Best National Bank Credit Cards
Sara Skodak
Author7 min read
National Bank boasts its own catalogue of best credit cards, including various options that cater to cashback, travel, and budget-conscious spending.
Browse the top picks from this low-profile financial institution in this educational blog post.
Best Overall National Bank Credit Card
National Bank World Elite® Mastercard®
National Bank World Elite® Mastercard®
3.6
go to National Bank's website
Welcome Bonus
Up to 35,000 points
Annual Fee
$150
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.49%
The National Bank World Elite Mastercard is a strong choice for frequent travelers who value rewards and comprehensive insurance coverage. With a generous earn rate on everyday spending categories like groceries and restaurants, it offers substantial value, especially if you redeem points for travel. The $150 annual travel credit effectively offsets the card's $150 annual fee, making this card almost "fee-free" if fully utilized. Additionally, the card’s airport lounge access, superior purchase protection, and extended warranties make it a great companion for those who prioritize convenience and peace of mind during their travels.
Pros
- High Earn Rates: Earn up to 5 points per $1 spent on groceries and restaurants, and 2 points per $1 on gas, recurring bills, and travel booked through National Bank’s À La Carte Rewards.
- Annual $150 Travel Credit: Get reimbursed for common travel expenses such as checked bag fees, airport parking, and seat selection.
- Comprehensive Insurance: Includes 10 types of insurance, making it one of the most robust insurance packages for travel and purchase protection.
Cons
- High Income Requirements: Requires a personal income of $80,000 or a household income of $150,000, limiting eligibility for some.
Rewards
- 5x points per $1 spent on eligible grocery and restaurant purchases
- 2x points per $1 spent on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, recurring bills, and travel booked through À La Carte Rewards
- 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
180 days
Extended Warranty
Up to 2 years
Emergency Out of province Medical
60 daysEmergency Medical Over 65
15 days
Trip Interruption
$5,000
Trip Cancellation
$2,500
Baggage Delay
$500Flight Delay
$500
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000.svg)
Car Rental Damage & Theft
yes
Mobile Device Insurance
$1,000
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - National Bank
Unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at Montréal-Trudeau Airport.svg)
Travel Credit
$150 refund per year on travel expenses (seat selection, airport parking, baggage fees, airline ticket upgrades and lounges)
Extra points
2 points on À La Carte Rewards
Eligibility
Credit Score
Very GoodAnnual Income
$80,000 personal or $150,000 household
Sure, the National Bank World Elite Mastercard comes with the institution's highest annual fee and income requirements, but for good reason.
This well-balanced top contender comes with the highest point potential on popular spend categories like groceries and dining, plus solid points per dollar spent on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, recurring bills, and travel booked through À La Carte Rewards – talk about all-encompassing!
But wait, there’s more.
Unlike other credit cards from National Bank, the National Bank World Elite Mastercard offers comprehensive insurance and some valuable benefits.
For coverage, you can expect 11 insurance categories, including sought-after protections like trip interruption and trip cancellation insurance, not to mention emergency medical over 65 coverage.
As for benefits, indulge in perks like unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at Montréal-Trudeau Airport, an annual travel credit that can offset the card’s annual cost, and extra points on À La Carte Rewards.
Overall, the National Bank World Elite Mastercard is the superior National Bank credit card on account of its value and flexibility – just as long as you meet its income requirements.
Best No Fee National Bank Credit Cards
Let’s say you’re looking for something that's a little more budget-friendly. In this case, National Bank still has you covered.
National Bank mycredit Mastercard
National Bank mycredit Mastercard
1.6
go to National Bank's website
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Rewards Rate
0.5% - 1%
Annual Fee
$0
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.49%
The National Bank mycredit Mastercard may look appealing with no annual fee and mobile device protection, but its low earn rate and limited insurance coverage leave much to be desired. While you do get 1% back on restaurants and recurring bills, 0.5% on everything else is subpar. If you're looking for a no-fee card with higher cash-back rates across more categories, there are better options available.
Pros
- 1% cash back on recurring bill payments and restaurant purchases.
- No annual fee.
- Includes mobile device protection insurance, which is rare for no-fee cards.
Cons
- Only 0.5% cash back on all other purchases.
- Limited insurance coverage overall.
- Relatively low annual rewards value compared to other no-fee cards.
Rewards
- 1% cash back on eligible recurring bills and restaurant purchases
- 0.5% cash back on all other eligible purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to 1 yearMobile Device Insurance
$1,000
Eligibility
Credit Score
Very GoodAnnual Income
N/A
The National Bank mycredit Mastercard has no annual income requirements or annual fees. Of course, that means you might have to compromise a little more in terms of rewards, coverage, and benefits.
