12 Best Lounge Credit Cards of September 2025

on American Express' website

Welcome Bonus

Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points

Rewards Rate

1x - 2x Points

Points

Annual Fee

$799

Interest Rates

21.99% - 30%* / N/A*

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300

Poor

560

Fair

660

Good

725

Very Good

760

Excellent

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege*

Our Take

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.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Offers more perks than any other credit card in Canada, catering to premium users who value extensive benefits.
Enjoy $400 in annual travel and dining credits, which can offset some of the card's cost.
Gain unlimited access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, enhancing your travel experience.
Multiple options for redeeming points for high value, giving you flexibility in how you use your rewards.
Includes 11 types of insurance coverage, offering comprehensive protection for cardholders.
It's a metal card, who doesn't love a metal credit card?

Cons

As with other American Express cards, it may have lower acceptance in some locations compared to other networks.
The high annual fee of $799 may be a barrier for some users, especially those who do not fully utilize the card's benefits.
Some benefits are limited to specific airports and hotels.

Card Details

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

Emergency Medical Term
15 days
Trip Cancellation
$2,500
Trip Interruption
$2,500
Flight Delay
$1,000
Baggage Delay
$1,000
Hotel Burglary Insurance
$1000
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000
Travel Accident
$500,000
Car Rental Damage & Theft
Yes
Purchase Protection
120 days
Extended Warranty
1 year

Benefits

Details

Airport Lounge - American Express Global Lounge
Take full advantage of The American Express Global Lounge Collection™ 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.
Travel Credit
$200
Dining Credit
$200 at Select Restaurants
Nexus Program Rebate
$100 statement credit every 4 years
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
Status lift
Upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold Status
Status lift
Upgrade to Marriott BonvoyTM Gold Elite status
Priority Travel
At Toronto Pearson Airport get Priority Security lane, Complimentary valet and 15% discount at the Express Park and daily park
Concierge Services
Trip and legal Assistance
American Express® Experiences
Extra points
Earn 2 points on Amex Travel Online purchases and extra points on American Express offers

Eligibility

Credit Score
Fair
Annual Income
N/A

^**Terms and conditions apply. This Charge Card requires full payment of the Due in Full balance each month, with a 30% interest rate on late payments. The Flexible Payment Option balance has a 21.99% interest rate, which increases to 25.99% after two missed payments and 28.99% after three or more within 12 months. A 21-day interest-free grace period applies to new transactions if the full balance is paid by the due date. American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment. Check here for full details and current product information.

There’s one card that’s known far and wide for its perks – particularly its top-tier lounge access perk. The American Express Platinum Card is your platinum-plated ticket to The American Express Global Lounge Collection – a network of over 1,400 partnered airport lounges at over 500 airports in approximately 140 countries. Not only do you have access to these lounges, but you can also visit as many times as you’d like without paying an entry fee – plus, oftentimes, you can bring a travel companion.

Here are some of the specific lounges included in this collection and the regulations on who can accompany you during your stay (subject to change, availability, and location):

The Centurion Lounge: with up to two additional guests permitted at no cost.
Plaza Premium Lounges: with up to one guest allowed at no fee.
Delta Sky Club: guests with same-day corresponding Delta departures may enter the lounge with the cardholder for an additional fee.
Airspace Lounges: cardholders may be accompanied by up to two guests per visit, both at no additional cost.
Escape Lounges - The Centurion Studio Partner: up to two complimentary companions are permitted.
Priority Pass (which you will need to enrol for, call Platinum Card Service for assistance): available for the cardholder and up to one guest free of charge.
Executive Lounges by Swissport: here, the cardmember's spouse, and up to two children under the age of 21, or one travel companion, may access the lounge for free.

While the card's annual fee is one of the highest you’ll see, you’re ultimately paying for a card that’s packed with the most perks in Canada, including a generous travel and dining credit, hotel status lifts, a NEXUS program rebate, and Priority Travel advantages.

To complement your benefits list, earn points on every dollar spent on dining and travel purchases.

While other cards on the market also offer unlimited access to certain airport lounges, none of them feature unlimited access to a network with quite as many airport lounge partners, on top of comprehensive coverage and extensive accompanying travel perks.

Best Credit Cards for Maple Leaf Lounge Access

2.0

Welcome Bonus

Up to 85,000 points (55,000 in 1st year)

Rewards Rate

1.25x - 2x Points

Points

Annual Fee

$599

Interest Rates

20.99% / 22.99%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300

Poor

560

Fair

660

Good

725

Very Good

760

Excellent

American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card

Our Take

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

Pros

Premium experience for Elite Air Canada travelers with many benefits and status upgrades.
High coverage limit on insurance.
Numerous luxury benefits and statuses available for use.

Cons

The rewards rate on this card is not that high. There are non-Aeroplan cards with much better reward programs, and their points can later be transferred to this card, making them better options if you are looking to gather Aeroplan points.
You lose the flexibility to use other airlines if you want to take advantage of the benefits of this card.
The high price tag makes this card a poor choice if you don't frequently travel with Air Canada.
The unlimited lounge access is limited to Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafe lounges which don't have a great worldwide coverage.

