Compare Credit Cards in Canada and Find the Best Credit Card for You
Finly offers the most personalized and advanced solution to What credit card is best for me?
More details on the tool
More details on the tool
We've implemented extensive features in our tool to help you find your best credit cards.
Compare and Find
We've gathered nearly all credit cards in Canada into one place, complete with their details about benefits, insurance options, rewards, and requirements. You can input specific information about yourself to quickly narrow down the best credit cards.
Rewards Calculator
FinlyWealth's Advanced Calculator tool provides a clear estimate of the cashback or points you can earn with each card. Since rewards are often the most significant differentiating factor for many people when choosing a card, we have focused on making this feature as accurate as possible, whether you are seeking the best points-based or cashback credit card.
Compare Credit Cards
Rewards Calculator Algorithm
You can either estimate rewards by inputting your spending habits manually or creating secure bank connections through our trusted financial partner mx.com and letting Finly analyze your spending in the past year.
Finly factors in all the reward limits and fine prints of every single credit card so you can be sure your results are as accurate as possible.
Your Spending
Modify your spending numbers and click update to get the most accurate reward estimates.
$2,000
Restaurant, Fast Food & Coffee Shop
$
Grocery
$
Recurring Purchases (Bills, Subscriptions, Rent via Chexy)
$
Gas
$
Transportation
$
Entertainment (Movies, Concerts, etc.)
$
Foreign Purchases (Non $CAD)
$
Travel (Flights, Hotels, etc.)
$
Pharmacy
$
Online Shopping
$
Home Improvement (Renovation, Furniture)
$
Purchases at Canadian Tire, Sport Check, Lquipeur, Atmosphere, Party City, SportsRousseau, HockeyExperts, LentrepduHockey
$
Other Purchases Not Specified
$
Credit Card Preferences
Cash Back or Points
Annual Fee
Special Rebates
Subscription Bonuses
Select all options which you're currently subscribed to (i.e. account owner). The corresponding card reward values will change based on your selection.
Credit & Income Info
Income
Personal
N/A
Household
N/A
Net Annual Rewards
Credit Cards (115)
First Year Value:
$1,255.2
Annual Fee
$155.8
$0
Learn More
First Year Bonus
$315
Modify spending to satisfy bonus requirement
Net Annual Rewards
$940.2
Annual fee deducted
Earn 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in purchases on your Card in the first Year
5/5
Our Rating
Card Information
Card Type
PointsInstitution
American ExpressCard Network
Amex Canada
Fees
Annual Fee
$155.8First Year Free
NoAdditional Card Fee
$0
Interest Rates
Purchase
21.99%1Cash Advance
21.99%1Balance Transfer
N/A
Eligibility
Estimated Credit Score
GoodMin Income - Personal
N/AMin Income - Household
N/A
How to earn rewards
- 5x points per $1 spent on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery (up to 12,500 points per month)
- 3x points per $1 spent on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
- 2x points per $1 spent on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
- 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus
Earn 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in purchases on your Card in the first Year
Insurance
Coverage
Emergency Out of province Medical
15 daysFlight Delay
$500Baggage Delay
$500Hotel Burglary Insurance
$500Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500Travel Accident
$250,000Car Rental Damage & Theft
yesMobile Device Insurance
$1,000Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to 1 year
Benefits
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 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.
This card was voted the Best Credit Card in Canada by FinlyWealth. The rewards earned on this card for a person with average spending exceed those of other credit cards in Canada by a huge margin! In addition, this card has a good benefits coverage, a flexible points redemption program (1:1 transfer to Aeroplan® or Avios), making it the best candidate to become the main credit card for the majority of people.
Pros
- Points can be transferred to Air Canada Aeroplan® at a 1:1 ratio, making this card a solid Aeroplan® points earner as an alternative to Aeroplan® branded credit cards
- Generous welcome bonus of up to 15,000 points
- 4+ different ways of redeeming your points for great value
- 10 different types of insurance, including travel
- Often referred to as the Best Credit Card in Canada
Cons
- Less acceptance of American Express at different merchants across Canada
- Not all types of travel insurance are covered, especially trip cancellation and interruption insurance
American Express Cobalt® Card
First Year Value:
$1,255.2
Annual Fee
$155.8
$0
Learn More
First Year Bonus
$315
Modify spending to satisfy bonus requirement
Net Annual Rewards
$940.2
Annual fee deducted
Earn 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in purchases on your Card in the first Year
Card Information
Card Type
PointsInstitution
American ExpressCard Network
Amex Canada
Fees
Annual Fee
$155.8First Year Free
NoAdditional Card Fee
$0
Interest Rates
Purchase
21.99%1Cash Advance
21.99%1Balance Transfer
N/A
Eligibility
Estimated Credit Score
GoodMin Income - Personal
N/AMin Income - Household
N/A
How to earn rewards
- 5x points per $1 spent on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery (up to 12,500 points per month)
- 3x points per $1 spent on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
- 2x points per $1 spent on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
- 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus
Earn 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in purchases on your Card in the first Year
Insurance
Coverage
Emergency Out of province Medical
15 daysFlight Delay
$500Baggage Delay
$500Hotel Burglary Insurance
$500Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500Travel Accident
$250,000Car Rental Damage & Theft
yesMobile Device Insurance
$1,000Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to 1 year
Benefits
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 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.
This card was voted the Best Credit Card in Canada by FinlyWealth. The rewards earned on this card for a person with average spending exceed those of other credit cards in Canada by a huge margin! In addition, this card has a good benefits coverage, a flexible points redemption program (1:1 transfer to Aeroplan® or Avios), making it the best candidate to become the main credit card for the majority of people.
Pros
- Points can be transferred to Air Canada Aeroplan® at a 1:1 ratio, making this card a solid Aeroplan® points earner as an alternative to Aeroplan® branded credit cards
- Generous welcome bonus of up to 15,000 points
- 4+ different ways of redeeming your points for great value
- 10 different types of insurance, including travel
- Often referred to as the Best Credit Card in Canada
Cons
- Less acceptance of American Express at different merchants across Canada
- Not all types of travel insurance are covered, especially trip cancellation and interruption insurance
First Year Value:
$1,094.5
Annual Fee
$120
$0
Learn More
First Year Bonus
$450
Modify spending to satisfy bonus requirement
Net Annual Rewards
$524.5
Annual fee deducted
Earn 25,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $1,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months. Plus, for a limited time, you are eligible to earn a 20,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $7,500 in everyday eligible purchases in your first year.
4.9/5
Our Rating
Card Information
Card Type
PointsInstitution
ScotiabankCard Network
Amex CanadaLoyalty
Fees
Annual Fee
$120First Year Free
YesAdditional Card Fee
$29
Interest Rates
Purchase
20.99%Cash Advance
22.99%Balance Transfer
22.99%
Eligibility
Estimated Credit Score
GoodMin Income - Personal
$12,000Min Income - Household
$12,000
How to earn 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
Welcome Bonus
Earn 25,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $1,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months. Plus, for a limited time, you are eligible to earn a 20,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $7,500 in everyday eligible purchases in your first year.
Insurance
Coverage
Emergency Out of province Medical
$1M, Up to 25 daysEmergency Medical Over 65
$1M, Up to 3 daysTrip Cancellation
$1500/person, $10000/tripTrip Interruption
$1500/person, $10,000/tripLost or Stolen Baggage
$500/person, $1000/tripBaggage Delay
$500/person, $1,000/trip After 4 hoursFlight Delay
$500/personTravel Accident
$500K/person, $1M/occurrenceCar Rental Damage & Theft
$65K up to 48 daysHotel Burglary Insurance
$1000/occurrenceMobile Device Insurance
$1,000Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to 1 year
Benefits
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Avoid the 2.5% foreign transaction fees incurred when spending in non $CADAmerican Express® Experiences
Concierge Services
Discount
Discount on PriorityPass Membership
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.
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.
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card
First Year Value:
$1,094.5
Annual Fee
$120
$0
Learn More
First Year Bonus
$450
Modify spending to satisfy bonus requirement
Net Annual Rewards
$524.5
Annual fee deducted
Earn 25,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $1,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months. Plus, for a limited time, you are eligible to earn a 20,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $7,500 in everyday eligible purchases in your first year.
Card Information
Card Type
PointsInstitution
ScotiabankCard Network
Amex CanadaLoyalty
Fees
Annual Fee
$120First Year Free
YesAdditional Card Fee
$29
Interest Rates
Purchase
20.99%Cash Advance
22.99%Balance Transfer
22.99%
Eligibility
Estimated Credit Score
GoodMin Income - Personal
$12,000Min Income - Household
$12,000
How to earn 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
Welcome Bonus
Earn 25,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $1,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months. Plus, for a limited time, you are eligible to earn a 20,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $7,500 in everyday eligible purchases in your first year.
Insurance
Coverage
Emergency Out of province Medical
$1M, Up to 25 daysEmergency Medical Over 65
$1M, Up to 3 daysTrip Cancellation
$1500/person, $10000/tripTrip Interruption
$1500/person, $10,000/tripLost or Stolen Baggage
$500/person, $1000/tripBaggage Delay
$500/person, $1,000/trip After 4 hoursFlight Delay
$500/personTravel Accident
$500K/person, $1M/occurrenceCar Rental Damage & Theft
$65K up to 48 daysHotel Burglary Insurance
$1000/occurrenceMobile Device Insurance
$1,000Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to 1 year
Benefits
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Avoid the 2.5% foreign transaction fees incurred when spending in non $CADAmerican Express® Experiences
Concierge Services
Discount
Discount on PriorityPass Membership
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.
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.
