Best Signup Bonus Credit Card

Best Sign-Up Bonus Credit Cards in Canada For 2024

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Sara Skodak

Author
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Abid Salahi

Editor

8 min read


Many credit cards offer massive sign-up and welcome bonuses when you first get them, leading many people to frequently change their cards in an attempt to secure these rewards.
Let's review the best sign-up bonus credit cards in multiple categories and see which ones can earn you the highest intro offers.

Best Overall Sign-Up Bonus Credit Card

American Express Gold Rewards Card®

4.25

Finly Rating

Welcome Bonus*

Up to 60,000 points

First Year Value

$1,629.03

Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards.

Annual Fee*

$250

Interest Rates*

21.99% / 21.99%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE*

300
Poor
560
Fair
660
Good
725
Very Good
760
Excellent

The American Express® Gold Rewards Card is an excellent choice for travelers seeking an entry-level card that offers a strong balance of generous travel benefits without excessive costs. With a relatively low annual fee, this card provides flexibility and a range of perks that make it stand out among other options. It’s ideal for those who want to maximize their travel rewards without being tied to a specific airline or compromising on the benefits offered.

Pros

  • Flexible Rewards: Enjoy flexible Membership Rewards point conversion with up to 2 points per $1 spent.
  • Travel Perks: Includes $100 annual travel credit and 4 free passes to Plaza Premium lounges in Canada.
  • Comprehensive Insurance: Comes with 11 types of insurance coverage.
  • Multiple Redemption Options: Offers 4 ways to redeem points for maximum value.

Cons

  • High Annual Fee: The card comes with a $250 annual fee.
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: A 2.5% fee applies to foreign transactions.
  • Limited Travel Insurance for Seniors: No travel medical insurance coverage for those over 65.
  • Lower Acceptance: As an American Express card, it may have lower acceptance compared to Visa or Mastercard.

Rewards*

  • 2x points per $1 spent on gas, groceries and drugstore purchases
  • 2x points per $1 spent on travel (eligible flights, hotels, tours and more)
  • 1x point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases

Insurance*

Coverage*

  • travel accident medical

    Emergency Out of province Medical

    15 days
  • cancel airplane

    Trip Cancellation

    $1,500 per person, $3,000 combined
  • pause

    Trip Interruption

    $1,500 per person, $6,000 combined
  • hourglass timer

    Flight Delay

    $500 after 4 hour delay
  • hourglass timer

    Baggage Delay

    $500 after 6 hour delay
  • burglar

    Hotel Burglary Insurance

    $500
  • lost baggage

    Lost or Stolen Baggage

    $500
  • heart lock

    Travel Accident

    $500,000
  • car insurance

    Car Rental Damage & Theft

    $85K, up to 48 days
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    90 days, Up to $1,000
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    Up to 1 year

Benefits*

Details*

  • travel

    Travel Credit

    $100
  • border guard

    Nexus Program Rebate

    $50 statement credit every 4 years
  • alcohol cheers

    Airport Lounge - Priority Pass

    Pass only. No Complimentary visits!
  • alcohol cheers

    Airport Lounge - Plaza Premium

    4 Free complimentary visits
  • hotel

    Complimentary Hotel Benefits

    Hotels booked American Express Travel
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® loyalty program
  • Amex logo

    American Express® Experiences

  • reward cup

    Extra points

    Earn 2 points on Amex Travel Online purchases and extra points on American Express offers

Eligibility*

  • Credit Score

    Good
  • Annual Income

    N/A
*American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment. Check here for full details and current product information.
The American Express Gold Card is our favourite card for sign-up bonuses. You can earn 60,000 Amex points, valued at $1,260, in the first year of having the card. You earn 5,000 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $1,000 in purchases on your card during the first year. Given the high value of the rewards this card offers and the fact that it requires a spending amount most people can easily meet, this card earns the title of best overall sign-up and welcome bonus credit card in Canada.

Biggest Sign-Up Bonus Credit Cards

Some credit cards offer massive sign-up bonuses, but meeting their spending requirements can be challenging, as they may require spending amounts that are above what the average person typically spends.

American Express Platinum Card®

4.5

Finly Rating

Welcome Bonus*

Up to 140,000 Membership Rewards® points (100,000 in 1st year)

Rewards Rate*

1x - 2x Points

Annual Fee*

$799

Interest Rates*

21.99% - 30% / 21.99% - 30%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE*

300
Poor
560
Fair
660
Good
725
Very Good
760
Excellent

If you're a frequent traveler, the Platinum card is an excellent choice. It's highly recommended for its extensive travel benefits, including unlimited lounge access for you and a guest at the American Express Lounge collection, making it the best card for lounge access in Canada. The card also offers unique perks not commonly found with other Canadian cards, such as status upgrades at Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton, dining and travel credits, concierge service, airport benefits, Nexus application reimbursement, and more. These benefits can more than offset the annual fee. However, if you don't travel often or are mainly looking for a card that maximizes rewards, this card may not be the best option for you.

Pros

  • Offers more perks than any other credit card in Canada, catering to premium users who value extensive benefits.
  • Enjoy $400 in annual travel and dining credits, which can offset some of the card's cost.
  • Gain unlimited access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, enhancing your travel experience.
  • Multiple options for redeeming points for high value, giving you flexibility in how you use your rewards.
  • Includes 11 types of insurance coverage, offering comprehensive protection for cardholders.

Cons

  • As with other American Express cards, it may have lower acceptance in some locations compared to other networks.
  • The high annual fee of $799 may be a barrier for some users, especially those who do not fully utilize the card's benefits.
  • Some benefits are limited to specific airports and hotels.

Rewards*

  • 2x points per $1 spent on eligible dining & food delivery purchases (restaurant, fast food, coffee shop, food delivery)
  • 2x points per $1 spent on eligible travel purchases (flights, hotels, tours and more)
  • 1x point per $1 spent for all other purchases

Insurance*

Coverage*

  • travel accident medical

    Emergency Out of province Medical

    15 days
  • cancel airplane

    Trip Cancellation

    $2,500
  • pause

    Trip Interruption

    $2,500
  • hourglass timer

    Flight Delay

    $1,000
  • hourglass timer

    Baggage Delay

    $1,000
  • burglar

    Hotel Burglary Insurance

    $1000
  • lost baggage

    Lost or Stolen Baggage

    $1,000
  • heart lock

    Travel Accident

    $500,000
  • car insurance

    Car Rental Damage & Theft

    Yes
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    120 days
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    1 year

Benefits*

Details*

  • alcohol cheers

    Airport Lounge - American Express Global Lounge

    Take full advantage of The American Express Global Lounge Collection™ which unlocks access to over 1,400 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.
  • travel

    Travel Credit

    $200
  • food location

    Dining Credit

    $200 at Select Restaurants
  • border guard

    Nexus Program Rebate

    $100 statement credit every 4 years
  • hotel

    Complimentary Hotel Benefits

    Hotels booked American Express Travel
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold Status
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Upgrade to Marriott BonvoyTM Gold Elite status
  • airport waiting room

    Priority Travel

    At Toronto Pearson Airport get Priority Security lane, Complimentary valet and 15% discount at the Express Park and daily park
  • concierge

    Concierge Services

  • gavel

    Trip and legal Assistance

  • Amex logo

    American Express® Experiences

  • reward cup

    Extra points

    Earn 2 points on Amex Travel Online purchases and extra points on American Express offers

Eligibility*

  • Credit Score

    Good
  • Annual Income

    N/A
*American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment. Check here for full details and current product information.
To earn the American Express Platinum Card's welcome bonus, you'll have to pay off some significant expenses every month. If you meet the card's minimum spending criteria, your intro offer will be valued at $2,100 in the first year which can grow to $2940 a few months into the 2nd year. This is one of the biggest welcome bonuses you'll come across.
That said, you'll want to make sure you're a high enough spender to make the card worthwhile, not only in terms of the intro offer, but also considering the high annual cost.
Considering this card offers more perks than any other credit card in Canada, if you plan to use all of them, then you'll get your money's worth.

