Best Flat Rate Credit Cards

Best Flat Rate Credit Cards

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Sara Skodak

Author
Kevin Shahnazari

Kevin Shahnazari

Editor

7 min read


To keep things simple, sometimes it’s best to get a credit card that’s straight to the point (or straight to the cashback for that matter). 


The best uncomplicated cards on the Canadian market are those that come with a flat rate rewards program – meaning there’s only one reward rate on the card that optimizes all eligible purchases.


In this blog post, we’ve categorized all of the best credit cards in Canada with flat rates into sections pertaining to travel, no annual fees, and business.


Take a look for yourself to find the best flat rate for your financial habits.


Best Overall Flat Rate Credit Card


American Express® Green Card

American Express® Green Card

American Express® Green Card

APPLY NOW

go to American Express' website

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
**Terms and conditions apply. If you have 2 separate missed Payments, the applicable rates for your account will be 25.99%. If you have 3 or more separate missed payments, the applicable rates will be 28.99%. 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.

On account of its affordable and uncomplicated nature, the American Express Green Card wins first place for best overall flat rate credit card.


Sure, the budget-conscious card only earns you a single American Express Membership Rewards point per dollar spent on all purchases, but this reward rate comes with no caps and plenty of flexible redemption options like travel, statement credits, Amazon purchases and more.


As mentioned, this card isn’t particularly fancy by any means. Expect classic insurance coverage like purchase protection and extended warranty insurance, plus standard benefits like Amex Experiences (common on most Amex cards) and extra points on Amex Travel Online purchases.


Overall, the American Express Green Card is the most straight-forward, accessible, and valuable option for everyday spenders who want uncomplicated earnings, and decent coverage and perks – all for no annual fee.


Best Travel Flat Rate Credit Cards


One of the most popular spend categories is travel, that’s why there are so many travel-oriented credit cards these days.


Luckily, there are even a couple of flat rate travel credit cards for adventurers who value convenience. 


Our choice for: Luxury Travel + No FX Fees

Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card

Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card

Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card

APPLY NOW

go to Scotiabank's website

Welcome Bonus*

Up to 80,000 Scene+ points ($800 value)

First Year Value

$1,046.58

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

Annual Fee*

$399

Interest Rates

9.99% / 9.99%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE*

300
Poor
560
Fair
660
Good
725
Very Good
760
Excellent

The Scotiabank Platinum American Express is the perfect choice for those seeking a super premium credit card without steep income requirements. With a high flat rate of rewards on all purchases, extensive insurance coverage, and flexible travel redemption options, it offers full-featured perks that cater to frequent travelers and savvy spenders alike.

Pros


  • Low Interest Rate: Offers a competitive interest rate of 9.99%.
  • Strong Rewards: Earn 2x Scene+ points on all purchases.
  • Airport Lounge Access: Enjoy 10 complimentary lounge visits, including Plaza Premium Lounges, through Priority Pass (membership required).
  • Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Includes extensive coverage for travel-related needs.
  • Flexible Travel Rewards: Points can be redeemed for travel bookings with any provider.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees: Shop internationally without extra charges.

Cons


  • High Annual Fee: The annual fee is steep compared to similar cards offering similar perks.
  • Limited Premium Perks: Lacks top-tier travel benefits like free checked baggage and priority boarding.

Rewards*

  • Earn 2x Scene+ points for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
  • Earn additional benefits + up to 4x Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia

Insurance*

Coverage*

  • travel accident medical

    Emergency Out of province Medical

    $2M, Up to 31 days
  • travel accident medical

    Emergency Medical Over 65

    $2M, Up to 10 days
  • cancel airplane

    Trip Cancellation

    $2500/person, $10000/trip
  • lost baggage

    Lost or Stolen Baggage

    $500/person, $1000/trip
  • pause

    Trip Interruption

    $5000/person, $25000/trip
  • hourglass timer

    Baggage Delay

    $1000 After 4 hours
  • hourglass timer

    Flight Delay

    $1000/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

    $1000
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    120 days
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    Up to a year

Benefits*

Details*

  • exchange money

    No Foreign Transaction Fees

  • alcohol cheers

    Airport Lounge - Plaza Premium

    10 visits, 4 visits for secondary card (combined with the Priority pass)
  • alcohol cheers