Neo World Elite® Mastercard®
First Year Value:
$592.21
Annual Fee
$125
$0
Learn More
First Year Bonus
$0
Modify spending to satisfy bonus requirement
Net Annual Rewards
$492.21
Annual fee deducted
4.6/5
Our Rating
Card Information
Card Type
Cash BackInstitution
Neo FinancialCard Network
MastercardLoyalty
Cash Back
Fees
Annual Fee
$125First Year Free
NoAdditional Card Fee
N/A
Interest Rates
Purchase
19.99% - 26.99% (or 19.99% - 23.99% in Newfoundland and Quebec)Cash Advance
22.99% - 28.99%Balance Transfer
N/A
Eligibility
Estimated Credit Score
GoodMin Income - Personal
$80,000Min Income - Household
$150,000
How to earn rewards
- 5% cash back on grocery purchases up to $12,000 spending per year (6% cash back if you have $5k in a Neo everyday account, or 7% cash back with $10k in a Neo everyday account) - drops to 1% cash back after hitting spend cap
- 4% cash back on recurring purchases up to $6,000 spending per year (4.5% cash back if you have $5k in a Neo everyday account, or 5% cash back with $10k in a Neo everyday account) - drops to 1% cash back after hitting spend cap
- 3% cash back on gas purchases up to $12,000 spending per year (3.5% cash back if you have $5k in a Neo everyday account, or 4% cash back with $10k in a Neo everyday account) - drops to 1% cash back after hitting spend cap
- 1% cash back on all other purchases up to $40,000 spending per year
- 5% average cash back at Neo Partners
Note: our reward calculations use the base cash back rates assuming you do not hold any money in a Neo everyday account to earn the higher tier (boosted) cash back rates, otherwise the reward estimates may be higher.
In addition, the extra cash back rate from transactions made at Neo partners has been estimated to boost your overall rate by 0.7% in the calculator.
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Insurance
Coverage
Emergency Out of province Medical
Up to $1,000,000Trip Cancellation
$1,000Trip Interruption
$1,000Flight Delay
$500Baggage Delay
$1,000Lost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000Hotel Burglary Insurance
$1,000Car Rental Accident
$100,000 for cardholder, up to $10,000 per Spouse or Dependent ChildCar Rental Damage & Theft
YesCar Rental Personal Effects
$1,000Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
1 year
Benefits
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
Pass only - pay $32 USD per visit
This card offers one of the highest cash back rates in Canada for gas (up to 4%), grocery (up to 7%) and recurring purchases (up to 5%) which is pretty hard to beat. While the cash back rates are very high, you need to mind the spend caps set for each category to see if your earning potential is really that high compared to most other credit cards. However, for a typical person who's spending is generally below $12k per year in grocery, $6k per year in recurring bills and $12k per year in gas then you'll be doing pretty well, especially with the great insurance and benefit offers.
Pros
- Highest cash back rates in Canada for highest spending categories like Grocery (up to 7%), especially if you keep at least $5k in a Neo everyday account
- 12 different types of insurance coverage
- Airport lounge access with DragonPass with $32 USD per visit
- Additional cash back earning at over 10,000 Neo partners
Cons
- High income requirements of $80,000 personal or $150,000 household
- Cash back spend caps can limit your rewards
- Having to keep at least $5k in an everyday account to boost your cash back tier
Neo World Elite® Mastercard®
First Year Value:
$592.21
$100
4.6/5
Annual Fee
$125
$0
Learn More
First Year Bonus
$0
Modify spending to satisfy bonus requirement
Net Annual Rewards
$492.21
Annual fee deducted
Card Information
Card Type
Cash BackInstitution
Neo FinancialCard Network
MastercardLoyalty
Cash Back
Fees
Annual Fee
$125First Year Free
NoAdditional Card Fee
N/A
Interest Rates
Purchase
19.99% - 26.99% (or 19.99% - 23.99% in Newfoundland and Quebec)Cash Advance
22.99% - 28.99%Balance Transfer
N/A
Eligibility
Estimated Credit Score
GoodMin Income - Personal
$80,000Min Income - Household
$150,000
How to earn rewards
- 5% cash back on grocery purchases up to $12,000 spending per year (6% cash back if you have $5k in a Neo everyday account, or 7% cash back with $10k in a Neo everyday account) - drops to 1% cash back after hitting spend cap
- 4% cash back on recurring purchases up to $6,000 spending per year (4.5% cash back if you have $5k in a Neo everyday account, or 5% cash back with $10k in a Neo everyday account) - drops to 1% cash back after hitting spend cap
- 3% cash back on gas purchases up to $12,000 spending per year (3.5% cash back if you have $5k in a Neo everyday account, or 4% cash back with $10k in a Neo everyday account) - drops to 1% cash back after hitting spend cap
- 1% cash back on all other purchases up to $40,000 spending per year
- 5% average cash back at Neo Partners
Note: our reward calculations use the base cash back rates assuming you do not hold any money in a Neo everyday account to earn the higher tier (boosted) cash back rates, otherwise the reward estimates may be higher.
In addition, the extra cash back rate from transactions made at Neo partners has been estimated to boost your overall rate by 0.7% in the calculator.
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Insurance
Coverage
Emergency Out of province Medical
Up to $1,000,000Trip Cancellation
$1,000Trip Interruption
$1,000Flight Delay
$500Baggage Delay
$1,000Lost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000Hotel Burglary Insurance
$1,000Car Rental Accident
$100,000 for cardholder, up to $10,000 per Spouse or Dependent ChildCar Rental Damage & Theft
YesCar Rental Personal Effects
$1,000Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
1 year
Benefits
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
Pass only - pay $32 USD per visit
This card offers one of the highest cash back rates in Canada for gas (up to 4%), grocery (up to 7%) and recurring purchases (up to 5%) which is pretty hard to beat. While the cash back rates are very high, you need to mind the spend caps set for each category to see if your earning potential is really that high compared to most other credit cards. However, for a typical person who's spending is generally below $12k per year in grocery, $6k per year in recurring bills and $12k per year in gas then you'll be doing pretty well, especially with the great insurance and benefit offers.
Pros
- Highest cash back rates in Canada for highest spending categories like Grocery (up to 7%), especially if you keep at least $5k in a Neo everyday account
- 12 different types of insurance coverage
- Airport lounge access with DragonPass with $32 USD per visit
- Additional cash back earning at over 10,000 Neo partners
Cons
- High income requirements of $80,000 personal or $150,000 household
- Cash back spend caps can limit your rewards
- Having to keep at least $5k in an everyday account to boost your cash back tier
First Year Value:
$777.84
Annual Fee
$120
$0
Learn More
First Year Bonus
$300
Modify spending to satisfy bonus requirement
Net Annual Rewards
$477.84
Annual fee deducted
10,000 points for going Paperless. 20,000 points after spending $2,000 after 90 days of account opening
4.7/5
Our Rating
Card Information
Card Type
PointsInstitution
MBNACard Network
MastercardLoyalty
Fees
Annual Fee
$120First Year Free
NoAdditional Card Fee
$50
Interest Rates
Purchase
19.99%Cash Advance
24.99%Balance Transfer
N/A
Eligibility
Estimated Credit Score
Very GoodMin Income - Personal
$80,000Min Income - Household
$150,000
How to earn rewards
- 5 points on restaurant, grocery, digital media, membership, and household utility purchases (maximum $50,000 spend annually per category)
- 1 point for everything else
Welcome Bonus
10,000 points for going Paperless. 20,000 points after spending $2,000 after 90 days of account opening
Insurance
Coverage
Mobile Device Insurance
$1000Purchase Protection
Up to 90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to a yearCar Rental Damage & Theft
31 daysFlight Delay
$500/person after 4 hoursTravel Accident
$1,000,000Emergency Out of province Medical
$2M for 21 daysLost or Stolen Baggage
$1000/personBaggage Delay
$1000/person
Benefits
Annual Birthday Bonus
10% of the Points earned the 12 months prior to the primary cardholder's birthday month (up to a max 15,000 bonus points per year)Car Rental Discount
10% off base rate of Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car in Canada and US and 5% internationallyTrip and legal Assistance
Concierge Services
Price Protection
$500/item, $1000/account per year
The MBNA Rewards World Elite® Mastercard® is one of the best reward credit cards in Canada, offering high rewards on frequently spent categories such as groceries and restaurant purchases. The annual birthday bonus, unique to this card, also provides a significant boost to your yearly earnings. Additionally, the card features a comprehensive list of benefits, including price protection—a rare and valuable perk not found with many other cards in Canada. These factors make this card one of the best to have in Canada.
Pros
- Both restaurants and groceries, two of the most commonly spent categories, earn decent rewards.
- Great annual birthday bonus with up to $150 in value.
- A solid list of travel insurance and benefits.
- Price protection, a rare feature not offered by many other cards.
- Good value for many of the card's redemption options.
Cons
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance, two great benefits are missing from this card.
- Not the best card for gas purchases.
