16 best credit cards in Canada

Which is the best credit card in Canada? The reality is that the best credit card for you will depend on your spending habits, the features and rewards you want and your credit rating.

The vast majority of Canadians own a credit card, and around half of goods and services in Canada are purchased via credit card. To help you find your best credit card, we researched and analyzed over 150 Canadian credit cards from over 30 credit card issuers in Canada, and we’ve chosen a “best credit card in Canada” pick for each major category.

Finder’s best credit cards in Canada by category

• Best credit card welcome offer: BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard
• Best credit card for travel: Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
• Best credit card for earning rewards: American Express Cobalt Card
• Best credit card for no annual fee: RBC Cash Back Mastercard
• Best credit card for groceries and gas: Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
• Best Aeroplan card: American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
• Best premium credit card: The Platinum Card from American Express
• Best for no foreign transaction fees: Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card
• Best overall cash back card: BMO CashBack Mastercard
• Best no credit check card for bad credit: Neo Secured Mastercard
• Best credit card for entertainment: Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card
• Best hotel card: Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card
• Best student credit card: BMO CashBack Mastercard For Students
• Best business card: American Express Business Gold Rewards Card
• Best Mastercard: Tangerine Money-Back World Mastercard
• Best Visa card: Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite + Card

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Best credit card welcome offer

BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard

Get up to $650 in value

Up to 5% cash back

$0 annual fee for the first year ($139 thereafter)

Get $40 cash back each month when you spend a minimum of $2,000 in your first year and get the $139 annual fee waived in the first year. Also, get $75 market value Roadside Assistance. That's up to $650 in value. Apply by October 31, 2027. Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% transfer fee. T&Cs apply.

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Why we like it This card offers a wide range of benefits including an attractive signup bonus and the chance to earn cash back on eligible everyday purchases. Get $40 cash back each month when you spend a minimum of $2,000 in your first year and get the $139 annual fee waived in the first year. Also, get $75 market value Roadside Assistance. That's up to $650 in value. Apply by October 31, 2027. Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% transfer fee. After the promotional period ends, continue to enjoy rewards at the regular rate. Earn 5% cash back on groceries (up to a maximum of $500 per statement cycle period—1% unlimited cash back thereafter), 4% on transit including ride sharing, taxis and public transportation (up to a maximum of $300 per statement cycle period—1% unlimited cash back thereafter), 3% on gas and electric vehicle charging (up to a maximum of $300 per statement cycle period—1% unlimited cash back thereafter), 2% on recurring bill payments (up to a maximum of $500 per statement cycle period—1% unlimited cash back thereafter) and 1% unlimited cash back on all eligible purchases. Plus, cardholders can enjoy a host of travel and entertainment perks. Pros & cons Pros Get $40 cash back each month when you spend a minimum of $2,000 in your first year and get the $139 annual fee waived in the first year. Also, get $75 market value Roadside Assistance. That's up to $650 in value. Apply by October 31, 2027. Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% transfer fee. Earn 5% cash back on groceries (up to a maximum of $500 per statement cycle period—1% unlimited cash back thereafter), 4% on transit including ride sharing, taxis and public transportation (up to a maximum of $300 per statement cycle period—1% unlimited cash back thereafter), 3% on gas and electric vehicle charging (up to a maximum of $300 per statement cycle period—1% unlimited cash back thereafter), 2% on recurring bill payments (up to a maximum of $500 per statement cycle period—1% unlimited cash back thereafter) and 1% unlimited cash back on all eligible purchases. Get comprehensive travel insurance coverage and travel perks and discounts Cons This card has an annual fee of $139 You'll need to accrue at least $50 in cash back before you can redeem This card has a foreign transaction fee of 2.5% You'll need to earn a personal income of at least $80,000, or a combined household income of at least $150,000 annually to apply

Best credit card for travel

Scotiabank Gold American Express Card

65,000 points

Up to 6x points per $1 spent

$120

$150 Reward Finder Rewards: Join Finder then apply through Finder and get approved for a Scotiabank Gold American Express Card as a new Scotiabank customer to receive a $150 digital Visa gift card. Ends 30 Dec 2026. T&Cs apply. Earn up to $1,100 in first-year value, including up to 65,000 bonus Scene+ points. Apply by January 3, 2027. T&Cs apply.

