Roadside assistance is one of those essentials—alongside a plunger, a basic first-aid kit and a small screwdriver—you don’t think about until you need it. Whether you’re stranded during a Canadian snowstorm, stuck on a long highway drive or heading up to the cottage, having roadside assistance built into your credit card can save time, money and stress. Below, we highlight the best credit cards with roadside assistance in Canada, outline what each plan includes and help you decide whether this perk is worth it.
Best credit cards with roadside assistance in Canada
Gold: TD Cash Back Visa Infinite Card — Best for roadside assistance
At a glance: The TD Cash Back Visa Infinite is our top pick for roadside assistance. It includes a complimentary Deluxe TD Auto Club membership that provides 24/7 access to unlimited roadside service calls for personal use. Typical covered services include towing (up to 200 km), emergency tire changes, battery boosts, fuel delivery and stolen vehicle emergency services.
TD Cash Back Visa Infinite Card
Annual fee: $139 (usually rebated in the first year)
Interest rates: 21.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances, 22.99% on balance transfers (rates may vary by province)
Rewards: 1%–3% cash back (3% on groceries, gas, EV charging, public transit, recurring bill payments, streaming and digital gaming; 1% on other purchases). Welcome offer details vary by time and region.
Pros:
- Comprehensive roadside assistance with unlimited calls and generous towing limits (up to 200 km).
- Includes travel insurance benefits such as emergency medical and rental car coverage.
- Strong cash-back rates in several everyday categories and easy redemptions (minimum $25).
Cons:
- Annual fee is relatively high for a cash-back card, though benefits can offset the cost.
- 3% cash-back earnings are capped on the first $15,000 in eligible annual spending.
Silver: Triangle World Elite Mastercard — Best value for no annual fee
At a glance: The Triangle World Elite Mastercard offers a complimentary Canadian Tire Roadside Assistance Gold Plan (valued at about $114.99/year), which provides five free service calls annually. Services include towing (up to 200 km), tire changes, fuel delivery and more. The card has no annual fee and offers elevated rewards at Canadian Tire-owned retailers.
Triangle World Elite Mastercard
Annual fee: $0
Interest rates: Approximately 21.99% on purchases, with higher rates for cash advances and balance transfers in most provinces.
Rewards: 1%–4% back in CT Money (4% at Canadian Tire-owned stores, 3% groceries, 1% on other purchases).
Pros:
- Five free roadside service calls per year with generous towing limits.
- No annual fee and simple point redemption (CT Money functions like cash at participating retailers).
- Special offers and discounts on automotive and lifestyle services.
Cons:
- Rewards are strongest only within the Canadian Tire network; limited value elsewhere.
- Some benefits, including rewards, are calculated on pre-tax amounts.
Bronze: BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard — Family-friendly coverage
At a glance: The BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard provides free basic roadside assistance through the Dominion Automobile Association (DAA), typically offering up to four service calls per year and 24/7 support. Coverage includes towing (shorter towing distances on the basic plan), tire changes, battery boosts and fuel delivery. Additional cardholders usually receive the same coverage, which can make this a convenient option for families.
BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard
Annual fee: $139 (often waived the first year)
Interest rates: Around 21.99% on purchases and higher for advances and transfers.
Rewards: 1%–5% cash back in major categories (for example, 5% on groceries, 3% on gas and EV charging, with tiered categories for other purchases).
Pros:
- Four service calls per year and 24/7 emergency roadside support.
- High cash-back potential across several categories and low redemption minimums.
- Extensive insurance options for a cash-back card, including travel and rental car coverage.
Cons:
- Towing distance on the included plan is comparatively limited.
- Premium cards often require higher income or credit-score thresholds for approval.
Also worth considering: CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite (Best for gas)
At a glance: If gas and EV charging rewards are a priority on road trips, the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite offers strong cash-back rates on gas and EV charging. While it does not include roadside assistance, pairing it with a separate roadside plan could be a smart combination for frequent drivers looking to maximize fuel savings.
CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite
Annual fee: $120 (often rebated in the first year)
Rewards: Up to 4% cash back on eligible gas, EV charging and grocery purchases; lower rates on other categories. Card includes travel insurance features as well.
How we choose the best cards
We focus on roadside coverage features, limits and the overall value provided relative to the card’s annual fee. Important considerations include the number of service calls included, towing distance, whether coverage extends to additional cardholders, and any travel or vehicle-related insurance bundled with the card. We also compare rewards structure and overall cost to help identify the best fit for different drivers.
What is roadside assistance?
Roadside assistance is a service that helps drivers when their vehicle becomes disabled or encounters trouble on the road. These services are designed to get you back on the road quickly or safely transport your vehicle to a repair facility when necessary.
What does roadside assistance include?
Typical services offered in roadside assistance plans include:
- Towing: Transporting a disabled vehicle to a nearby repair shop or service station; towing limits vary by plan.
- Flat tire repair or replacement: Help changing a flat or installing a spare tire.
- Battery jump start: Assistance when a vehicle battery dies.
- Fuel delivery: Temporary fuel to reach the nearest station if you run out of gas.
- Lock-out assistance: Help gaining access if keys are locked inside the vehicle.
- Winching/extraction: Recovery from ditches, snowbanks or mud when safe to do so.
Is a credit card with roadside assistance worth it?
Roadside assistance is often an undervalued credit-card benefit. A standalone roadside membership from national providers can cost upwards of $70 per year, and an unexpected tow or emergency service without membership can be very expensive in some regions. For drivers who travel frequently, commute long distances or spend time in remote areas, the peace of mind and cost savings from roadside assistance included on a credit card can easily justify the card’s annual fee. When comparing cards, weigh the roadside limits, number of included calls, and how the card’s other benefits and rewards align with your spending habits.
Final tips for choosing a card with roadside assistance
- Confirm which vehicles and drivers are covered and whether additional cardholders get the same benefits.
- Check towing distance limits and the number of included service calls per year.
- Compare the card’s annual fee against the standalone cost of a roadside membership and the value of other card benefits (rewards and insurance).
- If you travel across provincial borders, verify coverage area and any regional restrictions.
Having roadside assistance on your credit card gives practical protection and can reduce the stress and cost of unexpected breakdowns. Choose the card whose coverage, rewards and fees best match your driving needs.