The Best Credit Cards for Free Checked Bags

A few years ago, Air Canada and WestJet made a few changes to their fares and fees to compete with low-cost carriers:

• Air Canada and WestJet hiked checked bag fees on economy flights from $25 to $30 one-way for the first bag, and from $35 to $50 one-way for the second bag.
• Air Canada introduced Economy Basic, which doesn't come with checked bags even for international flights. 

If you're used to packing light, these changes shouldn't bother you too much. However, if you prefer to bring a checked bag with you on long trips - prepare to pay upwards of $60 roundtrip!

But wait - did you know that there actually a few Canadian credit cards that include free checked bags as part of their perks? Yes, that's right! These are the cards that include free checked bags as a perk:

Last Updated: April 15, 2022

TD Aeroplan or CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite

Baggage Perk: 1 free checked bag on Air Canada flights for the Primary Cardholder, authorized users and up to eight (8) travel companions on the same reservation
Other Perks: Bonus Buddy Pass
Annual Fee: $139 for both, but you can get the first year free with TD and CIBC
Application Link(s): TD, CIBC
Sweet Spot: Air Canada flights that don't normally come with a free checked bag (e.g. any domestic/U.S. flights, or Economy Basic fares between Canada and Europe).

WestJet World Elite MasterCard

Baggage Perk: Free checked bag for you and up to eight (8) travel companions on the same reservation

Other Perks: up to 450 WestJet dollars upon spending $5,000 in the first three months (up to 500 WestJet dollars if applying through Perkopolis), WestJet companion voucher
Annual Fee: $119
Application Link(s): RBC, Perkopolis (up to 500 WestJet dollars)
Sweet Spot: Round-trip flight to Hawaii or Europe. These destinations are further away and tend to be longer trips, which means more to pack. If you can bring along a few more things (or leave room for shopping), all the better.

National Bank World Elite MasterCard

Baggage Perk: $250 annual credit that can be applied to checked baggage fees among other fees.
Other Perks: The $250 can also be used toward seat selection and airport parking. You also get access to the National Bank Lounge at Montreal Trudeau Airport.
Annual Fee: $150 (first year waived if applying before May 31, 2022)
Application Link(s): National Bank
Sweet Spot: Any trip you require a checked bag for, as there are no restrictions on airlines.

HSBC World Elite MasterCard

Baggage Perk: $100 annual credit that can be applied to checked baggage fees among other fees.
Other Perks: The $100 can also be used toward seat selection and lounge passes. The card also offers 31-day travel insurance coverage.
Annual Fee: $149, but you can get the first year free until October 31, 2022
Application Link(s): HSBC, Great Canadian Rebates ($50 cash back)
Sweet Spot: Any trip you require a checked bag for, as there are no restrictions on airlines.

Alaska Airlines World Elite MasterCard
Best for: Alaska Airlines benefits

Baggage Perk: Free checked bag on all Alaska Airlines flights for up to six (6) passengers)

Other Perks: $121 USD companion fare with Alaska Airlines

Annual Fee: $99, reduced to $49 for the first year with $50 cash back via Great Canadian Rebates

Application Link(s): Great Canadian Rebates ($50 cash back)

Sweet Spot: Any Alaska Airlines flight that doesn't include a free checked bag.

American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
Best for: Aeroplan miles, Air Canada benefits, Toronto Pearson airport priority benefits

Baggage Perk: Free checked bag on all Air Canada flights for up to nine (9) companions

Other Perks: Up to 110,000 Aeroplan miles in the first year, Maple Leaf lounge access, Toronto Pearson airport priority benefits

Annual Fee: $599, reduced to $449 for the first year with $150 cash back via Great Canadian Rebates

Application Link(s): Great Canadian Rebates ($150 cash back)

Sweet Spot: Any Air Canada flight that doesn't include a free checked bag (e.g. any domestic/U.S. flights, or Economy Basic flights between Canada and Europe).

There are a few other Canadian cards that offer free checked bags, but I wouldn't recommend them as they have hefty annual fees and/or high income requirements.

If credit cards aren't your thing, you can always choose to pack light, or achieve enough status with your preferred airline to get complimentary checked bags every time.

• Achieve Aeroplan Elite status with the Air Canada (you're automatically enrolled in this if you have an Aeroplan account). You'll be able to check 2 bags with every flight for free.
• Achieve WestJet Silver status with the WestJet Rewards Program