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Why we like it The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card won a Finder Credit Card Award for Best Travel Credit Card. Enjoy peace of mind with a broad array of travel insurance options. Pros & cons Pros Earn up to $1,100 in first-year value, including up to 65,000 bonus Scene+ points. Apply by January 3, 2027 Earn 6 Scene+ points per $1 at participating grocery stores (Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland and more), 5 Scene+ points per $1 on other eligible grocery stores, dining, food delivery, food subscriptions and eligible entertainment (including movies, theatre and ticket agencies), 1 Scene+ point per $1 on eligible travel (plus an extra 3 Scene+ points per $1 on hotels and car rentals booked through Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia), 3 Scene+ points per $1 on eligible gas, transit and streaming services and 1 Scene+ point per $1 on all other eligible purchases. Access a broad array of travel insurance Cons This card has an annual fee of $120 You'll need to earn a minimum income of $12,000 a year to be eligible for this card This card comes with a 0% foreign transaction fee

Best credit card for earning rewards

American Express Cobalt Card

15,000 points

Up to 5x points per $1 spent

$191.88

Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards points in your first year. Earn 1,250 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in purchases. That’s up to $150 towards a weekend getaway or shopping trip. T&Cs apply.

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Why we like it The American Express Cobalt Card offers a generous return on points for everyday purchases. You can collect points for every dollar you spend on dining out plus 2 points for gas and transit purchases and 1 point for everything else. This card also comes with up to a 15,000 points welcome bonus if you spend a certain amount of money each month. You'll also get a full suite of travel insurance and purchase protection when you sign up. Pros & cons Pros Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards points in your first year. Earn 1,250 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in purchases. That’s up to $150 towards a weekend getaway or shopping trip. Earn 5x the points on eligible groceries, dining, drinks and food delivery in Canada (spend cap applies), 3x the points on eligible streaming subscriptions, 2x points on eligible ride shares, transit & gas, 1x point for every other dollar spent and 1 extra point per dollar spent on eligible hotel and car rental bookings via the American Express Travel website (conditions apply). Access travel insurance coverage Cons You'll have to pay $191.88 per year to maintain this card This card has a foreign transaction fee of 2.5%

Best credit card for no annual fee

RBC Cash Back Mastercard

Up to 5% cash back

Up to 2% cash back

$0

Get 5% extra cash back on your first $2,000 in spend for 6 months. Apply by February 2, 2027.. T&Cs apply.

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Why we like it The RBC Cash Back Mastercard is a no-fuss card that allows you to earn cash back on everyday purchases. Earn 2% cash back on groceries, 1% cash back on gas, EV charging, transit, and rideshare and 0.5% cash back on all your other everyday purchases. This card also lets you earn more rewards at Petro Canada and save on DoorDash delivery fees. Pros & cons Pros $0 annual fee Get 5% extra cash back on your first $2,000 in spend for 6 months. Apply by February 2, 2027. Earn 2% cash back on groceries, 1% cash back on gas, EV charging, transit, and rideshare and 0.5% cash back on all your other everyday purchases. Cons This card has tiered cashback, so you won't earn as much cashback on some categories. This card has a foreign transaction fee of 2.5%

Best credit card for groceries and gas

Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card

Bonus 10% cash back

Up to 2% cash back

$0

Earn 10% cash back (up to $100) when you spend $1,000 in the first 2 months. Valid until November 30, 2026. Plus, get a 1.95% interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months. T&Cs apply.

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Why we like it As a cash back credit card, the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card helps you earn cash rewards on your everyday purchases, with accelerated rewards where you spend the most. Earn 2% cash back in two Tangerine credit card categories of your choice (or three categories if you open a Tangerine Savings Account and directly deposit your cash back into the account) and 0.5% cash back on everything else. Categories include groceries, gas, restaurants, hotels, recurring bill payments, drug store, home improvement and entertainment. Plus, get access to a 1.95% interest rate on a balance transfer for the first 6 months. Pros & cons Pros Earn 10% cash back (up to $100) when you spend $1,000 in the first 2 months. Valid until November 30, 2026. Plus, get a 1.95% interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months. Earn 2% cash back in two Tangerine credit card categories of your choice (or three categories if you open a Tangerine Savings Account and directly deposit your cash back into the account) and 0.5% cash back on everything else. $0 annual fee Cons Receive only 0.5 cash back on all other categories of spending You'll pay a foreign transaction fee of 2.5% on all overseas purchases You'll pay a balance transfer fee of 1% of the total transferred amount or $5, whichever is greater

Best Aeroplan card

American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card

Up to 85,000 points

Up to 3x points

$599

Earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points. Plus, you could earn up to $4,400 in value within your first 13 months. T&Cs apply.

