Credit Cards that Offer a Free Checked Bag (updated February 11, 2017)
Bringing luggage onto the plane, whether checked-in or carry-on, has become such a complicated issue since the introduction of the pay-per use for the past few years. It seems like it will only get more problematic when costs are attached to carry-ons. As a result, the free checked bag offer from credit cards is only going to become more valuable.
Below is an updated list of credit cards that offer a free checked bag, ranked by annual fees:
RBC WestJet World Elite MasterCard
- $99 annual fee
- Receive first checked bag free
The primary cardholder receives the first checked bag free, and up to 8 additional guests travelling on the same reservation on a WestJet operated flight.
This is not valid for companions when travelling on a group booking of 10 or more guests. This is also not valid when travelling with WestJet codeshare or interline partners.
CIBC Aerogold Visa Infinite Card
- $120 annual fee
- Receive first checked bag free
The primary cardholder will receive a complimentary first checked bag free, when travelling using an Aeroplan flight reward on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada rouge or under the Air Canada Express banner.
TD Aeroplan Visa Business Card
- $120 annual fee
- Receive first checked bag free
The primary cardholder will receive a complimentary first checked bag free, when travelling using an Aeroplan flight reward on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada rouge or under the Air Canada Express banner.
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
- $120 annual fee
- Receive first checked bag free
The primary cardholder will receive a complimentary first checked bag free, when travelling using an Aeroplan flight reward on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada rouge or under the Air Canada Express banner.
CIBC Aerogold Visa Card for Business
- $180 annual fee
- Receive first checked bag free
The primary cardholder will receive a complimentary first checked bag free, when travelling using an Aeroplan flight reward on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada rouge or under the Air Canada Express banner.
CIBC Aerogold Visa Infinite Privilege Card
- $399 annual fee
- Receive first checked bag free
The Primary Cardholder will receive a complimentary first checked bag when travelling on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada rouge or under the Air Canada Express banner.
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege
- $399 annual fee
- Receive first checked bag free
The Primary Cardholder will receive a complimentary first checked bag when travelling on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada rouge or under the Air Canada Express banner.
American Express AeroplanPlus Reserve Card
- $899 annual fee
- Receive first checked bag free (up to 5 bags annually)
The primary cardholder receives the first checked bag free, up to 5 bags annually.
Yes, you are reading this correctly. The $899 annual fee card only gives a 5 bag limit, while the other cards do not have such limit.
American Express AeroplanPlus Reserve Card vs American Express AeroplanPlus Platinum Card
Annual Fee comes out to the same thing after the $200 annual travel credit…
Thoughts?
It is still $899 versus $499 annual fee. Unless you’re only timing the Reserve card for one year, taking advantage of the $200 twice on overlapping years before cancelling?
Notice that all the TD/CIBC Aeroplan cards give you extra checked bag only if you are on a flight reward booking. So if you bought your ticket with points, you get your priority boarding and free bag. Otherwise, you get the miles from the flight, but you get to board in zone 5.
Yes, very specific requirements.