Your guide to travel cards issued by the National Bank of Canada

Choosing the right travel card can make a real difference to how much your trip costs and what benefits you get along the way. National Bank of Canada offers several Mastercard options for Canadians, ranging from entry-level rewards cards to premium travel cards with insurance and lounge access.

To help you pick the best one for your needs, we're breaking down National Bank's travel card options, key features and fees, and how they compare with alternatives like Wise for spending money abroad.

National Bank of Canada's travel card options for Canadians

National Bank keeps its travel-focused lineup fairly simple. Three Mastercard options sit at the centre of the range, with the biggest differences coming down to rewards earning, travel perks (like lounge access and annual travel credits), and eligibility requirements. If you travel often or spend heavily on day-to-day categories like groceries and restaurants, National Bank's higher-tier cards can offer more value.

National Bank World Elite Mastercard

Key features¹

• Rewards earning: Up to 5 points per 1 CAD on eligible grocery and restaurant purchases, with tiers based on monthly spend. After the first spending threshold is reached, the earn rate drops on those categories.
• Travel perks: Up to 150 CAD per year refunded on eligible travel expenses, such as seat selection or airport parking.
• Lounge access: Unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, with entry rules set by the card's benefit terms.
• Travel insurance: Travel insurance is included, plus other protections like extended warranty and purchase protection.

Eligibility¹

National Bank lists several ways to qualify, including:

• Income: Customers will need either a minimum gross annual income of 80,000 CAD (individual) or 150,000 CAD (household)
• Alternatives: Alternative criteria may apply for some applicants, such as meeting a minimum annual spend level of 25,000 CAD (for existing clients only) or holding investable assets above 400,000 CAD.
• Standard credit approval and residency requirements apply.

Fees¹

• Annual fee: 150 CAD
• Additional card fee: 50 CAD for a second authorized card
• Purchase interest rate: 20.99%
• Cash advance and balance transfer rate: 22.49%

Limits¹

• Minimum credit limit: 5,000 CAD (subject to approval)
• Rewards earning cap mechanic: The headline "up to 5 points per 1 CAD" rate applies up to a monthly spending threshold of 2,500 CAD before a lower rate applies on those categories. As a result, big monthly spenders may want to check how the earn rate steps down.

National Bank World Mastercard

Key features²

• Rewards earning: Earn up to 2 points per dollar, with the rate tied to your annual spending. Purchases earn 1.25 points per dollar up to 20,000 CAD per year, rise to 2 points per dollar between 20,001 CAD and 30,000 CAD, then drop back to 1.25 points beyond that.
• Travel benefits: Comprehensive travel insurance is included, covering trips of up to 60 days, alongside protections such as trip cancellation or interruption, baggage coverage, and car rental insurance.
• Rewards flexibility: Points can be redeemed for travel through National Bank's À la carte Travel service or applied to select financial products through the rewards program.

Eligibility²

To qualify, applicants generally need to meet one of the following:

• Income: Minimum gross annual income of 50,000 CAD (individual) or 80,000 CAD (household)
• Alternatives: Existing clients may qualify with 15,000 CAD in annual card purchases or 250,000 CAD in investable assets
• Standard credit approval and residency requirements apply.

Fees²

• Annual fee: 115 CAD
• Additional card fee: 35 CAD for an authorized card
• Purchase interest rate: 20.99%
• Cash advance and balance transfer rate: 22.49%

Limits²

• Minimum credit limit: 5,000 CAD, subject to approval
• Rewards mechanics: The headline "up to 2 points per dollar" rate depends on annual spending tiers, so cardholders who spend steadily within the mid-range may see the most consistent value from rewards.

National Bank Platinum Mastercard³

Key features³

• Rewards earning: Earn up to 2 points per 1 CAD on eligible grocery and restaurant purchases, with tiered earning based on monthly spend. After the first spending threshold is reached, the earn rate steps down on those categories. Other everyday spending earns points at lower rates.
• Travel insurance: Includes travel insurance for trips of up to 10 days, covering essentials like trip cancellation or interruption and baggage-related protections.
• Mobile device insurance: Coverage for accidental damage, loss, or theft of a mobile device for a maximum of up to 1,000 CAD for 2 years.
• Flexible redemptions: Points can be used for travel through National Bank's À la carte Travel service, merchandise, or gift cards.

