Canada’s Best Credit Card Offers for October 2026

Whenever you’re in the market for a new credit card, one of the most important considerations is to size up the card’s welcome offer.

After all, welcome bonuses are a one-time opportunity to quickly boost your balance, and ideally, you can time your application for when there’s a great offer available.

If you’re looking for a new credit card, we’ve put together a list of our top picks for the best credit card offers in Canada for October 2026.

Canada’s Best Credit Card Offers for October 2026

Here’s our list of the best credit card offers available in Canada for October 2026, with the following notable recent developments, record-high offers, or expiring offers:

Credit Card	Current Welcome Offer	Status
The Platinum Card® from American Express	Up to 110,000 MR points	Standard
American Express® Gold Rewards Card	Up to 70,000 MR points	Standard
RBC® Avion® Visa Infinite‡ & Avion Visa Platinum‡ Cards	Up to 70,000 Avion points	Elevated (until Nov 25)
BMO VIPorter World Elite®* Mastercard®*	Up to 70,000 VIPorter points	Ongoing
RBC® British Airways Visa Infinite†	50,000 Avios	Ongoing
TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card	Up to 160,000 TD Rewards Points	Elevated
RBC® Avion® Visa Infinite Privilege‡ Card	Up to 100,000 Avion points	Elevated (until Nov 25)
Tangerine® Rewards World Elite®* Mastercard®*	50,000 Scene+ points	Raised (until Jan 31)
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card	Up to 100,000 Aeroplan points	Elevated
WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard‡	Up to 70,000 WestJet points	Ongoing (until Nov 4)
Wealthsimple Visa Infinite +* & Visa Infinite Privilege* Cards	Up to $500 cash back	New
Scotiabank® Gold American Express®* Card	Up to 50,000 Scene+ points	Ongoing (until Nov 1)
Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card	Up to 75,000 Bonvoy points	Standard

If you’re looking for personalized guidance on which cards to apply for and how to make the most of your points, be sure to check out our Points Coaching service. You’ll receive one-on-one guidance from one of our credit card and points-redemption experts over four sessions, helping you optimize your card portfolio and strategically redeem your points to reach your travel goals.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

As per usual, the American Express Platinum Card has a nice welcome offer available at the moment with up to 110,000 Membership Rewards points up for grabs. The bulk of the bonus (80,000 points) is awarded upon spending $10,000 in the first three months, with a final 30,000-point milestone bonus in year two.

As a cardholder, you’ll get a $200 dining credit and a $200 annual travel credit to use each year which help to offset the card’s $799 annual fee, in addition to the regular rotation of Amex Offers, unlimited lounge access, and other valuable features for travellers.

American Express^® Gold Rewards Card

While the overall size and value of the welcome bonus on the American Express^® Gold Rewards Card is high, it requires keeping track of a monthly minimum spending requirement for the first year.

The offer currently sits at its standard level of 70,000 Membership Rewards points: 10,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months, plus 5,000 points in each of the first 12 months in which you spend at least $1,000.

Still, if the higher annual fee on the Platinum card is too rich for your blood, consider this offer as a nice alternative.

The easiest way to ensure you hit it every month (thereby maximizing the welcome offer) is to use it as your payment card for Chexy, a platform that facilitates paying rent, bills, and taxes with your credit card.

RBC® Avion® Visa Infinite^‡ Card

The RBC^® Avion^® Visa Infinite^‡ Card and the RBC^® Avion Visa Platinum^‡ Card is back with a strong welcome offer of up to 70,000 Avion points.

You’ll typically earn 35,000 points on approval and an additional 20,000 points after meeting a reasonable minimum spend in the first six months, plus 15,000 points on your first anniversary, giving you a very healthy Avion balance to start with.

Avion points are among the most flexible points currencies in Canada, with the ability to convert to partners such as The British Airways Club, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, and American Airlines AAdvantage, or to use the RBC Air Travel Redemption Schedule for fixed-point flight redemptions. Avion is also running a 15% transfer bonus to Cathay Pacific Asia Miles from September 14 to October 16, 2026, which makes this a good month to have a fresh Avion balance.

BMO VIPorter World Elite^®* Mastercard^®*

Porter Airlines hit the ground running when it recently launched its first-ever co-branded credit card in conjunction with BMO, with a welcome offer of up to 70,000 VIPorter points.^†

The structure of the welcome offer has three tiers, with the final allotment of points arriving in year two. While the spending requirements are relatively high, consider shifting your Costco spend to the card to enjoy a number of award flights with Porter across Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Central America at a steep discount.

