Best Insurance coverage Credit Cards in Canada for 2024

While geared towards young people, the American Express Cobalt^® Card  has plenty features and benefits that make it appealing to a wide range of people. It offers 5x more points on eats and drinks from grocery shopping to dining out, and 2x points on travel and transit. Additionally, the ability to transfer points to hotel partners or to the Fixed Points Travel Program makes this the best travel credit card in Canada with a fee. If you spend a lot on food and travel, then this credit card deserves a place in your wallet.

• Generous first-year rewards - You have the ability to earn up to 15,000 bonus points in the first year.
• Redeem anything you want -Reward points can be redeemed for travel, restaurant, movies, and merchandise. Unlike other rewards card, you can use your points for almost anything you want.
• Transferability of points -You can transfer points into the Marriott Bonvoy rewards system which unlocks access to amazing rewards programs like British Airways, Aeroplan, and more than 30 other airline partners. You can also transfer to the Hilton Honors rewards program at 1:1 ratio.
• Monthly fee - Instead of paying for a one-time annual fee, you are charged every month, giving you time to test out the card and cancel it if it's not the right fit for your spending habits.
• Free supplementary card - This usually costs an additional $50 on most rewards card. Get one for an immediate family member and boost your earning potential.

The American Express Cobalt^® Card started out as a credit card designed for millennials and young professionals. Today, it’s one of the most flexible and versatile credit cards out there. In fact, it’s now commonly used by people from all walks of life because of the lucrative benefits. 

One reason the American Express Cobalt^® Card is so popular is because of the quick rewards that come with it. Points can be earned on everyday purchases which is what makes the earnings accumulate so rapidly. On food and drinks, such as grocery, restaurant, food delivery, bar and cafe purchases, cardholders earn five points per dollar spent. 

On transit and travel, cardholders earn two points per dollar spent. These rewards are not limited to vacation only, cardholders will earn points when they spend on public transit, taxis and Ubers too. All other purchases earn one point per dollar spent. As you can see, no matter what your lifestyle is, you’ll quickly rack up points! 

Points can be redeemed to cover the cost of flights and accommodation with 1,000 points being equivalent to $10. Flights don’t have any blackout dates and you can choose any airline you’d like. In addition, the points can be used to cover fees and taxes. If you don’t have an upcoming trip, you can also spend your points on events through Ticketmaster at a rate of 2,000 points to $20. As you probably noticed, the rate of return is the same when you spend on travel and events which is fantastic! For less bang for your buck, you can also use your points for gift cards or merchandise purchases. 

Cardholders benefit from travel insurance as well. The insurance covers things like travel accidents, car rental insurance, medical emergencies, flight interruption or delay among others. Last but not least, cardholders gain access to American Express Invites which are limited offer, exclusive events. 

All of these benefits sound amazing but there’s a cost for all the wonderful benefits. There’s a monthly fee of $12.99, which works out to be $155.88 per year. The monthly payment makes it easy for most to manage. Also, you need to make between $60,000 and $80,000 per year and have decent credit. The only disadvantage is the cap rate on the bonus points is 30,000. Another downside to this bonus is the points can’t be redeemed in a lump sum. This means there is a delay between when you earn the points and when you can redeem them. 

That being said, the American Express Cobalt^® Card is still an excellent option for those who travel a lot and make lots of eligible purchases.

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If you are comfortable with shelling out a small fee of $99 per year, then the SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express is one of the best cashback rewards cards. Those who want to maximize their rewards can take advantage of the limited-time 10% cashback rewards. It also offers a comprehensive insurance package that's worth more than $100 in value.

Why We Like It:

• High cashback rewards One of the highest we've seen, the 10% promo cash back is a welcome opportunity for people who have a major purchase coming up. After the four-month promotional period is up, it returns to a still high 2% cash back with no limits. Cash back is applied as a statement credit to your account each September.
• Complete suite of insurance and protection plans This Amex card offers extensive insurance that includes insurance against rental car damage, travel accident, foreign medical, and baggage theft as well as double manufacturer's warranty and insurance against theft or damage for purchases.

