In this feature of Rewards Canada's Ultimate Credit Card Portfolios we look at the ultimate one for those who want to travel in style, experience luxury and get great benefits from their credit cards. It is well known from multiple surveys that those who are well off or at least those who can afford higher end credit cards are less interested in the points and miles earned on their cards but rather they are interested in the exemplary benefits that can make their travel around the globe unique and more luxurious.
Both American Express and Visa have higher end cards that fit this bill while Mastercard has lagged behind somewhat but as we have always recommended you should carry a Visa, a Mastercard and an American Express card in your wallet thus there is a Mastercard included in this portfolio that we feel is best suited for this mission. The reason why you should carry one of each is that there are benefits, promotions and earning potential unique to each brand of credit card.
In this portfolio we outline one card from each brand that will help you high end travellers get those perks, benefits and one of a kind experiences. Ultimately there are various options that could be utilized for such a portfolio but we look at one card from each issuing family that we feel are the best fit for a high end traveller.
What is Rewards Canada's Ultimate High End Traveller Credit Card portfolio? It is the following three cards:
American Express: The Platinum Card from American Express
Visa: TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
Mastercard: BMO VIPorter World Elite®* Mastercard®*
This mix of cards will not only get you lots and we mean lots of travel benefits, they also provide relatively strong miles and points earning in their respective programs. Even though surveys point out that high rollers are less interested in points and miles, they still matter but perhaps just not as much as they do to us average Canadians.
The front runner in this portfolio is The Platinum Card from American Express. It has long been the 'high end' or Ultra Premium card in Canada outside of the invite only American Express Centurion Card. The Platinum Card still offers the most benefits and perks for those looking to enhance their travels.
The Visa slot is given to the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card. The Infinite Privilege branding came out a few years ago as the 'high end' offering from Visa. Their aren't many Infinite Privilege options in Canada and we give the nod to the TD Aeroplan version since it provides some great perks when flying on Air Canada.
As mentioned before, Mastercard is the weakest in the 'high end' market out of the three big issuers and we really only considered several cards for this position which easily goes now to the new BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard.
Five Key Benefits of this portfolio
- Provides the utmost in free airport lounge access
- Hotel elite status galore, Immediate elite status with Porter Airlines and status like benefits when flying with Air Canada
- The best credit card concierge services
- Additional perks and benefits at the world's most luxurious hotels
- Strong insurance coverage
Why you want to get each of these cards - AKA the benefits they provide!
The Platinum Card from American Express
In reality this portfolio is about one card, the Platinum Card from American Express. It is the ultimate high end card for Canadians. From the best airport lounge access program to hotel elite status to discounted business and first class fares and much more, the card has all ends of high end travel covered. It is also a hybrid card, which if you have followed RWRDS Canada for some time, you'll know its our favourite type of card since it gives you so many options for reward redemptions. Want to redeem points against a travel charge on the card? You can do that. Want to convert to Aeroplan or British Airways? You can do that. Want to pay with points for a purchase on the card? You can do that.
But that's the points side of the card and this portfolio is more about the bling. You get an annual $200 travel credit that you can use via American Express travel, you get elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Hotels.
Recommended reading: How to maximize the elite status benefits from The Platinum Card from American Express
You also get discounts on booking business class or first class tickets with Air Canada, Air France, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways and more thanks to Amex's International Airline Program. And guess what the IAP even works for WestJet economy class tickets (except for Ultra Basic)
Recommended reading: Ultimate Guide to the American Express International Airline Program
You get access to the Fine Hotels & Resorts program, a collection of over 1,500 luxury hotels where the Platinum Card gets you hotel/spa credits, breakfasts, upgrades, early check in, late check out and more.
You get access to over 1,400 airport lounges via the American Express lounge program which also features the highest Priority Pass membership that also includes a guest for free.
You get Platinum Concierge service which by many reports is one of the best in the business by getting tables at restaurants that are fully booked, getting tickets to events that don't have tickets (we actually tried this one out and it worked but we did not end up buying the tickets due to a scheduling conflict) and more. Finally the card has a really strong insurance benefits package as well. Really, we could write a whole lot more about the card but I think you get the gist of it.
Click here to apply for The Platinum Card from American Express
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
The next card for the portfolio is the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card and you are getting this card primarily for two reasons. First, it is a Visa card so it completes the Visa component of this portfolio. Second, it gets you some nice benefits for travelling on Air Canada and as Canada's largest airline, most Canadians will fly with AC and if you do even semi-frequently, this card is a must.
It is those benefits for Air Canada that make this card so valuable. You get priority check in and boarding† (if you aren't already flying in a premium class). You get priority security screening† at select airports. You can access Maple Leaf Lounges in North America†. The Primary Cardholder can take advantage of an annual round-trip companion pass†, which entitles you to buy a companion ticket from $99 (plus taxes, fees, charges and surcharges). You get your first checked bag free† on Air Canada flights and the benefits continue after that.
