

      Car Rental Damage & Theft12

      yes

    Benefits

    Details

    • alcohol cheers

      Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass

      6 complimentary airport lounge visits per year(2)
    • gas station

      Gas Discount

      save 3¢/L on fuel(8) and always earn 20% more Petro-Points(9) at Petro-Canada and 20% more Avion points(10)
    • reward cup

      Extra points

      50 Be Well™ points on every $1 spent on eligible purchases at Rexall(14)
    • concierge

      Concierge Services

      Connect to the Visa Infinite Privilege Concierge like having a personal assistant on call!
    • airport waiting room

      Priority Travel

      Enjoy global airport lounge access, airport security fast track lanes, and dedicated airport parking at select Canadian airports
    • exclusive

      Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits

      Dining series and Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection offers with benefits like late check out and upgrades
    • discount

      Discount

      Add your credit card to your DoorDash account and get a 12-month complimentary DashPass subscription(18)

    Eligibility

    • Credit Score

      Good
    • Annual Income

      $200,000 personal or $200,000 household

    Our choice for: Best Aeroplan Dual Lounge Access (6 Dragon Pass visits + Unlimited Maple Lounge visits)

    Welcome Bonus

    Up to $3,300 in value† including up to 100,000 Aeroplan points† could be yours. Conditions Apply.

    First Year Rewards

    $326.15

    Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards

    Annual Fee

    $599

    Interest Rates

    21.99% / 22.99%□

    RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

    300
    Poor
    560
    Fair
    660⁎
    Good
    725⁎
    Very Good
    760⁎
    Excellent
    ⁎Estimates based on Equifax scoring

    4.3/5

    If you travel a lot throughout the year with Air Canada, the benefits of this card can significantly enhance your experience. It can help you achieve the next status level with Aeroplan and provide a better airport experience, therefore it can be worth the price tag. However, if you don't frequently fly with Air Canada, the benefits may not justify the card's expensive price tag.

    Pros


    • Elite Air Canada experience
    • High insurance coverage
    • Luxury perks
    • Generous intro offer

    Cons


    • Low reward rates
    • Limited airline flexibility
    • High annual fee
    • Limiting airport lounge brand

    Rewards

    • 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 you charge to your Card on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, travel & transit 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 200+ online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore (www.aeroplan.com/estore).
    • Earn more at Starbucks: Link your eligible Card to earn 50% more Aeroplan points plus more Starbucks Stars. Redeem points for even more Stars. Conditions apply.   

    Insurance

    Coverage

    • travel accident medical

      Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)†

      31 days
    • travel accident medical

      Travel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)†

      4 days
    • cancel airplane

      Trip Cancellation†

      $2,500/person, $5,000/trip
    • pause

      Trip Interruption†

      $5,000/person, $25,000/trip
    • hourglass timer

      Flight Delay†

      $1,000/person after 4 hours
    • hourglass timer

      Baggage Delay†

      $1,000/person after 4 hours
    • lost baggage

      Lost or Stolen Baggage†

      $2,500/person
    • heart lock

      Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance†

      $500,000
    • car insurance

      Car Rental Damage & Theft†

      48 days
    • burglar

      Hotel Burglary Insurance†

      $2,500
    • purchase protection

      Purchase Protection†

      120 days
    • extended warranty

      Extended Warranty†

      2 years
    • mobile device insurance

      Mobile Device Insurance†

      $1,500

    Benefits

    Details

    • luggage

      Free first checked bag†

      First checked bag is free for primary cardholder on AirCanada flight and up to 8 guests
    • border guard

      Nexus Program Rebate†

      up to $100 every 4 years
    • exclusive

      Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits†

    • concierge

      Concierge Services†

    • golf clubs

      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
    • reward cup

      Extra points†

      Link your eligible Card to earn 50% more Aeroplan points plus more Starbucks Stars. Redeem points for even more Stars. Conditions apply.   
    • reward cup

      Extra points†

      Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and over 200 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore
    • star fall

      Status lift†

      Reach Aeroplan Elite™ Status sooner by earning 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and one (1) Status Qualifying Segment for every $5,000 of net purchases
    • car rental

      Car Rental Discount†

      10% off base rate of Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car
    • gavel

      Trip and legal Assistance†

    • reward cup

      Extra points†

      Earn 2 Aeroplan points for every $1 you spend on eligible purchases with Rocky Mountaineer, Plus, cardholders could receive a GoldLeaf Upgrade, and a hotel room upgrade
    • star fall