If you travel with Porter Airlines with any frequency, this is a great card to hold due to its automatic Venture Avid Traveller Status,^† which affords you a range of meaningful benefits with the airline.

We like this offer due to its sheer size paired with a first-year annual fee rebate^,† and with the opportunity to score outsized value in the VIPorter loyalty program.

RBC^® British Airways Visa Infinite^†

RBC^® offers 50,000 Avios^† on its British Airways co-branded card after you spend $6,000 in the first three months. This is the card's standing offer with no published end date, following the 60,000 Avios offer that ended on September 9, 2026.

British Airways Avios is a great currency to have for access to oneworld airlines, especially since you can convert them into different flavours of Avios (as it’s a points currency shared by The British Airways Club, Aer Lingus AerClub, Finnair Plus, Iberia Plus, and Qatar Airways Privilege Club).

If you value non-stop flights to or from London, you can also benefit from the card’s Companion Voucher, awarded upon spending $30,000 in a year.

TD First Class Travel^® Visa Infinite^* Card

TD’s flagship credit card that earns its proprietary TD Rewards Points offers great travel value outside of the usual airline or hotel loyalty program ecosystem.

The current offer on the TD First Class Travel^® Visa Infinite^* Card has been raised to 160,000 TD Rewards Points on September 1.^†

160,000 TD Rewards Points is worth a fixed value of up to $800 towards any travel booking via Expedia^® for TD^†, and with a very reasonable minimum spending requirement spread out over six months and a first-year annual fee rebate^†, this offer is absolutely worth considering.

Plus, the card received a makeover earlier this year, and now has beefed-up earning rates with more categories, and four complimentary lounge visits each year!

RBC^® Avion^® Visa Infinite Privilege^‡ Card

RBC’s premium card in the Avion lineup is currently offering an elevated welcome bonus for up to 100,000 Avion points.^†

Its structure is also very attainable: 35,000 points on approval,^† 20,000 points upon spending $5,000 in the first six months,^† and you’ll get an additional boost of 45,000 points in year two.^†

With a great earning rate for non-categorized spending (1.25 Avion points per dollar spent^†) and with the unique ability to redeem points for business class flights using the RBC Air Travel Redemption Schedule, this premium option in the Avion lineup is a great card to hold if you meet the income requirements.

Consider this as an ideal option to have as part of your Optimized RBC Credit Card Portfolio.

American Express^® Aeroplan^®* Reserve Card

The offer on the American Express^® Aeroplan^®* Reserve Card is back to its standing level of up to 85,000 Aeroplan points (60,000 after $7,500 in spend in the first three months, and 25,000 more upon spending $2,500 in month 13), after a brief bump to 110,000 points in September.

Not only is Aeroplan one of the most powerful loyalty programs out there, but this card comes packed with benefits for Air Canada frequent flyers.

Notably, it features the highest earning rate for Air Canada purchases on any Aeroplan co-branded credit card (3 Aeroplan points per dollar spent), in addition to unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access, a companion pass upon spending $25,000 each year, more.

Tangerine^® Rewards World Elite^®* Mastercard^®*

Tangerine’s first premium credit card is now offering 50,000 Scene+ points after you spend $5,000 in the first three months, up from 30,000 points at launch, for applications through January 31, 2027.^†

Scene+ points are worth 1 cent each against travel, so the welcome bonus alone covers the $120 annual fee more than four times over. The card also earns 1.5 points per dollar in three spending categories you choose from a list of 13, with no cap, and includes four DragonPass lounge visits each year.^†

Spend $30,000 in a cardmember year and you’ll also pick up a 10,000-point Annual Lifestyle Credit, which makes this a strong pick for anyone who already collects Scene+ points.^†

American Express^® Aeroplan^®* Card

The American Express® Aeroplan®* Card is offering a total of up to 45,000 Aeroplan points, with 35,000 points after spending $7,500 in the first six months and a further 10,000 points after a purchase in month 13.

It comes with many of the same features as its other co-branded counterparts at the same tier; however, its earning rate for Air Canada purchases (2 points per dollar spent) is the highest in its tier, and it comes without emergency medical insurance or trip cancellation/interruption insurance (the other cards come with those).

TD^® Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite Privilege^* Card

TD’s premium Aeroplan co-branded credit card boosted its welcome bonus to up to 100,000 Aeroplan points on September 1.^†

Fortunately, there’s no monthly requirement to keep track of. Instead, the total required spending is quite high: 20,000 points on your first purchase, 30,000 points after $12,000 in the first 180 days,^† and a 50,000-point anniversary bonus after $24,000^† in the first year, but you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with a healthy Aeroplan balance.

