If you’re in the market for a new credit card, it’s important to consider the welcome bonus that the credit card is offering. This is a one-time incentive to encourage you to apply for the card, only available in your first year with the card.
The signup bonus is a big part of the value you’ll get from a new credit card, above and beyond its core features, at least in the first year. Often the signup bonus will influence your decision to apply, perhaps even more strongly than the card’s other qualities.
Here are the best credit card offers in Canada for April 2024.
What’s Happening This Month?
March was a busy month for credit cards in Canada, as a number of banks sprung forward with new offers.
Here’s a summary of some of this month’s highlights, including elevated bonuses and key deadlines to be aware of:
- The record-high welcome bonuses on the suite of RBC Avion cards are due to expire on April 30, 2024.
- TD debuted new welcome bonuses on its roster of Aeroplan co-branded credit cards and its in-house TD Rewards credit cards.
- As a welcome move, new offers appeared on the American Express Aeroplan Reserve and Amex Aeroplan Business Reserve cards.
- CIBC came forth with new offers on its Aeroplan co-branded credit cards, as well as its Aventura family of cards.
- After a nice run with an all-time-high bonus, the offer dropped on the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard.
Methodology
This list is an opinionated ranking of the best credit card offers in Canada, based on a few key factors that we use to evaluate the appeal of a signup bonus.
First and foremost, we look at the net value you can expect to earn when you apply for the card. This is the value of any first-year bonuses, rebates, and deals, minus annual fees. Rewards points are adjusted to a cash value based on our Points Valuations.
Next, we consider how easy it is to earn the welcome bonus. Cards may get a boost for a low spending requirement, or a long timeline to meet the spending threshold to qualify for the bonus. Meanwhile, they may get dinged for a high spending requirement, merchant category spending requirements, or drawn-out recurring monthly requirements.
All else being equal, we prefer cards with low annual fees. Any card with a first-year annual fee waiver, offering a bonus above a certain value, is a candidate for this list. However, the total first-year value of the offer is a bigger factor, as you can earn points faster and still come out ahead by paying high annual fees for cards with larger signup bonuses.
Finally, we may give a card a slight boost if its offer is significantly better than usual, or if we like the long-term features of the card. However, this list is mostly determined by what you can gain in the first year with a new credit card, compared to other deals available now.
Business Platinum Card from American Express
Not surprisingly, the Business Platinum Card from American Express remains among the cream of the crop.
Currently, the card offers Canada’s most sizeable total welcome bonus: 80,000 points upon spending $15,000 in the first three months, and another 40,000 in the second year.
While this premium Amex card comes with a high annual fee of $799, it’s offset by the value of the large signup bonus alone.
Plus, you may even find long-term value in keeping the card thanks to its best-in-class perks, including extensive lounge access, comprehensive travel insurance, $200 annual travel credit, and generous refer-a-friend bonuses.
In fact, you’ll need to keep it into the second year to earn the second portion of the welcome bonus, which is sizeable enough to warrant consideration.
The current total offer is less than the all-time high we saw in Summer 2022, but it’s also better than what we’ve seen since.
If you’re looking to rack up points quickly, the Business Platinum Card from American Express is without a doubt a great place to start, as long as you can meet the beefy minimum spending requirement.
- Earn 80,000 MR points upon spending $15,000 in the first three months
- Plus, earn 40,000 MR points upon making a purchase in months 14–17 as a cardholder
- And, earn 1.25x MR points on all purchases
- Also, receive a $200 annual travel credit
- Transfer MR points to Aeroplan and other frequent flyer programs for premium flights
- Unlimited airport lounge access for you and one guest at Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, Centurion, and other lounges
- Credits and rebates for business expenses throughout the year with Amex Offers
- Bonus MR points for referring family and friends
- Qualify for the card as a sole proprietor
- Annual fee: $799
American Express Business Gold Rewards Card
The American Express Business Gold Rewards Card is also offering a very strong bonus, and it comes with a smaller $199 annual fee to boot.
At 75,000 Membership Rewards points, this offer is the standard high-water mark for this card.
It’s simple to earn the bonus, with a spending requirement of $5,000 in three months on any category of purchases. With the offers on other Amex cards down while the Business Gold stays high, now would be a good time to add this one to your collection.
