Compare airline credit cards

If you're a frequent traveller, you can earn points or miles towards flights and upgrades.

Last updated: 20 February 2020

Some of the biggest airlines in Canada, such as WestJet, have cobranded credit cards. While not every airline in Canada has a cobranded credit card, there are plenty of general travel cards out there that are suitable for every type of traveller. To help you determine which card is right for you, we’ve compared some airline credit cards below.

How we chose the best airline credit cards

We’ve chosen the cards on this page based on the providers available through Finder. These cards are not representative of the entire market. We’ve narrowed down our top picks by considering rewards points, annual fees, introductory offers and additional card benefits.

No single airline credit card will be the best choice for everyone, so compare your options before picking your new card.

Best airline credit cards

Best for earning points and travel rewards: The Platinum Card from American Express
Best for transferrable rewards points: American Express Gold Rewards Card
Best for earning Air Miles: BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard

Best for flying with Air Canada: TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
Best for flying WestJet: WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard
Best for flying Alaska Airlines: MBNA Alaska Airlines World Elite Mastercard

Best for earning points and travel rewards: The Platinum Card from American Express

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The Platinum Card from American Express is an engraved metal charge card with a hefty annual fee of $699 – but the benefits can far outweigh the costs. Note that this is a charge card, not a regular credit card, so you must pay off the balance in full every month or a 30% interest rate will apply.

Receive a $200 Annual Travel Credit that can be used towards any single travel booking of $200 or more charged through American Express Travel Online or through the Platinum Card Travel Service. Take advantage of the American Express Global Lounge Collection which unlocks access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide. Get complimentary hotel benefits averaging US$550 (based on a 2-night stay) including late check-out and daily breakfast for two.

Plus, as a Platinum cardholder, you'll be fast-tracked to elite status with leading hotel loyalty programs such as Marriot Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, Shangri-La Golden Circle and Radisson Rewards.

- Signup bonus. As a new Platinum Cardmember, earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards points in the fist six months. Earn a Welcome Bonus of 50,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend at least $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months. Receive an additional 10,000 Membership Rewards points after six months of cardmembership
- Rewards points. Earn 3 Membership Rewards points for every $1 spent on eligible dining in Canada, 2 Membership Rewards points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases as well as hotel and car rental bookings made with American Express Travel, and earn 1 Membership Reward point for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
- Travel insurance. Get Travel Accident Insurance, Travel Emergency Assistance and Emergency Medical Insurance, Trip Cancellation and Interruption coverage, Lost and Stolen Baggage Insurance, Flight and Baggage Delay Insurance, Car Rental Theft and Damage coverage and Hotel/Motel Burglary Insurance. You also get access to standby concierge services in the event of a medical emergency.
- No late payment fee. A $0 fee applies to late payments (however, a penalty interest rate may apply).
- Metal Card. This premium credit card comes in precision-cut, engraved metal, which makes it incredibly durable.
- Annual fee. The annual fee for this card is $699.
- Supplementary card fees. Additional Platinum Cards cost $175 annually.
- Foreign transaction fees. When you spend overseas, you’ll face a foreign transaction fee of 2.5%.

Membership Rewards

You can transfer points to select airline and hotel partners with Amex’s Membership Rewards. Amex has an edge in international airline partners, which makes it the favourite in our book. But look at the lists of partners for yourself and see what works for you.

Airline	Transfer ratio
Air Canada	1:1
British Airways	1:1
Cathay Pacific	1:0.75
Alitalia	1:0.75
Delta	1:0.75
Etihad	1:0.75

Hotel	Transfer ratio
Hilton	1:1
SPG	2:1

Best for transferrable rewards points: American Express Gold Rewards Card

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The American Express Gold Rewards Card lets you earn accelerated travel rewards points that can be used towards flights or transferred to frequent flyer and other loyalty programs. Earn 2 Membership Rewards points for every $1 spent on eligible gas station, grocery store, drug store and travel purchases and on eligible hotel and car rental bookings made with American Express Travel, and earn 1 Membership Reward point for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases

As an added bonus, the card comes with a generous incentive for new cardmembers. Earn a Welcome Bonus of 25,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend at least $1,500 on eligible purchases within the first three months Card members also get access to a suite of travel benefits including insurance coverage. However, take note that this is a charge card, not a regular credit card, which means that you must pay off your balance fully each month or a penalty interest rate of 30% will be applied.