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege*

3.2

Finly Rating

Welcome Bonus

Up to 100,000 points (70,000 in 1st year)

First Year Value

$1,472.85

Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards.

Annual Fee

$599

Interest Rates

20.99% / 22.99%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300
Poor
560
Fair
660
Good
725
Very Good
760
Excellent

If you travel a lot throughout the year with Air Canada, the benefits of this card can significantly enhance your experience. It can help you achieve the next status level with Aeroplan and provide a better airport experience, therefore it can be worth the price tag. However, if you don't frequently fly with Air Canada, the benefits may not justify the card's expensive price tag.

Pros

  • Premium experience for Elite Air Canada travelers with many benefits and status upgrades.
  • High coverage limit on insurance.
  • Numerous luxury benefits and statuses available for use.

Cons

  • The rewards rate on this card is not that high. There are non-Aeroplan cards with much better reward programs, and their points can later be transferred to this card, making them better options if you are looking to gather Aeroplan points.
  • You lose the flexibility to use other airlines if you want to take advantage of the benefits of this card.
  • The high price tag makes this card a poor choice if you don't frequently travel with Air Canada.
  • The unlimited lounge access is limited to Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafe lounges which don't have a great worldwide coverage.

Rewards

  • 2 points on Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations if they are in the first $100k transactions of the year
  • 1.5 points on Gas, Groceries, Travel and Dining if they are in the first $100k transactions of the year
  • 1.25 Point on everything else

Insurance

Coverage

  • travel accident medical

    Emergency Out of province Medical

    $5M/insured up to 31 days
  • travel accident medical

    Emergency Medical Over 65

    $5M/insured up to 4 days
  • cancel airplane

    Trip Cancellation

    $2.5K/person, $5K/trip
  • pause

    Trip Interruption

    $5K/person, $25K/trip
  • hourglass timer

    Flight Delay

    $1,000/person after 4 hours
  • hourglass timer

    Baggage Delay

    $1K/person after 4 hours
  • lost baggage

    Lost or Stolen Baggage

    $2.5K/person
  • heart lock

    Travel Accident

    $500,000
  • car insurance

    Car Rental Damage & Theft

    Up to 48 consecutive rental days
  • burglar

    Hotel Burglary Insurance

    $2500
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    120 days
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    2 years
  • mobile device insurance

    Mobile Device Insurance

    $1,500

Benefits

Details

  • luggage

    Free first checked bag

    First checked bag is free for primary cardholder on WestJet flight and up to 8 guests
  • border guard

    Nexus Program Rebate

    $100 every 4 years
  • exclusive

    Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits

  • concierge

    Concierge Services

  • golf clubs

    Golf Benefit

    Troon Rewards Golf benefits like discounts at over 95 resorts and courses around the world plus access to select private clubs across the U.S
  • reward cup

    Extra points

    Earn 50% more Stars and 50% more Aeroplan points at participating Starbucks stores
  • reward cup

    Extra points

    Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and over 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Reach Aeroplan Elite™ Status sooner by earning 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and one (1) Status Qualifying Segment for every $5,000 of net purchases
  • car rental

    Car Rental Discount

    10% off base rate of Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car
  • gavel

    Trip and legal Assistance

  • reward cup

    Extra points

    Earn 2 Aeroplan points for every $1 you spend on eligible purchases with Rocky Mountaineer, Plus, cardholders could receive a GoldLeaf Upgrade, and a hotel room upgrade
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Complimentary upgrade to Avis® President's Club
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Primary Cardholders who also hold Aeroplan Elite Status can roll over up to 200,000 Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) beyond the status level for which they’ve qualified, from the prior qualification year to qualify for status the next year.
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Primary Cardholders who also hold Aeroplan Elite Status will benefit from an extra 12 months to use eUpgrade credits, for a total of 24 months from issuance.
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Diamond Status with Visa RSVP Rewards™ Benefit. Benefits at 60+ participating Sandman, Sandman Signature and Sutton Place Hotels from coast-to-coast in Canada and beyond.
  • airport waiting room

    Priority Travel

    At Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and Montreal airports get benefits such as Priority Security lane, Complimentary valet, premium parking spots, priorioty taxi and limo lane and discount for parking.
  • airport waiting room

    Priority Travel

    Get Priority Check-in, Priority Boarding and Priority Baggage Handling, Priority Airport Standby & Priority Airport Upgrades for you, your authorized users and up to 8 companions on the same flight (Only AirCanada)
  • alcohol cheers

    Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass

    6 Free complimentary visits
  • alcohol cheers

    Airport Lounge - Maple Leaf and AirCanada Cafes

    Unlimited Access for you and one guest
  • airplane love

    Companion Voucher

    Annual Worldwide Companion Pass from $99 to a max of $599 After spending $25,000 on your card

Eligibility

  • Credit Score

    Excellent
  • Annual Income

    $150,000 personal or $200,000 household
Another contender for the biggest sign-up bonus is the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card. With this card, average spenders can unlock a lucrative welcome bonus ($2100) that offers extra points upon approval, and when certain spending goals are met within the first year.
However, to qualify, you'll need a high annual income, and it's recommended that you have an excellent credit score.
If you meet this criteria, you can earn points on Air Canada purchases, popular spending categories (like gas, groceries, travel and dining), plus decent points on everything else.
The card also has extensive coverage, everything from trip interruption and trip cancellation to emergency medical over 65 insurance. But the benefits are where it truly shines, with tons of status lifts, a free first checked bag, unlimited airport lounge access at Maple Leaf and Air Canada Cafes, the Dragon Pass with some complimentary visits, a companion voucher, and more.

Biggest Sign-Up Bonus Credit Card Honorable Mention

American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card

4

Finly Rating

Welcome Bonus*

Up to 85,000 Aeroplan® points (60,000 in 1st year)

Rewards Rate*

1.25x - 3x Aeroplan® points

Annual Fee*

$599

Interest Rates*

21.99% / 21.99%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE*

300
Poor
560
Fair
660
Good
725
Very Good
760
Excellent

If you are a frequent Air Canada traveler, having an Aeroplan card for perks like free checked bags and priority service can be very beneficial. Many financial institutions offer Aeroplan cards, but I don't believe the American Express version is the best one. Opting for another option might be better. However, the Amex card does have a very large sign-up bonus, making it a great choice for those specifically seeking that.