      Status lift†

      Complimentary upgrade to Avis® President's Club
    • star fall

      Status lift†

      Primary Cardholders who also hold Aeroplan Elite Status can roll over up to 200,000 Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) beyond the status level for which they’ve qualified, from the prior qualification year to qualify for status the next year.
    • star fall

      Status 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.
    • star fall

      Status lift†

      Diamond Status with Visa RSVP Rewards™ Benefit. Benefits at 60+ participating Sandman, Sandman Signature and Sutton Place Hotels from coast-to-coast in Canada and beyond.
    • airport waiting room

      Priority Travel†

      At Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and Montreal airports get benefits such as Priority Security lane, Complimentary valet, premium parking spots, priorioty taxi and limo lane and discount for parking.
    • airport waiting room

      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)
    • alcohol cheers

      Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass†

      6 Free complimentary visits
    • alcohol cheers

      Airport Lounge - Maple Leaf and AirCanada Cafes†

      Unlimited Access for you and one guest
    • airplane love

      Companion Voucher†

      Annual Worldwide Companion Pass from $99 to a max of $599 After spending $25,000 on your card

    Eligibility

    • Credit Score

      Good
    • Annual Income

      $150,000 personal or $200,000 household

    Our choice for: Best Affordable Plaza Premium Access (4 Plaza Premium visits + Priority Pass)

    APPLY NOW

    Apply with Confidence — won't impact your credit score

    on American Express' website

    Welcome Bonus

    Earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points

    First Year Rewards

    $1,426.71

    Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards

    Annual Fee

    $250

    Interest Rates

    21.99%* / 21.99%*

    RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

    300
    Poor
    693
    Fair
    743⁎
    Good
    790⁎
    Very Good
    833⁎
    Excellent
    ⁎Estimates based on TransUnion scoring

    4.3/5

    The American Express® Gold Rewards Card is an excellent choice for travelers seeking an entry-level card that offers a strong balance of generous travel benefits without excessive costs. With a relatively low annual fee, this card provides flexibility and a range of perks that make it stand out among other options. It’s ideal for those who want to maximize their travel rewards without being tied to a specific airline or compromising on the benefits offered.

    Pros


    • Flexible rewards
    • Travel perks
    • Comprehensive insurance
    • Multiple redemption options
    • Instant decision. No credit impact.

    Cons


    • High annual fee
    • Foreign transaction fees
    • Limited senior travel insurance
    • Limited acceptance

    Rewards

    • 2x points per $1 spent on gas, groceries and drugstore purchases
    • 2x points per $1 spent on travel (eligible flights, hotels, tours and more)
    • 1x point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases

    Insurance

    Coverage

    • travel accident medical

      Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)

      15 days
    • cancel airplane

      Trip Cancellation

      $1,500 per person, $3,000 combined
    • pause

      Trip Interruption

      $1,500 per person, $6,000 combined
    • hourglass timer

      Flight Delay

      $500
    • hourglass timer

      Baggage Delay

      $500
    • burglar

      Hotel Burglary Insurance

      $500
    • lost baggage

      Lost or Stolen Baggage

      $500
    • heart lock

      Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance

      $500,000
    • car insurance

      Car Rental Damage & Theft

      yes
    • purchase protection

      Purchase Protection

      90 days
    • extended warranty

      Extended Warranty

      Up to 1 year

    Benefits

    Details

    • travel

      Travel Credit

      $100
    • border guard

      Nexus Program Rebate

      $50 statement credit every 4 years
    • alcohol cheers

      Airport Lounge - Priority Pass

      Pass only. No Complimentary visits!
    • alcohol cheers

      Airport Lounge - Plaza Premium

      4 Free complimentary visits
    • hotel

      Complimentary Hotel Benefits

      Hotels booked American Express Travel
    • star fall

      Status lift

      Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® loyalty program
    • Amex logo

      American Express® Experiences

    • reward cup

      Extra points

      Earn 2 points on Amex Travel Online purchases and extra points on American Express offers

    Eligibility

    • Credit Score

      Good
    • Annual Income

      N/A

    Our choice for: Best Plaza Premium + Priority Pass Access

    Welcome Bonus

    Earn up to $3,000* in value in the first 14 months, including up to 100,0001 bonus Scene+ points.