The rewards program is pretty basic, you’ll earn some cashback on eligible recurring bills and restaurant purchases, but anything else will be subject to a below-average base rate.
Unfortunately, this card lacks benefits, but you will get a few coverage categories – specifically purchase protection, extended warranty, and valuable mobile device insurance.
Ultimately, this card is a good option if you want a National Bank credit card with no annual fees, decent rewards, and some valuable inclusions like mobile device insurance.
National Bank Allure® Mastercard®
National Bank Allure® Mastercard®
1.2
go to National Bank's website
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Rewards Rate
0.5% cashback
Annual Fee
$0
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.49%
The National Bank Allure Mastercard is perfect for those looking to support a charitable cause while earning cash back on everyday purchases. The ability to contribute to the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation with each transaction makes it a feel-good card for socially conscious users. While the rewards rate isn’t the highest, the lack of an annual fee and discounts on partner gift cards add value, making it a decent choice for no-fee cardholders who want to maximize savings on select purchases.
Pros
- Support a Cause: A portion of every purchase supports the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation, allowing you to give back with every transaction.
- No Annual Fee: The card comes with no annual fee, making it cost-effective to use for everyday purchases.
- Discounts on Gift Cards: Enjoy a 10% discount on gift cards with Allure partners like Amerispa, Banana Republic, and Gap.
Cons
- Low Reward Rates: You earn only 1 point for every $2 spent, which translates to a modest return on your spending.
- Limited Insurance: Although it includes purchase protection and extended warranty, the overall insurance coverage is minimal compared to premium car
Rewards
- 0.5% cash back on all purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to 1 year
Eligibility
Credit Score
Very GoodAnnual Income
N/A
The National Bank Allure Mastercard only offers a flat base rate of below-average cashback (similar to the base rate on the National Bank mycredit Mastercard without any specialized categories) on all purchases.
Unlike the National Bank mycredit Mastercard that features mobile device insurance, the National Bank Allure Mastercard only includes basic insurance like purchase protection and extended warranty coverage.
As for benefits, cardholders get a discount on partnered gift cards at retailers like Winners, HomeSense and Marshalls, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and the GAP.
While the National Bank Allure Mastercard might not be the most impressive option, note that each transaction contributes to the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation, making it not only budget-conscious but also socially-conscious by supporting a good cause.
Therefore, if you want a no-fee card that’s charitable, affordable, and uncomplicated, you might opt for the National Bank Allure Mastercard.
Best Cashback National Bank Credit Cards
Oftentimes, the best kinds of credit cards are the ones that offer flexible cashback.
Here are the top cashback credit cards from National Bank:
National Bank ECHO® Cashback Mastercard
National Bank ECHO® Cashback Mastercard
1.8
go to National Bank's website
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$30
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.49%
The National Bank ECHO Cashback Mastercard is great for individuals who prioritize earning cash back on common spending categories like groceries, gas, and online shopping. Its unique feature of offering extra rewards for online purchases sets it apart from most Canadian credit cards. Moreover, the ability to redeem cash back anytime once you've earned $25 makes it a flexible option for users who don’t want to wait for an annual payout. With a low $30 annual fee, it provides a good balance of rewards and affordability.
Pros
- 1.5% Cash Back: You earn 1.5% cash back on online purchases, gas, and groceries (up to $25,000 annual spend), which makes this card a strong option for everyday essentials.
- On-Demand Redemption: You can redeem your cash back anytime after earning $25, offering more flexibility than other cards that require waiting until the end of the year.
- Low Annual Fee: At only $30 annually, the fee is easily offset if you maximize the card's cash back potential.
Cons
- Limited Insurance: The card comes with basic insurance coverage, like extended warranty and purchase protection, but doesn’t offer extensive travel or other premium benefits.
- Lower Cash Back for Other Purchases: Purchases outside the bonus categories earn just 1% cash back, which is fairly standard but not competitive for high spenders.
Rewards
- 1.5% cash back on eligible online purchases, gas and groceries
- 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to 1 year
Eligibility
Credit Score
Very GoodAnnual Income
N/A
The National Bank Echo Cashback Mastercard is a low-fee contender that offers decent cashback on gas, groceries, and most notably, eligible online purchases. The best part? You can redeem this cashback any time after you’ve earned at least $25, so forget about waiting for an annual payout.
These helpful everyday rewards are followed up with basic coverage – specifically purchase protection and extended warranty insurance.