- Earn
70,00075,000 MR points upon spending $5,000 in the first three months - Plus, earn 10,000 MR points in each calendar quarter you spend $20,000
- Transfer MR points to Aeroplan and other frequent flyer programs for premium flights
- Enjoy the exclusive benefits of being an American Express cardholder
- Bonus MR points for referring family and friends
- Annual fee: $199
American Express Gold Rewards Card
Earning the full welcome bonus of 70,000 MR points on the Gold Rewards Card requires you to spend $1,000 each month, for the first 12 months. The total amount you need to spend is less than on the Business Platinum and more than the Business Gold, and you’ll need to keep track of it every month.
The 10,000 points earned upon spending $4,000 in the first three months isn’t great, but the total welcome bonus over the year adds up, and is undoubtedly attractive.
On the other hand, since you’ll have to spend at least $13,000 spread out over the first year, you’d probably be better off looking elsewhere, especially if you can get more points sooner with a smaller spend with the Business Gold.
However, if you’re somebody who tends to max out the 5x earning rate on your Cobalt every year, then this could serve as a decent backup.
- Earn 10,000 MR points upon spending $4,000 in the first three months
- Plus, earn an additional 5,000 MR points upon spending $1,000 in each of the first 12 months, up to 60,000 MR points
- Also, receive an annual $100 travel credit and a $50 NEXUS credit
- Transfer MR points to Aeroplan and other frequent flyer programs for premium flights
- Plaza Premium membership with four annual lounge passes
- Credits and rebates for daily expenses throughout the year with Amex Offers
- Bonus MR points for referring family and friends
- Annual fee: $250
American Express Business Edge Card
With a low annual fee of $99, this card is a good option if you’re looking to rack up points at a low cost.
Still, you’ll face the same $5,000 spending requirement as the Business Gold Rewards Card, but with a smaller welcome bonus.
Note that you’ll need to sustain spending of $3,000 per month to earn the final 12,000 MR points, a prospect which I’d recommend forgoing in favour of better ways to earn points on other cards.
- Earn
45,00055,000 MR points upon spending $5,000 in the first three months - Plus, earn an additional 1,000 MR points for each of the first 12 months in which you spend $3,000, for an additional 12,000 MR points
- Also, earn
3x10x MR points on food and drinks, ridesharing, gas, office equipment, and electronics, up to an additional 10,000 MR points - Transfer MR points to Aeroplan, Avios, or Marriott Bonvoy
- Enjoy the exclusive benefits of being an American Express cardholder
- Bonus MR points for referring family and friends
- Annual fee: $99
American Express Platinum Card
The personal Platinum Card is currently offering a solid welcome bonus of 100,000 Membership Rewards points.
As we saw with the Business Platinum, you’ll earn the lion’s share in the first year, with the second batch awarded after you’ve paid the $799 annual fee once more.
However, there’s a fairly hefty spending requirement of $10,000 in the first three months to earn 70,000 points. If that doesn’t pose a barrier, then now could be a good time to add a chunk of metal to your wallet.
The offer isn’t the highest we’ve ever seen, but a the range of ongoing benefits on this card, you may also find value in keeping it around for a while.
As a cardholder, you’ll get a $200 dining credit and a $200 annual travel credit to use each year, in addition to the regular carousel of Amex Offers.
- Earn 70,000 MR points upon spending $10,000 in the first three months
- Plus, earn 30,000 MR points upon making a purchase in months 14–17 as a cardholder
- Also, earn 2x MR points on all dining and travel purchases
- Also, receive an annual $200 travel credit
- Also, receive an annual $200 dining credit
- Transfer MR points to Aeroplan and other frequent flyer programs for premium flights
- Unlimited airport lounge access for you and one guest at Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, Centurion, and other lounges
- Credits and rebates for daily expenses throughout the year with Amex Offers
- Bonus MR points for referring family and friends
- Annual fee: $799
American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card
The latest offer on the business variant of Amex’s premium Aeroplan card has a high minimum spending requirement to unlock the first batch of points, and then a second swath of points upon spending $3,500 in month 13 as a cardholder.
This means that you’ll have to pay the annual fee twice before you receive the full welcome bonus, and you’ll also have to remember to put the spend through in month 13 so you don’t miss out on any points.
On the other hand, this card features a number of ongoing Air Canada perks, including unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access, rollover benefits, and the ability for high spending to fast track qualifying for and maintaining Aeroplan Elite Status.
- Earn 70,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $10,500 in the first three months
- Plus, earn 25,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $3,500 in month 13
- Also, earn 3x Aeroplan points on Air Canada purchases
- Aeroplan preferred pricing, free checked bag, priority check-in and boarding on Air Canada flights
- Unlimited Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge access
- Bonus Aeroplan points for referring family and friends
- Qualify for the card as a sole proprietor
- Annual fee: $599
RBC® Avion Visa Infinite† (Ending Soon)
After a brief reprieve with a lower welcome bonus, the latest offer matches the card’s record-high welcome bonus.
