Why we like it

Earn up to $1,000 in cash back on grocery shopping and recurring bill payments with a 4% rewards rate in both categories.

Pros

• It’s rare for a credit card to offer 4% cash back on two major spending categories. It’s even rarer to set a $25,000 annual limit to that 4% — a $1,000 value — before reverting to the healthy 1% base rate.
• You can waive the $120 annual fee every single year by using the Scotiabank Ultimate Package.

Cons

• The cash back earned is hands-off. You have to wait until November, and then it’s only redeemable as a statement credit. If you have a Scotiabank account, that annual payout can be deposited into your bank account.
• The 4% rate won’t mean much to you if you don’t buy a lot of groceries or often buy your food at somewhere that Visa doesn’t classify as a grocery store or supermarket, such as Canadian Tire, FreshCo, London Drugs, Walmart and No Frills.

• SPECIAL OFFER: Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases). No annual fee in the first year, including on supplementary cards. Offer ends October 31, 2024.
• Earn 4% for every $1 you spend on grocery store purchases, recurring bill payments, and subscription purchases.
• Earn 2% for every $1 you spend on gas purchases and daily transit purchases.
• Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases with no cash back limit.
• Redeem cash back as a statement credit in November.
• Visa Infinite benefits, including Visa Infinite* Concierge, Visa Infinite* Luxury Hotel Collection, Visa Infinite* Dining Series, and entertainment and lifestyle offers.
• Save up to 25% off base rates at participating AVIS locations and at participating Budget locations in Canada and the U.S.
• Access to Scotia SelectPay™.
• To be eligible, $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household) annual income is required, or $250,000 minimum assets under management. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident that is the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
• Terms and Conditions Apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details.

Cash back is the most flexible of all credit card rewards — it’s simple to earn and even easier to redeem. See our selections for the best cash-back credit cards to find the right option for you.

Why we like it

With low rates and a generous rewards program, the Scotiabank Platinum American Express card is a unicorn for frequent travellers seeking luxury perks, premier travel benefits and exceptional interest rates on purchases and cash advances.

Pros

• Low interest rates, no foreign transaction fees, and an impressive insurance package that includes comprehensive travel insurance coverage and newly-added mobile device insurance.
• Luxury travel privileges include 10 free VIP airport lounge visits per year with a complimentary Priority Pass membership.

Cons

• The $399 annual fee is quite a bit higher than other rewards cards, but frequent travellers seeking a low rate on purchases and cash advances can easily make the yearly cost worthwhile.

• Earn up to $2,100* in value in your first 14 months, including up to 60,000* bonus Scene+ points. Offer ends October 31, 2024.
• You will not pay 2.5% foreign transaction fees on any foreign currency purchases, including online shopping and when travelling abroad. Only the exchange rate applies.
• Earn 2X Scene+™ points for every $1 CAD you spend on all your eligible purchases.
• Scene+ points can be redeemed for travel purchase, merchandise and other non-travel rewards such as gift cards and prepaid cards.
• You must redeem a minimum of 5,000 points per travel-related rewards redemption, equivalent to $50 in travel savings. Points must be redeemed within 12 months of the purchase date.
• $399 annual fee.
• Redeem points for any flight, any time through Scene+ Travel, a full-service travel agency. Plus, take advantage of a best price guarantee on airfare.
• Get a Hertz #1 Club Gold membership for special privileges and rental car benefits at over 8,500 locations in 147 countries.
• Enjoy culinary events and experiences, entertainment, luxury fashion, tours, and more through American Express benefits, including American Express Invites, Platinum VIP offers and access to 24/7 premium concierge services for restaurant reservations, show tickets, and gift purchases.
• Lounge access at over 600 VIP airport lounges around the world with a complimentary Priority Pass membership, which includes 10 free visits per year.
• 12 types of insurance provided, including 31-day travel medical benefits — up to $2 million in coverage — for you, your spouse and any dependent children under the age of 65. 10-day coverage available for those over the age of 65.
• Preferred rates: 9.99% for purchases, 9.99% for cash advances.
• To be eligible, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
• Terms and Conditions Apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details.

A travel rewards credit card brings your next trip a little closer every time you use it. Whether you’re loyal to a specific airline or hotel chain and want a co-branded card, or prefer the flexibility of a general-purpose travel card, check out our choices for the best travel credit cards in Canada.

Secured Neo Mastercard earns cash back rewards and offers access to high-interest savings.

Pros

• A small $50 minimum deposit makes this card accessible to consumers of all budgets.
• Cashback rate of up to 4%.

Cons

• Interest rates could be as high as 29.99% for some users.

• Build credit history with on-time payments.
• Set your credit limit and get started with as little as $50.
• Guaranteed approval with no credit score needed to apply.
• 0.5% guaranteed monthly minimum cashback.
• Only $5 / Month
• Depending on your Required Everyday account balance, customers can earn cashback up to 4% on gas, 4% on groceries, and 1% on all other purchases (up to a yearly spend cap).
• Personalized Insights AI generates tailored information and recommendations designed specifically for you.

Whether you want to build your credit or a controlled way to ease into the world of credit card use, secured cards can help. See our selections for the best secured credit cards in Canada.