The SimplyCash Preferred credit card allows you to earn while you spend. There are no categories or limitations - wherever you spend, you’ll earn cash back with no earning caps. While the credit card does come with an annual fee of $99, you’ll benefit from numerous perks in addition to cash back.

The American Express SimplyCash Preferred Card offers cardholders an incredible range of benefits that include high cashback rates and a referral bonus. American Express offers exceptional customer service to its cardholders, with customer care professionals that are available to answer questions and deal with card problems, such as lost or stolen cards, 24 hours a day.

• Fantastic Welcome Offer. Earn up to $400 in Statement Credits
• Cash Back Rate. Earn 2% cash back on all purchases.
• Up to $1,500 cashback annually for approved referrals
• No Limit on Earnings. After the welcome offer expires, there are no limitations on earnings with the 2% rate. 
• Travel and Shopping Insurance. Travel abroad and shop around with peace of mind. Insurance coverage includes travel accident, car rental theft and damage, buyers assurance protection and much more.
• Entertainment Benefits. Access special event offers from American Express, such as theatre, music, fine dining, fashion and shopping.

• Cashback is earned on every purchase made with your card
• There are no limits on the amount of cashback you can receive
• Travel insurance limits are generous
• Early access to concerts and other events

• Amex isn't accepted as widely as Visa and Mastercard

The American Express SimplyCash Preferred Card is an excellent option for those who are looking for a generous cashback program. Individuals who travel frequently for business or pleasure can also benefit from this card's included travel insurance, which covers accidents, medical expenses, and even lost baggage. Although this card comes with great benefits, it's important for potential users to consider the downfalls, which is the fact that some retailers across Canada don't accept American Express cards.It is always good to have a Visa or Mastercard credit card as a backup.

For an annual fee of $139, card holders obtain an array of travel benefits including point travel redemption, travel insurance and airport lounge access. Scotiabank boasts about this credit card because it is the only major bank in Canada that offers a credit card with no foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

• Amazing Welcome Offer. When you spend $1,100 on the credit card within the first 12 months of ownership, you’ll earn 40,000 bonus points
• Bonus Earning Offers. If you spend $40,000 in a year with this credit card, you’ll earn an additional 10,000 points (worth about $100).
• Scotia Rewards Earnings. Earn 2 Scotia points for every dollar you spend on groceries, dining, entertainment and daily transit. Earn 1 Scotia point for every dollar spent on other purchases.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. While the exchange rate of your foreign purchases will still apply, you’ll save money on foreign transaction fees which would typically be 2.5%.
• Airport Lounge Access. A complimentary Priority Pass membership is provided with this credit card along with six free lounge visits per year.

The Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite*Card offers 2 points for every $1 spent on grocery store, dining, entertainment, and transit purchases, and 1 point per $1 on everything else. That’s hardly best-in-class, so why does the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card tie for best Scotiabank travel credit card?

Two reasons: a very lucrative bonus point offer and no foreign transaction fees.

Let’s start with the bonus points. You earn 30,000 welcome points when you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months. That’s worth up to $300, is easy to obtain, and is a solid reason to try this card for a year.

But wait, there’s more. Every year you charge $40,000 to your Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card, you’ll get 10,000 bonus points. If you can hit the $40,000 minimum each year, the 10,000 bonus points will nearly cancel out the $139 annual fee.

If that wasn’t enough, the Scotiabank Passport® Visa*doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees. It comes with a suite of travel insurance benefits, Visa Infinite benefits, and includes six free airport lounge passes.

With a generous rewards rate of up to 6 points per dollar on gas, groceries, restaurants and entertainment, the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card will help make your travel plans a reality. Plus, with a flexible points program, you can book you flights on your own schedule.

