Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve card unavailable in Canada? Here are some alternatives

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a popular travel rewards card in the US but is unfortunately unavailable in Canada.

Whether you're after lounge access, travel credits, or flexible points, we've got options for you. Plus, we'll take a look at the Wise card, a smart way to spend abroad with no hidden fees and currency conversion at the mid-market rate.

American Express Gold rewards card

The American Express Gold Rewards Card is a premium travel rewards credit card designed for those who want to earn flexible points on everyday spending. Cardholders earn 2X Membership Rewards points on eligible travel purchases, gas, groceries, and drugstore purchases in Canada, while all other purchases earn 1X point per dollar spent.

This card comes with several travel perks, including a $100 annual travel credit, four complimentary Plaza Premium Lounge visits per year, and up to $50 in NEXUS application fee credits. Cardholders can also transfer Membership Rewards points 1:1 to select airline and hotel loyalty programs.

However, the card does charge foreign transaction fees², meaning purchases made in other currencies will incur an additional charge.

It also comes with an annual fee of $250³, which is lower than some premium travel cards but still requires users to maximize the benefits to justify the cost.

American Express Platinum card

The American Express Platinum Card, often referred to as Amex Platinum, is a high-end travel rewards card packed with luxury perks, premium travel benefits, and strong insurance coverage—but it comes with a steep annual fee.

Cardholders earn 2X points on dining and travel, and 1X points on all other purchases, with up to a 100,000-point welcome bonus available for new members¹. One of the card’s biggest draws is its extensive airport lounge access, including 1,400+ lounges worldwide through the American Express Global Lounge Collection.

Other standout perks include $200 in annual travel credits¹, $200 in dining credits¹, complimentary hotel loyalty status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy, and strong travel insurance coverage. However, with a $799 annual fee¹ and a foreign transaction fee of 3.5% of the cash advance amount², you may find it challenging to recoup the cost if you’re not a frequent traveller.

With no pre-set spending limit, it’s designed for high earners who want premium experiences at home and abroad.

BMO World Elite Mastercard

The BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard is a top-tier cash-back credit card offering some of the highest grocery rewards in Canada. Cardholders earn 5% cash back on groceries, 4% on transit, 3% on gas and EV charging, 2% on recurring bills, and 1% on all other purchases, with no limit on how much cash back you can earn⁵.

Starting from as little as $1, its ability to redeem cash back anytime makes it a standout feature and more convenient than cards that require you to wait for set redemption periods. Additional benefits include complimentary roadside assistance, travel insurance with up to $5 million in emergency medical coverage, and fuel discounts at Shell stations.

The $120 annual fee is waived in the first year⁵, and the welcome offer gives up to 10% cash back for the first three months. However, the card requires a high minimum income ($80,000 per individual or $150,000 per household), making it less accessible for some.

It has an interest rate of 21.99% on purchases and 23.99% on cash advances - 21.99% in Quebec⁵.

The BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard is an excellent choice for those who prioritize cash-back rewards on everyday spending but may not be ideal for those who carry a balance or prefer travel points over cash rewards.

Scotiabank Gold American Express card

The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is a travel and lifestyle rewards card that offers accelerated Scene+ points on everyday spending and no foreign transaction fees. It earns 6X points on groceries at participating stores, 5X points on dining, food delivery, and entertainment, and 3X points on gas, transit, and streaming. All other purchases earn 1X points per dollar spent.

One of its standout features is that it waives the standard 2.5% foreign transaction fee⁴, meaning you’ll only pay the exchange rate when making purchases abroad or shopping in foreign currencies. And the perks don't end there—the card also comes with airport lounge access via Priority Pass discounts, 24/7 concierge service, and extensive travel insurance coverage.

The card has an interest rate of 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances⁴, with a minimum credit limit of $5,000. While it offers solid rewards potential, Scene+ points can only be redeemed within the Scene+ ecosystem, and there is no cash-back option , limiting flexibility compared to transferable rewards programs.

With a $120 annual fee⁴, it remains a good choice for cardholders who frequently dine out, commute, or travel internationally, but those looking for more flexible redemption options or who rarely travel to make foreign currency purchases may want to consider alternatives.

TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite card

If you frequently travel for business, are a digital nomad or simply love to travel, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite card could be a strong option.

A top choice for frequent Air Canada travellers, this card lets you earn Aeroplan points on every purchase and enjoy travel perks like free checked bags, priority airport services, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Cardholders can earn up to 40,000 Aeroplan points as part of the welcome bonus and benefit from no annual fee in the first year.

The card earns 1.5 Aeroplan points per dollar on eligible grocery, gas, and Air Canada purchases and 1 point per dollar on everything else. You can also double-dip on points by linking your Aeroplan number and shopping with Aeroplan partners.

Additional perks include a NEXUS rebate every 48 months, complimentary Visa Infinite Concierge service, and Visa Infinite travel and dining benefits. The $139 annual fee (waived in the first year) makes it a competitive choice for travellers, but it does have a minimum income requirement of $60,000 per individual or $100,000 per household.

With 20.99% interest on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances, this card is best suited for those who pay their balance in full each month and frequently fly with Air Canada to maximize its travel rewards and perks.

Spend like a local with your Wise card

The Wise card is a smart travel companion, letting you spend in 150+ countries at the real exchange rate with no foreign transaction fees. Unlike credit cards that add a 2.5% markup on currency conversion, Wise converts your money at the mid-market rate with low fees starting at 0.48%⁷—so you’re not overspending just to pay in another currency.

The Wise card is free to get, with no monthly or annual fees (you only pay when you use it), and you can hold and spend in 40+ currencies, choosing when to convert for the best rates. And with up to two free ATM withdrawals per month (up to 350 CAD) you can access cash affordably, with a 1.75% fee beyond that⁸.

If you’re in a country where Mastercard acceptance is limited , you can use Wise to withdraw cash or make bank transfers at mid-market rates. For those frequently dealing in US dollars, it is free to receive USD with local account details, while SWIFT and wire payments cost 6.11 USD⁷.

Final thoughts on alternatives to the Chase Sapphire Reserve in Canada

While the Chase Sapphire Reserve isn’t available in Canada, there are plenty of strong alternatives depending on your travel and spending habits. Whether you’re seeking luxury perks from the Amex Platinum, or cashback savings with the BMO World Elite Mastercard, you have plenty of choices.

For currency conversion without markup, the Wise multi-currency card is a perfect companion, letting you hold 40+ currencies and spend in 150+ countries at the real exchange rate, helping you travel smarter and save more.

Sources:

1. The Platinum Card® | American Express Canada
2. American Express Canada. -Exchange rates and fees
3. The American Express® Gold Rewards Credit Card | Amex CA
4. Scotiabank Amex Gold | No Foreign Fees & 6x Scene Points
5. Apply for a BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard
6. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Credit Card | TD Canada Trust
7. Wise Fees & Pricing: Only Pay for What You Use
8. Wise Card Fees: Spend Anywhere in the World