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Credit cards for temporary residents in Canada

Find out how you can get a credit card as a temporary resident or immigrant to Canada.

Claire Horwood

Updated Mar 10, 2021. What changed?

Fact checked

There are a number of Canadian credit cards for non-residents that you might be able to qualify for if you’re new to Canada. These include unsecured, secured and prepaid credit cards. Compare credit cards for non-permanent residents and find out more about which type of credit card for temporary residents could be the best fit for you.

What is a temporary resident?

A temporary resident is a non-citizen or non-permanent resident of Canada who is legally authorized to enter the country for work, study or tourism purposes. Visits for temporary residents usually last up to six months or longer, and most temporary residents have a visa or residency permit that allows them to stay in Canada for a specified period of time.

3 ways for non-residents to get a credit card in Canada

There are a few options for Canadian credit cards for non-residents that you can look into if you’re immigrating to Canada or staying in the country for an extended period of time.

1. Sign up for a newcomer to Canada credit card for temporary residents

Many big banks and some smaller financial institutions may allow you to sign up for a newcomer credit card for temporary residents as part of a comprehensive “welcome to Canada” banking package. These credit cards are unsecured and can help you build your credit.

Examples: RBC Cash Back Mastercard and the HSBC Advance Mastercard

Provider	Credit card eligibility requirements include:	Examples of Credit Cards	Additional information for temporary residents
BMO	Be a foreign worker with valid work permit (IMM 1442) Must have arrived in Canada within the last 5 years Approval may require deposit or collateral worth the full amount of the credit card	BMO CashBack Mastercard BMO AIR MILES Mastercard BMO Rewards Mastercard	Find out more information about BMO’s NewStart^TM Program
CIBC	Temporary resident in Canada with a valid work permit (IMM 1442) Reached age of majority in your province or territory	CIBC Aventura Gold Visa Card CIBC Aventura Visa Card CIBC Dividend Visa Card CIBC Dividend Platinum Visa Card	Find out more information about CIBC’s Smart for Foreign Worker Program
HSBC	You’ve been a resident for less than 5 years. Must be a work permit holder Have not had any HSBC account or product in the past.	HSBC +Rewards™ Mastercard® HSBC Advance Mastercard HSBC Mastercard	Find out more information about HSBC Canada Newcomers Program
National Bank	Credit card only available in year 2 and 3 of enrollment in Newcomer Banking Package Be 17 years of age or older Apply to open an account from another country or within 5 years after arriving in Canada	National Bank mycredit Mastercard National Bank MC1 Mastercard National Bank Allure Mastercard	Find out more information about National Bank’s offer for newcomers to Canada
RBC	Available to international students who arrived in Canada within the last 12 months, and temporary resident workers who arrived in Canada within the last 48 months If you don’t qualify for an unsecured credit card, you may still be eligible for a credit card if you provide a security deposit	RBC Cash Back Mastercard RBC Rewards+ Visa Card RBC Avion Visa Platinum Card	Find out more information about the RBC Newcomer Advantage
Scotiabank	Must be an international student or a foreign worker Foreign worker must provide a letter from your employer in Canada stating your annual income	Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Card Scotiabank American Express Card Scotiabank Value Visa Card	Find out more information about the Scotiabank StartRight^® program
TD	Be a temporary resident of Canada for 5 years or less Provide proof of your status through your Temporary Permit Have never opened or held a TD chequing account Are the age of majority in your province or territory of residence	TD Cash Back Visa Card TD Rewards Visa Card	Find out more information about TD’s New to Canada banking package

The information in this table is current as of March 10, 2021

Compare credit cards for temporary residents

Name	Welcome Offer	Rewards	Purchase Interest Rate	Annual Fee		Min. Credit Score	Description
Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Card Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Card	Up to 5% cash back	1% cash back	19.99%	$0	Apply now More Info	Min. recommended credit score: 660	Earn 5% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases). Plus, get a 1.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months with no balance transfer fee. Apply by November 21, 2021.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
BMO CashBack Mastercard BMO CashBack Mastercard	5% cash back	Up to 3% cash back	19.99%	$0	Apply now More Info	Min. recommended credit score: 660	Get 5% cash back on all eligible purchases in the first three months of card membership (up to max. spend of $2,000). Plus, get a rate of 1.99% on balance transfers with a 1% balance transfer fee for nine months.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Scotiabank American Express Card Scotiabank American Express Card	5,000 points	1 point per $1 spent	19.99%	$0	Apply now More Info	Min. recommended credit score: 660	Earn 5,000 bonus Scotia Rewards points when you spend $500 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months. Apply by November 21, 2021.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Scotiabank SCENE Visa Card Scotiabank SCENE Visa Card	2,500 points	Up to 5 points per $1 spent	19.99%	$0	Apply now More Info	Min. recommended credit score: 660	Earn 2,500 bonus SCENE points when you spend a minimum of $500 on eligible purchases in the first three months as a new SCENE Visa cardholder. Apply by November 21, 2021.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

