Best companion ticket credit cards in Canada
Fact checked by Scott Birke
Updated Apr 14, 2025
11M
Readers
150+
Reviews
1,000+
Metrics
Partners on this page may provide us earnings.
Fact checked by Scott Birke
Updated Apr 14, 2025
11M
Readers
150+
Reviews
1,000+
Metrics
Partners on this page may provide us earnings.
$700 WestJet points†
Welcome Bonus
$667
First Year Value
$0
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get up to $700 in WestJet points†. Expires Jul 08, 2025
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$119
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard is a premium travel rewards credit card tailored for frequent WestJet travelers, offering elevated earn rates on WestJet flights and vacation packages, as well as on everyday purchases. Cardholders benefit from a generous welcome bonus, an annual companion voucher, complimentary first checked bags and access to over 1,300 global airport lounges; however, the card carries an annual fee and has high personal or household income requirements for eligibility.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$119
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
Rewards Westjet dollars
2
Earn 2 WestJet points on WestJet flights or WestJet vacation packages.
1.5
Earn 1.5 WestJet points on everyday purchases.
Wi-Fi
access to over 1 million Wi-Fi hotsports around the world with Boingo Wi-Fi for Mastercard
1
annual companion voucher (starting at $119)
3¢/L
savings at Petro-Canada and 20% more Petro-Points
$0
delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash
Insurance Benefits
$500,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to $700 in WestJet points† with the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard. Plus, get a Round-Trip Companion Voucher Every Year†.
Get up to 70,000 WestJet points:
30,000 WestJet points upon your first purchase
• 30,000 WestJet points when you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months
• 10,000 WestJet points after your first year
Offer valid until May 28, 2025.
Our Take
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard is a premium travel rewards credit card tailored for frequent WestJet travelers, offering elevated earn rates on WestJet flights and vacation packages, as well as on everyday purchases. Cardholders benefit from a generous welcome bonus, an annual companion voucher, complimentary first checked bags and access to over 1,300 global airport lounges; however, the card carries an annual fee and has high personal or household income requirements for eligibility.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$119
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
Rewards Westjet dollars
2
Earn 2 WestJet points on WestJet flights or WestJet vacation packages.
1.5
Earn 1.5 WestJet points on everyday purchases.
Wi-Fi
access to over 1 million Wi-Fi hotsports around the world with Boingo Wi-Fi for Mastercard
1
annual companion voucher (starting at $119)
3¢/L
savings at Petro-Canada and 20% more Petro-Points
$0
delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash
Insurance Benefits
$500,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to $700 in WestJet points† with the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard. Plus, get a Round-Trip Companion Voucher Every Year†.
Get up to 70,000 WestJet points:
30,000 WestJet points upon your first purchase
• 30,000 WestJet points when you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months
• 10,000 WestJet points after your first year
Offer valid until May 28, 2025.
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard stands out as one of Canada's most valuable travel cards, offering an exceptional annual companion voucher that can save you hundreds on flights. With an annual fee of just $119, this card delivers remarkable value for frequent WestJet flyers.
The signature benefit of this card is its annual companion voucher, which offers two affordable pricing options:
These prices cover the base fare only—taxes, fees and charges are extra. But even with those additional costs, the savings are substantial compared to purchasing two full-price tickets.
Disclosures:
up to $2,400 value*
Welcome Bonus
$2,985
First Year Value
$585
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get up to $2,400 in value* including 70,000 VIPorter points and a round-trip companion pass.* Expires Jan 31, 2026
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$199
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard is a premium travel credit card from Bank of Montreal (BMO) and Porter Airlines. The card features a huge welcome bonus, up to 3x on flights and a selection of great perks such as priority boarding, an annual companion pass and more. Porter is one of Canada’s fastest-growing airlines and focuses on travellers who value convenience and comfort, including no middle seats.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$199
Annual Fee
Rewards VIPorter Points
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to $2,400 in value* including 70,000 VIPorter points and a round-trip companion pass.* Plus receive $1,000 in Qualifying Spend.* Plus no annual fee in your first year*.
Our Take
The BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard is a premium travel credit card from Bank of Montreal (BMO) and Porter Airlines. The card features a huge welcome bonus, up to 3x on flights and a selection of great perks such as priority boarding, an annual companion pass and more. Porter is one of Canada’s fastest-growing airlines and focuses on travellers who value convenience and comfort, including no middle seats.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$199
Annual Fee
Rewards VIPorter Points
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to $2,400 in value* including 70,000 VIPorter points and a round-trip companion pass.* Plus receive $1,000 in Qualifying Spend.* Plus no annual fee in your first year*.
The BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard has quickly emerged as one of Canada's most compelling travel credit cards, especially for frequent Porter Airlines flyers. The standout feature is the annual round-trip Porter companion pass that gives your travel partner 100% off the base fare of any Porter flight.
Primary cardholders will receive one companion pass after spending a minimum of $9,000 (less refunds and excluding cash advances, cash-like transactions, interest charges, fees, credit or debit adjustments) within the first 180 days after the account open date. The companion pass will be available 4-6 weeks after the spend requirement has been met.
Cardholders can also earn another companion pass by meeting further spending requirements:
Disclosures:
*Terms and conditions apply
BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
2.6
RBC® British Airways Visa Infinite‡
2.6
up to 60,000 Avios†
Welcome Bonus
$1,176
First Year Value
$276
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get up to 60,000 Avios† with the RBC® British Airways Visa Infinite card (with minimum spend, conditions apply).
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$165
Annual Fee
20.5%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The RBC British Airways Visa Infinite card is tailored for high-income travelers who frequently fly with British Airways, offering benefits such as a Companion Award eVoucher upon meeting annual spending thresholds and the ability to earn Avios points on purchases. However, the card's elevated earn rates are limited to British Airways purchases, and the companion voucher comes with stringent requirements and additional fees, making it less suitable for those who travel infrequently or prefer a variety of airlines.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
20.5%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
3.00%
Balance Transfer (Introductory)
Fees
$165
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
Rewards Avios
3 Avios
for every $1 CAD spent on British Airways and BA Holidays*
2 Avios
for every $1 CAD spent on qualifying dining spend*
1 Avios
for every $1 CAD spent on qualifying net purchases*
1
Earn 1 annual companion voucher when you spend $30,000 annually (or 50% off a solo ticket).
Insurance Benefits
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to 60,000 Avios† with the RBC® British Airways Visa Infinite card (with minimum spend, conditions apply).
Receive up to 60,000 Avios†, here’s how:
Step 1: Receive 15,000 Avios as welcome bonus upon approval
Step 2: Get 35,000 bonus Avios when you spend $6,000 CAD in the first 3 months
Step 3: Another 10,000 bonus Avios after your first year†
Our Take
The RBC British Airways Visa Infinite card is tailored for high-income travelers who frequently fly with British Airways, offering benefits such as a Companion Award eVoucher upon meeting annual spending thresholds and the ability to earn Avios points on purchases. However, the card's elevated earn rates are limited to British Airways purchases, and the companion voucher comes with stringent requirements and additional fees, making it less suitable for those who travel infrequently or prefer a variety of airlines.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
20.5%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
3.00%
Balance Transfer (Introductory)
Fees
$165
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
Rewards Avios
3 Avios
for every $1 CAD spent on British Airways and BA Holidays*
2 Avios
for every $1 CAD spent on qualifying dining spend*
1 Avios
for every $1 CAD spent on qualifying net purchases*
1
Earn 1 annual companion voucher when you spend $30,000 annually (or 50% off a solo ticket).
Insurance Benefits
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to 60,000 Avios† with the RBC® British Airways Visa Infinite card (with minimum spend, conditions apply).
Receive up to 60,000 Avios†, here’s how:
Step 1: Receive 15,000 Avios as welcome bonus upon approval
Step 2: Get 35,000 bonus Avios when you spend $6,000 CAD in the first 3 months
Step 3: Another 10,000 bonus Avios after your first year†
The RBC British Airways Visa Infinite delivers exceptional value, but only for a specific type of Canadian traveller: those who travel to the UK, Ireland or the European Union.
The RBC British Airways Visa Infinite card offers a Companion Award eVoucher after spending $30,000 CAD within a calendar year. Unlike other companion vouchers in Canada, this one has some unique characteristics:
All that said, if you do see yourself meeting the aforementioned requirements you can save quite a bundle: The base fare of an Economy class, Vancouver-London return flight with British Airways can easily reach $800+ during peak travel periods like Christmas/New Year’s, and savings are of course even more substantial for Business or First Class fares.
Disclosures:
*This post contains affiliate links. Please read disclaimer for more info.
Refer to RBC page for up to date offer terms and conditions
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up to 130,000 points
Welcome Bonus
$3,570
First Year Value
$70
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 130,000 Aeroplan®* points. Expires Aug 18, 2025
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$599
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
Our Take
The American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card is a premium travel credit card tailored for frequent Air Canada travelers, offering elevated rewards on Air Canada purchases and dining, along with comprehensive travel benefits such as priority airport services and lounge access. Cardholders also enjoy extensive insurance coverage and an annual worldwide companion pass, enhancing both the value and convenience of their travel experiences.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
28.99%
Penalty
Fees
$599
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards Aeroplan
3X
the points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®*
2X
the points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada
1.25X
the points on everything else
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
New American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Cardmembers can earn up to 130,000 Aeroplan points.
