Best Credit Cards With Airport Lounge Access in Canada

Card	NerdWallet rating	Best for	Apply Now
The Platinum Card® from American Express			APPLY NOW on American Express' website
APPLY NOW on American Express' website	5.0/5	Widest lounge access
Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card			APPLY NOW on Scotiabank's website
APPLY NOW on Scotiabank's website	5.0/5	Most included visits below the ultra-premium price tier
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card			APPLY NOW on TD's website
APPLY NOW on TD's website	4.8/5	Maple Leaf Lounge access
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite +* Card			APPLY NOW on Scotiabank's website
APPLY NOW on Scotiabank's website	5.0/5	Overall value for lounge visits
BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®*			APPLY NOW on BMO's website
APPLY NOW on BMO's website	3.9/5	Lounge access with an annual fee waiver in the first year

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Airport lounge access allows you to show up at the airport and enjoy that free buffet and wine without the screaming children and uncomfortable benches at the terminal. But there’s more than just knowing the number of free visits your card gets you.

These cards stand out for different kinds of travellers. The strongest option on paper may not be the strongest one for your airport, route or travel party.

Lounge locations and access rules can change, so check the applicable network before applying and again before travelling.

These credit cards charge the highest annual fees, from $399 to $799. Some have the most comprehensive lounge access, giving you the ability to relax often in the lap of luxury at lounges across the world. Others are valuable mainly for a particular airline or rewards program. The fee only makes sense if the lounge access and the rest of the card fit how you travel.

Our pick for: Widest lounge access

The Platinum Card® from American Express

5.0

NerdWallet rating

APPLY NOW

on American Express' website

Intro offer

Up to 100,000 Points

Annual fee$799

Rewards rate

1x-2x Points

Rewards breakdown

2x

Points on eligible dining and food delivery purchases in Canada.

2x

Points on eligible travel purchases.

1x

Points on all other purchases.

NerdWallet's take

As the name suggests, this card offers top-tier perks like free airport lounge access, an annual $200 travel credit and a full suite of insurances. However, it’s a charge card, so you must pay off the balance in full each month or face steep interest. And, for a premium travel card that costs $799 a year, the 2.5% foreign transaction fee is a bit of a letdown. Best for: High-end jetsetters who spend big on travel and don’t carry a balance.

Pros

• Annual credits totalling $640.
• Comprehensive and unlimited airport lounge access.
• No pre-set spending limit.

Cons

• Very steep $799 annual fee.
• 2.5% foreign transaction fee.
• Must pay off balance each month.

Card details

• Unlock special experiences with the Platinum Card®.
• Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points - that’s up to $1,000 towards a weekend away
• New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn 70,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $10,000 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
• Plus, earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase between 15 and 17 months of Cardmembership
• Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada, 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel, and 1 point for every $1 in all other Card purchases.
• Access a $200 Annual Travel Credit through American Express Travel Online or Platinum® Card Travel Service.
• Enjoy a $200 Annual Dining Credit at some of Canada’s best restaurants.
• Unlock $200 or more in additional value with Member extras. You can earn statement credits for qualifying purchases with participating brands.
• Take full advantage of The American Express Global Lounge Collection™ which unlocks access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide. This includes The Centurion® Lounge network, Plaza Premium Lounges, and hundreds of other domestic and international lounges designed to enhance your travel experience. Terms and Conditions apply.
• Enjoy flexible ways to use your points such as statement credits for any eligible purchase charged to your Card, new travel purchases booked on American Express Travel Online through the Flexible Points Travel Program, and eligible flights through the Fixed Points Travel Program.
• Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs.
• Enjoy complimentary benefits that offer an average value of $550 USD at over 1,600 extraordinary properties worldwide when you book Fine Hotels + Resorts
• Platinum Cardmembers can enjoy access to special events and unique opportunities.
• Enjoy premium benefits at the Toronto Pearson Airport.
• You will also have access to many leading hotel and car rental companies’ loyalty programs. Our partners include Marriott International, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Hertz and Avis.
• Interest applies in accordance with your Cardmember Agreement, Information Box, and Disclosure statement if the total New Balance is not paid by the Payment Due Date each month. All payments must be received by the Payment Due Date shown on the monthly statement.
• American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, NerdWallet may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Why we like it:

Lounge access: Unlimited access to more than 1,550 airport lounges across 140 countries through the American Express Global Lounge Collection. Some Canadian Platinum lounge benefits are scheduled to change in 2027.