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Why we like it The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card tops our our list of best Aeroplan credit cards in Canada. It's a premium Aeroplan rewards card that comes with lots of perks and accelerated rewards. Earn 3x the points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations, 2x the points on eligible dining and food delivery purchases in Canada, and 1.25x the points on everything else. Earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points. Plus, you could earn up to $4,400 in value within your first 13 months This card also comes with a host of travel perks and coverage, including travel medical, trip cancellation and interruption, hotel burglary, car rental and common carrier coverage. Pros & cons Pros Earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points. Plus, you could earn up to $4,400 in value within your first 13 months Earn 3x the points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations, 2x the points on eligible dining and food delivery purchases in Canada, and 1.25x the points on everything else. Reach Aeroplan elite status more easily Get travel insurance coverage and travel perks This card comes as an exclusive, precision cut and engraved 13g metal card Cons This card comes with a hefty yearly fee of $599, so you'll need to make sure you plan to use the card enough to earn enough rewards to justify the fee

Best premium credit card

The Platinum Card from American Express

Up to 100,000 points

Up to 2x points per $1 spent

$799

Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards points—that’s up to $1,000 towards a weekend away. T&Cs apply.

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Why we like it The Platinum Card from American Express is an engraved metal card with a hefty annual fee of $799– but the benefits can far outweigh the costs. Earn 2 points for every $1 in card purchases on eligible travel. Plus, enjoy complimentary access to airport lounges worldwide. N/A Pros & cons Pros Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards points—that’s up to $1,000 towards a weekend away Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada, 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible travel (plus 1 extra point when you book through Amex Travel Online) and 1 point for every $1 spent elsewhere. Enjoy travel insurance coverage and travel perks No late payment fee This card comes in precision-cut, engraved metal, which makes it incredibly durable Cons The annual fee for this card is $799 When you spend overseas, you'll face a foreign transaction fee of 2.5%

Best for no foreign transaction fees

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card

45,000 points

Up to 4x points per $1 spent

$150

Earn up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points (that’s up to $1,350 in value in the first 12 months). Apply by January 3, 2027. T&Cs apply.

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Why we like it In addition to no foreign transactions fees, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card offers a sizeable welcome bonus along with a high rewards point earn rate. Earn up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points (that’s up to $1,350 in value in the first 12 months). Apply by January 3, 2027. Earn 15,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $3,000 in purchases in your first 3 months. Earn 20,000 bonus Scene+ points by spending at $10,000 in purchases within the first 6 months. Plus, earn an annual 10,000 Scene+ points when you spend at least $40,000 in purchases annually. This card also comes with a full suite of travel insurance, and other travel related perks including a complimentary DragonPass membership plus 6 free visits per year to over 1,000 airport lounges around the world. Pros & cons Pros Earn up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points (that’s up to $1,350 in value in the first 12 months). Apply by January 3, 2027 Earn up to 4 points on travel. Earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 you spend on eligible travel purchases. Plus, earn an extra 3 Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on hotels and car rentals when you book through Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia. Earn 3x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend at select grocery stores like Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo and Foodland; 2x Scene+ points per $1 spent at other eligible grocery stores and dining, entertainment and transit purchases and 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases. Get travel insurance coverage Receive complimentary membership in the Visa Airport Companion Program plus 6 free visits per year to over 1,200 airport lounges around the world. Cons This card has an annual fee of $150 You'll need a minimum income of at least $60,000, or combined household income of $100,000, to qualify for this card

Best overall cash back card

BMO CashBack Mastercard

Up to 5% cash back

Up to 3% cashback

$0

Get 5% cash back on all eligible purchases in the first three months of card membership (up to a maximum spend of $2,500) when you apply by October 31, 2027. Then earn 3% cash back on groceries, 1% on recurring bill payments and 0.5% on all other eligible purchases thereafter. Plus, get a rate of 0.99% on balance transfers with a 2% balance transfer fee for nine months. T&Cs apply.