Pros

  • Generous rewards rate with up to 3 Aeroplan points per $1 spent on purchases, particularly beneficial for frequent flyers.
  • Enjoy free checked bags when flying with Air Canada, reducing travel costs.
  • Access to preferred pricing on Aeroplan flight awards, maximizing the value of your points.
  • Unlimited access to Maple Leaf lounges when flying with Air Canada, providing a more comfortable travel experience.
  • Extensive insurance coverage, including 11 types of insurance, offering peace of mind during your travels.

Cons

  • As an American Express card, it may have limited acceptance compared to other credit cards, potentially limiting its use in some places.
  • The most valuable rewards are generally tied to Air Canada flights, which may not appeal to travelers who fly with other airlines.
  • The card comes with a high annual fee of $599, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious users.
  • The unlimited lounge access is limited to Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafe lounges which don't have a great worldwide coverage.

Rewards*

  • 3x Aeroplan® points per $1 spent on eligible Air Canada® and Air Canada Vacations® purchases
  • 2x Aeroplan® points per $1 spent on eligible dining & food delivery purchases
  • 1.25x Aeroplan® points per $1 spent on all other purchases

Insurance*

Coverage*

  • travel accident medical

    Emergency Out of province Medical

    $5M/insured up to 15 days
  • cancel airplane

    Trip Cancellation

    $1.5K/person, $3K/trip
  • pause

    Trip Interruption

    $1.5K/person, $6K/trip
  • hourglass timer

    Flight Delay

    $1,000/person after 4 hours
  • hourglass timer

    Baggage Delay

    $1K/person after 6 hours
  • lost baggage

    Lost or Stolen Baggage

    $1K
  • heart lock

    Travel Accident

    $500,000
  • car insurance

    Car Rental Damage & Theft

    $85K Up to 48 consecutive rental days
  • burglar

    Hotel Burglary Insurance

    $1000
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    90 days
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    1 years

Benefits*

Details*

  • luggage

    Free first checked bag

    First checked bag is free for primary cardholder on WestJet flight and up to 8 guests
  • border guard

    Nexus Program Rebate

    $100 every 4 years
  • Amex logo

    Amex Experiences™

    Amex Experiences™ opens doors for you to access a number of special events, including special dining experiences, VIP parties, advance film screenings and more
  • reward cup

    Extra points

    Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and over 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Reach Aeroplan Elite™ Status sooner by earning 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and one (1) Status Qualifying Segment for every $5,000 of net purchases
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Complimentary upgrade to Avis® President's Club
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Primary Cardholders who also hold Aeroplan Elite Status can roll over up to 200,000 Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) beyond the status level for which they’ve qualified, from the prior qualification year to qualify for status the next year.
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Primary Cardholders who also hold Aeroplan Elite Status will benefit from an extra 12 months to use eUpgrade credits, for a total of 24 months from issuance.
  • airport waiting room

    Priority Travel

    At Toronto Pearson airport get benefits such as Priority Security lane, Complimentary valet, premium parking spots, priorioty taxi and limo lane and discount for parking and car care.
  • airport waiting room

    Priority Travel

    Get Priority Check-in, Priority Boarding and Priority Baggage Handling, Priority Airport Standby & Priority Airport Upgrades for you, your authorized users and up to 8 companions on the same flight (Only AirCanada)
  • alcohol cheers

    Airport Lounge - Priority Pass

    Pass only. No Complimentary visits!
  • alcohol cheers

    Airport Lounge - Maple Leaf and AirCanada Cafes

    Unlimited Access for you and one guest
  • airplane love

    Companion Voucher

    Annual Worldwide Companion Pass from $99 to a max of $599 After spending $25,000 on your card
  • bed furniture

    Free Extra Night at Hotels

    Cardmembers can now get an extra night free for every 3 hotel nights redeemed with Aeroplan points.

Eligibility*

  • Credit Score

    Good
  • Annual Income

    N/A
*American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment. Check here for full details and current product information.
Like the American Express Platinum Card, you'll need to meet a minimum spending requirement to receive a welcome bonus. If you meet this spending requirement, you can collect an intro offer of up to $1785.
The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card and the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card also have a couple of things in common.
In particular, like the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card, the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card offers various Aeroplan-affiliated status lifts, Priority Travel at Pearson Airport and with Air Canada, a companion voucher, a free first checked bag, and unlimited lounge access at Maple Leaf and Air Canada Cafes (including guest access). Still, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card has more perks.
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card also comes with more extensive and comprehensive coverage, with better value across most categories. That said, it has higher income requirements and recommends a higher credit score, which might make it less accessible to some cardholders.
As for points, the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card has some higher rates on Air Canada purchases, plus eligible dining.
So, you might choose the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card if you're a frequent Air Canada flyer, want a few more points on Air Canada travel and dining purchases, and you're looking for more attainable application requirements. Otherwise, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card is still superior.

Best Sign-Up Bonus Cashback Credit Cards

Some cardholders prefer cashback credit cards over points cards, if you can relate, here are some of the best sign-up bonus cards in the cashback category:

SimplyCash™ Preferred Card from American Express

4.7

Finly Rating

Welcome Bonus*

Up to $250 ($200 in first year)

First Year Value

$614.35

Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards.

Annual Fee*

$119.88

Interest Rates*

21.99% / 21.99%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE*

300
Poor
560
Fair
660
Good
725
Very Good
760
Excellent

The Simply Cash Preferred is one of the best cashback credit cards in Canada. The base cashback rate of 2% is great for all purchases, but the 4% on groceries and gas, which are two of the highest expenses for most people is the cherry on top of their great cashback program.

Pros

  • Highest cashback rate on groceries and gas in Canada
  • Great base cashback rate for all purchases
  • 10 different insurance types included

Cons

  • Cash back is only paid out to you once a year
  • American Express has a lower merchant acceptance compared to Visa or Mastercard

Rewards*

  • 4% cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada
  • 4% cash back on eligible grocery purchases in Canada (up to $1,200 cash back annually)
  • 2% cash back on all other eligible purchases

Insurance*

Coverage*

  • travel accident medical

    Emergency Out of province Medical

    $5M/insured Person
  • hourglass timer

    Flight Delay

    $500
  • hourglass timer

    Baggage Delay

    $500
  • burglar

    Hotel Burglary Insurance

    $500
  • lost baggage

    Lost or Stolen Baggage

    $500
  • heart lock

    Travel Accident

    $100,000
  • car insurance

    Car Rental Damage & Theft

    $85K up to 48 days
  • mobile device insurance

    Mobile Device Insurance

    $1,000
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    90 days
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    1 year

Benefits*

Details*

  • Amex logo

    Amex Experiences™

    Access events and special offers curated for Cardmembers with Amex Experiences™

Eligibility*

  • Credit Score

    Good
  • Annual Income

    N/A
*American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment. Check here for full details and current product information.
If the sign-up bonus you're looking for is in the form of cashback, the SimplyCash Preferred Card is one of the best options for that purpose. As for cashback rewards in general, this card is designed to help you accumulate cashback on high-spend categories like gas and groceries.
Now back to the bonus, earn 10% cashback on all purchases for your first few months of membership (capped at $2,000). Plus, you can earn a $50 statement credit when you make a purchase in month 13, allowing you to earn up to $250 in extra value in just over the first year.

Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card

4

Finly Rating

Welcome Bonus

10% Cash Back (up to $200 value)

First Year Value

$707.15

Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards.

Annual Fee

$120

Interest Rates

20.99% / 22.99%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300
Poor
560
Fair
660
Good
725
Very Good
760
Excellent

The 4% cashback offered on groceries and recurring purchases is the highest among all other credit cards. With the first year's annual fee waived, and with the right transactions used on this credit card, a high amount of cashback could be earned.

Pros

  • Highest Cashback rates on Groceries and Recurring purchases compared to other cashback credit cards.
  • High insurance coverage.
  • First year annual fee waived.

Cons

  • The base cashback rate (1%) is low for most high spent categories, especially after the first year when the card's annual fee kicks in.

Rewards

  • 4% cashback on groceries, recurring payments (maximum $1000 cashback per year)
  • 2% cashback on gas, daily transit (maximum $500 cashback per year)
  • 1% cashback on all other credit card purchases (unlimited).

Insurance

Coverage

  • mobile device insurance

    Mobile Device Insurance

    $1,000
  • heart lock

    Travel Accident

    $500,000
  • travel accident medical

    Emergency Out of province Medical

    15 days
  • pause

    Trip Interruption

    $2,000
  • cancel airplane

    Trip Cancellation

    $1,500
  • hourglass timer

    Flight Delay

    $500
  • lost baggage

    Lost or Stolen Baggage

    $500
  • hourglass timer

    Baggage Delay

    $500
  • car insurance

    Car Rental Damage & Theft

    48 days
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    90 days
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    1 year

Benefits

Details

  • car rental

    Car Rental Discount

    25% off base rate of Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car
  • exclusive

    Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits

    Yes

Eligibility

  • Credit Score

    Good
  • Annual Income

    $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
A remarkable cashback runner-up to the SimplyCash Preferred Card, the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card is also equipped to earn you cashback on popular categories like gas and groceries, plus recurring payments, and daily transit.
As for the card's sign up incentive, earn extra cashback in your first few months of membership (also capped at $2,000). Not to mention, the annual fee is completely waived in the first year.
Ultimately, if you want to skip your first annual fee and optimize your spending particularly on recurring payments and daily transit on top of gas and groceries, or simply avoid Amex's lower acceptance rate, the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card could be a good alternative to the SimplyCash Preferred Card, considering they both offer similar value first year bonuses.

CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card

3.5

Finly Rating

Welcome Bonus

Up to $200

First Year Value

$655.3

Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards.

Annual Fee

$120

Interest Rates

20.99% / 22.99%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300
Poor
560
Fair
660
Good
725
Very Good
760
Excellent

The CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite Card* is an excellent choice for those who spend heavily on gas, EV charging, and groceries, offering one of the best cash back rates in those categories. The 10% cash back welcome offer sweetens the deal for new cardholders, though the high income requirements and annual fee may not make it the best fit for everyone. If you can meet the spending and income criteria, it provides solid value, especially with no limits on the total amount of cash back you can earn.

Pros

  • High Cash Back Rates: Get 4% cash back on gas, EV charging, and groceries, plus 2% on restaurants, transportation, and recurring bill payments.
  • No Limit on Total Cash Back: No maximum limit on the amount of cash back you can earn annually.
  • Fuel Savings: Save up to 10 cents per litre at Journie Rewards gas stations like Ultramar, Pioneer, Fas Gas, and Chevron.

Cons

  • High Income Requirement: Personal income of $60,000 or household income of $100,000 is required to qualify.
  • Annual Fee: The card comes with a $120 annual fee, which might reduce the overall value for some users.
  • Lower Insurance Coverage: Compared to similar cards, the insurance offerings are less comprehensive.

Rewards

  • 4% cashback on Gas and Groceries if they are in the first $80K transactions of the year and $20K of categorical spends
  • 2% cashback on Transportation, Dining and Recurring payments if they are in the first $80K transactions of the year and $20K of categorical spends
  • 1% cashback on all other credit card purchases.

Insurance

Coverage

  • travel accident medical

    Emergency Out of province Medical

    $5 Million per person, per trip. 10 day coverage
  • car insurance

    Car Rental Damage & Theft

    $65K
  • heart lock

    Travel Accident

    $500K
  • mobile device insurance

    Mobile Device Insurance

    $1000 per person, per occurrence
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    90 days
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    Up to a year

Benefits

Details

  • gas station

    Gas Discount

    save up to 10¢/L on fuel at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations
  • car rental

    Car Rental Discount

    Get up to 25% off auto rentals at participating Avis and Budget locations worldwide.

Eligibility

  • Credit Score

    Very Good
  • Annual Income

    $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
Our last contender in this category is the CIBC Visa Infinite Card which specializes in high cashback on gas and groceries (like the SimplyCash Preferred Card), followed by decent rates on transportation, dining, and recurring payments.
Its sign-up bonus offers three authorized users 4 statements of extra cashback (capped at $2,000).
Like the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card, it has higher income requirements, its annual fee is waived in the first year, and it offers cashback on groceries, gas transportation, and recurring payments (although the CIBC Visa Infinite Card is better for gas, and the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card is better for recurring payments).
The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card and the SimplyCash Preferred Card also have more insurance.
Ultimately, you might select the CIBC Visa Infinite Card if you want to avoid American Express, and optimize gas purchases.

Best Sign-Up Bonus Credit Card for Travellers

Are you the type of cardholder who likes to take trips? If so, here's a compilation of travel-oriented credit cards that carry some of the best welcome bonuses:

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege*

3.2

Finly Rating

Welcome Bonus

Up to 100,000 points (70,000 in 1st year)

First Year Value

$1,472.85

Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards.

Annual Fee

$599

Interest Rates

20.99% / 22.99%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300
Poor
560
Fair
660
Good
725
Very Good
760
Excellent

If you travel a lot throughout the year with Air Canada, the benefits of this card can significantly enhance your experience. It can help you achieve the next status level with Aeroplan and provide a better airport experience, therefore it can be worth the price tag. However, if you don't frequently fly with Air Canada, the benefits may not justify the card's expensive price tag.

Pros

  • Premium experience for Elite Air Canada travelers with many benefits and status upgrades.
  • High coverage limit on insurance.
  • Numerous luxury benefits and statuses available for use.

Cons

  • The rewards rate on this card is not that high. There are non-Aeroplan cards with much better reward programs, and their points can later be transferred to this card, making them better options if you are looking to gather Aeroplan points.
  • You lose the flexibility to use other airlines if you want to take advantage of the benefits of this card.
  • The high price tag makes this card a poor choice if you don't frequently travel with Air Canada.
  • The unlimited lounge access is limited to Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafe lounges which don't have a great worldwide coverage.