    First Year Rewards

    $1,106

    Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards

    Annual Fee

    $399

    Interest Rates

    9.99% / 9.99%

    RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

    300
    Poor
    560
    Fair
    660⁎
    Good
    725⁎
    Very Good
    760⁎
    Excellent
    ⁎Estimates based on Equifax scoring

    3.8/5

    The Scotiabank Platinum American Express is the perfect choice for those seeking a super premium credit card without steep income requirements. With a high flat rate of rewards on all purchases, extensive insurance coverage, and flexible travel redemption options, it offers full-featured perks that cater to frequent travelers and savvy spenders alike.

    Pros


    • Low interest rates
    • Strong rewards
    • Airport lounge access
    • Comprehensive travel insurance
    • Shell Fuel Savings
    • Flexible travel rewards
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Instant decision. No credit impact.

    Cons


    • Higher annual fee
    • Limited premium perks

    Rewards

    • Earn 2x Scene+ points for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
    • Earn additional benefits + up to 4x Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
    • Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 2, 2026. Subject to change.

    Insurance

    Coverage

    • travel accident medical

      Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)

      $2M, Up to 31 days
    • travel accident medical

      Travel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)

      $2M, Up to 10 days
    • cancel airplane

      Trip Cancellation

      $2500/person, $10000/trip
    • lost baggage

      Lost or Stolen Baggage

      $500/person, $1000/trip
    • pause

      Trip Interruption

      $5000/person, $25000/trip
    • hourglass timer

      Baggage Delay

      $1000 After 4 hours
    • hourglass timer

      Flight Delay

      $1000/person
    • heart lock

      Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance

      $500K/person, $1M/occurrence
    • car insurance

      Car Rental Damage & Theft

      $65K up to 48 days
    • burglar

      Hotel Burglary Insurance

      $1000/occurrence
    • mobile device insurance

      Mobile Device Insurance

      $1000
    • purchase protection

      Purchase Protection

      120 days
    • extended warranty

      Extended Warranty

      Up to a year

    Benefits

    Details

    • exchange money

      No Foreign Transaction Fees

    • alcohol cheers

      Airport Lounge - Plaza Premium

      10 visits, 4 visits for secondary card (combined with the Priority pass)
    • alcohol cheers

      Airport Lounge - Priority Pass

      10 visits, 4 visits for secondary card (combined with the Plaza Premium)
    • gas station

      Gas Discount2

      Get up to 11¢/L in value on fuel purchases at Shell stations
    • Amex logo

      American Express® Experiences

    • concierge

      Concierge Services

    • discount

      Discount

      Discount on PriorityPass Membership
    • star fall

      Status lift

      Hertz #1 Club Gold Member
    • reward cup

      Extra points

      Extra 4 Scene+ points per Canadian dollar spent on hotel and car rental bookings made through Scene+ Travel using your Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card

    Eligibility

    • Credit Score

      Good
    • Annual Income

      $12,000 personal or $12,000 household

    Our choice for: Best National Bank Lounge Access (Unlimited National Bank Lounge visits)

    Welcome Bonus

    N/A

    First Year Rewards

    $573.76

    Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards

    Annual Fee

    $150

    Interest Rates

    20.99% / 22.49%

    RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

    300
    Poor
    560
    Fair
    660⁎
    Good
    725⁎
    Very Good
    760⁎
    Excellent
    ⁎Estimates based on Equifax scoring

    4.6/5

    The National Bank World Elite Mastercard is a strong choice for frequent travelers who value rewards and comprehensive insurance coverage. With a generous earn rate on everyday spending categories like groceries and restaurants, it offers substantial value, especially if you redeem points for travel. The $150 annual travel credit effectively offsets the card's $150 annual fee, making this card almost "fee-free" if fully utilized. Additionally, the card’s airport lounge access, superior purchase protection, and extended warranties make it a great companion for those who prioritize convenience and peace of mind during their travels.

    Pros


    • High earn rates
    • Annual travel credit
    • Comprehensive insurance
    • Unlimited airport lounge access

    Cons


    • High income requirements
    • Annual fee

    Rewards

    • Earn up to 5 points per dollar in eligible grocery and restaurant purchases*
    • 2 points per dollar in eligible gas and electric vehicle charging purchases, recurring bill payments and À la carteTM travel purchases*
    • 1 point per 1 dollar in other purchases

    Insurance

    Coverage

    • purchase protection

      Purchase Protection*

      180 days
    • extended warranty

      Extended Warranty*

      Up to 2 years
    • travel accident medical

      Travel Medical Insurance (54 & under)

      60 days
    • travel accident medical

      Travel Medical Insurance (55 to 64)

      31 days
    • travel accident medical

      Travel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)

