As Canada's #1 travel credit card, the American Express Cobalt Card, is the best credit card for honeymoons. It has valuable travel rewards with versatile transfer options, a solid insurance package, and an excellent return rate.
A honeymoon is a big expense, so using a credit card to pay for your trip can be a lifesaver – especially if you can cash in on points.
The right card for you depends on your needs, but we've done the research to compare your top honeymoon credit cards and rewards programs.
Key Takeaways
- Because it earns very valuable Amex Membership Rewards at an amazing earn rate, plus has solid insurance and other perks, the American Express Cobalt Card is the best honeymoon credit card.
- When choosing a credit card to pay for your honeymoon, consider your spending habits, your preferred rewards program, credit card fees, etc.
- American Express Rewards, Aeroplan, and Marriott Bonvoy are a few of the top travel rewards programs for Canadians.
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Best credit cards for honeymoons
| Credit card | Annual fee | Rewards | Welcome bonus | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Cobalt Card | $191.88 | American Express Membership Rewards | Up to 15,000 bonus points (terms) | Learn more |
| RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege | $399 | Avion Rewards | Up to 70,000 bonus points (terms) | Learn more |
| The Platinum Card | $799 | American Express Membership Rewards |  $150 GeniusCash + Up to 100,000 bonus points (terms) | Learn more |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card | $599 | Aeroplan | Up to 85,000 bonus points (terms) | Learn more |
| Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card | $120 | Marriott Bonvoy | 70,000 bonus points (terms) | Learn more |
Best travel and rewards credit card for honeymoons: American Express Cobalt Card
Rewards:
- 5 points per $1 spent on eligible groceries and restaurants (up to $2,500 spent per month)
- 3 points per $1 spent on eligible streaming services
- 2 points per $1 spent on eligible gas, transit, and ride share purchases
- 1 point per $1 spent on foreign currency purchases
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
The American Express Cobalt Card is Canada's best travel credit card and its best rewards card, which means it's almost guaranteed to add value to your honeymoon plans. With one of the very highest earn rates available from any card, 4.5%, it's easy to earn points quickly, then redeem them for your post-wedding plans.
One of the best things about the American Express Membership Rewards is the points flexibility – you can book directly through the Amex Fixed Points Travel Program, or transfer your points to another travel program, like Aeroplan or Delta SkyMiles. Having this many valuable points redemption and transfer options makes Amex an excellent choice for a honeymoon card.
Best travel insurance credit card for honeymoons: RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege
Rewards:
- 1.25 points per $1 spent on all purchases
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege is an easy, flat-rate card that still has an impressive average earn rate of 2.91%. And with a welcome bonus that's worth up to $1,631, your honeymoon fund gets a sweet kickstart.
This card earns Avion Rewards, which has 4 ways to earn points and 6 ways to redeem them, including booking flights, hotels, vacation packages, and more. While this program doesn't have quite as many transfer partners as Amex, it does include some sweet perks – the complimentary Visa Airport Companion membership grants access to airport lounges around the world – and this card comes with 6 free passes.
Best perks credit card for honeymoons: The Platinum Card
×2 Award winner 
GC: $150
2x Award winner Rewards:
- 2 points per $1 spent on restaurants and travel
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
As the best credit card for airport lounge access and the best credit card for perks, The Platinum Card is an excellent choice for a honeymoon card. You'll have unlimited access to the 1,400+ lounges in the American Express Global Lounge Collection, including the elite Amex Centurion Lounges, allowing you to start your honeymoon travel in complete luxury.
This card's 2.45% earn rate is pretty valuable. Plus, it provides $200 in annual travel and dining credits. It also comes with 11 types of insurance coverage. Yes, the $799 is a rather hefty annual fee, but it can't be denied that its benefits far outweigh its cost.
Best airline credit card for honeymoons: TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card
Rewards:
- 2 points per $1 spent on Air Canada
- 1.5 points per $1 spent on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, travel & transit and dining
- 1.25 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card is a valuable card option if you're planning any travel with Air Canada. It's a top-tier card, which means a higher annual fee, but this is offset by included lounge access passes, free checked luggage, and an annual companion pass. Aeroplan members also get preferred pricing when using cash and/or points. All of this can come in very handy for a honeymoon.
Perks aside, this card has a solid 2.78% earn rate, though the highest rewards are earned by making purchases with Air Canada. The welcome offer alone is worth an incredible $1,700, which, even on its own, is a significant amount for a honeymoon fund.
Best hotel credit card for honeymoons: Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card
Rewards:
- 5 points per $1 spent at Marriott properties
- 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
Choosing a hotel credit card instead of a general travel card definitely has its advantages, and the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is an ideal choice. Make your honeymoon stay extra special by choosing to redeem your Marriott points for a more upscale St Regis or Ritz-Carlton property.
