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Published Jan 18, 2026 1:23 PM • 8 min read
This blog post is all about perks and the best credit cards that offer them. While many of these contenders come with high annual fees, we’ve also included some credit cards with benefits lists that are less extensive and expensive, yet still notable for their unique contributions.
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.
Our choice for: Best Overall
on American Express' website
Welcome Bonus
Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points
Annual Fee
$799
Interest Rates
21.99% - 30%* / N/A*
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
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
2026
Pros
Cons
Rewards
Insurance
Coverage
Travel Medical Insurance
Trip Cancellation
Trip Interruption
Flight Delay
Baggage Delay
Hotel Burglary Insurance
Lost or Stolen Baggage
Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
Car Rental Damage & Theft
Purchase Protection
Extended Warranty
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - American Express Global Lounge
Travel Credit
Dining Credit
Nexus Program Rebate
Complimentary Hotel Benefits
Status lift
Status lift
Priority Travel
Concierge Services
Trip and legal Assistance
American Express® Experiences
Extra points
Eligibility
Credit Score
Annual Income
Our choice for: Best Extensive Aeroplan
on TD's website
Welcome Bonus
Up to $3,000 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points† could be yours. Conditions Apply.
Annual Fee
$599
Interest Rates
21.99% / 22.99%□
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
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
Cons
Rewards
Insurance
Coverage
Travel Medical Insurance†
Travel Medical Insurance (65+)†
Trip Cancellation†
Trip Interruption†
Flight Delay†
Baggage Delay†
Lost or Stolen Baggage†
Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance†
Car Rental Damage & Theft†
Hotel Burglary Insurance†
Purchase Protection†
Extended Warranty†
Mobile Device Insurance†
Benefits
Details
Free first checked bag†
Nexus Program Rebate†
Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits†
Concierge Services†
Golf Benefit†
Extra points†
Extra points†
Status lift†
Car Rental Discount†
Trip and legal Assistance†
Extra points†
Status lift†
Status lift†
Status lift†
Status lift†
Priority Travel†
Priority Travel†
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass†
Airport Lounge - Maple Leaf and AirCanada Cafes†
Companion Voucher†
Eligibility
Credit Score
Annual Income
Our choice for: Best Accessible Aeroplan
on American Express' website
Welcome Bonus
Earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan® points
Annual Fee
$599
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 I 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
Cons
Rewards
Insurance
Coverage
Travel Medical Insurance
Trip Cancellation
Trip Interruption
Flight Delay
Baggage Delay
Lost or Stolen Baggage
Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
Car Rental Damage & Theft
Hotel Burglary Insurance
Purchase Protection
Extended Warranty
Benefits
Details
Free first checked bag
Nexus Program Rebate
Amex Experiences™
Extra points
Status lift
Status lift
Status lift
Priority Travel
Priority Travel
Airport Lounge - Priority Pass
Airport Lounge - Maple Leaf and AirCanada Cafes
Companion Voucher
Free Extra Night at Hotels
Eligibility
Credit Score
Annual Income
Our choice for: Best 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
Cons
Rewards
Insurance
Coverage
Extended Warranty
Purchase Protection
Travel Medical Insurance
Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
Trip Cancellation
Trip Interruption
Flight Delay
Baggage Delay
Lost or Stolen Baggage
Hotel Burglary Insurance
Car Rental Damage & Theft
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
Free first checked bag
Companion Voucher
Priority Travel
Car Rental Discount
Hotel Booking Discount
Mastercard On-Demand and Subscription Services
Discount
Eligibility
Credit Score
Annual Income
Our choice for: Best Anniversary Lifestyle Credit
on BMO's website
Welcome Bonus
Get up to $2,300 in value including up to 200,000 points. Plus, get 0%s introductory interest rate on Balance transfers for 12 months.
Annual Fee
$599
Interest Rates
21.99% / 23.99%□
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
3/5
The BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card is ideal for those who want to maximize rewards on essential categories like travel, dining, groceries, and gas, while enjoying premium benefits. With a generous welcome bonus, lifestyle credit, and comprehensive insurance, this card is designed for frequent travelers who are willing to pay for luxury perks like lounge access and exclusive Visa Infinite privileges. The 25% rewards boost for authorized users adds further value for families or couples who want to rack up points faster.