    Airport Lounge - Priority Pass

    10 visits, 4 visits for secondary card (combined with the Plaza Premium)
  • Amex logo

    American Express® Experiences

  • concierge

    Concierge Services

  • discount

    Discount

    Discount on PriorityPass Membership
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Hertz #1 Club Gold Member
  • reward cup

    Extra points

    Extra 4 Scene+ points per Canadian dollar spent on hotel and car rental bookings made through Scene+ Travel using your Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card

Eligibility*

  • Credit Score

    Good
  • Annual Income

    $12,000 personal or $12,000 household
*See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information. Check here for full details and current product information.

The Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card is the best flat rate travel card because it offers the highest flat rate of Scene+ points for every dollar spent on all purchases. To top it off, you can also earn bonus Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on travel expenses like hotel bookings, car rentals, and arrangements made through Scene+ Travel by Expedia.


Aside from an impressive rewards program, the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card also comes with 13 insurance categories – most of which pertain to travel. Some valuable inclusions are trip interruption and trip cancellation insurance, hotel burglary insurance, and emergency medical coverages.


The travel perks don’t stop there. This card also has sought-after trip benefits like no foreign transaction fees (a perk that forgoes the typical 2.5% fee on foreign transactions), a discount on a Priority Pass membership, airport lounge access through the Priority Pass and Plaza Premium lounges, concierge services, and a status lift to Hertz #1 Club Gold Member.


While the annual fee for this contender is quite high, thankfully the income requirements are not.


So, if you’re looking for a premium flat rate travel credit card that earns you the highest flat rate rewards program, tons of travel insurance, and plenty of top-tier travel-oriented benefits like lounge access – the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card is your best option.


RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege

RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege

RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege

APPLY NOW

go to RBC's website

Welcome Bonus*

Up to 70,000 Avion points*

First Year Value

$774.43

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

Annual Fee*

$399

Interest Rates

20.99% / 22.99%□

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE*

300
Poor
560
Fair
660
Good
725
Very Good
760
Excellent

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege is an excellent choice for frequent travelers who want premium travel perks and high-value rewards. The welcome bonus, insurance coverage, and airport benefits offer significant value for those who qualify. However, the high annual fee and income requirements may limit its accessibility, and the reward rate outside of the travel chart is less competitive.

Pros


  • High-value points when redeemed via the Air Travel Redemption chart, with up to 2.33 cents per point.
  • Extensive insurance coverage including emergency medical, trip cancellation, and mobile device insurance.
  • Access to airport perks, including fast-track security and lounge access.
  • Flexible rewards that can be transferred to airline partners like British Airways and Cathay Pacific.

Cons


  • High annual fee of $399.
  • Requires a high personal or household income of $200,000 to qualify.
  • Only 1.25 points per $1 spent on all purchases, which is lower compared to other premium cards.
  • Limited redemption value outside of the Air Travel Redemption chart.

Rewards*

  • 1.25x Avion points per $1 spent on all eligible purchases

Insurance*

Coverage*

  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    120 days
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    Up to 2 years
  • mobile device insurance

    Mobile Device Insurance

    $1,500
  • heart lock

    Travel Accident

    $500,000
  • travel accident medical

    Emergency Out of province Medical

    31 days
  • travel accident medical

    Emergency Medical Over 65

    7 days
  • pause

    Trip Interruption

    $5,000
  • cancel airplane

    Trip Cancellation

    $2,500
  • burglar

    Hotel Burglary Insurance

    $3,000
  • hourglass timer

    Baggage Delay

    $750
  • lost baggage

    Lost or Stolen Baggage

    $2,500
  • hourglass timer

    Flight Delay

    $1,000
  • car insurance

    Car Rental Damage & Theft

    yes

Benefits*

Details*

  • alcohol cheers

    Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass

    Visa Airport Companion membership + 6 complimentary airport lounge visits per year
  • gas station

    Gas Discount

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

    Extra points

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

    Concierge Services

    Connect to the Visa Infinite Privilege Concierge like having a personal assistant on call!
  • airport waiting room