The card is strictly an Aeroplan mile earning card which of course you can tie in to the Platinum Card since you can convert American Express Membership Rewards points to Aeroplan - a very good one two punch card combo. Or if you make an Aeroplan booking you can put the taxes and fees on the Platinum Card and redeem points against that charge to really make your travel free. And the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card provides Aeroplan award flight preferred pricing for flights on Air Canada which means you will be redeeming less points than non-credit card holders.
Click here to apply for the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
BMO VIPorter World Elite®* Mastercard®*
Finally, the third card is the BMO VIPorter World Elite®* Mastercard®* which fills the Mastercard component of the portfolio. As we already mentioned there really isn't a high end card in the market from Mastercard but this card does fit the bill of being a Mastercard with extra benefits that completes this portfolio nicely.
This is the only card in Canada that offers automatic airline elite status as once you do get the card you'll be upgraded to Porter Airlines VIPorter Venture Avid Traveller membership (This level normally requires $3,000 in Porter Airlines qualifying spend to achieve). This status level provides dedicated airport check-in, priority security screening, early boarding, one complimentary checked bag, priority call centre service and more. You may also have the opportunity to leverage your Porter Airlines elite status for other airline's status match opportunities when they arise.
The BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard will also be the card you use places that don't accept American Express or Visa, namely Costco Canada warehouses. With an earn rate of 1 VIPorter point per dollar spent at Costco and an average redemption value of 1.5 cents per point, you are effectively receiving a 1.5% return on your Costco spending. That 1.5% rate of return matches other cards that make up a good portion of the Top 5 Mastercards to use at Costco.
The card also offers Mastercard TravelPass by DragonPass airport lounge access membership but no free visits. Lounge access covered for the most part by the other two cards however Mastercard TravelPass does have some additional benefits like restaurant and shopping discounts at select airports in Canada and around the world.
Click here to apply for the BMO VIPorter World Elite®* Mastercard®*
Here are the details on these three cards
The Platinum Card®
2025 Top Ultra Premium Credit Card in Canada
Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points - that’s up to $1,000 towards a weekend away.
Annual Fee: $799 | Additional Card Fee: $250 for Platinum, $0 for Gold (First 2 Cards) then $50 each
- New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn 70,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $10,000 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
- Plus, earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership
- Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada, 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel, and 1 point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
- Access a $200 Annual Travel Credit through American Express Travel Online or Platinum® Card Travel Service
- Enjoy a $200 Annual Dining Credit at some of Canada’s best restaurants
- Unlock $200 or more in additional value with Member extras. You can earn statement credits for qualifying purchases with participating brands
- Take full advantage of The American Express Global Lounge CollectionTM which unlocks access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide. This includes The Centurion® Lounge network, Plaza Premium Lounges, and hundreds of other domestic and international lounges designed to enhance your travel experience
- Enjoy flexible ways to use your points such as statement credits for any eligible purchase charged to your Card, new travel purchases booked on American Express Travel Online through the Flexible Points Travel Program, and eligible flights through the Fixed Points Travel Program
- Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs
- Enjoy complimentary benefits that offer an average value of $600 USD at over 1,500 extraordinary properties worldwide when you book Fine Hotels + Resorts
- Platinum Cardmembers can enjoy access to special events and unique opportunities
- Enjoy premium benefits at the Toronto Pearson Airport
- You will also have access to many leading hotel and car rental companies’ loyalty programs. Our partners include Marriott International, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Hertz and Avis
- Interest applies in accordance with your Cardmember Agreement, Information Box, and Disclosure statement if the total New Balance is not paid by the Payment Due Date each month. All payments must be received by the Payment Due Date shown on the monthly statement
- American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment
- Click here to apply for The Platinum Card from American Express
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
Canada's Choice for Top Ultra Premium Credit Card 2024
Earn up to $3,000 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points† .
Conditions Apply. Offer effective as of January 7, 2025.
Annual Fee $599 | Additional Cards: $199 † | Annual interest rate 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on funds advances | $150,000 annual personal income or $200,000 annual household income
Earn up to $3,000 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points (enough for a round trip to Honolulu†) and additional travel benefits. Conditions Apply. Offer effective as of January 7, 2025.
- Earn a welcome bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first Purchase with your new Card†
- Earn an additional 35,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 180 days of Account opening†
- Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 30,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $24,000 within 12 months of Account opening†
Additional Travel Benefits - Enroll for NEXUS and once every 48 months get a partial application fee rebate†
- Share first free checked bags with up to 8 travel companions† and get unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges† including complementary access for one guest.
- Plus, primary cardholders get 6 complimentary worldwide select airport lounge visits annually through the Visa Airport Companion Program.†
- Starbucks Bonus Offer for New Linked Members†: Link your TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite to earn 600 Starbucks Stars and redeem them for free Starbucks treats. Limited time only. Conditions and restrictions apply.
- Earn Aeroplan Points on your everyday purchases
- Take advantage of an extensive suite of travel insurance.
