Air Miles are one of the most popular ways for Canadians to earn rewards on their everyday spending.
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Whether you’re using your points to book flights, stay in hotels, or enjoy other travel perks, these rewards can help make your life more affordable.
However, choosing the right Air Miles credit card can be challenging, especially with so many options available.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best Air Miles credit cards available in Canada for 2025, highlighting their features, rewards, and other benefits.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or someone who wants to earn points on regular purchases, there’s a card here for you.
American Express® Gold Rewards Card
Best for Earning on Everyday Purchases
The American Express® Gold Rewards Card is one of the best options if you’re looking to earn Air Miles on your everyday spending.
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With its strong rewards structure and valuable welcome bonus, it’s a top choice for those who want to accumulate points quickly.
This card allows you to earn 2x points on gas, groceries, and travel-related expenses, which means you can rack up Air Miles faster if you make these types of purchases regularly.
For all other purchases, you earn 1 point per dollar spent. Additionally, new cardholders can earn up to 30,000 points as a welcome bonus, which is equivalent to approximately $300 in travel rewards.
While the card has an annual fee of $150, it is waived for the first year, making it more accessible for newcomers.
The benefits of this card go beyond just earning rewards, as it also includes travel insurance, purchase protection, and no foreign transaction fees, which makes it an excellent all-around card for those who like to travel.
BMO® AIR MILES® World Elite® Mastercard®
Best for Frequent Travellers
The BMO® AIR MILES® World Elite® Mastercard® is perfect for those who want to maximise their Air Miles earnings and enjoy premium travel benefits.
If you often travel for business or leisure, this card provides extra value by rewarding you with more miles for travel and dining-related purchases.
With this card, you earn 1 Air Mile for every $12 spent on most purchases, but you can earn 1.5x the miles when spending on travel and dining.
As a welcome bonus, new cardholders can receive 3,000 bonus miles, which gives a nice boost to your Air Miles balance right away.
While the annual fee for this card is $120, it’s often waived in the first year, making it even more appealing for those just starting with the program.
In addition to miles, this card offers comprehensive travel insurance, including coverage for trip cancellations, lost baggage, and emergency medical expenses.
You also get access to exclusive offers, car rental discounts, and VIP travel experiences, which is perfect for frequent travellers.
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card
Best for Balanced Rewards
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card stands out for its well-rounded earning potential and high-value rewards on both everyday expenses and travel-related purchases.
This card is ideal if you want to earn rewards not just for travel, but also on groceries, dining, and entertainment.
You earn 5x the points on grocery store purchases and dining, including restaurants, cafes, and take-out.
For streaming services and entertainment expenses, you earn 3x points, and for all other purchases, you earn 1 point per dollar spent.
Additionally, the card offers a welcome bonus of 25,000 points, which can be redeemed for up to $250 in travel credits.
This card comes with an annual fee of $120, but new cardholders enjoy the first year free.
The benefits of the card include no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance, and access to exclusive discounts for entertainment and dining.
If you’re looking for a versatile rewards card, the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is an excellent option.
RBC Avion Visa Infinite
Best for Flexible Travel Rewards
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite card is perfect for those who want flexibility when it comes to redeeming their Air Miles rewards.
This card provides the opportunity to earn points not just for travel-related expenses, but on all purchases, and offers great options for redeeming those points for a variety of travel rewards.
With this card, you earn 1 point for every dollar spent on eligible purchases, and 1.25 points per dollar on travel-related expenses.
New cardholders can earn 15,000 bonus points, which can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, or other travel-related costs.
The card’s annual fee is $120, though it is waived for the first year for new customers.
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite card comes with premium travel benefits, including comprehensive travel insurance, access to VIP airport lounges, and priority booking for special events.
It’s ideal for those who want to earn rewards on their everyday spending and enjoy the flexibility of using those points for various travel-related rewards.
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite Card
Best for Versatile Air Miles and Travel Rewards
The CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite Card is another great option for those who want a versatile Air Miles rewards program.
With a solid earning rate and extra benefits, this card is perfect for anyone who spends on travel and everyday purchases alike.
With this card, you earn 1 point for every dollar spent on most purchases, and 1.5 points for every dollar spent on travel expenses, including flights and hotel bookings.
The card offers a welcome bonus of 15,000 points, which can be redeemed for about $150 in travel rewards. The annual fee is $120, which is quite reasonable for the benefits it provides.
In addition to earning Air Miles, this card offers travel insurance, exclusive discounts on hotel stays and car rentals, and VIP airport lounge access.
Whether you’re booking a vacation or using your rewards for everyday spending, the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite Card offers excellent value.
How to Choose the Best Air Miles Credit Card for You
When choosing the best Air Miles credit card, it’s important to consider your spending habits, travel preferences, and goals for earning rewards.
Here are a few key factors to keep in mind:
- Your Spending Categories: Some cards offer higher rewards for specific categories such as groceries, dining, or travel. Choose a card that rewards you the most based on where you spend the most money.
- Sign-up Bonuses: Many cards offer attractive sign-up bonuses, which can give you a head start in earning points. Look for a card that offers a bonus that matches your spending ability.
- Annual Fees: While some cards have high annual fees, they may offer more perks in return. Make sure that the benefits of the card justify the cost of the annual fee.
- Extra Perks: Travel insurance, VIP lounge access, and car rental discounts are just a few of the extra perks offered by certain cards. These added benefits can be invaluable, especially if you travel frequently.
What Can You Redeem Air Miles For?
Air Miles can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including:
- Flights to domestic and international destinations.
- Hotel stays, car rentals, and vacation packages.
- Merchandise like electronics, home goods, and gift cards for major retailers.
By using a credit card that earns Air Miles, you can turn everyday purchases into rewards that can enhance your travel experiences or make your life a little more rewarding.
Conclusion: Start Earning Air Miles Today!
Choosing the best Air Miles credit card depends on your individual needs, whether you’re looking for a card that offers high rewards for groceries or one that gives you extra miles on travel-related expenses.
All of the cards mentioned here for 2025 offer valuable benefits, but it’s important to select the one that best fits your spending habits and travel plans.
If you’re ready to start earning Air Miles, head to the official pages of these cards and apply today.
The sooner you apply, the sooner you can start accumulating rewards for your next big adventure.
