Airline credit cards in Canada earn miles or points toward flights, often include airline-specific perks (free checked bags, priority boarding, lounge access), and can be the fastest path to earning a free flight. The right card depends on which airline you fly most.
Best Airline Credit Cards at a Glance
| Card | Annual Fee | Airline / Programme | Key Benefit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite | $139 | Aeroplan (Air Canada) | Free checked bag; 1.5x everyday | Best Aeroplan everyday earner |
| CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite | $139 | Aeroplan (Air Canada) | Free checked bag; companion pass | CIBC banking clients |
| WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard | $119 | WestJet Rewards | Annual companion voucher | WestJet loyalists |
| Amex Aeroplan Reserve | $599 | Aeroplan + Maple Leaf | Maple Leaf Lounge access | Premium Air Canada travellers |
| American Express Cobalt | $155 | Amex MR (→ Aeroplan/Avios) | 5x MR on dining/grocery | Best MR earn for flexible redemptions |
| RBC British Airways Visa Infinite | $165 | Avios (oneworld) | 3 Avios/$1; BA travel benefits | Avios / oneworld flyers |
| MBNA Alaska Airlines Mastercard | $99 | Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan | Companion fare; Alaska miles | Alaska Airlines flyers from western Canada |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege | $599 | Aeroplan (Air Canada) | Maple Leaf Lounge; unlimited Dragonpass | Ultra-premium Air Canada |
Air Canada / Aeroplan Cards
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite ($139/year)
The most popular Aeroplan credit card in Canada:
| Category | Earn Rate |
|---|---|
| Air Canada purchases | 1.5x Aeroplan |
| Grocery, gas, dining | 1.5x Aeroplan |
| Everything else | 1x Aeroplan |
Air Canada perks:
- Free first checked bag on Air Canada for cardholder (and up to 8 companions on same booking)
- Priority check-in at Air Canada check-in counters
- NEXUS application fee rebate ($100 every 4 years)
- Comprehensive travel insurance
Income requirement: $60,000 personal / $100,000 household.
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite ($139/year)
Nearly identical to the TD card — same annual fee, same earn structure, same Air Canada perks. Key differentiators:
- First-year companion pass (on select bookings) vs. TD’s NEXUS credit
- CIBC banking integration
- Welcome bonus amounts vary — compare both at application time
Choose TD if: You bank with TD, want the NEXUS credit, or dine out frequently (TD earns 1.5x on dining; CIBC earns 1x). Choose CIBC if: You bank with CIBC or the welcome bonus is substantially higher.
Amex Aeroplan Reserve ($599/year)
The premium Aeroplan card with Maple Leaf Club lounge access:
| Category | Earn Rate |
|---|---|
| Air Canada purchases | 3x Aeroplan |
| Dining | 2x Aeroplan |
| Everything else | 1.25x Aeroplan |
Premium perks:
- Maple Leaf Club lounge access (cardholder + 1 guest at eligible airports)
- NEXUS fee rebate ($100 every 4.5 years)
- Unlimited DragonPass lounge visits
- Comprehensive premium travel insurance
- Earn Aeroplan Elite Qualifying Miles faster
Best for: Frequent Air Canada business travellers who fly at least 6–10 times per year and value lounge access.
WestJet Rewards Card
WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard ($119/year)
| Category | Earn Rate |
|---|---|
| WestJet flights and Vacations | 2% WestJet Dollars |
| Everything else | 1.5% WestJet Dollars |
Key perks:
- Annual companion voucher: $99 + taxes for a companion on any WestJet flight (when you buy a base fare or higher)
- Free first checked bag for cardholder and up to 8 companions on same booking
- 1 WestJet Dollar = $1 CAD off any WestJet booking
Annual companion voucher value: $171–$1,051+ depending on route (domestic = $91–$421 savings; transatlantic = $451–$1,051 savings).
Best for: WestJet loyalists who travel with a companion at least once per year.
Flexible Airline Cards (Earn Points, Choose Your Airline)
American Express Cobalt ($155/year)
Earns 5x Amex MR on dining and eligible grocery — transferable 1:1 to Aeroplan, British Airways Avios, Air France/KLM Flying Blue, and other partners. The highest everyday earn rate for any Canadian airline card.
Best for: Canadians who want flexibility across multiple loyalty programmes and maximum earn on daily spending.
RBC British Airways Visa Infinite ($165/year)
Earns Avios directly — useful for oneworld bookings, Qatar Airways Qsuites, and short-haul North American routes. Includes an annual companion voucher for British Airways transatlantic flights.
Best for: Travellers who prefer oneworld airlines (British Airways, Qatar, American, Cathay Pacific) over Star Alliance.
Key Features Comparison
| Card | Checked Bag | Lounge Access | Companion Benefit | Earn on Grocery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite | ✓ Air Canada (+ 8) | None | None | 1.5x Aeroplan |
| CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite | ✓ Air Canada (+ 8) | None | First-year companion pass | 1.5x Aeroplan |
| WestJet RBC World Elite | ✓ WestJet (+ 8) | None | Annual $99 companion | 1.5% WestJet $ |
| Amex Aeroplan Reserve | ✓ Air Canada (+ 1) | Maple Leaf Club | None | 1.25x Aeroplan |
| Amex Cobalt | None | None | None | 5x Amex MR |
Airline Credit Cards FAQ
Best airline card for Air Canada? TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite or CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite (both $139/year, free checked bag). Compare welcome bonuses at application time.
Best airline card for WestJet? WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard ($119/year, annual companion voucher).
What earns the most Aeroplan points? Amex Cobalt (5x MR → Aeroplan on dining/grocery), or Amex Aeroplan Reserve (3x on Air Canada directly).
Can I earn Air Canada miles without an Air Canada card? Yes — earn Amex MR on the Cobalt, Gold, or Platinum and transfer 1:1 to Aeroplan.
Best airline card for oneworld travel? RBC British Airways Visa Infinite (Avios, Qatar, BA) or Amex Cobalt (MR → Avios).
Related Articles
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- Best Aeroplan Credit Cards in Canada 2026
- How WestJet Rewards Works 2026
- Avios for Canadians — Guide 2026
- Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada 2026
- TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Review 2026
Card details current as of June 2026. Annual fees, earn rates, and perks subject to change. Verify with the issuer before applying. See our Advertiser Disclosure.