What Are the Best Credit Cards for Travel Hack Beginners in Canada 2024
Hello, This is Prince Singh a Financial Consultant and traveler. In this world of finance, Every Person should want to travel the exciting and adventurous places. Also, Travel hack has become increasingly popular among Canadians looking to turn everyday spending into incredible travel rewards. If you’re new to travel hack, finding the best credit card tailored to your needs can be overwhelming. Here, I will help you find the top credit cards for travel hacking beginners in Canada in 2025, covering features, perks, and tips for maximizing your rewards in 2025.
Why Travel Hacking is Gaining Popularity in Canada
Firstly, I will tell you Travel hacking is the art of strategically using credit cards and loyalty programs to earn points, miles, or cash back. It can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other travel expenses. Here’s why Canadians are embracing travel hacking in 2025:
- Rising Travel Costs: With airfare and accommodation prices continuing to climb, travel rewards can significantly reduce expenses.
- Enhanced Credit Card Rewards: Credit cards now offer lucrative welcome bonuses, point multipliers, and travel perks, making it easier than ever to accumulate rewards in Canada.
- Access to Luxury Travel: Travel hacking is a way to experience premium services—like business-class flights and luxury hotels—without breaking the bank Fixed Deposits or Bonds.
Top Credit Cards for Travel Hacking Beginners in Canada (2025)
Here, I will explain you are some beginner-friendly credit cards tailored for Canadians starting their travel hacking journey in 2025:
1. American Express Cobalt® Card
- Annual Fee: $155.88 ($12.99 monthly)
- Welcome Offer: You can Earn up to 30,000 Membership Rewards points in the first year of your credit card.
- Key Benefits of American Express Cobalt® Card:
- You can Earn 5x points on food and drink purchasing (including groceries and dining out) on your Trip.
- Increase 2x points on travel and transportation.
- Flexible redemption options, including transferring points to airline and hotel partners for your trip.
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: The Cobalt® card offers easy-to-understand rewards categories and low monthly charges, making it beginner-friendly. It is ideal for you if you spend heavily on dining and groceries.
2. TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Card
- Annual Fee: $139 (Only for the first year)
- Welcome Offer: Earn up to 50,000 Aeroplan points on expanse in your travel.
- Key Benefits of using TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Card:
- Increase 1.5x Aeroplan points on gas, groceries, and Air Canada purchases.
- Priority boarding and one free checked bag with Air Canada.
- Travel insurance coverage in the plan.
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: Aeroplan is one of Canada’s most popular travel loyalty programs. This card helps beginners quickly build points while enjoying Air Canada-specific perks.
3. Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite Card
- Annual Fee: $150
- Welcome Offer: Earn up to 40,000 Scene+ points in the first year.
- Key Benefits of Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite Card:
- There are no foreign transaction fees.
- Six complimentary airport lounge visits annually via Priority Pass.
- Earn up to 2x points on groceries, dining, and entertainment.
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: With no foreign transaction fees and lounge access, this card is perfect for beginners to international travel.
4. RBC Avion® Visa Infinite
- Annual Fee: $120
- Welcome Offer: Up to 35,000 Avion points.
- Key Benefits of RBC Avion® Visa Infinite:
- Flexible point redemption options, including flights with no blackout dates.
- Earn up to 1x points on all purchases and 1.25x points on travel.
- Comprehensive travel insurance.
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: RBC Avion points are versatile and easy to redeem, offering a seamless introduction to travel rewards.
5. MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus® Mastercard
- Annual Fee: $0
- Welcome Offer: Earn up to 10,000 MBNA Rewards points.
- Key Benefits of MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus® Mastercard:
- Earn 2x points on groceries, restaurants, and recurring bills.
- Earn 1x points on all other purchases.
- There is No annual fee.
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: This no-fee card is perfect for those starting their travel hacking journey without committing to an annual fee.
How to Choose the Best Travel Credit Card for Beginners
1. Assess Your Spending Habits
You must look at your monthly expenses are determine which categories (e.g., groceries, dining, gas) dominate your spending. Choose the best card that offers bonus points in these categories.
2. Consider Travel Goals
Do you want free flights, luxury hotels, or cash back for travel expenses? Different cards cater to different rewards, so align your choice with your goals of travel in Future.
3. Evaluate Annual Fees
While some cards charge annual fees, the rewards and perks often outweigh the cost. Beginners may prefer no-fee or low-fee cards to minimize the financial risk of travel Hack.
4. Check Welcome Bonuses
A generous welcome bonus can jumpstart your rewards balance, often enough for a flight or hotel stay. Be mindful of the minimum spending requirements to earn the bonus.
Travel Hacking Tips for Beginners Traveller
- Pay Your Balance in Full Payment: To avoid interest charges, always pay off your balance monthly.
- Diversify Your Credit Cards: Using multiple cards can help maximize rewards across different spending categories in your travel plan.
- Leverage Loyalty Programs: Pair your credit cards with airline and hotel loyalty programs for faster rewards accumulation in your travel hack.
- Track Expiry Dates: Points and miles may expire, so plan your redemptions accordingly for your travel hack.
- Avoid Overspending: Stick to your regular budget to earn rewards responsibly.
Chart: Comparison of Travel Credit Cards for Beginners (2024) For Travel Hack
| Card | Annual Fee | Welcome Bonus | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Cobalt® | $155.88 | Up to 30,000 points | Dining and groceries | 5x points on food and drink |
| TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite | $139 | Up to 50,000 Aeroplan points | Air Canada travelers | Free checked bag, Air Canada perks |
| Scotiabank Passport™ Visa | $150 | Up to 40,000 Scene+ points | International travel | No foreign transaction fees |
| RBC Avion® Visa Infinite | $120 | Up to 35,000 Avion points | Flexible redemptions | No blackout dates on flights |
| MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus® | $0 | Up to 10,000 MBNA points | No-fee rewards beginners | 2x points on groceries and dining |
Conclusion
As per my knowledge of travel hacking for beginners in Canada, choosing the right credit card is the first step toward unlocking unforgettable travel experiences. Cards like the American Express Cobalt® and TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite provide excellent value for everyday spending and travel rewards for travel hacks. Evaluate your spending habits, goals, and financial comfort level to select a card that fits your needs. With discipline and strategy, you’ll be on your way to maximizing your travel rewards in 2025. Enjoy your journey in Canada.
FAQ Section related travel hack
What is the easiest travel credit card to use in Canada?
The MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus® Mastercard is a great option for beginners. There are no annual fees, and its straightforward rewards structure is ideal for first-time travel hackers.
How do travel credit card points work?
Travel credit card points accumulate based on your spending. You earn points for every dollar spent, with bonus points in specific categories. Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel-related expenses in future travel.
Are travel credit cards worth it for beginners?
Yes, travel credit cards can be incredibly rewarding for beginners when used responsibly. They offer significant perks, like welcome bonuses and travel insurance, which often outweigh the annual fee of you card.
What should beginners avoid when using travel credit cards?
Beginners should avoid overspending to earn rewards and carrying a balance, as interest charges can outweigh the benefits. Stick to regular spending habits and always pay off the balance in full Payment of your Monthly expenses on your credit cards.
Can I combine points from multiple credit cards?
Some programs, like Aeroplan or American Express Membership Rewards, allow you to pool points from different cards. This Trick will help you reach your travel goals faster.