- Signup bonus. Earn a Welcome Bonus of 25,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend at least $1,500 on eligible purchases within the first three months
- Rewards points. Earn 2 Membership Rewards points for every $1 spent on eligible gas station, grocery store, drug store and travel purchases and on eligible hotel and car rental bookings made with American Express Travel, and earn 1 Membership Reward point for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
- Extended warranty and purchase protection. Extend the original manufacturer’s warranty for eligible items that are fully charged to your card. Eligible items will also be insured against physical damage and theft up to $1,000 per claim. Terms and conditions apply.
- Travel insurance coverage. Get up to $500,000 Travel Accident Insurance plus Emergency Medical Insurance, Trip Interruption Insurance, Hotel/Motel Burglary coverage, Lost, Stolen and Delayed Baggage coverage, Flight Delay Insurance and Car Rental Theft and Damage Insurance.
- Rental car discounts. Earn 2 Membership Rewards points per $1 spent on eligible car rental transactions. Get one car class upgrade and an additional driver fee waiver for Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members at participating Hertz locations. Cardmembers can also enjoy complimentary Car Rental Theft and Damage Insurance (MSRP of up to $85,000). Terms and conditions apply.
- Not a regular credit card. The American Express Gold Rewards Card is a charge card, not a regular credit card. This means you must pay off your balance fully each month or a penalty interest rate of 30% will be applied.
- Annual fee. This card has an annual fee of $150.
- Foreign transaction fee. This card has a foreign transaction fee of 2.5%. This will apply on any overseas purchases or any purchases made online with an international retailer.
- Some travel benefits not included. Unlike a number of other credit cards offering travel benefits, this card does not come with complimentary airport lounge access or free concierge services.

Best for earning Air Miles: BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard

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The BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard lets you earn accelerated AIR MILES that can be redeemed for travel perks and merchandise. Get 1 AIR MILE for every $10 spent on eligible purchases. To sweeten the deal, the card comes with an enticing signup bonus. Earn a bonus of up to 3,000 AIR MILES. Terms apply. Plus, get the annual fee of $120 waived in the first year.

Cardholders also get a range of complimentary travel benefits including travel insurance coverage. Get a 15% discount on all AIR MILES flights in North America with no blackout periods. Enjoy a free membership in Mastercard Airport Experiences provided by LoungeKey with exclusive VIP access, plus get two annual complimentary passes. Cardholders can also access free Trip Assistance Services for travel-related information and advice.

- Signup bonus. Earn a bonus of up to 3,000 AIR MILES. Terms apply. Plus, get the annual fee of $120 waived in the first year.
- Miles per dollar. Get 1 AIR MILE for every $10 spent on eligible purchases.
- Get 2X the Miles. Earn 2X the Miles when you pay with your credit card and show your AIR MILES Card at AIR MILES partners. Also earn 2X the Miles for every $10 spent at participating National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car locations.
- Travel perks. Get a 15% discount on all AIR MILES flights in North America with no blackout periods. Enjoy a free membership in Mastercard Airport Experiences provided by LoungeKey with exclusive VIP access, plus get two annual complimentary passes. Cardholders can also access free Trip Assistance Services for travel-related information and advice.
- Travel insurance coverage. Get peace of mind with a wide range of travel insurance benefits including up to $2,000,000 Out-of-Province/Out-of-Country Emergency Medical Protection as well as coverage for delayed flights; trip cancellations, interruptions and delays; rental car collision damage and baggage loss, theft or damage.
- Rental car discounts. Get up to a 25% discount at National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car locations with complimentary Collision Damage Waiver benefits (MSRP of up to $65,000).
- Annual fee. This card has an annual fee of $120.
- Foreign transaction fee. This card has a foreign transaction fee of 2.5%. This will apply on any overseas purchases or any purchases made online with an international retailer.
- Eligibility requirements. You’ll need to earn a personal income of at least $80,000, or a combined household income of at least $150,000 annually.

Please note: All information about TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card has been collected independently by Finder and this card is not available through this site.

Best for flying with Air Canada: TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card

The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card is great if you’re an Aeroplan member and fly frequently with Air Canada. Earn 1.5 miles for every $1 spent on eligible grocery, gas, drugstore and aircanada.com purchases, and earn 1 mile for every $1 spent elsewhere. T&C's apply.