Card Details

Rewards

2 points on Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations if they are in the first $100k transactions of the year
1.5 points on Gas, Groceries, Travel and Dining if they are in the first $100k transactions of the year
1.25 Point on everything else

Insurance

Coverage

Emergency Medical Term
$5M/insured up to 31 days
Emergency Medical (65+)
$5M/insured up to 4 days
Trip Cancellation
$2.5K/person, $5K/trip
Trip Interruption
$5K/person, $25K/trip
Flight Delay
$1,000/person after 4 hours
Baggage Delay
$1K/person after 4 hours
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$2.5K/person
Travel Accident
$500,000
Car Rental Damage & Theft
Up to 48 consecutive rental days
Hotel Burglary Insurance
$2500
Purchase Protection
120 days
Extended Warranty
2 years
Mobile Device Insurance
$1,500

Benefits

Details

Free first checked bag
First checked bag is free for primary cardholder on AirCanada flight and up to 8 guests
Nexus Program Rebate
$100 every 4 years
Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
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
Earn 50% more Stars and 50% more Aeroplan points at participating Starbucks stores
Extra points
Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and over 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore
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 Discount
10% off base rate of Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car
Trip and legal Assistance
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
Status lift
Complimentary upgrade to Avis® President's Club
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 - Dragon Pass
6 Free complimentary visits
Airport Lounge - Maple Leaf and AirCanada Cafes
Unlimited Access for you and one guest
Companion Voucher
Annual Worldwide Companion Pass from $99 to a max of $599 After spending $25,000 on your card

Eligibility

Credit Score
Excellent
Annual Income
$150,000 personal or $200,000 household

This card boasts unlimited access for you and one accompanying guest at Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafes in Canada and the US, plus some complimentary airport lounge access through the Dragon Pass (which we’ll get into further in the next section). To access a Maple Leaf Lounge or Air Canada Cafe, cardholders and their eligible guest must present a same-day boarding pass under the Air Canada Express brand or any Star Alliance member airline (Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge. etc.). Guests under the age of the majority must also be accompanied by an adult to visit a lounge or cafe.

Compared to the following American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card offers more comprehensive and extensive insurance, more travel benefits, and more specialized earning categories at the same annual price. The earning categories, however, offer lower point rates overall than the categories provided by the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card, but add gas and groceries to the mix whereas the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card only covers Air Canada purchases and eligible dining and food delivery purchases.

So, if you want to get more out of a steep annual fee, including extra airport lounge access and can meet some high annual income requirements, then the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card might be worth it. An additional reason you might consider the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card over the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card is network acceptability. If you're constantly traveling, having a Visa card is much better than an Amex card, especially in Europe (where Amex isn't as widely accepted). Otherwise, with no annual income requirements, the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card might be easier to get, and still gives you unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafes alongside other valuable benefits and coverage.

Our choice for: Best premium card for Air Canada frequent travellers

4.7

on American Express' website

Welcome Bonus

Earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points

Rewards Rate

1.25x - 3x Aeroplan® points

Points

Annual Fee

$599

Interest Rates

21.99%* / 21.99%*

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300

Poor

560

Fair

660

Good

725

Very Good

760

Excellent

Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card

Our Take

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

Pros

Generous rewards rate with up to 3 Aeroplan points per $1 spent on purchases, particularly beneficial for frequent flyers.
Enjoy free checked bags when flying with Air Canada, reducing travel costs.
Access to preferred pricing on Aeroplan flight awards, maximizing the value of your points.
Unlimited access to Maple Leaf lounges when flying with Air Canada, providing a more comfortable travel experience.
Extensive insurance coverage, including 11 types of insurance, offering peace of mind during your travels.

Cons

As an American Express card, it may have limited acceptance compared to other credit cards, potentially limiting its use in some places.
The most valuable rewards are generally tied to Air Canada flights, which may not appeal to travelers who fly with other airlines.
The card comes with a high annual fee of $599, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious users.
The unlimited lounge access is limited to Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafe lounges which don't have a great worldwide coverage.

Card Details

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

Emergency Medical Term
$5M/insured up to 15 days
Trip Cancellation
$1.5K/person, $3K/trip
Trip Interruption
$1.5K/person, $6K/trip
Flight Delay
$1,000/person after 4 hours
Baggage Delay
$1K/person after 6 hours
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$1K
Travel Accident
$500,000
Car Rental Damage & Theft
$85K Up to 48 consecutive rental days
Hotel Burglary Insurance
$1000
Purchase Protection
90 days
Extended Warranty
1 years

Benefits

Details

Free first checked bag
First checked bag is free for primary cardholder on Air Canada branded flight and up to 8 guests
Nexus 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 more
Extra points
Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and over 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore
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
Status lift
Complimentary upgrade to Avis® President's Club
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.
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.
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 guest
Companion 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
Good
Annual Income
N/A

^**Terms and conditions apply. If you have 2 separate missed Payments, the applicable rates for your account will be 25.99%. If you have 3 or more separate missed payments, the applicable rates will be 29.99%. American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment. Check here for full details and current product information.

The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card generously offers unlimited access for you and one accompanying guest to Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafes. This access is available at any Maple Leaf Lounges or Air Canada Cafes in Canada and the United States – including international terminals.

Similarly, the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card also provides cardholders with a Priority Pass – but this perk includes the pass only and no complimentary airport lounge access. You’ll also find benefits like Priority Travel advantages, status lifts, a companion voucher, and a free first checked bag packed onto 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. The annual fee is expensive, but you’re essentially paying for some top-tier travel perks.

So, if you can financially support the card on a year-to-year basis, and you’re looking for unlimited lounge access in Canada and the US, plus some other amazing benefits and insurance coverage, then the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card is a great option for you.

Best Credit Cards for Dragon Pass Airport Lounge Access

Our choice for: Premium Travel Perks and No FX Fees

4.8

on Scotiabank's website

$100 Cash Rebate From FinlyWealth + Up to 45,000 Scene+ points ($450 value)

Welcome Bonus

Up to 45,000 Scene+ points ($450 value)

Rewards Rate

1x - 3x Points

Points

Annual Fee

$150

Interest Rates

20.99% / 22.99%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300

Poor

560

Fair

660

Good

725

Very Good

760

Excellent

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege*

Our Take

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.

Pros & Cons

Pros

High Rewards on Select Purchases: Earn up to 3 points per $1 spent on select categories.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Shop abroad without additional charges.
Comprehensive Insurance: Includes 11 types of insurance coverage.
Airport Lounge Access: Enjoy up to 6 airport lounge passes per year through the Visa Airport Companion program.

