The best credit card travel perks in Canada

Things to note: Some cards include free airport lounge membership (like Dragonpass) but charge for each entry, so check your card’s details. Only some cards include lounge access for traveling companions, and this is most common with super-premium travel cards.

Popular cards with this benefit: Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite, TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege, American Express Platinum

Free first checked bag

How much you can save: $35 per bag

Why we love it: With this perk, the first checked bag is often free for the cardholder and up to eight people on the same reservation. For a family of four traveling on roundtrip flights, this could easily save you almost $300.

Things to note: Your luggage will still have to fall within standard baggage guidelines and you’ll be responsible for overweight or oversize fees. Read your card’s terms and conditions before heading to the airport to ensure you understand what is and isn’t covered.

Popular cards with this benefit: TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card, National Bank World Elite Mastercard, WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard

Travel insurance coverage

How much you can save: Around $50 to $300, depending on trip length, cost, and destination 

Why we love it: No one wants to worry about how they’re going to pay for medical care if they get sick while on vacation, or what they’ll do if their trip of a lifetime is delayed or cancelled. Fortunately, travel insurance can pay for medical care and reimburse you for things like lost baggage, trip cancellation, rental car damage, lost mobile phones, and more.