      15 days
    • pause

      Trip Interruption

      $5,000
    • cancel airplane

      Trip Cancellation

      $2,500
    • hourglass timer

      Baggage Delay

      $500
    • hourglass timer

      Flight Delay

      $500
    • lost baggage

      Lost or Stolen Baggage

      $1,000
    • car insurance

      Car Rental Damage & Theft

      yes
    • mobile device insurance

      Mobile Device Insurance

      $1,000

    Benefits

    Details

    • alcohol cheers

      Airport Lounge - National Bank

      Unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at Montréal-Trudeau Airport
    • travel

      Travel Credit

      $150 refund per year on travel expenses (seat selection, airport parking, baggage fees, airline ticket upgrades and lounges)

    Eligibility

    • Credit Score

      Good
    • Annual Income

      $80,000 personal or $150,000 household

    Our choice for: Most Affordable (4 Dragon Pass visits)

    Welcome Bonus

    Get up to $1,900 in value including up to 115,000 points. Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on Balance transfers for 12 months.*

    First Year Rewards

    $1,197.63

    Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards

    Annual Fee

    $150 $0

    Interest Rates

    21.99% / 23.99%□

    RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

    300
    Poor
    560
    Fair
    660⁎
    Good
    725⁎
    Very Good
    760⁎
    Excellent
    ⁎Estimates based on Equifax scoring

    3.5/5

    The BMO Ascend™ World Elite® Mastercard® is perfect for frequent travelers who want a premium card offering high earning rates on travel, dining, and entertainment, plus valuable travel perks like lounge access and comprehensive insurance coverage. If you travel often and can meet the income requirement, this card offers flexibility and peace of mind with both rewards and protection while you're on the go.

    Pros


    • Generous rewards
    • Lounge access
    • Comprehensive insurance
    • first-year fee rebate

    Cons


    • Low point value
    • High income requirements
    • Limited lounge availability

    Rewards

    • 5x points per $1 spent on eligible travel purchases (up to $15,000 spent)*
    • 3x points per $1 spent on eligible dining, recurring bill payment and entertainment purchases (up to $10,000 spent per category)*
    • 1x point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases*

    Insurance

    Coverage

    • purchase protection

      Purchase Protection

      90 days
    • extended warranty

      Extended Warranty

      Double up to 1 year
    • travel accident medical

      Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)

      $5M up to 21 days
    • heart lock

      Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance

      $500,000/person
    • pause

      Trip Interruption

      $2K/person, $10K/trip
    • cancel airplane

      Trip Cancellation

      $1,500/person, $5K/trip
    • hourglass timer

      Flight Delay

      $500 after 4 hours
    • hourglass timer

      Baggage Delay

      $500/person, $1K/trip
    • lost baggage

      Lost or Stolen Baggage

      $500/person, $1K/trip
    • burglar

      Hotel Burglary Insurance

      $1,000
    • car insurance

      Car Rental Damage & Theft

      $65,000 up to 48 days

    Benefits

    Details

    • alcohol cheers

      Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass

      4 complimentary visits
    • discount

      Discount

      Up to 7% discount on Booking.com prepaid hotel or property rental bookings
    • discount

      Discount

      20% off admission to Cirque du Soleil shows touring Canada, and 15% off resident shows in Las Vegas
    • car rental

      Car Rental Discount

      20% off base rate of participating National Car Rental and Alamo Rent a Car and up to 5% on Enterprise Rent-A-Car
    • discount

      Discount

      FlexiRoam: Stay connected around the world without a SIM card and get up to 15% off a Global Data Roaming plan plus up to 3GB of data, free.
    • discount

      Discount

      Enjoy six months of Instacart+ and a $10 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*

    Eligibility

    • Credit Score

      Good
    • Annual Income

      $80,000 personal or $150,000 household

    Our choice for: Honourable Mention (6 Dragon Pass visits + Unlimited Maple Lounge visits)

    Welcome Bonus

    Up to 100,000 Aeroplan® points

    First Year Rewards

    $957.71

    Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards

    Annual Fee

    $599

    Interest Rates

    20.99% / 22.99%□

    RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

    300
    Poor
    560
    Fair
    660
    Good
    725⁎
    Very Good
    760⁎
    Excellent
    ⁎Estimates based on Equifax scoring

    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

    • heart lock

      Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance

      $500,000
    • travel accident medical

      Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)

      31 days
    • travel accident medical

      Travel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)

