Best Business Travel Credit Cards for Canadians in 2026

Business travel expenses represent one of the largest controllable costs for Canadian companies. The card you choose to manage these expenses can mean the difference between paying thousands in hidden fees or earning valuable rewards that offset your travel budget.

Foreign transaction fees typically add 2.5% to 3% to every international purchase. For businesses buying from U.S. vendors, paying international contractors, or sending employees abroad, these fees compound quickly. A company spending $50,000 annually in foreign currencies loses $1,250 to $1,500 in FX fees alone.

Not all "no FX fee" cards deliver equal value. Some waive the explicit fee but convert at poor exchange rates, hiding costs in the spread. Others offer genuine savings but lack the expense management features modern businesses need.

This guide breaks down the best business travel credit cards available to Canadian businesses in 2026. You'll find category winners, transparent comparison tables, true cost calculations, and a decision framework to match your business with the right card.

What Canadian Businesses Need in a Business Travel Credit Card for 2026

Business credit cards typically offer higher credit limits than personal cards, making it easier to manage cash flow, handle major purchases, and cover unexpected costs. The rewards attached can also be tailored to your operations. If your employees travel frequently, you could choose a card that generates travel rewards for specific hotel chains or airlines, turning future stays into free nights.

Employee card management stands out as a significant advantage. Most issuers provide the ability to add multiple employee cards to the primary account, streamlining expense tracking and consolidating rewards earning. This proves particularly valuable for businesses with multiple team members making regular purchases.

Understanding the difference between credit cards and charge cards matters for business use. Traditional credit cards offer revolving credit but come with interest charges averaging 19.99% and complex fee structures. Charge cards require full monthly payment but typically offer simpler pricing, better expense management integration, and stronger connections to business banking platforms. For businesses with healthy cash flow, charge cards often deliver better net value by eliminating interest charges while providing superior operational features.

Evaluation Criteria for Business Travel Cards:

• Foreign transaction fees and FX rates

• Rewards structure and redemption flexibility

• Annual fees vs. value delivered

• Travel insurance coverage

• Expense management and accounting integration

• Employee card capabilities

• Lounge access and travel perks

Compare Canada's Best Business Travel Credit Cards at a Glance

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Note: FX rates and fees are subject to change. Verify current rates before applying.

Best Business Travel Credit Cards in Canada for 2026, by Category

Best Overall for Multi-Currency Business Operations: Venn Mastercard Charge Card

Venn's corporate card goes beyond simply waiving foreign transaction fees. It automatically charges purchases in the currency you're spending in (USD, CAD, EUR, or GBP), drawing from your corresponding multi-currency account. This eliminates unnecessary conversions entirely and saves significantly more than cards that waive fees but still convert at marked-up rates.

You get real local accounts in CAD, USD, EUR, and GBP, FX conversion at 0.25% to 0.45% (the lowest rates in Canada*), and 1% unlimited cashback on all card spend with no minimums. The platform includes built-in expense management, OCR receipt capture, and two-way sync with QuickBooks and Xero, eliminating the need for separate tools.

The card is the only business card in Canada that automatically uses the currency you're paying in first. For businesses receiving USD payments through Stripe, Shopify, or PayPal, this means receiving funds directly into a real US account with ACH capabilities. You avoid the 1.5% cross-border fee, then spend those USD without conversion. This single feature saves businesses thousands annually compared to cards forcing conversion on every transaction.

Pros:

• Lowest FX rates in Canada (0.25%-0.45%)*

• Multi-currency card that auto-selects currency

• 1% unlimited cashback with no minimums

• Built-in expense management and accounting sync

• No monthly fees on Essentials plan

• 2% interest on all USD/CAD balances

• Real local accounts (CAD, USD, EUR, GBP)

• Funds covered under CDIC insurance protection

Cons:

• Charge card (requires full monthly payment)

• No airport lounge access

• Not available in Quebec

Best For: SMBs and startups with international operations, multi-currency needs, or those wanting to consolidate financial tools into one platform.

Best for No Foreign Transaction Fees (Traditional Bank): Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Business

Scotiabank's Passport for Business Visa is one of the few traditional bank cards in Canada that waives foreign transaction fees entirely. It's designed for businesses that travel frequently and want to earn Scene+ points on international purchases without paying FX fees. The card offers solid travel perks including airport lounge access and travel insurance.