Compare up to 4 providers

2. Purchase a prepaid credit card for non-residents in Canada

You need to load money onto a prepaid credit card for temporary residents before you use it. You can buy these cards from grocery stores or apply for them from your bank or a financial institution. Prepaid cards don’t come with interest and using them won’t affect your credit score.

Examples. KOHO Prepaid Visa Card or Mogo Visa Platinum Prepaid Card

Compare prepaid credit cards for temporary residents

Name	Product	Monthly fee	Cost per transaction	Foreign transaction fee	Rewards with this card
Mogo Visa Platinum Prepaid Card Mogo Visa Platinum Prepaid Card		$0	$0	2.5%	N/A	For every $1 you spend, 1 pound of CO2 will be offset for free through Mogos Amazon Rainforest project.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
OFFER KOHO Prepaid Visa card KOHO Prepaid Visa card	OFFER	$0	$0	1.5%	0.5% cash back	Use promo code FINDERCODE and receive a $20 cash bonus into your KOHO balance once you make your first purchase within 30 days of signing up.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
OFFER KOHO Joint Prepaid Card KOHO Joint Prepaid Card	OFFER	$0	$0	1.5%	0.5% cash back	Use promo code FINDERCODE and receive a $20 cash bonus into your KOHO balance once you make your first purchase within 30 days of signing up.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
OFFER KOHO Premium Prepaid Card KOHO Premium Prepaid Card	OFFER	$9/month or $84 annually	$0	0%	Up to 2% cash back	Earn 2% cash back on transportation, grocery and restaurant purchases. Plus, get a 30 day free trial. Use promo code FINDERCODE and receive a $20 cash bonus into your KOHO balance once you make your first purchase within 30 days of signing up.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

Compare up to 4 providers

3. Sign up for a secured credit card for temporary residents

Secured credit cards for temporary residents require you to put money down in advance as collateral to secure the money you borrow. This deposit can be used by your provider to pay off your balance if you default on your payments. You’ll pay interest on any money you borrow with a secured card and your credit score can go up or down depending on how often you make regular payments.

Examples: Refresh Financial Secured Card and the Capital One Secured Credit Card.

Compare secured credit cards for temporary residents

Name	Product	Min. Required Deposit	Purchase Interest Rate	Cash Advance Rate	Annual Fee
Refresh Financial Secured Card		$200	17.99%	N/A	$12.95 + $3/month	The Refresh Secured Card has no credit check, a low annual fee and guaranteed approval once you secure your card with anywhere from $200 - $10,000.	Apply now More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

Compare up to 4 providers

Use a Visa Debit or Debit Mastercard

If you need a credit card to shop online or pay bills, you may be able to get by with a Visa Debit or Debit Mastercard. These are debit cards that are affiliated with a credit card but only allow you to spend money out of your bank account.

Examples: Scene Scotiacard Visa Debit and the BMO Debit Mastercard

How to apply for credit cards for non-permanent residents in Canada

The eligibility criteria you’ll need to meet to get a credit card for non-residents in Canada will depend on which type of card you get.
- Newcomer to Canada credit card. You’ll usually need to provide proof of residency and a Canadian bank account to qualify for these cards. You’ll also need to be the age of majority in your province of residence.
- Prepaid credit card. Prepaid cards don’t typically require you to meet any eligibility requirements since you load money onto them and don’t get direct access to credit.
- Secured credit card. You’ll typically need to show proof of residency and a Canadian bank account to qualify. You’ll also need to have enough money set aside to secure your credit limit (which could be between $500 and $10,000).
- Visa Debit or Debit Mastercard. You’ll have to register for a Visa Debit or Debit Mastercard with your Canadian bank account. This means you’ll need to meet the requirements to hold a Canadian bank account in order to qualify for this type of card.
You may need some or all of the following documents in order to qualify for credit cards for temporary residents:
- Visa or residency permit. You’ll need to provide a copy of your valid temporary, student or work visa.
- Passport. You’ll have to supply your passport number and/or a certified copy of your passport for the application.
- Address. You must have a valid Canadian address in order to apply for a credit card for temporary residents in Canada.
- School or employment details. You may need to provide information about your school or employment, including how much income you’ll make during your visit.
- Bank account information. You’ll likely be required to provide details of a Canadian bank account to qualify.