MBNA Rewards World Elite® Mastercard®
First Year Value:
$777.84
Annual Fee
$120
$0
Learn More
First Year Bonus
$300
Modify spending to satisfy bonus requirement
Net Annual Rewards
$477.84
Annual fee deducted
10,000 points for going Paperless. 20,000 points after spending $2,000 after 90 days of account opening
Card Information
Card Type
PointsInstitution
MBNACard Network
MastercardLoyalty
Fees
Annual Fee
$120First Year Free
NoAdditional Card Fee
$50
Interest Rates
Purchase
19.99%Cash Advance
24.99%Balance Transfer
N/A
Eligibility
Estimated Credit Score
Very GoodMin Income - Personal
$80,000Min Income - Household
$150,000
How to earn rewards
- 5 points on restaurant, grocery, digital media, membership, and household utility purchases (maximum $50,000 spend annually per category)
- 1 point for everything else
Welcome Bonus
10,000 points for going Paperless. 20,000 points after spending $2,000 after 90 days of account opening
Insurance
Coverage
Mobile Device Insurance
$1000Purchase Protection
Up to 90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to a yearCar Rental Damage & Theft
31 daysFlight Delay
$500/person after 4 hoursTravel Accident
$1,000,000Emergency Out of province Medical
$2M for 21 daysLost or Stolen Baggage
$1000/personBaggage Delay
$1000/person
Benefits
Annual Birthday Bonus
10% of the Points earned the 12 months prior to the primary cardholder's birthday month (up to a max 15,000 bonus points per year)Car Rental Discount
10% off base rate of Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car in Canada and US and 5% internationallyTrip and legal Assistance
Concierge Services
Price Protection
$500/item, $1000/account per year
The MBNA Rewards World Elite® Mastercard® is one of the best reward credit cards in Canada, offering high rewards on frequently spent categories such as groceries and restaurant purchases. The annual birthday bonus, unique to this card, also provides a significant boost to your yearly earnings. Additionally, the card features a comprehensive list of benefits, including price protection—a rare and valuable perk not found with many other cards in Canada. These factors make this card one of the best to have in Canada.
Pros
- Both restaurants and groceries, two of the most commonly spent categories, earn decent rewards.
- Great annual birthday bonus with up to $150 in value.
- A solid list of travel insurance and benefits.
- Price protection, a rare feature not offered by many other cards.
- Good value for many of the card's redemption options.
Cons
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance, two great benefits are missing from this card.
- Not the best card for gas purchases.
First Year Value:
$677.86
Annual Fee
$0
$0
Learn More
First Year Bonus
$210
Modify spending to satisfy bonus requirement
Net Annual Rewards
$467.86
Annual fee deducted
Earn a Welcome Bonus of 10,000 points when you charge $1,000 in purchases to your Card in the first 3 months.
3.9/5
Our Rating
Card Information
Card Type
PointsInstitution
American ExpressCard Network
Amex Canada
Fees
Annual Fee
$0First Year Free
NoAdditional Card Fee
$0
Interest Rates
Purchase
21.99%1Cash Advance
21.99%1Balance Transfer
N/A
Eligibility
Estimated Credit Score
GoodMin Income - Personal
N/AMin Income - Household
N/A
How to earn rewards
- 1x point per $1 spent on all purchases
Welcome Bonus
Earn a Welcome Bonus of 10,000 points when you charge $1,000 in purchases to your Card in the first 3 months.
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to a year
Benefits
Amex Experiences™
With Amex Experiences™ and Front Of The Line® Amex Presale Tickets, American Express Cardmembers get access to amazing events in CanadaExtra points
2 points on Amex Travel Online purchases
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.
American Express® Green Card
First Year Value:
$677.86
Annual Fee
$0
$0
Learn More
First Year Bonus
$210
Modify spending to satisfy bonus requirement
Net Annual Rewards
$467.86
Annual fee deducted
Earn a Welcome Bonus of 10,000 points when you charge $1,000 in purchases to your Card in the first 3 months.
Card Information
Card Type
PointsInstitution
American ExpressCard Network
Amex Canada
Fees
Annual Fee
$0First Year Free
NoAdditional Card Fee
$0
Interest Rates
Purchase
21.99%1Cash Advance
21.99%1Balance Transfer
N/A
Eligibility
Estimated Credit Score
GoodMin Income - Personal
N/AMin Income - Household
N/A
How to earn rewards
- 1x point per $1 spent on all purchases
Welcome Bonus
Earn a Welcome Bonus of 10,000 points when you charge $1,000 in purchases to your Card in the first 3 months.
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to a year
Benefits
Amex Experiences™
With Amex Experiences™ and Front Of The Line® Amex Presale Tickets, American Express Cardmembers get access to amazing events in CanadaExtra points
2 points on Amex Travel Online purchases
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.
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Best Credit Card in Canada
American Express Cobalt® Card
5
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus*
Up to 15,000 points
Annual Fee*
$155.8
Interest Rates*
21.99% / 21.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
This card was voted the Best Credit Card in Canada by FinlyWealth. The rewards earned on this card for a person with average spending exceed those of other credit cards in Canada by a huge margin! In addition, this card has a good benefits coverage, a flexible points redemption program (1:1 transfer to Aeroplan® or Avios), making it the best candidate to become the main credit card for the majority of people.
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Points can be transferred to Air Canada Aeroplan® at a 1:1 ratio, making this card a solid Aeroplan® points earner as an alternative to Aeroplan® branded credit cards
- Generous welcome bonus of up to 15,000 points
- 4+ different ways of redeeming your points for great value
- 10 different types of insurance, including travel
- Often referred to as the Best Credit Card in Canada
Cons
- Less acceptance of American Express at different merchants across Canada
- Not all types of travel insurance are covered, especially trip cancellation and interruption insurance
Product Details
Product Details
Rewards*
- 5x points per $1 spent on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery (up to 12,500 points per month)
- 3x points per $1 spent on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
- 2x points per $1 spent on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
- 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Insurance*
Coverage*
Emergency Out of province Medical
15 daysFlight Delay
$500Baggage Delay
$500Hotel Burglary Insurance
$500Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500Travel Accident
$250,000Car Rental Damage & Theft
yesMobile Device Insurance
$1,000Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to 1 year
Benefits*
Details*
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 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.
Eligibility*
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
When someone asks, "What's the best credit card for me?" the Amex Cobalt is usually the first card that comes to mind. It offers a winning combination of high reward rates, valuable perks, a reasonable annual fee, and flexible point redemption options. Plus, it's easy to qualify for, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
For rewards, the Cobalt card takes the crown for 80% of FinlyWealth users. It consistently outperforms other cards, often by a significant margin. Even when using points for cash back—which isn’t the most valuable way to redeem them—the Cobalt still outpaces most traditional cashback cards in overall returns.
This card doesn’t just excel in rewards; it offers all the essential benefits for everyday purchases and goes above and beyond with its impressive travel perks. It’s a well-rounded card that covers every angle.
Therefore, if you don't have a specific benefit you're looking to maximize or aren't focused on optimizing just one reward category, the Amex Cobalt is likely the best choice for you.
Cashback Credit Cards
I currently have or may soon have an eligible Rogers, Fido or Shaw service as the primary or level 1 authorized user
Rogers Red World Elite® Mastercard®
4.8
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Interest Rates
19.99% / 22.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
This card is one of the best in Canada, especially if you are a Rogers, Fido, or Shaw customer. With those services, you can effectively get a 3% cashback rate, which is higher than what almost any other card offers, even those with annual fees! Additionally, for a no-fee card, you gain access to an extensive list of travel benefits, many of which are typically offered only with cards that have annual fees. Therefore, we recommend this card to anyone who meets the income requirements, even if you are not a Rogers customer!
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Voted the Best Cash Back Card in Canada for Rogers, Fido and Shaw customers by FinlyWealth.
- Voted the Best No Annual Fee Credit Card in Canada by FinlyWealth.
- There is no annual fee which is a notable benefit for a card with such high rewards. Most cards with slightly lower reward rates typically include yearly fees.
- Many favorable benefits for travelers.
- Many benefits, such as trip cancellation insurance, are only available on credit cards with an annual fee. It is rare to see these benefits on a no-annual-fee card!
- Offers the flexibility to redeem cash towards Rogers, Shaw, or Fido services, potentially increasing your rewards.
- The roam-like benefit is a benefit unique only to this card.
- It is accepted at nearly all locations as it's a Mastercard.
Cons
- Harder to qualify due to the high credit score and income requirements.
- Out of all possible travel insurances, this card is missing Baggage delay and Hotel Burglary insurance. If these two insurances are essential to someone, this card needs to be paired with another travel card to cover them.
Product Details
Product Details
Rewards
- 3% cash back on all U.S dollar purchases
- 2% cash back on all regular purchases if you have 1 qualifying Rogers, Fido or Shaw service as the account owner
- 1.5% cash back on all purchases if you do not have 1 qualifying service
- 1.5x redemption bonus on your earned cash back value when used on Rogers, Fido and Shaw purchases – that’s a 3% cash back value
Insurance
Coverage
Emergency Out of province Medical
$1M, Up to 10 daysEmergency Medical Over 65
$1M, Up to 3 daysTrip Cancellation
$1,000/person, $5,000 maximumTrip Interruption
$1,000/person, $5,000 maximumCar Rental Damage & Theft
$65,000Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
1 year
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
Pass only, complimentary visits not includedNo Cost roaming
5 days
Eligibility
Credit Score
Very GoodAnnual Income
$80,000 personal or $150,000 household
Even though the Rogers World Elite card does not have an annual fee, it earns the highest overall cashback rate on all purchases. It also gives tons of benefits which are great for travelers. The big catch is that you have a qualifying Rogers, Shaw or Fido Service and if not then the rewards earned on this card wouldn't be as high. In addition there is an income requirement for this card which not everyone qualifies for. If you have the service but not the income requirement you can go for the Rogers Red Mastercard instead.
SimplyCash™ Preferred Card from American Express
4.6
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus*
Up to $250 ($200 in first year)
Annual Fee*
$119.88
Interest Rates*
21.99% / 21.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
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 & Cons
Pros & Cons
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
Product Details
Product Details
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*
Emergency Out of province Medical
$5M/insured PersonFlight Delay
$500Baggage Delay
$500Hotel Burglary Insurance
$500Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500Travel Accident
$100,000Car Rental Damage & Theft
$85K up to 48 daysMobile Device Insurance
$1,000Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
1 year
Benefits*
Details*
Amex Experiences™
Access events and special offers curated for Cardmembers with Amex Experiences™
Eligibility*
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
With massive cashback on groceries and gas, a very high cashback rate on other purchases, and a good coverage of benefits, the SimplyCash Preferred is another alternative cashback card if the Rogers card is not for you or you don't have any qualifying service.