- Get access to Priority Airport Services† like Priority Boarding, Priority Baggage Handling, and Priority Airport Standby & Priority Airport Upgrades†.
- Earn 2 points† for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®)
- Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery, travel and dining purchases
- Earn 1.25 points† for every $1 spent on all other purchases made with your Card
- Earn points twice when you pay with your Card and provide your Aeroplan number at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and at 170+ online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore (www.aeroplan.com/estore)
- Get an annual round-trip companion pass from $99 (plus taxes, fees, charges and surcharges)†.
- Global Airport Lounge Access†: Receive a complimentary membership to the Visa Airport Companion† Program hosted by Dragonpass International Ltd. and take advantage of six lounge visits included for each Cardholder per membership year at over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide. Enroll through the Visa Airport Companion App or through visaairportcompanion.ca
- Complimentary Visa Infinite Concierge† : On-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the Visa Infinite Concierge can help with any Cardholder request — big or small, to help you get the most out of life whenever you travel, shop and use your Card.
- Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection†: Receive seven exclusive benefits when you book your stay through the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection featuring over 900 of the world’s most intriguing properties. Enjoy an additional 8th benefit at over 200 properties, exclusively for Visa Infinite Privilege cardholders.
This offer is not available for residents of Quebec. For Quebec residents, please click here .
† Terms and Conditions apply.
Sponsored advertising. The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button.
BMO VIPorter World Elite®* Mastercard®*
Welcome offer: Get up to $2,400 in value* including 70,000 VIPorter points and a round-trip companion pass.* Plus receive $1,000 in Qualifying Spend.*
Annual Fee: $199 Primary Card (Waived in first year) | $? Secondary Card | Interest Rate: Purchases 21.99% Cash Advances 23.99% (21.99% for Quebec residents) | Minimum $80,000 (individual) or $150,000 (household) annual income required.
- Get up to $2,400 in value* including 70,000 VIPorter points and a round-trip companion pass.* Plus receive $1,000 in Qualifying Spend.*
Bonus offer awarded as follows:
- 20,000 points earned when you spend $5,000 within 110 days of account opening
- 20,000 points earned when you spend $9,000 within 180 days of account opening
- 30,000 points earned when you spend $18,000 within 365 days of account opening
- One companion pass when you spend a minimum of $9,000 within 180 days of account opening
- $1,000 in Qualifying Spend when you spend a minimum of $9,000 within 180 days of account opening
- Earn 3 points for every $1 spent on Porter purchases* (Capped at $20,000 of spend annually)
- Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on gas and transportation (Capped at $5,000 of spend annually)
- Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on groceries and dining* (Capped at $10,000 of spend annually)
- Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on hotel accommodations (Capped at $5,000 of spend annually)
- Earn 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else*
- A round-trip companion pass per year* ($50,000 annual spend required)
- 1 complimentary checked bag*,
- 1 complimentary carry-on bag on all Porter fare types*,
- Free PorterClassic seat selection*,
- Priority re-accommodation for flight delays*,
- Priority check-in, security, and early boarding*,
- No VIPorter points expiry*,
- Earn $1 of qualifying spend for every $25 spent*,
- Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass. As a member enjoy lounge access for a fee of just US$32 per person, per visit.*
Comprehensive insurance coverage
- Click here to apply for the BMO VIPorter World Elite®* Mastercard®*
*Terms and conditions apply
BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information
There you go. With these three cards you are pretty much covered as a high end traveller. You can literally use the points and miles earned on the cards to redeem for any travel from economy class to first class. You get access to tons of airport lounges, you get to stay in luxurious hotels and more.
Other Card Options:
Although we feel the combination above is your best bet there are other card options that can fit the bill for all three of the issuers.
American Express
On the Amex side there are two other cards you could consider, the Centurion Card (Black Card) but that is an invite only card for those who spend a heck of a lot and we mean a lot on their card and the American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card.
Visa
For the Visa portion, you could look at the other two popular Infinite Privilege Cards, the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege card or Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card. With these two you are not limited to Aeroplan only like the TD card but you will lose out on some of those Air Canada benefits that TD does provide. That being said with RBC you would now have points to use on any travel booked via them or you can convert to British Airways, Cathay Pacific and American Airlines. With tshe Scotia card you also can book any travel at anytime and redeem the points against the charge, get an annual $250 travel credit, airport lounge access with 10 free annual visits and more.
Mastercard
Lastly on the Mastercard side you could look at the MBNA Rewards World Elite® Mastercard® which doesn't present a lot of high end benefits but is a super strong points earning card or you could look at the BMO World Elite™* MasterCard®* which has basic Priority Pass membership with 4 free lounge visits each year. If you won't use the Mastercard very often you could also consider the Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard as it is a no fee card with some excellent cash back rewards (up to 4.5% if you are Rogers client, up to 3% if you are not a Rogers client)
This feature was first posted on May 16, 2017 and is updated on a regular basis