Pros
Cons
Rewards
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
Extended Warranty
Travel Medical Insurance
Travel Medical Insurance (65+)
Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
Trip Interruption
Trip Cancellation
Flight Delay
Baggage Delay
Lost or Stolen Baggage
Hotel Burglary Insurance
Car Rental Damage & Theft
Mobile Device Insurance
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
Anniversary Credit
Extra points
Concierge Services
Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
Golf Benefit
Priority Travel
Discount
Eligibility
Credit Score
Annual Income
Our choice for: Best Price Protection
on MBNA's website
Welcome Bonus
Up to 30,000 points ($245 in cash back value or $300 when redeemed for MBNA Travel)††
Annual Fee
$120
Interest Rates
21.99% / 22.99%
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
5/5
The MBNA Rewards World Elite® Mastercard® is one of the best reward credit cards in Canada, offering high rewards on frequently spent categories such as groceries and restaurant purchases. The annual birthday bonus, unique to this card, also provides a significant boost to your yearly earnings. Additionally, the card features a comprehensive list of benefits, including price protection—a rare and valuable perk not found with many other cards in Canada. These factors make this card one of the best to have in Canada.
Awards & Recognition

Best Rewards Credit Card
2026
Pros
Cons
Rewards
Insurance
Coverage
Mobile Device Insurance
Purchase Protection
Extended Warranty
Car Rental Damage & Theft
Flight Delay
Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
Travel Medical Insurance
Lost or Stolen Baggage
Baggage Delay
Benefits
Details
Annual Birthday Bonus
Car Rental Discount
Trip and legal Assistance
Concierge Services
Price Protection
Eligibility
Credit Score
Annual Income
Our choice for: Best No Foreign Transaction Fees
on Scotiabank's website
Welcome Bonus
Earn up to 100,000 bonus Scene+ points
Annual Fee
$599
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.99%
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
4.5/5
For frequent flyers who want a single card that handles almost every travel need, this one’s hard to beat. It offers a hefty intro bonus, an annual Scene+ Travel credit that’s as good as cash when you book through Expedia, and complimentary DragonPass lounge visits each year. Pair that with no foreign‑currency markup, rich earn rates on travel and dining/entertainment, and unusually comprehensive travel insurance, and the annual fee can pay for itself quickly for anyone who travels a few times a year.
Pros
Cons
Rewards
Insurance
Coverage
Mobile Device Insurance
Travel Medical Insurance
Travel Medical Insurance (65+)
Trip Cancellation
Trip Interruption
Flight Delay
Lost or Stolen Baggage
Baggage Delay
Hotel Burglary Insurance
Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
Car Rental Damage & Theft
Purchase Protection
Extended Warranty
Benefits
Details
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Travel Credit
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
Status lift
Concierge Services
Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
Priority Travel
Eligibility
Credit Score
Annual Income
Our choice for: Best Roadside Assistance
on BMO's website
Welcome Bonus
Get up to $650 in value
Annual Fee
$120 $0
Interest Rates
21.99% / 23.99%□
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
4.1/5
If you're seeking a cashback credit card, the BMO CashBack® World Elite® Mastercard® stands out for its excellent balance between rewards and benefits. It offers a robust rewards program and a comprehensive benefits list, making it a solid choice. The high first-year value is enhanced by the annual fee waiver, and those with a BMO Premium Chequing Account can enjoy continued fee waivers. While it's highly ranked for rewards alone, it may not be the absolute top choice if benefits are less important to you.
Pros
Cons
Rewards
Insurance
Coverage
Travel Medical Insurance
Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
Flight Delay
Lost or Stolen Baggage
Baggage Delay
Hotel Burglary Insurance
Car Rental Damage & Theft
Purchase Protection
Extended Warranty
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
Roadside Assistance
Car Rental Discount
Hotel Booking Discount
Global Data Roaming plan
Discount
Eligibility
Credit Score
Annual Income
Our choice for: Best Hotel
on American Express' website
Welcome Bonus
Earn up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points
Annual Fee
$120
Interest Rates
21.99%* / 21.99%*
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
4/5
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is a standout for frequent travelers who value luxury and flexibility in their rewards. With access to over 7,000 participating hotels, cardholders can earn generous points on both Marriott Bonvoy bookings and everyday purchases. The card's annual free night award and complimentary Silver Elite status make it even more appealing, offering service upgrades and extra points on eligible stays. For those who frequently stay at Marriott properties and want to maximize their travel perks, this card is a top choice.
Pros
Cons
Rewards
Insurance
Coverage
Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
Lost or Stolen Baggage
Baggage Delay
Flight Delay
Hotel Burglary Insurance
Purchase Protection
Extended Warranty
Car Rental Damage & Theft
Benefits
Details
Free Extra Night at Hotels
Free Extra Night at Hotels
Status lift
Status lift
American Express® Experiences
Eligibility
Credit Score
Annual Income
The top perks credit card on this list is none other than the American Express Platinum Card. Alongside dining and travel optimization, this card features comprehensive insurance, and an extensive catalogue of benefits. Benefits include an annual dining credit, an annual travel credit, complimentary hotel benefits, priority travel perks, and unlimited American Express Global Lounge access, deeming it one of the best lounge credit cards in Canada. Of course, to account for such luxury, this contender comes with a hefty annual fee. Learn more in our American Express Platinum Card Review.