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Why we like it The BMO CashBack Mastercard helps you earn rewards points fast, which is why it won the 2021 Finder Credit Card Award for Best Cash Back Credit Card. Earn cash back at a standard rate of 3% on groceries (up to a maximum of $500 per statement cycle period), earn 1% on recurring bill payments (up to a maximum of $500 per statement cycle period) and earn 0.5% on all other eligible purchases (unlimited). Get 5% cash back on all eligible purchases in the first three months of card membership (up to a maximum spend of $2,500) when you apply by October 31, 2027. Then earn 3% cash back on groceries, 1% on recurring bill payments and 0.5% on all other eligible purchases thereafter. Plus, get a rate of 0.99% on balance transfers with a 2% balance transfer fee for nine months. All of these perks are available for a $0 annual fee. Pros & cons Pros Get 5% cash back on all eligible purchases in the first three months of card membership (up to a maximum spend of $2,500) when you apply by October 31, 2027. Then earn 3% cash back on groceries, 1% on recurring bill payments and 0.5% on all other eligible purchases thereafter. Plus, get a rate of 0.99% on balance transfers with a 2% balance transfer fee for nine months. Earn cash back at a standard rate of 3% on groceries (up to a maximum of $500 per statement cycle period), earn 1% on recurring bill payments (up to a maximum of $500 per statement cycle period) and earn 0.5% on all other eligible purchases (unlimited). $0 annual fee Cons When you spend overseas, you'll face a foreign transaction fee of 2.5% The BMO CashBack Mastercard doesn't come with travel insurance coverage like some of its competitors do

Best no credit check card for bad credit

Neo Secured Mastercard

N/A

up to 15% boosted cashback at thousands of partners across Canada

$119.88

Get $25 when you're approved for the Neo Secured Mastercard. Offer ends December 31, 2027. T&Cs apply.

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Why we like it Build up your credit score and control your monthly spending with the Neo Secured Mastercard. With no annual fee, you can focus on rebuilding your credit score while getting access to a monthly credit limit between Min. $50. This card also comes with a standard interest rate of . Pros & cons Pros No credit check is required for approval of this secured credit card $119.88 annual fee Build your credit score with this secured card - timely repayments will be reported to the credit bureau Your monthly credit limit is determined by the amount of your security deposit - credit limits start from a minimum of $50 to a maximum of $10,000 Cons You'll need to put down a security deposit that will serve as your credit limit If you don't pay your balance in full by the end of the month, you'll be charged a interest rate

Best credit card for entertainment

Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card

10,000 points

Up to 4 points per $1 spent

$0

Earn up to 10,000 Scene+ points in the first 3 months. Apply by April 30, 2027 Plus, get a 0.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first 9 months (with a 2% fee per cash advance). T&Cs apply.

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Why we like it If you've have no credit history and are looking for a rewards card with a $0 annual fee, the Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card is worth taking a look at – especially if you're a big movie buff. Earn up to 4 Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible travel purchases—receive 1 point per $1 on travel, plus an extra 3 points per $1 CAD on hotels and car rentals booked through Scene+ Travel, powered by Expedia. Earn 2 points per $1 at Sobeys, Safeway, Foodland, participating IGA locations and co-ops, Cineplex theatres, cineplex.com, Home Hardware, Home Building Centres in Canada and homehardware.ca. Earn 1 Scene+ point per $1 on all other eligible everyday purchases. Redeem your SCENE points for movie tickets or take advantage of discounts at participating restaurants. Pros & cons Pros $0 annual fee Earn up to 10,000 Scene+ points in the first 3 months. Apply by April 30, 2027 Plus, get a 0.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first 9 months (with a 2% fee per cash advance) Earn up to 4 points per $1 spent Redeem points for free movies and discounts at participating restaurants Cons You'll be charged a rate on any missed payments Every time you charge a purchase to your card in a foreign currency, you'll incur a 2.5% fee

Best hotel card

Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card

Up to 70,000 points

Up to 5x points per $1 spent

$120

Earn up to 70,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points. T&Cs apply.

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Why we like it Experience discounts at a variety of luxurious hotel chains around the world with the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card. Even though this card has an annual fee of $120, the rewards can quickly outpace the cost if you frequently visit Marriott Bonvoy hotels and their partners. The signup bonus alone is worth more than the annual fee of the card. New cardmembers can earn up to 70,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points. Earn 60,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you spend $3,000 on your card in your first 3 months of cardmembership. Plus, earn 10,000 points after you spend $500 on your card in your 13th month of cardmembership. Pros & cons Pros Earn up to 70,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points. Earn 5 points per $1 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, and 2 points per $1 spent elsewhere. Get travel insurance coverage and car rental perks Cons This card comes with an annual fee of $120 When you spend overseas, you'll face a foreign transaction fee of 2.5%

Best student credit card

BMO CashBack Mastercard For Students

5% cash back

Up to 3% cash back

$0

Get up to 5% cash back in the first three months (up to max. spend of $2,500). Apply by October 31, 2027. T&Cs apply.