Unfortunately, there are no benefits associated with this cashback card.
So, if you’re looking to collect flexible cashback on common spending categories like groceries and gas, plus the unique opportunity to optimize eligible online purchases – all for a low annual fee, then the National Bank Echo Cashback Mastercard could be for you.
National Bank mycredit Mastercard
National Bank mycredit Mastercard
1.6
go to National Bank's website
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Rewards Rate
0.5% - 1%
Annual Fee
$0
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.49%
The National Bank mycredit Mastercard may look appealing with no annual fee and mobile device protection, but its low earn rate and limited insurance coverage leave much to be desired. While you do get 1% back on restaurants and recurring bills, 0.5% on everything else is subpar. If you're looking for a no-fee card with higher cash-back rates across more categories, there are better options available.
Pros
- 1% cash back on recurring bill payments and restaurant purchases.
- No annual fee.
- Includes mobile device protection insurance, which is rare for no-fee cards.
Cons
- Only 0.5% cash back on all other purchases.
- Limited insurance coverage overall.
- Relatively low annual rewards value compared to other no-fee cards.
Rewards
- 1% cash back on eligible recurring bills and restaurant purchases
- 0.5% cash back on all other eligible purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to 1 yearMobile Device Insurance
$1,000
Eligibility
Credit Score
Very GoodAnnual Income
N/A
Instead of popular spend categories like gas and groceries which are optimized by the National Bank Echo Cashback Mastercard, the National bank mycredit Mastercard covers other important spend categories like recurring bills and restaurant purchases. The cashback rate on these specialized categories, however, are slightly lower than the cashback you can receive through the National Bank Echo Cashback Mastercard’s rewards program. Plus, the base rate on all other eligible purchases on the National Bank mycredit Mastercard is also lower than the one provided by the National Bank Echo Cashback Mastercard. That said, restaurant purchases can be expensive, so it’s nice to have a credit card that optimizes dining out, even slightly.
The National Bank mycredit Mastercard also adds mobile device insurance to its coverage categories – unlike the National Bank Echo Cashback Mastercard.
In addition, as mentioned in the previous category, this card comes with no annual fee, making it much more accessible.
Thus, if you’re looking for a cashback card that’s more affordable, restaurant-focused, and adds valuable insurance like mobile device insurance, the National Bank mycredit Mastercard might be your top pick. Alternatively, if you’re willing to pay a little bit each year in annual fees, the National Bank Echo Cashback Mastercard offers much better rewards rates on popular everyday spend categories like gas and groceries, plus a better base rate overall.
National Bank Allure® Mastercard®
National Bank Allure® Mastercard®
1.2
go to National Bank's website
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Rewards Rate
0.5% cashback
Annual Fee
$0
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.49%
The National Bank Allure Mastercard is perfect for those looking to support a charitable cause while earning cash back on everyday purchases. The ability to contribute to the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation with each transaction makes it a feel-good card for socially conscious users. While the rewards rate isn’t the highest, the lack of an annual fee and discounts on partner gift cards add value, making it a decent choice for no-fee cardholders who want to maximize savings on select purchases.
Pros
- Support a Cause: A portion of every purchase supports the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation, allowing you to give back with every transaction.
- No Annual Fee: The card comes with no annual fee, making it cost-effective to use for everyday purchases.
- Discounts on Gift Cards: Enjoy a 10% discount on gift cards with Allure partners like Amerispa, Banana Republic, and Gap.
Cons
- Low Reward Rates: You earn only 1 point for every $2 spent, which translates to a modest return on your spending.
- Limited Insurance: Although it includes purchase protection and extended warranty, the overall insurance coverage is minimal compared to premium car
Rewards
- 0.5% cash back on all purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to 1 year
Eligibility
Credit Score
Very GoodAnnual Income
N/A
Again, the National Bank Allure Mastercard is an affordable option that’s also quite charitable – donating a portion of your limited cashback on all purchases to the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation.
While good deeds go a long way, keep in mind that this National Bank credit card offers the lowest cashback rates compared to its competitors.
With that in mind, the National Bank Allure Mastercard is a card that's best suited to those who care most about supporting a valuable cause rather than collecting as much National Bank cashback as they can.
Best Travel National Bank Credit Cards
Last but not least, it’s time to sift through the best National Bank credit cards for travel.
These cards come with points rewards programs that optimize everyday spending, which can later be used towards upcoming trips.