This card also comes with an attractive signup bonus for new cardholders. Get a Welcome Bonus of up to 30,000 Aeroplan Miles. Earn 15,000 Aeroplan Miles when you make your first purchase with your card and earn up to 5,000 Aeroplan Miles in each of the first three months when you spend a minimum of $1,000 per month (up to a total earn of 15,000 Aeroplan Miles). Plus, the annual fee is waived in the first year for the primary and 1st additional cardholder. Apply by May 31, 2020.

- Signup bonus. Get a Welcome Bonus of up to 30,000 Aeroplan Miles. Earn 15,000 Aeroplan Miles when you make your first purchase with your card and earn up to 5,000 Aeroplan Miles in each of the first three months when you spend a minimum of $1,000 per month (up to a total earn of 15,000 Aeroplan Miles). Plus, the annual fee is waived in the first year for the primary and 1st additional cardholder. Apply by May 31, 2020.
- Aeroplan Miles for every dollar. Earn 1.5 miles for every $1 spent on eligible grocery, gas, drugstore and aircanada.com purchases, and earn 1 mile for every $1 spent elsewhere. T&C's apply.
- Earn 2X the Aeroplan Miles. Earn 2X the miles when you buy at over 150 participating Aeroplan retailers or 100 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore.
- No expiry on points. As long as you’re a cardholder, your Aeroplan Miles won’t expire.
- Travel perks. Redeem points for an Aeroplan flight reward with Air Canada to get a complimentary first checked bag, priority check-in, priority boarding and one free annual guest pass to an Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge for the Primary Cardholder. Get travel-related information and advice with access to free, 24/7 concierge services. Enjoy exclusive hotel benefits and access to top Canadian restaurants and participating wineries. Terms and conditions apply.
- Travel insurance coverage. Get up to $1,000,000 Travel Medical Insurance for the first 21 days of your trip or for the first 4 days if you or your spouse are 65+. Plus, get Travel Accident Insurance as well as coverage for trip cancellations and interruptions, delayed or lost baggage and flight delays. Additionally, cardholders can enjoy peace of mind with Emergency Travel Assistance Services.
- Car rental perks. Get discounted rates at Avis and Budget car rental services with Auto Rental Collision/Loss Damage Insurance.
- Extended Warranty Protection and Purchase Security. Most eligible new items bought with your card are automatically covered for theft or damage for up to 90 days
  after the purchase date. Plus, the original manufacturer's warranties of eligible items purchased with your card can be extended by up to 12 months.
- Annual fee. This card has an annual fee of $120.
- Minimum income requirements. You’ll need to earn at least $60,000 annually or have a minimum annual household income of $100,000.
- Minimum credit limit. Your credit limit can’t be lower than $5,000 with this card, which could be problematic if you want to restrict your spending to a smaller amount.
- Foreign transaction fees. When you spend overseas, you’ll face a foreign transaction fee of 2.5%.

Best for flying WestJet: WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard

If you fly WestJet often, the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard can reward you with airline specific perks. Earn 2% back in WestJet dollars on WestJet flights and vacation packages and 1.5% for everything else.This card also comes with a signup bonus. Get 250 welcome WestJet dollars plus an additional 100 WestJet dollars when you make your first purchase within 3 months of your account opening date. (Cardholders switching from another RBC credit card are not eligible to receive additional dollars.) Valid from November 4, 2019 to March 31, 2020. WestJet dollars can be redeemed for flights and vacation packages.

- Signup bonus. Get 250 welcome WestJet dollars plus an additional 100 WestJet dollars when you make your first purchase within 3 months of your account opening date. (Cardholders switching from another RBC credit card are not eligible to receive additional dollars.) Valid from November 4, 2019 to March 31, 2020. WestJet dollars can be redeemed for flights and vacation packages.
- WestJet dollars. Earn 2% back in WestJet dollars on WestJet flights and vacation packages and 1.5% for everything else.
- Travel perks. Make your first purchase, and get an annual round-trip companion voucher starting at $99 CAD (plus taxes, fees and charges) (Effective April 1, 2020, vouchers start at $119 CAD). The primary cardholder and up to 8 guests travelling on the same reservation get their first checked bag for free when flying with WestJet. Plus, enjoy access to 800+ airport lounges around the world with a complimentary LoungeKey membership (fees apply for lounge access).
- Travel insurance. This card comes with up to $500,000 Travel Accident Insurance plus coverage for out-of-province/country medical emergencies, trip interruptions, flight delays, emergency purchases and hotel/motel burglaries.
- Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty Coverage. Purchase Security covers eligible items charged to your card against accidental physical damage or loss for up to 90 days
  after the date of purchase. Extended Warranty Protection doubles the original manufacturer's warranty on eligible items up to a maximum of 1 year.
- Earn extra Petro Points. In addition to saving 3¢/L on fuel purchased at Petro-Canada, Petro Points members can earn 20% more points by linking their membership card to their WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard.
- Annual fee. This card has an annual fee of $119.
- Supplementary cards. Extra cards will cost $59 annually.
- Minimum income requirements. You’ll need to earn at least $80,000 annually or have a minimum annual household income of $150,000 to apply.

