Best No Fee Credit Cards

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 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 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 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 RBC ION Visa offers a modern approach to credit card rewards with 1.5 Avion points per dollar spent on digital purchases (streaming, gaming, rideshare, food delivery), groceries, and transportation, plus 1 point per dollar on all other spending, with no annual fee. The card includes a welcome bonus of 7,000 Avion points upon approval (worth approximately $40-50) and practical benefits like a three-month complimentary DashPass subscription, 3¢ per liter fuel savings at Petro-Canada, and enhanced Be Well points earning at Rexall.

This card excels for digitally-engaged consumers whose spending heavily features streaming services, food delivery apps, rideshare usage, and online subscriptions that traditional cards often don’t reward specifically. However, the value proposition depends entirely on spending alignment with these enhanced categories, and the Avion points program requires more active management than simple cash back alternatives. While perfect for tech-savvy consumers comfortable with optimizing point redemptions, those with minimal digital service spending or preferring straightforward cash back rewards will likely find better value with traditional no-fee cards focused on conventional spending categories.

The SimplyCash Card from American Express delivers straightforward cash back rewards with no annual fee, offering 2% back on gas and groceries in Canada plus 1.25% on everything else, making it one of the most competitive no-fee cash back cards available. With a welcome bonus providing 5% cash back on all purchases in the first three months (up to $100 bonus), referral bonuses worth up to $375 annually, and the ability to add up to nine free supplementary cards, this card maximizes earning potential for Canadian households without any ongoing costs.

While American Express acceptance limitations require carrying a backup payment method, the SimplyCash Card from American Express justifies this minor inconvenience through its superior earning rates and practical benefits. The inclusion of purchase protection, extended warranties, and $100,000 in travel accident insurance adds unexpected value to a no-fee card, while the automatic annual cash back credit every September provides a satisfying lump sum reward that many cardholders prefer over monthly statement credits.

The BMO Eclipse Rise Visa Card brings premium-style rewards to the no-annual-fee category, offering 5x BMO Rewards points per $2 spent on recurring bills, groceries, dining, and takeout, effectively earning 2.5 points per dollar in these essential categories. With a generous welcome bonus of up to 25,000 points achievable through moderate spending and simple account setup tasks, plus a 0.99% balance transfer rate for nine months, this card delivers exceptional value without any ongoing fees or minimum income requirements.

While the BMO Eclipse Rise Visa Card’s earning structure of points per $2 rather than per dollar may initially confuse, the combination of strong category coverage, mobile device insurance up to $1,000, and accessibility to those with good credit scores of 660+ makes this an attractive option for budget-conscious rewards seekers. The card particularly shines for those with existing balances to transfer or households spending heavily on groceries and dining, offering a rare combination of debt management tools and ongoing rewards potential without the burden of annual fees.

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 American Express Green Card offers a straightforward entry into the Membership Rewards ecosystem with no annual fee, earning 1 point per dollar on all purchases and providing a welcome bonus of 10,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first three months. This basic card strips away the complexity of tiered earning rates and premium perks, focusing instead on providing accessible rewards earning with the flexibility to transfer points to airline and hotel partners or redeem for statement credits, travel, and merchandise.

While the American Express Green Card lacks the insurance coverage, travel benefits, and accelerated earning categories found on fee-based cards, its combination of no annual fee, no income requirements, and access to the valuable Membership Rewards program makes it an attractive option for those new to rewards credit cards or American Express customers seeking a no-cost way to maintain their points. The ability to add up to nine free supplementary cards and access to exclusive Amex entertainment presales adds unexpected value to what might otherwise be dismissed as an unremarkable entry-level product.

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.

The BMO Air Miles No-Fee Business Mastercard serves as BMO’s entry-level AIR MILES earning option for Canadian businesses, offering 1 AIR MILE for every $20 spent (0.5% return) and a modest boost to 1.25 miles per $20 at Shell stations. With no annual fee and a welcome bonus of 2,000 AIR MILES worth approximately $200, the card removes cost barriers but provides underwhelming earning rates that require $20,000 in spending to accumulate meaningful rewards equivalent to what competitors offer through much lower spending thresholds.

While the card includes basic business features like free additional employee cards and BMO’s Liability Waiver Program, it lacks travel insurance and premium benefits found on fee-paying alternatives. This card only makes sense for businesses already committed to the AIR MILES ecosystem with very modest spending levels, or those testing AIR MILES integration without annual fee commitment. Most Canadian businesses will find significantly better value with no-fee cash back cards offering 1-2% returns, making this card difficult to recommend except in very specific circumstances where AIR MILES program loyalty outweighs financial optimization.