scotiabank travel visa lounge access

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Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card Review 2024: Is It Worth It?

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own.

NerdWallet Rating

NerdWallet CA

Good pick for Scene+ point collectors who spend money abroad.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees and offers six complimentary airport lounge passes, plus 3x Scene+ points when you shop at eligible grocery stores. Learn more about how we evaluate cards .

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is a travel rewards card that earns Scene+ points, a reward program from Scotiabank and Cineplex. Points can be redeemed for entertainment, travel, dining and more.

Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card

• Annual Fee $150
• Interest Rates 20.99% / 22.99% 20.99% on purchases. 22.99% on cash advances.
• Rewards Rate 1x-3x Points Earn 3X Scene+ points for each dollar charged to your account on all eligible purchases¹ at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà by IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Chalo! FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés TradItIon, Rachelle Béry and Co-Op. Earn 2 Scene+ points on every $1 you spend on eligible grocery stores, dining, entertainment purchases, and daily transit purchases (including buses, subways, taxis and more). Earn 1 Scene+ point on every $1 you spend on all other eligible purchases.
• Intro Offer Up to 35,000 Points To qualify for the 35,000 bonus Scene+ points: 1. Earn 25,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $1,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months. 2. Plus, as a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite cardholder, you are eligible to earn an annual 10,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $40,000 in everyday net eligible purchases annually. Offer Ends January 3, 2024.
• Earn up to $1,100+ in value in the first 12 months, including up to 35,000 bonus Scene+ points and first year annual fee waived on your first supplementary card. Offer Ends January 3, 2024.
• The only major bank credit card offering you no foreign transaction fees, including for shopping online or abroad.
• Your Award Winning Card For Travel.
• Earn 2 Scene+ points on every $1 you spend on eligible grocery stores, dining, entertainment purchases, and daily transit purchases (including buses, subways, taxis and more).
• Earn 1 Scene+ point on every $1 you spend on all other eligible purchases.
• You’ll earn 3X Scene+ points for each dollar charged to your account on all eligible purchases¹ at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà by IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Chalo! FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés TradItIon, Rachelle Béry and Co-Op.
• Airport lounge access through complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program membership, plus six complimentary lounge visits per year from the date of enrollment, providing you with access to 1,200+ airport lounges globally, including participating Plaza Premium Lounges.
• Visa Infinite* benefits including Visa Infinite Concierge, Visa Infinite* Luxury Hotel Collection, Visa Infinite* Dining Series, and Entertainment & Lifestyle Offers.
• Access to Scotia SelectPay™.
• To be eligible, $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household) annual income is required, or a minimum assets under management of $250,000. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
• Terms and Conditions Apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details.
• Full review
• Customer ratings
• Eligibility
• How to apply

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card vs TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card

• Rating methodology

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card full review

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is one of three Visa credit cards offered from Scotiabank that earn Scene+ points. It has the highest earn rate of the three cards, with 3x Scene+ points per dollar spent at eligible grocery stores.

Benefits of the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card

• No foreign transaction fees. 
• Complimentary membership to the Visa Airport Companion Program and six free airport lounge passes per year. 
• Complimentary Avis Preferred Plus membership.
• Access to Visa Infinite Concierge Service, Visa Infinite Hotel Collection, which includes automatic room upgrades and in-room Wi-Fi, and Visa Infinite Dining and Wine Country — an exclusive dining program.  

Drawbacks of the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card

• Annual fee may not be in everyone’s budget. 
• Highest earn rate (3x Scene+ points) is only available for select grocery stores. 

Who should get the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card?

People who travel regularly, spend money abroad and shop at eligible grocery stores will get the most value out of the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card.  

Is the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card worth it?

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card may be worth it if the benefits and perks offset the annual fee. According to the issuer’s website, cardholders can earn $387 in travel rewards ($100 annual bonus and $287 from an average annual spend in 2x earn rate categories), as well as save $104 in foreign transaction fees and $343 in airport lounge fees per year. The combined $834 value far exceeds the cost of the card. 

However, these savings are only applicable if you travel regularly, typically pay for airport lounge access and spend money abroad. 

» MORE: Best credit cards with airport lounge access

Our Nerd’s verdict: Ideal for globetrotters who want to avoid foreign exchange fees

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is optimal for travellers seeking perks to enhance their international adventures. Cardholders don’t pay foreign exchange fees. Plus, they get comprehensive travel insurance alongside six complimentary airport lounge visits annually — not bad for a card with a $150 annual fee.   The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite stands up as a general rewards card, too. It earns accelerated Scene+ points on money spent on groceries, restaurants and entertainment, with redemption options that span cash-back, travel rewards, account credits and more.  Now, as far as travel cards are concerned, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is missing a few perks that may be a dealbreaker for the seasoned jet-setter, like free checked bags, priority boarding and unlimited airport lounge access. Still, I think it shines as a mid-tier travel card with plenty to offer everyday spenders and travel enthusiasts alike. —Shannon Terrell

Scotiabank customer ratings

• Below average in customer satisfaction: Scotiabank ranks 7th out of 13 banks in J.D. Power’s 2023 Canada Credit Card Satisfaction Study.
• Low Trustpilot rating: 1.2 out of 5 possible stars based on over 860 customer reviews, as of this writing.
• Low Better Business Bureau rating: 1.17 out of 5 possible stars based on over 230 customer reviews, as of this writing. 

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card eligibility

Who qualifies for the scotiabank passport visa infinite card.

To apply for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, you must:

• Be at least the age of majority in your province. 
• Be a Canadian resident.
• Have not filed for bankruptcy in the last seven years. 
• Have an individual annual income of at least $60,000 (or $100,000 per household) or at least $250,000 in managed assets.

Approximate credit score needed for approval

Canadian credit card issuers rarely disclose required credit scores , which makes it hard to know your chances of approval when comparing credit cards. However, higher scores generally mean better chances of approval, and that’s true regardless of the type of credit you’re applying for. Want to learn more? Visit our “ What Credit Score is Needed for a Credit Card? ” page.

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card rewards

Earn 35,000 bonus Scene+ points in the first year. 

• Earn 25,000 bonus Scene+ points when you spend at least $1,000 in the first three months. 
• Earn 10,000 bonus Scene+points when you spend at least $40,000 annually. 

Offer expires Jan. 3, 2024. 

• Earn 3x Scene+ points at select grocery stores. 
• Earn 2x Scene+ points on dining and groceries. 
• Earn 2x Scene+ points on entertainment, such as movie tickets. 
• Earn 2x Scene+ points on transit, such as taxis and subways. 
• Earn 1x Scene+ point on everything else. 

In the first year of ownership, you can earn up to $1,134 in savings and rewards, according to the issuer’s website:

• $637 in travel rewards ($250 welcome bonus, $100 annual bonus and $287 from an average annual spend in 2x earn rate categories). 
• $343 in savings due to the complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program Membership and six lounge passes.
• $50 when you order an additional card (first year’s fee is waived).
• $104 in foreign transaction fees.

Point value breakdown

The value of Scotiabank Scene+ points may vary based on the redemption method you choose, but you can expect to get around one cent per point on travel, movies, dining, entertainment, banking, and retail, pharmacy and grocery shopping, according to NerdWallet’s analysis. 

How to apply for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card

Follow the below steps to apply for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card:

• Click the “Apply now” button on the issuer’s website for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card.
• Review the card details and click “Agree and continue”.
• Enter personal information, such as name, phone number and email address. 
• Create a username and password. 
• Provide any financial and employment information, such as income and job status. 
• Submit any other requested documentation. 
• Review your application and submit. 

These two cards share similar annual fees, interest rates and Visa Infinite perks, but differ when it comes to rewards. If you’re keen on racking up Scene+ points, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is the better choice, but if you’re an Air Canada fan, TD’s Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card can help you earn Aeroplan points. 

Reasons you might want a different card

You may want a different card if:

• You want to earn a different reward, like Aeroplan points, Air Miles or cash back.
• You want a card with no annual fee. 
• You need a card with a low interest rate.  

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card facts

Rating methodology.

NerdWallet Canada rates credit cards according to overall consumer value and their suitability for specific kinds of consumers. Factors in our evaluation methodology  include annual and other fees, rewards rates, the earning structure (for example, flat-rate rewards versus bonus categories), redemption options, bonus offers for new cardholders, introductory and ongoing APRs, and other noteworthy features such as airline or hotel perks or the ability to transfer points.

Frequently asked questions about Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card

To apply for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, you must be at least the age of majority in your territory, be a Canadian resident, have not filed for bankruptcy in the last seven years and have an annual income of at least $60,000 ($100,000 for households), or have at least $250,000 in managed assets.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card offers complimentary membership to the Visa Airport Companion Program, plus six free airport lounge passes per year.

About the Author

Georgia Rose is a lead writer on the international team at NerdWallet. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Independent and The Associated…

DIVE EVEN DEEPER

22 Best Credit Cards in Canada for May 2024

NerdWallet Canada’s picks for the best credit cards include top contenders across numerous card categories. Compare these options to find the ideal card for you.

Interest charges don’t need to be a mystery. Use our credit card interest calculator to see how much interest you’d owe if you carry a credit card balance.

How to Choose a Travel Credit Card

With so many cards, rewards programs and benefits available, choosing the right travel credit card can be overwhelming. However, once you’ve got one in your wallet, you can reap the rewards on your next trip.

Rewards Cards Vs. Cash Back Cards

Should you pick a rewards credit card to earn points, miles or travel perks — or choose a flexible and straightforward cash back card? It depends on your spending habits.

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Travel & lifestyle credit cards

Get a card that rewards your lifestyle — whether that’s travelling the world, sporting the latest tech, or redeeming for your favourite gift cards., choose the credit card that’s right for you.

Scotiabank Passport ® Visa Infinite * Card

Earn up to $1,300+ in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points and first year annual fee waived. ‡

Earn 3 Scene+ points 1 on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland & Participating Co-ops and more.

Annual fee:  $150 Interest rates: 20.99% purchases / 22.99% cash advances

Scotiabank Gold American Express ® Card

Earn up to  $650 * in value  in the first 12 months, including up to  40,000 bonus Scene+ points . 1

Earn 6 Scene+ points 2 on every $1 CAD you spend in Canada at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland and more.

Annual fee:  $120

Interest rates: 20.99% purchases / 22.99% cash advances

Scotiabank American Express ® Card

Earn up to  7,500 bonus Scene+ points  within your first 3 months (that’s up to  $75  towards travel). 4

Earn 3 Scene+ points 1 on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland and more.

Annual fee: $0 Interest rates: 19.99% purchases / 22.99% cash advances

Scotiabank Platinum American Express ® Card

Earn up to  $2,100* in value  in the first 14 months, including up to  60,000 4  bonus   Scene+ points .

Earn 2X the Scene+ points 1 for every $1 you spend.

Annual fee:  $399 Interest rates: 9.99%  purchases / 9.99%  cash advances

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The best credit cards for airport lounge access in Canada for 2024

Choose from a solid selection of credit cards that feature airport lounge access as part of their perks.

6 annual passes to over 1,200 lounges globally. Plus pay no forex fees when abroad. Get $50 gift card upon approval with Ratehub.ca.

4 annual passes to 1,300 lounges globally. Plus get a $50 cash bonus upon approval with Ratehub.ca.

Unlimited access to over 1,300 lounges globally (including premium centurion lounges). Plus get a $200 annual travel credit.

MoneySense is an award-winning magazine, helping Canadians navigate money matters since 1999. Our editorial team of trained journalists works closely with leading personal finance experts in Canada. To help you find the best financial products, we compare the offerings from over 12 major institutions, including banks, credit unions and card issuers.  Learn more about our advertising and trusted partners .