Rewards

  • 2 points on Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations if they are in the first $100k transactions of the year
  • 1.5 points on Gas, Groceries, Travel and Dining if they are in the first $100k transactions of the year
  • 1.25 Point on everything else

Insurance

Coverage

  • travel accident medical

    Emergency Out of province Medical

    $5M/insured up to 31 days
  • travel accident medical

    Emergency Medical Over 65

    $5M/insured up to 4 days
  • cancel airplane

    Trip Cancellation

    $2.5K/person, $5K/trip
  • pause

    Trip Interruption

    $5K/person, $25K/trip
  • hourglass timer

    Flight Delay

    $1,000/person after 4 hours
  • hourglass timer

    Baggage Delay

    $1K/person after 4 hours
  • lost baggage

    Lost or Stolen Baggage

    $2.5K/person
  • heart lock

    Travel Accident

    $500,000
  • car insurance

    Car Rental Damage & Theft

    Up to 48 consecutive rental days
  • burglar

    Hotel Burglary Insurance

    $2500
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    120 days
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    2 years
  • mobile device insurance

    Mobile Device Insurance

    $1,500

Benefits

Details

  • luggage

    Free first checked bag

    First checked bag is free for primary cardholder on WestJet flight and up to 8 guests
  • border guard

    Nexus Program Rebate

    $100 every 4 years
  • exclusive

    Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits

  • concierge

    Concierge Services

  • golf clubs

    Golf Benefit

    Troon Rewards Golf benefits like discounts at over 95 resorts and courses around the world plus access to select private clubs across the U.S
  • reward cup

    Extra points

    Earn 50% more Stars and 50% more Aeroplan points at participating Starbucks stores
  • reward cup

    Extra points

    Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and over 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Reach Aeroplan Elite™ Status sooner by earning 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and one (1) Status Qualifying Segment for every $5,000 of net purchases
  • car rental

    Car Rental Discount

    10% off base rate of Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car
  • gavel

    Trip and legal Assistance

  • reward cup

    Extra points

    Earn 2 Aeroplan points for every $1 you spend on eligible purchases with Rocky Mountaineer, Plus, cardholders could receive a GoldLeaf Upgrade, and a hotel room upgrade
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Complimentary upgrade to Avis® President's Club
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Primary Cardholders who also hold Aeroplan Elite Status can roll over up to 200,000 Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) beyond the status level for which they’ve qualified, from the prior qualification year to qualify for status the next year.
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Primary Cardholders who also hold Aeroplan Elite Status will benefit from an extra 12 months to use eUpgrade credits, for a total of 24 months from issuance.
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Diamond Status with Visa RSVP Rewards™ Benefit. Benefits at 60+ participating Sandman, Sandman Signature and Sutton Place Hotels from coast-to-coast in Canada and beyond.
  • airport waiting room

    Priority Travel

    At Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and Montreal airports get benefits such as Priority Security lane, Complimentary valet, premium parking spots, priorioty taxi and limo lane and discount for parking.
  • airport waiting room

    Priority Travel

    Get Priority Check-in, Priority Boarding and Priority Baggage Handling, Priority Airport Standby & Priority Airport Upgrades for you, your authorized users and up to 8 companions on the same flight (Only AirCanada)
  • alcohol cheers

    Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass

    6 Free complimentary visits
  • alcohol cheers

    Airport Lounge - Maple Leaf and AirCanada Cafes

    Unlimited Access for you and one guest
  • airplane love

    Companion Voucher

    Annual Worldwide Companion Pass from $99 to a max of $599 After spending $25,000 on your card

Eligibility

  • Credit Score

    Excellent
  • Annual Income

    $150,000 personal or $200,000 household
As we've previously mentioned, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card has an impressive first year bonus available to average spenders. Additionally, because of its Air Canada affiliated points, extensive travel coverage (like trip interruption, trip cancellation, and emergency medical over 65 insurance), and trip benefits (including a free first checked bag, priority travel, unlimited Maple Leaf and Air Canada Cafe access), it also earns a top spot in this category.

TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card

3.9

Finly Rating

Welcome Bonus

Up to 135,000 TD Rewards Points

First Year Value

$976.23

Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards.

Annual Fee

$139

Interest Rates

20.99% / 22.99%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300
Poor
560
Fair
660
Good
725
Very Good
760
Excellent

The TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card is an excellent option for frequent travelers who book through Expedia For TD and want to maximize rewards on travel purchases. The high welcome bonus and extensive insurance coverage make this card stand out. However, the high income requirements and limited value of TD points may not make it the best fit for everyone.

Pros

  • Generous welcome bonus of up to 135,000 points, which can be worth up to $675 in travel rewards.
  • Earn 8 points per $1 spent on travel booked through Expedia For TD, making it a great card for frequent travelers.
  • First year annual fee rebate, making it free for the first year.
  • Extensive insurance coverage, including trip cancellation, emergency medical, baggage delay, and more.
  • Annual $100 travel credit on a purchase of $500 or more through Expedia For TD.

Cons

  • High income requirements: You need to earn at least $60,000 personally or $100,000 as a household.
  • TD Rewards points are only worth 0.5 cents each, limiting their value compared to some other rewards programs.
  • The Expedia For TD platform might not always offer the best prices or availability compared to booking directly with airlines or hotels.

Rewards

  • 8x points per $1 spent on travel booked online through Expedia for TD
  • 6x points per $1 spent on eligible grocery and restaurant purchases
  • 4x points per $1 spent on eligible recurring bill payments
  • 2x points per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases

Insurance

Coverage

  • travel accident medical

    Emergency Out of province Medical

    21 days
  • travel accident medical

    Emergency Medical Over 65

    4 days
  • cancel airplane

    Trip Cancellation

    $1,500
  • pause

    Trip Interruption

    $5,000
  • hourglass timer

    Flight Delay

    $500
  • hourglass timer

    Baggage Delay

    $1,000
  • lost baggage

    Lost or Stolen Baggage

    $1,000
  • heart lock

    Travel Accident

    $500,000
  • car insurance

    Car Rental Damage & Theft

    yes
  • burglar

    Hotel Burglary Insurance

    $2,500
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    90 days
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    Up to 1 year
  • mobile device insurance

    Mobile Device Insurance

    $1,000

Benefits

Details

  • exclusive

    Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits

  • concierge

    Concierge Services

  • golf clubs

    Golf Benefit

    Troon Rewards Golf benefits like discounts at over 95 resorts and courses around the world plus access to select private clubs across the U.S
  • reward cup

    Extra points

    Earn 50% more Stars and 50% more Aeroplan points at participating Starbucks stores
  • birthday cake

    Annual Birthday Bonus

    Earn a Birthday Bonus of up to 10,000 TD Rewards Points
  • car rental

    Car Rental Discount

    10% off base rate of Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car
  • travel

    Travel Credit

    Get an annual TD Travel Credit of $100 when you book at Expedia For TD

Eligibility

  • Credit Score

    Good
  • Annual Income

    $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
With impressive points per dollar spent on online travel bookings through Expedia for TD, top redemption categories in travel, comprehensive travel insurance, and an annual travel credit, this card has tons of benefits to accommodate your travel bug.
Its generous welcome bonus only sweetens the deal, offering up to 135,000 TD Rewards Points which can be worth up to $575 in travel rewards. Plus, the annual fee is waived in the first year, contributing to the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card's incredible first year value.

Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card

4.9

Finly Rating

Welcome Bonus

Up to 45,000 Scene+ points ($450 value)

First Year Value

$1,244.5

Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards.

Annual Fee

$120

Interest Rates

20.99% / 22.99%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300
Poor
560
Fair
660
Good
725
Very Good
760
Excellent

The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is one of our favorite cards. It has a very solid rewards program, earning one of the highest rewards among all credit cards in Canada. In addition, it offers comprehensive travel benefits, including the rare and valuable no foreign transaction fee benefit, making it a great and balanced credit card in terms of both rewards and benefits. The first-year annual fee waiver is the cherry on top, providing even greater value to cardholders.

Best Overall Travel Credit Card in 2024

Pros

  • No foreign transaction fee saves you 2.5% on all non-CAD purchases.
  • Rewards cover all high-spending categories, including food, groceries, entertainment, and gas.
  • Comprehensive coverage of all travel insurance.

Cons

  • The card network is American Express, which might not be widely accepted in some countries, making it a bit harder to use the no foreign transaction fee benefit.
  • Having a lounge pass would have made this card even more perfect, but there is access to a discount code for lounge access pass purchases.

Rewards

  • 6 Points per $1 spent at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland & Participating Co-ops
  • 5 Points per $1 spent on eligible dining, other grocery stores, entertainment purchases including movies, theatre, and ticket agencies
  • 3 Points per $1 spent on rides which includes rideshare, buses, taxis, subways and more
  • 3 Points per $1 spent on eligible streaming service payments (Netflix, Spotify, Disney+, Crave and more)
  • 1 Point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases

Insurance

Coverage

  • travel accident medical

    Emergency Out of province Medical

    $1M, Up to 25 days
  • travel accident medical

    Emergency Medical Over 65

    $1M, Up to 3 days
  • cancel airplane

    Trip Cancellation

    $1500/person, $10000/trip
  • pause

    Trip Interruption

    $1500/person, $10,000/trip
  • lost baggage

    Lost or Stolen Baggage

    $500/person, $1000/trip
  • hourglass timer

    Baggage Delay

    $500/person, $1,000/trip After 4 hours
  • hourglass timer

    Flight Delay

    $500/person
  • heart lock

    Travel Accident

    $500K/person, $1M/occurrence
  • car insurance

    Car Rental Damage & Theft

    $65K up to 48 days
  • burglar

    Hotel Burglary Insurance

    $1000/occurrence
  • mobile device insurance

    Mobile Device Insurance

    $1,000
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    90 days
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    Up to 1 year

Benefits

Details

  • exchange money

    No Foreign Transaction Fees

    Avoid the 2.5% foreign transaction fees incurred when spending in non $CAD
  • Amex logo

    American Express® Experiences

  • concierge

    Concierge Services

  • discount

    Discount

    Discount on PriorityPass Membership

Eligibility

  • Credit Score

    Good
  • Annual Income

    $12,000 personal or $12,000 household
While the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card has a higher first year bonus earning potential, the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is voted our best overall travel credit card. The card features travel as a top redemption category for your hard-earned Scene+ points (specifically on grocery, gas, food, and entertainment purchases), extensive travel insurance, and no foreign transaction fees (a rarity).
Regarding its intro offer, earn tons of bonus Scene+ points by making at least $1,000 in everyday eligible purchases for your first few months of membership. Additionally, for a limited time, you can also accumulate even more points when you spend at least $7,500 in everyday eligible purchases during your first year. If that weren't enough, the annual fee is also waived in the first year.
Despite the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card's slightly higher first year bonus, its first year value is estimated to be lower than the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card, along with its overall annual value. This is because while it has a great intro offer, it doesn't have as good reward rates on purchases as the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card. In most travel insurance categories, the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card also offers more comprehensive coverage. Plus, the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card's points are worth more, and its income requirements are much lower.
Therefore, as long as you're not worried about Amex acceptance rates, the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card could be more valuable in the long run over the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card, plus it's easier to apply for, even if its first year bonus is slightly lower.

American Express Platinum Card®

4.5

Finly Rating

Welcome Bonus*

Up to 140,000 Membership Rewards® points (100,000 in 1st year)

Rewards Rate*

1x - 2x Points

Annual Fee*

$799

Interest Rates*

21.99% - 30% / 21.99% - 30%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE*

300
Poor
560
Fair
660
Good
725
Very Good
760
Excellent

If you're a frequent traveler, the Platinum card is an excellent choice. It's highly recommended for its extensive travel benefits, including unlimited lounge access for you and a guest at the American Express Lounge collection, making it the best card for lounge access in Canada. The card also offers unique perks not commonly found with other Canadian cards, such as status upgrades at Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton, dining and travel credits, concierge service, airport benefits, Nexus application reimbursement, and more. These benefits can more than offset the annual fee. However, if you don't travel often or are mainly looking for a card that maximizes rewards, this card may not be the best option for you.

Pros

  • Offers more perks than any other credit card in Canada, catering to premium users who value extensive benefits.
  • Enjoy $400 in annual travel and dining credits, which can offset some of the card's cost.
  • Gain unlimited access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, enhancing your travel experience.
  • Multiple options for redeeming points for high value, giving you flexibility in how you use your rewards.
  • Includes 11 types of insurance coverage, offering comprehensive protection for cardholders.

Cons

  • As with other American Express cards, it may have lower acceptance in some locations compared to other networks.
  • The high annual fee of $799 may be a barrier for some users, especially those who do not fully utilize the card's benefits.
  • Some benefits are limited to specific airports and hotels.

Rewards*

  • 2x points per $1 spent on eligible dining & food delivery purchases (restaurant, fast food, coffee shop, food delivery)
  • 2x points per $1 spent on eligible travel purchases (flights, hotels, tours and more)
  • 1x point per $1 spent for all other purchases

Insurance*

Coverage*

  • travel accident medical

    Emergency Out of province Medical

    15 days
  • cancel airplane

    Trip Cancellation

    $2,500
  • pause

    Trip Interruption

    $2,500
  • hourglass timer

    Flight Delay

    $1,000
  • hourglass timer

    Baggage Delay

    $1,000
  • burglar

    Hotel Burglary Insurance

    $1000
  • lost baggage

    Lost or Stolen Baggage

    $1,000
  • heart lock

    Travel Accident

    $500,000
  • car insurance

    Car Rental Damage & Theft

    Yes
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    120 days
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    1 year

Benefits*

Details*

  • alcohol cheers

    Airport Lounge - American Express Global Lounge

    Take full advantage of The American Express Global Lounge Collection™ which unlocks access to over 1,400 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.
  • travel

    Travel Credit

    $200
  • food location

    Dining Credit

    $200 at Select Restaurants
  • border guard

    Nexus Program Rebate

    $100 statement credit every 4 years
  • hotel

    Complimentary Hotel Benefits

    Hotels booked American Express Travel
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold Status
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Upgrade to Marriott BonvoyTM Gold Elite status
  • airport waiting room

    Priority Travel

    At Toronto Pearson Airport get Priority Security lane, Complimentary valet and 15% discount at the Express Park and daily park
  • concierge

    Concierge Services

  • gavel

    Trip and legal Assistance

  • Amex logo

    American Express® Experiences

  • reward cup

    Extra points

    Earn 2 points on Amex Travel Online purchases and extra points on American Express offers

Eligibility*

  • Credit Score

    Good
  • Annual Income

    N/A
*American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment. Check here for full details and current product information.
Although it's a premium card that comes with a high annual cost, the American Express Platinum Card provides the airport lounge access that previous cards have been lacking. By taking advantage of the American Express Global Lounge Collection, you can gain access to over 1,400 airport lounges across the globe. Top that off with a travel credit, hotel status lifts, and priority travel at Toronto Pearson Airport, and you've got yourself the optimal travel credit card.
The catch? As we said earlier, you have to work for the welcome bonus. By this, we mean you must meet the minimum spending requirement to earn the high-value intro offer. But if you do, you'll get your hands on Canada's current highest sign-up bonus.