Why we like it

One of RBC’s newest offerings, the RBC ION+ Visa is a solid, low-fee rewards card with generous earning rates on daily spending.

Pros

• Earn unlimited 3x on a variety of common spending categories, like groceries, gas, food delivery, and even digital gaming.
• Get a monthly fee rebate every month when you have an RBC Signature No Limit Banking or RBC Advantage Banking for students account.

Cons

• Limited insurance offerings, but mobile device insurance is included.

• Get 12,000 Avion points upon approval* – that’s $80 of value in gift cards⁺! Apply by November 4, 2024.
• Earn 3X Avion points for every $1 spent¹ on:
• Grocery, Dining & Food Delivery – Satisfy your taste buds by earning points on groceries, dining out, food delivery.ⁱ
• Rides, Gas & EV Charging – Enjoy earning points on gas, rideshare, daily public transit, electric vehicle charging.ⁱⁱ
• Streaming, Digital Gaming & Subscriptions– Stay entertained while earning points on streaming, gaming, eligible digital subscriptions, eligible digital downloads, and in-game purchases.ⁱⁱⁱ
• Earn 1 Avion point for every $1 spent on all other qualifying purchases.¹
• Annual Fee $48² ($4 charged monthly).
• Pay With Points – Redeem your Avion points to pay bills, your credit card balance or even send money to friends with Interac e-Transfer⁴. Minimum redemption is only $10, so you can use your points where you need them most.
• Save at Petro-Canada – Save 3¢/L on fuel and earn 20% more points when you pay with a linked RBC card.⁶
• Earn more Be Well points at Rexall – Earn 50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases at Rexall when you pay with your linked RBC card and scan your Be Well card.⁷
• Save Big on Delivery with DoorDash – Get a 3-month complimentary DashPass subscription – a value of almost $308. Enjoy unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees on qualifying orders of $15 or more when you pay with your eligible RBC credit card⁹. See how to save with DoorDash.
• Enjoy a Monthly Fee Rebate – Get a $4 rebate¹⁰ each month ($48/year) on the monthly fee of your credit card when you have an RBC Signature No Limit Banking or RBC Advantage Banking for students account.
• Mobile Device Insurance⁵ Included – Get 2 years of coverage up to $1,000 in the event your mobile device such as your cell phone is lost, stolen, accidentally damaged or experiences mechanical failure when you purchase your mobile device with this credit card.
• Purchase Security and Extended Warranty Insurance⁵ – Automatically protects eligible card purchases against loss, theft or damage within 90 days of purchase, and doubles the manufacturer’s original Canadian warranty by up to one additional year, to a maximum of five years.
• Corresponding legal references and product terms are available on the RBC website, which will be available and agreed upon in the customer onboarding process.

Why we like it

The Neo Money™ Card is a no-fee prepaid Mastercard linked to the online bank’s popular high interest savings account. Earn 0.1% interest on your funds in the Neo Money account and enjoy up to 3% cashback on spending (up to a yearly spend cap).

Pros

• Build your savings with competitive interest on funds held in the Neo Money account.
• Free Interac e-Transfers, bill payments and mobile bank-to-bank transfers.
• Earn up to 3% cashback on spending (up to a yearly spend cap).

Cons

• The cashback you receive will vary depending on where you shop.

• Get high interest on your savings and high cashback when you spend with your Neo Money™ card.
• Depending on your account balance, customers can earn cashback up to 3% on gas, 3% on groceries, and 1% on all other purchases (up to a yearly spend cap).
• Instant access to your balance with no card loading required.
• Free everyday transactions and no monthly fees.
• Withdraw from any ATM worldwide.
• 0.1% interest on every dollar.
• Enable the Auto-Save feature to set up automatic savings and register your email to instantly deposit Interac e-Transfer® requests in your Neo Everyday account.
• Take the pain out of bill pay by setting up automated payments from your Neo Everyday account.

Why we like it

A rare 0% intro period on balance transfers and low interest rates year-round, the Scotiabank Value Visa can help you quickly pay down balances transferred from higher-rate credit cards.

Pros

• Cardholders who carry a balance will save money every month with this card’s low 12.99% interest rate on purchases, cash advances and balance transfers.
• A stellar 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first six months.

Cons

• No rewards.
• No insurance coverage.

• 0% introductory interest rate on Balance Transfers for the first 10 months (12.99% after that; annual fee $29).¹ Plus no annual fee in the first year.¹ Offer ends 31 Oct 2024.
• Save up to hundreds of dollars a year on interest.
• Low interest rate of 12.99%.
• Pay down higher interest rate balances faster.
• Transfer higher rate balances and save even more.
• To be eligible, $12,000 (individual) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident that is the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
• Terms and Conditions Apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details.

Why we like it

The BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* for Students has impressive earn rates — including 3% on groceries — and valuable perks, all without an annual fee.

Pros

• Earn flexible and easy-to-redeem cash rewards on everyday purchases.
• There’s no minimum threshold for redeeming your cash-back rewards. Redeem as little as $1 if you want.

Cons

• Accelerated earn rates for groceries and recurring bills are capped at $500 per billing cycle.
• Insurance is limited to extended warranty and purchase protection.