Eligibility³

• Income requirement: No minimum annual income requirement, subject to credit approval.
• Cardholder criteria: Applicants must be Canadian residents and first-time personal National Bank Mastercard cardholders, or not have held one in the previous 24 months, to qualify for certain offers.

Fees³

• Annual fee: 70 CAD, often reimbursed in the first year as part of promotional offers, then charged annually thereafter.
• Additional card fee: 35 CAD for an authorized cardholder, with first-year reimbursements sometimes available.
• Purchase interest rate: 20.99%
• Cash advance and balance transfer rate: 22.49%

Limits³

• Minimum credit limit: 500 CAD, subject to approval.
• Rewards structure: The highest earn rates apply only up to defined monthly spending thresholds, so the Platinum card tends to suit moderate spenders who want rewards and insurance without higher income requirements or premium annual fees.

Understanding your National Bank travel card benefits

National Bank's travel cards come with a shared set of benefits that go beyond earning points. Across the World Elite, World, and Platinum Mastercard options, cardholders get access to travel insurance, purchase protections, and rewards that can be used in different ways. The main differences include how long you're covered when travelling, insurance limits, and which extras are included at each card tier.

Travel insurance with your National Bank card

Holding a National Bank World Elite Mastercard, World Mastercard, or Platinum Mastercard means travel insurance is already included as part of your card benefits. Coverage applies when eligible travel is booked with your card, and full terms are set out in each card's insurance certificate from National Bank of Canada.

While all three cards include core protections, the scope of coverage increases as you move up the range:

• Emergency medical insurance: All cards offer up to 5 million CAD in out-of-province medical insurance^1,2,3, but the maximum covered trip length varies. The Platinum card covers trips of up to 10 days³, while the World and World Elite cards extend coverage to 60 days^1,2, with shorter limits for older age brackets.
• Trip cancellation and interruption: The Platinum card provides more modest limits of 1,000 CAD – 1,500 CAD³, while the World and World Elite cards offer higher coverage of 2,500 CAD to 5,000 CAD per person^1,2 for cancelled or interrupted trips.
• Flight and baggage delays: Coverage applies if your flight or baggage is delayed beyond the minimum time threshold.
• Rental car insurance: All three cards include coverage for collision, theft, or damage on eligible rentals, typically for rentals of up to 48 days^1,2,3.
• Purchase protection and extended warranty: Purchases made with the card are protected against theft or damage for up to 180 days^1,2,3, and manufacturer warranties can be extended, often by up to two additional years.
• Mobile device insurance: Coverage is included on Platinum and World Elite cards for accidental damage, loss, or theft of a mobile device, subject to policy limits.

Insurance coverage varies by card type, age, and trip length, so checking the details before you travel is important. For frequent or longer trips, the higher-tier cards generally provide more flexibility, while the Platinum card suits shorter trips with basic coverage built in.

Earning rewards with your National Bank travel card

All of National Bank's travel cards earn points through the À la carte Rewards Plan, but the way points add up depends on which card you hold and how you spend. Higher-tier cards reward heavier travel and everyday spending, while entry-level options keep things simpler.

National Bank of Canada structures rewards so grocery, dining, and travel-related purchases earn more, with different thresholds across each card:

• World Elite Mastercard¹: Designed for frequent spenders, this card offers the strongest earn rates. Grocery and restaurant purchases earn 5 points per dollar up to a monthly spending cap, then drop to a lower rate. Travel bookings, recurring bills, gas, and charging also earn elevated points (2 points per dollar), while everyday purchases earn 1 point per dollar.
• World Mastercard²: Rewards are based on total annual spending rather than categories. Cardholders can earn up to 2 points per dollar within a defined spending band, with lower earn rates outside that range, and suits steady spenders who prefer a simpler setup.
• Platinum Mastercard³: A more accessible option that still rewards everyday use. Groceries and restaurants earn a higher rate of 2 points up to a monthly limit, then taper slightly to 1.5 points. Gas, recurring bills, and travel purchases earn mid-tier 1.5 rates, with a lower 1 point for 1.50 CAD rate for all other eligible purchases.