Neo Cathay World Elite® Mastercard®

3.6

Finly Rating

Welcome Bonus

Up to 30,000 Asia Miles and 10% off flights (limited time)

First Year Value

$792.65

Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards.

Annual Fee

$180

Interest Rates

19.99% - 26.99% / 22.99% - 28.99%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300
Poor
560
Fair
660
Good
725
Very Good
760
Excellent

The Cathay World Elite Mastercard is a top choice for frequent travelers to Asia, offering up to 30,000 bonus Asia Miles, high earn rates at Neo retail partners, and exclusive Cathay Pacific benefits like priority check-in and lounge access. With 12 types of insurance coverage, airport lounge access through DragonPass, and the ability to earn up to 15 miles per dollar spent at select partners, this card provides substantial value for those who regularly fly with Cathay Pacific and its partners. However, the card does require a higher income and comes with a $180 annual fee.

Pros

  • Generous Bonus: Earn up to 30,000 bonus Asia Miles.
  • High Earn Rates: Get an average of 5 miles, and up to 15 miles per $1 spent at Neo retail partners.
  • Cathay Pacific Perks: Enjoy several exclusive benefits with Cathay Pacific.
  • Comprehensive Insurance: Comes with 12 types of insurance coverage.
  • Airport Lounge Access: Gain entry to airport lounges with a Mastercard Travel Pass membership.

Cons

  • High Income Requirement: Requires a minimum personal income of $80,000 or $150,000 household income.
  • Annual Fee: The card comes with a high annual fee of $180.
  • Limited Redemption: Asia Miles cannot be redeemed for flights within Canada.

Rewards

  • Average of 5x Asia miles at Neo Partners
  • 2x Asia miles on Cathay Pacific and foreign purchases
  • 1x Asia miles at non-Neo Partners
  • Considering all the reward conditions, the average estimated cash back on all purchases comes to 1.0 cent per asia miles point by FinlyWealth

Insurance

Coverage

  • luggage insurance

    Car Rental Personal Effects

    $1,000/person, $2,000 combined
  • car accident

    Car Rental Accident

    $100K for Cardholder, $10K spouse and child
  • car insurance

    Car Rental Damage & Theft

    48 days
  • hourglass timer

    Baggage Delay

    $1,000 after 4 hours
  • lost baggage

    Lost or Stolen Baggage

    $1,000
  • travel accident medical

    Emergency Out of province Medical

    14 days
  • hourglass timer

    Flight Delay

    $250/day, $500 Maximum
  • burglar

    Hotel Burglary Insurance

    $1,000
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    90 days
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    1 year

Benefits

Details

  • alcohol cheers

    Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass

    Pass only. No Complimentary visits!
  • airport waiting room

    Priority Travel

    Online priority check-in and extra baggage redemption for Cathay Pacific, and Cathay Pacific Business class lounge redemption access
  • airport waiting room

    Priority Travel

    Airport Security Fast Track with and professional and punctual airport with Mastercard benefits
  • wifi signal

    Boingo Wi-Fi hotspot

Eligibility

  • Credit Score

    Good
  • Annual Income

    $80,000 personal or $150,000 household
If you're looking to collect Asia Miles, the Neo Cathay World Elite Mastercard caters to your criteria, offering plenty of Asia Miles points at Neo Partners, and solid points on Cathay Pacific and foreign purchases.
The card also sports solid insurance, including car rental personal effects, car rental accident, and flight and baggage delay coverage. However, it's missing some valuable categories like trip interruption and trip cancellation insurance.
Regarding benefits, the Neo Cathay World Elite Mastercard features the airport lounge Dragon Pass, Priority travel perks, and the Boingo Wi-Fi hotspot.
As for the sign-up bonus, earn a generous amount of Asia Miles after approval, plus more after meeting a specified spending goal in the first few months of membership.
Overall, the Neo Cathay World Elite Mastercard is your intro offer card of choice if you're looking to earn Asia Miles and redeem them primarily through Asian Airlines.

RBC British Airways Visa Infinite

3

Finly Rating

Welcome Bonus

Up to 60,000 Avios points

First Year Value

$483.94

Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards.

Annual Fee

$165

Interest Rates

20.50% / 22.99% (for Quebec 21.99%)

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300
Poor
560
Fair
660
Good
725
Very Good
760
Excellent

The RBC British Airways Visa Infinite is ideal for frequent international travelers who primarily fly with British Airways or oneworld alliance partners. The welcome bonus, Companion Voucher, and triple Avios earning potential on British Airways purchases make it valuable for high spenders. However, it may not be ideal for those looking for more flexibility in redeeming rewards or those who prioritize domestic travel.

Pros

  • Generous welcome bonus: Up to 60,000 Avios can translate to $1070 in travel value.
  • Triple Avios on British Airways flights, making it ideal for frequent travelers.
  • 10% discount on British Airways flights.
  • Companion Award eVoucher: Great value for frequent British Airways flyers.
  • 9 types of insurance included, such as travel accident, flight delay, and rental car insurance.
  • 3 cents per litre savings at Petro-Canada with linked cards.

Cons

  • High income requirements: Must have either $60,000 personal or $100,000 household income to qualify.
  • Limited flexibility: Avios can only be used with British Airways and oneworld alliance airlines, limiting options for domestic or non-alliance travel.
  • Companion Voucher requires $30,000 in annual spending, which may not be accessible for all cardholders.