• Welcome offer: Get 5% cash back in your first 3 months.*
• Then get 3% cash back on grocery purchases, 1% cash back on recurring bill payments and 0.5% unlimited cash back on all other purchases!*
• Now earn the highest cash back on groceries in Canada without paying an annual fee!†
• Get cash back every time you spend, plus start building a healthy credit history.
• Want to get your cash back ASAP? Now you can redeem your cash back anytime through direct deposit, as a credit on your statement or into your BMO InvestorLine account.*
• No Annual fee.*
• Extended Warranty.*
• Purchase Protection.*
• Receive a discount on car rentals.*
• *Terms and conditions apply.
• †Statement based on a comparison of the non-promotional grocery rewards earn rate on Canadian cash back credit cards as of January 4, 2023.
• BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.

Finding a student credit card with the right combination of features for your lifestyle can be daunting, especially if it’s your first time choosing a card. Compare our picks for the best student credit cards in Canada to find the best choice for you.

Why we like it

You won’t need a strategy to make the most out of this bonus-category card. The BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®* spends like a flat-rate card thanks to stellar rates on four popular daily spending categories.

Pros

• Score generous cash-back rates for popular spending categories: 5% on groceries, 4% on transit, 3% on gas, 2% on recurring bills, and 1% on everything else.
• Feel protected with 13 types of insurance and fantastic travel benefits.

Cons

• Spending categories come with easily-hit spending caps, but the 1% base rate still earns you value once you hit your monthly bonus rate limits.
• The $120 annual fee is pretty steep. While we think you’ll more than make up for it through cash back savings, the no-fee BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* is a great alternative.

• Welcome offer: Get up to 10% cash back in your first 3 months and the $120 annual fee waived in the first year.*
• Earn more cash back on the categories that mean the most: 5% on groceries.* 4% on transit including ride sharing, taxis and public transportation.* 3% on gas and electric vehicle charging.* 2% on recurring bill payments like your monthly phone bill or favourite streaming service.* 1% unlimited cashback on all other purchases.*
• Get the highest cash back earn rate on groceries in Canada.†
• Get valuable benefits and offers for digital everyday services from a variety of on-demand apps and subscription services.
• Extended Warranty Plus.*
• Purchase Protection Plus.*
• Complimentary membership in Mastercard Airport Experiences provided by LoungeKey.*
• Access over 1 million Wi-Fi hotspots around the world – all at no added cost, and no added fees or roaming charges.*
• Complimentary Roadside Assistance Program.*
• BMO CashBack World Elite Travel and Medical Protection.*
• BMO Concierge Service.*
• Unlock Mastercard Travel Rewards cashback offers when you travel and shop outside of Canada.
• *Terms and conditions apply.
• †Statement based on a comparison of the non-promotional grocery rewards earn rate on Canadian cash back credit cards as of January 4, 2023.
• BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.

No single rewards card is right for everyone. It’s all about how you spend money and what kind of rewards you value. See our choices for the best rewards credit cards in Canada to select the best option for you.

Why we like it

You can earn unlimited cash back at a 2% rate in up to three categories of your choice and 0.50% back on other everyday purchases while benefiting from exclusive Tangerine World Mastercard® perks and insurance cover.

Pros

• Choose the best 2% rewards categories for you based on your spending.
• A variety of additional perks like savings on subscription services, rental car collision/loss damage, mobile device insurance, and more.

Cons

• Higher eligibility requirement for gross income.

• Apply for a Tangerine World Mastercard® by October 31, 2024 and earn an extra 10% back* (up to $100) when you spend up to $1,000 in everyday purchases within your first 2 months.
• Earn 2% Money-Back Rewards on purchases in two 2% Money-Back Categories of your choice, and 0.50% Money-Back Rewards on all other purchases.
• Have your Money-Back Rewards deposited into a Tangerine Savings Account, and get a 3rd 2% Money-Back Category.
• No limit on the amount of Money-Back Rewards you can earn.
• Change your 2% Money-Back Categories to suit your spending.
• With Mastercard Travel Rewards, you can unlock cashback offers and get a rebate applied directly to your statement, by using your Tangerine World Mastercard at select merchants that accept Mastercard while travelling outside of Canada.
• Save on the things you love with your Tangerine World Mastercard. Enjoy special benefits and offers from a growing lineup of on-demand apps and subscription services made available to you as a Tangerine World Mastercard cardholder.
• Make the most of your travel with Mastercard® Travel Pass Provided by DragonPass. Your complimentary membership gives you exclusive dining, retail and spa offers in over 650 airports worldwide, along with access to over 1,300 airport lounges at $32 USD per visit. Learn more at Mastercard® Travel Pass.
• Rental Car Collision/Loss Damage Insurance**: Damage and theft protection for your car rental when you rent for up to 31 consecutive days and charge the full cost of your rental to your Card.
• Mobile Device Insurance**: Protection on new cell phones, smartphones or tablets when you charge the full cost to your Card, or when you purchase it through a plan and charge all of your wireless bill payments to your Card. Covers up to $1,000 if your mobile device is lost, stolen, accidentally damaged or experiences mechanical failure.
• Preferred rates: 19.95% for purchases and cash advances.
• To be eligible, a $50,000 (individual) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.