      10 days
    • hourglass timer

      Flight Delay

      $1,000
    • hourglass timer

      Baggage Delay

      $1,000
    • cancel airplane

      Trip Cancellation

      $2,500
    • pause

      Trip Interruption

      $5,000
    • lost baggage

      Lost or Stolen Baggage

      $1,000
    • burglar

      Hotel Burglary Insurance

      $2,500
    • purchase protection

      Purchase Protection

      180 days
    • extended warranty

      Extended Warranty

      Up to 2 years
    • car insurance

      Car Rental Damage & Theft

      yes
    • mobile device insurance

      Mobile Device Insurance

      $1,500

    Benefits

    Details

    • alcohol cheers

      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 Program
    • gas station

      Gas Discount

      save up to 10¢/L on fuel at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations
    • car rental

      Car Rental Discount

      Get up to 25% off auto rentals at participating Avis and Budget locations worldwide.
    • exclusive

      Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits

      Exclusive offers
    • star fall

      Status lift

      Reach Aeroplan Elite™ Status sooner by earning Status Qualifying Miles and Status Qualifying Segments with purchases made on your account
    • star fall

      Status lift

      Complimentary upgrade to Avis® President's Club
    • airplane love

      Companion 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 card
    • airport waiting room

      Priority Travel

      Priority Check-in, Priority Boarding and Priority Baggage Handling for you, your authorized users and up to 8 companions on the same flight
    • luggage

      Free 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 Good
    • Annual Income

      $150,000 personal or $200,000 household

    From our Editors: The Full List of The Best Lounge Credit Cards in Canada


    Best Overall: American Express Platinum Card


    There’s one card that’s particularly popular for its perks, specifically its lounge access. The American Express Platinum Card is your platinum-plated ticket to The American Express Global Lounge Collection; a network of over 1,400 partner airport lounges, at over 500 airports, in approximately 140 countries. The best part? You can visit these lounges as many times as you’d like, without paying an entry fee. Plus, oftentimes, you can bring a travel companion. It's benefits like these and the plenty of others that make this card one of the best perks credit cards in Canada and one of the best credit cards in Canada overall.


    While other cards offer unlimited access to certain airport lounges, none of them feature unlimited access to a network with quite as many options. As expected, however, this premium contender comes with the highest annual fee. Learn more in our Amex Platinum Card Review.


    Best No-FX Fee Card: Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card


    This next contender is credited as one of the top credit cards in Canada with no foreign transaction fees. On top of no foreign transaction fees, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card boasts a handful of complimentary Dragon Pass airport lounge visits. Complimentary visits apply to any of the cardholder’s guests, as long as the primary cardholder is present. These two top-tier perks are accompanied by strong travel coverage and solid Scene+ points on common categories that can later be redeemed at a high value towards trip expenses.


    All of these features combined are what makes the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card one of the best travel credit cards in Canada. To qualify, however, you'll need to meet some annual income requirements and you'll have to pay an annual fee. For the full details, check out our Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card Review.


    Best Aeroplan Option: Aeroplan Reserve Card


    Prefer to travel with Air Canada? The Aeroplan Reserve Card is one of the best Aeroplan credit cards in Canada, offering unlimited access for you and one guest to Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafes. The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card also provides cardholders with a Priority Pass, but this perk excludes any complimentary visits. You’ll also find benefits like priority travel advantages, status lifts, a companion voucher, and free first checked bags packed into this card. The insurance coverage is extensive and the Aeroplan points per dollar spent on Air Canada purchases and dining makes the card perfect for travellers and foodies alike.


    Sure, the annual fee is high, but you're paying for premium Aeroplan perks and points. Find out more in our Aeroplan Reserve Card Review.


    Best Potential No Fee: Wealthsimple Visa Infinite Privilege Card


    There's another potential no-fee lounge contender worth considering: the Wealthsimple Visa Infinite Privilege Card, one of the best Wealthsimple credit cards in Canada. This card offers a solid flat-rate of cashback on all eligible purchases, comprehensive coverage, and benefits like no foreign transaction fees and Dragon Pass airport lounge access. The real pull, however, is that premium clients who keep $100,000+ with Wealthsimple waive the card's hefty annual fee (paid out monthly), allowing qualifying customers to pocket exclusive perks at no cost. That said, applicants must meet high annual income requirements to qualify. Learn more in our Wealthsimple Visa Infinite Privilege Card Review.


    Best No Annual Fee: Tangerine Money-Back World Mastercard


    While the Tangerine Money-Back World Mastercard isn’t traditionally known as a lounge credit card, it still earns an honourable place on this list for travellers who want excellent everyday rewards, no annual fee, and basic travel perks, without committing to a premium card.