Route fit: Strongest for frequent travellers who use varied airlines and airports, especially YYZ. You can also check the Amex lounge locator for the correct terminal and travel zone.

Choose if: You want the broadest premium lounge access overall and travel often enough to justify the $799 annual fee, even with some Canadian Platinum lounge-access changes coming in 2027.

Our pick for: Most included visits below the ultra-premium price tier

Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card

5.0

NerdWallet rating

APPLY NOW

on Scotiabank's website

Intro offer

Up to 100,000 Points

Annual fee$399

Rewards rate

2x Points

Rewards breakdown

2x

Points for every $1 you spend on all your eligible purchases.

NerdWallet's take

Scotiabank’s Platinum Amex doesn’t just offer top-tier travel perks — such as emergency medical coverage and airport lounge access — it also comes with a low 9.99% interest rate on purchases and a flat earn rate of 2x Scene+ points per $1 spent. The high $399 annual fee, however, may be too steep for some users. Best for: Frequent travellers who spend big abroad, want airport lounge access and don’t mind using the Scene+ Travel platform to book travel.

Pros

• Low 9.99% APR.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• 10 free airport lounge passes per year.

Cons

• High $399 annual fee.
• Must book through Scene+ Travel platform to earn extra 3x points.

Card details

• Earn up to $3,000* in value in the first 14 months, including up to 100,000¹ bonus Scene+ points.
• Plus earn 2X Scene+ points for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.
• Earn additional benefits + up to 4X Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia.
• No Foreign Transaction Fee
• Comprehensive Travel Insurance coverage
• Mobile Device Insurance coverage
• 10 complimentary Airport Lounge Passes per year
• Platinum VIP Offers+
• American Express Invites®
• Premium Complimentary Concierge Services
• Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 2, 2026. Subject to change.

Why we like it:

Lounge access: 10 complimentary annual visits through Priority Pass and Plaza Premium for the primary cardholder or a guest.

Route fit: Best when your usual departure and return terminals have participating Priority Pass or Plaza Premium lounges.

Choose if: You want strong lounge access and airport perks at a lower fee than ultra-premium cards ($399 versus $799).

Our pick for: Best Maple Leaf Lounge access

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card

4.8

NerdWallet rating

APPLY NOW

on TD's website

Intro offer

Up to 100,000 Points

Annual fee$599

Rewards rate

1.25x-2x Points

Rewards breakdown

2x

Points† for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®).

1.5x

Points for every $1 spent on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, travel & transit and dining purchases.

1.25x

Points† for every $1 spent on all other purchases made with your Card.

NerdWallet's take

This card offers premium travel perks at top dollar. You get comprehensive travel insurance, annual $99 companion passes, unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges, six annual lounge passes via the Visa Airport Companion Program, priority airport services, NEXUS rebates and more. But not everyone will be able to afford the annual fee, nor meet the steep income requirement. Best for: Frequent Air Canada travellers with a big budget looking for premium perks at the airport.

Pros

• Unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge visits, plus six complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program passes annually for primary cardholders.
• Priority airport services.
• Annual $99 companion pass.

Cons

• Steep $599 annual fee.
• High $150,000 minimum income requirement.

Card details

• Up to $3,300 in value† including up to 100,000 Aeroplan points† could be yours. Conditions Apply.
• Earn a welcome bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase with your new card†.
• Earn an additional 30,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 180 days of Account opening†.
• Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 50,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $24,000 within 12 months of Account opening†.
• Offer may be changed, withdrawn, or extended at any time and cannot be combined with any other offer unless otherwise indicated.
• Earn 2 points† for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®).
• Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 you charge to your Card on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, travel & transit and dining purchases.
• Earn 1.25 points† for every $1 spent on all other purchases made with your Card.
• Earn points twice when you pay with your Card and provide your Aeroplan number at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and at 200+ online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore (www.aeroplan.com/estore).
• Earn more at Starbucks: Link your eligible Card to earn 50% more Aeroplan points plus more Starbucks Stars. Redeem points for even more Stars. Conditions apply.  
• Apply for the NEXUS program membership and once every 48 months get a partial application fee rebate (up to $100 CAD per eligible cardholder)†.
• Share first free checked bags with up to 8 travel companions†, and get unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges† including complementary access for one guest.
• Plus, cardholders get 6 complimentary worldwide select airport lounge visits annually through the Visa Airport Companion Program†.
• Get an annual round-trip companion pass from $99 (plus taxes, fees, charges and surcharges)†.
• Get access to Priority Airport Services† like Priority Boarding, Priority Baggage Handling, and Priority Airport Standby & Priority Airport Upgrades†.
• Travel Medical Insurance†: Up to $5 million of coverage for the first 31 days. If you or your spouse is aged 65 or older, you are covered for the first 4 days of your trip. Additional top-up coverage is available.
• To be eligible, $150,000 annual personal income or $200,000 household annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
• †Terms and conditions apply.
• This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
• The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button.