If you're a frequent Air Canada traveller who wants to collect as many perks as possible, consider the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card. Perks include free first checked bags, priority travel advantages, an annual companion voucher, and airport lounge access. These perks are accompanied by comprehensive insurance coverage and Aeroplan points per dollar spent on Air Canada purchases, gas, electric vehicle charging, travel, groceries, transit, dining, and more. In addition to a high annual fee, note that this card comes with some high annual income requirements. See more in our TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card Review.
Want Air Canada perks without the high income requirements? Check out the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card, another one of the best Aeroplan credit cards in Canada. For perks, expect free first checked bags, priority travel advantages, an annual companion voucher, and airport lounge access. In addition to comprehensive insurance, this card also collects solid Aeroplan points per dollar spent on Air Canada purchases and dining. Just be mindful of the high annual fee! For more details, read our American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card Review.
Flying Porter instead of Air Canada? Then apply for the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard, one of the best travel credit cards in Canada. Perks include free first checked bags, an annual companion voucher, hotel booking discounts, and an airport lounge Dragon Pass membership. Cardholders can also expect comprehensive coverage and strong VIPorter points per dollar spent on Porter purchases, gas, transportation, groceries, dining, and hotel accommodations. To qualify, applicants will need to meet some high annual income requirements. Luckily though, the annual fee is currently waived for the first year of membership. Discover more in our BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard Review.
Some cards are included on this list for their unique perks. For example, the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card is notable for its anniversary lifestyle credit, an annual statement credit that can be applied towards any purchase. Other perks include Dragon Pass airport lounge access, concierge services, and priority travel advantages. Cardholders also receive comprehensive insurance and tons of BMO Rewards points per dollar spent on groceries, dining, drugstore purchases, gas, and travel. That said, this card comes with a high annual fee and high income requirements. Learn more in our BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card Review.
Another rare credit card perk is price protection, which is included on the MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard, one of the best credit cards in Canada. In short, price protection reimburses you when the initial price of an item drops shortly after you purchase it. In addition to price protection, the MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard provides perks like an annual birthday bonus of extra points, car rental discounts, and trip and legal assistance. The card also features strong insurance coverage and a lucrative rewards program. Find the full breakdown in our MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard Review.
Need a premium perks card that avoids foreign transaction fees? Look no further than the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Privilege Card. This card dodges the typical 2.5% foreign transaction fee on non-Canadian purchases, issues an annual travel credit, provides airport lounge access, and so much more. Travellers also receive extensive coverage and Scene+ points per dollar spent on eligible travel purchases, plus extra points on bookings made through Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia. Before committing to this card, note the high annual fees and income requirements. Further details are available in our Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Privilege Card Review.
Constantly on the road? Consider the BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard, one of the best roadside assistance credit cards in Canada. Roadside assistance provides valuable emergency services when your vehicle breaks down, such as towing, battery boosts, and flat tire assistance. Other perks include a Dragon Pass airport lounge membership, and discounts on rental cars, hotel bookings, and global data roaming plans. Cardholders also collect solid cashback on groceries, transit, gas, and recurring payments. Thankfully, the annual fee is waived for the first year of membership, but applicants still need to meet high income requirements. Find out more in our BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard Review.
Want a complimentary extra night tacked on to your hotel stay? Then sign up for the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card. This card offers a free extra night after your card anniversary each year, extra Elite Night Credits to use towards achieving the next tier of Elite Status, and automatic Silver Elite Status. This contender also optimizes Marriott Bonvoy hotel purchases and provides a decent base rate on all other purchases. Read more in our Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card Review.
Here's a quick overview of some the top credit card perks in Canada:
To apply for any of the perks credit cards above, simply click the "Apply Now" button featured below your top contender. From there, you'll be redirected to the issuer's official website to kickstart the application process. Credit card applications typically ask for personal information, such as your birthdate, address, and email. They can also request financial information, like your annual income, when applicable.
Perks credit cards are worthwhile when the value of the included perks offsets the card's annual fee. You'll want to make sure you use all of the perks included on your card to justify the yearly cost.
Some of the best credit card perks are high-value benefits such as airport lounge access, priority airport perks, no foreign transaction fees, and discounts on flights and accommodations.
The credit card with the most premium perks is the American Express Platinum Card.
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Sara Skodak
Lead Writer
Since graduating from the University of Western Ontario, Sara has built a diverse writing portfolio, covering topics in the travel, business, and wellness sectors. As a self-started freelance content ...
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Abid Salahi
Credit Card Expert
Abid leads the design and engineering of the FinlyWealth website, making sure everything runs smoothly and looks great. He’s a seasoned software engineer who follows best practices and designs interfa...
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Kevin Shahnazari
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Kevin started FinlyWealth and juggles a bit of everything—digging into data, running our marketing, and keeping the finances on track. Before this, he spent years as a data scientist at tech companies...
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