Just as human judgment decides figure skating contests, singling out winning credit cards from a growing cohort of over 70 travel rewards cards is undeniably subjective.

We did our best. First, we organized travel rewards cards into three categories, then compared a multitude of features, including fees, rewards points and other benefits to determine the winners for each category. Here's what we found: 

Category No. 1: Airline credit cards
Driven by demand from frequent flyers, airline credit cards represent one of the most popular travel rewards categories. Typically, points awarded depend on distances flown with participating air carriers.

1st place: The WestJet RBC World MasterCard
For frequent flyers with Canada's second-largest airliner WestJet, or its recent partner American Airlines, this recently upgraded card includes a $350 welcome bonus for new cardholders that can be redeemed for any WestJet flight or vacation package. Most card purchases generate 1.5 per cent in reward dollars; WestJet-specific transactions return an even higher 2 per cent in travel rewards. The card's annual fee is a competitive $79, with no minimum income eligibility requirement.

Con: Travel rewards are limited to WestJet's 71 destination airports in North America and the Caribbean.

2nd place: Capital One Delta SkyMiles World MasterCard
This new card enables cardholders to earn two miles for every dollar charged for Delta airline purchases and one mile for other charges. First-time members receive a 25,000-point bonus worth $250, while all cardholders get 2,500 points valued at $25 on each account anniversary. Subject to a $120 annual fee, the card comes with a full complement of insurance benefits and other perks like extended warranty protection.

Con: Only applicants earning over $70,000 annually are eligible.

3rd place: CIBC Aerogold Visa Infinite
This card is strongly associated with Air Canada, the largest Canadian airliner servicing the most domestic and international flights. Cardholders can earn 1.5 Aeroplan miles for each dollar spent on grocery, drug store and gas station purchases. As a welcome bonus, new cardholders are awarded 15,000 Aeroplan Miles worth $150. With an annual fee of $120, Aerogold Visa Infinite requires a minimum income of just $15,000.

Con: After $80,000 in annual card spending, the 1.5 reward mile bonus no longer applies.

Category No. 2: Travel points credit cards with annual fees
For infrequent flyers willing to pay a yearly charge as a tradeoff for generally higher rewards, cards with annual fees can be a wise choice.

1st place: Capital One Aspire World MasterCard
The Aspire World MasterCard comes with a sign-up bonus worth about $350 in travel points, while the yearly renewal bonus is valued at $100. Cardholders can regularly earn up to 2 per cent on all purchases, a higher rate than most cards. Travel rewards points may be redeemed for merchandise, gift cards and cash. Members also enjoy comprehensive travel insurance, including emergency medical and trip cancellation coverage. The card's annual fee is $120.

Con: Only applicants earning over $70,000 annually are eligible.

2nd place: ScotiaGold Passport Visa
Cardholders are entitled to 5 per cent cash back when they book airline tickets, pre-packaged tours and cruises using this card. The card's $110 annual fee also pays for a strong suite of travel benefits including hotel burglary insurance.

Con: Promotions like the current $300 travel rewards bonus for new cardholders are temporary.

3rd place: CIBC Gold Visa
This card entitles cardholders age 64 and under to 31 days of free out-of-province travel medical insurance. The $99 annual fee reduces to $69 for seniors age 65 or over.

Con: Merchandise rewards are restricted to CIBC's World of Gold Rewards program.

Category No. 3: Travel points credit cards without annual fees
Some travellers insist on rewards undiluted by annual fees.

1st place: American Express Blue Sky Credit Card
New accountholders earn $100 in rewards if they charge $3,000 on their card during their first 6 months of card membership. American Express provides reserved premium seats when entertainment event tickets first go on sale. Cardholders earn a competitive 1.25 points per dollar spent.

Con: Travel accident coverage is the only insurance benefit provided.

2nd place: BMO Air Miles MasterCard
Boasting over 10 million accounts, Air Miles represents one of Canada's most successful loyalty programs. Members can redeem their points for a vast array of merchandise including gadgets and sporting tickets, as well as travel rewards. The standard reward rate is 1 point for every $20 charged, which improves to 1.5 points at participating gas stations and car rental agencies. There is also a triple-point reward program from selected local merchants.

Con: No welcome or renewal bonuses are available, nor are insurance benefits.

3rd place: Capitol One Aspire Gold MasterCard
This fee-less card comes with a $50 bonus for first-time users plus an annual $10 bonus on each account renewal date. Rewards can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, gift cards and cash. Also, authorized users can be added to the card for free.

Con: Cardholders have to spend about $800 per month and earn 15,000 points before they can redeem their travel rewards.

Choosing and using travel rewards card wisely
APRs for the above cards range from 19.5 to 19.99 per cent.

The message is clear. After finding the best rewards card for your travel needs, be sure to pay off your account balance each month. Otherwise, high interest costs will erase savings from great travel rewards that otherwise would be free.

See related: Travel credit cards with free health insurance; Cash savings from little-known credit card freebies