Why we like it

The $0-annual-fee Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa Card earns bonus cash-back on the purchases you make almost every day.

Pros

• Earn up to 4% cash back on eligible purchases in restaurants, bars and coffee shops.
• Get cash back on fee-free global money transfers.

Cons

• The 0.5% base rate isn’t exactly impressive, but it only applies after you hit the annual spending limits of bonus categories.
• It only includes purchase security and extended protection insurance.

• Sign up for a Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa* Card by October 31, 2024 and get a $100 Skip Digital Gift Card after you spend $100 with your new Simplii Cash Back Visa card by November 30, 2024†.
• Plus, for your first 4 months with a Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa* Card, enjoy 10% cash back on eligible restaurants, food delivery and bar purchases (Up to $500 spend†).
• Earn 4% on eligible restaurant, bar and coffee shop purchases up to $5,000 spend per year†.
• Earn 1.5% on eligible gas, groceries, drugstore purchases and pre-authorized payments, up to $15,000 per year†.
• Earn 0.5% on all other credit card purchases with no limit on how much you can earn†.
• For your first 4 months with a Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa* Card, enjoy 10% cash back on eligible restaurants, food delivery and bar purchases. Up to $500 spend †.
• Redeem cash back as a statement credit in December.†
• No annual fee.
• Cash back when you send money abroad with a Simplii Financial Global Money Transfer. No transaction fees and no interest charges.†
• Purchase security and extended protection insurance provided.†
• Interest rates: 20.99% for purchases‡, 22.99% for cash advances‡.
• To be eligible, a $15,000 (individual/household) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident (excluding Quebec) that is the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
• †Terms and conditions apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details. This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
• ‡ “Purchase” means any Transaction other than a Cash Advance, Balance Transfer or Convenience Cheque. “Cash” means a Cash Advance, Balance Transfer and Convenience Cheque. Interest rates may change from time to time.

Why we like it

Not only does the Scotiabank Gold American Express card reward you with impressive rates in six popular spending categories, but it also comes with no foreign exchange fees.

Pros

• No foreign exchange fee on any foreign currency purchases while travelling abroad or shopping online — you just have to pay the exchange rate.

Cons

• The bonus rewards rates drop down to the 1x flat rate after a $50,000 annual spend. This sounds like a lot, but much of your daily spending is probably included in the six bonus categories, so you might hit the limit faster than you’d think.

• Earn up to $950* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points.¹
• Earn 6x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
• Earn 5x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
• Earn 5x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purchases. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
• Earn 3x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more
• Earn 3x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services
• Plus earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
• No Foreign Transaction Fee
• Comprehensive Travel Insurance coverage
• AMEX Offers®
• AMEX Front of the Line®
• American Express Invites®
• Complimentary Concierge Services
• Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 02, 2024. Subject to change.
• Terms and Conditions Apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details.

Why we like it

This card offers a competitive sign-up bonus and accelerated earn rates on useful categories like restaurant and grocery purchases and household utility bills.

Pros

• An impressive array of perks and insurance benefits for travellers, such as concierge services and rental car discounts.
• Flexible redemption options, including cash back, brand-name merchandise, gift cards, charitable donations and travel.

Cons

• Intro offer does not include a waived annual fee.
• The 5x bonus rewards rate on restaurants, groceries, digital media, memberships and utility drops down to a 1x flat rate after you spend $50,000.

• 20,000 bonus points†† (approximately $165 in cash back value) after you make $2,000 or more in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of your account opening.
• 10,000 bonus points††(approximately $80 in cash back value) once enrolled for paperless e-statements within the first 90 days of account opening.
• Earn 5 points‡ for every $1 spent on eligible restaurant, grocery, digital media, membership, and household utility purchases until $50,000 is spent annually in the applicable category. 1 point‡ for every $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• Each year, you will receive Birthday Bonus Points‡ equal to 10% of the total number of Points the Account earned in the 12 months before the month of your birthday, to a maximum Birthday Bonus each year of 15,000 Points.
• Redeem points‡ for cash back, brand-name merchandise, gift cards from participating retailers, charitable donations, and travel.
• Standard Annual Interest Rates of 19.99% on purchases, 22.99% on balance transfers✪, and 24.99% on cash advances.
• Mobile Device Insurance*** With Mobile Device Insurance, you’ve got up to $1,000 in coverage for eligible mobile devices in the event of loss, theft, accidental damage or mechanical breakdown.
• $120 annual fee. $50 Additional Card Annual Fee for one authorized user (if you have one).
• To qualify, your personal annual income must be greater than $80,000, or your household annual income must be $150,000 or greater††††.
• ††, ‡, ✪, ***, ††††, Terms and Conditions apply.
• This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
• Sponsored advertising. MBNA is a division of The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) and TD is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete information on this MBNA credit card, please click on the “Apply Now” button.

Why we like it

You can earn some extremely attractive rates on gas and groceries with the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card — up to a $3,200 cash-back value.

Pros

• Flexible and easy redemption. You can redeem cash back anytime through CIBC Online and Mobile Banking.
• Generous cash back rates on five popular spending categories.