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Why we like it The BMO CashBack Mastercard For Students is cash back credit card designed specifically for students. Earn cash back at a standard rate of 3% on groceries (up to a maximum of $500 per statement cycle period), earn 1% on recurring bill payments (up to a maximum of $500 per statement cycle period) and earn 0.5% on all other eligible purchases (unlimited). You'll earn even more with its sign up bonus. Get up to 5% cash back in the first three months up to a maximum spend of $2,500 (apply by October 31, 2027). Earn 3% cash back on groceries, 1% on recurring bill payments and 0.5% on all other eligible purchases thereafter. All that comes with a $0 annual fee. Pros & cons Pros $0 annual fee Get up to 5% cash back in the first three months (up to max. spend of $2,500). Apply by October 31, 2027. Earn cash back at a standard rate of 3% on groceries (up to a maximum of $500 per statement cycle period), earn 1% on recurring bill payments (up to a maximum of $500 per statement cycle period) and earn 0.5% on all other eligible purchases (unlimited). Cons You'll only receive 0.5 cash back on all other categories of spending You'll have to pay a foreign transaction fee of 2.5% on any overseas purchases

Best business card

American Express Business Gold Rewards Card

70,000 points

1 point per $1 spent

$199

Earn a welcome bonus of up to 70,000 Membership Rewards points in your first year. That's up to $700 in statement credits to reinvest in your business. T&Cs apply.

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Why we like it Although the American Express Business Gold Rewards Card has an annual fee of $199, it comes with a range of valuable benefits for business owners including purchase protection, travel benefits, Employee Card Misuse Protection and rewards points on all business purchases. Earn 1 Membership Rewards point for every $1 spent on purchases. Pros & cons Pros Earn a welcome bonus of up to 70,000 Membership Rewards points in your first year. That's up to $700 in statement credits to reinvest in your business. Earn 1 Membership Rewards point for every $1 spent on purchases. Travel insurance coverage and car rental perks Access business tools and Expense Management Reports that make it simpler to track expenses and prepare taxes Cons This card has an annual fee of $199 Pay 2.5% for transactions conducted in a foreign currency

Best Mastercard

Tangerine Money-Back World Mastercard

Get $120

Up to 2% cash back

$0

Get $120 with a Money-Back World Mastercard when you spend $1,500 in the first 3 months. Valid until November 30, 2026. Plus, get a 1.95% interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months. T&Cs apply.

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Why we like it If you're looking for a $0 annual fee credit card with unlimited cash back rewards and a competitive balance transfer offer, then the Tangerine World Mastercard could be right for you. Earn unlimited 2% cash back in two Tangerine credit card categories of your choice (or three categories if you open a Tangerine Savings Account and directly deposit your cash back into the account) and unlimited 0.5% cash back on everything else. Conditions apply. Get $120 with a Money-Back World Mastercard when you spend $1,500 in the first 3 months. Valid until November 30, 2026. Pros & cons Pros $0 annual fee Get $120 with a Money-Back World Mastercard when you spend $1,500 in the first 3 months. Valid until November 30, 2026. Plus, get a 1.95% interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months. Earn unlimited 2% cash back in two Tangerine credit card categories of your choice (or three categories if you open a Tangerine Savings Account and directly deposit your cash back into the account) and unlimited 0.5% cash back on everything else. Conditions apply. Access travel perks including airport lounge access discounts, and dining and retail offers Cons You need a minimum personal income of $50,000 or a combined household income of at least $80,000 to apply for this card You'll face a foreign transaction fee of 2.5% every time you use your card overseas

Best Visa card

Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite + Card

10% cash back

Up to 4% cash back

$0 annual fee for the first year ($120 thereafter)

Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases). Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first 12 months. And, pay no annual fee in the first year. Apply by April 30, 2027. T&Cs apply.