    Priority Travel

    Enjoy global airport lounge access, airport security fast track lanes, and dedicated airport parking at select Canadian airports
  • exclusive

    Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits

    Dining series and Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection offers with benefits like late check out and upgrades

Eligibility*

  • Credit Score

    Good
  • Annual Income

    $200,000 personal or $200,000 household
** This offer only applies to new applications for an RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege credit card approved by Royal Bank of Canada (“Royal Bank”) subject to the conditions below. Additional cardholders(s) (co-applicant and authorized user(s)) on the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege credit card account, as well as existing cardholders on any RBC Royal Bank personal credit card account transferring to an RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege credit card account during the Offer Period, are not eligible for the offer. Refer to RBC page for up to date offer terms and conditions. The Website may engage in affiliate marketing, which is done by embedding tracking links into The Website. If you click on a link for an affiliate partnership, a cookie will be placed on your browser to track any sales for purposes of commissions. Check here for full details and current product information.

For the same annual fee but much higher income requirements, you can opt for the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card instead.


That said, the flat rate of RBC Avion points you’ll receive is slightly lower than the Scene+ points you’ll receive with the Scotiabank Platinum American Express card – plus there’s no bonus travel point opportunities when booking through a specific platform.


Both premium cards come with the same travel insurance categories, but, in some cases, the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card has higher coverage in shared categories like hotel burglary insurance, mobile device insurance, and lost or stolen baggage insurance.


The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card includes some valuable travel benefits as well, like gas discounts and extra earnings at Petro Canada, Priority Travel perks, and some airport lounge access through the Dragon Pass. Still, overall, the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card has better perks including more complimentary lounge access through Priority Pass and Plaza Premium lounges.


At the end of the day, the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card is still superior in terms of rewards and perks. However, if you’d like some extra coverage or prefer the specific benefits featured by the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card, plus you’re a high earner, then you might want to give the Privilege competitor a try.


RBC Avion Visa Platinum

rbc avion visa platinum

RBC Avion Visa Platinum

APPLY NOW

go to RBC's website

Welcome Bonus

Up to 55,000 Avion points

First Year Value

$692.74

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

Annual Fee

$120

Interest Rates

20.99% / 22.99% (for Quebec 21.99%)

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300
Poor
560
Fair
660
Good
725
Very Good
760
Excellent

The RBC Visa Platinum Avion is a solid option for those who prefer flexible travel rewards without the high-income requirements of other premium cards. The welcome bonus, extensive insurance, and travel rewards flexibility offer good value for frequent travelers. However, the 1 point per $1 earn rate may be less appealing for those looking for higher rewards on everyday purchases.

Pros


  • 10 types of insurance coverage, including trip cancellation, travel accident, and rental car theft.
  • Save 3 cents per litre at Petro-Canada and earn bonus Petro-Points.
  • No income requirements, making it more accessible than the Infinite version.

Cons


  • Only earns 1 point per $1 on most purchases, with 1.25 points per $1 on travel.
  • Rewards are less valuable if not redeemed for flights or transferred to airline partners.

Rewards

  • 1x point per $1 spent on eligible purchases

Insurance

Coverage

  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    90 days
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    Up to 1 year
  • heart lock

    Travel Accident

    $500,000
  • pause

    Trip Interruption

    $2,500
  • cancel airplane

    Trip Cancellation

    $1,000
  • burglar

    Hotel Burglary Insurance

    $2,500
  • hourglass timer

    Baggage Delay

    $500
  • lost baggage

    Lost or Stolen Baggage

    $500
  • hourglass timer

    Flight Delay

    $1,000
  • car insurance

    Car Rental Damage & Theft

    yes

Benefits

Details

  • gas station

    Gas Discount

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

    N/A

Maybe you liked some of what you saw from the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card, but just can’t swing the high annual fee or high income requirements (nor can you qualify for the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card).


In that case, check out the RBC Avion Visa Platinum Card.


This card earns you slightly less RBC Avion points per dollar spent on all eligible purchases when compared to the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card.


Of course, the coverage is also slightly less extensive, lacking categories like mobile device insurance, emergency medical over 65 insurance, and emergency out of province medical insurance. The coverage amount for certain categories like lost or stolen baggage, hotel burglary, and trip interruption and trip cancellation insurance is also higher on the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card.


