The Best Non-Amex Credit Cards for Travel 2024 [UPDATED]
More often than not, American Express cards offer better welcome bonuses and travel rewards than their Visa and MasterCard counterparts. The only issue? Not every place takes Amex due to their higher merchant fees.
From a travel rewards perspective, there are still fantastic Visa and MasterCard offers out there that enable you to travel more and pay less. Here are my top picks for those who prefer non-Amex cards!
Last Updated: March 10, 2024
Disclaimer: Some of the links below are referral links, which means I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This post is not sponsored by any of the companies mentioned. All opinions are my own.
BEST MASTERCARDS
BMO World Elite MasterCard
Best for: Flexible travel plans, lounge access
Annual Fee: $150 (currently waived for the first year)
Minimum Welcome Bonus: At least $321 statement credit towards flights/car rental after spending $4,500 in the first 3 months = 45,000 BMO Rewards points
Income Requirement: $80,000 individual income or $150,000 household income
Other Perks: Lounge access (Dragon Pass), including annual membership fee + 4 lounge passes per year
Application Link(s): BMO
WHAT DO YOU GET OUT OF IT? Because BMO Rewards is basically cash back, the welcome bonus and rewards ($321 statement credit) aren't restricted by loyalty program or airline. This works best if you don't have a particular redemption in mind and want to keep your options open. The card also comes with 4 lounge passes, which can come in very handy.
There is currently a welcome offer from BMO that waives the annual fee, though keep in mind there's a $4,500 minimum spend requirement in the first 3 months and an $80,000 individual income requirement.
WHAT DO YOU GET OUT OF IT? Air Miles isn't my favourite travel rewards program out there, but you could potentially redeem Air Miles for flights or even Walt Disney World passes. I find that the travel rewards can have limited availability and points required change frequently, so I recommend redeeming for Air Miles cash. With the current welcome offer, you can get almost $250 in cash back.
Annual Fee: $119
Minimum Welcome Bonus: 300 Westjet dollars upon first purchase + 300 Westjet dollars after spending $5,000 in the first three months
Other Perks: Lounge access (Dragon Pass), including annual membership fee + 4 lounge passes per year
Application Link(s): BMO
WHAT DO YOU GET OUT OF IT? Because BMO Rewards is basically cash back, the welcome bonus and rewards ($321 statement credit) aren't restricted by loyalty program or airline. This works best if you don't have a particular redemption in mind and want to keep your options open. The card also comes with 4 lounge passes, which can come in very handy.
There is currently a welcome offer from BMO that waives the annual fee, though keep in mind there's a $4,500 minimum spend requirement in the first 3 months and an $80,000 individual income requirement.
BMO Air Miles World Elite MasterCard
Best for: Cold hard cash, Walt Disney World passes
Best for: Cold hard cash, Walt Disney World passes
Annual Fee: $120 (currently waived for the first year)
Minimum Welcome Bonus: At least 2,300 Air Miles after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days = $242 cash back
Income Requirement: $80,000 individual income or $150,000 household income
Other Perks: Lounge access (Dragon Pass), including annual membership fee + 4 lounge passes per year
Application Link(s): BMO
WHAT DO YOU GET OUT OF IT? Air Miles isn't my favourite travel rewards program out there, but you could potentially redeem Air Miles for flights or even Walt Disney World passes. I find that the travel rewards can have limited availability and points required change frequently, so I recommend redeeming for Air Miles cash. With the current welcome offer, you can get almost $250 in cash back.
RBC WestJet World Elite MasterCard
Best for: WestJet flights, getting a free checked bag on WestJet flights
Best for: WestJet flights, getting a free checked bag on WestJet flights
Annual Fee: $119
Minimum Welcome Bonus: 300 Westjet dollars upon first purchase + 300 Westjet dollars after spending $5,000 in the first three months
Income Requirement: $80,000 individual income or $150,000 household income
Other Perks: Free checked bag with all WestJet flights, WestJet annual companion voucher, lounge access, Save 3 cents per litre at Petro-Canada
Application Link(s): RBC
WHAT DO YOU GET OUT OF IT? WestJet is a fantastic airline that flies all around North America, plus Hawaii/London Gatwick/sun destinations. If you have a particular WestJet redemption in mind such as Hawaii, this card is fantastic.
To get even more WestJet dollars, combine this card with the RBC Visa Infinite Avion discussed below (currently has a welcome bonus of 15,000 RBC Rewards points). I have an entire post dedicated to this card for more ideas.