Rewards

  • 3x Avios points per $1 CAD you spend on British Airways purchases
  • 2x Avios points per $1 CAD you spend on dining
  • 1x Avios point per $1 CAD you spend on all other qualifying purchases

Insurance

Coverage

  • travel accident medical

    Emergency Out of province Medical

    31 days
  • travel accident medical

    Emergency Medical Over 65

    7 days
  • heart lock

    Travel Accident

    $500,000
  • car insurance

    Car Rental Damage & Theft

    yes
  • hourglass timer

    Flight Delay

    $500
  • hourglass timer

    Baggage Delay

    $500
  • lost baggage

    Lost or Stolen Baggage

    $500
  • burglar

    Hotel Burglary Insurance

    $2,500
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    90 days
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    Up to 1 year

Benefits

Details

  • airplane love

    Companion Voucher

    Receive a Companion Award eVoucher when you spend $30,000 or more in any calendar year
  • discount

    Discount

    Enjoy 10% off British Airways flights when you book and pay with your card
  • gas station

    Gas Discount

    save 3¢/L on fuel and always earn 20% more Petro-Points at Petro-Canada
  • reward cup

    Extra points

    50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall

Eligibility

  • Credit Score

    Very Good
  • Annual Income

    $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
Another card that caters to a specific loyalty program and Airline is the RBC British Airways Visa Infinite Card. This card earns Avios points on every dollar spent on British Airways purchases, followed by Avios points per dollar spent on dining.
It has decent travel coverage, with some valuable categories like emergency medical over 65 insurance, along with travel benefits like a companion voucher, a discount on British Airways flights, and a gas discount at Petro-Canada.
Cardholders will love the intro offer, earning more Avios points upon approval, plus additional points when qualifying net purchases are posted to your credit card account within the first few months of membership, adding up to a significant travel redemption value.
All in all, this card is suited to Avios points earners who like to take advantage of British Airways travel.

TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card

3.5

Finly Rating

Welcome Bonus

Up to 40,000 Aeroplan® points

First Year Value

$1,137.37

Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards.

Annual Fee

$139

Interest Rates

20.99% / 22.99%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300
Poor
560
Fair
660
Good
725
Very Good
760
Excellent

The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Card* is an excellent choice for frequent Air Canada travelers looking to maximize their rewards with Aeroplan points. With perks like free checked bags, Preferred Pricing, and a first-year fee waiver, it’s ideal for users who value Air Canada-specific benefits. However, the card’s high income requirement and limited non-Air Canada redemption options may not appeal to everyone.

Pros

  • Earn up to 40,000 Aeroplan points (welcome bonus offer ends January 6, 2025).
  • 1.5 points per $1 on gas, groceries, and Air Canada purchases.
  • Free checked bags and Preferred Pricing on Air Canada rewards flights.
  • Extensive insurance coverage with 12 types of insurance.

Cons

  • The rewards rate on this card is not that high. There are non-Aeroplan cards with much better reward programs, and their points can later be transferred to this card, making them better options if you are looking to gather Aeroplan points.
  • You lose the flexibility to use other airlines if you want to take advantage of the benefits of this card.

Rewards

  • 1.5x Aeroplan points per $1 spent on gas, groceries, Air Canada and Air Canada vacations (maximum 120,000 points annually)
  • 1x Aeroplan point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases

Insurance

Coverage

  • travel accident medical

    Emergency Out of province Medical

    21 days
  • travel accident medical

    Emergency Medical Over 65

    4 days
  • cancel airplane

    Trip Cancellation

    $1,500
  • pause

    Trip Interruption

    $5,000
  • hourglass timer

    Flight Delay

    $500
  • hourglass timer

    Baggage Delay

    $1,000
  • lost baggage

    Lost or Stolen Baggage

    $1,000
  • heart lock

    Travel Accident

    $500,000
  • car insurance

    Car Rental Damage & Theft

    yes
  • burglar

    Hotel Burglary Insurance

    $2500
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    90 days
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    1 year
  • mobile device insurance

    Mobile Device Insurance

    $1,000

Benefits

Details

  • luggage

    Free first checked bag

    First checked bag is free for primary cardholder on WestJet flight and up to 8 guests
  • border guard

    Nexus Program Rebate

    $100 every 4 years
  • exclusive

    Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits

  • concierge

    Concierge Services

  • golf clubs

    Golf Benefit

    Troon Rewards Golf benefits like discounts at over 95 resorts and courses around the world plus access to select private clubs across the U.S
  • reward cup

    Extra points

    Earn 50% more Stars and 50% more Aeroplan points at participating Starbucks stores
  • reward cup

    Extra points

    Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and over 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Reach Aeroplan Elite™ Status sooner by earning 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and one (1) Status Qualifying Segment for every $10,000 of net purchases
  • car rental

    Car Rental Discount

    10% off base rate of Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car
  • gavel

    Trip and legal Assistance

Eligibility

  • Credit Score

    Very Good
  • Annual Income

    $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card caters specifically to Air Canada Aeroplan point collectors, with Aeroplan points per dollar spent on gas, groceries, Air Canada, and Air Canada vacations.
The card also has extensive travel insurance (including trip interruption and trip cancellation, plus emergency medical over 65), and travel-focused perks (like a free first checked bag, an Aeroplan Elite status lift, and a Nexus Program Rebate every 4 years).
It shouldn't come as a surprise then that the welcome offer boasts extra Aeroplan points on your first purchase on the card, additional Aeroplan points when you spend $7,500 within 180 days of account activation, plus a one-time anniversary Aeroplan point bonus when you spend $12,000 in the first year. Altogether, these Aeroplan point sign-up bonuses contribute to a big first year bonus and an outstanding first year value.
But, it's safe to say that this card will only be valuable if you plan on staying loyal to Air Canada.

Best No Fee Sign-up Bonus Credit Card

American Express® Green Card

3.9

Finly Rating

Welcome Bonus*

Up to 10,000 points ($210 value)

First Year Value

$677.86

Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards.

Annual Fee*

$0

Interest Rates*

21.99% / 21.99%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE*

300
Poor
560
Fair
660
Good
725
Very Good
760
Excellent

The American Express® Green Card is a great option for those looking for a no-frills card that earns rewards on all purchases without any annual fee or minimum income requirement. It's an accessible card with no cap on rewards, making it ideal for those who want to earn points without the higher costs and complexities of premium cards. However, it does come with lower rewards earnings across most categories and a modest welcome bonus.

Pros

  • No Spending Limits: Earn unlimited rewards with no caps.
  • Flexible Redemption: Transfer points to other loyalty programs for maximum value.
  • VIP Perks: Access a variety of exclusive benefits through Amex Experiences™.
  • Eco-Friendly: The card is made from 99% recycled plastic.

Cons

  • Lower Reward Rates: Earn rates are lower compared to other no-fee cards.
  • Limited Travel Perks: Lacks some of the travel benefits and insurance options provided by other cards.

Rewards*

  • 1x point per $1 spent on all purchases

Insurance*

Coverage*

  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    90 days
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    Up to a year

Benefits*

Details*

  • Amex logo

    Amex Experiences™

    With Amex Experiences™ and Front Of The Line® Amex Presale Tickets, American Express Cardmembers get access to amazing events in Canada
  • reward cup

    Extra points

    2 points on Amex Travel Online purchases

Eligibility*

  • Credit Score

    Good
  • Annual Income

    N/A
*American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment. Check here for full details and current product information.
The best companion to a solid sign-up bonus is no annual fee. Luckily, you can get both with the American Express Green Card. For no annual cost, earn a point on every purchase, plus plenty of bonus points when you charge $1,000 in purchases to your card in the first few months. With flexible redemption options that can be transferred to other loyalty programs, and an intro offer that sets you up for a nice first year value, you can't go wrong with this card.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time of year can you expect the best credit card sign-up offers?

While significant sign-up offers can appear at different times throughout the year (and will vary by card issuer), you'll typically see the best offers starting in October and lasting until December. Consider it a holiday season special, since most credit card companies are aware that this is the time of year when customers do their most spending.

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