Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards in Canada 2026: Aeroplan vs Avion vs Amex

Introduction: Why the Right Travel Card Matters in 2026

If you’re a Canadian who travels even once or twice a year, picking the right travel rewards credit card can feel like a part-time job. With the cost of flights and hotels still climbing in 2026, the points, perks, and protections on your card can easily be worth hundreds—if not thousands—of dollars each year. But with three heavyweights dominating the market—Aeroplan (powered by TD, CIBC, and American Express), Avion (RBC), and American Express Membership Rewards (Amex Canada)—how do you choose? We’ll break down each program’s strengths, weaknesses, and best use cases so you can make an informed decision for your wallet and your next getaway.

This guide focuses on the three most popular travel rewards ecosystems in Canada, comparing earning rates, redemption flexibility, fees, and travel insurance coverage. We’ll also touch on how these cards interact with the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) regarding taxable benefits and how to maximise your RRSP or TFSA contribution room by using points strategically.

Aeroplan: The Loyalty King for Air Canada Flyers

Aeroplan has undergone a major transformation since Air Canada reacquired the program in 2020. In 2026, it remains one of the most valuable loyalty programs for Canadians who fly domestically or internationally, especially on Star Alliance partners.

How Aeroplan Points Work

Aeroplan points are earned on co-branded credit cards from TD, CIBC, and American Express. You can also transfer points from Amex Membership Rewards at a 1:1 ratio. Points are redeemed primarily for Air Canada flights, but you can also book flights on partner airlines like Lufthansa, United, and ANA.

The sweet spot is often long-haul business-class flights, where a single point can be worth 2–3 cents or more. For example, a round-trip business-class ticket from Toronto to Tokyo on ANA can cost as little as 110,000 Aeroplan points plus taxes [1].

Best Aeroplan Credit Cards (2026)

• TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege — Best for high spenders; includes Maple Leaf Lounge access, priority check-in, and a high earn rate of 2 points per dollar on Air Canada purchases.
• CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite — A solid mid-tier option with a welcome bonus often worth 50,000+ points, plus free first checked bag for you and up to 8 companions.
• American Express Aeroplan Reserve — Premium card with luxury perks; annual fee is high ($599) but includes unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access and a companion pass.

Who Should Choose Aeroplan?

Aeroplan is ideal if you fly Air Canada regularly, live near a major hub (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary), or want to book Star Alliance award flights. The program’s fixed-value redemption chart makes it easier to predict point values.

Avion (RBC): The Flexible Alternative

RBC’s Avion program is often overlooked, but it offers something Aeroplan and Amex don’t: true flexibility. Avion points can be redeemed for flights on any airline (without blackout dates), hotels, car rentals, or even merchandise and gift cards.

How Avion Points Work

Avion points are earned on RBC credit cards like the RBC Avion Visa Infinite and the RBC Avion Visa Platinum. You earn 1 point per dollar on most purchases, with bonus categories on travel booked through RBC Rewards. Points can be transferred to several frequent flyer programs, including British Airways Avios, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, and WestJet Rewards.

The key advantage is the “any airline” redemption: you can book any flight, anywhere, and use points to cover the cost at a fixed rate (e.g., 15,000 points for a short-haul flight, 35,000 for a medium-haul, and 60,000 for a long-haul). This is a lifesaver for last-minute trips or flights to smaller Canadian cities where award availability is scarce.

Best Avion Credit Cards (2026)

• RBC Avion Visa Infinite — The most popular option; annual fee is $120 (waived first year often), includes travel insurance, and offers a welcome bonus of up to 35,000 points.
• RBC Avion Visa Platinum — Lower fee ($99) but fewer perks; good for infrequent travellers who want flexibility.
• RBC Avion Business Visa — Designed for small business owners; offers accelerated earning on business expenses.

Who Should Choose Avion?

Avion is perfect for Canadians who don’t want to be locked into a single airline or alliance. If you frequently fly WestJet, Flair, or Porter, or need to book last-minute flights, Avion’s flexibility is unbeatable. It’s also a great choice for families who want to pool points for a single big trip.

American Express Membership Rewards: The Premium Powerhouse

American Express Canada offers the Membership Rewards (MR) program, which is widely considered the most flexible and high-value points currency in Canada. MR points can be transferred to Aeroplan, British Airways Avios, Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and more—giving you access to dozens of airlines and hotels.

How Amex MR Points Work

Amex MR points are earned on cards like the American Express Gold Rewards Card, the American Express Platinum Card, and the American Express Business Platinum Card. Earn rates vary: the Gold card offers 2 points per dollar on groceries, gas, and travel, while the Platinum card offers 3 points per dollar on travel booked through AmexTravel.

Points are most valuable when transferred to airline partners. For example, 100,000 MR points can become 100,000 Aeroplan points (enough for a business-class ticket to Europe) or 130,000 British Airways Avios (enough for multiple short-haul flights).

Best Amex MR Credit Cards (2026)

• American Express Platinum Card — The ultimate premium card; annual fee is $799, but includes unlimited lounge access (Priority Pass, Maple Leaf, Plaza Premium), $200 annual travel credit, and a massive welcome bonus often worth 100,000+ MR points.
• American Express Gold Rewards Card — A mid-tier option with a $250 annual fee (waived first year); includes travel insurance and a $100 annual travel credit.
• American Express Business Platinum — For business owners; offers 1.25 MR per dollar on all purchases and 3 MR per dollar on travel.

Who Should Choose Amex?

Amex MR is best for high spenders who want maximum flexibility and premium perks. If you travel internationally frequently, love luxury lounges, and can use the travel credits, the annual fees are easily justified. However, Amex is not accepted at many smaller Canadian merchants, so you’ll need a backup Visa or Mastercard.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Aeroplan vs Avion vs Amex

Feature	Aeroplan	Avion (RBC)	Amex Membership Rewards
Best for	Air Canada loyalists	Flexible travellers	Premium travellers & transfer enthusiasts
Point value (approx.)	1.5–2.5 cents	1–2 cents	1.5–3 cents (via transfers)
Transfer partners	Star Alliance airlines	British Airways, Cathay, WestJet	Aeroplan, Avios, Marriott, Hilton, and more
Annual fees (typical)	$120–$599	$99–$120	$250–$799
Travel insurance	Excellent (medical, trip cancellation, baggage)	Good (medical, trip cancellation)	Excellent (medical, trip cancellation, baggage, car rental)
Acceptance in Canada	Visa/Mastercard (wide)	Visa (very wide)	Amex (limited at small businesses)

Practical Tips for Maximising Your Travel Rewards in 2026

• Pair cards strategically: Many Canadians use an Amex MR card for everyday spending (where accepted) and an Aeroplan or Avion Visa as a backup. This lets you earn points in two ecosystems.
• Watch for welcome bonuses: In 2026, many cards offer 50,000–100,000 points as a sign-up bonus after meeting minimum spending. This alone can cover a round-trip flight.
• Use points for flights, not merchandise: Redeeming points for gift cards or merchandise typically yields less than 1 cent per point. Flights are almost always the best value.
• Consider the tax implications: While points earned on personal spending are not taxable, points earned through business expenses or as part of a sign-up bonus may be considered a taxable benefit. Consult CRA guidelines or a tax professional if you’re unsure [2].
• Don’t forget about RRSP/TFSA: If you’re earning points on a card that gives cash back or travel credits, you can use the savings to top up your RRSP or TFSA. For example, a $200 travel credit effectively frees up $200 of your budget for retirement savings.