In this feature of Rewards Canada' Ultimate Credit Card Portfolios we look at the ultimate one for travelling on Air Canada. This one differs somewhat from our Ultimate Aeroplan Portfolio as it is not as focused on simply earning and redeeming Aeroplan Points but rather the maximizing of the benefits you get for travelling on Air Canada while still taking into account the Aeroplan earn and burn aspect.
We have always recommended that you should carry a Visa, a Mastercard and an American Express card in your wallet. The reason why is that there are benefits, promotions and earning potential unique to each brand of credit card. Here we outline one card from each brand that will help you make you travel on Air Canada better, easier and more enjoyable all the while earning Aeroplan Points or other points with your purchases. Ultimately there are various options that could be utilized for an Air Canada portfolio but we look at one card from each issuing family that will benefit you when you travel on Air Canada. If you are only out for earning Aeroplan Points you should check out our Ultimate Aeroplan Portfolio.
What is Rewards Canada's Ultimate Air Canada Credit Card portfolio? It's the following three cards:
Visa: TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
American Express: American Express Cobalt® Card
Mastercard: Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard
The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card is the obvious choice since it provides many Air Canada benefits while the Cobalt Card is the best card in Canada for earning lots of Aeroplan points and the Rogers Red World Elite makes the most sense as a Mastercard for the portfolio. There are no Mastercards that actually provide Air Canada benefits and we'll explain our choice in this article. You could also go for the CIBC version of the Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card but seeing that TD is the primary issuer for Aeroplan we use that card in this portfolio.
Five Key Benefits of this portfolio
- Priority services† when flying with Air Canada including Priority Check-In†, Priority Boarding† and Priority Baggage Handling†
- Maple Leaf Lounge access† and global lounge access membership with annual passes
- Annual Worldwide Companion Pass†
- Really good Aeroplan points earn rates
- Strong insurance coverage
Why you want to get each of these cards
The Benefits
The first card in the portfolio is the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card. This card would be set as the main card in this portfolio for your travels as it provides a wealth of elite like benefits when you fly on Air Canada.
Having this card in your wallet is almost like having elite status with Air Canada. It provides Priority Check-In†, Priority Boarding† (Zone 2) and Priority Baggage Handling†. Speaking of baggage handling, the card provides your first checked bag free† for you and up to eight people on the same Air Canada reservation.
Then you have lounge access†, with this card you and a guest can enter Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges in North America when flying a same-day ticket on a flight marketed or operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, Air Canada Express, or any Star Alliance member airline. On top of this the card also provides membership in the Visa Airport Companion by DragonPass which is a global lounge access program. The Visa Airport Companion program allows the member to access lounges all around the world at a discounted rate but the good news is the card provides six free access passes annually so you won't pay any fees until you use those up.
Recommended reading: Rewards Canada's Guide to Business Class Lounge Access
The benefits with this card don't end there. As with all Aeroplan co-brand cards, by having the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card you'll receive preferred pricing when redeeming Aeroplan points for Air Canada flights. That is, you'll receive a discount on the number points required when you make an award flight redemption for travel on Air Canada. You also get a NEXUS credit†, rollover status qualifying miles, rollover status eUpgrade credits and more. You can also receive an annual worldwide companion pass when you spend at least $25,000 on the card each year.
Recommended reading: TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card Review
The Points Earning
The second card in the portfolio is the American Express Cobalt® Card which just happens to be the best overall credit card in Canada and in most cases, the best card for earning the most Aeroplan points possible. It is the points earning as to why the card is in the portfolio over the American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card. The Reserve card is an amazing card however it and the TD Visa Infinite Privilege provide almost the exact same benefits so by having the TD Infinite Privilege you'd be better off having the Cobalt Card to boost your Aeroplan earning.
Recommended reading: Which credit card earns the most Aeroplan Points?
The American Express Cobalt Card earns 5 points per dollar spent on eats and drinks. That's dining, dining delivery, groceries, bars, coffee shops and more. Next it offers 3 points per dollar on select streaming services and 2x points on gas, transit, taxis and ride sharing. All those earn rates are the top earn rates for Aeroplan points. Now, the card doesn't earn Aeroplan points directly, it earns Membership Rewards points which can be transferred on a 1:1 basis to Aeroplan. Those transfers are almost always instant when you initiate them so the Cobalt Card is pretty much like having an Aeroplan card.