Best Rewards (Points) and Best Flexible Redemption Credit Card
American Express Cobalt® Card
5
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus*
Up to 15,000 points
Annual Fee*
$155.8
Interest Rates*
21.99% / 21.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
This card was voted the Best Credit Card in Canada by FinlyWealth. The rewards earned on this card for a person with average spending exceed those of other credit cards in Canada by a huge margin! In addition, this card has a good benefits coverage, a flexible points redemption program (1:1 transfer to Aeroplan® or Avios), making it the best candidate to become the main credit card for the majority of people.
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Points can be transferred to Air Canada Aeroplan® at a 1:1 ratio, making this card a solid Aeroplan® points earner as an alternative to Aeroplan® branded credit cards
- Generous welcome bonus of up to 15,000 points
- 4+ different ways of redeeming your points for great value
- 10 different types of insurance, including travel
- Often referred to as the Best Credit Card in Canada
Cons
- Less acceptance of American Express at different merchants across Canada
- Not all types of travel insurance are covered, especially trip cancellation and interruption insurance
Product Details
Product Details
Rewards*
- 5x points per $1 spent on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery (up to 12,500 points per month)
- 3x points per $1 spent on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
- 2x points per $1 spent on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
- 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Insurance*
Coverage*
Emergency Out of province Medical
15 daysFlight Delay
$500Baggage Delay
$500Hotel Burglary Insurance
$500Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500Travel Accident
$250,000Car Rental Damage & Theft
yesMobile Device Insurance
$1,000Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to 1 year
Benefits*
Details*
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 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.
Eligibility*
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
Sometimes, you're unsure how you want to use your rewards—you might want the flexibility to convert them into cash, gift cards, or use them for travel. The American Express points that come with this card offer excellent flexibility in how they can be redeemed. Additionally, with the massive rewards earned by the Cobalt card, it stands out as the best option for both point redemption and overall rewards.
Best Signup Bonus Credit Cards
American Express Gold Rewards Card®
4.2
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus*
Up to 60,000 points
Annual Fee*
$250
Interest Rates*
21.99% / 21.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
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 & Cons
Pros & Cons
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.
Product Details
Product Details
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*
Emergency Out of province Medical
15 daysTrip Cancellation
$1,500 per person, $3,000 combinedTrip Interruption
$1,500 per person, $6,000 combinedFlight Delay
$500 after 4 hour delayBaggage Delay
$500 after 6 hour delayHotel Burglary Insurance
$500Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500Travel Accident
$500,000Car Rental Damage & Theft
$85K, up to 48 daysPurchase Protection
90 days, Up to $1,000Extended Warranty
Up to 1 year
Benefits*
Details*
Travel Credit
$100Nexus Program Rebate
$50 statement credit every 4 yearsAirport Lounge - Priority Pass
Pass only. No Complimentary visits!Airport Lounge - Plaza Premium
4 Free complimentary visitsComplimentary Hotel Benefits
Hotels booked American Express TravelStatus lift
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® loyalty programAmerican Express® Experiences
Extra points
Earn 2 points on Amex Travel Online purchases and extra points on American Express offers
Eligibility*
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
The American Express Gold Rewards Card currently offers the best signup bonus among all credit cards. With spending requirements that align with the average budget, this is the top choice if you're seeking significant first-year value.
Best No Fee Signup Bonus Credit Card
American Express® Green Card
3.9
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus*
Up to 10,000 points ($210 value)
Annual Fee*
$0
Interest Rates*
21.99% / 21.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
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 & Cons
Pros & Cons
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.
Product Details
Product Details
Rewards*
- 1x point per $1 spent on all purchases
Insurance*
Coverage*
Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to a year
Benefits*
Details*
Amex Experiences™
With Amex Experiences™ and Front Of The Line® Amex Presale Tickets, American Express Cardmembers get access to amazing events in CanadaExtra points
2 points on Amex Travel Online purchases
Eligibility*
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
If you're looking to avoid fees but still want a substantial signup bonus, the Green card is the perfect choice for this situation.
Best Travel Credit Cards
Best Overall Travel Card
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card
4.8
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus*
Up to 35,000 Scene+ points
Annual Fee*
$150
Interest Rates*
20.99% / 22.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite is a strong choice for frequent travelers, especially those who value flexibility and premium perks. It stands out with its rare benefit of no foreign transaction fees, making international purchases more cost-effective. Additionally, the card offers a valuable blend of travel perks, including airport lounge access, comprehensive insurance coverage, and flexible rewards, making it an ideal companion for those who frequently travel abroad and want to avoid extra fees while enjoying premium benefits.
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- High Rewards on Select Purchases: Earn up to 3 points per $1 spent on select categories.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Shop abroad without additional charges.
- Comprehensive Insurance: Includes 11 types of insurance coverage.
- Airport Lounge Access: Enjoy up to 6 airport lounge passes per year through the Visa Airport Companion program.
Cons
- High Income Requirements: Requires $60,000 personal or $100,000 household income.
- Lower Overall Rewards: Rewards potential is lower compared to premium credit cards.
- High Annual Fee: Comes with a significant annual fee.
- Average Insurance Coverage: Insurance benefits are standard, not exceptional.
- Mediocre Earnings Potential: The card’s rewards structure might not offer the highest returns for every spender.
Product Details
Product Details
Rewards*
- 3 Points on on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland & Participating Co-ops
- 2 Points dining and at other eligible grocery stores, entertainment purchases which includes movies, theatre, and ticket agencies and Rides which includes rideshare, buses, taxis, subways and more
- 1 Point on everything else
Insurance*
Coverage*
Emergency Out of province Medical
$2M/insured up to 25 daysEmergency Medical Over 65
$2M/insured up to 3 daysTrip Cancellation
$1,500/person, $10,000/tripTrip Interruption
$2,500/person, $10,000/tripFlight Delay
$500/person after 4 hoursLost or Stolen Baggage
$1000Baggage Delay
$1000Travel Accident
$500,000/insured, $1M combinedCar Rental Damage & Theft
$65,000 up to 48 daysHotel Burglary Insurance
$1,000Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
1 year
Benefits*
Details*
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Avoid the usual 2.5% forex fees on your purchases when you travel outside of CanadaAirport Lounge - Dragon Pass
6 Free complimentary visitsStatus lift
Avis® Preferred Plus membershipConcierge Services
Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
Eligibility*
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$60,000 personal or $100,000 household
If you're looking for a card with strong insurance coverage and travel-related benefits, the Scotia Passport card is the best option that offers all of these!
Best Lounge Access Credit Cards
For Unlimited Lounge Access
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%
Why we like it
Why we like it
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 & Cons
Pros & Cons
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.
Product Details
Product Details
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*
Emergency Out of province Medical
15 daysTrip Cancellation
$2,500Trip Interruption
$2,500Flight Delay
$1,000Baggage Delay
$1,000Hotel Burglary Insurance
$1000Lost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000Travel Accident
$500,000Car Rental Damage & Theft
YesPurchase Protection
120 daysExtended Warranty
1 year
Benefits*
Details*
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 Credit
$200Dining Credit
$200 at Select RestaurantsNexus Program Rebate
$100 statement credit every 4 yearsComplimentary Hotel Benefits
Hotels booked American Express TravelStatus lift
Upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold StatusStatus lift
Upgrade to Marriott BonvoyTM Gold Elite statusPriority Travel
At Toronto Pearson Airport get Priority Security lane, Complimentary valet and 15% discount at the Express Park and daily parkConcierge Services
Trip and legal Assistance
American Express® Experiences
Extra points
Earn 2 points on Amex Travel Online purchases and extra points on American Express offers
Eligibility*
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
If you are a frequent traveler and go to lounges a lot, the best credit card for you would be the Platinum Card. There is only one credit card in Canada that offers unlimited lounge access, which is the Aeroplan Reserve card. However, that card only covers unlimited lounge access to Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafés, which aren't very useful worldwide. On the other hand, the American Express Platinum has much wider coverage, with over 1,400 airports offering lounges that cardholders can use! In addition, you can bring one person in without fee, making it an even better deal for couples!
For Lounge Access with a few complimentary visits
Sometimes you are not willing to spend a huge amount on annual fees and only want to access lounges a few times a year. In these cases here are a few of the best options:
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card
4.8
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus*
Up to 35,000 Scene+ points
Annual Fee*
$150
Interest Rates*
20.99% / 22.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite is a strong choice for frequent travelers, especially those who value flexibility and premium perks. It stands out with its rare benefit of no foreign transaction fees, making international purchases more cost-effective. Additionally, the card offers a valuable blend of travel perks, including airport lounge access, comprehensive insurance coverage, and flexible rewards, making it an ideal companion for those who frequently travel abroad and want to avoid extra fees while enjoying premium benefits.
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- High Rewards on Select Purchases: Earn up to 3 points per $1 spent on select categories.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Shop abroad without additional charges.
- Comprehensive Insurance: Includes 11 types of insurance coverage.
- Airport Lounge Access: Enjoy up to 6 airport lounge passes per year through the Visa Airport Companion program.
Cons
- High Income Requirements: Requires $60,000 personal or $100,000 household income.
- Lower Overall Rewards: Rewards potential is lower compared to premium credit cards.