A generous allotment of points is awarded upon approval, and then you have a very reasonable six months to spend $5,000 for the second part of the welcome bonus.
While you’ll earn more points more quickly on day-to-day spending with Amex cards and Aeroplan points, RBC® Avion cards are a great way to expand into the Oneworld airline alliance.
You can use your Avion points to supplement your Amex MR transfers to British Airways Avios or Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, or for the unique ability to convert to American Airlines AAdvantage miles. You can also find value in the Air Travel Redemption Schedule.
This offer is set to expire on April 30, 2024, so be sure to take advantage before then if you’re eligible for the bonus.
- Earn 35,000 RBC Avion points† when you get approved for the card
- Plus, earn 20,000 RBC Avion points† upon spending $5,000 in the first six months
- Earn 1.25x RBC Avion points† on qualifying travel purchases
- Transfer RBC Avion points to British Airways Executive Club and other frequent flyer programs for premium flights†
- Redeem Avion points for flights with the RBC Air Travel Redemption Schedule†
- Minimum income: $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
- Annual fee: $120†
RBC® Avion Visa Platinum† (Ending Soon)
If your income doesn’t qualify for the RBC® Avion Visa Infinite†, you can also apply for the RBC® Avion Visa Platinum†, with the same offer and perks.
The offer on this card is also set to expire on April 30, 2024.
- Earn 35,000 RBC Avion points† when you get approved for the card†
- Earn 20,000 RBC Avion points† upon spending $5,000 in the first six months†
- Earn 1 RBC Avion point per dollar spent† on all purchases
- Transfer RBC Avion points to British Airways Executive Club and other frequent flyer programs for premium flights†
- Redeem RBC Avion points with the RBC Air Travel Redemption Schedule†
- No minimum income requirement
- Annual fee: $120†
American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
The current offer for the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card has a lower total bonus than its business variant above.
However, the spending requirements are also lower in year one and year two, which you may find more appealing. Just make sure you hit the $2,500 spending threshold in month 13 to achieve the full potential of the offer.
This offer is an improvement to the previous round, which required hefty monthly spending requirements and paying for supplementary cardholders.
- Earn 60,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $7,500 in the first three months
- Plus, earn 25,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $2,500 in month 13
- Always earn 3x Aeroplan points on Air Canada purchases
- Aeroplan preferred pricing, free checked bag, priority check-in and boarding on Air Canada flights
- Unlimited Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge access in North America
- Bonus Aeroplan points for referring family and friends
- No minimum income requirement
- Annual fee: $599
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
After a long run at the top of this list with a record-high offer, TD’s premium Aeroplan card has remained a few positions down with a lower welcome bonus. The latest offer is for up to 85,000 points†.
As a plus, there’s no monthly requirement to keep track of. Instead, the total required spending is quite high, at $10,000 in the first 180 days† and $15,000† in the first year.
Because of the way the spending requirement is structured, you’ll receive a nice dose of 60,000 points† well before you’ve hit the full $15,000.
This latest offer runs through to June 3, 2024.
- Earn 20,000 Aeroplan points† upon first purchase
- Plus, earn an additional 40,000 Aeroplan points† upon spending $10,000 in the first 180 days
- Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 25,000 Aeroplan points† when you spend $15,000 within 12 months of account opening†
- Earn 2x Aeroplan points† on eligible Air Canada® purchases, including Air Canada Vacations®†
- Earn 1.5x Aeroplan points† on eligible gas, groceries, dining, food delivery, and other travel purchases†
- Aeroplan preferred pricing, free checked bag, priority check-in and boarding on Air Canada flights†
- Unlimited Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge† access
- DragonPass membership† with six free lounge visits per year
- Minimum income: $150,000 personal or $200,000 household
- Annual fee: $599
- Application must be approved by June 3, 2024 to receive this offer
RBC® British Airways Visa Infinite†
RBC® has an ongoing boosted offer on its British Airways co-branded card. While the value is quite strong, the spending requirement is higher and on a shorter timeframe than the Avion cards.
Also, Avios are harder to use and more restrictive than Avion points. As Avion can be transferred 1:1 to Avios, I’d always opt for flexibility first, and only apply for the more limited card after exhausting other options.