The card earns a steady 1.5% back in the form of Scene+ points, along with a welcome bonus of 30,000 points worth $300. Considering that other business credit cards charge a 2.5% foreign transaction fee and often offer lower rewards rates, you might find immense value in paying the $199 annual fee if your business makes significant purchases in foreign currencies.

You'll get a comprehensive insurance package, lounge access, car rental discounts, and assorted Visa Infinite benefits. The limitation is that it lacks multi-currency functionality and requires separate products for features like USD accounts or expense tracking.

Pros:

• No foreign transaction fees

• 6 free airport lounge passes annually

• Comprehensive travel insurance

• Scene+ points flexibility

Cons:

• $199 annual fee

• No multi-currency accounts

• Requires separate expense management tools

Best For: Established businesses with existing Scotiabank relationships that prioritize travel rewards and lounge access.

Best Premium Business Travel Card: American Express Business Platinum

The American Express Business Platinum Card stands at the forefront of premium business travel cards in Canada. With an annual fee of $799, it delivers exceptional value through its comprehensive benefits package for businesses with substantial travel budgets.

The card maintains a straightforward earning structure of 1.25 points per dollar on all purchases. This simplicity appeals to businesses preferring uncomplicated reward tracking. The annual travel credit of $200 helps offset the card's cost, while extensive lounge access includes entry to prestigious locations worldwide. Travel protection benefits encompass emergency medical coverage, trip cancellation insurance, and lost baggage protection. The concierge service proves invaluable for busy executives, handling various travel arrangements and booking requirements.

The card's limitation is acceptance. Amex isn't universally accepted, particularly at smaller international vendors. The rewards structure heavily favors travel and large purchases, making it less valuable for everyday business expenses. The 2.5% foreign transaction fee also erodes value on international spend.

This card is also being discontinued in the near future leaving Canadian businesses searching for an alternative in 2026.

Pros:

• Extensive airport lounge access worldwide

• Hotel elite status (Marriott, Hilton)

• $200 annual travel credit

• Comprehensive travel insurance

• Concierge service

Cons:

• $799 annual fee

• 2.5% foreign transaction fee

• Limited Amex acceptance internationally

• High spend required to justify cost

Best For: Established businesses with substantial travel budgets that can maximize premium perks and offset the annual fee.

Best for Airline Loyalty (Aeroplan): TD Aeroplan Visa Business Card

The TD Aeroplan Visa Business Card presents compelling value for companies frequently flying with Air Canada. Priority benefits enhance the overall travel experience, including priority check-in, priority boarding, and free checked baggage.

Air Canada has announced major changes to Aeroplan point earning. Starting January 1, 2026, Aeroplan members earn points on eligible Air Canada flights based on dollars spent rather than distance travelled. This shift makes the card more valuable for businesses booking premium fares.

The comprehensive insurance package covers various travel-related risks, providing peace of mind during business trips. The card works best for businesses already committed to the Air Canada ecosystem.

Pros:

• Strong Aeroplan earning rates

• Free first checked bag on Air Canada

• Priority boarding and check-in

• First-year fee waiver available

Cons:

• 2.5% foreign transaction fee

• Best value tied to Air Canada loyalty

• Limited expense management features

Best For: Businesses with frequent Air Canada travel who want to maximize Aeroplan points.

Best for Hotel Rewards: Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express

The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card delivers strong rewards for both travel and everyday business expenses. This card helps businesses earn Marriott Bonvoy points faster, along with tools to manage expenses and streamline cash flow.

You earn 5 points per dollar at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3 points per dollar on eligible gas, dining, and travel, and 2 points per dollar on everything else. Points redeem for free hotel stays with no blackout dates or for flights with leading airlines. You receive an annual Free Night Award after your card anniversary.

The $150 annual fee is reasonable given the earning potential. The card includes comprehensive travel insurance covering flight delay, baggage, and car rental. The main drawbacks are the 2.5% foreign transaction fee and limited Amex acceptance.