Points can accumulate faster by adding an additional cardholder or booking travel through National Bank's travel portal. Rewards stay flexible, letting cardholders decide whether to redeem for travel, or other options covered in the next section.

Using your National Bank rewards for travel

National Bank's travel cards all earn points under the À la carte Rewards Plan, but how you use those points is where the flexibility really shows. Rewards aren't locked into a single airline or platform, which gives cardholders more control over how and when they travel.

À la carte Travel agency

Points can be redeemed through National Bank's À la carte Travel service, which lets you book flights, hotels, vacation packages, car rentals, and cruises. There's no requirement to stick to a specific airline, and redemptions work in set point increments, making it easier to plan trips without juggling multiple loyalty programs.

Statement credits

If you prefer simplicity, rewards can also be used to offset eligible travel expenses or pay down your card balance. It's a good option for travellers who book independently and want points to function more like cash back against travel costs.

Merchandise and gift cards

Points aren't limited to travel. National Bank's online rewards boutique offers merchandise, electronics, experiences, and gift cards. Redemption values vary by category, but this option can be appealing if travel isn't the immediate goal.

Comparing National Bank travel card benefits

National Bank travel card fees and charges

Before using a National Bank travel card abroad, it helps to understand how fees are applied. While rewards and insurance can add value, costs like foreign transaction fees still play a role in the overall price of spending outside Canada. Here's how National Bank handles foreign currency transactions on its credit cards.

Foreign transaction fees on National Bank cards

All National Bank credit cards, including its travel Mastercard credit cards, apply a 2.5% foreign transaction fee⁴ on purchases made in a currency other than Canadian dollars. The fee applies whether you're paying in-store, online, or booking travel abroad.

When you make a foreign currency purchase, the amount is first converted to Canadian dollars using the daily Mastercard exchange rate. The 2.5% fee⁴ is then added on top of that converted amount. As a result, the total cost includes both the exchange rate set by Mastercard and National Bank's foreign currency fee.

For travellers, the key takeaway is predictability rather than savings. The exchange rate itself follows Mastercard's published rate for the day, but the added 2.5% fee⁴ increases the overall cost of each international purchase. Over a short trip this may feel minor, but on longer journeys or higher spending, the fee can add up quickly.

ATM withdrawal fees for international travel

Using your National Bank credit card to withdraw cash while travelling can be convenient, especially in an emergency, but it's usually one of the more expensive ways to access money abroad.

When you take out cash from an ATM outside Canada with a National Bank credit card, several costs can apply at once. National Bank charges a cash advance fee, and interest on cash advances typically starts accruing immediately, without an interest-free grace period. On top of that, the withdrawal is converted to Canadian dollars using the daily Mastercard exchange rate, and the standard 2.5% foreign transaction fee⁴ is added after conversion.

ATM operators overseas may also charge their own access or usage fees, which are set locally and shown on screen before you confirm the withdrawal. These fees go directly to the ATM owner and are separate from any charges applied by National Bank.

Making the most of your National Bank travel card

A National Bank travel card can offer good value when you travel, but how you use it matters just as much as which card you choose. A few small habits can help you get more out of rewards and benefits while keeping costs under control.

Start by booking eligible travel with your card whenever possible. Travel insurance, trip interruption cover, and some delay protections usually apply only when flights, hotels, or packages are charged to the card, so paying another way can leave gaps in coverage.

Using the card strategically for high-earning categories lets rewards add up faster. Groceries, dining, recurring bills, and travel purchases often earn higher point rates than general spending, depending on the card tier. Adding an additional cardholder can boost points too, since all spending pools into the same rewards balance.