- Earn 15,000 Avios† when you get approved for the card
- Then, earn 35,000 Avios† when you spend $6,000 in the first three months
- Also, earn 10,000 Avios† when you renew the card for a second year
- Plus, earn 3 Avios per $1 (CAD) spent† on British Airways purchases
- And, earn 2 Avios per $1 (CAD) spent† on dining and food delivery purchases
- Get a Companion Award eVoucher for an Avios redemption on British Airways flights upon spending $30,000 in a calendar year†
- Annual fee: $165†
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
CIBC’s top-tier Aeroplan card is offering up to 80,000 points at the moment, but you’ll have to work hard to get there.
The catch is that you’ll need to spend $15,000 in the first six months to fulfill the first spending threshold, and then 30,000 points come in the second year, after having spent at least $25,000 in year one. That’s certainly a high spending threshold to meet, but at least you’ll be rewarded for your efforts.
With $25,000 spent in the first year, you’ll also have an Annual Worldwide Companion Pass in your Aeroplan account, which can be valuable if used strategically.
- Earn 20,000 Aeroplan points upon first purchase†
- Earn 30,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $15,000 in the first four months†
- Plus, earn an anniversary bonus of 30,000 Aeroplan points upon renewing the card for a second year, after having spent at least $25,000 in the first year†
- Earn 2x Aeroplan points on Air Canada purchases†
- Earn 1.5x Aeroplan points on gas, groceries, dining, food delivery, electric vehicle charging, and other travel purchases†
- Aeroplan preferred pricing, free checked bag, priority check-in and boarding on Air Canada flights†
- Unlimited Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge access†
- DragonPass membership with six free lounge visits per year†
- NEXUS application credit†
- Minimum income: $150,000 personal or $200,000 household
- Annual fee: $599
RBC® Avion Visa Infinite Privilege† (Ending Soon)
Like its junior counterparts, RBC’s top-tier Avion card is offering up to 55,000 Avion points as a welcome bonus.
This card is knocked down the list for offering the same number of points at a higher annual fee. It’s still an okay value proposition despite the increased costs, but it wouldn’t be my first choice for an Avion card at this time.
As with the other Avion cards, this offer is set to run until April 30, 2024.
- Earn 35,000 RBC Avion points† when you get approved for the card†
- Then, earn 20,000 RBC Avion points† upon spending $5,000 in the first six months†
- Plus, earn 1.25x RBC Avion points† on all qualifying purchases
- Use your rewards for any business class flight with no restrictions on dates, seats, or airlines†
- Transfer points to one of four airline partners†
- DragonPass membership with six free lounge visits per year†
- Minimum income: $200,000 personal or household†
- Annual fee: $399†
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
As it stands, the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card sits in top place amongst the core Aeroplan co-branded credit cards, at least in terms of first-year value.
With this offer, the majority of the welcome bonus is awarded in the first year upon spending $6,000 in the first four months, and then the remainder comes in the second year after having spent $15,000 in the first year.
On the plus side, the card is offering a first-year annual fee rebate, which is a common and popular feature.
The total amount of the welcome bonus is also attractive, and certainly worth the annual fee in year two, as long as you’ve spent at least $15,000 in the first year.
As is usually the case with CIBC, there’s no published expiry date for this offer.
- Earn 10,000 Aeroplan points upon first purchase†
- Earn 20,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $6,000 in the first four months†
- Earn 20,000 Aeroplan points as an anniversary bonus upon spending $15,000 in the first year†
- Earn 1.5x Aeroplan points on gas, EV charging, groceries, and Air Canada purchases†
- Preferred pricing and free checked bags on Air Canada flights†
- Minimum income: $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
- Annual fee: $139 (rebated in the first year)†
Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
Recently, the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card saw a boost in its ranking, thanks to the debut of an excellent offer.
The business variant of Amex’s Bonvoy cards ranks higher than the personal card thanks to a higher welcome bonus, albeit paired with a higher minimum spending requirement.
Plus, it’s worth holding onto for the long-term, due to the Free Night Award you’ll enjoy as an annual benefit in exchange for a reasonable annual fee.
This offer is available through to May 6, 2024, which leaves just over a month to take advantage.
- Earn 75,000 Bonvoy points upon spending $6,000 in the first three months
- Plus, earn an extra 2 points per dollar spent on eligible gas, dining, and travel purchases in the first six months, up to 15,000 points
- Always earn 5x Bonvoy points on purchases at Marriott properties
- Also, receive an annual Free Night Award worth 35,000 Bonvoy points starting in your second year with the card
- Also, receive 15 elite-qualifying nights every year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status
- Bonus Bonvoy points for referring family and friends
- Qualify for the card as a sole proprietor
- Annual fee: $150
American Express Aeroplan Card
The American Express Aeroplan Card is yet another mid-tier Amex card with a respectable welcome bonus.