Pros:

• 5x points at Marriott properties

• Annual Free Night Award

• No blackout dates on redemptions

• Comprehensive travel insurance

Cons:

• 2.5% foreign transaction fee

• Limited Amex acceptance

• Best value requires Marriott loyalty

Best For: Businesses with frequent hotel stays at Marriott properties.

The True Cost of Business Travel Cards: FX Fees vs. Rewards Value

Just about every credit card charges foreign transaction fees. Whenever you make a purchase in a non-Canadian currency, you pay an additional rate, typically 2.5%, on top of the exchange rate. While the fees might not seem scary individually, those costs quickly add up if you're using your credit card as a primary payment method while abroad or for international purchases.

Example: $5,000/month in international spend ($60,000/year)

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The difference between the worst and best options exceeds $1,200 annually on modest international spend. For businesses with higher volumes, the savings multiply accordingly.

Traditional "no FX fee" cards eliminate the explicit fee but often convert at rates that include a hidden markup. Venn's approach differs. By holding funds in the currency you need and auto-selecting that currency at point of sale, you avoid conversion entirely when possible. When conversion is necessary, the 0.25% to 0.45% rate represents the lowest available in Canada.*

How to Choose the Best Business Travel Credit Card for Your Company

If your business:

• Has significant USD/EUR/GBP transactions → Consider multi-currency solutions (Venn)

• Prioritizes airport lounge access → Scotiabank Passport Business or Amex Platinum

• Flies primarily Air Canada → TD or CIBC Aeroplan Business cards

• Stays frequently at Marriott → Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex

• Needs integrated expense management → Venn

• Has limited travel but wants rewards → Traditional bank cards with cashback

Questions to Ask:

• What percentage of your spend is in foreign currencies?

• Do you need employee cards with spending controls?

• How important is accounting software integration?

• Do you value lounge access and travel perks?

• Is your business cash-flow positive (making a charge card viable)?

Beyond the Card: Why Modern Businesses Need Integrated Financial Platforms

Traditional business credit cards force you to piece together solutions: one card for no FX fees, another platform for expense tracking, a separate account for USD, and manual work to reconcile everything. This fragmented approach costs time and creates errors.

Modern platforms consolidate these functions. With Venn, your card spend integrates with complete financial operations. You get 1% unlimited cashback on all purchases, real-time expense tracking, OCR receipt capture, and two-way sync with QuickBooks and Xero. The platform replaces multiple tools with a single solution.

Digital receipt capture and storage eliminate paper receipt management. OCR technology automatically extracts and categorizes expense information, significantly reducing time required for expense report preparation. For businesses managing international transactions, consolidating these functions into one platform delivers both cost savings and operational efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a foreign transaction fee and why does it matter for business travel?

A: Foreign transaction fees are charges added to credit card purchases made in foreign currencies, typically around 2.5%. For businesses with regular international travel or overseas suppliers, these fees add up quickly. A company spending $50,000 in foreign currencies pays about $1,250 annually in FX fees alone.

Q: What’s the difference between a business credit card and a charge card?

A: Business credit cards offer revolving credit but come with high interest rates, often around 19.99%. Charge cards require full monthly payment but usually provide simpler pricing, stronger expense controls, and better integration with business banking platforms. For companies with healthy cash flow, charge cards often deliver better overall value.

Q: Are no foreign transaction fee cards worth the annual fee?

A: It depends on your international spend. Multiply your annual foreign currency spending by 2.5% to estimate savings. If you spend $10,000 abroad, you save about $250 in FX fees. A card with a $199 annual fee would still deliver $51 in net value, and the benefit grows as spending increases.

Q: Can I use a personal travel credit card for business expenses?

A: While possible, it’s not recommended. Mixing personal and business expenses complicates accounting, increases audit risk, and can violate card terms. Business cards offer cleaner bookkeeping, higher limits, employee cards, and expense management features that personal cards don’t provide.

Q: How do multi-currency cards work for business travel?

A: Multi-currency cards let you hold balances in multiple currencies and spend directly from each one. Cards like Venn’s automatically use the currency you’re paying in, such as USD, EUR, or GBP, eliminating unnecessary conversions and saving more than cards that only waive FX fees but still apply marked-up exchange rates.

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**Disclaimer:** This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Venn Software Inc or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.