Best Credit Cards in Canada

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 Tangerine Money‑Back Credit Card is a no‑annual‑fee, cash‑back Mastercard that lets you customize up to three 2 % reward categories (plus 0.5 % on everything else). You’ll enjoy a 10 % welcome bonus on the first $1,000 spent in your first two months, easy automatic monthly payouts, and a low 1.95 % balance‑transfer rate for six months. It’s simplicity and flexibility all wrapped into one card, ideal for everyday spending.

The American Express Cobalt Card revolutionizes rewards earning with an exceptional 5x Membership Rewards points per dollar on groceries, dining, drinks, and food delivery in Canada, making it one of the highest earning rates available for everyday spending categories. With a unique monthly fee structure of $12.99 rather than a traditional annual fee, comprehensive travel insurance up to $5 million, and the flexibility to transfer points to airline partners or redeem for travel, this card delivers premium value for food enthusiasts and urban professionals.

While the American Express Cobalt Card’s $155.88 annual cost through monthly fees and limited merchant acceptance require consideration, the combination of market-leading earning rates, Hotel Collection benefits, purchase protection, and exclusive Amex entertainment access creates exceptional value for those who dine out frequently or spend heavily on groceries. The welcome bonus of 15,000 points spread across the first year rewards consistent spending rather than front-loaded purchases, making this an ideal daily driver for maximizing rewards on essential lifestyle expenses.

The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card delivers one of Canada’s highest cash back rates on everyday essentials, offering 4% back on groceries and recurring bill payments, 2% on gas and transit, and 1% on everything else. With a generous welcome bonus of 10% cash back for the first three months (up to $2,000 in spending) and no annual fee in year one, new cardholders can earn over $300 in value during their first year. The card requires a minimum $60,000 personal income or $100,000 household income to qualify, positioning it as a premium option for established professionals and families.

Beyond its impressive rewards structure, this Scotiabank offering includes comprehensive travel insurance with up to $1 million in emergency medical coverage, purchase protection, extended warranties, and modern mobile device insurance up to $1,000. While the $120 annual fee (waived in year one) and income requirements may limit accessibility, cardholders who regularly spend on groceries, bills, and gas can easily earn $400-600 annually in cash back. For those who meet the eligibility criteria and maintain substantial monthly spending in the bonus categories, the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card represents exceptional value in Canada’s competitive premium credit card market.

The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card represents the pinnacle of premium travel rewards in Canada, offering an impressive welcome bonus of up to 130,000 Aeroplan points and unmatched airport privileges that transform the travel experience. With comprehensive benefits including Maple Leaf Lounge access, priority airport services, free checked bags for up to nine passengers, and annual companion flight opportunities, this metal card delivers exceptional value for frequent Air Canada flyers who can maximize its extensive perks.

While the $599 annual fee positions this as one of Canada’s most expensive credit cards, the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card justifies its premium pricing through tangible benefits that can easily exceed $2,000 annually for active travelers. The card earns 3x points on Air Canada purchases, 2x on dining and food delivery, and 1.25x on everything else, while providing comprehensive travel insurance coverage up to $5 million, Priority Pass lounge access worldwide, and exclusive perks like NEXUS fee credits and complimentary hotel nights that elevate it beyond typical rewards cards.

The Tangerine World Mastercard redefines what a no-fee credit card can offer. Cardholders earn 2% unlimited cash back in up to three customizable categories, plus 0.5% on everything else, giving you the flexibility to match rewards to your lifestyle. Unlike most no-annual-fee cards, it also includes premium perks: mobile device insurance (up to $1,000), rental car collision coverage, and discounted airport lounge access through DragonPass. New cardholders can also claim a 10% cash back welcome bonus on the first $1,000 spent in the first two months – simple, valuable, and easy to achieve.

What makes this card particularly compelling is its adaptability. Categories can be switched to follow seasonal or life changes (groceries in winter, gas in summer, home improvement during renovations), so you never miss out on maximizing rewards. Add to this a 1.95% balance transfer rate for six months and the ability to unlock a third 2% category by depositing rewards into a Tangerine Savings Account, and you’ve got one of Canada’s most versatile no-annual-fee credit cards.

Ideal for Canadians earning $50,000 or more annually, the Tangerine World Mastercard blends cash back flexibility with premium protections – without charging a dime in annual fees.

The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card stands out in the Canadian rewards landscape with its exceptional 6x Scene+ points earning rate at Empire grocery stores including Sobeys, Safeway, and FreshCo, making it one of the highest grocery rewards multipliers available in Canada. Combined with 5x points on dining and entertainment, 3x on gas and streaming services, plus the elimination of foreign transaction fees, this card delivers remarkable value for families and individuals who prioritize rewards on everyday spending over premium travel perks.

With a welcome bonus of up to 50,000 Scene+ points, no annual fee in the first year, and comprehensive travel insurance coverage including $1 million in emergency medical protection, the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card offers compelling value that extends well beyond its grocery store appeal. While the $120 annual fee after year one and limited American Express acceptance require consideration, cardholders who strategically use this card for bonus categories can easily earn rewards worth several times the annual fee, particularly those who shop regularly at Empire-owned grocery chains.

The Students BMO CashBack Mastercard provides an ideal entry point for Canadian students to build credit history while earning meaningful cash back rewards, offering 3% on groceries (up to $500 monthly), 1% on recurring bill payments (up to $500 monthly), and 0.5% on all other purchases with no annual fee. The welcome bonus of up to 5% cash back during the first three months on spending up to $2,500 provides up to $125 in initial rewards, designed to align with realistic student spending patterns rather than requiring unattainable spending thresholds.

