Air Transat, Desjardins and Visa will launch a new rewards programme with co‑branded credit cards
Air Transat has partnered with Desjardins and Visa to roll out a new loyalty programme and a line of co‑branded credit cards, due in the second half of 2026.
Copy link
By Torontoer Staff
Air Transat, Desjardins and Visa are launching a new loyalty programme for Canadian travellers, with a suite of co‑branded credit cards to follow. The partners say the programme will arrive in the second half of 2026.
The announcement on Monday frames the initiative as a way to add rewards and travel benefits for customers who fly with the Montreal-founded airline, and to provide payment options tied to those benefits.
What the partners are promising
Air Transat described the programme as a modern, simple, and flexible rewards system. Xavier Szwengler, vice-president, marketing and distribution at Transat, said the new offering will enrich the Air Transat experience and provide more for loyal customers at every moment of travel.
This new loyalty program will enrich the Air Transat experience…through a modern, simple, and flexible approach.
Xavier Szwengler, vice-president, marketing and distribution, Transat
Desjardins confirmed it will introduce a line of credit cards tied to the programme. The cards will operate on Visa’s global network, which means holders should be able to use them worldwide.
This initiative reflects our commitment to providing tangible and personalized benefits to our members and clients who travel with Air Transat, in collaboration with Visa.
Nathalie Larue, Executive Vice-President of Personal Services and Community Life, Desjardins
The new suite of cards is designed to bring more travel opportunities, meaningful rewards, and exceptional payment experiences to Canadians.
Dan Iwachiw, Vice President and Head of Product, Visa Canada
What travellers can reasonably expect
The partners have not released detailed terms yet. Based on common features of airline loyalty programmes and co‑branded cards, travellers can likely expect points or miles for flight purchases, bonus earning categories for travel and everyday spending, and travel-related protections such as trip cancellation or travel medical insurance.
Other possible features include priority boarding, checked-baggage waivers, companion fare offers, and airport lounge access for higher-tier cardholders. Exact perks, earning rates, annual fees and redemption rules will determine how valuable the cards are for different types of travellers.
How to evaluate the cards once details are released
- Compare earning rates for flights and everyday spending to your existing cards.
- Check annual fees against the value of included perks and statement credits.
- Look for practical redemption options, including seat availability and blackout rules.
- Confirm what travel and purchase protections are included, and whether they replace separate travel insurance you already have.
- Verify foreign transaction fees if you travel internationally frequently.
Timing and competitive context
Air Transat, Desjardins and Visa plan to launch the programme in the second half of 2026. The move comes as Canadian banks and airlines continue to expand rewards offerings: TD recently announced new rewards for cardholders aimed at earning deals and points on everyday purchases.
Co‑branded airline cards have become a common way for airlines to drive loyalty and for financial institutions to differentiate their card lineups. For travellers, the decision to apply will come down to specific benefits, redemptions and fees, rather than branding alone.
What to do now
- Sign up for updates from Air Transat and Desjardins to receive details and launch offers.
- Review your current credit cards and travel spending to estimate the potential value of switching or adding a co‑branded card.
- Keep an eye on the programme’s terms when they are published, especially earning rates, blackout dates and expiry rules.
The partners are positioning the programme as a travel-focused option for Canadians, but the ultimate value will depend on the published details and how the offering compares with existing cards and rewards programmes.
Expect more concrete information on perks, fees and enrolment options as Air Transat, Desjardins and Visa move closer to their targeted second-half 2026 launch. In the meantime, travellers should track announcements and compare the new cards with current options before applying.
Air TransatDesjardinsVisatravel rewardscredit cardsloyalty programmeCanada
