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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.
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.
On the personal Bonvoy card, the minimum spend required is a fairly low $6,000 in the first six months, and 80,000 points are awarded upfront. The other 30,000 come after you make a purchase in your 15th month of card membership, but this card is designed to stay in your wallet forever, offering 15 elite night credits per year and a 35,000-point annual free night award that can be topped up to 50,000 points.
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 offer the flexibility to transfer 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.
Visa RBC Ion+ – Apply Now
The duo of holding an RBC Avion card and the Visa RBC Ion+ is so powerful that I will continue to harp on it. Having an Avion card allows you to transfer your points to airlines, but the Ion+ has the more powerful earning rate. Earn 3x points on grocery, dining, and food delivery as well as public transportation, rideshare, and gas & E.V. charging.
As if you need another reason to sign up, the Visa RBC Ion+ is also currently offering a welcome bonus of 21,000 Avion points, where 7,000 are awarded upon approval and a further 14,000 are awarded when you spend $1,500 in your first six months (Apply by May 6, 2026).
Scotia Passport Visa Infinite Card – Apply Now
This card is all good things: the best no foreign transaction fee card in Canada, complimentary lounge access for both primary and supplementary cardholders, and a generous sign-up bonus to boot.
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite is offering a historic high of 60,000 Scene+ points (Apply by July 1, 2026) as follows:
- 40,000 points with at least $2,000 in everyday eligible purchases in the first 3 months.
- 10,000 points with at least $10,000 in everyday net eligible purchases in the first 6 months.
- 10,000 points with at least $40,000 in everyday net eligible purchases annually.
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
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.
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!