Why we like it:

Lounge access: Unlimited access to eligible Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafés in North America for the cardholder and one guest, plus 6 complimentary DragonPass visits per year through Visa Airport Companion.

Route fit: Strongest when you depart from an airport with a Maple Leaf Lounge on an eligible same-day Air Canada or Star Alliance itinerary. The Visa Airport Companion visits may cover the return leg when a participating lounge is available in the correct terminal.

Choose if: You travel around Canada often and regularly fly Air Canada or Star Alliance, often with one other person, and can use the airline benefits as well as the lounge access.

Our pick for: Best flexible flight rewards with lounge access

RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege

4.1

NerdWallet rating

APPLY NOW

on RBC's website

Intro offer

Up to 100,000 Points

Annual fee$399

Rewards rate

1.25x Points

Rewards breakdown

1.25x

Points for every $1 you spend.

NerdWallet's take

High-end perks like airport lounge access, security fast track lanes, ski passes and flexible rewards, make the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege a solid choice for travellers looking for a little extra.

Pros

• Six complimentary airport lounge passes per year.
• Rental car discounts.
• Airport security fast track lanes.
• Book rewards travel on any airline, at any time.

Cons

• High annual fee.
• Low earn rate.

Card details

• Get up to 100,000 Avion points1 + 6 airport lounge passes - a value of up to $2,375!‡ Apply by November 25, 2026.
• Earn 1.25 Avion points for every dollar you spend.
• Minimum personal income of $200,000 required to apply.
• Enjoy VIP travel benefits including Visa Airport Companion (that’s six lounge visits per membership year for every enrolled cardholder on your account!),² Plus, fast track security and other benefits at select airports¹,²
• Book flights on any airline, on any flight, at any time³. You can also use your points to redeem for vacation packages, hotels, cruises and tours³.
• Pick any seat you want from 500+ airlines - with no seat restrictions or blackout periods, even during peak seasons.
• Access more of the world with your 24/7 Visa Infinite Privilege Concierge¹¹
• Avion Infinite Privilege card holders have access to book business or first class at a rate of 100 points for $2³
• Redeem your points for travel and more. Use points for anything from paying bills and paying your card balance to redeeming for Gift Cards and Merchandise at top brands like Apple. The Avion Rewards program gives you the freedom of choice to use your points your way, and helps you make the most as an Avioner.
• Eligible Avion Rewards members can also convert points to other loyalty programs including WestJet dollars and British Airways Avios.
• Link your RBC card with a Petro-Points membership to instantly save 3₵ per litre on fuel at Petro-Canada stations and earn 20% more Petro-Points and 20% more Avion points
• Link your RBC card with a Rexall Be Well account and get 50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall. Redeem Be Well points faster for savings in store on eligible purchases where 25,000 Be Well points = $10
• Get $0 delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash¹⁸ – Add your credit card to your DoorDash account and get a free 12-month DashPass subscription¹⁸.
• Get access to RBC offers which provides access to earn points faster at specified brands
• Avioners get access to luxury Visa Infinite benefits including first in line for exclusive events, and hotel and dining benefits.
• Flexibility to book flights last-minute: up to 24hrs before
• 1 This offer only applies to new applications for an RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege credit card received between “August 13, 2026” and “November 25, 2026” (“Offer Period”) and approved by Royal Bank of Canada (“Royal Bank”) subject to the conditions below. Additional cardholders(s) (co-applicant and authorized user(s)) on the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege account, as well as existing cardholders on any RBC Royal Bank personal credit card account transferring to an RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege account during the Offer Period, are not eligible for the offer. 