By Sandra MacGregor on May 1, 2024 Estimated reading time: 13 minutes

Airport lounge access can transform an otherwise gruelling layover into a relaxing respite. Lounges may offer free snacks and drinks (including complimentary alcoholic beverages), free Wi-Fi, plentiful comfortable seating, dedicated work areas, showers, sleep pods and even spa services. It’s little wonder, then, that for many frequent fliers, lounge access is an especially coveted credit card feature. Let’s look at the lounge access cards that currently top the category in Canada.

MoneySense tip

Credit cards with airport lounge access come with an annual fee, but these fees vary significantly between cards. When searching for the perfect card, don’t get caught up on the fee alone. Knowing how much you fly in an average year, and what other travel perks you plan to make use of, will help you determine which card offers the most value.

—MoneySense editors

Best overall airport lounge access credit card

At a glance: With six complimentary airport lounge visits a year, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card offers the most free visits among credit cards in a comparable fee range. For that reason alone, the card pays for itself. Adding to its travel-friendly allure is the fact that it’s one of the few cards in Canada that doesn’t charge a foreign transaction (FX) fee . Other cards typically charge 2.5% on purchases made in a foreign currency.

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite

• Annual fee: $150
• Earn rate : 3 Scene+ points per $1 spent at Sobeys stores; 2 points per $1 on groceries, dining, entertainment and transit; 1 point per $1 on everything else. Plus, pay no FX fees
• Welcome offer: earn up to $1,300 in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points and first year annual fee waived. Offer ends July 1, 2024.
• Annual income requirement: Personal income of $60,000 or household income of $100,000
• Point value: 1 Scene+ point = $0.01 when redeemed for travel, store purchases and food and drink at Cineplex and Scene partners
• Recommended credit score   for approval : 700 or higher
• Interest rates: 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances, 22.99% on balance transfers
• Receive complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program membership, which includes six free lounge visits per year, the most free visits of any travel credit card in a similar fee range.
• No foreign transaction fees on purchases made in non-Canadian currency. 
• It’s one of the few cards that don’t make you book travel through a proprietary booking site in order to redeem points. While you can book with Scene+ Travel, you can also book travel online or with any travel agency and still redeem Scene+ points to cover the cost of your trip.
• The highest earn rate of 3 Scene+ points is only available at a few grocery retailers.
• No mobile device insurance coverage.
• Scene+ points have a lower value when redeemed for gift cards or merchandise than when used for grocery purchases and travel.

Best luxury airport lounge access card

At a glance: For Aeroplan points collectors who want an elevated airport experience, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege credit card can be a great travel companion. It’s packed with travel benefits like unlimited free access for you and a guest to Maple Leaf Lounges throughout North America.

TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege

• Annual fee: $599
• Rewards: 2 Aeroplan points per $1 on direct purchases with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations, 1.5 Aeroplan points per $1 on eligible gas, grocery, travel and dining purchases, 1.25 points per $1 spent everywhere else
• Welcome bonus: You can earn a welcome bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase with your new card; Earn an additional 40,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $10,000 within 180 days of Account opening. Conditions apply. Account must be approved by June 3, 2024.
• Annual income requirement: Personal income of $150,000 or household income of $200,000
• Point value: Aeroplan points are worth $0.02 on average
• Anniversary bonus:  Plus, as an anniversary bonus, earn 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend at least $15,000 within 12 months of opening the account. Conditions apply.
• Interest rates: 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on balance transfers, 22.99% on cash advances
• Other perks: Access to Maple Leaf Lounges; Nexus fee rebate of up to $100 every two years; priority check-in; priority baggage handling; priority boarding; priority airport standby; priority upgrades; access a yearly round-trip companion pass from $99 (plus taxes, fees, charges and surcharges)

The card also comes with a complimentary membership in the Visa Airport Companion Program and includes six lounge visits, usable at over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide. You’ll really feel like a VIP at the airport with other perks like priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling, and you’ll get peace of mind with an extensive suite of travel insurance .

• Includes unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges for you and a guest and six free visits per year to DragonPass partner lounges.
• Take advantage of a Nexus fee rebate of up to $100 every two years.
• Comes packed with generous travel-friendly perks like priority boarding and upgrades, as well as a companion pass.
• The included travel insurance is robust—with coverage for the first 31 days of your trip if you are under 65, as opposed to the more common 15-21 days. You also get flight delay/ trip cancellation coverage, common carrier and rental car accident insurance.
• To qualify, you’ll need a high personal or household income.
• Even for a premium card with tons of perks, the annual fee is high, at $599.
• Many of the travel benefits (like priority check-in and priority boarding) only apply to flights operated by Air Canada.

Best airport lounge access card for frequent travellers

At a glance: It’s one of the most expensive premium credit cards in Canada, but the $799 annual fee gets you access to the most comprehensive and amenity-laden selection of airport lounges worldwide, including top-tier American Express Centurion Lounges. Depending on the lounge, cardholders may have an unlimited number of free visits and can also bring one companion with them at no additional cost. Cardholders can also take advantage of a yearly $200 travel credit, which essentially brings the cost of the card down to $599 as long as you make a point of using the credit.

American Express Platinum

• Annual fee: $799
• Rewards: 2 points per $1 on dining and food delivery; 2 points per $1 on travel, plus 1 additional point on purchases booked through Amex Travel Online; 1 point per $1 on everything else.
• Welcome bonus: You can earn up to 100,000 rewards points ($1,000 value). Conditions apply.
• Annual income requirement: None
• Point value: 1 Amex Membership Rewards point = $0.01 when redeemed with the Flexible Points Travel Program, $0.015 on average with the Fixed Points Travel Program, and up to $0.02 with airline points transfers
• Recommended credit score: 760 or higher
• Interest rates: N/A (as a charge card, you’re required to pay off your balance in full every month)
• The card gives you access to The American Express Global Lounge Collection, which is the largest airport lounge collection available, featuring more than 1,300 lounges in over 140 countries. Lounges include American Express Centurion Lounges, Plaza Premium and Delta Sky lounges. 
• Get a $200 credit that can be redeemed towards a travel purchase made via American Express Travel Online.
• When staying at eligible Fine Hotels + Resorts, enjoy extras like guaranteed late check-out and complimentary daily breakfast for two.
• Comes with one of the highest annual fees in Canada.
• The travel medical insurance is somewhat lacklustre for such a high annual fee—it only covers you for up to 15 consecutive days (other cards offer 20 days or more) and doesn’t offer any insurance to those who are 65 or older.
• American Express isn’t as widely accepted by retailers in Canada as Visa and Mastercard.

Best airport lounge access card for occasional travel

At a glance: If you find yourself in an airport even just a few times a year, you’ll appreciate that the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard offers free membership in the Mastercard Travel Pass program provided by DragonPass, plus four free passes a year. BMO also has one of the most flexible redemption programs in the country, so you can redeem your points to cover eligible travel purchases like flights, hotels and car rentals no matter what travel provider you booked with.

BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard

• Earn rates: 5 points per $1 spent on eligible travel purchases; 3 points per $1 on dining, entertainment, and recurring bill payments; 1 point per $1 on everything else
• Welcome bonus: You can earn up to 100,000 points and the annual fee waived in the first year for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.
• Annual income requirement: Personal income of $80,000 or household income of $150,000
• Points values: 1 BMO Rewards point = $0.0067 when redeemed for travel
• Interest rates: 20.99% on purchases, 23.99% on cash advances, 23.99% on balance transfers
• Comes with free membership in the Mastercard Travel Pass program provided by DragonPass, as well as four free passes a year. 
• Solid selection of travel insurance that includes travel medical, trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance, and delayed and lost baggage insurance.
• BMO Rewards has one of the most flexible redemption programs in the country, and you can redeem points for travel purchases without buying from a specific provider. 
• To qualify, you’ll need an annual personal income of $80,000 or a household income of $150,000.
• The card’s base earn rate of 1 BMO point per dollar comes out to a return of 0.67%, which is considerably lower than 1 % return offered by most comparable cards on generic purchases that don’t fall under a bonus category

Best airport lounge access card for travelling to the U.S.

At a glance: If you frequently cross the border to the U.S. for vacations, work trips or family visits, consider the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite. The card includes membership in the Visa Airport Companion Program and also gives you four free lounge visits a year. Every four years, you get a statement credit of up to $100 towards a Nexus application fee.

CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite

• Annual fee: $139
• Rewards: 2 points per $1 spent on travel through the CIBC Rewards Centre; 1.5 points per $1 on gas, groceries and drugstores; 1 point per $1 on everything else
• Point value: 1 point= $0.01 on average
• Welcome bonus: You can earn up to $1,500 in value including a first year annual fee rebate.
• Perks: Visa Airport Companion Program membership with four lounge visits a year; Nexus card fee rebate ($100 value, every 4 years); out-of-province emergency travel medical insurance; flight delay and baggage insurance; purchase protection and mobile device insurance; use Journie awards to save on gas
• Includes a free membership to the Visa Airport Companion Program managed by DragonPass, as well as four free lounge visits per year.
• Flexible rewards program that allows you to redeem points for travel, merchandise, gift cards, mortgage payments and more.
• Save up to 10 cents/litre on gas at eligible gas stations if you link your card with Journie Rewards, a loyalty program that helps you earn points at Pioneer, Fasgas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.
• To get the highest earn rate of 2 points for every $1 spent, you must make a travel purchase via the CIBC Rewards Centre.
• The value of points decreases when they’re not used for travel.
• There is an $80,000 cap on the 1.5-point earn rate, after which you’ll only get 1 point per $1 spent on groceries, gas and drugstore purchases.

Our methodology: How we determine the best cards

The MoneySense editorial team selects the best credit cards by assessing the value they provide to Canadians across various categories. Our best credit cards for airport lounge access ranking is based on an extensive list of card details and features—with a focus on those that matter to air travellers—including the number of airport lounge visits, annual fees, interest rates, welcome offers, rewards earn rates and redemption options, annual income requirements and perks. We have also considered the pros and cons of each card to help you determine which ones best suit your financial needs. Our rankings are an unbiased source of information for Canadians. The addition of links from affiliate partners has no bearing on the results. Read more about how MoneySense makes money .

Airport lounge access programs in Canada

How to get free access to airport lounges in canada.

Several travel credit cards offer access to airport lounges for cardholders. Depending on the credit card, you can get a certain number of lounge visits every year in specific countries around the world. If you want to get free unlimited access to airport lounges, consider a credit card like the American Express Platinum Card which includes the American Express Global Lounge Collection. The card comes with a fairly large annual fee, like most credit cards with airport lounge access, but the card’s rewards and benefits may outweigh the fee if you are a frequent flier and value the ability to visit airport lounges when you’re traveling.

DragonPass vs. Priority Pass: Which should you choose?

DragonPass and Priority Pass are third-party lounge access membership providers. Up until 2022, Priority Pass was the primary partner for most Mastercard and Visa airport lounge programs. However, DragonPass has become the partner of choice for most credit card lounge access programs for cards like the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege and the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite . You can still access the Priority Pass program with the American Express Platinum Card , however.

Frequently asked questions

Several different credit cards give you access to airport lounges. Select Mastercards provide membership to the Mastercard Travel Pass program, and some Visa cards offer membership to the Visa Airport Companion Program . Both Visa’s and Mastercard’s airport lounge programs are provided by DragonPass, which features access to over 1,200 lounges worldwide. The American Express Platinum card gives cardholders access to The American Express Global Lounge Collection, the largest lounge collection available.

As airport lounge access is an especially desirable perk, credit card providers generally make it obvious on their websites if they offer airport lounge access. Often, this perk is listed under “travel benefits.” The best way to make sure is to contact your provider directly and ask if it provides airport lounge access, and if any free visits are included. Note that some credit card providers give a free membership to a lounge program but don’t include any free visits. Lounge visits can cost upwards of USD$32 each, even with a membership.

More of Canada’s best  credit cards :

• Canada’s best credit cards
• Canada’s best instant approval credit cards
• Canada’s best no fee credit cards
• Canada’s best credit cards for people with bad credit
• Canada’s best travel credit cards
• Canada’s best cash back credit cards

What does the * mean?