Cons

High Income Requirements: Requires $60,000 personal or $100,000 household income.
Lower Overall Rewards: Rewards potential is lower compared to premium credit cards.
High Annual Fee: Comes with a significant annual fee.
Average Insurance Coverage: Insurance benefits are standard, not exceptional.
Mediocre Earnings Potential: The card’s rewards structure might not offer the highest returns for every spender.

Card Details

Rewards

Earn 3x Scene+™ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and moreScotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Review: Benefits & Lounge Access†
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

Emergency Medical Term
$2M/insured up to 25 days
Emergency Medical (65+)
$2M/insured up to 3 days
Trip Cancellation
$1,500/person, $10,000/trip
Trip Interruption
$2,500/person, $10,000/trip
Flight Delay
$500/person after 4 hours
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$1000
Baggage Delay
$1000
Travel Accident
$500,000/insured, $1M combined
Car Rental Damage & Theft
$65,000 up to 48 days
Hotel Burglary Insurance
$1,000
Purchase Protection
90 days
Extended Warranty
1 year

Benefits

Details

No Foreign Transaction Fees
Avoid the usual 2.5% forex fees on your purchases when you travel outside of Canada
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
6 Free complimentary visits
Status lift
Avis® Preferred Plus membership
Concierge Services
Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits

Eligibility

Credit Score
Good
Annual Income
$60,000 personal or $100,000 household

^**†Terms and conditions apply. See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information. Check here for full details and current product information.

Through the Dragon Pass, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card offers cardholders 6 complimentary visits to participating airport lounges annually through the Visa Airport Companion Program. To access these visits, you must enrol in the program through the Visa Airport Companion App or on the Program Website. These complimentary visits can also be used for any of the cardholder’s guests, as long as the primary cardholder is with them. After the complimentary visits have been used up, members and companions are required to pay an entry fee before entering eligible lounges. All participating lounges are documented on the Visa Airport Companion App. The app also highlights each lounges’ opening hours and facilities.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card’s airport lounge access is accompanied by another exclusive perk, the no foreign transaction fee benefit. This benefit allows travellers to shop internationally without any extra charges – besides of course any differences in conversion rates.

If that wasn’t enough, the card also boasts extensive travel insurance, including sought-after categories like trip interruption and trip cancellation insurance, plus emergency medical over 65 coverage. Not to mention, competitive points on every dollar you spend at partnered grocers, plus points on groceries, entertainment, and transit.

You will need to meet some annual income requirements for this card, but if you do, you’ll be adding a helpful travel companion to your wallet.

Looking to learn more about the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card? Click here for details.

2.0

Welcome Bonus

Up to 85,000 points (55,000 in 1st year)

Rewards Rate

1.25x - 2x Points

Points

Annual Fee

$599

Interest Rates

20.99% / 22.99%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300

Poor

560

Fair

660

Good

725

Very Good

760

Excellent

RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege

Our Take

Pros & Cons

Pros

Premium experience for Elite Air Canada travelers with many benefits and status upgrades.
High coverage limit on insurance.
Numerous luxury benefits and statuses available for use.

Cons

The rewards rate on this card is not that high. There are non-Aeroplan cards with much better reward programs, and their points can later be transferred to this card, making them better options if you are looking to gather Aeroplan points.
You lose the flexibility to use other airlines if you want to take advantage of the benefits of this card.
The high price tag makes this card a poor choice if you don't frequently travel with Air Canada.
The unlimited lounge access is limited to Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafe lounges which don't have a great worldwide coverage.

Card Details

Rewards

2 points on Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations if they are in the first $100k transactions of the year
1.5 points on Gas, Groceries, Travel and Dining if they are in the first $100k transactions of the year
1.25 Point on everything else

Insurance

Coverage

Emergency Medical Term
$5M/insured up to 31 days
Emergency Medical (65+)
$5M/insured up to 4 days
Trip Cancellation
$2.5K/person, $5K/trip
Trip Interruption
$5K/person, $25K/trip
Flight Delay
$1,000/person after 4 hours
Baggage Delay
$1K/person after 4 hours
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$2.5K/person
Travel Accident
$500,000
Car Rental Damage & Theft
Up to 48 consecutive rental days
Hotel Burglary Insurance
$2500
Purchase Protection
120 days
Extended Warranty
2 years
Mobile Device Insurance
$1,500

Benefits

Details

Free first checked bag
First checked bag is free for primary cardholder on AirCanada flight and up to 8 guests
Nexus Program Rebate
$100 every 4 years
Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
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
Earn 50% more Stars and 50% more Aeroplan points at participating Starbucks stores
Extra points
Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and over 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore
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 Discount
10% off base rate of Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car
Trip and legal Assistance
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
Status lift
Complimentary upgrade to Avis® President's Club
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 - Dragon Pass
6 Free complimentary visits
Airport Lounge - Maple Leaf and AirCanada Cafes
Unlimited Access for you and one guest
Companion Voucher
Annual Worldwide Companion Pass from $99 to a max of $599 After spending $25,000 on your card

Eligibility

Credit Score
Excellent
Annual Income
$150,000 personal or $200,000 household

The next couple of cards are premium Visa Infinite Privilege cards, starting with the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card.

This card grants you the Dragon Pass and the same annual 6 complimentary visits we’ve seen so far (it even provides unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafes). For the Dragon Pass and the 6 free visits, you’ll first want to make sure you enrol in the Visa Airport Companion Program either through the app or official website. Again, these complimentary visits can cover both the cardholder and their guests, but once they’re gone, entry fees will apply at each participating lounge. The 6 free visits will be renewed each year on the anniversary date of enrolment.

Compared to the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card (coming up next), the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card has similar coverage, more travel benefits (including a free first checked bag, a NEXUS Program Rebate, and a companion voucher), and more opportunities to earn more valuable Aeroplan points through Air Canada purchases, plus gas, groceries, travel, and dining expenses.

However, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card is a bit more expensive annually than the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card, but its personal annual income requirement is a little lower – just make sure you’re responsible with your credit as well for a competitive application.