35,000 welcome Avion points (“Welcome Points”) will appear on your monthly credit card statement within sixty (60) days after your application has been approved, provided that your RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege credit card account (“Credit Card Account”) remains open and in good standing at the time the Welcome points are credited to your account, “good standing” meaning that your Credit Card Account must not be past due for more than two (2) consecutive credit card account statement periods, closed, charged off or in credit revoked status. You will receive 20,000 bonus Avion points (“Bonus Points”) if a total of $5,000 or more (“Qualifying Transaction Amount”) in qualifying net purchases and/or pre-authorized bill payment transactions (“Qualifying Transactions”) are posted to your Credit Card Account within the first six (6) months from your Credit Card Account opening date (“Period”). The Bonus Points will appear on your monthly credit card statement within sixty (60) days after you reach $5,000 in Qualifying Transactions, provided your Credit Card Account remains open and in good standing at the time the Bonus Points are credited to your account. Qualifying Transactions exclude cash advances (including balance transfers, cash-like transactions and bill payments that are not pre-authorized charges that you set up with a merchant), interest charges and fees, and credits for returns and adjustments posted to your Credit Card account during the Period will reduce the amount of your Qualifying Transactions. The Qualifying Transaction Amount is based on the transaction posting date of each Qualifying Transaction, not the transaction date. This means that transactions that take place prior to the last day of the Period will not be considered for the Qualifying Transaction Amount if they have not yet been posted or processed by the merchant, the payment network (Visa) or Royal Bank by the last day of the Period. 45,000 additional Avion points (“Anniversary Points”) will appear on your monthly credit card statement within twelve (12) to sixteen (16) weeks after the one- year anniversary of your account opening, provided that your account remains open and in good standing at the time the Anniversary Points are credited to your account. If you close or change your Credit Card Account for another type of RBC Royal Bank credit card before the Welcome Points, the Bonus Points and/or the Anniversary Points have been credited to your account, you may lose the benefit of this offer. This offer may not be combined or used in conjunction with any other offer. Royal Bank reserves the right to cancel, modify or withdraw this offer at any time without notice, even after your application has been approved, including if we suspect that you may be manipulating or abusing it, or engaging in any suspicious or fraudulent activity, as determined by Royal Bank in its sole discretion. For complete terms and conditions that apply to the Avion Rewards Program, please visit www.avionrewards.com or call 1-800-769-2512
• † Air Travel Reward redemptions from the Air Travel Redemption Schedule start at 100,000 Avion points for a round-trip long-haul flight from any major gateway in Canada or the U.S. to almost anywhere in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific, Middle East, Africa and South America, with a maximum ticket price of $2,000. All applicable taxes, service fees and surcharges are the responsibility of the traveler. For more details, including information on redeeming for first class and business class seats, visit: www.avionrewards.com/travel/index.html. For general redemption terms, conditions and restrictions that apply to the Avion Rewards program, please visit: www.avionrewards.com or call 1-800 ROYAL 1-2 (1-800-769-2512).
• ^ Based on the Air Travel Reward redemptions from the Air Travel Redemption Schedule starting at 15,000 Avion points for a round trip within or to an adjacent Canadian province/territory or U.S State with a maximum ticket price of $350. You will need a minimum of 90,000 Avion Points for six round-trip flights within or to an adjacent Canadian province/territory or U.S State. All applicable taxes, service fees and surcharges are the responsibility of the traveller. For more details, including information on redeeming for first class and business class seats, please visit: www.avionrewards.com/travel/index.html. For general redemption terms, conditions and restrictions that apply to the Avion Rewards program, please visit: www.avionrewards.com or call 1-800 ROYAL 1-2 (1-800-769-2512).
• ‡ [CN1.1]The value of up to $2,375 is based on (i) the estimated value of CAN$375 for six complimentary global airport lounge access passes based on the comparable cost of direct enrollment in the Visa Airport Companion Program (hosted and managed by DragonPass International Ltd.) for membership by a Primary cardholder, which costs $99 USD and includes one complimentary airport lounge visit every year and the cost of additional 5 paid visits costing $32 USD per person, per visit. The value is estimated based on an exchange rate of $1.37USD as of July 19, 2024), and (ii) the redemption value of 100,000 Avion points based on the Air Travel Redemption Schedule for a round-trip long flight from any major gateway in Canada or the U.S. to almost anywhere in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific, Middle East, Africa and South America, with a maximum ticket price of $2,000.

Why we like it:

Lounge access: 6 complimentary DragonPass lounge visits per membership year.

