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Why These 5 Cards?
I can’t tire of repeating this – every family and individual has unique requirements and aspirations. For some, the ideal credit card is the one that unlocks luxury travel experiences. For others, it’s the simple satisfaction of seeing cashback rewards ease the burden of yearly expenses. The reality is that there is no single “best” card that works for everyone, and despite my best efforts, it is nearly impossible to curate a list of five cards that will universally suit all needs.
That said, the PMB community has always leaned heavily toward travel and points enthusiasts, so my selections reflect that readership while still considering the broader spectrum of preferences. My approach has been to strike a balance featuring cards that deliver excellent value for travel, whether through direct flight rewards or flexible transferable currencies, while also highlighting options that can make everyday spending feel more rewarding.
Another layer of rationale is the timing. As usual, I’ve placed particular emphasis on cards that are actively running limited-time promotions. The focus is on two attributes that almost everyone loves:
- High welcome bonuses that set you up with a solid points or cashback windfall right out of the gate.
- Annual fee waivers or rebates that reduce the upfront cost of trying a premium product.
Together, these criteria ensure the recommendations are not only relevant but also represent outsized value in the current market. Whether your goal is to fund aspirational premium-cabin travel, keep your options open with flexible currencies, or simply put cash back in your pocket, this shortlist is designed to get your attention—and, hopefully, help you make a smarter decision for your own financial and lifestyle goals.
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Privilege Card – Apply Now
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Privilege is offering a historic high of 100,000 Scene+ points (Apply by April 30, 2026) as follows:
- 30,000 points with at least $3,000 in everyday eligible purchases in the first 3 months.
- 45,000 points with at least $20,000 in everyday eligible purchases in the first 6 months.
- 25,000 points with one eligible purchase in the 14th month since opening the account.
This is PMB’s recommended “show up and get in” at airport lounges. An extremely generous allowance of 10 complimentary visits for all cardholders, with supplementary cardholders receiving their own access.
Notably, categorized earn rates like 3X on travel and 2X on dining work even abroad, with charges in foreign currency. Combined with no foreign transaction fees, this is my favourite travel card. The annual fee is $599, offset by a $250 travel credit, and the perks are stronger than those of its Infinite Privilege peers.
Redeeming Scene+ points is also very flexible. You can book travel with any provider, site, or operator and then use the “Apply Points to Travel” option to cover costs within 12 months of the purchase date. This is my preferred card for Airbnb bookings or any airline and hotel bookings that don’t align with other co-branded cards.
TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite* Card – Apply Now
The richest bonus to date has been extended: earn up to 165,000 TD Rewards points upon spending $7,500 within the first 180 days of opening the card.
There is also an annual fee rebate for the first year, a Birthday Bonus of up to 10,000 TD Rewards Points, a $100 annual TD Travel Credit (when booking through Expedia for TD), and up to 4 complimentary lounge visits via the Visa Airport Companion Program. Lounge access on this card is new as of April 2025 and makes an already great card even better.
The card’s strong insurance package complements its earning and redemption capabilities. You’ll earn an impressive 8 points for every dollar spent when booking travel through Expedia® For TD, and these points can be redeemed against any travel booked directly through Expedia® For TD at a rate of 200 points = $1.
RBC Avion Visa Infinite – Apply Now
The beloved 55,000-point bonus is back on the RBC Avion Visa Infinite card!
This is my favourite card to recommend when someone asks, “What’s the best credit card to get right now?” because a rich 35,000 points are awarded right upon approval, and you have six months to complete the $5,000 minimum spend for the other 20,000 (Apply by June 15, 2026).
On top of that, RBC Avion points are fantastic: they can be redeemed on the fixed travel chart (with a high floor value) and can be transferred to multiple frequent flyer programs, depending on your travel goals. Want to fly in a First Class suite with a separate bed and chair? Transfer your Avion to American Airlines AAdvantage. Need to fly around Europe this summer? British Airways Avios has got you.
Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card – Email me for a referral link
Last week, new elevated welcome bonuses came out for Amex’s suite of Marriott Bonvoy co-branded cards, giving cardholders up to 110,000 Bonvoy points.
The personal Bonvoy card requires a relatively low $6,000 minimum spend in the first six months and awards 80,000 points upfront. You’ll earn the remaining 30,000 points after making a purchase in your 15th month of card membership. This card earns a permanent spot in your wallet, offering 15 elite night credits per year and a 35,000-point annual free night award that you can top up to 50,000 points.
BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard – Apply Now
Welcome Bonus Offer: Up to 70,000 VIPorter points;
- 20,000 points upon $5,000 spend within the first 110 days
- 20,000 points + $0 Companion Pass (pay taxes and fees only) + $1000 Qualifying Status boost with $9000 spend within the first 180 days
- 30,000 points with $18,000 spend within the first 365 days
Aside from the welcome bonus, this is a card you hold for the perks: a free checked bag, a free carry-on bag, complimentary seat selection, priority check-in, and early boarding. The best perk is VIPorter Venture status, which entitles you to an electronic boarding pass even when flying basic economy.
Honourable Mention – BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard – Apply Now
Not enough to make it to the top 5 this month, but the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard has an elevated welcome offer of up to 100,000 points right now (apply by October 31, 2026) with an annual fee waiver in the first year:
- 45,000 points upon spending $5,000 within the first 110 days
- 20,000 points upon spending $10,000 within the first 180 days
- 35,000 points upon spending $20,000 within the first 365 days
The spending requirement is on the higher side, but so is the time you have to complete it — $20,000 over 12 months is equivalent to spending $1,667 per month. BMO Rewards points are easy to use, as you can book directly and redeem points as a statement credit worth 0.67 cents each. The earn rate also stands out with 5X on travel and 3X on dining, entertainment, and recurring bill payments.
Unique to BMO, enjoy six months of Instacart+ and a $10 montly Instacart credit on top of four complimentary lounge passes.
I am sure every reader can recommend a unique set of the top 5 for the month. Feel free to add your recommendations in the comments below!