Despite its lower annual fee, there’s a modest monthly spending requirement, which may be a minor hassle to track for limited gain.
While the value of the offer is quite strong, I’d sooner choose an MR card to earn flexible points in a more straightforward manner, or another Aeroplan card with a simpler structure.
- Earn 30,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $3,000 in the first three months
- Plus, earn an additional 20,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $1,000 in month 13
- Always earn 2x Aeroplan points on Air Canada purchases
- Aeroplan preferred pricing, free checked bag on Air Canada flights
- Bonus Aeroplan points for referring family and friends
- Annual fee: $120
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Business Card
CIBC’s Aeroplan business card is a tale of two offers: an achievable portion up-front for good value, followed by an excessive spending requirement for a meagre prize.
For the first part alone, the card has a first-year annual fee waiver and a reasonable spending requirement. Even without considering the long-term spending threshold, you could do a lot worse for a new business credit card.
For what it’s worth, the total spending threshold was reduced from $65,000 to $35,000 for the latest offer.
- Earn 10,000 Aeroplan points upon first first purchase†
- Plus, earn
10,00020,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $4,000 in the first four months† - Plus, earn an additional 30,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $35,000 in the first year†
- Earn 2x Aeroplan points on Air Canada purchases†
- Earn 1.5x Aeroplan points on gas, travel, and business expenses†
- Preferred pricing and free checked bags on Air Canada flights†
- Qualify for the card with a registered business†
- Annual fee: $180 (rebated in the first year)†
RBC® Avion Visa Infinite* Business
The RBC® Avion Visa Infinite* Business card recently received a boost for up to 35,000 Avion points, as well as a first-year annual fee rebate.
As a big plus, the card has no spending requirement. With a reasonable annual fee for a high-end business credit card, it’s a valuable way to boost your Avion balance, and worth keeping around for its 1.25x base earning rate.
You’ll likely need to have a registered business with documentation to be approved for an RBC business credit card.
- Earn 35,000 RBC Avion points when you get approved for the card
- Plus, earn 1.25x RBC Avion points on all purchases
- Use your rewards for any business class or First Class flight with no restrictions on dates, seats, or airlines
- Transfer points to one of four airline partners
- Qualify for the card with a registered business
- Annual fee: $175 (rebated in the first year)
Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card
The Marriott Bonvoy personal card is currently offering an elevated bonus of up to 85,000 Bonvoy points.
If you’re eligible, this is a great opportunity to pad your Bonvoy balance for an upcoming aspirational redemption.
Your best bet is to maximize the welcome bonus and then burn the points on a valuable redemption as quickly as possible. Then, keep it in the sock drawer for the 35,000-point Free Night Award each year.
As with its business counterpart, this offer runs through to May 6, 2024.
- Earn 70,000 Bonvoy points upon spending $3,000 in the first three months
- Plus, earn an extra 3 Bonvoy points per dollar spent on eligible travel and gas purchases in the first six months, up to 15,000 points
- Also, receive an annual Free Night Award worth 35,000 Bonvoy points starting in your second year with the card
- Also, receive 15 elite-qualifying nights every year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status
- Bonus Bonvoy points for referring family and friends
- Annual fee: $120
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card is routinely one of our favourite mid-tier Aeroplan cards.
The latest offer for up to 50,000 Aeroplan points† is down from the all-time-high welcome bonus of up to 70,000 Aeroplan points for Summer 2023. While the spending requirement is high, it’s also spread out over a full year, so you should have no trouble reaching it.
In order to receive the third dose of points, you’ll need to pay the annual fee for the second year†. However, the boost in points should make it worthwhile for the second year, too.
This offer ends on June 3, 2024.