Affiliate (monetized) links can sometimes result in a payment to MoneySense (owned by Ratehub Inc.), which helps our website stay free to our users. If a link has an asterisk (*) or is labelled as “Featured,” it is an affiliate link. If a link is labelled as “Sponsored,” it is a paid placement, which may or may not have an affiliate link. Our editorial content will never be influenced by these links. We are committed to looking at all available products in the market. Where a product ranks in our article, and whether or not it’s included in the first place, is never driven by compensation. For more details, read our MoneySense Monetization policy.

Table of contents

• The best cards – at a glance
• The best airport lounge cards per category
• About airport lounge programs

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About Sandra MacGregor

Scotiabank Passport ® Visa Infinite* Card

Summary of flytrippers' review, why get this card.

• Good welcome bonus of $320
• 6 free passes for VIP airport lounges
• No foreign transaction fees
• Rewards that are of the more simple type and can be used for any travel expense
• Excellent insurance coverage
• Good earn rates

WHO SHOULD GET THIS CARD

• Those who want 6 free airport lounge passes
• Those who will be spending in foreign currencies while not unlocking any welcome bonuses on other cards
• Those who want rewards that are more simple and can be used for any travel expense
• Those whose income is over $60,000

How to learn more

• Go to our editorial card review page (coming soon)
• Keep scrolling here for all the details
• Apply now via Scotia secure link
• See all the best credit cards in Canada

Card details

Welcome bonus structure (2 separate bonuses)

30,000 points Bonus after spending $1,000 (in a maximum of 3 months) *10,000 points Bonus after spending $40,000 (in a maximum of 12 months) *NOT  INCLUDED IN OUR FLYTRIPPERS VALUATION

30,000 points  Total with the main part of the bonus *40,000 points Total with the 2 parts of the bonus * NOT  INCLUDED IN OUR FLYTRIPPERS VALUATION

Earn on the minimum spending requirement

2,000 points Estimated earn on the minimum spending requirement of $1,000 (at the multiplier earn rate of 2 pts/$) *39,000 points Minimum earn on the minimum spending requirement of $39,000 more for the additional bonus * NOT  INCLUDED IN OUR FLYTRIPPERS VALUATION

Total rewards by unlocking the welcome bonus

32,000 points  Main part of the welcome bonus + earn on the minimum spending requirement to unlock it *81,000 points  Welcome bonus + earn on the minimum spending requirement to unlock it * NOT  INCLUDED IN OUR FLYTRIPPERS VALUATION

‣ Apply for the Scotiabank Passport ® Visa Infinite* Card

Value of the welcome bonus offer (at our Flytrippers Valuation of  1¢/pt )

$300 Welcome bonus (30,000 pts) $20 Earn on the spending requirement (2,000 pts) –$0 Card fee (1st year free)

$320 Total net value by unlocking the welcome bonus alone

‣ Learn more about our Flytrippers Valuation of welcome bonuses

Effective return rate

32%  Return on the minimum spending requirement ( $320  on $ 1,000  in 3 months)

‣Learn more about effective return rates (coming soon)

Rewards acquisition summary

$320  Rewards you get for  $0

‣ Apply for the Scotiabank Passport ® Visa Infinite * Card

Value of redemption options (welcome bonus)

For each available redemption option, here is the value of the 32,000 Scene+ points  you get by unlocking the welcome bonus:

$320 Travel booked on any website $320 Travel booked on the Scene+ website $320 Merchandise at participating stores ≈ $224-$320 Gift cards ≈ $224 Merchandise $224 Statement credit

‣Learn more about the best redemptions of Scene+ points (coming soon)

Value of redemption options (per point)

For each available redemption option, here is the value  per Scene+ point to help you understand:

1¢ Travel booked on any website 1¢ Travel booked on the Scene+ website 1¢ Merchandise at participating stores ≈ 0.7¢-1¢ Gift cards ≈ 0.7¢ Merchandise $0.7¢ Statement credit

‣Learn more about the basics of the values per point (coming soon)

Redemptions for travel (any website)

The more simple type of rewards redemption, with a fixed value. It is worth less but gives you more flexibility. Scene+ points are really as simple as points can be, as you can use them to simply erase any travel expense booked on any site.

Redeem your 32,000 Scene+ points  for:

32,000 pts Discount of $320 on travel booked on any website

Redemptions for travel (Scene+ website)

Another more simple type of rewards redemption, with a fixed value. There’s really no reason to use them this way though, as you don’t get more value.

Redeem your 32,000 Scene+ points  for:

32,000 pts Discount of $320 on travel booked on the Scene+ website

Redemptions for merchandise (participating retailers)

Another more simple type of rewards redemption, with a fixed value. It’s one of the extremely rare instances where you should use points for something other than travel, as you get the same value if you use them for merchandise at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland, IGA (QC), Home Hardware, Recipe Unlimited’s many restaurant brands, Cineplex, etc.

Redeem your  32,000 Scene+ points  for:

32,000 pts Discount of $320 at participating retailers

Redemptions for anything other than travel (except at participating stores)

Should  always be avoided , as with  all  rewards!

‣Learn more about why you should always redeem your rewards for travel (coming soon)

Expiry Scene+ points never expire as long as you have the Scotiabank Passport ® Visa Infinite* Card . And even if you no longer have the card, you can easily extend the expiration indefinitely.

‣Learn more about Scene+ points expiry (coming soon)

Pooling Scene+ points cannot be pooled with travel companions. But this isn’t really an obstacle to using them in multi-player mode.

‣Learn more about pooling rewards (coming soon)

Logistics Scene+ points can be used directly on the Scene+ website/app or at the cash register at participating retailers.

‣Learn more about how to get started with Scene+ rewards (coming soon)

Program summary Rewards: Scene+ points Source: Bank/retailer rewards Type: More simple Flytrippers Valuation: 1¢ per point Minimum value: 1¢ per point Maximum value: 1¢ per point Transferable: No

‣Learn more about rewards programs basics (coming soon)

3 points per $ ( 3% ):

• Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland, Co-Ops, IGA, Thrifty Foods, other Empire grocery banners
• Voilà grocery delivery
• Indirectly at retailers available via grocery store gift card displays

2 points per $ ( 2% ):

• Other grocery stores (and their gift cards )
• Restaurants and food delivery apps
• Entertainment (movies, theaters, ticket agencies)
• Transit (rideshares, taxis, buses, subways, and more)

1 point  per $ ( 1% ):

• Everywhere else

Earning with additional cards

Fee for additional cards: $0 for the 1st additional card ($50/year for more) Quantity allowed: N/A Minimum age: N/A

‣Learn more about additional cards (coming soon)

6 free annual passes for VIP airport lounges worldwide You get 6 free passes to enter 1,200+ airport lounges around the world, including 21 in 8 Canadian airports. All DragonPass lounges (Visa Airport Companion by DragonPass).

‣ Learn more about the airport lounge access

No foreign transaction fees One of the few cards in Canada that does not charge a 2.5% fee for all foreign currency transactions.

‣ Learn more on foreign currency transaction fees

Car rental elite status benefit You get elite status with Avis.

‣Learn more about the Scotiabank elite status benefits (coming soon)

Visa Infinite Concierge Service You get access to a 24/7 concierge service to help you book travel, make restaurant reservations, find tickets, organize flower or other deliveries, and perform other research tasks for you.

‣Learn more about the Visa Infinite Concierge Service (coming soon)

Visa Infinite Hotel Collection You get exclusive perks at some expensive luxury hotels.

‣Learn more about the Visa Infinite Hotel Collection (coming soon)

Visa Infinite Dining and Wine Country program You get access to exclusive expensive gourmet experiences.

‣Learn more about the Visa Infinite Dining and Wine Country program (coming soon)

Insurance included

Medical travel insurance for 25 days (64 years and under) Medical travel insurance for 3 days (65 years and above) Trip cancelation insurance Trip interruption insurance Flight delay insurance ($500, 4hr minimum) Rental car insurance Delayed and lost baggage insurance Travel accident insurance Hotel burglary insurance Purchase protection coverage Extended warranty coverage

‣Learn more about the insurance coverage included with the Scotia Passport ® Visa Infinite* Card (coming soon)

Insurance not included

Mobile device insurance

‣Learn more about the different types of insurance coverage (coming soon)

Card eligibility Minimum personal/household income: $60,000 (personal) OR $100,000 (household) Age: Majority in your province Estimated credit score: Good or Excellent Credit bureau: TransUnion Canada

‣ Learn more about credit card eligibility requirements (coming soon)

Welcome bonus eligibility You must not have had a Scotia card in the past 2 years.

‣ Learn more about credit card welcome bonus eligibility rules (coming soon)

Offer end date Offer ends July 1, 2024

‣ Subscribe to Flytrippers’ free travel rewards newsletter to get all card updates

Card details Issuer: Scotiabank Network: Visa Card type: Credit card Product type: Personal card

‣Learn more about credit card types basics (coming soon)

Annual fee Card fee: $150/year (1st year free) Fee for additional card: $0 for the first additional card ($50/year on each additional card)

‣Learn more about why Flytrippers recommends never looking at the fee alone (coming soon)

Rates FX fee: 0% Purchases annual interest rate: 20.99% Funds advance annual interest rate: 22.99% Balance transfer fee: N/A

‣ Learn more about why Flytrippers recommends ignoring rates (coming soon)

Earn up to $1,300* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points and first-year annual fee waived¹

• Earn 3x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
• Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligble entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options(including rideshares, buses, subways taxis and more)
• Plus earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
• No Foreign Transaction Fee
• 6 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access
• Comprehensive Travel Insurance coverage
• Visa Infinite* Concierge Services
• Visa Infinite* Hotel Collection
• Visa Infinite* Dining and Wine Country program
• Rates, fees and other information are effective as of Jan.4, 2024. Subject to change.

Savings and Reward potential in the first 12 months based on the following card usage and offers:

$300 in travel rewards(30,000 bonus Scene+ points) when you spend $1000 within the first 3 months;

$100 in travel rewards(10,000 bonus Scene+ points) when you spend $40,000 annually on your account each year (12 months);

$150 primary card fee waiver for the first year;

$50 additional card fee waiver on your first additional card(including those issued to co-borrowers and supplementary cardholders)every year;

$104 in foreign transaction fee savings based on average first-year annual foreign spend per account(save the 2.5% foreign transaction fee typically charged by other card issuers);

$287 in travel rewards(28,733 Scene+ points) on everyday purchases based on average annual first-year spend per account with an average spend of 19% in 2x accelerator categories;

$350 value with a complementary Visa Airport Companion Program Membership and 6 lounge passes(annual membership plus one free visit approx. CAD$136/USD$99 plus 5 lounge passes at CAD$43/USD$31 per pass). Currency Conversions as of November 9, 2023.

Potential First Year Value= up to $1,341

Actual Savings and rewards earned will depend on individual card usage and eligibility for applicable offers. Conditions apply*.

Offer Description and Conditions¹: The 30,000 bonus Scene+ Points Offer and First Year Annual Fee Waiver (the “Offer”) applies only to new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite credit card accounts (“Accounts”) that are opened by July 1, 2024 subject to the conditions below. We will waive the annual fee for the primary card issued before July 1, 2024 on the Account for the first year only. Offer may be changed, cancelled or extended at any time without notice and cannot be combined with any other offers.

Plus, as a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite credit cardholder, you are always eligible to earn an annual 10,000 Scene+ points bonus when you spend at least $40,000 in everyday eligible purchases annually on your Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite account. Conditions apply-see below for further details.