Earn 60,000 points after you spend $7,500 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
Plus, earn an additional 40,000 points after you spend a total of $45,000 on your Card in your first 12 months of Cardmembership
You can also earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase between 15 and 17 months of Cardmembership
That’s up to $3,500 or more in value when you combine your bonus points and card benefits!
Offer ends August 18, 2025. Terms and Conditions Apply.
Our Take
The American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card is a premium travel credit card tailored for frequent Air Canada travelers, offering elevated rewards on Air Canada purchases and dining, along with comprehensive travel benefits such as priority airport services and lounge access. Cardholders also enjoy extensive insurance coverage and an annual worldwide companion pass, enhancing both the value and convenience of their travel experiences.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
28.99%
Penalty
Fees
$599
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards Aeroplan
3X
the points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®*
2X
the points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada
1.25X
the points on everything else
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
New American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Cardmembers can earn up to 130,000 Aeroplan points.
Earn 60,000 points after you spend $7,500 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
Plus, earn an additional 40,000 points after you spend a total of $45,000 on your Card in your first 12 months of Cardmembership
You can also earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase between 15 and 17 months of Cardmembership
That’s up to $3,500 or more in value when you combine your bonus points and card benefits!
Offer ends August 18, 2025. Terms and Conditions Apply.
The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card has established itself as one of Canada's premier travel credit cards for several compelling reasons - not the least of which is its impressive annual companion pass.
The American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card’s annual companion fare feature allows you to choose from a variety of base fares for an economy ticket on an Air Canada flight, making it the most flexible companion fare on this list. Air Canada has a far greater number of global flight itineraries than, say, WestJet or Alaska Airlines, and the Aeroplan Reserve Card’s companion fare can be redeemed for a round-trip itinerary within Canada and the continental U.S. ($99 CDN); to/from Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean ($299 CDN); to/from South America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa ($499 CDN); or to/from Asia, Australia, and New Zealand ($599 CDN).
Disclosures:
Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
up to 85,000 pts†
Welcome Bonus
$3,067
First Year Value
$67
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to $3,000 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points†. Conditions Apply. Offer effective as of January 7, 2025.
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$599
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card is a premium travel rewards credit card tailored for frequent Air Canada travelers, offering elevated Aeroplan points on direct Air Canada purchases, as well as on eligible gas, grocery, travel, and dining expenses. Cardholders benefit from perks such as a partial NEXUS application fee rebate†, complimentary first checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to eight companions on Air Canada flights†, and access to select airport lounges†; however, the card carries a substantial annual fee and requires a high personal or household income for eligibility.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$150,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$200,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$599
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards Aeroplan
2 points†
Earn 2 points† for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada® including Air Canada Vacations®.
1.5 points†
Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 you charge to your Card on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, travel & transit and dining purchases.
1.25 points†
Earn 1.25 points† for every $1 you charge to your Card on all other purchases.
6
Get 6 lounge visits included for each Cardholder per membership year at over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide with DragonPass†
2x
Earn points twice when you pay with your Card and provide your Aeroplan number at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and at 200+ online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore (www.aeroplan.com/estore).
50%
Get 50% more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your TD card with your Starbucks® Rewards account. Conditions Apply.
$100
Apply for the NEXUS program membership and once every 48 months get a partial application fee rebate (up to $100 CAD)†.
1st
Get your 1st checked bag free for you and up to eight companions† when your travel originates on an Air Canada flight.
10%
Get 10% savings at Avis and Budget in North America, 5% off internationally†
Insurance Benefits
$1,500
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $3,000 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points and additional travel benefits. Conditions Apply. Offer effective as of January 7, 2025.
Earn a welcome bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first Purchase with your new Card†
Earn an additional 35,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 180 days of Account opening†
Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 30,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $24,000 within 12 months of Account opening†
Additional Travel Benefits
Apply for the NEXUS program membership and once every 48 months get a partial application fee rebate (up to $100 CAD)†.
Share first free checked bags with up to 8 travel companions† and get unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges† including complementary access for one guest.
Plus, primary cardholders get 6 complimentary worldwide select airport lounge visits annually through the Visa Airport Companion Program†
Disclosures:
†Terms and conditions apply.
This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button. Sponsored Content.
Our Take
The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card is a premium travel rewards credit card tailored for frequent Air Canada travelers, offering elevated Aeroplan points on direct Air Canada purchases, as well as on eligible gas, grocery, travel, and dining expenses. Cardholders benefit from perks such as a partial NEXUS application fee rebate†, complimentary first checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to eight companions on Air Canada flights†, and access to select airport lounges†; however, the card carries a substantial annual fee and requires a high personal or household income for eligibility.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$150,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$200,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$599
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards Aeroplan
2 points†
Earn 2 points† for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada® including Air Canada Vacations®.