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Why we like it Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases). Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first 12 months. And, pay no annual fee in the first year. Apply by April 30, 2027. As one of the best credit cards in Canada, the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite + Card also offers a great suite of travel insurance benefits, an introductory balance transfer rate and exclusive offers on dining and entertainment – just watch out for the annual fee of $120. Pros & cons Pros Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases). Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first 12 months. And, pay no annual fee in the first year. Apply by April 30, 2027 Earn 4% cash back for every $1 spent on eligible grocery purchases & recurring payments, 2% per $1 spent on eligible gas, daily transit purchases & food delivery and 1% per $1 spent on everything else. Plus, get up to 7¢/L in value on fuel purchases at Shell stations Get travel insurance coverage Cons This card has an annual fee of $120 When you spend overseas, you'll face a foreign transaction fee of 2.5% In order to qualify for this card you must have a personal income of at least $60,000 or a household income of $100,000 or higher

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What’s the best credit card in Canada for me?

To choose the best credit card in Canada, you need to look at how you plan to use the card as well as your current and prospective financial situation. If you want a credit card that offers rewards and perks, look at travel rewards cards or cash back options. Or, if you want a card to help manage your expenses, look into a low interest option or balance transfer card.

Balance transfer credit cards

Balance transfer credit cards let you pay off an existing debt from a credit card with low or 0% interest for a set period of time (usually up to 10 months). You might also be able to consolidate other debts with a balance transfer card, such as personal loans. If you have existing credit card debt that’s accumulating high interest, a balance transfer can help you pay off that debt faster. Check out our pick of the best credit card in Canada for balance transfers above.

Travel rewards credit cards

Travel rewards credit cards, otherwise known as frequent flyer credit cards, help you earn points or miles on everyday purchases, which can then be used for a variety of different rewards including travel and merchandise. Anyone who wants to maximize their points or miles to enjoy free flights, hotels and other benefits. You can see our pick of the best credit card in Canada for travel above.

Low interest rate cards

These credit cards offer a lower ongoing, variable interest rate on purchases when compared to other cards. If you plan on paying off purchases over time and want to keep your interest charges to a minimum, a low rate credit card could be a good option. See our top low interest rate card pick above in our list of the best credit cards in Canada.

Rewards credit cards

Rewards credit cards offer reward points (or rewards miles) based on the amount you spend. You can redeem your points for shopping, travel, gift vouchers and many other rewards. Frequent credit card users who want to maximize points or miles for everyday spending without being tied to a single airline rewards scheme. See our pick above for best credit card in Canada for earning rewards.

Premium credit cards

Premium credit cards provide access to luxury features such as complimentary insurance and concierge services. Black cards are considered the highest tier of credit cards and are typically invitation-only in Canada, with the highest earners and biggest spenders in the country swiping them. Still, there are plenty of premium credit cards that come with a host of perks that you can apply for. Check out our pick above for best credit card in Canada for premium benefits.

No annual fee credit cards

No annual fee credit cards have low or no fees, often $0 to $39 annually. This gives you the convenience of a credit card without high costs. If you regularly pay off your balance each month, a low fee card will be your cheapest option. This type of card is also practical if you rarely pay with plastic. You can see our top no annual fee card pick in our list of the best credit cards in Canada above.

Business credit cards

Business credit cards give your business access to a convenient line of credit to help you manage fluctuations in your cash flow. Additional cards and spending caps also mean you can manage your employees’ spending. There are business credit cards for individuals, small businesses and corporations that provide access to credit to help manage finances. Check out our top pick above for the best credit card in Canada for business.

Popular credit card providers in Canada

When choosing the best credit card in Canada for your needs it can help to compare offerings from some of the most popular credit card providers in Canada. For a full list, here’s our of A-Z list of credit card providers in Canada.