- High Annual Fee: Comes with a significant annual fee.
- Average Insurance Coverage: Insurance benefits are standard, not exceptional.
- Mediocre Earnings Potential: The card’s rewards structure might not offer the highest returns for every spender.
Product Details
Product Details
Rewards*
- 3 Points on on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland & Participating Co-ops
- 2 Points dining and at other eligible grocery stores, entertainment purchases which includes movies, theatre, and ticket agencies and Rides which includes rideshare, buses, taxis, subways and more
- 1 Point on everything else
Insurance*
Coverage*
Emergency Out of province Medical
$2M/insured up to 25 daysEmergency Medical Over 65
$2M/insured up to 3 daysTrip Cancellation
$1,500/person, $10,000/tripTrip Interruption
$2,500/person, $10,000/tripFlight Delay
$500/person after 4 hoursLost or Stolen Baggage
$1000Baggage Delay
$1000Travel Accident
$500,000/insured, $1M combinedCar Rental Damage & Theft
$65,000 up to 48 daysHotel Burglary Insurance
$1,000Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
1 year
Benefits*
Details*
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Avoid the usual 2.5% forex fees on your purchases when you travel outside of CanadaAirport Lounge - Dragon Pass
6 Free complimentary visitsStatus lift
Avis® Preferred Plus membershipConcierge Services
Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
Eligibility*
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$60,000 personal or $100,000 household
With the many travel perks Scotia Passport offers, one of the best is the generous lounge access benefit, which includes six free visits!
For Lounge Pass
Having a Lounge pass allows you to access lounges for a small fee. Without the pass, you would need to pay for a membership before being able to purchase individual visits.
I currently have or may soon have a Tangerine Savings account
Tangerine World Mastercard
4.1
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus
10% Cash Back up to $100 value
Annual Fee
$0
Interest Rates
20.95% / 22.95%
Why we like it
Why we like it
While we think Tangerine World Mastercard isn't the best single credit card to own, it's still a valuable card to have in your arsenal for maximizing your rewards. It offers one of the highest cashback rates for pharmacy and recurring bill payments, areas where your other credit cards might not provide significant rewards. For no annual fees
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Allows you to change the categories, and you get a 2% reward depending on how your spending is changing every 90 days.
- 2% cashback on recurring Transactions and pharmacy purchases. One of the highest cashback rates on these categories among credit cards in Canada.
- Has cashback on Furniture and Home Improvement categories. Two categories that are not covered by any other card in Canada.
- Overall, it is a good no-annual-fee cashback credit card, especially if you have a Tangerine Savings account.
- A few benefits such as free DragonPass for lounge access, Boingo Wi-Fi, and insurances like mobile insurance and car rental theft and damage insurance.
Cons
- With these income and credit score requirements, there are cards with no annual fees that offer much higher rewards and benefits.
- Very low cashback rate on the other categories not selected.
Product Details
Product Details
Rewards
- 2% on the choice of two categories chosen from the 10 offered by Tangerine (3 if you have Tangerine's Savings account)
- 0.5% cashback on all other credit card purchases.
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to a yearMobile Device Insurance
$1000Car Rental Damage & Theft
31 days
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
Pass only. No Complimentary visits!Boingo Wi-Fi hotspot
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$60,000 personal or $100,000 household
The Tangerine World Mastercard offers a free lounge pass with no annual fee, a benefit typically reserved for cards that do have an annual fee.
Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Cards
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card
4.9
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus*
Up to 45,000 Scene+ points ($450 value)
Annual Fee*
$120
Interest Rates*
20.99% / 22.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
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.
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
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.
Product Details
Product Details
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*
Emergency Out of province Medical
$1M, Up to 25 daysEmergency Medical Over 65
$1M, Up to 3 daysTrip Cancellation
$1500/person, $10000/tripTrip Interruption
$1500/person, $10,000/tripLost or Stolen Baggage
$500/person, $1000/tripBaggage Delay
$500/person, $1,000/trip After 4 hoursFlight Delay
$500/personTravel Accident
$500K/person, $1M/occurrenceCar Rental Damage & Theft
$65K up to 48 daysHotel Burglary Insurance
$1000/occurrenceMobile Device Insurance
$1,000Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to 1 year
Benefits*
Details*
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Avoid the 2.5% foreign transaction fees incurred when spending in non $CADAmerican Express® Experiences
Concierge Services
Discount
Discount on PriorityPass Membership
Eligibility*
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$12,000 personal or $12,000 household
The Scotiabank Gold American Express card is a very well-rounded card. With a comprehensive list of travel benefits that work alongside your no foreign transaction fee benefit and a great reward program, this card is recommended for everyone, but especially for travelers!
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card
4.8
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus*
Up to 35,000 Scene+ points
Annual Fee*
$150
Interest Rates*
20.99% / 22.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite is a strong choice for frequent travelers, especially those who value flexibility and premium perks. It stands out with its rare benefit of no foreign transaction fees, making international purchases more cost-effective. Additionally, the card offers a valuable blend of travel perks, including airport lounge access, comprehensive insurance coverage, and flexible rewards, making it an ideal companion for those who frequently travel abroad and want to avoid extra fees while enjoying premium benefits.
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- High Rewards on Select Purchases: Earn up to 3 points per $1 spent on select categories.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Shop abroad without additional charges.
- Comprehensive Insurance: Includes 11 types of insurance coverage.
- Airport Lounge Access: Enjoy up to 6 airport lounge passes per year through the Visa Airport Companion program.
Cons
- High Income Requirements: Requires $60,000 personal or $100,000 household income.
- Lower Overall Rewards: Rewards potential is lower compared to premium credit cards.
- High Annual Fee: Comes with a significant annual fee.
- Average Insurance Coverage: Insurance benefits are standard, not exceptional.
- Mediocre Earnings Potential: The card’s rewards structure might not offer the highest returns for every spender.
Product Details
Product Details
Rewards*
- 3 Points on on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland & Participating Co-ops
- 2 Points dining and at other eligible grocery stores, entertainment purchases which includes movies, theatre, and ticket agencies and Rides which includes rideshare, buses, taxis, subways and more
- 1 Point on everything else
Insurance*
Coverage*
Emergency Out of province Medical
$2M/insured up to 25 daysEmergency Medical Over 65
$2M/insured up to 3 daysTrip Cancellation
$1,500/person, $10,000/tripTrip Interruption
$2,500/person, $10,000/tripFlight Delay
$500/person after 4 hoursLost or Stolen Baggage
$1000Baggage Delay
$1000Travel Accident
$500,000/insured, $1M combinedCar Rental Damage & Theft
$65,000 up to 48 daysHotel Burglary Insurance
$1,000Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
1 year
Benefits*
Details*
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Avoid the usual 2.5% forex fees on your purchases when you travel outside of CanadaAirport Lounge - Dragon Pass
6 Free complimentary visitsStatus lift
Avis® Preferred Plus membershipConcierge Services
Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
Eligibility*
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$60,000 personal or $100,000 household
One small note about the Scotiabank Gold card is that because it's American Express, it may not be as widely accepted as Visa, especially in some European countries. In these cases, the Scotiabank Passport card can be a really great alternative to go for.
For Airlines
WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard
4
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus
Up to $450 WestJet Dollars
Annual Fee
$119
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
If you travel frequently with WestJet, you must get this card because you are missing out on many benefits, even if you don't use this card for rewards. The round-trip companion voucher, status lift, and free checked bag benefits alone more than make up for the annual fee. For WestJet purchases, this card is great for earning rewards, but for all other categories, we recommend pairing it with another card.
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- A no-brainer if you are a frequent WestJet traveler. The first free checked bag, annual companion pass, and status lift benefits alone make up more than the amount paid for the annual fee.
- A very good list of travel insurance in addition to WestJet-specific benefits.
Cons
- Not the best card for rewards accumulation, so it's better if paired with another card that offers higher rewards on non-WestJet purchases.
- Rewards can only be used on WestJet, making them less flexible.
Product Details
Product Details
Rewards
- 2% back in WestJet dollars on WestJet flights or WestJet Vacations packages
- 1.5% back in WestJet dollars on other purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Emergency Out of province Medical
15 daysEmergency Medical Over 65
3 daysTravel Accident
$500KCar Rental Damage & Theft
$65K up to 48 daysTrip Interruption
$5K/person, $25K/tripFlight Delay
$250/person, $500/occurrenceBaggage Delay
$500/person, $2500/occurrencePurchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
1 year
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
Pass only, complimentary visits not included! Companion Voucher can be exchanged for 4 visits.Companion Voucher
Travel within Canada or to the continental U.S. (excluding Hawaii), from $119 CAD, Travel to Hawaii or Mexico from $399 CAD, Travel to the rest of the WestJet network from $399 CADStatus lift
Eern $500 in tier qualifying spend which applies towards achieving the next WestJet Rewards tier for every $15,000 CAD in Eligible Purchases on your WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard (up to a maximum of $1,500 in tier qualifying spend in a qualifying year)Free first checked bag
First checked bag is free for primary cardholder on WestJet flight and up to 8 guestsDiscount
Member Exclusive fares: Exclusive discounts when you pay the full base fare with WestJet dollarsBoingo Wi-Fi hotspot
Gas Discount
save 3¢/L on fuel and always earn 20% more Petro-Points at Petro-CanadaExtra points
50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$80,000 personal or $150,000 household
If you travel with WestJet often, this card is the best for this Airline. It offers free checked bags for you and 8 people travelling with you and many other benefits
TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
3.5
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus
Up to 40,000 Aeroplan® points
Annual Fee
$139
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
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 & Cons
Pros & Cons
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.