Beyond rewards earning, this card’s greatest value lies in helping students establish positive credit history through responsible use, while providing practical benefits like purchase protection on electronics, flexible redemption options, and zero liability coverage for fraud protection. With accessible eligibility requirements including $0 minimum income and basic age/residency criteria, the card recognizes the financial realities of student life while providing a foundation for future financial opportunities. Students should view this as a stepping stone toward premium cards after graduation, using it to build the credit history necessary for post-graduation financial milestones like apartment rentals and eventually mortgages.

The BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard delivers impressive cash back rates of up to 5% on groceries, 4% on transit, 3% on gas and EV charging, and 2% on recurring bills, combining premium earning potential with comprehensive travel benefits typically reserved for points-based cards. With a generous welcome offer providing 10% cash back in the first three months plus a waived first-year annual fee worth $120, this card targets high-earning Canadians who want straightforward cash rewards without the complexity of points programs.

While the BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard’s monthly caps on bonus categories limit maximum earning potential and the $80,000 income requirement restricts accessibility, the combination of high cash back rates, travel medical insurance, roadside assistance, and Mastercard Airport Experiences creates exceptional value for affluent households. The flexibility to redeem cash back directly to your credit card, bank account, or investment portfolio provides practical options that resonate with financially savvy consumers seeking tangible returns on their everyday spending.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card combines the elimination of foreign transaction fees with robust Scene+ rewards earning and premium travel benefits, creating a compelling mid-tier travel card for Canadians who journey abroad regularly. With up to 45,000 Scene+ points as a welcome bonus, 3x points at select grocery stores, six complimentary annual airport lounge visits, and comprehensive travel insurance coverage up to $2 million, this card delivers substantial value for international travelers at a reasonable $150 annual fee.

What sets the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card apart in the crowded travel card market is its unique combination of no foreign transaction fees, typically saving 2.5% on all international purchases, paired with strong domestic earning rates on groceries and dining. While the $60,000 minimum income requirement and limited lounge visits compared to premium competitors require consideration, cardholders who travel internationally even just a few times annually can easily recoup the annual fee through foreign exchange savings alone, making this an intelligent choice for cost-conscious global travelers.

The BMO Cashback Mastercard is one of Canada’s most accessible no-fee cash back credit cards, offering straightforward rewards without annual fees or complex category rotations. New cardholders can earn up to 5% cash back during their first three months, plus enjoy ongoing rates of 3% on groceries (up to $500 monthly), 1% on recurring bills (up to $500 monthly), and 0.5% on all other purchases with no limit.

What sets this card apart is its flexibility and simplicity – redeem cash back anytime through direct deposit, statement credit, or investment account transfer. With a recommended 660+ credit score requirement, purchase protection, and a special 0.99% balance transfer rate for nine months, it’s an ideal choice for grocery shoppers, budget-conscious consumers, and anyone seeking reliable cash back rewards without the premium price tag.

The BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard delivers enhanced AIR MILES earning with 3 Miles for every $12 spent at participating partners, 2 Miles per $12 at grocery stores, and 1 Mile per $12 on everything else, combined with an exclusive 25% discount on one annual flight redemption that can save hundreds on travel bookings. With a generous welcome bonus of 7,000 AIR MILES, first-year annual fee waived, comprehensive travel insurance, and complimentary DragonPass membership for airport lounge access, this card transforms everyday spending into meaningful travel rewards for dedicated AIR MILES collectors.

While the BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard requires an $80,000 individual or $150,000 household income and charges $120 annually after year one, the combination of accelerated earning rates, Shell fuel discounts, car rental benefits, and the valuable 25% flight discount creates exceptional value for loyal AIR MILES members. The unique earning structure based on dollars spent rather than percentage back appeals to those who prefer the simplicity of the AIR MILES ecosystem over complex point transfer programs.

The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is designed for dedicated Marriott guests who can maximize its elite status benefits and annual free night award. With a $120 annual fee, the card offers up to 110,000 welcome bonus points (though the full bonus requires $20,000 in first-year spending) and earns 5 points per dollar at Marriott hotels, 2 points per dollar elsewhere. The real value comes from 15 annual Elite Night Credits and a free night certificate worth up to 35,000 points.

This card works best for business travelers or frequent hotel guests who stay at Marriott properties 15+ nights per year and can benefit from Gold Elite status perks like room upgrades and late checkout. Casual travelers or those who prefer booking flexibility across hotel chains will likely find better value with general travel rewards cards, especially considering American Express isn’t accepted everywhere in Canada.

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 American Express Business Gold Rewards Card offers straightforward business rewards earning with 1 Membership Rewards point per dollar spent on all purchases, appealing to businesses that prefer simplicity over category bonus optimization. With a $199 annual fee and a welcome bonus of up to 100,000 points, the card targets established businesses that value operational consistency and can benefit from American Express’s comprehensive business tools, expense management systems, and travel insurance coverage.

The card’s strength lies in its flexibility and business-focused features, including no preset spending limits, mobile device insurance up to $1,000, and additional employee cards at $50 each. However, the flat 1x earning rate requires approximately $13,300-$19,900 in annual spending just to break even on the annual fee through rewards alone, making it suitable primarily for businesses with substantial spending volumes. Companies seeking maximum cash back returns or those with heavy spending in specific bonus categories will likely find better value elsewhere, while businesses that value Membership Rewards flexibility, American Express service quality, and integrated business solutions can extract meaningful value from this mid-tier business card.

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 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.