• Generous sign-up bonus -The Scotiabank Gold American Express® offers a way for new cardholders to quickly stockpile points. It lets you earn up to 45,000 bonus Scene+™ points in your first year (that’s up to $450 towards travel)   
• Flexible redemption options - With the Scotia Rewards Program, you can book your travel with any airline or hotel through its full-service travel agency. You can use your points to cover the whole cost of the trip, including taxes and fees, or combine your points and a charge to your card. Points can also be used to book hotels and rental cars.
• Travel convenience - Added features such as rental car discounts and hotel room upgrades are designed to make travel as convenient and comfortable as possible.
• Additional protection - This Amex credit card provides has one of the most comprehensive travel protection benefits with insurance against flight delays and lost baggage even insurance against burglaries.

With a generous rewards rate of up to 6 points per dollar on gas, groceries, restaurants and entertainment, the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card will help make your travel plans a reality. Plus, with a flexible points program, you can book you flights on your own schedule.Excellent credit card with 7 types of travel coverage and great reward earn rates.

• Generous sign-up bonus -The Scotiabank Gold American Express offers a way for new cardholders to quickly stockpile points. It lets you earn 45,000 bonus Scene+™ points in your first year. 
• Flexible redemption options - With the Scotia Rewards Program, you can book your travel with any airline or hotel through its full-service travel agency. You can use your points to cover the whole cost of the trip, including taxes and fees, or combine your points and a charge to your card. Points can also be used to book hotels and rental cars.
• Travel convenience - Added features such as rental car discounts and hotel room upgrades are designed to make travel as convenient and comfortable as possible.
• Additional protection - This Amex credit card provides has one of the most comprehensive travel protection benefits with insurance against flight delays and lost baggage even insurance against burglaries.

This card is the most exclusive credit card in the market however it comes with a $799 annual fee which is one the highest for a Canadian credit cards. The Platinum Card® is perfect for those who are looking for a luxury credit card with outstanding benefits, rewards, insurances, and platinum experiences. The annual fee is high however a frequent traveler will enjoy every single benefit on this card.

Platinum Card's rewards earn rate:

• Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
• Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
• Earn 1 point for every $1 in all other Card purchases

 
Pros

• Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points - that’s $1,000 towards a weekend away

No credit limit: There is no preset credit limit with this credit card

Premium airport lounge access: Complimentary access to over 1,300 airport lounges across 130 countries.

Premium insurance: The Platinum Card® offers different types of insurance like below:

• $500,000 Travel Accident
• Travel Emergency Assistance
• Trip Cancellation /Trip Interruption
• Car Rental Theft/Damage
• Lost or Stolen Baggage
• Flight Delay
• Baggage Delay

Cons

High annual fees: The Platinum Card has an annual fee of $799. Each additional card is $175.

National Bank’s most exclusive credit card is the World Elite Mastercard. Cardholders can take advantage of exclusive travel perks and earn points under the À la carte Rewards Plan at an accelerated rate. Check out the other benefits below.

• Annual fee of $150 and standard interest rates
• Earn points towards the À la carte Rewards Plan while you spend
• Earn 1.5 points per dollar spent on net purchases up to $40,000, earn 2 points per dollar spent on net purchases between $40,001 and $80,000, and earn 1.5 points per dollar spent over $80,001 in a year
• Eligibility for a travel expense refund
• Unlimited access to National Bank Lounge at the Montreal-Trudeau Airport for you and a guest
• Minimum annual income of $80,000 for an individual or $150,000 for a household, OR have a minimum of $400,000 in assets, OR be an existing client that spends at least $25,000 per year
• Extended warranty and comprehensive travel insurance coverage included

• Access to a special travel agency and a dedicated online store under the À la carte Rewards Plan
• Redeem points for merchandise, gift cards, vacation packages, plane tickets, travel experiences, À la carte Extras, or credit card statement credits
• National Bank is rated as one of the best banks for customer service support

• Tiered points earning system under the À la carte Rewards Plan
• Minimum annual incomes, expenditures, or savings are required to apply for this credit card
• Minimum credit limit of $5,000

®Mastercard, and World Elite are registered trademarks, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Authorized user: National Bank