You’ll also miss out on premium perks since the RBC Avion Visa Platinum Card only offers gas discounts, plus extra Petro points and Avion points at Petro Canada. Not to mention, bonus Be Well points for every dollar spent on eligible products at Rexall.


All in all, the RBC Avion Visa Platinum Card is a more accessible and affordable flat rate travel credit card option to both the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card and the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card. However, considering its lower annual fee and its lack of income requirements, you’ll miss out on some premium benefits like lounge access, plus comprehensive travel coverage.


Best Business Flat Rate Credit Cards


If you’re looking for a card to support your business expenses, there are also a couple of flat rate options worth mentioning. Here are two from American Express.


These contenders also cater to travel, with a corporate twist.


Our choice for: Luxury travel business credit card

American Express Business Platinum Card®

amex platinum business

American Express Business Platinum Card®

APPLY NOW

go to American Express' website

Welcome Bonus*

Up to 120,000 Membership Rewards® points (80,000 in 1st year)

Rewards Rate*

1.25x 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

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is ideal for frequent business travelers who can take full advantage of the premium perks and extensive insurance coverage. Despite the high annual fee, the generous rewards and travel benefits may offset the cost for those who maximize the card's offerings.

Pros


  • Generous Earn Rate: 1.25 points per $1 spent on all purchases.
  • Premium Travel Perks: Includes a $200 annual travel credit, access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, and hotel benefits like Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status.
  • Comprehensive Insurance: Extensive travel and purchase insurance, including mobile device coverage and trip interruption protection.
  • Interest Grace Period: Up to 55 interest-free days

Cons


  • High Annual Fee: The card comes with a hefty $799 annual fee, which may not be justifiable for all users.
  • Limited Acceptance: As an American Express card, it has lower acceptance compared to Visa or Mastercard.

Rewards*

  • 1.25x points per $1 spent on all purchases

Insurance*

Coverage*

  • heart lock

    Travel Accident

    $500,000
  • travel accident medical

    Emergency Out of province Medical

    15 days
  • hourglass timer

    Flight Delay

    $1,000
  • hourglass timer

    Baggage Delay

    $1,000
  • lost baggage

    Lost or Stolen Baggage

    $1,000
  • burglar

    Hotel Burglary Insurance

    $1,000
  • cancel airplane

    Trip Cancellation

    $1,500
  • pause

    Trip Interruption

    $1,500
  • mobile device insurance

    Mobile Device Insurance

    $1,500
  • car insurance

    Car Rental Damage & Theft

    Yes
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    1 year
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    90 days

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 1400 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.
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Earn Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status by spending $30,000 or staying 10 nights combined with 15 Elite Night Credits. Status retention depends on Marriott Bonvoy terms.
  • bed furniture

    Free Extra Night at Hotels

    Each year, 8-10 weeks after your anniversary, receive a Free Night Award for a Marriott Bonvoy room up to 35,000 points, valid for 1 year. Resort fees excluded.
  • grwoth

    Interest on Balance

    Up to 55 interest-free days
  • border guard

    Nexus Program Rebate

    Access a $100 credit for NEXUS with your Cardmembership
  • concierge

    Concierge Services

    Personalized concierge at your service
  • discount

    Discount

    Your Business Platinum Card gets you savings on the seats you really want and lower fares on premium tickets with participating airlines
  • Amex logo

    American Express® Experiences

    Access Front Of The Line® Presale & Reserved Tickets to some of your favourite concerts, theatre shows, and special offers with American Express® Experiences
  • 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
  • travel

    Travel Credit

    Access a $200 Annual Travel Credit each year of your Cardmembership
  • mobile phone wifi

    Wireless Credit

    Up to $120 in statement credits each year. Spend $10 each month with eligible wireless providers month and get a $10 credit.
  • business briefcase

    Business Statement Credits

    Up to $500 in business statement credits. Enroll and earn statement credits on eligible purchases with $200 Dell statement credit, $300 Indeed statement credit.

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 most valuable of the two is the American Express Business Platinum Card.


This card offers a flat rate of American Express Membership Rewards points on all purchases.