Keeping an eye on foreign transaction costs makes a difference when travelling. Every purchase in another currency includes the Mastercard exchange rate plus National Bank's 2.5% foreign transaction fee⁴, so these cards tend to make more sense for earning rewards and activating insurance benefits than for minimising foreign transaction costs.

Finally, reviewing benefits before each trip pays off. Higher-tier cards include longer medical coverage periods, lounge access, and annual travel credits, while lower-fee cards suit shorter trips or occasional travel. Matching your card's strengths to how you travel helps ensure the benefits outweigh the fees over the year.

Using Wise for international travel spending

When travel involves spending in multiple currencies, Wise keeps currency conversion costs clear and predictable. Rather than leading with rewards or bundled perks, the emphasis is on transparent pricing and exchange rates.

The Wise card helps you spend like a local. You can spend from your main currency at the mid-market rate or convert your money to the local currency before spending, with no hidden costs.

What's more, you can get your virtual card right away or get your first physical card for free after you open a Wise account!

You can withdraw up to 350 CAD in 2 free withdrawals each month using the Wise card when you're abroad. After this, you are charged a small fee per withdrawal.

While Wise will not charge you for withdrawals within these limits, independent providers might charge you separate fees when you use their ATMs.

Frequently asked questions about National Bank travel cards

Does National Bank have a no foreign transaction fee card?

No. All National Bank credit cards charge a 2.5% foreign transaction fee⁴ on purchases made in a currency other than Canadian dollars. The fee is applied after the transaction is converted using the Mastercard exchange rate and applies across World Elite, World, and Platinum cards.

Can I use my National Bank card internationally?

Yes, National Bank Mastercard credit cards can be used worldwide wherever Mastercard is accepted. International purchases are converted to Canadian dollars using the Mastercard exchange rate, with the 2.5% foreign transaction fee⁴ added. Using your card abroad can also activate travel insurance benefits, provided eligible travel is booked with the card.

What is the best National Bank card for travel?

The best option depends on how often you travel and what you value most. The World Elite Mastercard suits frequent travellers who want premium insurance coverage, lounge access, and higher rewards, provided they meet the income requirements. The World Mastercard offers a balance of insurance and rewards with a lower annual fee, while the Platinum Mastercard works well for occasional travel, shorter trips, and cardholders who want travel coverage without income thresholds.

Does National Bank offer Visa travel cards?

No. National Bank issues Mastercard credit cards, not Visa. Its travel-focused cards are part of the Mastercard network, including the World Elite, World, and Platinum Mastercard options.

How do I redeem National Bank travel rewards?

Rewards earned on National Bank travel cards can be redeemed through the À la carte Rewards Plan. Cardholders can use points to book travel through the À la carte Travel agency, apply statement credits toward eligible expenses, or redeem for merchandise and gift cards in the online rewards boutique. Redemption values vary depending on how points are used.

Conclusion

National Bank offers several travel card options for Canadians, each with a different mix of rewards, insurance coverage, and annual fees. From the Platinum card for occasional trips to the World Elite card for frequent travellers, there's flexibility depending on how often you travel and which benefits matter most.

One consistent trade-off is foreign spending. All National Bank cards apply a 2.5% foreign transaction fee, which can add up on longer trips or when you're spending daily in another currency. For travellers who want to keep exchange costs down, Wise provides an alternative using the mid-market exchange rate and transparent fees rather than rewards.

Many travellers end up using both. A National Bank travel card works well for booking flights, earning points, and activating insurance, while Wise is designed for everyday spending abroad where exchange rates and fees have a bigger impact on the total cost.

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Sources:

1. World Elite Mastercard credit card promotion – National Bank
2. World Mastercard credit card – National Bank
3. Platinum Mastercard credit card – National Bank
4. What are the fees for a foreign currency transaction on my credit card? – National Bank
5. Wise fees & pricing – Wise

Sources verified on 24 March 2026