Overall, if you don’t mind paying extra money on an annual fee, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card could be the better Privilege Card choice over the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card if you want a better and more valuable rewards program, and more travel benefits – including extra lounge access on top of the Dragon Pass lounge access.

Our choice for: Premium Avion Card with complimentary lounge passes

4.4

on RBC's website

Welcome Bonus

Up to 70,000 Avion points*

Rewards Rate

1.25x points

Points

Annual Fee

$399

Interest Rates

20.99% / 22.99%□

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300

Poor

560

Fair

660

Good

725

Very Good

760

Excellent

CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card

Our Take

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 & Cons

Pros

High-value points when redeemed via the Air Travel Redemption chart, with up to 2.33 cents per point.
Extensive insurance coverage including emergency medical, trip cancellation, and mobile device insurance.
Access to airport perks, including fast-track security and lounge access.
Flexible rewards that can be transferred to airline partners like British Airways and Cathay Pacific.

Cons

High annual fee of $399.
Requires a high personal or household income of $200,000 to qualify.
Only 1.25 points per $1 spent on all purchases, which is lower compared to other premium cards.
Limited redemption value outside of the Air Travel Redemption chart.

Card Details

Rewards

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

Insurance

Coverage

Purchase Protection
120 days
Extended Warranty
Up to 2 years
Mobile Device Insurance
$1,500
Travel Accident
$500,000
Emergency Medical Term
31 days
Emergency Medical (65+)
7 days
Trip Interruption
$5,000
Trip Cancellation
$2,500
Hotel Burglary Insurance
$3,000
Baggage Delay
$750
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$2,500
Flight Delay
$1,000
Car Rental Damage & Theft
yes

Benefits

Details

Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
Visa Airport Companion membership + 6 complimentary airport lounge visits per year
Gas Discount
save 3¢/L on fuel and always earn 20% more Petro-Points at Petro-Canada and 20% more Avion points at Petro-Canada
Extra points
50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall
Concierge Services
Connect to the Visa Infinite Privilege Concierge like having a personal assistant on call!
Priority Travel
Enjoy global airport lounge access, airport security fast track lanes, and dedicated airport parking at select Canadian airports
Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
Dining series and Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection offers with benefits like late check out and upgrades

Eligibility

Credit Score
Good
Annual Income
$200,000 personal or $200,000 household

^** This offer only applies to new applications for an RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege credit card approved by Royal Bank of Canada (“Royal Bank”) subject to the conditions below. Additional cardholders(s) (co-applicant and authorized user(s)) on the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege credit card account, as well as existing cardholders on any RBC Royal Bank personal credit card account transferring to an RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege credit card account during the Offer Period, are not eligible for the offer. Refer to RBC page for up to date offer terms and conditions. The Website may engage in affiliate marketing, which is done by embedding tracking links into The Website. If you click on a link for an affiliate partnership, a cookie will be placed on your browser to track any sales for purposes of commissions. Check here for full details and current product information.

Seeing as this credit card is a Privilege card, to get it, you’ll need to meet some major annual personal and household income requirements. If you do, similar to the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, you’ll unlock 6 complimentary visits to airport lounges hosted by the Dragon Pass through a Visa Airport Companion membership every year. Also like the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, to access this benefit, you must enrol in the Visa Airport Companion Program. Once enrolled, you can enter the qualifying airport lounges for free by either presenting your RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege card, showing your digital membership card and QR code through the Program App or website, or by providing a printed or emailed e-Certificate that contains your membership card and QR code.

The complimentary visits can be used for the cardholder alone or the cardholder and any accompanying guests. Once the free visits are used up, the cardholder and their guests will be subject to participating airport lounge entry fees.

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card also features more extensive and comprehensive coverage than the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card. Not to mention, extra benefits like a gas discount at Petro Canada, and Priority Travel perks on top of its airport lounge access.

Still, the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card’s annual fee is over double the annual fee of the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, and the annual income requirements are some of the highest you’ll see. The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card also has a more of a flexible rewards program, earning you higher value Scene+ points overall.

So, unless you meet the high income requirements, can front the high annual cost, and want to pay more for better coverage and slightly more benefits, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is still the more affordable alternative to the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card, and it gives you the same airport lounge access alongside other valuable travel perks.

3.0

on CIBC's website

Welcome Bonus

Up to 80,000 Aventura points

Rewards Rate

1x - 3x points

Points

Annual Fee

$499

Interest Rates

20.99% / 22.99%□

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300

Poor

560

Fair

660

Good

725

Very Good

760

Excellent

BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®*

Our Take

The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card offers a well-rounded suite of travel benefits, making it ideal for frequent travelers. The annual $200 travel credit, complimentary lounge access, and comprehensive insurance package ensure you’re covered for both convenience and protection. Plus, the ability to earn up to 3 points per dollar spent and redeem them at high values for flights makes this card an excellent choice for those who value travel rewards. However, it comes with a high annual fee and income requirements, so it's best suited for those who can fully take advantage of its perks.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Generous rewards: Earn up to 3 points per $1 spent on travel and 2 points per $1 on gas, groceries, restaurants, and more.
Valuable travel perks: Includes an annual $200 travel credit, 6 complimentary airport lounge passes, and discounts at Avis and Budget car rentals.
High point value: Points are worth up to 2.29 cents each when redeemed for flights.
Comprehensive insurance: Offers 12 types of insurance, including mobile device protection and emergency medical coverage.

Cons

High annual fee: A $499 annual fee makes this a more expensive option.
Strict income requirements: Requires a personal income of $150,000 or household income of $200,000 to qualify.