	American Express has cards for all types of customers, including some of the best credit cards in Canada. It also offers its exclusive Experiences rewards program.	Best Amex cards
	As one of Canada’s Big Five banks, BMO has some of the best balance transfer and low rate credit card options, as well as a range of travel, cash back and rewards cards.	Best BMO credit cards
	Tangerine Bank is a subsidiary of Scotiabank offering popular cash back credit cards that typically come with sign-up bonuses and insurance coverage.	Best Tangerine credit cards
	One of the Big Five banks, CIBC has a wide variety of credit card products, with rewards, cash back, student and business cards.	Best CIBC credit cards
	Scotiabank is a Big Five bank that offers a suite of credit cards including travel, rewards, cash back, balance transfer and low rate cards.	Best Scotiabnk credit cards
	A subsidiary of TD, MBNA offers a wide range of credit cards including co-branded cards, rewards, travel, low rate, balance transfer and cash back cards.	MBNA credit cards
	President’s Choice Bank powers the President’s Choice Financial Mastercard. Earn and redeem PC Optimum points at 4,500 locations across Canada including Shoppers Drug Mart and Loblaws.	PC Financial credit cards
	RBC is the largest of the Big Five banks in Canada by market capitalization. RBC offers a range of credit cards including rewards, travel, cash back, balance transfer, no annual fee, business and low rate cards.	Best RBC credit cards
	TD Canada Trust is a Big Five bank offering a range of credit cards including travel, rewards, cash back, low rate and balance transfer cards.	Best TD credit cards
	Capital One offers competitive rewards cards and credit-builder cards for those looking to improve their credit score.	Capital One cards

How to choose the best cards for veterans

Finding the right card may seem daunting, but to choose the best card for your situation, consider the following:

• Do you need to rebuild your credit?
  Fighting through financial difficulties is made easy with a secured credit card. These are often better options than the standard, bank-issued cards, because of the lower interest rates and fewer fees.
• Where do you spend most of your money?
  The Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card is a no-annual-fee rewards credit card that lets you earn cash back on many everyday expenses. Check out other cards if you’re looking for travel rewards or flat rewards on all purchases.

Other credit options for veterans

Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all option. But as a veteran, you have access to special military benefits like preferred banking plans with BMO and preferred pricing on BMO lines of credit and mortgages.

Bear in mind that if you have a good credit score, a healthy debt-to-income ratio and regularly pay your balance before it’s due, you can safely apply for any credit card you want, regardless of the card issuer. You’ll likely be able to qualify for a wide range of cards, assuming all other aspects of your application meet the issuer’s requirements.

Compare the best credit cards for veterans

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Welcome Offer	Rewards	Purchase Interest Rate	Annual Fee	Min. Credit Score
Promoted American Express Cobalt Card	15,000 points	Up to 5x points per $1 spent	21.99%	$191.88	Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards points in your first year. Earn 1,250 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in purchases. That’s up to $150 towards a weekend getaway or shopping trip. T&Cs apply.	Annual fee: $15.99/month ($191.88 annually). Quebec residents: $191.88/year. Min. recommended credit score: 700	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
Promoted RBC Cash Back Mastercard	Up to 5% cash back	Up to 2% cash back	21.99%	$0	Get 5% extra cash back on your first $2,000 in spend for 6 months. Apply by February 2, 2027.. T&Cs apply.	Min. recommended credit score: 650	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
Promoted BMO eclipse rise Visa Card	Up to 25,000 bonus points	Up to 5 points per $2 spent	21.99%	$0	Get up to 25,000 welcome points and 0.99% introductory interest rate on Balance Transfers for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee. Apply by October 31, 2027. Plus, earn up to 5,000 bonus points every year. T&Cs apply.	Min. recommended credit score: 660	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
Scotiabank Gold American Express Card	65,000 points	Up to 6x points per $1 spent	21.99%	$120	$150 Reward Finder Rewards: Join Finder then apply through Finder and get approved for a Scotiabank Gold American Express Card as a new Scotiabank customer to receive a $150 digital Visa gift card. Ends 30 Dec 2026. T&Cs apply. Earn up to $1,100 in first-year value, including up to 65,000 bonus Scene+ points. Apply by January 3, 2027. T&Cs apply.	Min. recommended credit score: 700	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
Neo Mastercard	N/A	up to 15% boosted cashback at thousands of partners across Canada	19.99% - 29.99% (up to 24.99% in Quebec)	$0	Min. recommended credit score: 640	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
RBC Avion Visa Infinite	Up to 70,000 Avion points	Up to 1.25 Avion points per $1 spent	20.99%	$120	Get up to 70,000 Avion Points. That’s up to $1,500 in travel value. Apply by November 25, 2026. T&Cs apply.	Min. recommended credit score: 650	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading

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Perks & benefits of the best credit cards in Canada

The best credit cards in Canada tend to come with a suite of perks, most of which fall into 1 of 3 categories: travel, shopping or entertainment. The best credit card for you offers perks that match your spending habits and lifestyle. Frequent flyers may want a travel card that comes with travel insurance or airport lounge access. Online shoppers can benefit from cards with fraud protection.

