Best Credit Cards for Loyalty Rewards in Canada
Pairing the right credit card with your favorite loyalty program is the secret to unlocking free flights, groceries, and merchandise up to 5x faster. Here are our top picks for maximizing rewards in Canada.
Flexible Rewards vs. Co-Branded Cards
🔄 Flexible Rewards Cards
Cards like American Express Membership Rewards or Avion Rewards let you earn a proprietary point currency that can be transferred to multiple frequent flyer programs (like Aeroplan or Avios) OR used as cash credit. Best for travelers who want options.
🎯 Co-Branded Cards
Cards tied directly to one program (like the TD Aeroplan Visa or PC Financial Mastercard). They earn points directly into that program and often include specific perks like free checked bags or extra grocery points.
Best for Aeroplan
The undisputed king of earning in Canada. Earns 5x points on dining and groceries, which transfer 1:1 to Aeroplan.
- • 5x points on eats and drinks
- • 3x points on streaming
- • 2x points on travel/transit
- • $155 annual fee (billed monthly)
The classic co-branded card offering strong earning rates and excellent Air Canada travel perks like free checked bags.
- • 1.5x points on gas/groceries/Air Canada
- • Free first checked bag
- • Preferred pricing on flight rewards
- • $139 annual fee
Best for Grocery Rewards
Earns an incredible 6x Scene+ points at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, and other Empire grocery stores.
- • 6x points at eligible grocery stores
- • 5x points on dining/entertainment
- • No FX markup fees
- • $120 annual fee
The best no-fee option for Loblaws shoppers, earning 30 points per dollar at Loblaws-affiliated stores.
- • 30 pts/$1 at Loblaw banner stores
- • 45 pts/$1 at Shoppers Drug Mart
- • No annual fee
- • High income requirement ($80k individual)
Best for Retail / Everyday
A heavy hitter for no annual fee, offering huge returns at Canadian Tire, SportChek, and Mark's, plus free roadside assistance.
- • 4% back in CT Money at partner stores
- • Free Gold Roadside Assistance
- • Pay utilities with card for rewards
- • No annual fee ($80k income req)
The top card for accumulating AIR MILES quickly, with a great welcome bonus and an excellent flight discount.
- • 3x Miles at partner locations
- • 25% discount on one worldwide flight per year
- • Complimentary LoungeKey membership
- • $120 annual fee
Want to see program rankings instead?
If you aren't sure which points you want to collect yet, check out our ranking of the best loyalty programs in Canada.
🏆 Top Programs of 2025/26