Business travellers have specific needs: lounge access for productive layovers, comprehensive travel insurance that covers business trips, and cards that earn Aeroplan or Avion points redeemable on Air Canada routes. Here’s what separates a business travel card from a general business card.
Top Business Travel Credit Cards
| Card | Annual Fee | Lounge | Travel Insurance | Aeroplan? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amex Aeroplan Business Reserve | $599 | Maple Leaf Lounges (unlimited) | Comprehensive | Yes — 3x on Air Canada |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Business Infinite | $149 | Visa Airport Companion (6 visits) | Good | Yes |
| Scotiabank Passport Visa Business Infinite | $199 | Visa Airport Companion (6 visits) | Excellent | No — Scene+ |
| RBC Avion Visa Business Infinite | $175 | None | Good | No — Avion |
| Amex Business Gold Rewards Card | $199 | None | Good | Via MR transfer |
What Business Travellers Need
1. Lounge Access Lounge access is a productivity multiplier for business travellers — charging stations, reliable Wi-Fi, food, and quiet. Cards with Maple Leaf Lounge access (Amex Aeroplan Business Reserve) or DragonPass/Visa Airport Companion (TD and Scotiabank business cards) cover most Canadian airports.
2. No Foreign Transaction Fee International business trips — to US vendors, conferences, client meetings — accumulate significant FX charges. The Scotiabank Passport Visa Business Infinite is the primary no-FX business card in Canada.
3. Comprehensive Travel Insurance Business travel insurance on credit cards should cover:
- Emergency medical (high limits for international trips)
- Trip cancellation/interruption
- Flight delay (important when missing client meetings)
- Business equipment/baggage loss
- Car rental collision
4. High Aeroplan Earn Most Canadian business travellers fly Air Canada — making Aeroplan the highest-value rewards currency. The Amex Aeroplan Business Reserve (3x on Air Canada) and TD Aeroplan Visa Business Infinite both target this need.
Air Canada Status and Business Cards
The Amex Aeroplan Business Reserve Card provides Altitude 25K status qualification acceleration — verify current Aeroplan status benefits at aircanada.com. For frequent business flyers, status means upgrades, lounge access, and priority boarding on every Air Canada flight.
Reimbursement Strategy for Business Travellers
If your employer reimburses travel expenses:
- Use your personal Amex Cobalt or Aeroplan card for maximum personal points earn
- Submit expenses for reimbursement — you keep the points
- This strategy only works if your employer allows personal cards for business travel
If required to use a corporate card, choose the corporate card with the best points programme and opt-in to earn personal points where the policy allows.
Related Articles
- Best Business Travel Credit Cards in Canada
- Best Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards
- Aeroplan Guide for Canadians
- Best Business Credit Cards in Canada
- Business Credit Cards Hub
Card features, lounge access terms, and travel insurance details subject to change. See our Advertiser Disclosure.