    This card does not include complimentary airport lounge entries, but eligible cardholders do receive access to Mastercard Travel Pass Provided by DragonPass, which allows pay-per-use entry into participating airport lounges worldwide. This makes it one of the most accessible—and budget-friendly—ways for Canadians to step into the lounge ecosystem without paying high fees. Learn more in our Tangerine Money-Back World Mastercard Review


    Best Privilege Contender: RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card


    The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card comes with a Visa Airport Companion membership, plus some complimentary Dragon Pass airport lounge visits per year. Complimentary visits can be used for the cardholder alone or any accompanying guests. The card also includes perks like priority travel advantages, a flat-rate of Avion points on all eligible purchases, and comprehensive coverage. To qualify, you'll need to meet some extremely high annual income requirements and front an expensive annual fee. See more in out RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card Review.


    Best Aeroplan Dual Lounge Access + Perks Card: TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card


    For those who want unlimited Maple Leaf lounge access, several complimentary visits to Dragon Pass lounges per year, and tons of other travel perks like priority travel benefits, free first checked bags, and plenty of status lifts, apply for the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card. This contender also provides extensive travel insurance, including travel medical insurance for those over 65. Cardholders can also collect decent Aeroplan points on Air Canada, gas, groceries, dining and more, plus double the points on partner purchases. For more information, read our TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card Review.


    Best Affordable Plaza Premium Access: American Express Gold Rewards Card


    If Plaza Premium and Priority Pass lounges are more your style, consider the American Express Gold Rewards Card. This card grants you a Priority Pass membership, plus some complimentary visits to Plaza Premium lounges. These visits can be applied towards both the cardmember and any accompanying travel companions. Travellers also receive a travel credit, complimentary hotel benefits on accommodations booked through American Express Travel, and a Nexus Program rebate. Alongside strong coverage, this card earns you decent Amex Membership points per dollar spend on gas, grocery, drugstore, and travel purchases.


    Thankfully, you don't need to meet any annual income requirements to qualify, and the annual fee is much lower compared to competitors. Discover more in our American Express Gold Rewards Card Review.


    Best Plaza Premium + Priority Pass Access: Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card


    If you're willing to pay a little more in annual fees in exchange for more access to both Plaza Premium and Priority Pass lounges, trade gold for platinum. The Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card offers primary cardholders several complimentary visits at both lounge networks, while supplementary cardholders receive fewer cost-free entries. This access is provided alongside no foreign transactions fees, extensive insurance coverage, and commendable Scene+ points per dollar spent on all eligible purchases, plus more when you book travel through Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia. Read more in our Scotiabank Platinum American Express Review.


    Best National Bank Lounge Access: National Bank World Elite Mastercard


    Is your go-to airport Montreal-Trudeau? If so, apply for the National Bank World Elite Mastercard. This card grants cardholders, one guest, and two accompanying children unlimited complimentary access to the National Bank Lounge, located exclusively inside Montreal-Trudeau Airport. This lounge access accompanies an annual travel credit, solid insurance coverage, and impressive National Bank Rewards points per dollar spent on groceries, dining, gas, recurring bills, and travel booked through À La Carte Rewards. While the annual income requirements are high, the annual fee is relatively low. Learn more in our National Bank World Elite Mastercard Review.


    Most Affordable: BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard


    For the most affordable lounge access credit card on this list, try the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard. This is the only lounge access card with a relatively low annual fee that's also waived for the first year of membership. At such a low price point, the card gives you a few complimentary Dragon Pass airport lounge visits per year. The free visits can be used by the cardholder and any accompanying travel companions. Other benefits include a variety of discounts on rental cars, data roaming plans, and Cirque du Soleil performances. Using this card, spenders collect BMO Rewards points on travel, dining, recurring bill payment, and entertainment purchases. For the full breakdown, check out our BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard Review.


    Honourable Mention: CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card


    While the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card isn't the best Aeroplan lounge access credit card on this list, it's still worth mentioning. This contender provides travellers with a handful of free access to Maple Leaf lounges, plus travel perks like free first checked bags, a companion voucher, and gas discounts. The card also includes some notable coverage, like extensive travel medical insurance for those over 65, earning it a spot in our Top Canadian Credit Cards for Seniors and Travel Insurance article. Both the annual fee and the annual income requirements on this card are quite steep, so it might not be for everyone. Read more in our CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card Review.