Cons

• You’ll only earn 1% cash back after spending $80,000 across bonus categories. Most credit cards have specific limits for each category, but the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite collectively caps all bonus rates with an $80,000 limit.
• Insurance offerings are limited compared to what you might expect from a card with a $120 annual fee. However, you can avoid this cost every single year with a CIBC Smart Plus™ Account.

• 4% on groceries, gas, and electric vehicle charging, and 2% on transportation, dining and recurring payments. Accelerated rates apply to the first $80,000 spent per year.
• 1% on everything else, and after spending $80,000.
• 0.25% cash back for every $1 spent on a CIBC Global Money Transfer, with no foreign transaction fees.
• Redeem a minimum of $25 cash back at any time through CIBC Online and Mobile Banking.
• $120 annual fee.
• Visa Infinite benefits, including Visa Infinite Concierge, Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection, Visa Infinite Dining Series, and entertainment and lifestyle offers.
• Save up to 10 cents per litre at Chevron, Ultramar and Pioneer gas stations when you link your card with Journie Rewards.
• Access to CIBC Pace It.
• Five types of insurance provided, including 10-day out-of-province/out-of-country emergency medical benefits — up to $5 million in coverage.
• Preferred rates: 20.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances.
• To be eligible, $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.

Why we like it

The American Express Cobalt Card boasts high rewards rates on everyday spending, a generous welcome bonus, comprehensive travel insurance coverage, flexible point redemption and plenty of specialty perks to keep things interesting all year long.

Pros

• Earn 150,000 points in the first year by spending up to $30,000 on eats, drinks and groceries. Combined with the 15,000 point intro offer, you could earn 165,000 points in your first year, which you could redeem for travel and more.
• Easily transfer the points you earn to popular airline and hotel loyalty programs, such as Aeroplan and Marriott Bonvoy.

Cons

• Airport lounge access isn’t provided, which may disappoint some frequent travellers.
• No travel medical coverage for cardmembers over the age of 65.

• In your first year as a new Cobalt Cardmember, you can earn 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in net purchases on your Card. This could add up to 15,000 points in a year. That’s up to $150 towards a weekend getaway or concert tickets.
• Earn 5x the points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery. Spend cap applies.
• Earn 3x the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada.
• Earn 2X the points on eligible ride shares, transit & gas in Canada.
• Earn 1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings via American Express Travel Online.
• Earn 1X point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else.
• Enjoy access to hotel bookings, a room upgrade (when available), 12pm check-in and late check-out (when available), and up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities when charged to the room for a stay of 2 or more consecutive nights through The Hotel Collection from American Express Travel
• Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs.
• Cobalt Cardmembers receive regular Perks such as bonus reward offers and access to great events.
• Access Front Of The Line® Presale & Reserved Tickets to some of your favourite concerts and theatre performances and special offers and events curated for Cardmembers with American Express® Experiences.
• *Effective August 15, 2023, Cobalt Cardmembers will earn 5x the points on all eligible eats & drinks charged to their Card up to $2,500 monthly, for the same total of $30,000 annually already in place today. Cardmembers will also continue to earn 3x on streaming subscriptions, 2x on eligible transit, gas & travel purchases and 1x on everything else. T&Cs apply. While the annual earn does not change, the new monthly construct intends to curb gaming activity. The change should have little to no impact on the majority of Cardmembers who utilize the Card and Membership Rewards program as it was intended.
• American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, NerdWallet may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Why we like it

This precision-cut and engraved metal Platinum Card boasts a generous intro offer, strong earn rates on rewards, and an impressive array of premium benefits and perks.

Pros

• From special reservations to insider tips, you can enhance your travel experiences with complimentary, personalized service from Platinum Concierge — available 24/7.
• Benefit from a full suite of Platinum-level travel perks, such as worldwide airport lounge access, the Global Dining Collection, and more.

Cons

• Unless you plan to travel a lot, it may be difficult to offset the high $799 annual fee.
• No travel medical coverage for cardmembers over the age of 65.

• Unlock special experiences with the Platinum Card®.
• Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points – that’s up to $1,000 towards a weekend away.
• New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn 70,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $10,000 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership.
• Plus, earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership.
• Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada, 2points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel, and 1 point for every $1 in all other Card purchases.
• Access a $200 Annual Travel Credit through American Express Travel Online or Platinum® Card Travel Service.
• Enjoy a $200 Annual Dining Credit at some of Canada’s best restaurants.
• Unlock $200 or more in additional value with Member extras. You can earn statement credits for qualifying purchases with participating brands.
• Take full advantage of The American Express Global Lounge Collection™ which unlocks access to over 1300 airport lounges worldwide. This includes The Centurion® Lounge network, Plaza Premium Lounges, and hundreds of other domestic and international lounges designed to enhance your travel experience.
• Enjoy flexible ways to use your points such as statement credits for any eligible purchase charged to your Card, new travel purchases booked on American Express Travel Online through the Flexible Points Travel Program, and eligible flights through the Fixed Points Travel Program.
• Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs.
• Enjoy complimentary benefits that offer an average value of $600 USD at over 1,500 extraordinary properties worldwide when you book Fine Hotels + Resorts
• Platinum Cardmembers can enjoy access to special events and unique opportunities.
• Enjoy premium benefits at the Toronto Pearson Airport.
• You will also have access to many leading hotel and car rental companies’ loyalty programs. Our partners include Marriott International, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Hertz and Avis.
• Interest applies in accordance with your Cardmember Agreement, Information Box, and Disclosure statement if the total New Balance is not paid by the Payment Due Date each month. All payments must be received by the Payment Due Date shown on the monthly statement.
• American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, NerdWallet may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Why we like it

The American Express Gold Rewards Card should get the attention of travellers looking for comfort and flexibility. Points can be used for an impressive array of items and can be transferred to other rewards programs. The new rose gold design is an eye-catcher, too.

