Best Premium Credit Cards in Canada for 2026
Premium credit cards with $400–$799 annual fees can deliver thousands in annual value through lounge access, travel credits, and insurance. Here are the best.
A premium credit card is worth paying for if you travel frequently, value lounge access, and want comprehensive travel insurance. The best Canadian premium cards return $1,500–$3,000+ in value annually through credits, perks, and points — far exceeding their $400–$799 fees for the right cardholder.
Who should get a premium card?
Premium cards make sense if you: take at least 4 flights per year, value airport lounge access ($50+ per visit at pay-per-entry), want top-tier travel medical insurance, or spend $30,000+ annually on a credit card.
Amex Platinum — Best Overall
The American Express Platinum Card ($799/year) gives cardholders access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide via Amex Centurion, Priority Pass, and Plaza Premium. It also includes up to $200 in annual travel credits, $100 NEXUS/FAST application fee credit, hotel elite status with Marriott and Hilton, and one of the most comprehensive travel insurance packages in Canada. For frequent international travellers, the lounge access alone is worth $1,200+ per year.
Scotiabank Amex Platinum — Best for Scene+ Earners
The Scotiabank American Express Platinum Card ($399/year) earns 3 Scene+ points per dollar on dining, food delivery, and entertainment, 2 points per dollar on transit, gas, and daily transit, and 1 point everywhere else. It includes 10 annual Priority Pass lounge visits, comprehensive travel insurance, and no foreign transaction fees. Best for Canadians who already accumulate Scene+ points through Scotiabank or Sobeys spending.
Cards Mentioned in This Article
American Express Platinum Card
American Express · Amex
Earn 30,000 American Express Rewards
Scotiabank American Express Platinum Card
Scotiabank · Visa
Earn 20,000 Scene+
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