30,000 Bonus Scene+ Point Offer Description and Conditions: To qualify for the 30,000 bonus Scene+ points (the “Bonus Offer”), you must have at least $1,000 in eligible purchases posted to your new Account within the first 3 months of the Account open date. Eligible purchases include purchases (less any refunds, returns or other similar credits) but do not include payments, cash advances (including balance transfers or cash-like transactions), interest, fees or other charges. The 30,000 Bonus Offer points will be credited to the primary cardholder’s Scene+ account within approximately 2-3 business days following the qualifying $1,000 in eligible purchases being posted to your Account within 3 months from the Account open date, provided the Account is open and in good standing. The Account is considered in good standing if it is not past due or over limit and the Cardholder(s) is not in breach of the Revolving Credit Agreement that applies to the Account. Bonus Offer applies to new Accounts only opened by July 1, 2024. All other terms and conditions of the Program Terms continue to apply during the Offer period.

10,000 Annual Bonus Scene+ Point Conditions: As a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite credit cardholder you can earn an annual Scene+ point bonus starting at 10,000 Scene+ points when you make at least $40,000 in eligible purchases annually on your Account each year (12-months). Annual period starts from the Account open date and resets every 12 months thereafter. You will earn 2,000 bonus Scene+ points for every additional $10,000 in eligible purchases thereafter in that same year, after the $40,000 annual spend has been reached. Eligible purchases include purchases (less any refunds, returns or other similar credits) but do not include payments, cash advances (including balance transfers or cash-like transactions), interest, fees or other charges.

The Annual bonus Scene+ points will be credited within approximately 2-3 business days after you have met the $40,000 annual spend threshold on the Account and within approximately 2-3 business days after you have met each additional $10,000 annual spend threshold on the Account, provided your Account is open and in good standing (as defined above).

First Year Annual Fee Waiver Offer Description and Conditions: We will waive the annual fee for the primary card issued before July 1, 2024 on the Account for the first year only.

Offer Eligibility and Exclusions: Individuals who are currently or were previously primary or secondary cardholders of a Scotiabank personal credit card in the past 2 years, including those that switch from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card, as well as employees of Scotiabank, are not eligible for the offer. Subject to the above exclusions, Scotiabank small business credit cardholders are also eligible for the Offer.

Rates and Fees: The current annual fee is $150 for the primary card, $0 for the first additional card and $50 for each additional card thereafter (including those issued to co-borrowers and supplementary cardholders). The current preferred annual interest rates for this Account are: 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances (including balance transfers and cash-like transactions). All rates, fees, features and benefits are outlined in the Application Disclosure Statement and are subject to change.

To qualify for these offers, make sure to open a new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite credit card account by July 1, 2024.

To qualify for the 40,000 bonus Scene+ points:

• Earn 30,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $1,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months.
• Plus, as a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite cardholder, you are eligible to earn an annual 10,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $40,000 in everyday net eligible purchases annually.

Once you qualify, we’ll credit your account in 2 installments:

• 30,000 bonus Scene+ points will be credited to your account within approximately 2-3 business days following the qualifying $1,000 in net purchases being posted to your Scene+ membership Account in your first 3 months.
• Annual 10,000 bonus Scene+ points will be credited to your Scene+ membership account within approximately 2-3 business days after you have met the $40,000 annual spend threshold.

Individuals who are currently or were previously primary or secondary cardholders of a Scotiabank personal credit card in the past 2 years, including those that switch from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card, as well as employees of Scotiabank, are not eligible for the 30,000 bonus points offer. All cardholders remain eligible to earn an annual 10,000 Scene+ point bonus with an annual spend of at least $40,000.

*See Card Provider’s website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.

Start earning rewards today

And make sure to download our free checklist for when you get a new card—it includes very important mistakes to avoid (it will open in a separate tab, or you can click here ).

via Scotia secure application

*Beta version of card page. Sign up to get updated guide soon.*

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The views and opinions expressed on this page are purely our own. They have not been provided, approved, endorsed, or ratified by any third party mentioned on the site.

Financial institutions are not responsible for updating or ensuring the accuracy of the information on Flytrippers’ website. All the information was independently collected by Flytrippers and not provided by financial institutions.

All offers described on the Flytrippers website are subject to the financial institutions’ latest terms and conditions, which can be found on their official website. No efforts are spared to ensure this page is up to date but offers from financial institutions change quickly. It is your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of these offers on their website. Flytrippers will not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the offers or the result of your actions.

Flytrippers’ website does not contain all available credit card offers or all available credit card products on the market. In addition, Flytrippers never shares an offer if it is not considered advantageous for some travelers, at its sole discretion.

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All articles, pages, and content on Flytrippers’ website are merely personal opinions of a general nature and are for informational purposes only and should not be considered advice for specific situations. It is your responsibility to perform your own personal research to ensure that travel rewards are appropriate for your own situation.

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Terms & conditions — Travel rewards

† Terms and conditions apply.

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Apply now for the Scotiabank Passport ® Visa Infinite * Card and get a welcome bonus worth $ 320 !

Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card review

Welcome Offer Ends Jul 1, 2024

Earn up to $1,300* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points and first year annual fee waived

• Rates & Fees

3x Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more

2x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)

1x Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases

$150 Annual Fee

20.99% Purchase APR

22.99% Cash Advance APR

22.99% Balance Transfer Rate

5.00% Balance Transfer Fee

0.00% Foreign Transaction Fee

Good Recommended Credit Score

$60,000 Required Annual Personal Income

$100,000 Required Annual Household Income

By Cameron Smonk

Fact Checked: Scott Birke

Updated: April 09, 2024

Play article   

(    mins)

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Compare more credit cards

• Best credit cards in Canada
• TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege
• Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite*
• Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card

Quick overview of the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card

Scotiabank seems to delight in producing cards that offer a melange of perks, but don’t seem terribly focused. But with a name like “Passport,” the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite is definitely targeting travellers right? Right?

Well, the answer, like so many other Scotia cards, is “kinda.” Its major defining characteristic that might appeal to those who spend ample time abroad is the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite doesn’t charge foreign exchange (FX) fees. And with HSBC’s absorption by RBC , its claim to be the only major bank in Canada offering this deal might actually be true, finally.

Other than that, it’s a pretty straight forward Scene+ points card, good for collecting on daily purchases, not awe-inspiring for travel redemption. It does come with six complimentary airport lounge passes annually, which includes Plaza Premium Lounges. But the best part of this card for the real point freaks (you know who you are) is of course the first year free incentive.

Who’s Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite for?

Broadly speaking, it’s aimed at travellers with its no FX fees and annual lounge passes. But it also wants to be your primary daily spender card, offering decent point multipliers on groceries, dining in and out, and of course, going to the movies (and other shows). I’d say Scotiabank is casting a wide net with the perks, but the branding is definitely for travel fans.

Pros and cons

No FX fees means the card saves you significant expenses on foreign transaction fees

Earn up to 3x Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible purchases

Flexible and straightforward redemption program

Visa acceptance globally compared to American Express, especially outside major cities.

Enjoy six annual visits to airport lounges

Robust insurance offerings, including extended travel emergency medical coverage

Access to Visa Infinite Program benefits, with added advantages like a free supplementary card

High annual fee

Limited rewards categories for earning reward max rate on purchases

Primarily best for travel within Canada

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite welcome bonus

I just want to take this opportunity to shame Scotiabank for how disingenuous the self-valuation of its card’s bonus is. They do this for a few cards, and it’s gross. It claims a value of $1,300+ in the first year (that would exceed the Amex Platinum's self-stated value), but if you click to see “offer details” it merely explains how you earn the 40,000 bonus points – definitely not worth $1,300. 

To see how they come to that figure, there’s a tiny little footnote in “offer details” that directs you to the “terms and conditions below." Do they link directly to them? Nah. Instead, you have to scroll down all the way to the footer of the webpage, click the tiny link at the very bottom (called “legal footnotes” instead of terms and conditions) where it breaks down the $1,300 it expects you’ll earn through wonderfully specific conditions like saving “$104 in foreign transaction fees” and earning “$287 in travel rewards” through spending. 

In other words, it makes up a fantasy customer who does incredibly specific things, and could (in theory) earn up to the stated amount. Then it buries that naked lie in the legal footnotes and let its marketing shine top of the fold. It gives me the heebie-jeebies. 

Here's what you get for a welcome bonus:

• Earn 40,000 points, a value of $400
• You’ll get 30,000 Scene+ points once you’ve spent $1,000 in the first three months, and an additional 10,000 if you put $40,000 on your card within the first year.

How to earn Scene+ point on the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite

Outside of the welcome bonus, the best way to earn Scene+ points is to spend in its dedicated categories. Three times the points for groceries (at participating partners like Sobeys and Foodland), two times for dining in and out, movies/shows, and rides, including public transit, which is nice. Outside of those categories, you earn one point on every dollar you spend.

How to redeem Scene+ points on the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite

Scene+ points are easily redeemable through the slick and user friendly Scene Plus website. They’re great for everything from gift cards to movie tickets and just about everything else, including paying off your credit card. And yes, they can be used for travel, either paying down eligible travel purchases made on the card, or used directly through Scotia’s travel partner Expedia, which is a bit more point-efficient, but does limit your options somewhat.

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite key benefits

• First year free
• No FX fees 
• Lots of opportunities to earn on daily spending categories
• Great travel insurance coverage

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite insurance coverage

• Travel emergency medical insurance : $2 million of coverage for 25 consecutive days, for card holders under 65 plus their spouses and dependents, while travelling outside their home province. Three days of coverage for card holders over 65.
• Trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance : Card holders and their immediate family are eligible to $1,500 each for travel expenses (up to $10,000) when at least 75% of trip expenses were put on the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card.
• Flight delay insurance : Charge 75% of your trip expenses to this card and you’ll be covered up to $500 for hotels, meals and emergency items in the event your flight is delayed.
• Delayed and lost baggage insurance : If you pay the full cost of your travel ticket, you’re covered up to $1,000 in the event your luggage is lost or delayed.
• Travel accident insurance : If three quarters of your trip was bought on the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite, you and your immediate family are insured against accidental loss of life up to $500,000 (or $1,000,000 total, per occurrence). 
• Rental car collision loss/damage insurance : Rent a car fully on your Visa Infinite and you’re fully covered (unless the vehicle you rented is valued at more than $65,000). Just make sure to waive the dealer’s insurance offering.
• Hotel/motel burglary insurance : Use this card to book a hotel or motel and you’ll have up to $1,000 in coverage in case your room is broken into and your stuff is stolen.
• Purchase security and extended warranty protection : Most items purchased on this card receive 90 days of coverage up to $60,000 from the date of purchase, and they also double the manufacturer's warranty for up to a year.

Extra benefits

• Six airport lounge visits a year through the Visa Airport Companion Program
• Discounted car rentals through Avis
• Other Visa Infinite perks including concierge service and Dining and Wine Country program

Expert Experience with Scotia Passport Visa Infinite

As an avid traveler, the peace of mind and convenience is unmatched—no foreign transaction fees, comprehensive trip insurance, and 6 complimentary lounge access passes (great for me and my partner). Whether it's dining in Paris or shopping in New York, the global acceptance and the perks, from SCENE points for movies and statement credits, cater to every preference. It’s not just a credit card; it’s my travel companion, ensuring each journey is as seamless and rewarding as the destination itself.

- Lubna Umar, Personal Finance Writer, Money.ca

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite advertises on Money.ca

What people have to say about this card

“I have it, it’s great. The 6 priority pass lounge entries basically pay for the yearly fee” /u/brotherdalmation23

Right, maybe it is a travel card after all! Because as /u/brotherdalmation23 notes, if you’re consistently using your lounge access, you're basically paying for the card. And if you’re flying places three to six times a year, that’s going to be no small savings in FX fees too. Add on the decent earning in daily spending, and I can see why you’d say “it’s great.”

How Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite compares

Scotiabank passport visa infinite vs. rbc avion visa infinite.

Two Visa Infinite’s head to head! The RBC Avion has a slightly lower annual fee at $120, but notably doesn’t waive it for the first year (sorry churners). Still, its 55,000 point welcome bonus (which you can earn in six months) is extremely tempting, and I definitely think it tops the 40,000 Scene+ points offered by Scotiabank. 