Best for Alaska Airlines: MBNA Alaska Airlines World Elite Mastercard

If you live in British Columbia or Alberta and find yourself travelling on Alaska Airlines frequently, the cobranded MBNA Alaska Airlines World Elite Mastercard can help you reap the rewards of being a frequent flyer. Earn 3 Miles for every $1 spent on tickets, vacation packages and cargo services from Alaska Airlines, and earn 1 Mile for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.Get a bonus of up to 30,000 points when you spend at least $1,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months.

- Signup bonus. Get a bonus of up to 30,000 points when you spend at least $1,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months.
- Earn travel miles. Earn 3 Miles for every $1 spent on tickets, vacation packages and cargo services from Alaska Airlines, and earn 1 Mile for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Travel perks. Get a complimentary checked bag on eligible reservations and get additional price protection on fares while earning Miles on eligible purchases toward flights and rewards. Terms apply.
  Get Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare every year on your account anniversary for a US$99 (US$121 incl. fees and taxes) round trip with Alaska Airlines. Terms apply.
- Annual fee. This card has an annual fee of $99.
- Minimum income requirements. You’ll need to earn at least $80,000 annually or have a minimum annual household income of $150,000.
- Foreign transaction fees. When you spend overseas, you’ll face a foreign transaction fee of 2.5%.

Compare airline credit cards

Some airlines offer cobranded credit cards with airline-specific perks. If you fly with different carriers, you might like a general travel card instead that offers Air Miles, Aeroplan Miles or rewards points that can be used toward flights and travel experiences.