In addition to this simplified rewards program, you’ll receive tons of insurance coverage on popular categories like trip interruption and trip cancellation insurance, plus emergency out of province medical insurance.


There are also plenty of benefits included on this card, everything from an annual travel credit to unlimited access to the American Express Global Lounge collection to business statement credits.


Before you apply, make note of this luxury card’s high annual fee.


Overall, the American Express Business Platinum Card is the best flat rate credit card for frequent business travellers looking for premium travel perks alongside a simple rewards program.


American Express® Business Gold Rewards Card

amex business gold

American Express® Business Gold Rewards Card

APPLY NOW

go to American Express' website

Welcome Bonus*

Up to 40,000 points

Rewards Rate*

1x point

Annual Fee*

$199

Interest Rates

21.99% - 28.99%* / N/A*

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE*

300
Poor
560
Fair
660
Good
725
Very Good
760
Excellent

The American Express® Business Gold Rewards Card is an excellent choice for business owners who also travel 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.

Pros


  • Flexible Rewards: Enjoy flexible Membership Rewards point conversion with up to 2.1 cents per point in average value.
  • Travel Perks: Includes $100 annual travel credit when you spend at least 2 nights through booking with the Hotel Collection with American Express Travel

Cons


  • Foreign Transaction Fees: A 2.5% fee applies to foreign transactions.
  • Limited Travel Insurance: No travel medical insurance, trip cancellation or interruption coverage.
  • Lower Acceptance: As an American Express card, it may have lower acceptance compared to Visa or Mastercard.

Rewards*

  • 1x point per $1 spent on all purchases
  • 10,000 points each quarter when you charge $20,000 in net purchases to your card

Insurance*

Coverage*

  • mobile device insurance

    Mobile Device Insurance

    $1,000
  • 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

    yes
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    90 days
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    1 year

Benefits*

Details*

  • Amex logo

    Amex Experiences™

    Access Front Of The Line® Amex Presale & Reserved Tickets to some of your favourite concerts and theatre performances and special offers and events curated for Cardmembers with Amex Experiences™
  • travel

    Travel Credit

    Book two or more consecutive nights at participating properties through The Hotel Collection with American Express Travel to receive a $100 credit for amenities or a complimentary room upgrade, if available.
  • reward cup

    Extra points

    10,000 points each quarter when you charge $20,000 in net purchases to your card

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 you want to spend a lot less on annual fees and still get a flat rate business card with some travel perks, you can also consider the American Express Business Gold Rewards Card.


The flat rate of American Express Membership Rewards points is a little less than what you get with the American Express Business Platinum Card, but that’s to be expected given the lower annual fee. With the American Express Business Gold Rewards Card, you can also earn extra points each quarter when you meet a specific spending milestone.


The American Express Business Platinum Card has more extensive insurance including trip interruption and trip cancellation insurance, plus better coverage in shared categories overall.


As far as benefits go, the American Express Business Gold Rewards Card doesn’t have as many perks as the American Express Business Platinum Card, but it does include an annual travel credit and Amex Experiences.


In conclusion, you’d likely opt for the American Express Business Gold Rewards Card over the American Express Business Platinum Card if you want a flat rate travel business card with solid rewards, coverage, and perks for an annual cost that is significantly more affordable than the American Express Business Platinum Card.


Best No Annual Fee Flat Rate Credit Cards


Perhaps you’re looking for a more budget-friendly flat rate credit card. If so, there are a few different contenders to choose from. 


American Express® Green Card

American Express® Green Card

American Express® Green Card

APPLY NOW

go to American Express' website

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
**Terms and conditions apply. If you have 2 separate missed Payments, the applicable rates for your account will be 25.99%. If you have 3 or more separate missed payments, the applicable rates will be 28.99%. 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.

As you’ll recall, the American Express Green Card is a superior no-fee flat rate option that earns you an American Express Membership Rewards point per every dollar spent on all purchases.


This convenient rewards program is paired with classic purchase protection insurance and extended warranty coverage.


The benefits on the card are also pretty basic, consisting only of standard Amex Experiences and extra points on Amex Travel Online purchases.


Still, overall, the American Express Green Card is the best flat rate credit card in this category (and on this list) due to its good balance of basic rewards, coverage, and perks – all for a reasonable price.