National Bank World Elite® Mastercard®
National Bank World Elite® Mastercard®
3.6
go to National Bank's website
Welcome Bonus
Up to 35,000 points
Annual Fee
$150
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.49%
The National Bank World Elite Mastercard is a strong choice for frequent travelers who value rewards and comprehensive insurance coverage. With a generous earn rate on everyday spending categories like groceries and restaurants, it offers substantial value, especially if you redeem points for travel. The $150 annual travel credit effectively offsets the card's $150 annual fee, making this card almost "fee-free" if fully utilized. Additionally, the card’s airport lounge access, superior purchase protection, and extended warranties make it a great companion for those who prioritize convenience and peace of mind during their travels.
Pros
- High Earn Rates: Earn up to 5 points per $1 spent on groceries and restaurants, and 2 points per $1 on gas, recurring bills, and travel booked through National Bank’s À La Carte Rewards.
- Annual $150 Travel Credit: Get reimbursed for common travel expenses such as checked bag fees, airport parking, and seat selection.
- Comprehensive Insurance: Includes 10 types of insurance, making it one of the most robust insurance packages for travel and purchase protection.
Cons
- High Income Requirements: Requires a personal income of $80,000 or a household income of $150,000, limiting eligibility for some.
Rewards
- 5x points per $1 spent on eligible grocery and restaurant purchases
- 2x points per $1 spent on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, recurring bills, and travel booked through À La Carte Rewards
- 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
180 daysExtended Warranty
Up to 2 yearsEmergency Out of province Medical
60 daysEmergency Medical Over 65
15 daysTrip Interruption
$5,000Trip Cancellation
$2,500Baggage Delay
$500Flight Delay
$500Lost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000Car Rental Damage & Theft
yesMobile Device Insurance
$1,000
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - National Bank
Unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at Montréal-Trudeau AirportTravel Credit
$150 refund per year on travel expenses (seat selection, airport parking, baggage fees, airline ticket upgrades and lounges)Extra points
2 points on À La Carte Rewards
Eligibility
Credit Score
Very GoodAnnual Income
$80,000 personal or $150,000 household
As you’ll remember from the “best overall” section, the National Bank World Elite Mastercard is the top choice for anyone who wants well-rounded rewards, coverage, and perks.
Not only does this Mastercard optimize day-to-day expenses like groceries, dining, gas, electric vehicle charging, and recurring bills, but it also boosts travel booked through À La Carte Rewards.
To support your journies even further, the National Bank World Elite Mastercard protects you with important travel insurance like trip interruption and trip cancellation insurance, flight and baggage delay insurance, and emergency medical coverages.
If that wasn’t enough, this card also comes with travel-oriented benefits like unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at Montréal-Trudeau Airport, plus an annual travel credit that not only offsets the annual fee, but can also be used towards various travel expenses like seat selection, airport parking, baggage fees, airline ticket upgrades, and lounge purchases.
All in all, not only is the National Bank World Elite Mastercard the best National Bank credit card overall, it’s also the best National Bank Credit Card for travel on account of its specialized travel earn category, comprehensive travel coverage, and travel-focused perks like lounge access and an annual travel credit.
National Bank World Mastercard
National Bank World Mastercard
2.9
go to National Bank's website
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Rewards Rate
1.25x - 2x points
Annual Fee
$115
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.49%
The National Bank World Mastercard offers solid insurance coverage and flexible rewards that can be redeemed for travel or other perks. However, the reward tiers can be confusing, with points fluctuating based on your annual spending. The income requirements are also high for a card that doesn't offer an introductory bonus. The card’s strong suit is its travel insurance, which is particularly valuable for frequent travelers, especially those aged 65-74, due to the extended medical coverage. If you don’t need the higher-tier benefits or find the tiered reward structure too complicated, consider alternatives like the National Bank Platinum Mastercard.
Pros
- Up to 2 points per $1 spent on purchases, especially flights booked through National Bank Rewards.
- Comprehensive insurance: 9 types of coverage, including travel medical insurance up to age 74 and purchase protection.
- Flexible rewards: Points can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, gift cards, or financial services.
Cons
- High income requirements: $50,000 personal or $80,000 household.
- Complex rewards structure: Points earned vary depending on annual spending tiers.
- No welcome bonus: Unlike many competing cards, there’s no sign-up incentive.