- Earn 10,000 Aeroplan points† upon first purchase†
- Plus, earn 20,000 Aeroplan points† upon spending $6,000 in the first 180 days of account opening†
- Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points† when you spend $10,000 within 12 months of account opening†
- Earn 1.5x Aeroplan points† on eligible gas, groceries, and Air Canada® purchases, including Air Canada Vacations®†
- Preferred Aeroplan pricing and free checked bags on Air Canada® flights†
- Minimum income: $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
- Annual fee: $139
- Application must be approved by June 3, 2024 to receive this offer
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card
The CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card is offering a decent bonus right now, with up to 45,000 Aventura Points available upon spending $3,000 in the first four months.†
While Aventura Points aren’t necessarily the most tantalizing currency, there’s currently an ongoing promotion to redeem against any travel expense at an elevated valuation of 1.25 cents per point.†
Get this card and redeem the bonus against travel expenses that are otherwise difficult to use points for, such as independent hotels, short-term rentals, cruises, and car rentals.†
- Earn 15,000 CIBC Aventura Points after making your first purchase†
- Plus, earn 30,000 CIBC Aventura Points after spending $3,000 in the first four monthly statement periods†
- Plus, earn 2x CIBC Aventura Points on all purchases through the CIBC Rewards Centre†
- Plus, earn 1.5x CIBC Aventura Points on eligible gas, groceries, EV charging, and drugstore purchases†
- Four free lounge visits per year with the Visa Airport Companion Program†
- NEXUS application fee credit†
- Minimum income: $60,000 personal or $100,000 household†
- Annual fee: $139 (rebated for the first year)†
CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa Card
The offer on the CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa Card is identical to the offer on its Visa Infinite counterpart, albeit with a lower income requirement.
You should have no trouble capitalizing on either offer.
- Earn 15,000 CIBC Aventura Points after making your first purchase†
- Plus, earn 30,000 CIBC Aventura Points after spending $3,000 in the first four months†
- Plus, earn 2x CIBC Aventura Points on all eligible purchases through the CIBC Rewards Centre†
- Plus, earn 1.5x CIBC Aventura Points on eligible gas, groceries, and drugstore purchases†
- Four free lounge visits per year with the Visa Airport Companion Program†
- NEXUS application fee credit†
- Minimum income: $15,000 household†
- Annual fee: $139 (rebated for the first year)†
TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card
TD’s in-house rewards cards make for a great stat-padder when you’re looking for general travel value outside of airline or hotel loyalty programs.
After another round with a record-high welcome bonus, the current offer on the TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card has dropped down to 100,000 TD Rewards Points.
That’s worth a fixed value of up to $500 towards any travel booking via Expedia® for TD†. With a reasonable minimum spending requirement spread out over six months and a first-year annual fee rebate†, this offer is still worth considering.
Plus, you’ll also get a $100 annual travel credit†, which you can use on a hotel or vacation package of at least $500 booked through Expedia® for TD†. This goes a long way to improving the value proposition on the card, whether in the first year or long-term.
The latest offer for this card runs through to June 3, 2024.
- Earn 20,000 TD Rewards Points upon making your first purchase†
- Earn 80,000 TD Rewards Points upon spending $5,000 within 180 days of account opening†
- Plus, earn up to 10,000 TD Rewards Points back on your birthday†
- Plus, earn 8x TD Rewards Points† on eligible travel purchases when you book through Expedia® for TD†
- Get an annual TD Travel Credit† of $100 when you book through Expedia® for TD†
- Use your rewards for any travel bookings available on Expedia® for TD†
- Minimum income: $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
- Annual fee: $139, rebated for the first year†
- Application must be approved by June 3, 2024 to receive this offer
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
The upper crust of CIBC’s Aventura lineup of credit cards has a solid offer at the moment. After spending a total of $6,000 in the first four months, you’ll have earned at least 57,500 Aventura Points: 50,000 from the welcome bonus, and at least 7,500 from meeting the first two minimum spending requirements.
When redeemed against any pending travel expense at 1.25 cents per point, that’s worth $719. However, once you subtract the $499 annual fee and add the value from the $200 annual travel credit, we arrive at our valuation of the offer.
Aventura Points are useful for booking independent hotels, short-term rentals, cruises, and car rentals, which are otherwise difficult to book with points. Consider this offer as part of your overall strategy.
- Earn 25,000 CIBC Aventura Points upon spending $3,000 in the first four months†
- Plus, earn 25,000 CIBC Aventura Points upon spending $6,000 in the first four months†
- And, earn an anniversary bonus of 30,000 CIBC Aventura Points when you renew the card for a second year†
- Plus, earn 3x CIBC Aventura Points on all purchases through the CIBC Rewards Centre†
- Plus, earn 2x CIBC Aventura Points on eligible gas, groceries, dining, entertainment, transit, and EV charging purchases†
- Plus, receive an annual $200 travel credit†
- DragonPass membership with six free lounge visits per year†
- NEXUS application credit†
- Minimum income: $200,000 personal or household
- Annual fee: $499
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum* Card
With a signup bonus of up to 20,000 Aeroplan points†, an annual fee rebate for the first year†, and a low income requirement, this card is one of the best ways for beginners early in their credit journey to begin collecting meaningful sums of Aeroplan points.