1.5 points†
Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 you charge to your Card on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, travel & transit and dining purchases.
1.25 points†
Earn 1.25 points† for every $1 you charge to your Card on all other purchases.
6
Get 6 lounge visits included for each Cardholder per membership year at over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide with DragonPass†
2x
Earn points twice when you pay with your Card and provide your Aeroplan number at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and at 200+ online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore (www.aeroplan.com/estore).
50%
Get 50% more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your TD card with your Starbucks® Rewards account. Conditions Apply.
$100
Apply for the NEXUS program membership and once every 48 months get a partial application fee rebate (up to $100 CAD)†.
1st
Get your 1st checked bag free for you and up to eight companions† when your travel originates on an Air Canada flight.
10%
Get 10% savings at Avis and Budget in North America, 5% off internationally†
Insurance Benefits
$1,500
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $3,000 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points and additional travel benefits. Conditions Apply. Offer effective as of January 7, 2025.
Earn a welcome bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first Purchase with your new Card†
Earn an additional 35,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 180 days of Account opening†
Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 30,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $24,000 within 12 months of Account opening†
Additional Travel Benefits
Apply for the NEXUS program membership and once every 48 months get a partial application fee rebate (up to $100 CAD)†.
Share first free checked bags with up to 8 travel companions† and get unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges† including complementary access for one guest.
Plus, primary cardholders get 6 complimentary worldwide select airport lounge visits annually through the Visa Airport Companion Program†
Disclosures:
†Terms and conditions apply.
This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button. Sponsored Content.
The TD Aeroplan VIP Card offers the same annual companion pass benefit as the Aeroplan Reserve Card from American Express, but it's the welcome bonus that really makes this card stand out:
Disclosures:
†Terms and conditions apply.
This offer is not available to residents of Quebec.
The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button. Sponsored Content.
While the American Express Aeroplan Reserve is our pick for best Aeroplan credit card with a companion pass voucher, other Aeroplan cards also offer this benefit:
Frequent fliers are always on the hunt for travel credit cards with welcome bonuses generous enough to let you soar the skies for free. But one step up from that is an even rarer beast: Cards that come with a low-cost companion fare ticket, allowing you to fly a friend, family member, or significant other alongside you–on top of a regular welcome bonus!
While these companion fares usually do come with some kind of a price tag (albeit low), if you’re smart you can use a cheap companion fare for a flight that has a significantly higher cost on the regular market, saving you quite a bit of dough. Imagine flying your companion from Vancouver to Hawaii or from Toronto to Orlando, round trip, for only $121 USD! The savings are massive. But what makes some of these offers truly delectable is the fact that they give you a round-trip companion ticket each and every year you keep the card open and in good standing, and there is no minimum spend required.
There are usually no blackout dates for a companion seat and you can use it for any flight associated with the card’s partner airline. That said, there are subtle variations between each companion fare program, variations that you’ll want to pay attention to before you finalize which card you go with.
When selecting a credit card that offers a companion pass for flights, Canadians should consider several key factors to ensure they're getting maximum value. Here's what to look for:
The most important consideration is whether the airline offering the companion pass serves your preferred destinations:
Choose a card affiliated with an airline whose route network aligns with your typical travel patterns.
Different cards have varying thresholds to earn the companion pass:
Be realistic about whether you can meet these spending thresholds to actually earn the benefit.
Each program has a different pricing model for the companion fare:
Consider which structure provides better value based on your travel patterns and typical fare costs.
Compare the card's annual fee against the potential savings from the companion pass:
The companion pass should deliver savings that significantly exceed the annual fee.
Pay close attention to important restrictions:
Honestly assess your travel habits:
More Canadians should consider taking advantage of companion fares, which offer a simple alternative to the headache focusing on new welcome offers. The fact that some of these cards give companion vouchers out every year on a cardholder’s anniversary is like getting an annual welcome bonus. Just keep your card open, active and in good standing, and an annual companion voucher can be yours – that’s quite the deal. While we continue to advocate the value of credit card sign-up bonuses, especially those with annual fee waivers, there is no doubt companion fare programs can offer as much, or more value, even with an annual fee attached.
Cory Santos is a finance writer, editor and credit card expert with nearly a decade of experience in personal finance. Cory joined Wise Publishing from BestCards, with bylines in numerous print and digital publications across North America, including the Miami Herald, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Debt.ca, AOL, MSN and Medium as well as financial podcasts like KOFE Talk. He's also the creator and author of the annual Money.ca Credit Card Awards.
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†Terms and Conditions apply.