Recommended reading: American Express Cobalt™ Card Review
The Costco Connection & the card for US$ purchases
After the discontinuation of the MBNA Best Western Mastercard, the Canadian market was left without a Mastercard that was connected to Air Canada or Aeroplan. Seeing that you have lounges and benefits covered with the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card and major points earning covered with the Cobalt Card, you don't need anything fancy for the Mastercard position. With that said we feel it is best fill the spot with the best no fee cash back earning Mastercard which is the Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard - and you do not have to be a Rogers customer to get this card.
The primary reason this card is in the portfolio is for its 1.5% cash back earning on all purchases including those made at Canadian Costco warehouses since they only accept Mastercard. The card is also one to consider using for purchases made in US$ as they reward 3% cash back on US$ purchases and with a 2.5% FX Fee (all the cards in this portfolio charge 2.5%) you'll come out 0.5% ahead on those purchases.
The Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard gets even better If you happen to be a Rogers/Shaw/Fido customer the Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard. Customers of the telecom giant see the 1.5% cash back earn boosted to 2% and if that cash back is redeemed towards Rogers purchases or services they give a 50% boost to the rewards meaning you can stretch your returns to 3% or even 4.5% for those US$ purchases.
Related: Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard review
Spending with this portfolio
Here's how you should split up your spending with this credit card portfolio:
- Air Canada purchases: TD® Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card (2 points per dollar)
- All other non-Air Canada travel purchases: TD® Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card (1.5 points per dollar)
- Dining, Drinks, Grocery, Food Delivery: American Express Cobalt Card (5 points per dollar)
- Gas, Transit, Ride Sharing: American Express Cobalt Card (2 points per dollar)
- Streaming Services: American Express Cobalt Card (3 points per dollar)
- Costco Canada Purchases: Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard (Up to 2% cash back)
- All other purchases in Canada: TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card ( 1.25 points per dollar)
- Purchases made in US$: Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard (3% cash back)
Of note the American Express Cobalt Card has $2,500 monthly cap on the 5x points eats and drinks category. Should you reach that cap start using the TD card for those purchases as you'll earn 1.5 Aeroplan points on most of those purchases.
Here are the details on these three cards
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
Canada's Choice for Top Ultra Premium Credit Card 2024
Earn up to $3,000 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points† .
Conditions Apply. Offer effective as of January 7, 2025.
Annual Fee $599 | Additional Cards: $199 † | Annual interest rate 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on funds advances | $150,000 annual personal income or $200,000 annual household income
Earn up to $3,000 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points (enough for a round trip to Honolulu†) and additional travel benefits. Conditions Apply. Offer effective as of January 7, 2025.
- Earn a welcome bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first Purchase with your new Card†
- Earn an additional 35,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 180 days of Account opening†
- Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 30,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $24,000 within 12 months of Account opening†
Additional Travel Benefits - Enroll for NEXUS and once every 48 months get a partial application fee rebate†
- 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, primary cardholders get 6 complimentary worldwide select airport lounge visits annually through the Visa Airport Companion Program.†
- Starbucks Bonus Offer for New Linked Members†: Link your TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite to earn 600 Starbucks Stars and redeem them for free Starbucks treats. Limited time only. Conditions and restrictions apply.
- Earn Aeroplan Points on your everyday purchases
- Take advantage of an extensive suite of travel insurance.
- Get access to Priority Airport Services† like Priority Boarding, Priority Baggage Handling, and Priority Airport Standby & Priority Airport Upgrades†.
- 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 spent on eligible gas, grocery, travel 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 170+ online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore (www.aeroplan.com/estore)
- Get an annual round-trip companion pass from $99 (plus taxes, fees, charges and surcharges)†.