If you’re just getting your feet wet with high annual fees, and can’t be approved for higher-income cards, this card is as good a starting point as they come.
- Earn 10,000 Aeroplan points† upon first purchase†
- Plus, earn 10,000 Aeroplan points† upon spending $1,000 in the first three months
- Earn 1x Aeroplan points† on eligible gas, groceries, and Air Canada® purchases, including Air Canada Vacations®†
- Preferred pricing on Air Canada® flights through Aeroplan†
- Annual fee: $89, rebated in the first year†
- Application must be approved by September 3, 2024 to receive this offer
WestJet RBC®World Elite Mastercard
After a nice run with an all-time-high offer, the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard has dropped a few spots down on this list.
On the plus side, the entirety of the bonus comes in the first year, and the card has a reasonable annual fee for a World Elite Mastercard.
While you might not get the same sort of outsized value from WestJet dollars as you would with other loyalty programs, if you fly with WestJet with any frequency, this card should be on your radar for its ongoing benefits.
This latest offer runs through to July 31, 2024.
- Earn 250 WestJet dollars upon making your first purchase†
- Plus, earn 200 WestJet dollars upon spending $5,000 in the first three months†
- Plus, receive an annual companion voucher for discounted travel on WestJet flights, with a co-pay starting at $119 plus taxes and fees†
- Minimum income: $80,000 personal or $150,000 household
- Annual fee: $119
American Express Cobalt Card
The American Express Cobalt Card is a favourite for everyday earning, with an unbeatable 5x rate on groceries and restaurants. The card is arguably more attractive for its keeper appeal than it is for its signup bonus, which saw a huge drop recently.
Still, the value of the welcome offer is worth applying for, even with a baseline welcome bonus. In fact, there’s never a bad time to add a Cobalt Card to your rotation.
- Earn a total of 15,000 MR points upon spending $750 in each of the first 12 months
- Earn 5x MR points on groceries, restaurants, bars, and food delivery
- Earn 3x MR points on eligible streaming services
- Earn 2x MR points on gas, transit, and travel purchases
- Transfer MR points to Aeroplan, Avios, Flying Blue, or Marriott Bonvoy
- Enjoy the exclusive benefits of being an American Express cardholder
- Bonus MR points for referring family and friends
- Monthly fee: $12.99
Scotiabank® Gold American Express* Card
Like the Cobalt Card, the Scotiabank® Gold American Express* Card is known more for its keeper prowess than for its outstanding signup offers. You’ll earn 5x Scene+ points on eligible grocery and restaurant purchases†, or 6x points at Empire grocery stores.†
On the other hand, the welcome bonus is solid, currently offering 20,000 Scene+ points† with a low spending threshold, or a total of up to 40,000 points† with higher spending, which is worth up to $400.
Scene+ points are great for general travel expenses at fixed value, and along with the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is a top contender for a no foreign transaction fee travel card.
- Earn 20,000 Scene+ points upon spending $1,000 in the first three months
- Earn an additional 20,000 Scene+ points upon spending $7,500 in the first year
- Earn 6x Scene+ points at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, FreshCo, and more
- Plus, earn
1x5x Scene+ points on groceries, dining, and entertainment - Also, earn
1x3x Scene+ points on gas, transit, and select streaming services - Redeem points for statement credit for any travel expense
- No foreign transaction fees
- Enjoy the exclusive benefits of being an American Express cardholder
- Annual fee: $120
Cathay World Elite® Mastercard® – powered by Neo
If you have your eyes set on an award flight with Cathay Pacific, the Cathay World Elite® Mastercard® – powered by Neo is the only card in Canada that directly earns Asia Miles.
Half of the welcome bonus is awarded upon making your first purchase, while the other half comes after a reasonable minimum spending requirement of $3,000 in the first three months.
Aside from a 10% discount on Cathay Pacific flights, the card doesn’t offer much else in the form of unique travel or cardholder benefits. On the other hand, if you’re looking to pad your Asia Miles balance, this offer falls squarely in the category of low-hanging fruit.
- Earn 15,000 Asia Miles upon card activation†
- Plus, earn 15,000 Asia Miles upon spending $3,000 in the first three months†
- Then, earn 2 Asia Miles per dollar spent on Cathay Pacific flights†
- And, earn more Asia Miles at Neo's partners†
- 10% discount on Cathay Pacific flights†
- Minimum income: $80,000 (personal), $150,000 (household)
- Annual fee: $180
BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Mastercard®*
In 2023, BMO acquired AIR MILES, and has been breathing life back into the loyalty program since then.