Card Details

Rewards

3 points per $1 spent on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Center
2 points per $1 spent on dining, entertainment, gas, transportation, and groceries if they are in the first $200k transactions of the year
1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases

Insurance

Coverage

Travel Accident
$500,000
Emergency Medical Term
31 days
Emergency Medical (65+)
10 days
Flight Delay
$500
Baggage Delay
$500
Trip Cancellation
$2,500
Trip Interruption
$5,000
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000
Hotel Burglary Insurance
$2,500
Purchase Protection
180 days
Extended Warranty
Up to 2 years
Car Rental Damage & Theft
up to car value of $65k
Mobile Device Insurance
$1,500

Benefits

Details

Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
Airport lounges Visa Airport Companion Program managed by DragonPass International + 6 Free complimentary visits
Gas Discount
save up to 10¢/L on fuel at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations
Car Rental Discount
Get up to 25% off auto rentals at participating Avis and Budget locations worldwide.
Nexus Program Rebate
Up to $100 statement credit for Nexus Application fee every 4 years
Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
Exclusive offers
Travel Credit
Annual $200 travel credit to use at the CIBC Rewards Center

Eligibility

Credit Score
Very Good
Annual Income
$150,000 personal or $200,000 household

There’s a third Dragon-Pass-affiliated Visa Infinite Privilege Card worth mentioning, the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card. Like the cards that came before it, this card offers the same 6 complimentary annual airport lounge visits through the Visa Airport Companion Program hosted by the Dragon Pass. To access these lounges, you’ll of course need to enrol in the program online or through the app. After these free visits are redeemed, they’ll renew on the anniversary of the cardholder’s Airport Companion Program enrolment date. The visits are applicable to both the cardholder and any accompanying guests.

When compared alongside the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card, the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card has less comprehensive coverage across most categories, and fewer additional benefits on top of airport lounge access – but it still provides helpful gas discounts and an annual travel credit, not to mention a NEXUS program rebate and car rental discount (like the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card). As for rewards, the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card offers substantial points per dollar spent on travel purchases through the CIBC Rewards Centre, plus more points on dining, entertainment, gas, and groceries than the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card. Its points are also more valuable when redeemed towards eligible travel.

In the end, you might choose the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card over the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card if you want a privilege card with a lower annual fee that still comes with the same Dragon Pass airport lounge access. However, if you don’t mind spending more money for more benefits, better coverage, and extra airport lounge access outside of the Dragon Pass, then you might want to stick with the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card.

3.5

on BMO's website

$125 Cash Rebate From FinlyWealth + Up to 90,000 points and first annual fee waived**

Welcome Bonus

Up to 90,000 points and first annual fee waived**

Rewards Rate

1x - 5x points

Points

Annual Fee

$150 $0

Interest Rates

21.99% / 23.99%□

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300

Poor

560

Fair

660

Good

725

Very Good

760

Excellent

American Express Platinum Card®

Our Take

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 & Cons

Pros

Generous rewards: 5 points per $1 spent on travel, 3 points per $1 spent on dining, entertainment, and recurring bills, and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
Lounge access: Includes 4 free annual lounge passes through Mastercard Travel Pass.
Comprehensive insurance: 14 types of insurance, including emergency medical and trip cancellation coverage.
First year fee waived: Try the card for a year without paying the $150 annual fee.

Cons

Low point value: Points are worth only 0.67 cents each, which is lower than other cards.
High income requirements: Requires $80,000 personal income or $150,000 household income, making it inaccessible for many.
Limited lounge availability: Users have reported issues with lounge access.

Card Details

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
90 days
Extended Warranty
Double up to 1 year
Emergency Medical Term
$5M up to 21 days
Travel Accident
$500,000/person
Trip Interruption
$2K/person, $10K/trip
Trip Cancellation
$1,500/person, $5K/trip
Flight Delay
$500 after 4 hours
Baggage Delay
$500/person, $1K/trip
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500/person, $1K/trip
Hotel Burglary Insurance
$1,000
Car Rental Damage & Theft
$65,000 up to 48 days

Benefits

Details

Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
4 complimentary visits
Discount
Up to 7% discount on Booking.com prepaid hotel or property rental bookings
Discount
20% off admission to Cirque du Soleil shows touring Canada, and 15% off resident shows in Las Vegas
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
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.

Eligibility

Credit Score
Good
Annual Income
$80,000 personal or $150,000 household

^*BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information. Check here for full details and current product information.

For a couple less airport lounge visits, you can opt for the more affordable BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard. This card comes with 4 complimentary Dragon Pass lounge visits rather than 6. For this Mastercard option specifically, you’ll need to enrol in the Mastercard Travel Pass program provided by Dragon Pass, this can be done on the Mastercard Travel Pass official website or mobile app. Once you’ve done so, you may present the Mastercard Travel Pass app or membership document that shows the Dragon Pass membership number and QR code. The 4 free visits can be used by the cardholder and any accompanying travel companions. An entry fee will apply after the free visits have been used.

Especially when compared to Privilege cards like the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card, the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard comes at a much cheaper annual cost – plus that cost is completely waived in the first year of membership. You can also get the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard with lower annual income requirements.

Naturally, Privilege cards like the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card will have some coverage categories that are more comprehensive than the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard – but the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard does come with some exclusive protections like car rental personal effects and personal effects insurance. Like the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card, the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard also offers a slightly lower car rental discount on top of the slightly less extensive airport lounge access. Other than that, the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard comes with discounts on both Booking.com hotel and rental property stays, plus a percentage off admission to select Cirque du Soleil shows. You’ll also get more points on eligible travel, plus dining, recurring bill payments, and entertainment with the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard. However, BMO Reward points are typically less valuable than CIBC Aventura points.

Ultimately, the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard is better than the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card if you prefer Mastercard over Visa. Mastercards can be helpful because if you shop at Costco or Walmart, Mastercard will recognize both establishments as grocery stores rather than department stores. Grocery store purchases often earn more rewards and are more commonly specialized as an earn category. Plus, the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard is much easier to get, with lower income requirements and fees. However, if you don’t want to give up those two extra airport lounge visits, and are happy to pay more for more comprehensive coverage, benefits, and point redemption values – then Visa Infinite Privilege cards like the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card are still superior.