Product Details
Product Details
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
Emergency Out of province Medical
21 daysEmergency Medical Over 65
4 daysTrip Cancellation
$1,500Trip Interruption
$5,000Flight Delay
$500Baggage Delay
$1,000Lost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000Travel Accident
$500,000Car Rental Damage & Theft
yesHotel Burglary Insurance
$2500Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
1 yearMobile Device Insurance
$1,000
Benefits
Details
Free first checked bag
First checked bag is free for primary cardholder on WestJet flight and up to 8 guestsNexus Program Rebate
$100 every 4 yearsVisa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
Concierge Services
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.SExtra points
Earn 50% more Stars and 50% more Aeroplan points at participating Starbucks storesExtra points
Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and over 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStoreStatus 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 purchasesCar Rental Discount
10% off base rate of Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A CarTrip and legal Assistance
Eligibility
Credit Score
Very GoodAnnual Income
$60,000 personal or $100,000 household
And if you travel with AirCanada often this card would be a great choice for the many benefits it provides.
For Luxurious Travel
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege*
3.2
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus
Up to 100,000 points (70,000 in 1st year)
Annual Fee
$599
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
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 & Cons
Pros & Cons
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.
Product Details
Product Details
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
Emergency Out of province Medical
$5M/insured up to 31 daysEmergency Medical Over 65
$5M/insured up to 4 daysTrip Cancellation
$2.5K/person, $5K/tripTrip Interruption
$5K/person, $25K/tripFlight Delay
$1,000/person after 4 hoursBaggage Delay
$1K/person after 4 hoursLost or Stolen Baggage
$2.5K/personTravel Accident
$500,000Car Rental Damage & Theft
Up to 48 consecutive rental daysHotel Burglary Insurance
$2500Purchase Protection
120 daysExtended Warranty
2 yearsMobile Device Insurance
$1,500
Benefits
Details
Free first checked bag
First checked bag is free for primary cardholder on WestJet flight and up to 8 guestsNexus Program Rebate
$100 every 4 yearsVisa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
Concierge Services
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.SExtra points
Earn 50% more Stars and 50% more Aeroplan points at participating Starbucks storesExtra points
Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and over 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStoreStatus 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 purchasesCar Rental Discount
10% off base rate of Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A CarTrip and legal Assistance
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 upgradeStatus lift
Complimentary upgrade to Avis® President's ClubStatus 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.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.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.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.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)Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
6 Free complimentary visitsAirport Lounge - Maple Leaf and AirCanada Cafes
Unlimited Access for you and one guestCompanion Voucher
Annual Worldwide Companion Pass from $99 to a max of $599 After spending $25,000 on your card
Eligibility
Credit Score
ExcellentAnnual Income
$150,000 personal or $200,000 household
If you like priority service at the airport, this card will give you faster security check-in, priority service, and many more benefits, making you feel special throughout your travel.
Best Insurance Credit Card
BMO CashBack® World Elite® Mastercard®
4.2
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus
Up to $200
Annual Fee
$120
Interest Rates
20.99% / 23.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
If you're seeking a cashback credit card, the BMO CashBack® World Elite® Mastercard® stands out for its excellent balance between rewards and benefits. It offers a robust rewards program and a comprehensive benefits list, making it a solid choice. The high first-year value is enhanced by the annual fee waiver, and those with a BMO Premium Chequing Account can enjoy continued fee waivers. While it's highly ranked for rewards alone, it may not be the absolute top choice if benefits are less important to you.
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Offers one of the highest cashbacks on groceries and gas, two of the most frequently spent categories, compared to other credit cards in Canada.
- Includes roadside assistance, a rare but valuable benefit for people on the road.
- Provides a comprehensive list of insurance coverage and benefits.
- High first-year value.
Cons
- Does not include restaurant purchases as a reward category, which is one of the most important spending categories.
Product Details
Product Details
Rewards
- 5% cashback on groceries (maximum $25 per statement)
- 4% cashback on daily transit (maximum $12 per statement)
- 3% cashback on gas (maximum $9 per statement)
- 2% cashback on recurring payments (maximum $10 per statement)
- 1% cashback on all other credit card purchases.
Insurance
Coverage
Emergency Out of province Medical
$5M up to 8 days per covered personTravel Accident
$500,000Flight Delay
$500 After 4 hours delayLost or Stolen Baggage
$500/person, $1000 maximumBaggage Delay
$500/person, $1000 maximum After 6 hoursHotel Burglary Insurance
$1000Car Rental Damage & Theft
$65,000 up to 48 daysPurchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to a year
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
Pass only, complimentary visits not includedRoadside Assistance
Includes free battery boosts, flat-tire change, lockout service and towingCar Rental Discount
25% off base rate of participating National Car Rental and Alamo Rent a CarGas Discount
Get up to seven cents off per litre on Shell® fuelHotel Booking Discount
Save up to 7% on your Booking.com prepaid hotel or property rental bookingsBoingo Wi-Fi hotspot
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$80,000 personal or $150,000 household
The BMO Cashback World Elite offers one of the most comprehensive lists of insurance coverage and a strong rewards program, securing its position as the top choice in this category.
Best Credit Cards based on Spending Categories
For Food Purchases
American Express Cobalt® Card
5
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus*
Up to 15,000 points
Annual Fee*
$155.8
Interest Rates*
21.99% / 21.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
This card was voted the Best Credit Card in Canada by FinlyWealth. The rewards earned on this card for a person with average spending exceed those of other credit cards in Canada by a huge margin! In addition, this card has a good benefits coverage, a flexible points redemption program (1:1 transfer to Aeroplan® or Avios), making it the best candidate to become the main credit card for the majority of people.
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Points can be transferred to Air Canada Aeroplan® at a 1:1 ratio, making this card a solid Aeroplan® points earner as an alternative to Aeroplan® branded credit cards
- Generous welcome bonus of up to 15,000 points
- 4+ different ways of redeeming your points for great value
- 10 different types of insurance, including travel
- Often referred to as the Best Credit Card in Canada
Cons
- Less acceptance of American Express at different merchants across Canada
- Not all types of travel insurance are covered, especially trip cancellation and interruption insurance
Product Details
Product Details
Rewards*
- 5x points per $1 spent on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery (up to 12,500 points per month)
- 3x points per $1 spent on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
- 2x points per $1 spent on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
- 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Insurance*
Coverage*
Emergency Out of province Medical
15 daysFlight Delay
$500Baggage Delay
$500Hotel Burglary Insurance
$500Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500Travel Accident
$250,000Car Rental Damage & Theft
yesMobile Device Insurance
$1,000Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to 1 year
Benefits*
Details*
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 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.
Eligibility*
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
One of the reasons the Cobalt card is considered one of the best overall cards in Canada is its massive rewards on food purchases. Since food is one of the top spending categories for most people, it makes sense to optimize your rewards in this area.
For Grocery Purchases
BMO CashBack® World Elite® Mastercard®
4.2
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus
Up to $200
Annual Fee
$120
Interest Rates
20.99% / 23.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
If you're seeking a cashback credit card, the BMO CashBack® World Elite® Mastercard® stands out for its excellent balance between rewards and benefits. It offers a robust rewards program and a comprehensive benefits list, making it a solid choice. The high first-year value is enhanced by the annual fee waiver, and those with a BMO Premium Chequing Account can enjoy continued fee waivers. While it's highly ranked for rewards alone, it may not be the absolute top choice if benefits are less important to you.
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Offers one of the highest cashbacks on groceries and gas, two of the most frequently spent categories, compared to other credit cards in Canada.
- Includes roadside assistance, a rare but valuable benefit for people on the road.
- Provides a comprehensive list of insurance coverage and benefits.
- High first-year value.
Cons
- Does not include restaurant purchases as a reward category, which is one of the most important spending categories.
Product Details
Product Details
Rewards
- 5% cashback on groceries (maximum $25 per statement)
- 4% cashback on daily transit (maximum $12 per statement)
- 3% cashback on gas (maximum $9 per statement)
- 2% cashback on recurring payments (maximum $10 per statement)
- 1% cashback on all other credit card purchases.
Insurance
Coverage
Emergency Out of province Medical
$5M up to 8 days per covered personTravel Accident
$500,000Flight Delay
$500 After 4 hours delayLost or Stolen Baggage
$500/person, $1000 maximumBaggage Delay
$500/person, $1000 maximum After 6 hoursHotel Burglary Insurance
$1000Car Rental Damage & Theft
$65,000 up to 48 daysPurchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to a year
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
Pass only, complimentary visits not includedRoadside Assistance
Includes free battery boosts, flat-tire change, lockout service and towingCar Rental Discount
25% off base rate of participating National Car Rental and Alamo Rent a CarGas Discount
Get up to seven cents off per litre on Shell® fuelHotel Booking Discount
Save up to 7% on your Booking.com prepaid hotel or property rental bookingsBoingo Wi-Fi hotspot
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$80,000 personal or $150,000 household
There are many different grocery chains, such as Costco, Loblaws, and Walmart. It's important to note that Costco only accepts Mastercard, and some of these chains are not classified as grocery stores by Visa and American Express. Therefore, having a Mastercard is crucial for maximizing your cashback on grocery purchases. The BMO Cashback Mastercard is an excellent fit for this category, as it offers one of the highest cashback rates among credit cards.
For recurring purchases and Subscriptions
Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card
4
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus*
10% Cash Back (up to $200 value)
Annual Fee*
$120
Interest Rates*
20.99% / 22.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
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 & Cons
Pros & Cons
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.