The RBC Avion card is more focused on travel, and will definitely redeem better for it than the Scotiabank card. But the Scotia Visa Infinite also is better for earning in daily spending categories. I’d say for purist travellers go Avion, and for people who want to earn points the old fashioned way and redeem them a few different ways, lean Scotia.

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite vs. Scotiabank Platinum American Express

The Scotiabank Platinum American Express definitely feels like the big brother of the Visa Infinite. It’s got a big ‘ole annual fee of $399, but that comes with a bunch of perks including 10 lounge stays, Amex perks, and a decent welcome bonus of 60,000 Scene+ points in the first year. But, given it’s twice as expensive as the Visa Infinite does the Scotiabank Amex Platinum offer twice as much value? I don’t think so – 20,000 more points, four more lounge access, and 2x points on all eligible purchases doesn’t quite justify its price tag for me. Oh, and no first year free!

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite vs. American Express Cobalt

Is the scotiabank passport visa infinite worth it.

I am of the mindset that absolutely any card with its first year free is worth it. Try it out, see if you like it, nail the welcome bonus, and then if it's not your speed, simply cancel it before you pay a fee. Fall in love with it? Well that $150 can be pretty easily justified with its lounge access and other perks. I’d say yes, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite is worth it.

Does the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card include travel insurance?

Yes it does, very good travel insurance in fact, with coverage for emergency medical, accidents, rental cars, hotel burglary, lost luggage and more.

Does the Scotia Passport have airport lounge access?

Yes, it does! You get six lounge passes annually through the Visa Airport Companion Program.

Is the first year annual fee waived with the Scotiabank Passport?

Yes it is. The first year annual fee of $150 is indeed waived for the Scotia passport.

Cam is a content marketer with a passion for saving, financial independence, and pulling off elaborate credit card point schemes. He has worked in Fintech and Finserve (specifically Group Retirement) and loves researching and writing about finance.

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Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card

Interested in this credit card? Earn $60 in FlyerFunds by applying through Frugal Flyer.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card earns Scene+ Rewards points and offers cardholders benefits such as  no foreign transaction fees and six complimentary airport lounge access passes annually.

Check out our Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card review for more details.

In 2024, we awarded this card as the Best Foreign Transaction Credit Card.

Rewards Rates

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card earns Scene+ Rewards points for all eligible purchases made on the card:

• 3 Scene+ points for every dollar spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà by IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Chalo! FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés Tradition, Rachelle Béry and Co-Op.
• 2   Scene+ Rewards points for every dollar spent on eligible grocery store, dining, entertainment, and daily transit purchases.
• 1 Scene+ Reward point for every dollar spent on all other everyday eligible purchases.

Redeeming Scene+ Rewards

Scene+ Rewards points can be redeemed for travel rewards or towards trip expenses, shopping purchases, statement credits, dining, entertainment, movie tickets, and more.

If you are looking to redeem points, the best value is to apply them against any travel purchase made on your card at the rate of 1 cent per point . This means that you would be able to redeem 10,000 Scene+ Rewards points for $100 in statement credit for trip costs, such as hotel accommodations, flight bookings, or rental cars.

Click to learn everything you need to know about the Scene+ Rewards program .

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card charges no foreign transaction fees when online shopping or traveling, saving you 2.5% on every transaction. Cardholders will only have to pay the exchange rate when completing foreign currency transactions. This makes the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite a great card to use when you are abroad since saving on the 2.5% foreign exchange fees can add up quickly. This is one of the few cards in Canada that offers no foreign transaction fee as a benefit.

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite cardholders are eligible to receive complimentary membership to the Dragonpass lounge program , in addition to six complimentary  airport lounge passes .

Through holding the Passport Visa Infinite card, the cardholder is eligible to receive complimentary Avis rental cars preferred plus membership . This provides the cardholder with a 5%-25% discount on rentals in Canada and the United States, in addition to complimentary vehicle upgrades (whenever possible).

Insurance Coverage

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite credit card offers the following insurance coverages:

• Travel emergency medical insurance
• Trip cancellation and trip interruption
• Travel accident insurance
• Rental car collision loss and damage coverage
• Lost baggage insurance
• Baggage and flight delay insurance
• Hotel burglary insurance
• Purchase security
• Extended warranty protection

Other Scene+ Rewards Cards You Might Consider

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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. For complete and current information, please consult the entity's website.

Help Centre

• Popular questions
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• Travel & insurance

Which credit cards give me access to airport lounges?

Both the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite and Scotiabank American Express Platinum cards give you access to airport lounges.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card gives primary cardholders a complimentary membership in the Visa Airport Companion Program, plus six complimentary lounge visits per year from the date of enrollment. This program is powered by DragonPass, and provides access to 1,200+ airport lounges globally, including participating Plaza Premium Lounges. The six lounge visits are eligible for the primary cardholder and a travel companion.

Scotiabank American Express Platinum cardholders can visit lounges in more than 100 countries and 300 cities worldwide. Primary cardholders get a complimentary membership to Priority Pass, plus 10 free visits per year from the date of enrollment. Supplementary cardholders get a Priority Pass membership and 4 free visits per year.

• Credit Cards

Best Lounge Access Credit Cards in Canada

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Best Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards In Canada For May 2024

Updated: May 1, 2024, 10:47am

Fact Checked

Airport lounge access is the pinnacle of credit card travel perks, but not all lounge access is created equal.

All the cards on our list include lounge access, but the types of lounges, how many passes you get and where they’re available are some of the factors that contributed to where they rank on this list.

From basic comforts to absolute luxury, we’ve compared the best lounge access credit cards by annual fees, welcome offers, points programs and insurance packages to help you find the best one to suit your financial life and travel plans.

Featured Partner Offers

Best airport lounge access credit cards in canada for may 2024, cibc aeroplan visa infinite privilege card, cibc aventura visa infinite privilege card, bmo eclipse visa infinite privilege card.

• CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card

• TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card

The Platinum Card® from American Express

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• Best Credit Cards
• Best Travel Credit Cards
• Best Cash Back Credit Cards
• Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit
• Best Aeroplan Credit Cards
• Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards
• Best Balance Transfer Credit cards

On Scotiabank’s Secure Website

Welcome Bonus

40,000 Scene+ points

$150 (waived in the first year)

Regular APR

Td® aeroplan® visa infinite privilege* card.

On TD’s Website

Up to 85,000 Aeroplan points†

Regular APR (Purchases) / Regular APR (Cash Advances)

20.99% / 22.99%

On American Express’s Secure Website

Up to 100,000 bonus Membership Rewards® points

30% due in full or 20.99% (flexible payment option)†

Best for premium travel

90,000 Aeroplan points

$599 (annual fee rebate of $139 with a CIBC Smart Plus Account)

A premium travel card with full access to Maple Leaf Lounges and six complimentary visits at over 1,200 airport lounges around the world to relax before your flight. Enjoy the convenience of priority check-in, priority boarding and priority baggage handling, especially when you redeem your top-end welcome bonus to fly you and your partner round trip to Hawaii from anywhere in North America.

• Outstanding welcome offer
• Airport lounge access through Maple Leaf Lounges and DragonPass
• Free first checked bag for you and up to eight companions on any Air Canada flight
• NEXUS application fee rebate
• Your full welcome bonus is only realized when you renew the card (30,000 points)
• High annual fee of $599
• Steep income requirement of $150,000 per individual ($200,000 per household)
• Annual worldwide companion pass requires a minimum of $25,000 spent per year
• Get up to 90,000 Aeroplan points (up to $1,800 in travel value)
• Free first checked bag
• Maple Leaf Lounge access (giving you access to 16 airport lounges in Canada and 270 others in the U.S. and Europe)
• Get six complimentary visits at 1,200 airport lounges
• NEXUS application fee rebate ($50 value)
• Earn 1.5 Aeroplan points for every dollar you spend on gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries and travel & dining
• Earn 2 Aeroplan points for every dollar you spend with Air Canada directly (including Air Canada Vacations)
• Earn 1.25 points for every dollar you spend on all other purchases
• Based on average Canadian spending, Forbes Advisor Canada estimates this card could earn $170 in rewards value per year, with the annual fee factored in
• Offers double the points at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands, including Starbucks, LCBO and Amazon
• Get out-of-province emergency travel medical insurance (up to $5,000,000)
• Common carrier accident insurance in case of death (up to $500,000)
• Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance ($2,500 to $5,000 per insured person)
• Flight delay and baggage insurance ($500 to $1,000) per insured person
• Collision, loss and damage insurance with your rental car
• Free rental car upgrades at Avis
• Purchase security (180 days from purchase) and extended protection insurance, giving you an additional two years following the expiry of the manufacturer’s warranty
• Mobile device insurance of up to $1,500)
• Reach Aeroplan Elite status faster
• Unlock an annual companion voucher for a trip around the world when you spend $25,000 on the card
• Get room upgrades, complimentary Wi-Fi and breakfast, and late checkout at over 900 Visa Infinite Luxury Hotels
• Call your 24/7 complimentary concierge for help with your travel itinerary and more

Best for travel perks

80,000 Aventura points

$499 (Annual fee rebate of up to $139 with a CIBC Smart Plus account)

Aventura gives you plenty of travel status perks, but if you’re not sold on Star Alliance and Elite status, Aventura’s earn rate can help you accumulate points faster and travel sooner, too. You get six complimentary visits at over 1,200 airport lounges, two NEXUS Application fee rebates, a $200 travel credit just for signing up and a full complement of insurance.

• Fantastic welcome bonus
• 6 complimentary passes to airport lounges
• 2 NEXUS Application fee rebates
• Full suite of insurance coverage
• High annual fee of $499
• Significant income requirements of $150,000 for individuals, $200,000 for households
• Travel must be booked through CIBC Rewards Centre
• No free first-checked baggage
• Unlocking the last 30,000 Aventura points in the welcome offer is only achieved after one year with the card
• 80,000 Aventura point welcome bonus (up to $1,600 in travel value)
• 6 complimentary visits at 1,200 plus lounges around the world, a $250 value
• A $200 annual travel credit
• 2 NEXUS Application fee rebates, a $200 value.
• Earn 3 points for every dollar spent on travel through the CIBC Rewards Centre
• Earn 2 points for every dollar spent on dining, entertainment, gas and transportation, electric vehicle charging and groceries.
• Earn 1.25 points for every dollar spent on all other purchases
• Based on average Canadian spending, Forbes Advisor estimates this card could earn $471.72 in rewards value per year, with the annual fee factored in.
• Access Aventura exclusive business class bookings.
• Visa Infinite privilege for VIP benefits and experiences at hotels and fine restaurants.
• Save 25% on car rentals at Avis and Budget.
• The metal card feels luxurious.
• Out-of-province emergency travel medical insurance of up to $5 million
• Trip cancellation insurance of up to $2,500 per insurance person per trip.
• Trip interruption/delay insurance of up to $5,000 per insurance person per trip.
• Flight delay (up to $500) and baggage insurance (up to $1,000 per insured person).
• Auto rental collision/loss damage insurance.
• Hotel burglary insurance of up to $2,500.
• Common carrier accident insurance of up to $500,000.
• Mobile device insurance for accidental damage or loss of up to $1,500.
• Purchase security and extended protection insurance.
• Access to an Aventura travel assistant who can book personalized travel

Best for earn rates

90,000 BMO Rewards points

BMO’s top-tier travel card offers a terrific welcome offer of up to 90,000 points and a fantastic earn rate of five points per dollar spent on multiple categories, and 25% more points on all purchases when you add an authorized user. Plus, you’ll get all the benefits that come with the Visa Infinite Privilege program, excellent insurance offers, and even access to airport lounges globally.