Pros

• Travel in comfort: room and rental car upgrades, access to airport lounges and credits for hotel amenities like dining and spa treatments.
• The 60,000-point intro offer is equivalent to $600 for shopping, travel and more.

Cons

• Travellers 65 or older won’t be covered by the card’s emergency medical insurance.
• If you travel often, you could burn through your four complimentary visits to Plaza Premium Lounges fairly quickly.

• Earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points:
• New American Express® Gold Rewards Cardmembers, earn 5,000 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $1,000 in net purchases on your Card.
• This could add up to 60,000 points in a year. That’s up to $600 towards your next vacation.
• Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases for eligible travel purchases, including flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more.
• Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases at eligible gas stations, grocery stores and drugstores in Canada, and 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else.
• The Card is now available in your choice of Gold or Rose Gold metal options.
• Receive a $50 CAD statement credit when a NEXUS application or renewal fee is charged to your American Express Gold Rewards Card.
• You have access to an annual $100 CAD Travel Credit, compliments of your American Express Gold Rewards Card. Use the credit once annually towards any single travel booking of $100 or more charged to your Gold Rewards Card through American Express Travel Online.
• As a Gold Rewards Cardmember, you can receive complimentary membership in Priority PassTM – one of the world’s largest independent airport lounge programs. Escape the chaos of airports and relax in an oasis of calm and simply enjoy the fact that the travel experience has begun before your plane has even left the ground. Enrollment is required and entry fees apply.
• Enjoy four (4) complimentary visits per Calendar year to Plaza Premium Lounges across Canada. Entry fees apply once complimentary visits have been used.
• Charge any eligible purchase to your credit Card then log in to redeem your earned points for a statement credit.
• Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs.
• 1 Free Additional Gold Rewards Card (a $50 value) to help you earn points faster.
• Subject to approval. The preferred rate for purchases is 21.99% and funds advances is 21.99%. If you have Missed Payments, the applicable rates for your account will be 25.99% and/or 28.99%. See the information box included with the application for the definition of Missed Payment and which rates apply to charges on your account and other details
• American Express is not responsible for maintaining of monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information click the Apply now link. Conditions apply.
• To be eligible, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.

Why we like it

The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card helps travellers earn free stays and experiences at some of the world’s ritziest hotels, restaurants and spas, while also providing helpful insurance options and flexibility in how Marriott Bonvoy® points can be used.

Pros

• Solid earn rates should help members of the Marriott Bonvoy® program score free hotel stays.
• Marriott Bonvoy® points can be transferred to frequent flyer miles with some airlines, including Air Canada’s Aeroplan.
• Access to American Express® Experiences and several varieties of insurance.

Cons

• You’ll need to be a Marriott Bonvoy® member to take advantage of the card’s most valuable benefits.
• American Express isn’t always as widely accepted as some other credit cards, so using the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* — and collecting points — everywhere you go might not always be possible.

• New Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Cardmembers earn 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points after you charge $1,500 in purchases to your Card in your first three months of Cardmembership. Subject to change at any time
• Earn 5 points for every dollar in eligible Card purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®.
• Earn 2 points for every $1 in all other Card purchases.
• Receive an Annual Free Night Award for up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide every year after your first anniversary.
• No annual fee on Additional Cards.
• Redeem points for free nights with no blackout dates at over 7,000 of the world’s most desired hotels.
• Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status membership.
• Receive 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card. These can be used towards attaining the next level of Elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy program.
• Enjoy an automatic upgrade to Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card each year or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your card.
• American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. Conditions Apply. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, NerdWallet may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Why we like it

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card offers competitive earn rates and easy-to-understand redemption on travel — 1 point equals 1 cent in travel savings.

Pros

• Complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program membership, with six free airport lounge visits included every year, which is more than typically included with a credit card.
• No foreign transaction fees.

Cons

• The accelerated rate on travel purchases only lasts three months — but you can earn up to 42,500 points, worth $425 in travel savings.
• The annual $1,000 bonus requires you to spend $40,000 per year on everyday spending on the card.

• Earn up to $1,100* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 35,000 bonus Scene+ points
• Earn 3x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
• Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including rideshares, buses, subways taxis and more)
• Plus earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
• No Foreign Transaction Fee
• 6 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access
• Comprehensive Travel Insurance coverage
• Visa Infinite* Concierge Services
• Visa Infinite* Hotel Collection
• Visa Infinite* Dining and Wine Country program
• Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 02, 2024. Subject to change.
• Terms and Conditions Apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details.