Product Details
Product Details
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
$1,000Travel Accident
$500,000Emergency Out of province Medical
15 daysTrip Interruption
$2,000Trip Cancellation
$1,500Flight Delay
$500Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500Baggage Delay
$500Car Rental Damage & Theft
48 daysPurchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
1 year
Benefits*
Details*
Car Rental Discount
25% off base rate of Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A CarVisa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
Yes
Eligibility*
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$60,000 personal or $100,000 household
When it comes to recurring purchases, no other credit card can match the high cashback you can earn with this card on those purchases. With a massive 4 percent cashback, this card is the best to use for these types of transactions.
Best Credit Cards with Rare perks and benefits
For Roadside Assistance
Triangle World Elite Mastercard
3.5
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Interest Rates
21.99% / 22.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
This card is the only one with no annual fee that provides a roadside assistance benefit, which can be a lifesaver for people who travel on the road a lot. The main reason to apply for this card is to have free access to this benefit, given that the rewards are not great in most categories (except for Canadian Tire and grocery purchases).
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The only credit card in Canada that offers the highly valuable benefit of roadside assistance!
Cons
- This card has a very low acceptance rate based on prior user applications.
It's not a great option to have as your primary credit card, either in terms of rewards or benefits. However, it's a good card to complement your other credit cards.
Product Details
Product Details
Rewards
- 4% back in CanadianTire dollars on almost everything at Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, Mark’s, L’Équipeur, Party City, Pro Hockey Life, Atmosphere, Sports Rousseau, Hockey Experts, L’Entrepôt du Hockey, and participating Sports Experts stores
- 3% back in CanadianTire dollars on Groceries (Max 360) Except Costco and Walmart
- 1% back in CanadianTire on all other purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
Up to 90 daysCar Rental Damage & Theft
31 days
Benefits
Details
Gas Discount
Save 7¢/L on premium fuel and 5¢/L on all other fuel types at Gas+ and Petro-Canada locations on gasConcierge Services
Roadside Assistance
Roadside Assistance Gold Plan: With the Triangle World Elite Mastercard Roadside Assistance Gold Plan, you get towing distance of up to 250 km per service call to the destination of your choice (within Canada or the US)
Eligibility
Credit Score
ExcellentAnnual Income
$80,000 personal or $150,000 household
No one likes getting stuck on the road and paying a hefty fee for roadside assistance. With the Triangle World Elite Mastercard, you can enjoy free roadside assistance with a no-fee credit card!
For Price Protection
MBNA Rewards World Elite® Mastercard®
4.7
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus
Up to 30,000 points ($300 value)
Annual Fee
$120
Interest Rates
19.99% / 24.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
The MBNA Rewards World Elite® Mastercard® is one of the best reward credit cards in Canada, offering high rewards on frequently spent categories such as groceries and restaurant purchases. The annual birthday bonus, unique to this card, also provides a significant boost to your yearly earnings. Additionally, the card features a comprehensive list of benefits, including price protection—a rare and valuable perk not found with many other cards in Canada. These factors make this card one of the best to have in Canada.
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Both restaurants and groceries, two of the most commonly spent categories, earn decent rewards.
- Great annual birthday bonus with up to $150 in value.
- A solid list of travel insurance and benefits.
- Price protection, a rare feature not offered by many other cards.
- Good value for many of the card's redemption options.
Cons
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance, two great benefits are missing from this card.
- Not the best card for gas purchases.
Product Details
Product Details
Rewards
- 5 points on restaurant, grocery, digital media, membership, and household utility purchases (maximum $50,000 spend annually per category)
- 1 point for everything else
Insurance
Coverage
Mobile Device Insurance
$1000Purchase Protection
Up to 90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to a yearCar Rental Damage & Theft
31 daysFlight Delay
$500/person after 4 hoursTravel Accident
$1,000,000Emergency Out of province Medical
$2M for 21 daysLost or Stolen Baggage
$1000/personBaggage Delay
$1000/person
Benefits
Details
Annual Birthday Bonus
10% of the Points earned the 12 months prior to the primary cardholder's birthday month (up to a max 15,000 bonus points per year)Car Rental Discount
10% off base rate of Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car in Canada and US and 5% internationallyTrip and legal Assistance
Concierge Services
Price Protection
$500/item, $1000/account per year
Eligibility
Credit Score
Very GoodAnnual Income
$80,000 personal or $150,000 household
Have you ever purchased something, only to see a big discount the very next day? With price protection, you can safeguard yourself against these fluctuations and get reimbursed for the price difference when this happens.
Best Student Credit Card
RBC ION Visa
2.7
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus
6,000 points ($60 value)
Annual Fee
$0
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
We actually don't like this card. It neither offers great benefits nor rewards, even for a free card. It's a very average card with many better and worse alternatives, both paid and free.
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Good savings on gas if you are a regular petro-Canada gas customer.
Cons
- Insurance coverage is the most basic.
- Reward categories are not the best.
- Avion reward points are generally less valuable.
- Many other cards with no annual fee are available that are all-around better cards than ION Visa.
Product Details
Product Details
Rewards
- 1.5 points for every dollar in grocery, rides, gas, electric vehicle charging, streaming, digital gaming, subscriptions and more
- 1 point for all other purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to a year
Benefits
Details
Gas Discount
save 3¢/L on fuel and always earn 20% more Petro-Points at Petro-CanadaExtra points
50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
For students, the aim is to get a card with easy approval and decent benefits, and the RBC ION card is one of the best cards to fulfill that purpose.
Best Secured Credit Card
Neo Secured Mastercard®
4.5
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$60
Interest Rates
19.99% - 29.99% (for Quebec 19.99% - 24.99%) / 22.99% - 31.99% (for Quebec 22.99% - 25.99%)
Why we like it
Why we like it
If you have a poor credit score and are looking to rebuild it with a secured card, then the Neo Financial Secured Credit Card is the best card to go for. This card offers so much more compared to other secured credit cards on the market, including no monthly fees, a low deposit amount needed to get started, and it is the only credit card that offers some rewards on your purchases!
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Product Details
Product Details
Rewards
Benefits
Details
Neo Premium ($4.99/month)
Neo Travel Benefits ($4.99/month)
Neo Food Cashback boost ($1.99/month)
Neo Mind and Body Perks ($9.99/month)
Eligibility
Credit Score
PoorAnnual Income
N/A
The Neo Secured Card is the only secured credit card that offers rewards comparable to its unsecured counterpart, along with numerous benefits. This is something that almost no other secured card even comes close to offering!
Best Low Interest Credit Card
Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card
3.5
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus*
Up to 60,000 Scene+ points ($600 value)
Annual Fee*
$399
Interest Rates*
9.99% / 9.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
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 & Cons
Pros & Cons
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.
Product Details
Product Details
Rewards*
2 points on all eligible purchases
Insurance*
Coverage*
Emergency Out of province Medical
$2M, Up to 31 daysEmergency Medical Over 65
$2M, Up to 10 daysTrip Cancellation
$2500/person, $10000/tripLost or Stolen Baggage
$500/person, $1000/tripTrip Interruption
$5000/person, $25000/tripBaggage Delay
$1000 After 4 hoursFlight Delay
$1000/personTravel Accident
$500K/person, $1M/occurrenceCar Rental Damage & Theft
$65K up to 48 daysHotel Burglary Insurance
$1000/occurrenceMobile Device Insurance
$1000Purchase Protection
120 daysExtended Warranty
Up to a year
Benefits*
Details*
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Airport Lounge - Plaza Premium
10 visits, 4 visits for secondary card (combined with the Priority pass)Airport Lounge - Priority Pass
10 visits, 4 visits for secondary card (combined with the Plaza Premium)American Express® Experiences
Concierge Services
Discount
Discount on PriorityPass MembershipStatus lift
Hertz #1 Club Gold MemberExtra points
Extra 3 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
ExcellentAnnual Income
$12,000 personal
The Scotia Platinum card offers an interest rate lower than that of some lines of credit. Additionally, it provides many premium rewards and benefits, making it our top choice in this category.
Best Balance Transfer Credit Card
MBNA True Line® Mastercard®
5
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus
12 months 0% promotional interest rate
Rewards Rate
0%
Annual Fee
$0
Interest Rates
12.99% / 24.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
Even though this card offers no benefits or rewards, the amount you can save on interest is substantial, making it an excellent option for reducing your monthly payments.
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great to reduce monthly interest payments during the promotional period.
- Low purchase interest rate for people planning to put some balance on their credit card.
Cons
- A flat fee has to be paid on the balance to make the transfer happen.
- Not a good card other for purposes other than balance transfer.
Product Details
Product Details
Rewards
No Rewards on This Card
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
With the promotional welcome offer on this card, you'll be able to significantly reduce your monthly interest rate payments. Be sure to take advantage of it while the offer lasts!
Best Prepaid Card
EQ Bank Card
3.7
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Rewards Rate
0.5% cash back on every purchase
Annual Fee
$0
Interest Rates
N/A / N/A
Why we like it
Why we like it
The EQ bank card is not a credit card; it's a prepaid card, so you will not be able to get the same level of rewards as when using a credit card and it will not build credit. But if getting a prepaid card is your goal, then this card is, without a doubt, the best choice. Voted the best "Prepaid Card" in Canada, this card offers rewards and benefits that are mostly not offered by other prepaid cards. Earning interest on balance, rewards on purchases, no foreign transaction fee, and especially the unique no ATM fee that no other card provides, makes this card the best among prepaid cards.
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Voted the best prepaid card in Canada by FinlyWealth.
- The no ATM fee feature allows you to withdraw cash from any out-of-network ATMs without incurring any fees. This unique benefit can save you a lot of money when you need cash.
- Unlike other prepaid cards, this card offers rewards and benefits such as earning interest on balance and no foreign transaction fee.
Cons
- For a prepaid card, there are no cons to note for this card.