Home Trust Preferred Visa

Home Trust Preferred Visa

Home Trust Preferred Visa

APPLY NOW

go to Home Trust's website

Welcome Bonus

N/A

First Year Value

$230.53

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 Home Trust Visa card is the only no-annual-fee credit card in Canada that offers no foreign transaction fees, which is a significant benefit for frequent travelers. The big catch is that you don't earn any rewards on foreign purchases, so if you have a credit card that gives you a cashback rate close to 2.5%, it might not be worth the hassle to get this card. Other than this benefit, there are no compelling reasons to use this card as your primary credit card.

Pros


  • The only No Annual fee Credit Card in Canada that offers No Foreign Transaction Fees

Cons


  • Rewards are very average
  • No Extended Warranty benefit on this card

Rewards

  • 1% cashback on all eligible purchases.
  • Foreign transactions don't receive cashback!

Insurance

Coverage

  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    Up to 90 days

Benefits

Details

  • exchange money

    No Foreign Transaction Fees

Eligibility

  • Credit Score

    Fair
  • Annual Income

    N/A

If you prefer cashback over points, the Home Trust Preferred Visa Card earns you a flat cashback rate on all eligible purchases.


This simple rewards program is accompanied by purchase protection insurance and no foreign transaction fees – which is very rare for a no fee credit card.


In conclusion, the Home Trust Preferred Visa Card is the best no-fee cashback flat rate card with the notable inclusion of no foreign transaction fees. However, if you’re partial to points, want extended warranty insurance, and more benefits, you may want to stick to the American Express Green Card.


ATB Gold Cash Rewards Mastercard®

atb gold cash rewards mastercard

ATB Gold Cash Rewards Mastercard®

APPLY NOW

go to ATB's website

Welcome Bonus

N/A

First Year Value

$240

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

Annual Fee

$0

Interest Rates

19.99% / 22.99%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300
Poor
560
Fair
660
Good
725
Very Good
760
Excellent

The ATB Gold Cash Rewards Mastercard is an excellent choice for Alberta residents looking for a no-annual-fee card that offers straightforward 1% cash back on all purchases. With a few types of insurance and a customizable card design, it’s a solid card for everyday spending, though the annual rewards payout may not be ideal for those wanting more frequent access to their cash back.

Pros


  • No annual fee: Offers 1% cash back without any annual fee, making it cost-effective.
  • 1% cash back on all purchases: Consistent rewards on every purchase, with no special categories to track.
  • Insurance coverage: Includes 6 types of insurance, such as rental car theft and damage coverage.
  • Custom card designs: Choose from 80 different card designs for a personalized look.

Cons


  • Alberta residents only: This card is only available to those living in Alberta.
  • Rewards deposited annually: Cash back is deposited once a year, limiting access to rewards throughout the year.

Rewards

  • 1% cash back on all eligible purchases

Insurance

Coverage

  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    90 days
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    1 year
  • car accident

    Car Rental Accident

    $225,000
  • car insurance

    Car Rental Damage & Theft

    yes
  • luggage insurance

    Car Rental Personal Effects

    $1,000
  • heart lock

    Travel Accident

    $300,000

Benefits

Details

  • car rental

    Car Rental Discount

    25% off base rate of participating Avis and Budget locations

Eligibility

  • Credit Score

    Very Good
  • Annual Income

    N/A

Another flat rate cashback contender worth considering is the ATB Gold Cash Rewards Mastercard. However to apply you need to reside in Alberta.


This card earns you the same cashback rate on all eligible purchases as the Home Trust Preferred Visa Card, but it adds way more insurance coverage. This coverage includes car rental damage and theft insurance, car rental accident insurance, travel accident insurance, extended warranty insurance, and car rental personal effects insurance.


Instead of no foreign transcation fees, which is what you’ll get with the American Express Green Card, you’ll receive a car rental discount at participating Avis and Budget locations.


Ultimately, you might choose the ATB Gold Cash Rewards Mastercard as your cashback flat rate credit card over the American Express Green Card if you want more insurance coverage and if you want to prioritize car rental discounts over no foreign transaction fees.



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