    Best Airport Lounge Collection


    In this blog post, we've listed the best lounge access credit cards, but many cards cater to different airport lounge collections. It's a good idea for you to familiarize yourself with each lounge collection before sending in an application. This way, you'll be able to decipher which collection is best for you and your travel habits, narrowing down your card selection even further.


    National Bank Lounge


    The National Bank Lounge is perhaps the most exclusive airport lounge on this list, which can be good or bad, depending on where you tend to fly out from. In fact, there's only one National Bank Lounge located inside the Montreal-Trudeau Airport, near Gate 53.


    National Bank World Elite Cardholders, a guest, and two accompanying children can access the National Bank Lounge for free. Any additional travellers will be subject to a discounted entry fee.


    Lounge services include:


    • A quiet space to work or relax before take off
    • Food and beverages
    • Wi-Fi
    • Newspapers and magazines

    Ultimately, National Bank Lounge access is ideal for those who fly out exclusively from Montreal-Trudeau Airport.


    Maple Leaf Lounges


    Brought to you by Air Canada, Maple Leaf lounges are designed to help passengers relax and recharge before their flights. Each affiliated lounge is situated within 17 airports across Canada, the United States, and Europe.


    This tight-knit collection of lounges includes amenities like:


    • Complimentary snacks and beverages
    • Showers
    • Wi-Fi
    • Business centres
    • Cell phone-free quiet zones
    • News and entertainment

    Keep in mind that amenities may differ depending on the lounge location.


    Here’s where you can find a Maple Leaf lounge to suit your itinerary: 


    • Calgary International Airport
    • Edmonton International Airport
    • Halifax Robert L. Stanfield International Airport
    • Los Angeles International Airport
    • Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau International Airport (Montreal)
    • LaGuardia Airport (New York)
    • Newark Liberty International Airport (New York)
    • Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport
    • Regina International Airport
    • San Francisco International Airport
    • Saskatoon Airport
    • St. John’s International Airport
    • Lester B. Pearson International Airport (Toronto)
    • Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (for Aspire Air Canada Cafe)
    • Vancouver International Airport
    • Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport

    Since each Maple Leaf lounge access card on this list only grants cardmembers access to select lounges in Canada and the US, this type of lounge access might be best for domestic and trans-border travellers (those travelling on US-to-Canada or Canada-to-US flights). 


    Dragon Pass Lounges


    The Dragon Pass provides access to over 1,300 airport lounges across the globe, particularly concentrated in Asia. Canadian travellers can enjoy Dragon Pass services at airports in Montreal (YUL), Toronto (YYZ), Calgary (YYC), Quebec (YQB), Edmonton (YEG), Winnipeg (YWG), and Vancouver (YVR), with some airports hosting multiple Dragon Pass lounges.


    Dragon Pass lounges include services like:


    • Refreshments
    • Entertainment
    • Complimentary Wi-Fi
    • Showers
    • Flight Status Updates

    It’s important to note, however, that services may differ between lounges.


    Many Dragon Pass affiliated credit cards come with a complimentary pass that includes some free visits. After the complimentary visits have been redeemed, travellers and any accompanying guests need to pay an entry fee per visit.


    For the budget-conscious, there are also some no-fee credit cards that include a free Dragon Pass membership without any complimentary visits.


    So, Dragon Pass lounges might be the ideal choice for Canadian travellers who want a bit of a broader airport lounge network (especially for those travelling to Asia), and travellers who want airport lounge perks but who are on a bit of a budget.


    Priority Pass Lounges


    Linked to plenty of premium credit cards, Priority Pass offers eligible cardholders access to over 1,700 airport lounges and experiences. Compared to the Dragon Pass, these lounges are more focused in North America.


    Cardholders can unlock access to the following Canadian airports using Priority Pass:


    • Edmonton International: Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic-International Terminal and US Transborder Terminal)
    • Montreal Pierre E. Trudeau International: Air France Lounge operated by Plaza Premium Group, National Bank Lounge
    • Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International: Aspire Salon Lounge
    • Quebec Jean Lesage International: V.I.P Lounge Par Club Med
    • Toronto Billy Bishop City: Aspire Lounge
    • Toronto Lester B. Pearson International: Plaza Premium Lounge (US Transborder, Terminal 1), Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures, Terminal 1), Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic Departures, Terminal 1), plus 2 Be Relax Spas (Terminal 1)
    • Vancouver International: 2 Plaza Premium Lounges (Domestic Departures, Domestic Terminal), Sky Team Lounge (International Departures, International Terminal), Plaza Premium Lounges (US Departures, International Terminal, Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures, International Terminal)
    • Winnipeg J.A. Richardson International: Plaza Premium Lounge
    • YYC Calgary International: Elevation Lounge (Concourse B), Aspire Lounge International Departures (Concourse D), Aspire Lounge Transborder Departures Concourse E