Route fit: Best when DragonPass lists participating lounges in both your usual departure terminal and the airport you will fly home from.

Choose if: You already use RBC and want flexible Avion travel rewards with lounge visits included, rather than a card built around lounge access alone.

These cards all clock in at $150 or less in annual fees and can get you the lounge experience on both legs of a vacation for 2 people, up to once per year.

Our pick for: Best overall value for lounge visits

Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite +* Card

5.0

NerdWallet rating

APPLY NOW

on Scotiabank's website

Intro offer

Up to 35,000 Points

Annual fee$150

Rewards rate

1x-3x Points

Rewards breakdown

3x

Points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more.

2x

Points for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining purchases, entertainment purchases, and eligible daily transit options (including rideshares, buses, subways, taxis and more).

1x

Point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases.

NerdWallet's take

A competitive travel card that earns up to 3x Scene+ points on everyday purchases, and comes with six complimentary airport lounge visits and no foreign transaction fees. While you can earn accelerated points (3x) on travel purchases, they must be made through the Scene+ Travel platform, which may feel limiting for some users. Best for: Frequent travellers who shop regularly at Scene+ partner grocery stores, spend big abroad and are looking for airport lounge access.

Pros

• Free airport lounge membership and six free visits per year.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• Free Avis Preferred Plus membership.

Cons

• An above-average $150 annual fee for a travel card.
• Top earn rate (3x on groceries) only applies to Sobeys and its subsidiary stores.
• Must book through Scene+ Travel platform to earn 3x points on travel.

Card details

• Earn up to $1,250 in first year welcome offers, rewards and savings*, including up to 35,000 bonus Scene+ points¹
• Earn 3x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more.
• Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including rideshares, buses, subways, taxis and more).
• Plus earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases.
• Earn additional benefits + up to 4X Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia.
• No Foreign Transaction Fee.
• 6 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access.
• Comprehensive Travel Insurance coverage.
• Visa Infinite* Concierge Services.
• Visa Infinite* Hotel Collection.
• Visa Infinite* Dining and Wine Country program.
• Rates, fees and other information are effective as of Aug 4, 2026. Subject to change.

Why we like it:

Lounge access: 6 visits through Visa Airport Companion.

Route fit: Works best when your usual terminal has a participating Visa Airport Companion (DragonPass) lounge, such as Plaza Premium or Aspire.

Choose if: You want an above-average amount of free airport lounge visits at a competitive annual fee.

Our pick for: Best lounge access with an annual fee waiver in the first year

BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®*

3.9

NerdWallet rating

APPLY NOW

on BMO's website

Intro offer

Up to 115,000 Points

Annual fee

$150

Waived first year

Rewards rate

1x-5x Points

Rewards breakdown

5x

Points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases.

3x

Points for every $1 spent on eligible dining purchases.

3x

points for every $1 spent on eligible entertainment purchases.

3x

Points for every $1 spent on eligible recurring bill payments.

1x

Point for every $1 spent everywhere else.

NerdWallet's take

This card offers a healthy return on travel spending, complimentary airport lounge access and robust travel insurance for added peace of mind. But high annual income criteria will put it out of reach for some. Best for: Higher-income earners seeking competitive rewards on travel dollars spent.

Pros

• Up to 5x points per eligible dollar spent.
• Four free airport lounge visits annually.

Cons

• High $80,000 individual or $150,000 household annual income criteria.

Card details

• Limited Time Offer: Get up to $1,900 in value including up to 115,000 points, Mastercard Travel Pass & 4 Complimentary Lounge Passes, NEXUS Statement Credit and the annual fee waived in the first year for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.* Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on Balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% transfer fee.*
• 5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases,* 3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments,* 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else.*
• Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass,* with four annual complimentary passes.
• Extended warranty and purchase protection*
• Travel and Medical Protection: Get Collision Damage Waiver benefits on rental cars, 21 days of Out-of-Province/Out-of-Country Emergency Medical coverage of up to $5 million, and more.*
• Up to $200 Instacart benefit*
• BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply Now link for the most up to date information.
• *Terms and conditions apply.

Why we like it:

Lounge access: 4 visits per year through Mastercard Travel Pass.

Route fit: Same DragonPass-based network as other Mastercard Travel Pass cards. Ensure both your departing airport and the airport you’ll fly home from have eligible lounges.

Choose if: You plan to travel in the next year and want to maximize lounge access without paying $150 or more towards an annual fee.