Here are some of the popular perks you may get with a credit card. To learn more about your rights as a credit card holder, check out this Government of Canada guide.

Why you can trust Finder's credit card experts

We're free

Our comparison tables are completely free to use. We link you directly to the lender's secure application page. Sometimes, we have exclusive offers that you won't find on any other site.

We're experts

Since 2018, we've researched 150+ cards and published hundreds of financial guides. Major media outlets like The Globe and Mail, BNN Bloomberg and the Financial Post have referenced our work.

We're independent

We're not owned by a bank or lender. That means our opinions are our own, and you can compare a wide selection of Canadian credit cards on Finder.

We're here to help

We've helped thousands of people compare offers and find a credit card. We'll never ask for your personal information. We're here to help you make a decision.

Are Canadians getting new credit cards? 2023 statistics

In our January 2023, survey Finder asked more than 1,850 Canadians about their financial plans in 2023 and the types of financial products they were planning to open that year. Around 1 in 7 Canadians (14%) said they planned to open a new credit card account, while 3% planned to open a prepaid credit card account.

While men and women were equal in their intent to open a credit card account (14% and 14%, respectively), men were more interested in opening a prepaid credit card account (5%), compared to women (2%). Here are the other financial product accounts Canadians say they were considering opening in 2023.

Bottom Line

Canadian credit cards come with a broad range of features, perks, fees, and add-ons. Carefully comparing the best credit cards in Canada will help you find the right option for your needs. Check out our detailed credit card guide to learn more.

Best credit card in Canada FAQs

• What is the best credit card in Canada?

  The best credit card for you depends on your financial needs and what type of credit card you want. To review all the Finder Credit Card Awards winners for best credit cards by category, click on our guide here.

• What is the best cashback credit card in Canada?

  Finder chose the BMO CashBack Mastercard as the best cashback credit card in Canada since it has the following earn rate: Earn cash back at a standard rate of 3% on groceries (up to a maximum of $500 per statement cycle period), earn 1% on recurring bill payments (up to a maximum of $500 per statement cycle period) and earn 0.5% on all other eligible purchases (unlimited).. For more read the whole BMO Cashback Mastercard review here.

• What is the best student credit card in Canada?

  Our experts chose the BMO CashBack Mastercard for Students as the best student credit card in Canada since it has no fee, a high cashback earn rate and a great welcome bonus. For more, read the whole BMO Cashback Mastercard for Students review here.

• What credit score do I need to apply for a credit card?

  Required credit scores can vary. If you have a good or excellent score of 660 or higher, you may qualify for some of the best credit cards in Canada. If you have fair credit of 659 or lower, explore your options in our guide on credit cards for fair credit.

  You may be limited to secured or prepaid cards if you have bad or nonexistent credit. These require initial deposits but will help you build your credit and qualify for a non-secured regular credit card if you make timely payments.

• How much are points and miles worth?

  Loyalty program points and miles tend to change in value based on how you spend them and the individual program. Our full guide lets you get more information on how travel rewards credit cards work.

• What are the best credit card signup bonuses?

  The top credit card signup bonuses fluctuate monthly as providers introduce new offers.

• Should I get a basic or premium credit card?

  Basic credit cards often come with low-interest rates, low or no annual fees and little to no additional features. These are suitable for people who don't use their credit cards often or don't qualify for premium cards.

  Premium credit cards such as gold and platinum cards typically have higher fees. Suitable for those who frequently use and pay off their cards, these come with more perks like discounted travel services, rewards points, complimentary insurance coverage and purchase protection.

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Students BMO CashBack Mastercard review

Looking for a no annual fee credit card that rewards you with money for your spending? Find out if the BMO® CashBack® MasterCard®* for students is right for your needs.

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Compare the best Aeroplan credit cards

Want to earn more Aeroplan points? Compare these providers of Aeroplan credit cards to get the highest return on rewards for the lowest fee. 

Written by

Chelsey Hurst

Growth Manager (Banking & Investments)

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Chelsey Hurst is a Growth Manager at Finder, specializing in banking and investments. She loves empowering people to avoid financial pitfalls and make better decisions with their money. Chelsey has a Bachelor of Science from Redeemer University, a Master of Science from McMaster University, and has won multiple awards for research communication. In her spare time, Chelsey enjoys cooking and taking long walks in nature. See full bio

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Chelsey has written 126 Finder guides across topics including:

• Banking
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• Cryptocurrency