Name	Purchase Interest Rate	Cash Advance Rate	Annual Fee	Minimum Income		Benefits with this card	Description
BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard	19.99%	22.99%	$0 annual fee for the first year ($120 thereafter)	$80,000	Go to site More Info	Get 1 AIR MILE for every $10 spent on eligible purchases.	Earn a bonus of up to 3,000 AIR MILES. Terms apply. Plus, get the annual fee of $120 waived in the first year.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
American Express AIR MILES Platinum Credit Card	20.99%	22.99%	$120	N/A	Go to site More Info	Earn 1 AIR MILE for every $5 spent on eligible food, drink, gas and transit purchases (up to an annual spend of $30,000), and earn 1 AIR MILE for every $10 spent on all other eligible purchases (and after the $30,000 annual spend)	Earn a Welcome Bonus of 2,000 AIR MILES when you spend at least $1,500 in eligible purchases within the first three months.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Shell AIR MILES Mastercard from BMO	19.99%	22.99%	$0	$15,000	Go to site More Info	Get 2 AIR MILES for every $20 spent at participating AIR MILES Partners, and get 1 AIR MILE for every $20 spent on eligible purchases elsewhere.	Earn up to 800 AIR MILES Bonus Miles.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
BMO Sobeys AIR MILES Mastercard	19.99%	22.99%	$0	$15,000	Go to site More Info	Get 2 AIR MILES for every $20 spent at Sobeys, Foodland and eligible AIR MILES partners, and get 1 AIR MILE for every $20 spent elsewhere.	Earn up to 800 AIR MILES Bonus Miles.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
American Express AIR MILES for Business Card	N/A	N/A	$180	N/A	Go to site More Info	Earn 1 AIR MILE for every $10 spent at eligible AIR MILES Sponsors and 1 AIR MILE for every $15 spent elsewhere	Earn a Welcome Bonus of 2,000 AIR MILES when you spend at least $5,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Shell AIR MILES World Mastercard from BMO	19.99%	22.99%	$99	$60,000	Go to site More Info	Earn 1.25 AIR MILES reward miles at Shell stations in Canada and 1 mile per $15 spent for all other purchases.	Earn 1.25x Miles on card purchases at participating Shell stations in Canada and 1 mile per $15 spent for all other purchases.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
BMO AIR MILES Mastercard For Students	19.99%	22.99%	$0	$15,000	Go to site More Info	Earn 2 AIR MILES for every $20 spent at eligible AIR MILES partners, and earn 1 AIR MILE for every $20 spent elsewhere.	Receive up to 800 AIR MILES Bonus Miles. Plus, get a 1.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 9 months. A 1% fee applies to balance amounts transferred.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
American Express AIR MILES Reserve Credit Card	20.99%	22.99%	$299	N/A	Go to site More Info	Earn 1 AIR MILE for every $10 spent on purchases at eligible stand-alone grocery stores, gas stations and drugs stores in Canada, as well as eligible AIR MILES partners, and earn 1 AIR MILE for every $15 spent on all other eligible purchases elsewhere	Earn a Welcome Bonus of 2,400 AIR MILES when you spend at least $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first three months.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
BMO AIR MILES Mastercard	19.99%	22.99%	$0	$15,000	Go to site More Info	Get 2 AIR MILES for every $20 spent at eligible AIR MILES partners, and get 1 AIR MILE for every $20 spent elsewhere.	Earn up to 800 AIR MILES Bonus Miles. Plus, get a rate of 1.99% on balance transfers for 9 months. A 1% fee applies to transferred balances.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
American Express AeroplanPlus Platinum Card	N/A	N/A	$499	N/A	Go to site More Info	Earn 1.25 Aeroplan Miles for every $1 spent up to the first $25,000 annual spend, and earn 1.5 Aeroplan Miles for every $1 spent over $25,000	Receive 40,000 bonus Aeroplan Miles after spending $3,000 in the first three months of card membership	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
American Express AIR MILES Gold Business Card	19.99%	22.99%	$0	N/A	Go to site More Info	Earn 1 AIR MILE for every $15 spent on eligible purchases at AIR MILES Sponsors, and earn 1 AIR MILE for every $20 spent on eligible purchases elsewhere	Earn a Welcome Bonus of 150 AIR MILES when you spend at least $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first three months	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
American Express AeroplanPlus Gold Card	N/A	N/A	$120	N/A	Go to site More Info	Earn 1 Aeroplan Mile for every $1 you spend up to a maximum of $10,000, and earn 1.25 Aeroplan Miles for every $1 spent over $10,000 per year	Earn 15,000 bonus Aeroplan Miles after spending $1,500 in the first 3 months	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
BMO IGA AIR MILES Mastercard	19.99%	22.99%	$0	$15,000	Go to site More Info	Get 2 AIR MILES for every $20 spent on eligible purchases at IGA stores and at participating AIR MILES partners, and get 1 AIR MILE for every $20 spent elsewhere.	Get up to 800 AIR MILES Bonus Miles.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

Compare up to 4 providers

How to choose the best airline credit card to meet your needs

Decide if you want a general or cobranded card.
- A general card can be effective if you fly with different airlines. Depending on the provider, you may be able to transfer your points or miles to partner airlines. This gives you a lot of flexibility that you wouldn’t get with a cobranded card.
- If you’re loyal to a certain airline and they offer a card, you might like a cobranded card. You probably shouldn’t get the card for its rewards, as you’ll often find stronger points or miles from a general card. However, the cobranded credit card might offer airline-specific perks such as priority boarding, free checked baggage and access to the airline’s lounges.

Think about how much you want to pay.
- Airline credit cards usually have an annual fee. Fees tend to range from $79 to $120 annually.
- If you’re looking for a general travel credit card, it’s possible to find a no annual fee card. That said, the best travel credit cards typically have annual fees as high as $700, although some will be more reasonably priced at $150 annually.

Apply for the card.
- Before applying, be sure you meet the eligibility requirements.
- You’ll need information like your full name, contact details, Social Insurance Number (SIN), date of birth, annual income and employment information.
Wait for your card.
- Many credit card providers will give you a decision on your application immediately. If a provider needs to review your application manually, it may take a few days to a few weeks to hear back.
- If you’re approved, look for your card in the mail within seven to ten days.

Bottom line

If you want to earn flexible points or miles on flights, consider a general travel credit card. If you’re loyal to a certain airline and they offer a card, you might prefer to choose a cobranded card.

Not sure if an airline credit card is right for you? Check out our guide to travel credit cards for more options.

Frequently asked questions

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Emma Balmforth

Emma Balmforth is a Producer at Finder. She is passionate about cryptocurrency, credit cards and loans, and enjoys helping people understand the often confusing world of finance. Emma has a degree in business and psychology from the University of Waterloo. She wants to help people make financial decisions that will benefit them now and in the future.

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