Our pick for: Best lounge access with NEXUS rebate

CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card

5.0

NerdWallet rating

APPLY NOW

on CIBC's website

Intro offer

Up to 45,000 Points†

Annual fee

See Product Details†

Rewards rate

1x-2x Points

Rewards breakdown

2x

Points for every $1 spent on travel via the CIBC Rewards Centre.†

1.5x

Points for every $1 spent at eligible gas & electric vehicle charging stations.†

1.5x

Points for every $1 spent at eligible grocery stores.†

1.5x

Points for every $1 spent at eligible drug stores.†

1x

Points for every $1 spent everywhere else.†

NerdWallet's take

The appeal of this mid-tier points card is its flexibility: points on everyday earn categories, plus solid extras, like complimentary lounge access, travel insurance and NEXUS fee rebates. The caveat? This card’s highest earn rate (2x points) is limited to dollars spent via the CIBC Rewards Centre. Best for: Travellers who want occasional lounge access and flexible redemption options.

Pros

• Four airport lounge passes annually.
• NEXUS application rebates every four years.
• Robust travel insurance.

Cons

• 2x earn rate only applies to travel booked through the CIBC Rewards Centre.
• No priority airport services.

Card details

• Welcome Offer: Join and earn up to $1,600 in value including a first year annual fee rebate!† Here's how you can earn up to $1,600 in value–
• Get up to 45,000 Aventura Points (up to $900 in travel value†):
• 15,000 Aventura Points when you make your first purchase.†
• 30,000 Aventura Points when you spend $3,000 or more in the first 4 monthly statement periods.†
• Get a one-time annual fee rebate ($139) for you (the primary cardholder) and up to three authorized users ($50 each): up to $189 value.†
• Elevate your airport experience with 4 complimentary visits at 1,200+ lounges globally through Visa Airport Companion Program: up to $285 in value.†
• Plus, get a NEXUS◊ Application Fee rebate†: A $160 value†
• As an eligible CIBC Cardholder, take advantage of a free Skip+ membership (first year value of $110)†
• Plus, enjoy extra valuable travel benefits.
• Travel when it’s right for you – your Aventura Points don’t expire.†
• Redeem your Aventura Points for more than travel with our Shop With Points/Pay with Points features.†
• Travel local - Aventura Points can be redeemed for more than just flights – use your points for hotels and car rentals for a weekend getaway.
• 2 points for every $1 spent on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre.†
• 1.5 points for every $1 spent at eligible gas stations, EV charging, grocery stores and drug stores.†
• 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.†
• Get a free Skip+ membership when you link your eligible CIBC credit card. Plus, enjoy $0 delivery fees and earn a $10 monthly voucher.†
• Fuel up for less - Link your card with Journie Rewards to save up to 10 cents per litre at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.†
• Get 50% off Disney+ for 6 months - Use an eligible CIBC credit card to pay for your Disney+ Standard with Ads subscription, and automatically receive $4.50 each month in statement credits.†
• This is a digital-exclusive offer.† To be eligible for this offer: 1) this offer must have been directly communicated to you from CIBC or from a partner/affiliate; and 2) you must apply for the eligible card through the link provided in the CIBC or partner/affiliate communication to you.† This offer is reserved for you. Please do not forward it to anyone else.
• CIBC may approve your application, but you are not eligible to receive this Offer if you have opened, transferred or cancelled another Aventura card within the last 12 months.†
• †Terms and Conditions Apply. Select Apply Now to learn more.

Why we like it:

Lounge access: 4 visits through Visa Airport Companion.

Route fit: Best for when your departing terminals both have eligible Visa Airport Companion lounges.

Choose if: You will take advantage of the NEXUS rebate to save time at the U.S. border and at airport security, and use the time saved to enjoy a few lounge visits per year as well.

Our pick for: Frequent travel out of Montréal

Desjardins Odyssey® World Elite® Mastercard®

3.8

NerdWallet rating

Intro offerN/A

Annual fee$130

Rewards rate

1.5%-3%

Rewards breakdown

3%

Cash back on groceries.

2%

Cash back on restaurants.

2%

Cash back on entertainment.

2%

Cash back on alternative transportation.

1.5%

Cash back on everything else.