Why we like it

The American Express Green Card has a simple rewards program with an accelerated earn rate on hotel and rental car bookings, and it’s easy to transfer your points to other loyalty programs for maximum redemption value. Oh, and the card itself is made from 99% recycled plastic.

Pros

• No limits on rewards spending, and more ways to redeem your points than other no-fee rewards credit cards on this list.
• Cardholders who enjoy VIP treatment will enjoy access to a multitude of perks through American Express Experiences.

Cons

• Reward earn rates are lower than some other no-fee credit cards.
• Lacks some of the travel perks and insurance options offered by other cards.

• Get the Card that lets you live in the moment while getting ready for the future.
• The American Express® Green Card lets you go for it with every swipe or tap of your Card.
• As a new American Express® Green Cardmember, you can earn a Welcome Bonus of 10,000 Membership Rewards® points when you charge $1,000 in purchases to your Card in the first 3 months of Cardmembership. That’s $100 towards groceries or concert tickets.
• Earn 1x the points on Card purchases.
• Charge an eligible purchase to your Card and redeem your Membership Rewards points for a statement credit (All eligible purchases: 1,000 points = $10 statement credit).
• With American Express Experiences and Front Of The Line®, American Express Cardmembers get access to amazing events in Canada.
• Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs.
• American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information click the Apply now link. Conditions apply.

Why we like it

Perfect for movie-goers, you’ll earn Scene+ points on everyday spending and 2x the points each time you make a Cineplex purchase. Points can be redeemed for more than just movie tickets — rewards include merchandise, dining, entertainment, airfare and even hotel stays.

Pros

• No annual fee.
• Earn up to 5,000 Scene points within the first year.
• Flexible point redemption program.

Cons

• Insurance coverage isn’t included — it must be opted into.
• No option to earn cash back.

• Earn up to 5,000 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months¹
• No annual fee
• Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, participating Co-ops, Freshco and more
• Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on Home Hardware, Home Building Center, Home Furniture locations in Canada and online at homehardware.ca
• Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend at Cineplex theatres or online at cineplex.com
• Plus earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
• Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 02, 2024. Subject to change.
• Terms and Conditions Apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details.

If this card doesn’t seem like a good fit for your wallet, take a look at NerdWallet’s selection of the best newcomer credit cards to help find the right option for you.

Why we like it

A rare 0% intro period on balance transfers and low interest rates year-round, the Scotiabank Value Visa can help you quickly pay down balances transferred from higher-rate credit cards.

Pros

• Cardholders who carry a balance will save money every month with this card’s low 12.99% interest rate on purchases, cash advances and balance transfers.
• A stellar 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first six months.

Cons

• No rewards.
• No insurance coverage.

• 0% introductory interest rate on Balance Transfers for the first 10 months (12.99% after that; annual fee $29).¹ Plus no annual fee in the first year.¹ Offer ends 31 Oct 2024.
• Save up to hundreds of dollars a year on interest.
• Low interest rate of 12.99%.
• Pay down higher interest rate balances faster.
• Transfer higher rate balances and save even more.
• To be eligible, $12,000 (individual) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident that is the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
• Terms and Conditions Apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details.

Why we like it

The Home Trust Secured Visa offers a straightforward, no-frills experience for credit builders. Plus, there are two secured credit card options to fit a variety of needs: a no-fee card, and a low-interest card with a $59 annual fee.

Pros

• Low interest rate.
• Payments are reported to both credit bureaus.

Cons

• You’ll need to budget for the annual fee.
• No ability to earn rewards on purchases.

• $59 annual fee.
• No fee option available with a higher interest rate.
• $500 minimum security fund deposit required.
• $10,000 maximum security fund deposit.
• Hard credit checks are made on Home Trust Secured Visa applications.
• Credit activity, including every payment, is reported to TransUnion and Equifax, the two major consumer credit bureaus in Canada.
• Ability to upgrade to an unsecured credit card.
• Manage your account and billing with online banking.
• Cardholders can choose between a card with no annual fee and 19.99% interest or an annual fee of $59 and 14.90% interest.
• Protection against fraud through Visa’s Zero Liability Policy.
• Preferred rates: 14.90% for purchases, 19.80% for cash advances.
• To be eligible, you must have a source of income and cannot currently be in bankruptcy. You must be able to provide security funds and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live. The Home Trust Secured Visa Card is not available to Québec residents.

Why we like it

The American Express Cobalt Card boasts high rewards rates on everyday spending, a generous welcome bonus, comprehensive travel insurance coverage, flexible point redemption and plenty of specialty perks to keep things interesting all year long.

Pros

• Earn 150,000 points in the first year by spending up to $30,000 on eats, drinks and groceries. Combined with the 15,000 point intro offer, you could earn 165,000 points in your first year, which you could redeem for travel and more.
• Easily transfer the points you earn to popular airline and hotel loyalty programs, such as Aeroplan and Marriott Bonvoy.

Cons

• Airport lounge access isn’t provided, which may disappoint some frequent travellers.
• No travel medical coverage for cardmembers over the age of 65.