Product Details
Product Details
Rewards
- 0.5% cash back on every purchase
Benefits
Details
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Free ATM withdrawal
Interest on Balance
Same interest as your personal account until spent
Eligibility
Credit Score
N/AAnnual Income
N/A
The EQ card is the best prepaid card with many benefits that aren't provided by almost any other prepaid card, making it an excellent choice for this category.
Best Credit Cards in Canada By Network
Visa:
Mastercard:
- Rogers World Elite Mastercard
- MBNA Rewards World Elite® Mastercard®
- Desjardins Cash Back World Elite® Mastercard®
American Express:
- American Express Cobalt® Card
- Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card
- American Express® Aeroplan®* Card
Best Credit Cards in Canada By Financial Institutions
American Express: American Express Cobalt® Card
BMO: BMO CashBack® World Elite® Mastercard®
Brim: BRIM Mastercard
Canadian Tire: Triangle World Elite Mastercard
CIBC: CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
Desjardins: Desjardins Cash Back World Elite® Mastercard®
Home Trust: Home Trust Preferred Visa
KOHO: KOHO Extra
MBNA: MBNA Rewards World Elite® Mastercard®
National Bank: NationalBank World Elite Mastercard
Neo: Neo Credit Card
RBC: RBC ION+ Visa
Rogers: Rogers Red Mastercard®
Scotiabank: Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card
Simplii Financial: Simplii Financial™ Cash Back Visa* Card
Tangerine: Tangerine World Mastercard
TD Bank: TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
Walmart: Walmart Rewards™ World Mastercard®
How Do Credit Cards Work?
Credit is essentially a financial agreement that allows you to borrow money to make purchases with the understanding that you’ll repay the borrowed amount later. When you use credit, like with a credit card, you're temporarily using the lender's money, which you’ll need to pay back by a specified date. Typically, you’re given a grace period, which is between 21 and 25 days, to pay off the balance. If you repay the full amount within this period and by the due date, no interest is charged.
Here’s a quick breakdown of a typical credit card transaction when, for example, you purchase a coffee at your favourite coffee shop:
- You use your credit card to buy the coffee.
- Your card details are sent to the store's bank, known as the acquiring bank.
- The acquiring bank seeks payment approval. This request is forwarded to the payment network associated with your card, such as Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.
- The transaction is approved.
- The amount for your coffee is deducted from your available credit. You then see the purchase on your credit card statement, along with the due date and the minimum payment required. If you settle the entire balance, no interest will be charged.
How Does Credit Card Interest work?
In Canada, credit card interest is applied when the full balance is not paid by the due date. The most common types of interest rates include the payment interest rate, which ranges between 19% and 23%, and is charged on the remaining balance after paying the minimum payment amount.
There are also penalty rates for missed payments, higher rates for cash advances, and promotional rates that offer temporary low or zero interest. Interest is calculated annually (APR), but you can approximately estimate it monthly by dividing the APR by twelve.
To avoid paying interest, pay off the full balance each month and avoid cash advances because credit card interest payments can quickly grow. If you want to learn more about this topic you can read the blog how credit card interest works to learn more.
Finding the best credit card can save you hundreds, and potentially thousands, each year. Finding a credit card can be complicated, but we'll give you the information necessary so that you can match yourself with the best credit card for your needs.
Different Types of Credit cards
When choosing the right credit card, it's important to know the various types available, especially if you're interested in earning cashback, points, or improving your credit. Here's a breakdown of the most common credit card options:
Cashback and Points Credit Cards
Cashback credit cards give you a percentage back on your purchases, typically in categories like groceries, gas, or dining. Some offer a flat rate on all spending, while others provide higher rewards for specific categories. Points cards allow you to accumulate points that can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, or gift cards, making them ideal for those who want flexibility in how they use their rewards.
Student Credit Cards
Student credit cards are a great starting point for young adults building credit. They typically have low fees and offer simple rewards like cashback on daily expenses. Some cards even provide bonuses for maintaining good grades. By using these cards responsibly, students can establish a strong credit history for future financial needs.
High-Limit Credit Cards (Charge Cards)
If you have a strong credit score, high-limit credit cards or charge cards provide the ability to make larger purchases without negatively impacting your credit utilization. Charge cards, which often come with no pre-set spending limit, require that you pay the balance in full each month. These cards are useful for big purchases but demand disciplined financial management.
Secured Credit Cards
For individuals looking to build or rebuild their credit, secured credit cards are a valuable tool. These cards require a security deposit, which serves as your credit limit. While they may not offer many rewards, they report to credit bureaus and can help improve your credit score over time. Once your credit improves, you may transition to unsecured cards.
Balance Transfer Credit Cards
Balance transfer credit cards are designed to help people pay off high-interest debt by offering a 0% APR for a set period on transferred balances. This allows you to consolidate your debt and pay it off interest-free, saving money in the long run. Just be mindful of any balance transfer fees and the terms after the introductory period ends.
Starter Cards for Building Credit
In addition to secured cards, starter credit cards are available for those new to credit or rebuilding their score. These cards typically have lower limits and fewer rewards but offer an essential stepping stone to building a solid credit history.
Travel Credit Cards
Travel credit cards, including airline-branded and hotel-branded cards, are perfect for frequent travelers. Airline cards often include perks like free checked baggage and priority boarding, while hotel cards offer points for free nights and upgrades. Both types usually have sign-up bonuses, allowing you to earn rewards quickly.
Selecting the right card, whether for cashback, travel, or improving your credit, can help you maximize your financial goals. Be sure to compare your options and choose the one that fits your lifestyle and spending habits.
How Credit Card Rewards Work?
Credit card rewards come in a variety of forms, but the two most common are cash back and points or miles. Cash back rewards allow you to reduce your balance or deposit the amount directly into your bank account. Some cards even give the option to receive it as a check. Meanwhile, points or miles can be exchanged for travel, merchandise, gift cards, or even statement credits. Both types of rewards help you benefit from your everyday purchases, but the right option depends on how you prefer to redeem your earnings.
There are two primary types of rewards programs: fixed-rate rewards and category-based rewards. With a fixed-rate program, you earn the same rate on all purchases—such as 3% back or 3 points per dollar, regardless of where you shop. This type of card is simple to use and great for people who want consistent earnings. Category-based programs provide a base rate, like 1%, on all purchases but offer higher rates for specific spending, such as 5% on groceries or gas. Some cards even feature rotating categories that change every few months, letting you earn higher rewards in areas that shift quarterly.
Each credit card issuer sets up its own rewards structure, and it's important to understand how each one works. Flat-rate rewards offer consistent earnings, ideal for people who don't want to track specific categories. Category-based cards go a step further by offering enhanced rewards in areas like dining, groceries, or travel. For instance, one card may offer 5% back on grocery store purchases while giving 1% back on everything else. This structure can help you earn more, but it requires you to pay attention to where and how you're spending.
How Many Credit Cards should you have?
When deciding how many credit cards to have in Canada, the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. The ideal number of cards depends on your financial situation, spending habits, and how well you manage them. Some Canadians may get by just fine with one card, while others might find value in carrying multiple to take advantage of different rewards and benefits. It’s important to consider your goals—whether you want to maximize rewards for specific purchases like travel, groceries, or gas—or simply maintain a good credit score. The right setup will differ for each individual, and there’s no set rule for how many cards you should have.
Managing multiple cards effectively requires careful attention to a few key factors. For instance, avoid maxing out any card to keep your credit utilization low, and always pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest. Keeping older credit card accounts open can help lengthen your credit history, which contributes positively to your credit score. However, opening too many cards at once can have a negative impact on your score due to multiple credit inquiries. For many Canadians, managing 3-5 cards is a practical approach, allowing you to earn rewards in different categories while keeping your finances organized. As long as you stay disciplined with payments and track your spending, multiple cards can offer substantial benefits without leading to financial trouble.
Who is the Best Credit Card issuer in Canada?
There are many credit cards available from different issuers in Canada. Your top priority should be finding the card that best suits your needs, with the credit card issuer being a secondary consideration. However, it's important to ensure that the issuer is responsive and can address your concerns quickly when needed. To gauge their support, you can read reviews of credit card issuers on review websites and forums. In our experience, American Express stands out as the best credit card issuer, offering excellent customer service, often connecting you with a representative in less than a minute.
Best Credit Cards Methodology
The team at FinlyWealth uses a data-driven approach to provide you with unbiased recommendations to find the card that best suits your needs. Our sophisticated algorithm accurately calculates the rewards earned by each card, taking into account annual fees, sign-up bonuses, reward flexibility, and the perks and benefits that come with each card to help determine the best choice for you.
The top-scoring cards in each category are showcased within their respective categories.
FAQ
What is the best Credit Card in Canada?
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to credit cards, as the ideal card depends on your personal spending patterns, financial objectives, and credit score. If you have a strong credit profile, you’re likely eligible for cards that offer perks like cash back, points, or travel miles. These types of cards are most beneficial when you pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges that could offset the rewards. However, if you typically carry a balance or need to finance a large purchase, a card with an introductory 0% APR might be a better fit, allowing you to spread payments without paying interest for a set period.
For individuals aiming to build or repair their credit, secured cards or those specifically designed for people with limited credit histories can be a solid choice. While these cards may not offer as many perks, they can help improve your credit over time, especially if they report to all three major credit bureaus. In the end, the right credit card should align with your financial habits and goals, whether you’re looking to earn rewards, minimize interest costs, or strengthen your credit profile.
What is the Easiest Credit Card to get in Canada?
If you don't have a high credit score or are just starting out, secured credit cards, newcomer credit cards, and student credit cards are the easiest to qualify for.