NerdWallet's take

A solid all-rounder that offers a healthy balance of travel perks, including airport lounge access and insurance, plus everyday rewards, like up to 3% back on eligible dollars spent. Its $130 annual fee puts it in the mid-tier card arena, but steep annual income requirements make it tougher to qualify for. Best for: Travellers seeking strong returns on dining and groceries.

Pros

• Comprehensive travel insurance.
• Discounted airport lounge access for $32 USD per visit via the Mastercard Travel Pass program.

Cons

• High $80,000 individual or $150,000 household annual income requirement.

Card details

• 3% in BONUSDOLLARS per dollar spent on groceries.
• 2% in BONUSDOLLARS per dollar spent on restaurants, entertainment and alternative transportation.
• 1.5% in BONUSDOLLARS per dollar spent on other purchases.
• Redeem BONUSDOLLARS for statement credits, financial products and services, charity, rewards, gift cards, purchases, and travel.
• 1 BONUSDOLLAR earned = $1 you can redeem. BONUSDOLLARs do not expire.
• $130 annual fee.
• Airport lounge visits — 8 free passes to the Desjardins Odyssey Lounge at Montreal-Trudeau airport per year, plus entrance to more than 1,000 LoungeKey airport lounges as part of Mastercard Airport Experiences provided by LoungeKey.
• orld Elite Mastercard benefits, including cash back with Mastercard Travel Rewards when travelling outside of Canada, VIP events and offers through Priceless Cities, and access to over 1 million Boingo Global Wi-Fi hotspots around the world.
• Up to 25% off Hertz car rentals and up to 10% off Thrifty or Dollar rentals.
• Access to Accord D financing, and up to $5,000 a day cash advances at a rate of 19.9%.
• 12 types of insurance provided, including 60-day travel medical benefits — up to $5,000,000 in coverage per person under age 59. 31-day coverage is available for ages 60-64. 15-day coverage is available for ages 65-75.
• Preferred rates: 19.9% for purchases and cash advances.
• To be eligible, $80,000 (individual) or $150,000 (household) annual income, or assets under management of $400,000, is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.

Why we like it:

Lounge access: 8 free passes to the Desjardins Odyssey Lounge at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport.

Route fit: Only useful if you travel out of Montreal regularly. There are no other free-access lounges available at other airports.

Choose if: You travel often out of Montréal specifically for a low annual fee ($130).

Best for unlimited lounge access in Montréal

4.1/5

4.1

NerdWallet rating

National Bank World Elite Mastercard

Intro offerN/A

Annual fee$150

Rewards rate1x-5x Points

APPLY NOW

on National Bank's website

View details

Rewards breakdown

5x

Points per dollar in eligible grocery and restaurant purchases.*

2x

Points per dollar in eligible gas and electric vehicle charging purchases, recurring bill payments, and À la carte™ travel purchases.*

1x

Point per 1 dollar in other purchases.

NerdWallet's take

Get up to 5x points per $1 spent on everyday expenses, expansive travel insurance and the freedom to redeem points in unique ways, like paying your mortgage or investing. Plus, get unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at the Montreal Airport. But the minimum income requirements and $150 annual fee may exclude some users. Best for: Montreal travellers who want a flexible rewards program.

Pros

• Annual $150 travel credit.
• Unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at the Montreal Airport.
• Comprehensive travel insurance.

Cons

• Steep $80,000 minimum income requirement.
• 5x earn rate capped at $2,500 per month.

Card details

• Earn up to 5 points per dollar in eligible grocery and restaurant purchases*
• Earn 2 points per dollar in eligible gas and electric vehicle charging purchases, recurring bill payments, and À la carte™ travel purchases*
• Earn 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
• Points can be redeemed for travel and merchandise or to pay down a mortgage or credit card balances.
• Up to $150 each year in refund for travel expenses on airport parking fees, seat selection fees, baggage fees, airline ticket upgrades and access to airport lounges worldwide
• Save on vacation packages and airline tickets when redeeming points through the A la carte Travel online agency.
• $150 annual fee. $50 annual fee for an additional card.
• Free and unlimited access along with one (1) guest per cardholder to the National Bank Lounge at Montréal-Trudeau airport.
• Purchase protection against theft and breakage for 180 days and triple the manufacturer’s warranty, up to two additional years. Maximum coverage of $60,000 for the entire term of the account.
• Trip cancellation and trip interruption protection, worth up to $2,500 per person and $5,000 per person, respectively.
• Emergency medical care outside the province of residence up to $5,000,000 per person. Covers the primary cardholder, a spouse travelling with the primary cardholder on a trip and any accompanying dependent child.
• Departing flight delay insurance (up to $500 per person; minimum 4-hour delay) and delayed/lost/stolen baggage insurance (up to $1,000 per person for loss/damage/theft; up to $500 for delays).
• Car rental insurance (accident, fire, theft, vandalism) up to $65,000.
• Preferred rates: 20.99% for purchases, 22.49% for balance transfers and cash advances.
• Eligibility: Must have an annual gross income of $80,000, an annual household income of $150,000, at least $400,000 in assets or, for existing clients only, $25,000 in yearly minimum purchases on the card. Must also be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory of residence.

