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Canada has quite a few airline co-branded credit cards from both domestic and foreign airlines. Asking which is the best is a bit of a catch-22. After all, it highly depends on which airlines you fly the most. My saying the best card is the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite is meaningless if you primarily fly WestJet.
With that out of the way, one card in particular does stand out as being the best, with a few others belonging in the highlight reel.
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card is the best airline co-branded credit card in Canada. The $599 annual fee is steep, but the perks more than make up for it.
Currently, the card is offering a welcome bonus of 85,000 Aeroplan points distributed as follows:
- 20,000 Aeroplan points upon first purchase
- 35,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $12,000 within the first 180 days
- 30,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $24,000 within the first 12 months
If you’re a frequent Air Canada flyer aiming for Aeroplan elite status every year, holding a premium co-branded card is a must. You’ll earn 1,000 SQC per $5,000 spend up to 25,000 SQC a year. Therefore, you can earn 25K status without flying at all or be halfway to 50K aka Star Alliance Gold. In relation to elite status, 10% of the prior year’s SQC carries over to the next year when holding this card.
With this card, you get priority check-in, boarding, and a free checked bag. Notably, you also get Maple Leaf Lounge access within North America and an extra 12 months of eUpgrade validity. After spending $25,000 per year, you also earn an Annual Worldwide Companion Pass.
If you’re travelling with a carrier other than Air Canada, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege includes 6 free lounge passes through the Visa Airport Companion Program.
Compared to its Amex and CIBC counterparts, TD stands out with a stronger insurance package, particularly for delayed and lost/stolen baggage.
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
The younger sibling of the best airline co-branded card in Canada, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite more than holds its own.
It offers a decent array of perks for its $139 annual fee (rebated in the first year). You get a free checked bag and a $100 Nexus fee rebate (every 48 months). The Nexus rebate is unique to TD and is not offered by the Amex or CIBC Aeroplan cards in this tier.
The current bonus on offer is up to 40,000 Aeroplan points:
- 10,000 Aeroplan points upon first purchase
- 15,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $7,500 within the first 180 days
- 15,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $12,000 within the first 12 months
Other Airline Co-Branded Cards
At the end of the day, the best airline co-branded card is the one for the airline you fly most often. If you fly Porter frequently, pick up the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard, especially if you’re flying basic economy. A free carry-on, checked bag, and VIPorter Venture status are easily worth the $199 annual fee (waived in the first year).
Similarly, the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard deserves a spot in your wallet if you frequently fly WestJet. A free checked bag for you and up to 8 passengers on the same booking and a round-trip companion voucher can certainly come in handy.
The Cathay World Elite Mastercard and RBC British Airways Visa Infinite card are good cards for earning a specific currency. However, neither offers compelling perks even if you are loyal to that airline.
The Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard offers 60 XP in the first year and 30 XP per year thereafter. This is a big help toward Air France elite status.
Takeaway
The best co-branded airline card in Canada is the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege. This is for the Air Canada frequent flyers and TD’s offering is the strongest among premium Aeroplan cards. For fewer perks with a lower annual fee, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite is the right pick.
That said, you should always pick the co-branded card for the airline you fly most. If that’s Porter, then want the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard. If it’s WestJet, then apply for the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard.