• Generous welcome offer
• $200 annual lifestyle credit, which you can use however you like
• 6 complimentary airport lounge visits per year
• A full suite of insurance benefits, including emergency medical
• Higher annual fee of $499
• Rewards earnings don’t make sense for average spenders considering the annual fee
• Larger income requirements of $150,000 per person or $200,000 per household
• Accelerated earn rate only applies to the first $100,000 in annual purchases
• Welcome offer of up to 90,000 points (50,000 after spending $6,000 in the first three months and 40,000 when you spend at least $100,000 in the first year).
• Earn 5 times the BMO Rewards points on purchases from grocery stores, restaurants, drugstores, gas stations and travel expenses
• Earn 1 BMO Reward point for every dollar spent on all other purchases
• Based on average Canadian spending, Forbes Advisor Canada estimates this card could earn -$68.90 in rewards value per year, with the annual fee factored in
• Get a $200 annual credit for lifestyle expenses to use however you wish
• Out-of-province emergency medical insurance up to $5 million per insured person per trip
• Trip cancellation insurance up to $2,500 per insured person, per trip
• Trip interruption/delay insurance up to $5,000 per insured person per trip
• Flight delay insurance of up to $1,000 per trip
• Baggage insurance between $500 and $1,000 for delay, lost or stolen luggage
• Hotel burglary insurance: up to $2,500
• Car rental collision/loss damage insurance up to $85,000 for up to 48 days
• Common carrier insurance in case of death or dismemberment of up to $500,000 per insurance person
• Receive coverage for mobile device insurance up to $1,000
• Purchase security & extended warranty insurance
• Earn 25% extra points when you include an authorized user on your account
• Redeem points for as low as a dollar using the Pay with Points feature after reviewing your recent transactions
• Experience Visa Airport Companion membership and six free airport lounge visits annually, which have a value of over $250 US
• Gain access to airport services like priority security lanes, airport parking and valet services discounts at select Canadian airports
• Enjoy the Visa Infinite Dining Series and Visa Infinite Wine Country

Best for travelling to the U.S.

Cibc aventura® visa infinite* card.

Up to 60,000 Aventura points

$139 (waived in the first year)

Airport lounge access is easier to achieve with lower income requirements and up to 60,000 Aventura points within your first four months of card membership. This card also comes with fully loaded insurance benefits, a NEXUS application fee rebate and a decent earn rate to rack up points faster.

• 4 complimentary visits at over 1,200 airport lounges globally
• Annual fee rebate on your first year
• Points don’t expire
• Visa Infinite access
• Welcome offer could be better
• Welcome offer of up to 60,000 Aventura Points (up to $1,200 in travel value): 15,000 Aventura Points after making your first purchase, 20,000 Aventura Points after spending $3,000 or more in net purchases in the first 4 monthly statement periods and 25,000 Aventura Points after having at least $6,000 in net purchases posted to your account in the first 4 monthly statement periods
• $139 annual fee, rebated on your first year of card membership
• 4 complimentary airport lounge passes, valued at nearly $200
• 1 NEXUS application fee rebate, a $50 value
• $60,000 minimum income requirement, $100,000 household
• Earn 2 points for every dollar spent through the CIBC rewards centre
• Earn 1.5 points for every dollar spent on gas, groceries, drug stores and EV charging stations
• Earn 1 point for every dollar spent on all other purchases.
• Points can be used for flights on any airline with points that don’t expire and cover airfare taxes and fees
• Built-in travel insurance, including emergency medical, travel accident, trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay and baggage insurance.
• Includes rental car collision/loss damage insurance, mobile device insurance and hotel/motel burglary insurance.
• Access personalized travel booking and trip planning with no booking fees through Aventura’s travel assistant
• Visa Infinite concierge service, hotel collection, and dining and wine country program
• Offer is not available to residents of Quebec
• Terms and conditions apply

Best Visa for free lounge access

With six airport lounge access passes, no foreign exchange fees and a reasonable income requirement, this is a great travel credit card . The flexibility of the Scene+ program allows you to book your own travel and redeem it at full value. If you shop for groceries at Sobeys, FreshCo (or other associated brands) and like going to the movies, this could be the perfect card for you.

Learn more:  Read our  Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Review

• 6 complimentary airport lounge access passes to 1,200+ airport lounges
• No foreign exchange fees
• Book with Scene+ Travel or wherever you like and redeem points to cover your costs
• Avis Preferred Plus membership
• No mobile device insurance
• Earn up to $1,300 in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points and first year annual fee waived
• Earn 3x Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
• Earn 2x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including rideshares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
• Plus earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
• No Foreign Transaction Fee
• 6 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access
• Comprehensive Travel Insurance coverage
• Visa Infinite* Concierge Services
• Visa Infinite* Hotel Collection
• Visa Infinite* Dining and Wine Country program
• Rates, fees and other information are effective as of Jan.4, 2024. Subject to change.

Best for Maple Leaf Lounge Access

True to its name, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card is exclusive and expensive, but brings to bear a broad array of perks and benefits, along with a surprisingly accessible credit score threshold.

• Unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges for you and your companion
• Six Lounge access passes at over 1,200 locations globally
• Incredible welcome offer
• Comprehensive insurance offerings
• Ongoing NEXUS application fee rebate
•  Expensive annual fee
• Requires minimum personal income of $150,000 a year or $200,000 in annual household income
• Earn up to $2,900 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points (enough for a round trip to Honolulu†) and additional travel benefits. Conditions Apply. Account must be approved by June 3, 2024.
• Earn a welcome bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase with your new card† .
• Earn an additional 40,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $10,000 within 180 days of Account opening†.
• Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $15,000 within 12 months of Account opening†.
• Enroll for NEXUS and once every 48 months get an 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 card holders get 6 complimentary worldwide select airport lounge visits annually through the Visa Airport Companion Program†.
• This offer is not available to residents of Quebec.
• †Terms and conditions apply.

Best for frequent travellers

Flash your metal card for complimentary valet service and priority security lane at Pearson Airport to speed up your entry into over 1,300 airport lounges around the world. A generous welcome offer, comprehensive insurance and the perks and benefits of Amex membership make this card a great selection for the finer things in life.

Learn more:  Read our Platinum Card® From American Express Review

• Access to over 1,300 airport lounges around the world
• Great welcome bonus of up to 100,000 membership rewards points
• Outstanding travel rewards and benefits
• As a charge card, it can negatively impact your credit score if you don’t pay in full on each bill’s due date
• $799 is the highest annual fee among major Canadian credit cards
• The rewards earnings don’t make sense for average spenders considering the high annual fee
• Earn rate is not as strong as other Amex cards
• Unlock special experiences with the Platinum Card®
• Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points – that’s up to $1,000 towards a weekend away
• 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 1,300 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
• 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.

Best for occasional travellers

60,000 BMO Rewards points

$150 (waived the first year)

With a free Dragonpass membership and four free airport lounge passes per year, 5 points on every dollar spent on travel, and a sneaky good insurance benefit this is a nice card for frequent travellers, especially when the annual fee is waived in the first year.

• Use this card to pay a partial cost (taxes and fees) to access the insurance
• Annual fee waived for the first year
• Not the most valuable points
• Includes 4 free passes per year with free membership in Mastercard Travel Pass by DragonPass
• Free access to over 1 million Boingo Wi-Fi hotspots
• Welcome offer of 60,000 BMO Rewards points (30,000 points when you spend $3,000 in the first three months and 2,500 points when you spend at least $2,000 on the card per month for 12 months).
• Minimum $80,000 (individual) or $150,000 (household) annual income requirement
• Earn 5 BMO Rewards points per dollar spent on travel (max $15,000 per year)
• Earn 3 BMO Rewards points per dollar spent on dining and entertainment (max $10,000 annually per category)
• Earn 3 BMO Rewards Points on recurring bill payments (i.e. subscriptions, utilities)
• Earn 1 BMO Rewards points per $1 spent on everything else
• Based on average Canadian spending, Forbes Advisor Canada estimates this card could earn $237.67 in rewards value per year, with the annual fee factored in
• Emergency medical insurance of up to $2 million
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance of up to $2,500 per insured person
• Flight delay insurance of up to $500 per trip
• Car rental insurance and collision damage waiver
• Up to 25% off car rentals with National and Alamo Rent a Car

Best for Flexible booking

35,000 Avion points

With the flexible freedom to book on any airline at any time and a strong uniform earning rate of 1.25 Avion points per dollar spent, this RBC credit card is great for those who want airport lounge access. You can also enjoy airport security fast track lanes and dedicated airport parking at select Canadian airports. Its insurance may be the strongest among all the cards on this list, too.

• Includes six annual passes to DragonPass airport lounges
• Book flights on any airline, any flight, at any time
• Strong uniform earning rate of 1.25 Avion points per dollar spent
• Use points to a business or first-class flight at $0.2 per point
• Industry-leading insurance coverage
• Minimum income requirement of $200,000 for individual or household
• High annual fee
• Rewards don’t make sense for average spenders considering the annual fee
• Weaker welcome offer
• Six annual complimentary visits to DragonPass lounges
• Priority airport services in Canada (except Pearson)
• Earn 1.25 Avion points for every $1 spent
• Based on average Canadian spending, Forbes Advisor Canada estimates this card could earn -$100.38 in rewards value per year, with the annual fee factored in
• Emergency medical travel insurance with no cap
• Trip cancellation of up to $2,500 per person
• Trip interruption insurance of up to $5,000 per person
• Common carrier travel accident insurance of $500,000
• Flight delay insurance of up to $1,000
• Delayed baggage insurance of up to $3,000
• Lost or stolen baggage insurance of up to $2,500
• Extended warranty of up to two years.
• Purchase protection against damage or theft up to 120 days after your purchase
• Mobile device insurance of up to $1,500

Best affordable alternative

American express® gold rewards card.

Up to 60,000 Membership Rewards points

Affordable Amex benefits, a decent welcome offer and four complimentary airport lounge visits a year at Canadian Plaza Premium Lounges.

Learn more:  Read our American Express Gold Rewards Card Review

• Four complimentary visits per calendar year to Canadian Plaza Premium Lounges
• $100 annual travel credit
• $50 NEXUS statement credit
• The metal card is available in gold or rose gold
• Other lounge visits are subject to a usage fee
• Earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points:
• New American Express® Gold Rewards Cardmembers, earn 5,000 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $1,000 in net purchases on your Card
• This could add up to 60,000 points in a year. That’s up to $600 towards your next vacation
• Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases for eligible travel purchases, including flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more
• Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases at eligible gas stations, grocery stores and drugstores in Canada, and 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else
• The Card is now available in your choice of Gold or Rose Gold metal options
• Receive a $50 CAD statement credit when a NEXUS application or renewal fee is charged to your American Express Gold Rewards Card
• You have access to an annual $100 CAD Travel Credit, compliments of your American Express Gold Rewards Card. Use the credit once annually towards any single travel booking of $100 or more charged to your Gold Rewards Card through American Express Travel Online
• As a Gold Rewards Cardmember, you can receive complimentary membership in Priority PassTM – one of the world’s largest independent airport lounge programs. Escape the chaos of airports and relax in an oasis of calm and simply enjoy the fact that the travel experience has begun before your plane has even left the ground. Enrollment is required and entry fees apply
• Enjoy four (4) complimentary visits per Calendar year to Plaza Premium Lounges across Canada. Entry fees apply once complimentary visits have been used
• Charge any eligible purchase to your credit Card then log in to redeem your earned points for a statement credit
• 1 Free Additional Gold Rewards Card (a $50 value) to help you earn points faster
• Subject to approval. The preferred rate for purchases is 21.99% and funds advances is 21.99%. If you have Missed Payments, the applicable rates for your account will be 25.99% and/or 28.99%. See the information box included with the application for the definition of Missed Payment and which rates apply to charges on your account and other details
• American Express is not responsible for maintaining of monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information click the Apply now link. Conditions apply.

When determining a rating for individual credit cards, the Forbes Advisor Canada editorial team factors in an exhaustive list of data points. With airport lounge access credit cards, the scoring model used takes into account factors such as, but not limited to, the actual lounge access specifics, cash-back rates and categories, fees, welcome bonuses and other rewards and features. Keep in mind, what may be best for some people might not be right for you. Conduct informed research before deciding which cards will best help you achieve your financial goals.

CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege

A premium travel card perfect for frequent flyers seeking luxury and comfort. With full access to Maple Leaf Lounges and six complimentary visits to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, and the convenience of priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling, this card truly takes flying to new heights.

Rewards: Earn 1.5 Aeroplan points per dollar spent on gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, and travel & dining. Get 2 Aeroplan points per dollar spent directly with Air Canada, and 1.25 points per dollar spent on all other purchases. Double your points at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands, including Starbucks, LCBO, and Amazon.

Welcome Offer: Get up to 90,000 Aeroplan points (worth up to $1,800 in travel value) and a free first checked bag for two travellers on round-trip flights with Air Canada, a value of $120. Spend $3,000 in the first three months to get 60,000 points and spend $6,000 in the first six months to earn an additional 30,000 points.

Annual Fee: $599 (but you can get an annual fee rebate of $139 with a CIBC Smart Plus Account).

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card offers a host of benefits, including worldwide companion passes, excellent travel insurance including emergency travel medical, travel accident, trip delay/cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage insurance, and rental car insurance. You’ll also get purchase security, extended protection insurance, and mobile device insurance. However, its high annual fee of $599 and income requirements may put it out of reach for some. Know that the annual worldwide companion pass requires a minimum spend of $25,000 per year, and the full welcome bonus is only truly realized—renew the card and get your final 30,000 points.

———————————————————————————-

CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege

CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege is an excellent travel rewards card for those who want to earn points quickly for exclusive travel perks. You can accumulate points faster with an impressive welcome bonus and generous earn rates, making travel more accessible.

Rewards: You can earn 3 points for every dollar spent on travel through the CIBC Rewards Center and 2 points for every dollar spent on dining, entertainment, gas, transportation, electric vehicle charging, and groceries. For all other purchases, you can earn 1.25 points for every dollar spent.

Welcome Offer: Get a welcome bonus of 80,000 Aventura points (up to $1,600 in travel value) when you spend $3,000 within the first four months of account opening. The final 30,000 Aventura points of the welcome bonus can only be unlocked after one year with the card.

Annual Fee: The annual fee for this card is $499, but you can receive an annual fee rebate of up to $139 with a CIBC Smart Plus account.

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege includes 6 complimentary visits at over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, two NEXUS application fee rebates, and a $200 annual travel credit (so your annual fee is actually $299). With a full suite of insurance coverage, including emergency medical and extended warranty coverage, it protects its members well. However, this card does have some drawbacks, like the high annual fee and income requirements. You also lose some flexibility in having to book travel through the CIBC Rewards Centre. Oh, and no free first checked baggage? A minor detail, but lacking “privilege.”

BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege

BMO’s elite travel card gives you airport perks like 6 complimentary airport lounge access passes, a general welcome offer to get you flying right away, and the luxury that comes along with Visa’s Infinite Privilege program.

Welcome offer: Get up to 90,000 points. You get 50,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first three months and unlock the remaining 40,000 when you spend at least $100,000 in the first year (that’s just over $8,000 per month).

Annual fee: $499 (you can apply annual $200 lifestyle credit to it, though)

Rewards: You can earn 5 times the BMO rewards points on everyday purchases like groceries, restaurants, drugstores and, of course, your VIP travel experiences. You’ll also get 1 point for every dollar you spend elsewhere.

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: While this card gives you lounge membership to airport lounge programs, it doesn’t include Maple Leaf Lounges. However, you also get a Visa Airport Companion membership (valued at $250) to give you and your partner or travel companion to share in the airport lounge benefits. You’ll also get other airport benefits like priority security lanes, airport parking and valet service discounts. You’ll need a minimum income of $150,000, though.

Get airport lounge access without the airport lounge fees with an affordable credit card loaded with quality travel insurance.

Rewards: Earn 2 points for every dollar spent on travel with CIBC’s rewards centre, 1.5 points for every dollar on gas, EV charging, groceries, and drudge stores, and 1 point per dollar spent everywhere else.

Welcome Offer: Earn up to 60,000 Aventura Points (up to $1,200 in travel value): 15,000 Aventura Points after making your first purchase, 20,000 Aventura Points after spending $3,000 or more in net purchases in the first 4 monthly statement periods and 25,000 Aventura Points after having at least $6,000 in net purchases posted to your account in the first 4 monthly statement periods. Terms and conditions apply. This offer is not available to residents of Quebec.

Annual Fee: $139 (one time annual fee rebate of $139)

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: This card is all about accessing luxury travel for less. You get airport lounge access, a NEXUS fee rebate, and the same great travel insurance as the elite travel credit cards, without paying an annual fee in the first year. You don’t get Maple Leaf lounge access, but CIBC gives you LoungeKey opening the doors to airport lounges around the world. The only dilemma is the subpar welcome offer, but it’s enough points to fly to any location in Canada or the continental U.S. for one person.

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite

A travel credit card with 6 complimentary airport lounge access visits, no foreign exchange fees, and great earn rates for a low annual fee make this card another great option for anyone meeting their $60,000 minimum annual income requirement.

Rewards: Earn 3 Scene+ points for every dollar you spend at Sobey’s and its associated branded stores, and 2 Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on daily transit, dining out, and entertainment tickets.

Welcome Offer: To get 35,000 Scene+ points, you need to spend at least $1,000 in everyday purchases in your first three months—that’ll give you 25,000. The other 10,000 Scene+ points come when you spend at least $40,000 annually (just over $3,000 per month).

Annual Fee: $150 (supplementary cards are free)

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: Six complimentary visits to airport lounges make this card pretty sweet. Throw in the no foreign exchange fees and comprehensive insurance benefits all for a fee of $150 makes this a card worth having in your wallet. With any other card on this list, if you spend $6,000 abroad, the foreign exchange fees add up to $150. However, if you don’t shop at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, or Foodland, you won’t earn as fast (not that we’re complaining about the 2 points at other grocery stores).

Elite travel is unlocked with unlimited access to Maple Leaf lounges (for you and a guest) and six lounge visits for each card holder at more than 1,200 other airport lounges is great, but there’s more. Priority airport services (think boarding, baggage handling, standby and airport upgrades), an every-four-years NEXUS application fee rebate and an annual round-trip companion pass, what’s not to love (other than the annual fee)?

Rewards: Earn 2 Aeroplan Points for every dollar spent on Air Canada ® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations ® ), 1.5 points for every dollar spent on gas, groceries, travel and dining purchases and 1.25 points for every dollar spent on all other purchases made with your card.

Welcome Offer: Earn a welcome bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase with your new card. Earn an additional 40,000 Aeroplan points† when you spend $10,000 within 180 days of Account opening. Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $15,000 within 12 months of Account opening.† Terms and conditions Apply. Not available for residents of Quebec. Account must be approved by June 3, 2024.

Annual Fee: $599

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: If you’re looking at premium credit cards that come with lounge membership, this is your ticket to VIP travel. An annual round-trip companion pass for $99 (plus fees, etc.), extensive insurance, NEXUS rebate every four years, priority airport services like boarding, baggage handling, airport standby and airport upgrades, and unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges for you and a guest and an additional six lounge visits at global airport lounges—it’s hard to beat it. Of course, to travel like this, you can also afford the high annual fee and minimum personal income requirement of $150,000. Starbucks loved this card so much that you can earn 50% more Aeroplan points and Starbucks stars to boot.

AMEX always makes the list of premium credit cards and here’s why: access to airport lounges around the world, concierge services , travel coverage and a fantastic welcome offer.

Rewards: Earn 2 Membership rewards points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and food delivery, 2 points per dollar on eligible travel, and 1 point per dollar on everything else.

Welcome Offer: 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.

Annual Fee: $799

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: It’s a charge card, so not only are you paying a $799 annual fee, you’ll also be charged a 30% annual interest rate for not paying off your card in full every month. That said, 100,000 membership points transfer 1:1 to Aeroplan points and you unlock access to them in the first three months (after $10,00 spent). It has a full suite of insurance options, unlimited global lounge access, and hotel, dining, and entertainment benefits as well.

At 5 points for every dollar spent on travel, 4 free airport lounge passes per year, and excellent travel and medical coverage (even if you charge a portion of your trip to the card), it’s a great card for worry-free travel.

Rewards: For every dollar you spend on the card, you earn 5 points on travel purchases, 3 points on groceries, dining and event tickets and 1 point on all other purchases.

Welcome Offer: 60,000 points in the first year. 30,000 points when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months and 2,500 points for each subsequent month in which you spend at least $2,000 on the card for up to 12 months.

Annual Fee: $150 (waived in the first year)

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: The strongest part of this card is the insurance you can access for a partial charge of your travel to the card (e.g., taxes and fees of your trip). While the four annual complimentary lounge passes (4 solos, or 2 as a couple) and complimentary Boingo Wi-Fi membership are nice, the high spending requirement for the remaining 30,000 points doesn’t draw us in. Though, with no annual fee in the first year, it may be worth it for the insurance package alone.

For Avioners with high incomes and the desire for a single credit card, RBC’s premium travel credit card’s unique uniform 1.25 points per dollar spent, may suit your needs.

Rewards: You’ll earn 1.25 the points for every dollar you spend across the board, regardless of category.

Welcome Offer: Get 35,000 Avion points on approval.

Annual Fee: $399

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: With six annual complimentary airport lounge visits to DragonPass lounges, priority airport services like fast-tracking security in Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver and Toronto’s Billy Bishop airports, and one of the best insurance packages, including 31 days of emergency medical travel insurance, RBC’s card for best lounge access is simple and straightforward with all the perks and benefits of Visa’s Infinite Privilege program.

A less-expensive, but feature-rich sister card of AMEX’s The Platinum, this is a go-to solution for those who want to stay with American Express but not pay the high-end annual fee.

Rewards: You get 2 points per dollar spent on gas, groceries, drugstores, and travel purchases and 1 point per dollar spent on everything else.

Welcome Offer: Get up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points; New Cardmembers earn 5,000 Membership Rewards® points in each monthly billing period when you spend $1,000 in net purchases on your Card, this could add up to 60,000 points in a year. That’s up to $600 towards your next vacation.

Annual Fee: $250 (annual travel credit can be applied to reduce the fee)

Other Benefits and Drawbacks: For $250 (or $150 if you apply the annual travel credit), this card unlocks a lot of membership rewards points, a solid earn rate, and four complimentary visits to Plaza Premium Lounges, it’s a decent card. You’ll also get a Priority Pass membership, but you’ll have to pay to enter, which hurts this card’s reputation among the best lounge access cards. The insurance coverage takes a step back but still maintains emergency medical insurance, just not for as many days. While I applaud the relaunch of an iconic product with the rose gold metal option, if I can’t confidently flash it and walk into an airport lounge, then I’m not totally sold.

Airport lounge access is a popular credit card perk with frequent flyers as it gives cardholders admittance to airport lounges around the world. Airport lounges provide travellers with a break from travel chaos, offering food, drinks, comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi and even premium amenities such as showers, sleep pods and even spas. While it’s possible to purchase a membership to an airport lounge program, perhaps the easiest way to access an airport lounge is with your credit card. The terms of access vary depending on the card: some offer unlimited access each year while others offer a number of complimentary visits, usually four or six visits each membership year.

If you’re looking for the best credit card for airport lounge access, you’ll want to consider what that means to you. Check which lounge programs are available at the airport you fly from most often. You may also want to consider what amenities these airport lounge programs offer and if the pass (or passes) you may get each year allow you to bring any guests or if you’ll have to pay extra on top of the membership to the program.

There are many ways to get airport lounge access.

1. Credit Card Lounge Programs

Many credit cards include airport lounge access, but “access” can mean different things, depending on the program. Some only include a complimentary membership and then you have to pay for entry to the actual airport lounge. Others include a membership with a number (or unlimited amount) of free entries to the airport lounges. In some cases, your credit card can offer free lounge access for both you and a guest as well.