Why we like it:

Lounge access: Unlimited lounge access to National Bank Lounge at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport.

Route fit: Most useful if you travel very often out of Montréal.

Choose if: You will exceed 8 lounge visits to Montréal airport lounges. You also don’t mind paying a slightly higher annual fee ($150).

The right airport lounge card gives you access you can actually use. Before comparing cards, ask:

Lounge network

Lounge access is only valuable if the network matches the airports and terminals you actually use.

A card can offer 6 or 10 annual visits and still disappoint if there are no participating lounges where you tend to fly. The lounge network determines where you may be able to get in. Your card’s terms determine how often you can use that access and whether those visits are complimentary.

Generally, lounges that can be unlocked by a credit card can be grouped into 5 distinct groups:

Note that in this section, we are only looking at lounges that can be accessed by specific credit cards. Other lounges, like the Cathay Pacific Lounge in Vancouver or the WestJet Elevation Lounge in Calgary can only be unlocked by having elite status with their respective membership program, exchanging companion vouchers or by purchasing passes.

The network determines which lounges may be available to you. Your card’s rules determine how often you can actually use them.

Guest access can change the value quickly

Guest policies vary more than many travellers expect and they are worth checking before you apply.

Some cards let the primary cardholder or supplementary cardholders bring a guest at no extra charge. Others charge per guest, and those fees can make the lounge perk feel a lot less generous in practice.

If you usually travel with a partner, children or family members, guest rules can matter almost as much as the lounge benefit itself. Bringing a partner or family will also drastically affect how many lounge passes you use.

Since I started dating my partner, she realized that her lounge passes effectively got cut in half from 6 visits to 3. So as much as she loves me, we are sort of limited to two vacations per year at the moment unless I get another card with lounge benefits, we splurge on one of the premium options or I end up sitting on the floor eating a pathetic bologna sandwich that I made the night before.

Check the terminal, travel zone and side of security

Finding a lounge at the right airport is not enough. Check whether it is in the domestic, U.S. or international departure area, and whether it is in the same terminal as your flight. Also check whether it is airside, after security, or landside, before security.

Some lounges are located before security (landside), while others are located after security (airside). The ones located after security are often a lot better in the sense that you will have a higher chance to receive a hot meal and cold drinks, better seating, and better amenities.

Real life example: I was excited to relax in a lounge before a long flight across the Pacific before finding out the only lounge that my card qualified for was landside. Other than a Lay-Z-Boy and a singular free beer, it was pretty spartan, and it felt like the value was not worth 1 of the 6 free visits my partner had on her card.

Lounge access isn't always as valuable as it sounds

Lounge access is one of those perks that can sound more luxurious than it feels in real life.

Why some travellers genuinely love it:

Why other travellers may think twice:

If you’re delayed, spending 20 minutes in a lounge and then frantically rushing for the gate turns the idea of relaxation on its head.

How to use your lounge access

Most credit card lounge programs require enrollment before your first visit.

For Visa Airport Companion and Mastercard Travel Pass, you’ll usually need to register your eligible card first and then use your digital membership credentials to access participating lounges. You and any guests you bring will be prompted to be scanned in at the entrance.

For American Express lounge access, the process depends on the lounge. Eligible cardmembers generally need their card and a same-day boarding pass, and Priority Pass access within the Amex ecosystem requires separate enrolment.

Maple Leaf Lounge access through an Aeroplan credit card generally requires the benefit to be linked to your Aeroplan profile, and one-time guest passes are deposited into the Aeroplan account of eligible cardholders.

On the day of travel, entry usually requires your digital membership or eligible card, along with a same-day boarding pass for a departing flight. Access is always subject to available capacity, so arriving earlier can reduce the risk of being turned away when a lounge is full.