Best Credit Cards for Priority Pass Airport Lounge Access

Our choice for: Travel Perks, Luxurious Travel, and Unlimited Lounge Access

4.7

on American Express' website

Welcome Bonus

Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points

Rewards Rate

1x - 2x Points

Points

Annual Fee

$799

Interest Rates

21.99% - 30%* / N/A*

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300

Poor

560

Fair

660

Good

725

Very Good

760

Excellent

Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card

Our Take

Pros & Cons

Pros

Offers more perks than any other credit card in Canada, catering to premium users who value extensive benefits.
Enjoy $400 in annual travel and dining credits, which can offset some of the card's cost.
Gain unlimited access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, enhancing your travel experience.
Multiple options for redeeming points for high value, giving you flexibility in how you use your rewards.
Includes 11 types of insurance coverage, offering comprehensive protection for cardholders.
It's a metal card, who doesn't love a metal credit card?

Cons

As with other American Express cards, it may have lower acceptance in some locations compared to other networks.
The high annual fee of $799 may be a barrier for some users, especially those who do not fully utilize the card's benefits.
Some benefits are limited to specific airports and hotels.

Card Details

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

Emergency Medical Term
15 days
Trip Cancellation
$2,500
Trip Interruption
$2,500
Flight Delay
$1,000
Baggage Delay
$1,000
Hotel Burglary Insurance
$1000
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000
Travel Accident
$500,000
Car Rental Damage & Theft
Yes
Purchase Protection
120 days
Extended Warranty
1 year

Benefits

Details

Airport Lounge - American Express Global Lounge
Take full advantage of The American Express Global Lounge Collection™ 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.
Travel Credit
$200
Dining Credit
$200 at Select Restaurants
Nexus Program Rebate
$100 statement credit every 4 years
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
Status lift
Upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold Status
Status lift
Upgrade to Marriott BonvoyTM Gold Elite status
Priority Travel
At Toronto Pearson Airport get Priority Security lane, Complimentary valet and 15% discount at the Express Park and daily park
Concierge Services
Trip and legal Assistance
American Express® Experiences
Extra points
Earn 2 points on Amex Travel Online purchases and extra points on American Express offers

Eligibility

Credit Score
Fair
Annual Income
N/A

The American Express Platinum Card has partnered with the Priority Pass lounge access program to allow unlimited complimentary visits at participating lounges for Platinum cardmembers and one guest. To activate this access, you will need to enrol in the Priority Pass program. Once you are officially enrolled, Priority Pass will have a welcome package delivered to you, complete with your Priority Pass card and a list of participating lounges. To use your pass, present your Priority Pass card and same-day airline boarding pass to lounge reception. Sometimes, your Priority Pass membership can also be scanned within the Priority Pass mobile app. These Priority Pass privileges are packed into this card’s access to The American Express Global Lounge Collection – a collection we’ve created a separate category for later on in this post.

While this card is expensive, it carries the most perks out of all other competing credit cards in Canada. This includes comprehensive travel benefits and coverage. If you plan on optimizing all of these perks to their full potential, then you can certainly offset the steep annual cost.

Ultimately, if you’re looking to take full advantage of the Priority Pass through a credit card, the American Express Platinum Card should be your top choice – as long as it fits into your budget and compliments your spending habits!

Our choice for: Luxury Travel + No FX Fees

3.8

on Scotiabank's website

$175 Cash Rebate From FinlyWealth + Up to 80,000 Scene+ points ($800 value)

Welcome Bonus

Up to 80,000 Scene+ points ($800 value)

Rewards Rate

2x Points

Points

Annual Fee

$399

Interest Rates

9.99% / 9.99%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300

Poor

560

Fair

660

Good

725

Very Good

760

Excellent

American Express Gold Rewards Card®

Our Take

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 & Cons

Pros

Low Interest Rate: Offers a competitive interest rate of 9.99%.
Strong Rewards: Earn 2x Scene+ points on all purchases.
Airport Lounge Access: Enjoy 10 complimentary lounge visits, including Plaza Premium Lounges, through Priority Pass (membership required).
Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Includes extensive coverage for travel-related needs.
Flexible Travel Rewards: Points can be redeemed for travel bookings with any provider.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Shop internationally without extra charges.

Cons

High Annual Fee: The annual fee is steep compared to similar cards offering similar perks.
Limited Premium Perks: Lacks top-tier travel benefits like free checked baggage and priority boarding.

Card Details

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

Insurance

Coverage

Emergency Medical Term
$2M, Up to 31 days
Emergency Medical (65+)
$2M, Up to 10 days
Trip Cancellation
$2500/person, $10000/trip
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500/person, $1000/trip
Trip Interruption
$5000/person, $25000/trip
Baggage Delay
$1000 After 4 hours
Flight Delay
$1000/person
Travel Accident
$500K/person, $1M/occurrence
Car Rental Damage & Theft
$65K up to 48 days
Hotel Burglary Insurance
$1000/occurrence
Mobile Device Insurance
$1000
Purchase Protection
120 days
Extended Warranty
Up to a year

Benefits

Details

No Foreign Transaction Fees
Airport Lounge - Plaza Premium
10 visits, 4 visits for secondary card (combined with the Priority pass)
Airport Lounge - Priority Pass
10 visits, 4 visits for secondary card (combined with the Plaza Premium)
American Express® Experiences
Concierge Services
Discount
Discount on PriorityPass Membership
Status lift
Hertz #1 Club Gold Member
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

^*See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information. Check here for full details and current product information.

Priority Pass and Plaza Premium lounges have teamed up to offer Scotiabank Platinum American Express Cardmembers 10 complimentary visits per year that can be used for both the cardholder and any accompanying travel companions. To earn these visits, cardholders are asked to enrol in a Priority Pass membership by providing a special code through a specified Priority Pass and Scotiabank Platinum portal. This perk includes worldwide access to tons of Airport VIP Lounges and experiences, lounge use no matter what class or airline your ticket pertains to, complimentary refreshments and drinks, and conference spaces.