Annual Fee: $139 for Infinite / $89 for Platinum, currently waived the first year if you apply before June 6, 2024
Minimum Welcome Bonus: 50,000 Aeroplan miles for Visa Infinite = 10,000 after first purchase + 20,000 after spending $5,000 in the first 180 days for Infinite + 20,000 after spending $10,000 in the first 12 months, 20,000 Aeroplan miles for Visa Platinum = 10,000 after first purchase + 10,000 after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days for Platinum
Other Perks: Free checked bag with all WestJet flights, WestJet annual companion voucher, lounge access, Save 3 cents per litre at Petro-Canada
Application Link(s): RBC
WHAT DO YOU GET OUT OF IT? WestJet is a fantastic airline that flies all around North America, plus Hawaii/London Gatwick/sun destinations. If you have a particular WestJet redemption in mind such as Hawaii, this card is fantastic.
To get even more WestJet dollars, combine this card with the RBC Visa Infinite Avion discussed below (currently has a welcome bonus of 15,000 RBC Rewards points). I have an entire post dedicated to this card for more ideas.
BEST VISA CREDIT CARDS
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite or Platinum
Best for: Earning Aeroplan miles without Amex
Minimum Welcome Bonus: 50,000 Aeroplan miles for Visa Infinite = 10,000 after first purchase + 20,000 after spending $5,000 in the first 180 days for Infinite + 20,000 after spending $10,000 in the first 12 months, 20,000 Aeroplan miles for Visa Platinum = 10,000 after first purchase + 10,000 after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days for Platinum
Income Requirement: $60,000 individual or $100,000 household income on the Infinite, None on Platinum
Annual Fee: $120
Minimum Welcome Bonus: 35,000 RBC Rewards points upon approval + 20,000 after spending $5,000 in the first 6 months if you apply by April 30, 2024
Other Perks (Infinite only): Free checked bag for eight (8) companions traveling on the same reservation, NEXUS application rebate every 48 months on the Infinite
Application Link(s): TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite, TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum
WHAT DO YOU GET OUT OF IT? Out of all the Aeroplan credit cards, TD probably has one of the best for a non-Amex card. The main difference between the two cards is a $60,000 income requirement for the Infinite.
Here are some example redemptions using Aeroplan miles earned from one or both of these cards:
Application Link(s): TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite, TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum
WHAT DO YOU GET OUT OF IT? Out of all the Aeroplan credit cards, TD probably has one of the best for a non-Amex card. The main difference between the two cards is a $60,000 income requirement for the Infinite.
Here are some example redemptions using Aeroplan miles earned from one or both of these cards:
- From 35,000 Aeroplan miles + taxes to fly one-way economy from North America to Western Europe
- From 25,000 Aeroplan miles + taxes to fly round trip from East Coast to the West Coast (e.g. Toronto to San Francisco)
- From 12,000 Aeroplan miles + taxes to fly round trip short-haul (e.g. Toronto/Montreal to New York City)
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite or Visa
Best for: Earning Aeroplan miles without Amex
Annual Fee: $139 for Infinite / $0 for regular Visa
Minimum Welcome Bonus: 50,000 Aeroplan miles on the Infinite = 10,000 after first purchase + 20,000 after spending $3,000 in the first 4 monthly statements + 20,000 after spending $15,000 in the first 12 months, 10,000 Aeroplan miles after first purchase on the regular Visa
Income Requirement: $60,000 individual or $100,000 household income for Infinite, $15,000 for regular Visa
Other Perks: None
Application Link(s): CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite, CIBC Aeroplan Visa
WHAT DO YOU GET OUT OF IT? Currently, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa is the only card earning Aeroplan miles that does not charge an annual fee, which is great for those who have modest spending habits or are sensitive to annual fees. The CIBC Visa Infinite is another option for earning Aeroplan miles without an Amex.
RBC Visa Infinite Avion
Best for: Flexible travel plans
Best for: Flexible travel plans
Annual Fee: $120
Minimum Welcome Bonus: 35,000 RBC Rewards points upon approval + 20,000 after spending $5,000 in the first 6 months if you apply by April 30, 2024
Income Requirement: $60,000 individual income or $100,000 household income
Other Perks: Save 3 cents per litre with Petro-Canada
Application Link(s): RBC
WHAT DO YOU GET OUT OF IT? I have an entire post dedicated to the different ways you can redeem points earned using the Avion card. Suffice to say - you have a lot of options!
Annual Fee: $150 less $60 cash back from Great Canadian Rebates
Minimum Welcome Bonus: 30,000 SCENE+ points = $300 travel statement credit on travel until July 1, 2024
Other Perks: Save 3 cents per litre with Petro-Canada
Application Link(s): RBC
WHAT DO YOU GET OUT OF IT? I have an entire post dedicated to the different ways you can redeem points earned using the Avion card. Suffice to say - you have a lot of options!