This is an excellent credit card for Air Canada frequent flyers, given its long list of benefits, including unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access in Canada and the US,^† earning Status Qualifying Miles and Status Qualifying Segments through everyday spending,^† and much more.

BMO VIPorter Mastercard^®*

The scaled-down version of the BMO VIPorter World Elite®* Mastercard®* has plenty of value to offer.

In addition to the welcome bonus (up to 40,000 VIPorter points), you’ll enjoy automatic VIPorter Passport Avid Traveller status, a first-year annual fee rebate, and access to great VIPorter redemptions.

Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite +* Card

Routinely our top pick for Canada’s best credit card with no foreign transaction fees, the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite +* Card combines a welcome bonus of up to 35,000 Scene+ points with a very accessible minimum spending requirement ($2,000 in three months)^†.

Plus, the card offers great features for travellers (six complimentary lounge visits with the Visa Airport Companion Program^† and strong insurance), and Scene+ points are our favourite fixed-value points program due to their flexibility.

TD^® Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite^* Card

The TD® Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite^* Card has long remained one of our favourite Canadian credit cards, and indeed it’s one that we recommend for every Canadian traveller.

As it stands, the welcome offer on the card is the highest amongst its core counterparts in Canada (up to 50,000 Aeroplan points, after TD raised the anniversary bonus to 25,000 points on September 1).^†

The total spending requirement is spread out over a full year, and the first-year annual fee rebate^† means you won’t incur any costs while you try out the card.

WestJet RBC^® World Elite Mastercard^‡

The WestJet RBC^® World Elite Mastercard^‡ is offering up to 70,000 WestJet points until November 4, 2026, with 30,000 points on your first purchase, 30,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first three months, and 10,000 points at your first anniversary.

WestJet points are easy to redeem and predictable in value, and paired with the annual companion voucher and free checked bags^†, this card becomes a very strong contender for anyone who regularly flies within Canada or to WestJet’s expanding U.S., Mexico, and Caribbean network.

CIBC Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite Privilege^* Card

Among its Aeroplan co-branded credit card counterparts, the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card is offering the highest total amount of points, which has recently been boosted to 100,000 Aeroplan points.

The biggest difference with the offer is that you’ll get more points in year two than with the other cards.

In addition to the same Air Canada perks offered on its TD and American Express counterparts, this card stands out with its $200 NEXUS credit, which is more than enough to cover the cost of an application.

CIBC^® Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite^* Card

The welcome offer on the CIBC Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite^* Card currently stands at up to 45,000 Aeroplan points.

You’ll earn 10,000 points upon making your first purchase^†, 10,000 points when you spend $6,000 in the first six monthly statement periods^†, and an additional 25,000 points as an anniversary bonus when you have at least $12,000 in net purchases posted in the first 12 months^†.

You’ll also enjoy a free first checked bag for you and up to eight companions^† plus a one-time annual fee rebate for the primary cardholder and up to three authorized users: up to $189 in value.^†

Honourable Mentions

In this section, we’ll list some offers that are worthy of some extra attention, either due to their size, easily attainable thresholds, or other reasons listed below.

Wealthsimple Visa Infinite +^* and Visa Infinite Privilege^* Cards

Wealthsimple’s two credit cards now come with a welcome boost for new clients, with 5% cash back on up to $10,000 in purchases in the first 30 days, for up to $500 in cash back.^† That’s an extra 3% on top of the cards’ regular 2% unlimited cash back.

Earning the full $500 means putting $10,000 on the card within 30 days, which might be tough for most people. At a more typical $2,000 to $3,000, the boost works out to $100 to $150 in cash back.

Both cards charge no foreign transaction fees, and the $240 annual fee (charged monthly at $20) is waived for clients with $100,000 or more in Wealthsimple assets or $4,000 or more in monthly direct deposits to Wealthsimple Chequing.^†

Scotiabank^® Gold American Express^®* Card

If you’re looking for a card that earns Scene+ points at an accelerated rate on daily spending, look no further than the Scotiabank^® Gold American Express^®* Card. You’ll earn 5x Scene+ points on eligible grocery and restaurant purchases^†, or 6x points at Empire grocery stores.^†

The card is currently offering 30,000 Scene+ points^† with a low $2,000 spending threshold in the first three months, and an additional 20,000 points^† upon spending of $7,500 in the first year.