    Depending on which Priority Pass lounge you visit, you can find the following amenities:


    • Refreshments and Dining: some lounges provide complimentary snacks and drinks, plus exclusive restaurant availability.
    • Free Wi-Fi: keep yourself connected with your colleagues, friends, and family. 
    • Workspaces: stay focused by booking a desk, meeting room, or private office in over 80 countries.
    • Spa Treatments: including Oxygen Aromatherapy, massages, manicures, and facials through Be Relax Spas packages.
    • Gaming Experiences: select lounges provide access to Game Space, an area where gamers of all ages can play leading game titles and try out purpose-built gaming stations.
    • Sleeping Areas: certain locations provide sleep pods so you can be well-rested before takeoff.
    • Premium Service and Support: offered by the Membership Services team, access support from multilingual advisors.

    Ultimately, if you’re an eligible premium cardholder who wants a widespread selection of global lounges (particularly in North America) with top-tier services, Priority Pass lounge access might actually be a priority. 


    Plaza Premium Lounges


    You’ll see Plaza Premium lounge access sometimes included as a package deal on certain lounge access networks like the Dragon Pass, Priority Pass, or even the American Express Global Lounge Collection. 


    On its own, Plaza Premium provides airport lounges to over 250+ locations, 80+ International Airports, and 30+ countries and regions.


    Plaza Premium lounges are scattered across the following destinations:


    • Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan regions
    • The Americas (including the US, Canada, Mexico, and more)
    • Europe
    • Asia Pacific
    • India/Middle East/Africa

    Canadian travellers in particular will find lounges at the following airports in Canada:


    • Edmonton (YEG)
    • Montreal (YUL)
    • Toronto (YYZ)
    • Vancouver (YVR)
    • Winnipeg (YWG)

    Depending on which lounge you visit, you can take advantage of amenities like:


    • Bar access
    • Showers
    • Dining experiences
    • Lounge seating
    • Entertainment
    • Wi-Fi
    • Charging stations

    Besides the Maple Leaf lounge network, you may be able to find Plaza Premium lounges affiliated with other lounge access packages mentioned in this post. Look for these high-quality independent lounges in your lounge access network or opt into these lounges alone as a loyal member with cards like the American Express Gold Rewards Card. 


    The American Express Global Lounge Collection


    This collection provides top-quality lounge access to Amex Platinum Cardmembers at more than 1,400 airport lounges across over 140 countries. It encapsulates other lounge networks on this list, like Plaza Premium and Priority Pass, offering more airport lounge options than any other competitor on the market.


    You can expect the following airport lounges to be included on your participating card:


    • The Centurion Lounge
    • Plaza Premium Lounges
    • Delta Sky Club
    • Airspace Lounges
    • Escape Lounges
    • Escape Lounges - The Centurion Studio Partner
    • Priority Pass 
    • Executive Lounges by Swissport (available to Canadian Platinum Cardmembers)

    These lounges will vary in terms of amenities, but oftentimes, they include:


    • Snacks and beverages
    • Specialty bars
    • Dining experiences
    • Wi-Fi
    • Entertainment
    • Personalized customer support
    • Work spaces
    • Comfortable seating areas

    If you’re a frequent traveller who wants top-of-the-line airport lounge access, then you must consider an American Express Global Lounge Collection credit card.


    Frequently Asked Questions

    As you’ll be able to conclude from this blog post, the American Express Platinum Cards offer you access to the most airport lounges through The American Express Global Lounge Collection.

    If you’re a frequent traveller – whether that be because you’re particularly adventurous or committed to international business – airport lounge access credit cards can be worth it to make your constant travels more comfortable. This perk is especially worthwhile if the premium card you’re already opting into on account of its rewards program, coverage, or other benefits already includes lounge access. To make the most of these cards and to fully offset any expensive annual fees, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of any included airport lounge access.

    Unfortunately, there are currently no lounge access credit cards in Canada without an annual fee. Since lounge access is considered to be a premium perk, it often comes with a price tag (which can be pretty high in most cases). There are, however, some credit cards in this post with annual fees that are at least waived in the first year, like the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard.


    There are also a couple of no-fee cards with airport lounge passes but no complimentary lounge access, like the Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard and the Tangerine Money-Back World Mastercard. With these two cards, you’ll still have to pay for each visit.

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