Cardholders automatically get one free night per year at a Marriott property, too, with no blackout dates. This easily offsets the $120 annual fee. The average 2.09% earn rate is quite decent – you can add a supplementary card for free, which means twice the opportunities to earn rewards points.
What to consider when choosing the best honeymoon credit card
When choosing the best honeymoon credit card, you'll want to look for one with rewards that fit your plans – a hotel card if you plan to stay at luxurious hotels, an airline-specific card if you plan to book a vacation package, etc.
This list includes several of the most important factors to consider when browsing your options for a honeymoon credit card:
- The cost of the card: Credit cards with the highest annual fees tend to have the most perks and benefits, such as lounge access and travel credits. Consider whether the perks are enough to offset the high fee.
- Insurance coverage: Some credit cards offer comprehensive travel insurance. From emergency medical coverage to hotel burglary, rental car insurance, lost luggage, and more, there are cards that cover just about every unfortunate possibility. The peace of mind they offer can be priceless.
- Brand loyalty: Are you partial to a certain airline, hotel chain, or rewards program? If so, it often makes sense to use a branded or participating credit card.
- Rewards programs: What are the rewards? And are the redemption options something you will use, not just for your honeymoon but beyond? If you prefer road trips, then a card that has the best value for flight redemption probably isn't the best fit.
- Welcome bonus: A good welcome bonus is an excellent way to rack up points quickly, especially if you know you have some big expenses coming up – like a wedding. Compare offers, spend wisely, and use these bonuses to your advantage.
- Foreign transaction (FX) fees: FX fees may seem like a small detail, but that pesky 2.5% can add up quickly when spending abroad. Canada's best FX-free cards include the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card and Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite+ Card, and these also come with significant insurance and travel benefits.
- Your shopping habits: You want to earn as many rewards as possible, so ensure the credit card you choose has high earn rates at the retailers you frequent most and in the categories where you spend the most.
Using rewards points to pay for your honeymoon
Planning ahead will help you accumulate enough rewards points to pay for your honeymoon – if not in full, then at least a big portion of it. You likely have an idea of where you want to go and what you want to do on this once-in-a-lifetime vacation, so start your planning by strategically choosing the rewards program you use and how you collect them.
Aeroplan and Marriott Bonvoy both have free programs that let you double-dip if you also have the branded credit card. On the other hand, American Express is considered to be the most versatile travel rewards program, thanks to its transfer partners and excellent travel perks.
Here's a brief overview of the top credit card rewards programs that can help make your honeymoon more affordable and more luxurious:
| Program name | How to earn | Redemption options | Most valuable redemption (cents per point) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aeroplan | * Be a member * Shop with Aeroplan partners * Use an Aeroplan-branded credit card | * Flights * Car rentals * Hotel stays * Vacation packages * Merchandise * Gift cards | * Air Canada flights – 2 CPP |
| Marriott Bonvoy | * Be a member * Stay at Marriott properties * Use a Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit card | * Hotel stays * Car rentals * Cruises * Flights * Shopping * Experiences * Charitable donations * Transfer to partner programs | * Hotel stays (Marriott properties only) – 1.24 CPP |
| American Express Membership Rewards | * Use an American Express credit card | * Fixed Points Travel Program * Flexible Points Travel Program * Cash back/statement credits * Charitable donations * Gift cards * Merchandise * Transfer to partner programs | * Travel via the Fixed Points Travel Program or Flexible Points Travel Program – 2 CPP |
FAQ
What's the best honeymoon credit card?
Any travel card is a good choice, but the American Express Cobalt Card is the best honeymoon credit card. It's earned many accolades, including awards for being Canada's best Aeroplan card, Amex card, rewards card, and travel card. It's amazing 4.5% earn rate will help you rack up valuable American Express Membership Rewards to pay for your trip.
What's the best card for a married couple?
Amex credit cards don't charge fees for supplementary cards, so the American Express Cobalt Card or Scotiabank Gold American Express Card are probably best for a married couple. If you prefer a non-Amex, the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Card and Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card are top choices.
What's the best card to pay for a wedding?
A flat rate credit card is the best choice to help pay for your wedding. The RBC Avion Visa Infinite is a top flat rate card that earns 1.25 points per $1 spent on travel and 1 point per $1 spent on anything else – a category so broad that it covers any type of engagement, wedding, or honeymoon purchase.
How should I pay for my honeymoon?
We recommend using a credit card to pay for your honeymoon, though it's not the only option. Some couples request money as wedding gifts, hoping to use it towards their honeymoon. If you do decide to use a credit card, a top-rated travel card or rewards card is a valuable choices.
Should I use my credit card rewards to pay for my honeymoon?
Yes, you should absolutely use your credit card rewards to pay for your honeymoon, as they can help bring down your out-of-pocket costs considerably. Using the right card(s) can also provide you with many luxurious perks to enjoy on your trip, like airport lounge access and/or hotel upgrades.
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