50,000 Scene+ points is worth $500 when redeemed against travel purchases at 1 cent per point.

Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card

The personal version of Marriott’s co-branded credit card in Canada currently offers up to 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points through our referral link, with 65,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months and a further 10,000 points after you spend $500 in month 13. Amex notes that eligibility can change at any time; the public offer is 70,000 points.

Keep this card around for the long-term with its annual Free Night Award (starting in year two) and 15 elite qualifying nights towards status.

The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card offers a comparable welcome bonus for business owners.

CIBC Aventura^® Visa Infinite^* Card

CIBC Aventura Points are great to hold to help offset other costs of travel, especially if your primary flights and accommodations are already covered.

The current offer on the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card comes with 45,000 Aventura Points, worth up to $450 when redeemed for travel,^† with 15,000 points on your first purchase and 30,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first four months.^†

Plus, CIBC is the first bank to boost the NEXUS application fee rebate to $200, which is enough to cover the $120 (USD) application fee. Toss in four complimentary lounge visits through the Visa Airport Companion Program and a first-year annual fee rebate^†, and this card has a lot to offer.

Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite Privilege^* Card

The top-tier variant in Scotiabank’s Passport family is currently offering up to 80,000 Scene+ points for its welcome bonus, which would be worth $800 when redeemed against travel purchases at a rate of 1 cent per point.

To sweeten the deal for the $599 annual fee, be sure to take advantage of the $250 annual travel credit, 10 complimentary lounge visits, and no foreign transaction fees.

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 no personal 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.

RBC^® ION+ Visa

The RBC® ION+™ Visa^‡ Card is offering a regular welcome bonus up to 28,000 Avion points with a modest minimum spending requirement of $1,500 in the first six months of account opening.^†

You’ll earn a chunk of points upon approval and the rest after spending a relatively low amount in the first six months, which makes this a very approachable way to earn Avion points if you are working with a lower income threshold or prefer a lower annual fee card.

With 3x Avion points on a wide range of everyday categories and a $48 annual fee, this card can play an important supporting role in an optimized RBC credit card portfolio, especially when paired with one of the Avion cards above.

What Makes a Credit Card Welcome Offer Appealing?

With the offers in mind, let’s go over the factors we’ve taken into consideration when compiling the above list.

First and foremost, we take into consideration the size and value of a card’s welcome bonus, including ones that provide the most sizable boost to your points balance with a minimum threshold of $500 in First-Year Value (see below).

Next, we also take into consideration cards that have a relatively low threshold to meet the full welcome bonus. While some offers are high, you have to put in an extraordinary amount of work to get there, and your spending may be better targeted elsewhere.

Lastly, we’ve included some honourable mentions for cards that offer outsized value in any other way that we think warrants your attention.

How We Determine the First-Year Value of a Credit Card Welcome Offer

On our credit card comparison tool and our individual credit card pages, you’ll notice that we list a First-Year Value figure. This is an in-house calculation that me make that’s often quite different than what you might find on a financial institution’s website.

Here’s how we determine the value of a welcome bonus:

• Add the total amount of points earned from the welcome offer in the first year
• Add the total amount of points earned by completing the minimum spending requirement in the first year, assuming the card’s baseline earning rate
• Convert the total amount of points earned into a dollar figure using our Points Valuations
• Add any annual credits that the card offers (if any)
• Subtract the card’s first-year annual fee (if any)

We believe that this calculation gives an indication of the minimum value anyone can expect to get from a card in the first year. Sure, you can certainly get greater value in the first year (and subsequent years) by leveraging category earning rates, lounge access, insurance, and other card features; however, this is unique to each individual and difficult to quantify with certainty.

By contrast, many financial institutions use a calculation of the maximum amount of value you can expect to get from a card in the first year, since they’ll often include value from lounge visits, spending in various categories throughout the year, supplementary cardholder annual fee rebates, NEXUS application fee rebates, checked baggage fee equivalents, and more.

Conclusion

There you have it: our top picks for the best offers available on Canadian travel credit cards.

If you’re interested in learning more about the offers, follow the links above, or consult our credit card comparison tool.

If you’d like some more personalized information, consider joining the Prince of Travel community to connect with likeminded peers, or to book a Points Coaching call with one of our in-house experts.

^† Terms and conditions apply. Refer to the card issuer’s website for complete up-to-date information. 

Card issuers are not responsible for the accuracy of the content on this website. Reasonable efforts are made to ensure accuracy with content.