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite
Best for: Flexible travel plans, lounge access, foreign currency transactions
Best for: Flexible travel plans, lounge access, foreign currency transactions
Minimum Welcome Bonus: 30,000 SCENE+ points = $300 travel statement credit on travel until July 1, 2024
Income Requirements: $60,000 individual income or $100,000 household income
Other Perks: No 2.5% foreign transaction fee, Priority Pass lounge membership + 6 passes per year
Application Link(s): Scotiabank, Great Canadian Rebates ($60 cash back)
WHAT DO YOU GET OUT OF IT? The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite offers a little bit of everything, such as a $300 travel credit in the first year, the most lounge passes (6) of any card listed in this post, and no 2.5% fee on foreign currency transactions.
Annual Fee: $165
Minimum Welcome Bonus: 50,000 British Airways Avios miles after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months
Other Perks: No 2.5% foreign transaction fee, Priority Pass lounge membership + 6 passes per year
Application Link(s): Scotiabank, Great Canadian Rebates ($60 cash back)
WHAT DO YOU GET OUT OF IT? The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite offers a little bit of everything, such as a $300 travel credit in the first year, the most lounge passes (6) of any card listed in this post, and no 2.5% fee on foreign currency transactions.
RBC British Airways Visa
Best for: Travel to Europe on points
Best for: Travel to Europe on points
Annual Fee: $165
Minimum Welcome Bonus: 50,000 British Airways Avios miles after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months
Income Requirement: $60,000 individual income or $100,000 household income
Other Perks: Save 3 cents per litre with Petro Canada, 10% off British Airways flights
Application Link(s): RBC
WHAT DO YOU GET OUT OF IT? While the minimum spend is high on this card, this is probably one of the best cards to get if you're planning on traveling to Europe. British Airways Avios transfer 1:1 to Iberia Avios, which allows you to fly business class from Chicago to Madrid round trip for 34,000 Avios in off-peak season, or 50,000 Avios during peak season (i.e. summer and Christmas). Check out their 2020 travel calendar for peak and off-peak dates.
Compared to Aeroplan, this requires much fewer points and fuel surcharges to travel to Europe (typically starts at 60,000 Aeroplan miles round trip).
Annual Fee: $139 (waived for the first year)
Minimum Welcome Bonus: 60,000 Aventura points = 15,000 on first purchase + 20,000 after spending $3,000 in the first 4 monthly statements + 25,000 after spending $6,000 in the first 4 monthly statements
Other Perks: Save 3 cents per litre with Petro Canada, 10% off British Airways flights
Application Link(s): RBC
WHAT DO YOU GET OUT OF IT? While the minimum spend is high on this card, this is probably one of the best cards to get if you're planning on traveling to Europe. British Airways Avios transfer 1:1 to Iberia Avios, which allows you to fly business class from Chicago to Madrid round trip for 34,000 Avios in off-peak season, or 50,000 Avios during peak season (i.e. summer and Christmas). Check out their 2020 travel calendar for peak and off-peak dates.
Compared to Aeroplan, this requires much fewer points and fuel surcharges to travel to Europe (typically starts at 60,000 Aeroplan miles round trip).
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite
Best for: Flights, lounge access, free NEXUS application
Best for: Flights, lounge access, free NEXUS application
Minimum Welcome Bonus: 60,000 Aventura points = 15,000 on first purchase + 20,000 after spending $3,000 in the first 4 monthly statements + 25,000 after spending $6,000 in the first 4 monthly statements
Income Requirement: $60,000 individual income or $100,000 household income
Other Perks: Free NEXUS application fee, Priority Pass membership + 4 lounge passes per year
Application Links(s): CIBC
WHAT DO YOU GET OUT OF IT? Aventura is a CIBC's travel rewards program, similar to RBC Rewards and BMO Rewards. The value you get out of the welcome bonus points is roughly the same as RBC or BMO. Until March 31, 2024, you can redeem Aventura points at an elevated rate of $100 = 8,000 points, which means the welcome bonus would get you a whopping $750 in travel statement credits. On top of that, you also get 4 lounge passes per year AND they waive the $50 USD application fee for the NEXUS card.
Other Perks: Free NEXUS application fee, Priority Pass membership + 4 lounge passes per year
Application Links(s): CIBC
WHAT DO YOU GET OUT OF IT? Aventura is a CIBC's travel rewards program, similar to RBC Rewards and BMO Rewards. The value you get out of the welcome bonus points is roughly the same as RBC or BMO. Until March 31, 2024, you can redeem Aventura points at an elevated rate of $100 = 8,000 points, which means the welcome bonus would get you a whopping $750 in travel statement credits. On top of that, you also get 4 lounge passes per year AND they waive the $50 USD application fee for the NEXUS card.
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