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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. Since this list is being written in September, 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.
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card – Apply Now
This card is highly popular among points enthusiasts, especially with its elevated offer of up to 55,000 Avion points. Avion points are incredibly flexible for both casual and frequent travellers. I personally appreciate how simple it is to redeem them—whether for fixed-rate flight redemptions, transfers to loyalty programs (1:1 with British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and WestJet; 1:0.75 to American Airlines), or as a statement credit. The current offer is valued at up to $1,100† (using fixed-rate redemption) and includes a comprehensive insurance package.
For an alternative or complement, consider the RBC Ion+ Card, which earns 3 Avion points per dollar on everyday spending categories like groceries, dining, gas, transit, food delivery, and digital subscriptions. Pooling these points with your RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card can significantly boost your Avion earning and redemption potential.
Scotiabank Gold American Express Card – Apply Now
Scotiabank recently launched its most generous offer for this card, providing new cardmembers with up to 50,000 bonus Scene+ points and a waived annual fee for the first year. A key benefit is the absence of foreign transaction fees on international purchases, along with impressive earn rates on groceries (up to 6X at select stores), dining, and entertainment.
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.
A strong alternative is the American Express Cobalt Card, known for its high earning rates and highly flexible Membership Rewards points, which can be used for various travel options.
TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card – Apply Now
This card is also offering its richest bonus to date, allowing new cardmembers to earn up to 165,000 TD Rewards points. It continues to offer popular benefits, including 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.
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.
Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite card – Apply Now
In the highly competitive cashback category, this card stands out. I believe it narrowly surpasses its competitors due to its ability to earn 4% cashback on groceries and recurring payments for the first $25,000 spent annually. Additionally, it offers a waived annual fee for the first year for both primary and any additional cards. The only minor drawback is that cashback can only be redeemed once a year when the November statement closes.
A close alternative is the Amex SimplyCash Preferred Card, which offers a 4% return on gas and groceries for the first $30,000 in spending. However, its limited acceptance and an annual fee of approximately $120 are minor considerations.
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite* Card – Apply Now
Choosing an airline co-branded card for the monthly top 5 is always challenging due to the numerous options. However, an Aeroplan co-branded card with no annual fee for the first year, up to 45,000 Aeroplan bonus points, and a complimentary first checked bag benefit is hard to overlook. The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card is an excellent choice for households seeking a card that earns Aeroplan points on daily spending categories, provides strong travel insurance coverage, and offers a $100 rebate for enrolling in the NEXUS program.
A strong alternative to this Aeroplan card is the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard. It also offers an annual fee waiver for the first year, up to 70,000 VIPorter points, and a wealth of perks such as priority airport services, complimentary checked bags and seat selection, and comprehensive travel insurance. This card also includes spend-based additional perks like companion passes and status boosts, which could make it a must-have for frequent Porter flyers.
I am sure every reader can recommend a unique set of the top 5 for the month of September. Feel free to add your recommendations in the comments below!