• In your first year as a new Cobalt Cardmember, you can earn 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in net purchases on your Card. This could add up to 15,000 points in a year. That’s up to $150 towards a weekend getaway or concert tickets.
• Earn 5x the points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery. Spend cap applies.
• Earn 3x the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada.
• Earn 2X the points on eligible ride shares, transit & gas in Canada.
• Earn 1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings via American Express Travel Online.
• Earn 1X point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else.
• Enjoy access to hotel bookings, a room upgrade (when available), 12pm check-in and late check-out (when available), and up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities when charged to the room for a stay of 2 or more consecutive nights through The Hotel Collection from American Express Travel
• Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs.
• Cobalt Cardmembers receive regular Perks such as bonus reward offers and access to great events.
• Access Front Of The Line® Presale & Reserved Tickets to some of your favourite concerts and theatre performances and special offers and events curated for Cardmembers with American Express® Experiences.
• *Effective August 15, 2023, Cobalt Cardmembers will earn 5x the points on all eligible eats & drinks charged to their Card up to $2,500 monthly, for the same total of $30,000 annually already in place today. Cardmembers will also continue to earn 3x on streaming subscriptions, 2x on eligible transit, gas & travel purchases and 1x on everything else. T&Cs apply. While the annual earn does not change, the new monthly construct intends to curb gaming activity. The change should have little to no impact on the majority of Cardmembers who utilize the Card and Membership Rewards program as it was intended.
• American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, NerdWallet may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

American Express knows how to reward cardholders with perks and exclusive experiences. See our selections for the best Amex cards in Canada.

Why we like it

You won’t need a strategy to make the most out of this bonus-category card. The BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®* spends like a flat-rate card thanks to stellar rates on four popular daily spending categories.

Pros

• Score generous cash-back rates for popular spending categories: 5% on groceries, 4% on transit, 3% on gas, 2% on recurring bills, and 1% on everything else.
• Feel protected with 13 types of insurance and fantastic travel benefits.

Cons

• Spending categories come with easily-hit spending caps, but the 1% base rate still earns you value once you hit your monthly bonus rate limits.
• The $120 annual fee is pretty steep. While we think you’ll more than make up for it through cash back savings, the no-fee BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* is a great alternative.

• Welcome offer: Get up to 10% cash back in your first 3 months and the $120 annual fee waived in the first year.*
• Earn more cash back on the categories that mean the most: 5% on groceries.* 4% on transit including ride sharing, taxis and public transportation.* 3% on gas and electric vehicle charging.* 2% on recurring bill payments like your monthly phone bill or favourite streaming service.* 1% unlimited cashback on all other purchases.*
• Get the highest cash back earn rate on groceries in Canada.†
• Get valuable benefits and offers for digital everyday services from a variety of on-demand apps and subscription services.
• Extended Warranty Plus.*
• Purchase Protection Plus.*
• Complimentary membership in Mastercard Airport Experiences provided by LoungeKey.*
• Access over 1 million Wi-Fi hotspots around the world – all at no added cost, and no added fees or roaming charges.*
• Complimentary Roadside Assistance Program.*
• BMO CashBack World Elite Travel and Medical Protection.*
• BMO Concierge Service.*
• Unlock Mastercard Travel Rewards cashback offers when you travel and shop outside of Canada.
• *Terms and conditions apply.
• †Statement based on a comparison of the non-promotional grocery rewards earn rate on Canadian cash back credit cards as of January 4, 2023.
• BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.

Why we like it

Earn up to $1,000 in cash back on grocery shopping and recurring bill payments with a 4% rewards rate in both categories.

Pros

• It’s rare for a credit card to offer 4% cash back on two major spending categories. It’s even rarer to set a $25,000 annual limit to that 4% — a $1,000 value — before reverting to the healthy 1% base rate.
• You can waive the $120 annual fee every single year by using the Scotiabank Ultimate Package.

Cons

• The cash back earned is hands-off. You have to wait until November, and then it’s only redeemable as a statement credit. If you have a Scotiabank account, that annual payout can be deposited into your bank account.
• The 4% rate won’t mean much to you if you don’t buy a lot of groceries or often buy your food at somewhere that Visa doesn’t classify as a grocery store or supermarket, such as Canadian Tire, FreshCo, London Drugs, Walmart and No Frills.

• SPECIAL OFFER: Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases). No annual fee in the first year, including on supplementary cards. Offer ends October 31, 2024.
• Earn 4% for every $1 you spend on grocery store purchases, recurring bill payments, and subscription purchases.
• Earn 2% for every $1 you spend on gas purchases and daily transit purchases.
• Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases with no cash back limit.
• Redeem cash back as a statement credit in November.
• Visa Infinite benefits, including Visa Infinite* Concierge, Visa Infinite* Luxury Hotel Collection, Visa Infinite* Dining Series, and entertainment and lifestyle offers.
• Save up to 25% off base rates at participating AVIS locations and at participating Budget locations in Canada and the U.S.
• Access to Scotia SelectPay™.
• To be eligible, $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household) annual income is required, or $250,000 minimum assets under management. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident that is the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
• Terms and Conditions Apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details.

As the world’s most widely-accepted credit card network, Visa cards are a smart addition to any wallet. See our selections for the best Visa credit cards in Canada.