Airline credit cards in Canada earn points or dollars in a specific frequent flyer programme — usually in exchange for a higher annual fee and better earn rates on Air Canada or WestJet bookings. The right airline card depends entirely on which airline you fly most.
Airline Programmes Available in Canada
| Programme | Airline | Alliance | Cards Issued By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aeroplan | Air Canada | Star Alliance (40+ airlines) | TD, CIBC, Amex |
| WestJet Dollars | WestJet | n/a (WestJet-specific) | RBC |
| Alaska Mileage Plan | Alaska Airlines | oneworld | MBNA |
| British Airways Avios | British Airways / oneworld | oneworld | RBC (direct earn) |
Most Canadian frequent flyers choose between Aeroplan (Air Canada hub) or WestJet Dollars (WestJet hub) based on their home airport and preferred airline.
Aeroplan Cards — Air Canada & Star Alliance
Aeroplan is Canada’s dominant frequent flyer programme. Points can be redeemed on Air Canada, all 40+ Star Alliance airlines (United, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, etc.), and some non-alliance partners. For Canadians flying primarily on Air Canada or from hub airports (YYZ, YYC, YVR, YUL), Aeroplan offers the highest travel value.
Top Aeroplan Credit Cards
| Card | Annual Fee | Air Canada Earn | Base Earn | Lounge Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite | $139 | 1.5x | 1x | None |
| CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite | $139 | 1.5x Air Canada purchases | 1x | None |
| American Express Aeroplan Card | $120 | 2x Air Canada | 1x | None |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege | $599 | 2x Air Canada | 1.5x | Maple Leaf Club |
| CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege | $599 | 2x Air Canada | 1.5x | Maple Leaf Club |
| American Express Aeroplan Reserve | $599 | 3x Air Canada | 1.25x | Maple Leaf Club |
Aeroplan point value: Approx. 1.5–2.0 cents per point in economy; 3–8 cents per point in business class on partner airlines. See our Aeroplan programme guide for full redemption details.
TD vs. CIBC for Aeroplan: Both Visa Infinite cards charge $139 and earn 1.5x on Air Canada. Key differences: CIBC earns 1.5x on all Air Canada purchases; TD offers a NEXUS card rebate ($100 credit every 4 years) and a lower supplementary card fee ($75 vs $50). See TD Aeroplan vs. CIBC Aeroplan for the full comparison.
For full rankings: Best Aeroplan Credit Cards in Canada →
WestJet Cards — WestJet Dollars
WestJet Dollars are a cash-equivalent currency (1 WestJet Dollar = $1 off a WestJet booking). No complex redemptions — WestJet Dollars apply directly to flight or vacation package purchases.
WestJet Credit Cards
| Card | Annual Fee | WestJet Earn | Companion Voucher |
|---|---|---|---|
| RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard | $119 | 2% everywhere; 3% on WestJet | Annual companion voucher from $119 |
| RBC WestJet Mastercard | $39 | 1.5% everywhere; 2% on WestJet | None |
The companion voucher: Book one round-trip fare at full price, and a companion flies from as little as $119 in taxes and fees. For couples or families flying WestJet at least once per year, the voucher typically exceeds the $119 annual fee.
For full rankings: Best WestJet Credit Cards in Canada →
Alaska Mileage Plan — MBNA
Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan is known for generous partner redemptions — Alaska miles book flights on American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, and others. The MBNA Alaska Airlines Mastercard is the only direct-earn Alaska Mileage Plan card in Canada.
| Card | Annual Fee | Earn Rate |
|---|---|---|
| MBNA Alaska Airlines Mastercard | $75 | 1 mile per $1 everywhere |
Who it’s for: Travellers flying to the US Pacific Northwest, Hawaii, or internationally on Alaska’s oneworld partners — especially Japan Airlines and Cathay Pacific.
British Airways Avios — Direct Earn & Transfers
British Airways Avios can be earned directly on one Canadian card, and transferred from Amex MR or RBC Avion points.
| Method | Card | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Direct earn | RBC British Airways Visa Infinite | 1 Avios per $1 |
| Transfer from RBC Avion | Any RBC Avion card | 1:1 |
| Transfer from Amex MR | Cobalt, Gold, Platinum | 1:1 |
Best redemptions: Short-haul oneworld flights under 650 miles (4,500–7,500 Avios) and Qatar Airways Qsuites business class (80,000–100,000 Avios round-trip transatlantic).
Full guide: British Airways Avios for Canadians →
Airline Card vs. General Travel Card
| Airline Card | General Travel Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Best earn on flights | Higher on specific airline | 2–3x on all travel |
| Flexibility | Locked to one programme | Redeem anywhere |
| Business class value | Higher ceiling (partner redemptions) | Lower ceiling |
| Perks | Airline-specific (lounge, status miles) | General (FX, insurance, lounge) |
| Best for | Air Canada / WestJet loyalists | Multi-airline or deal-seeking travellers |
If you fly Air Canada or WestJet exclusively, a co-branded card accelerates your earning. If you book by price across airlines, a general travel card like Amex Cobalt or Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite offers more flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airline credit card is best in Canada? For most Canadians, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite or CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite offers the best combination of earn rate, Star Alliance flexibility, and redemption value. WestJet cards suit loyal WestJet flyers who value the companion voucher.
Can I earn Aeroplan points without flying Air Canada? Yes — on any Star Alliance airline, at Aeroplan shopping partners, through hotel transfers (Marriott Bonvoy at 3:1), and via credit card spending.
Are WestJet Dollars better than Aeroplan points? WestJet Dollars are simpler (1 WD = $1 off WestJet bookings) but less flexible. Aeroplan points deliver higher per-point value for business class international redemptions. If you primarily fly within Canada or to the US on WestJet, WestJet Dollars may be more practical.
Do airline cards include airport lounge access? Most mid-tier airline cards ($120–$200) do not include lounge access. Lounge access is reserved for premium cards ($399–$599). See Best Credit Cards With Airport Lounge Access →
Related Articles
- Best Aeroplan Credit Cards in Canada
- Best Airline Credit Cards in Canada
- Best WestJet Credit Cards in Canada
- British Airways Avios for Canadians
- Best Credit Cards With Airport Lounge Access
- Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada
Card details, earn rates, and programme terms are subject to change. Verify with the issuer before applying. See our Advertiser Disclosure.