With summer spending ramping up—gas, groceries, staycations—it’s worth checking whether your credit card could be doing more for you. Many Ontarians carry plastic that earns just 1%, but there are smarter options out there.
🎒 Top 3 Travel Rewards Cards in Canada
According to Canadians, here are three standout travel cards:
BMO Ascend™ World Elite® Mastercard® – Excellent for lounge access, travel insurance, and recurring DragonPass benefit; strong welcome offer of 90,000 points
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite – No foreign transaction fees, six lounge passes, and solid travel protections
American Express Cobalt® Card – City-living favourite; high earn rates on dining, groceries, transit; flexible redemption and built-in travel insurance
Why these?
They combine strong everyday rewards with travel perks—perfect for people who use their cards both at home and away.
💵 Top 3 Cash Back Cards in Canada
Looking for straightforward cash back? Here are the top picks:
CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite – 4% on groceries & gas; 2% on dining, transit, bills; first-year fee rebate
Desjardins Cash Back World Elite Mastercard – 4% on groceries, 3% on dining & transit, no caps
BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard – 5% on groceries, 4% on transit, 3% on gas; includes roadside assistance
Why these?
Elevated rates in key spending areas mean you could earn $400–$800+ back each year—without changing spending habits.
⭐ Smart Selection Tips
Match spending habits to card perks—groceries, gas, dining, travel.
Consider fees vs. rewards—higher annual fees need to be offset by savings or perks.
Mind the fine print—welcome bonuses, income requirements, and reward expiry all matter.
Use travel insurance wisely—many premium cards include it, reducing the need for standalone policies.
📌 Bottom Line
Your credit card should work for you, not just take profits. Whether you’re earning travel points or cash back, picking the right card for your spending can add hundreds of dollars in value each year. So before you dip into another iced latte or book that weekend getaway, check your plastic—your wallet will thank you.