The card also comes with low interest rates, a strong Scene+ points program, comprehensive travel insurance, and the rare no foreign transaction fees benefit. The annual cost is also significantly lower than the other Platinum Card counterparts.

So, if you don’t necessarily need unlimited Priority Pass lounge access, but still want a substantial amount loaded onto a much more affordable card, then the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card could be a great alternative to the American Express Platinum Card, depending on your spending habits and travel needs.

Best Credit Card for Plaza Premium Airport Lounge Access Alone

Although Plaza Premium Lounges are sometimes part of other lounge access networks like the Dragon Pass, the Priority Pass, or even The American Express Global Lounge Collection, there’s still a card that we’d like to highlight that offers some Plaza Premium Lounge access alone as one of its competitive perks.

4.5

on American Express' website

Welcome Bonus

Earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points

Rewards Rate

1x - 2x Points

Points

Annual Fee

$250

Interest Rates

21.99%* / 21.99%*

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300

Poor

560

Fair

660

Good

725

Very Good

760

Excellent

American Express Platinum Card®

Our Take

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 & Cons

Pros

Flexible Rewards: Enjoy flexible Membership Rewards point conversion with up to 2 points per $1 spent.
Travel Perks: Includes $100 annual travel credit and 4 free passes to Plaza Premium lounges in Canada.
Comprehensive Insurance: Comes with 11 types of insurance coverage.
Multiple Redemption Options: Offers 4 ways to redeem points for maximum value.

Cons

High Annual Fee: The card comes with a $250 annual fee.
Foreign Transaction Fees: A 2.5% fee applies to foreign transactions.
Limited Travel Insurance for Seniors: No travel medical insurance coverage for those over 65.
Lower Acceptance: As an American Express card, it may have lower acceptance compared to Visa or Mastercard.

Card Details

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

Emergency Medical Term
15 days
Trip Cancellation
$1,500 per person, $3,000 combined
Trip Interruption
$1,500 per person, $6,000 combined
Flight Delay
$500
Baggage Delay
$500
Hotel Burglary Insurance
$500
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500
Travel Accident
$500,000
Car Rental Damage & Theft
yes
Purchase Protection
90 days
Extended Warranty
Up to 1 year

Benefits

Details

Travel Credit
$100
Nexus Program Rebate
$50 statement credit every 4 years
Airport Lounge - Priority Pass
Pass only. No Complimentary visits!
Airport Lounge - Plaza Premium
4 Free complimentary visits
Complimentary Hotel Benefits
Hotels booked American Express Travel
Status lift
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® loyalty program
American Express® Experiences
Extra points
Earn 2 points on Amex Travel Online purchases and extra points on American Express offers

Eligibility

Credit Score
Fair
Annual Income
N/A

^**Terms and conditions apply. Subject to approval. The preferred rate for purchases is 21.99% and funds advances is 21.99%. If you have Missed Payments, the applicable rates for your account will be 25.99% and/or 29.99%. See the information box included with the application for the definition of Missed Payment and which rates apply to charges on your account and other details. American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment. Check here for full details and current product information.

Each year, American Express Gold Rewards Cardmembers receive 4 complimentary visits to Canadian Plaza Premium Lounges. These visits can be applied towards both the cardmember and any accompanying travel companions. However, once these visits are used up, both the cardholder and any guests will be subject to lounge entry fees. To secure your spot in one of these top-notch lounges, you’ll need to show a valid, unexpired, eligible American Express Gold Rewards Card, alongside a same-day boarding pass and a government-issued photo ID of the cardholder and any guests. You’ll typically only be able to visit for two hours and will need to comply with any house rules at each participating lounge.

The card complements this lounge access perk with other enticing benefits like an annual travel credit and a Priority Pass (pass only, no free visits), plus flexible rewards with multiple redemption options, and comprehensive insurance.

This might be your ideal card if you’re an occasional traveller looking for some complimentary lounge access on top of other travel-oriented advantages.

Best Credit Card for American Express Global Lounge Collection Access

Our choice for: Travel Perks, Luxurious Travel, and Unlimited Lounge Access

4.7

on American Express' website

Welcome Bonus

Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points

Rewards Rate

1x - 2x Points

Points

Annual Fee

$799

Interest Rates

21.99% - 30%* / N/A*

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300

Poor

560

Fair

660

Good

725

Very Good

760

Excellent

Rogers Red World Elite® Mastercard®

Our Take

Pros & Cons

Pros

Offers more perks than any other credit card in Canada, catering to premium users who value extensive benefits.
Enjoy $400 in annual travel and dining credits, which can offset some of the card's cost.
Gain unlimited access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, enhancing your travel experience.
Multiple options for redeeming points for high value, giving you flexibility in how you use your rewards.
Includes 11 types of insurance coverage, offering comprehensive protection for cardholders.
It's a metal card, who doesn't love a metal credit card?

Cons

As with other American Express cards, it may have lower acceptance in some locations compared to other networks.
The high annual fee of $799 may be a barrier for some users, especially those who do not fully utilize the card's benefits.
Some benefits are limited to specific airports and hotels.