If you’re entrenched in the AIR MILES world, then consider padding your balance with the current offer on the BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Mastercard®*.
Fortunately, you’ll receive the entire allotment of the welcome bonus after charging $3,000 in eligible expenses to the card in the first three months, which is reasonable.
- Earn 3,000 AIR MILES®† upon spending $3,000 in the first three months†
- Earn
1x3x AIR MILES®† per $12 spent at AIR MILES®† partners† - Earn
1x2x AIR MILES®†per $12 spent at grocery stores, wholesale clubs, and alcohol retailers† - Use AIR MILES®† for Cash Rewards or Dream Rewards†
- Minimum income: $80,000 personal or $150,000 household†
- Annual fee: $120 (rebated in the first year)†
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card
Recently, Scotiabank debuted a new offer on the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, its flagship no foreign transaction fee card.
With the current offer, you’ll enjoy an annual fee rebate in the first year†, and 30,000 Scene+ points (worth $300 when redeemed against travel expenses) after a very reasonable $1,000 minimum spending requirement.
Plus, this card comes with six lounge visits each year†. If you’re looking for something to replace the HSBC World Elite Mastercard, consider this a top contender.
- Earn 30,000 Scene+ points upon spending $1,000 in the first three months
- Earn an additional 10,000 Scene+ points upon spending $40,000 in the first year
- Earn
1x2x Scene+ points on groceries, dining, entertainment, and transit - Plus, earn 3x Scene+ points on grocery purchases at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, and FreshCo
- Visa Airport Companion membership with six free lounge visits per year
- Redeem points for statement credit for any travel expense
- Minimum income: $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
- Annual fee: $150 (waived in the first year)
American Express Green Card
The American Express Green Card is Amex’s lowest-tier card that earns Membership Rewards. It comes with no annual fee, and it’s a great option for anyone with a new or recovering credit file.
Currently, the welcome bonus stands at 12,500 MR points upon spending $1,250 in the first three months. While that’s not necessarily going to get you a seat in business class, it’s still enough to score a transcontinental flight in economy on many airlines.
Otherwise, the card doesn’t come with too many bells and whistles, which is to be expected for a card with no annual fee.
- Earn 10,000 MR points upon spending $1,000 in the first three months
- Plus, earn 1x MR points on all purchases
- Transfer points to airlines or hotels
- Amex Offers and cardholder benefits
- Annual fee: $0
Conclusion
We hope that this list will help guide you as you select your next card application, with an emphasis on the value of the signup bonus.
Feel free to view all credit cards to sort and filter by your own criteria as you compare other options. You can also book a Points Consulting call with the Prince of Travel team if you’d like some personalized advice.
† Terms and conditions apply. Refer to the card issuer’s website for complete up-to-date information.
April 2024, I am looking to switch my TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite to the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card. I noticed the sign up bonus is not as great as it was in the past. I still have some TD rewards to use up. Should I wait to see if there is a better sign up bonus in the summer?
Can I switch from the TD VIP to the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite and receive the bonus?
Hi Kathryn, your eligibility for the bonus is subject to the following terms & conditions (from TD’s website): “This offer is not available to customers who have activated and/or closed a TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Account in the last 12 months. We reserve the right to limit the number of Accounts opened by and the number of TD Rewards Points awarded to any one person.”
Hi!
I got the AMEX Aeroplan Reserve, and I tried using the Priority Pass in Vancouver and Taipei; unfortunately, i received a $35 charge for both of those! I wasn’t expecting that Priority Pass has a pay membership. My US Girlfriend has a Chase Sapphire with Priority Pass, and she never pays extra when I join her.
Are there any Canadian credit cards that have a priority pass that doesn’t come with visit fees?
Thanks!
Amex platinum person and business, both have Full-complimentary priority pass. So no fees when entering lounges
Josh,
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
Does it mean to spend $7,500 would get all 3 bonus of 50,000 (10000 + 25000 + 15000) Aeroplan points?
Thanks!
Yes, that is correct. Do note that the 3rd part will only be posted after you paid your next annual fee
Christopher,
Thanks! Have a nice weekend!
The new RBC Westjet World Elite MC offer is only for new card holders, looks like if you held this card previously you do not get the bonus per t&c
Could this not be a Top [however many offers are actually of note] list instead?
Considering that some issuers have ‘one bonus ever’ rules…burning that on a base-level offer would stink.