Comparing Canadian Travel Rewards Cards (No Annual Fee)
Lately, it seems that banks have either discontinued or upgraded their best no-fee credit cards. Now, all the worthwhile perks require an annual investment. Although, in many cases, the benefits outweigh the fee, first-time credit card holders and low spenders might prefer something free. With so few to choose from, we’ve highlighted four credit cards from the travel category deserving of your attention.
Remember that many premium credit cards offer entrance promotions, meaning you can offset that annual fee in bonus rewards and other cash incentives. However, regardless the allure, conduct your due diligence before settling on any one card.
PC Financial World Elite MasterCard
- 30 PC points per $1 and 3% cashback at Loblaw stores and Shoppers Drugmart
- $0.03 discount per litre at Esso stations
- Full out-of-province and out-of-country travel medical insurance (even if you pay for your trip on another card)
Blue Sky Credit Card from American Express
- 10,000 Blue Sky Points after $500 in purchases within the first three months; 1.25 Blue Sky Points per $1 henceforth
- Redeem after only 10,000 points for any travel purchase—no restrictions
- Sign-up bonus of $100 towards travel with a 1.25% annual return
Rogers Platinum MasterCard
- One of three Canadian credit cards to subsidize foreign transaction fees
- 4% cashback on all foreign purchases plus 1.75% rewards rate on all other transactions
- $25 welcome bonus with no first-year annual fee
Scotia Momentum VISA Infinite Card
- More cashback for everyday spend than any other credit card in Canada: 4% on gas and groceries; 2% on recurring spend; 1% everywhere else
- First-year annual fee waived for new applicants (time-sensitive promotion)
- Travel medical insurance, trip interruption, flight delay and car rental insurance