Card Details

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

Emergency Medical Term
15 days
Trip Cancellation
$2,500
Trip Interruption
$2,500
Flight Delay
$1,000
Baggage Delay
$1,000
Hotel Burglary Insurance
$1000
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000
Travel Accident
$500,000
Car Rental Damage & Theft
Yes
Purchase Protection
120 days
Extended Warranty
1 year

Benefits

Details

Airport Lounge - American Express Global Lounge
Take full advantage of The American Express Global Lounge Collection™ 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.
Travel Credit
$200
Dining Credit
$200 at Select Restaurants
Nexus Program Rebate
$100 statement credit every 4 years
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
Status lift
Upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold Status
Status lift
Upgrade to Marriott BonvoyTM Gold Elite status
Priority Travel
At Toronto Pearson Airport get Priority Security lane, Complimentary valet and 15% discount at the Express Park and daily park
Concierge Services
Trip and legal Assistance
American Express® Experiences
Extra points
Earn 2 points on Amex Travel Online purchases and extra points on American Express offers

Eligibility

Credit Score
Fair
Annual Income
N/A

It’s no surprise that the top card in this category is also our top card on this list. The American Express Platinum Card blends exceptional airport lounge access through The American Express Global Lounge Collection with tons of travel perks and coverage to support the multiple trips that frequent travellers take each year.

Best No-Fee Credit Cards With Lounge Passes

While there aren’t any no-fee credit cards with airport lounge access, there are a couple of credit cards with airport lounge Dragon Passes that exclude any complimentary visits.

Let’s take a look at these two contenders now:

Our choice for: Flat cash back rate with some travel perks

4.8

Welcome Bonus

N/A

Rewards Rate

1.5% - 3%

Cash Back

Annual Fee

Interest Rates

20.99% - 25.99%* / 22.99% - 27.99%*

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300

Poor

560

Fair

660

Good

725

Very Good

760

Excellent

Tangerine World Mastercard

Our Take

This card is one of the best in Canada, especially if you are a Rogers, Fido, or Shaw customer. With those services, you can effectively get a 3% cashback rate, which is higher than what almost any other card offers, even those with annual fees! Additionally, for a no-fee card, you gain access to an extensive list of travel benefits, many of which are typically offered only with cards that have annual fees. Therefore, we recommend this card to anyone who meets the income requirements, even if you are not a Rogers customer!

Pros & Cons

Pros

Voted the Best No Annual Fee Cash Back Card in Canada by FinlyWealth.
There is no annual fee which is a notable benefit for a card with such high rewards. Most cards with slightly lower reward rates typically include yearly fees.
Many benefits, such as trip cancellation insurance, are only available on credit cards with an annual fee. It is rare to see these benefits on a no-annual-fee card!
Offers the flexibility to redeem cash towards Rogers, Shaw, Comwave or Fido services, potentially increasing your rewards.
The Roam Like Home benefit is a benefit unique only to this card through an eligible Rogers mobile plan.
It is accepted at nearly all locations as it's a Mastercard.

Cons

Harder to qualify due to the high credit score and income requirements.
Out of all possible travel insurances, this card is missing Baggage delay and Hotel Burglary insurance. If these two insurances are essential to someone, this card needs to be paired with another travel card to cover them.

Card Details

Rewards

Earn 3% unlimited cash back on all eligible purchases made in U.S. dollars.^{^}
Earn 2% unlimited cash back on all eligible non-U.S. dollar purchases if you have 1 qualifying service with Rogers, Fido, Comwave or Shaw.^{^}
Otherwise earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on eligible non-U.S. dollar purchases.^{^}
Get 1.5 times more cash back every time you redeem for Rogers, Fido, Comwave or Shaw purchases.^{^}
5 Roam Like Home days at no cost with an eligible Rogers mobile plan every year (up to $90 value).^{^}

Insurance

Coverage

Emergency Medical Term
Up to 10 days
Emergency Medical (65+)
Up to 3 days
Trip Cancellation
$1,000/person, $5,000 maximum
Trip Interruption
$1,000/person, $5,000 maximum
Car Rental Damage & Theft
31 days, $65,000 car MSRP
Purchase Protection
90 days
Extended Warranty
1 year

Benefits

Details

Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
Pass only, complimentary visits not included
No Cost roaming
5 days with eligible Rogers mobile plan

Eligibility

Credit Score
Good
Annual Income
$80,000 personal or $150,000 household

^**, ^, Terms and conditions apply. Rogers Bank is not responsible for maintaining or controlling the accuracy of the information published on this website. For full and up-to-date product information, visit Rogersbank.com. Standard rate on Purchases and Fees: 20.99%. Standard rate on Cash Advances, Cash-like Transactions and Balance Transfers: 22.99%. If you are not approved for an Account at the above rates and you reside outside Quebec, we (Rogers Bank) may still issue you an Account at our alternate interest rates, as follows: Standard Rate for Purchases and Fees: 25.99%, Standard Rate for Cash Advances, Cash-like Transactions and Balance Transfers: 27.99%. ®/TM Mastercard and World Elite are registered trademarks and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Used under license. TM Rogers and Mobius Design, Rogers Bank and related marks, logos and brand names are trademarks of Rogers Communications Inc., or an affiliate, used under license. © 2025 Rogers Bank. Rogers Bank is the issuer of this credit card. Check here for full details and current product information.

For no annual fee but a high annual income, the Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard includes a complimentary Dragon Pass membership. This perk includes the pass only, so cardholders will still need to pay an entry fee per visit. This airport lounge benefit is accompanied by no cost roaming and comprehensive insurance coverage for a no-fee credit card (including sought-after categories like trip interruption and trip cancellation insurance).

There’s also a remarkable rewards program attached to this card, earning cardholders cashback on all U.S dollar purchases and regular purchases when they have at least 1 qualifying Rogers, Fido or Shaw service account. The base rate on all purchases without a qualifying service is also slightly higher than average.

Considering it comes with no annual cost, the Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard is considered a top contender on account of its rewards program, coverage, and perks – including the Dragon Pass membership.

4.6

on Tangerine's website

$125 Cash Rebate From FinlyWealth + 10% Cash Back (up to $100 value) + 1.95% balance transfer promo rate for 6 months

Welcome Bonus

10% Cash Back (up to $100 value) + 1.95% balance transfer promo rate for 6 months

Rewards Rate

0.5% - 2%

Cash Back

Annual Fee

Interest Rates

20.95%* / 22.95%*

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300

Poor

560

Fair

660

Good

725

Very Good

760

Excellent