Rewards
- 1.25x points per $1 spent on eligible purchases between $0 to $20,000 in the year
- 2x points per $1 spent on eligible purchases between $20,001 to $30,000 in the year
- 1.25x point per $1 spent on all eligible purchases more than $30,001 in the year
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
180 daysExtended Warranty
Up to 2 yearsEmergency Out of province Medical
60 daysEmergency Medical Over 65
15 daysTrip Interruption
$5,000Trip Cancellation
$2,500Baggage Delay
$500Flight Delay
$500Lost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000Car Rental Damage & Theft
yes
Eligibility
Credit Score
Very GoodAnnual Income
$50,000 personal or $80,000 household
So, maybe you don’t meet the high income requirements of the National Bank World Elite Mastercard or you don’t want to pay its higher annual fee (even though this fee can technically be offset by the annual travel credit). Either way, you might want to look into the National Bank World Mastercard instead, which has slightly lower yearly fees and income requirements.
Unlike the National Bank World Elite Mastercard, the National Bank World Mastercard offers a tiered rewards program – one that earns you different point-rates depending on which spend milestone you meet throughout the year. These points are earned on all eligible purchases.
The insurance coverage on the National Bank World Mastercard is actually almost as comprehensive as the coverage on the National Bank World Elite Mastercard, the only difference is that it lacks mobile device insurance.
As for travel benefits, unfortunately, the National Bank World Mastercard doesn’t have any, whereas the National Bank World Elite Mastercard comes with that valuable annual travel credit, extra points on À La Carte Rewards, and unlimited lounge access.
In conclusion, the National Bank World Mastercard is a slightly less expensive and more accessible alternative to the National Bank World Elite Mastercard. While this alternative misses out on travel benefits, mobile device insurance, and concrete earn categories, it still offers flexible earn rates that you can work your way up to, and comprehensive travel insurance for frequent travellers.
National Bank Platinum Mastercard®
National Bank Platinum Mastercard®
2.8
go to National Bank's website
Welcome Bonus
Up to 25,000 points
Rewards Rate
1x - 2x points
Annual Fee
70 $0
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.49%
The National Bank Platinum Mastercard is great for users who need solid insurance coverage but don’t want to meet the high income requirements of premium cards. Although its rewards program isn't the most generous, its travel flexibility, combined with purchase protection and extended warranties, makes it a reliable card for those who value security while traveling. At a $70 annual fee, it’s reasonably priced for what it offers, especially considering it extends travel insurance for users up to age 74.
Pros
- 2 points per $1 on groceries and restaurants (up to $1,000/month), which drops to 1.5 points after that.
- Extensive insurance coverage: Includes 10 types of insurance, including some of the best purchase protection (180 days) and extended warranty (2 years).
- Good for travel: Offers a flexible rewards program redeemable for travel, merchandise, or financial services.
Cons
- Low base earn rate: Only 1 point per $1.50 spent on non-bonus categories.
- Monthly cap: Only up to $1,000 for bonus categories like groceries and restaurants.
- No welcome bonus: Unlike many other cards, this one doesn’t offer any sign-up rewards.
Rewards
- 2x points per $1 spent on eligible grocery and restaurant purchases (max $1,000 spent per month - 1.5 points after)
- 1.5x points per $1 spent on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, recurring bills, and travel booked through À La Carte Rewards
- 1x point per $1.5 (0.66x point per $1) spent on all other eligible purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
180 daysExtended Warranty
Up to 2 yearsEmergency Out of province Medical
10 daysEmergency Medical Over 65
10 daysTrip Interruption
$1,500Trip Cancellation
$1,000Baggage Delay
$500Flight Delay
$500Lost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000Car Rental Damage & Theft
yesMobile Device Insurance
$1,000
Benefits
Details
Extra points
1.5 points on À La Carte Rewards
Eligibility
Credit Score
Very GoodAnnual Income
N/A
For an even lower annual fee and absolutely no income requirements, you can book your travels using the National Bank Platinum Mastercard. This card earns you solid points on eligible groceries and restaurant purchases (capped per month), plus decent points on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, recurring bills, and travel booked through À La Carte Rewards. The base rate on all other purchases or purchases made after monthly caps are met are slightly lower than the lowest earn tier on all purchases provided by the National Bank World Mastercard. So, overall, the National Bank World Mastercard offers more annual value.
Still, the National Bank Platinum Mastercard adds mobile device insurance to its coverage categories, unlike the National Bank World Mastercard and similar to the top-rated National Bank World Elite Mastercard.
Additionally, while the National Bank World Mastercard lacks benefits completely, the National Bank Platinum Mastercard allows cardholders to earn extra points on À La Carte Rewards.
In summary, the National Bank Platinum Mastercard is a great travel credit card for those who want something slightly similar to the National Bank World Elite Mastercard for a lower annual fee and no income requirements. It’s also more affordable than the National Bank World Mastercard, but because of its monthly caps, the National Bank World Mastercard is more valuable annually.
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