Here are some notable credit card airport lounge programs:

• American Express Global Lounge Collection: Amex Platinum cardholders can access more than 1,300 airport lounges across 140 countries (and counting), including Centurion Lounges, Escape Lounges–The Centurion Studio Partner, Delta SkyClub, Plaza Premium Lounges, Lufthansa, Priority Pass, Eurostar Business Premier Lounges, and more. Access requirements and guest policies vary by location.
• Aeroplan Credit Cards: Aeroplan, Air Canada’s loyalty program, is popular among travellers for many benefits including lounge access with eligible cards. For example, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card offers access to select Maple Leaf Lounges (as well as the Air Canada Cafe) in North America for a same-day ticket on departing Air Canada or Star Alliance flights. The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card offers unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges for you and a companion, and six lounge access passes. Related: Best Aeroplan Credit Cards in Canada
• DragonPass (via the Visa Airport Companion and Mastercard Travel Pass programs): DragonPass includes over 1,300 lounges worldwide (including 20 in Canada) in its airport lounge network. The Visa Infinite Privilege Card includes the Visa Airport Companion Program benefit, hosted by DragonPass, that includes six free lounge visits per membership year. Premium Mastercards, such as the BMO Air Miles World Elite Mastercard and BMO Ascend World , offer access to this exclusive lounge. Even with a membership, the number of free passes offered differs by credit card.

2. Purchase an Annual Membership

You can purchase an annual membership to a lounge program of your choice.

For example, DragonPass offers memberships starting at $99 US.

3. Buy a Day Pass

The most straightforward way to get lounge access is this one. You can purchase a day pass for your date of travel. However, this strategy may not give you the best value overall.

Not all airport lounges are the same, and they’re not operated by the same companies either. An airport lounge can exist via several different operators, such as:

Airline Lounges

This would be an airport lounge affiliated with the airline you’re flying with. For example, Air Canada offers lounges called Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges at airports across Canada for its customers and/or Aeroplan credit card holders.

American Express Lounges

American Express has a line of airport lounges, called the American Express Global Lounge Collection. They currently offer 1,300 airport lounges in 140 countries.

Capital One Lounges

Capital One is another credit card company that offers airport lounges. There are currently three Capital One Lounges: the first is in the Dallas/ Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in Texas, the second opened at Dulles International Airport (IAD) in September 2023 and the third opened in Denver International Airport (DEN) as of November 2023. Capital One is expected to open more airport lounges in 2024.

Chase Lounges

Chase is a U.S. bank that offers airport lounges, with their latest opening in Boston.

Priority Pass Lounges

A Priority Pass membership gives you access to over 1,300 airport lounges across the world. Many credit cards include this membership and free entry up to a limit.

Other Notable Lounges

DragonPass is another airport lounge membership that allows access to over 1,300 airport lounges across the world.

DragonPass and Priority Pass are both programs that provide access to lounges at partner airports worldwide. While Priority Pass is perhaps more widely known, since 2022 DragonPass offers access to the Plaza Premium lounges in Canada (among others) and has become the partner of choice for Visa and Mastercard cards, including the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard. While the lounge offerings are similar between cards, not every airport lounge is included in both programs. For example, with Priority Pass, the only lounge currently available at Toronto Lester B. Pearson Airport (YYZ) is in Terminal 1 and is only for flights to the U.S. With DragonPass, however, there are eight lounges available, including ones in Terminal 3 for international and domestic flights, and Terminal 1 for domestic, international and transborder flights. All things being equal, choosing between programs may come down to what airports (and lounges) you frequent the most.

The number of lounge passes differs between credit cards, with some offering free membership to a lounge but requiring purchase of passes above a certain limit. However, the American Express Platinum Card offers free unlimited access to over 1,300 airport lounges through The American Express Global Lounge Collection. If you’re a frequent flyer, the card’s hefty annual fee may be worth it for the free lounge access. The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege card offers unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge visits and six free visits worldwide through the Visa Airport Companion Program.

Short answer: it depends. Many credit cards that give access to the more premium airport lounges come with a steep annual fee. Consider how often you travel and compare the annual fee to how much you would pay out of pocket for airport lounge access without the credit card membership. You should also take into account the other useful perks, like the travel insurance, cash back and rewards points that may be offered by that particular credit card.

Which credit card is best for travel lounges?

It really depends on your personal preferences. For instance, the TD Aeroplan Infinite Privilege Visa Card gives you  complimentary membership into the Visa Airport Companion Program by DragonPass, including six complimentary passes per year to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, but American Express’s The Platinum Card gives you unlimited access to 1,300 lounges worldwide. You’ll also need to compare annual fees , insurance packages, and welcome offers to truly know which one suits you best. Sometimes, you’ll need to meet minimum income requirements, a high monthly minimum spend and have an excellent credit score .

Are airport lounge cards worth it?

Credit cards with airport lounge access earn their worth if you’re a frequent traveller who values comfort and convenience. Escape the crowds and noise of the terminal, enjoy complimentary food and drinks and take advantage of other amenities like showers, workspaces, Wi-Fi and sometimes even sleep pods. Plus, some of these credit cards offer additional benefits like priority boarding, baggage fee waivers and travel credits. However, there is often a higher annual fee with this type of card, so weigh your options if you don’t travel much or are OK sitting at the gate.

What Canadian credit cards give you access to airport lounges?

There are many credit cards on our list offering airport lounge access to their cardholders. Check out the Mastercard Travel Pass Program, the Visa Airport Companion Program (both powered by DragonPass and providing access to more than 1,200 airport lounges globally), and finally the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which is the largest collection of airport lounges available worldwide at more than 1,300.

Is lounge access free with Mastercard?

Mastercard’s Travel Pass program powered by DragonPass provides access to airport lounges worldwide with eligible World or World Elite Mastercard credit cards, including the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard and the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard.

Which Visa cards have lounge access?

The following Visa credit cards offer lounge access: CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege (six free visits), CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege (six free visits), BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege (six free visits), CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite (four free visits), Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite (six free visits), TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege (unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge visits and six free other lounge visits) and RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege (six free visits).

Which credit card offers free airport lounge access in Canada?

All the credit cards on this list offer either a number of complimentary visits or unlimited access to select airport lounges. Some credit cards that boast airport lounge access only offer a complimentary membership to the program, with cardholders still having to pay either a discounted fee or the full fee upon lounge entry.

Should I have multiple cards with lounge access?

If you use airport lounge access frequently, it may be worth it, or at least worth switching to a card that allows unlimited access to airport lounges.

How long can I stay in an airport lounge?

Typically, you can stay two to three hours before your departure in the airport lounge.

How many times can you access an airport lounge with a credit card?

It depends. Each credit card on this list offers a number of complimentary visits and some credit cards offer unlimited access. Plus, even after you exhaust your complimentary passes, you can pay for the privilege of accessing as many airport lounges as you want, thanks to your complimentary membership to an airport lounge program.

What is included for free with airport lounge access?

It depends on the specific lounge, but most include complimentary entertainment, coffee, tea, snacks, alcoholic beverages, electronic device charging and Wi-Fi.

Our partner’s are not responsible for anything reported by Forbes Advisor. To the best of our knowledge, everything is accurate at the time of publishing as of the date posted. For full information and details, please visit the advertiser’s website.

Tyler has written financial content for over five years and is the former host of Ratehub.ca's Real Money Talk podcast. He enjoys reading, writing, and listening to hot jams on cool nights. He is a father of two, a husband to one and a builder of tiny things.

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Personal Finance

Scotia Passport Infinite card, Airport lounge access

• Last Updated:

Mar 13th, 2023 11:46 pm

• Search this thread

Aug 4th, 2022 9:22 am

• Reply with quote

Aug 4th, 2022 9:53 am

Aug 4th, 2022 10:02 am

StatsGuy wrote: ↑ what launch access? you mean lounges? it's not as good as amex..you only get 6 passes a year to certain lounges covered as part of visa's lounge program https://visaairportcompanion.ca/home?lang=en the card itself for earnings is pretty abysmal and scene+ is a mess, only reason to keep the card (for me at least) is because it's free (with scoita ultimate) and no fx fees. but with how terrible scene+ is, i don't use the card anymore you can't convert pts to other Loyalty programs, all you can do is redeem your points towards eligible charges to your card... at basically 1% back for most things with certain categories at like 2% ( grocery stores, dining, entertainment purchases, transportation).. it's a pretty garbage card imo in terms of earnings..and the insurance is pretty bad on it that i don't use it for actual travel bookings and no fx fee is offset somewhat by its low earnings rate

Aug 4th, 2022 10:03 am

Aug 4th, 2022 10:11 am

TrueToy wrote: ↑ has anyone gotten scotia to waive af on this card? i dont use the lounge passes anymore and i can get a different no fx card. i use this card to pull cash out of foreign atm's at visa rates +5$ cash advance fee (but i dont pay interest because i pre-pay the amount)

Aug 4th, 2022 10:22 am

Blessed. wrote: ↑ What does this VISA COMPANION APP do ?

Aug 4th, 2022 10:23 am

Blessed. wrote: ↑ Sorry about the type, yes lounges. Is there a better card for lounges ? We bank with TD, Scotia and Simplii. Everywhere we have premium accounts, with TD we even have 2 small business accounts. We use credit card a lot, over $20,000 a month on average. Which would be our best options ? TIA

Aug 4th, 2022 10:55 am

Aug 4th, 2022 10:58 am

StatsGuy wrote: ↑ amex platinum... unltd lounge access for cardholder and one guest and way bigger selection of lounges...also priority security lanes at some airports including yyz. of course the fee is much higher for it..and you have to decide if the benefits are worth the annual fee to you to get lounge access, you signup with visa companion with your credit card (That's how they know if your card qualifies for lounges and how many passes you get), you then use your visa companion app/account to get access to lounges at airports. its basically what priority pass was (PP used to be lounge provider for this card and others, but visa has cut loose from PP and come up with their own) while i'm pretty harsh on the scotiabank PP infinite, it does as far as i know give the most amount of "Free" passes at 6 for a card that you can get with no annual fee (with scotia ultimate) since other "freebie" cards like CIBC gold aventura is only 4 and i think aeroplan visa infinite privilege is only 4 as well? (but the free bags on AC make aeroplan visa cards a good value and nexus reimbursement )

Aug 4th, 2022 11:13 am

Blessed. wrote: ↑ Are you talking about TD aeroplan visa, if yes, we have that for our business account, I didn't knew we get free bags on Air Canada with that card ?

The Primary Cardholder or Additional Cardholder, and up to eight (8) other passengers travelling on the same reservation (up to a maximum of nine (9) travellers), are each entitled to a free first checked bag up to 23kg/50lbs. Benefit only applies when checking in with Air Canada, for a flight operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge or under the Air Canada Express brand. Benefit is not available if check-in is with another airline. If the first checked bag is already complimentary (for example, as a result of Aeroplan Elite Status or fare purchased), there is no additional checked bag benefit that will be provided. Free first checked bag benefit may not be applied retroactively, and no refunds will be issued. Service charges for additional/oversized/overweight baggage may apply.

Aug 4th, 2022 1:54 pm

StatsGuy wrote: ↑ I think you need TD Aeroplan visa infinite (don't know if there's a lower/free tier?) or above to get the one free checked bag for upto 8 people on same reservation You don't even need to pay with the card to get the free bags as it's linked to your Aeroplan account. When you login to Aeroplan, the main page should say "credit card holder" on the fake card backdrop and that's how you know you'll get free bags at check in if you had linked the card to your Aeroplan which you should if it's earning Aeroplan pts already

Mar 13th, 2023 10:19 pm

cn_habs wrote: ↑ How often can you redeem your scene points? I was going to apply for this credit card but I am wondering if there are any limits to redeeming the points. Thanks.

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