Low Income

Looking for a no-fee credit card that actually gives you value? The Neo Mastercard® is one of Canada’s top digital-first cards, offering up to 15% cashback at thousands of local and national partners, no annual fees, and a quick online approval process. Whether you’re after everyday savings, flexible rewards, or a modern banking experience, the Neo card delivers convenience without compromise.

The Scotiabank SCENE+ Visa Card offers a refreshingly simple approach to rewards with no annual fee and straightforward earning on everyday purchases, making it an ideal entry point for young Canadians and movie enthusiasts looking to earn rewards without the commitment of premium cards. With 2x Scene+ points at Cineplex theatres, Home Hardware, and participating grocery stores like Sobeys and Safeway, plus 1x points on everything else, this accessible card transforms routine spending into entertainment rewards and practical benefits.

While the Scotiabank SCENE+ Visa Card won’t impress with premium perks or travel insurance, its combination of zero fees, low income requirements of just $12,000, and a welcome bonus of 5,000 Scene+ points creates genuine value for budget-conscious consumers. The flexibility to redeem points for movies, dining, groceries, travel, and gift cards through the expanded Scene+ program means cardholders aren’t locked into a single redemption path, making this a versatile starter card that grows with your financial journey.

The RBC Cash Back Mastercard offers a straightforward approach to cash back rewards with no annual fee, providing 2% cash back on the first $6,000 of annual grocery purchases and 1% on everything else. With no minimum income requirements, free additional cards for family members, and practical perks like Petro-Canada fuel savings and DoorDash delivery benefits, this card delivers accessible value for Canadian households seeking simple rewards without complicated tier structures or fees.

While the RBC Cash Back Mastercard won’t impress with premium travel benefits or high earning rates across multiple categories, its combination of grocery-focused rewards, purchase protection, extended warranty coverage, and partnership discounts creates genuine value for budget-conscious families. The automatic cash back credit every December provides a welcome bonus during the expensive holiday season, making this card particularly appealing for those who prefer predictable rewards over complex point systems or travel programs

The Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Card offers straightforward cash back rewards without annual fees, earning 1% on gas stations, grocery stores, drug stores, and recurring payments, plus 0.5% on all other purchases. With a welcome bonus of 5% cash back on all purchases for the first three months (up to $2,000 in spending) and a promotional 0% balance transfer rate for six months with no transfer fee, the card provides solid initial value for new cardholders seeking basic rewards functionality.

This card works best for budget-conscious consumers who want simple cash back earning without the complexity of category rotations or annual fee considerations. While the earning rates are conservative compared to premium alternatives, the inclusion of recurring payments in the 1% category adds practical value in today’s subscription economy, and the broad Visa acceptance ensures usability across Canada. However, consumers with substantial spending or those comfortable with annual fees will likely find better long-term returns with enhanced earning rate cards, making this primarily suitable for moderate spenders seeking reliable, no-commitment cash back rewards.

The BMO AIR MILES Mastercard is a no-annual-fee option for Canadians who want to earn AIR MILES on everyday purchases, though it comes with modest earning rates that may disappoint value-focused consumers. The card earns 3 AIR MILES per $25 spent at participating partners, 2 AIR MILES per $25 at grocery stores, and 1 AIR MILE per $25 elsewhere, translating to roughly 1.2%, 0.8%, and 0.4% returns respectively when redeemed for cash value. The welcome bonus of 1,200 AIR MILES provides approximately $120 in value upon approval.

While the earning rates are low compared to cash back alternatives, the card offers a compelling 0.99% balance transfer rate for nine months and practical benefits like Shell fuel discounts and basic purchase protection. This card works best for existing AIR MILES collectors who want to supplement their earning without paying fees, or those seeking debt consolidation through the promotional balance transfer offer. However, most Canadian consumers will find better long-term value with higher-earning cash back cards or more flexible travel rewards programs.