- Global Airport Lounge Access†: Receive a complimentary membership to the Visa Airport Companion† Program hosted by Dragonpass International Ltd. and take advantage of six lounge visits included for each Cardholder per membership year at over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide. Enroll through the Visa Airport Companion App or through visaairportcompanion.ca
- Complimentary Visa Infinite Concierge† : On-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the Visa Infinite Concierge can help with any Cardholder request — big or small, to help you get the most out of life whenever you travel, shop and use your Card.
- Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection†: Receive seven exclusive benefits when you book your stay through the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection featuring over 900 of the world’s most intriguing properties. Enjoy an additional 8th benefit at over 200 properties, exclusively for Visa Infinite Privilege cardholders.
This offer is not available for residents of Quebec. For Quebec residents, please click here .
† Terms and Conditions apply.
Sponsored advertising. 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.
American Express Cobalt® Card
Top Overall Travel Rewards Card 2025 | Top Hybrid Travel Rewards Card 2025 | #3 Best Cash Back Card in Canada
In your first year as a new Cobalt Cardmember, you can earn 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in net purchases on your Card. This could add up to 15,000 points in a year. That’s up to $150 towards a weekend getaway or concert tickets
Monthly Fee $12.99/month of Cardmembership ($155.88 annually) | Additional Cards: $0 | Annual interest rate 21.99% on purchases and 21.99% on funds advances
- Earn 5x the points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery. Spend cap applies.
- Earn 3x the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
- Earn 2x the points on eligible ride shares, transit & gas in Canada
- Earn 1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings via American Express Travel Online
- Earn 1x point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else
- Enjoy access to hotel bookings, a room upgrade (when available), 12pm check-in and late check-out (when available), and up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities when charged to the room for a stay of 2 or more consecutive nights through The Hotel Collection from American Express Travel
- Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs
- Cobalt Cardmembers receive regular Perks such as bonus reward offers and access to great events
- Access Front Of The Line® Amex Presale & Reserved Tickets to some of your favourite concerts and theatre performances and special offers and events curated for Cardmembers with Amex ExperiencesTM
- 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, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment
- Click here to apply for the American Express Cobalt Card
Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard
Enjoy 3% cash back value when you redeem with Rogers plus insurance benefits
Annual Fee: $0 | Additional Card Fee: $0 | Annual interest rate 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on funds advances | $80,000 personal or $150,000 annual household income
- 2% cash back - no limits. Exclusively for eligible Rogers, Fido or Shaw customers.
- 3% unlimited cash back on U.S. dollar purchases.
- 5 Roam Like Home days at no cost with an eligible Rogers mobile plan (up to $75 value).
- Get 1.5x more cash back every time you redeem for Rogers, Fido or Shaw purchases2
Travel Benefits: - Complimentary membership to Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass
Access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide
$32 USD per person per visit Included
Insurance Benefits: - Extended Warranty and Purchase Protection
- Rental Car Collision/Damage
- Out-of-Province/Out-of-Country Emergency Medical
- Trip Interruption
- Trip Cancellation
- Click here to apply for Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard
There you have it! The Ultimate Air Canada Credit Card portfolio. With these three cards you will receive amazing benefits when you travel with Air Canada all the while ensuring you still earning a lot of Aeroplan points on your everyday spending.
Other card options you could consider:
You could consider the American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card for the Amex option as it earns the most points on Air Canada purchases at 3 points per dollar and then having the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card as the Visa option. However, you would be losing out on earning the Cobalt Card's 5x points and for most people the Cobalt Card can easily make up the difference of only earning 2 points per dollar on Air Canada flights instead of 3.
On the Visa site you could consider the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card, it is pretty much a carbon copy of the TD card so if your preference may be to bank with CIBC and keep a credit card with them you could go this route. You could also go with on of the the lower Aeroplan Visa Infinite Cards however you'd lose a lot of the Air Canada benefits which really are the premise of this portfolio.
For the Mastercard, really any card would do to fill the spot if you don't want the Rogers card but it is one of the best and has no fee so it's tough to beat. The only thing missing in this portfolio is a true No FX Fee card and the Canada market sadly does not have a true No Foreign Transaction Fee Mastercard. There are however a couple of prepaid options with No FX Fees and those are the EQ Bank Card and the Wealthsimple Cash Card.
This article was first posted on November 9, 2016 and is updated on a regular basis