Using a credit card to build your credit score in Canada

Using a credit card for temporary residents in Canada can help you build your credit score as a new immigrant. This can make it easier for you to get approved for lower interest rates on future loans or mortgages. Building your Canadian credit history is important since banks will only look at this score – and not your credit score from back home – to determine your eligibility for financing in Canada.

This can be a good thing if you have bad credit at home because it means you get to start fresh. It can be a bad thing if you had good credit before coming to Canada since you’ll have to build your credit score all over again. If you have good credit at home, you may want to provide proof of this just in case your credit card issuer is able to factor this into their approval process.

What is a consumer proposal?

6 Easy ways new Canadians can build credit fast

If you don’t have permanent ties to Canada, you’ll likely be seen by credit card issuers as a higher risk borrower. Before you apply for credit cards for temporary residents, make sure you consider the following:

You may be asked to provide reference checks. For some applications, you’ll be asked to supply names and contact information for Canadian residents who can confirm the details you provide on your application. This could include the person from whom you rent your home, your employer or any other individual that you have financial obligations with.
Your first Canadian card will likely have a low credit limit. As a temporary resident, you’ll likely be granted a much lower credit card limit than you would normally expect as a Canadian citizen. If you use the card regularly and make your repayments on time, you’ll be able to apply for a credit limit increase at a later date.
Pay your bills on time. Your Canadian payment history with phone, Internet and electricity companies may also be reviewed to check for late payments or defaults. If you want to qualify for other credit products in Canada as a temporary resident, you should aim to have excellent credit while you’re here.
You might not find out why your application was denied. You may not be notified as to why your application was rejected if you’re a temporary resident applying for a credit card.

Pros and cons of getting a card as a temporary resident

Pros

Build your credit. If you plan to become a permanent resident of Canada, getting a credit card as a temporary resident will help you build your Canadian credit history.
Flexible payments. Credit cards for temporary residents allow you to make purchases in local stores using credit, which you can then pay off as you please.
Increased borrowing power. It may be easier to get approval for loans or a mortgage if you already have a credit card issued by a Canadian bank.
Make bill payments. Getting a Canadian credit card for non-residents might make it easier for you to set up a mobile phone or utilities contract as you get settled.

Cons

Limited availability. Not all financial institutions offer credit cards to temporary residents, and those that do will likely offer a limited number of products to you.
Higher income requirements. You may need to meet higher income requirements since you don’t have a credit score to prove your creditworthiness.
Credit history. Your credit score in Canada could go down if you apply for a credit card and you are declined (since they’ll typically do a hard check on your credit).

Bottom line

You have several options to get a credit card as a temporary resident in Canada. These include signing up for a newcomer to Canada banking program credit card or using your Visa Debit or Debit Mastercard instead of a credit card. You may also be eligible for a secured or prepaid credit card. Compare Canadian credit cards for non-residents to find the best fit for your unique set of needs and budget.

Frequently asked questions

That depends on whether you want access to credit or you would prefer to prepay your card. If you want to keep your interest rates down, you might like to choose the Scotiabank Value Visa Card. To earn rewards, you could sign up for the TD Rewards Visa Card. If you would prefer a prepaid or secured credit card for international students in Canada, you may want to look into the KOHO Prepaid Visa Card or the Refresh Financial Secured Card.

Thank you for your feedback!

Claire Horwood

Claire Horwood is a writer at Finder, specializing in credit cards, loans and other financial products. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Gender Studies from the University of Victoria, along with an Associate's Degree in Science from Camosun College. Much of Claire's coursework has focused on writing and statistics, with a healthy dose of social and cultural analysis mixed in for good measure. She has also worked extensively in the field of "Blended Finance" with the Canadian government. In her spare time, Claire loves rock climbing, travelling and drinking inordinate amounts of coffee.

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Credit cards for temporary residents in Canada

Find out how you can get a credit card as a temporary resident or immigrant to Canada.

In this guide

Card Types

We compare cards from

What is a temporary resident?

3 ways for non-residents to get a credit card in Canada

1. Sign up for a newcomer to Canada credit card for temporary residents

Expand to compare newcomer banking programs and eligible credit cards in this table below

Compare credit cards for temporary residents

Compare up to 4 providers

2. Purchase a prepaid credit card for non-residents in Canada

Compare prepaid credit cards for temporary residents

Compare up to 4 providers

3. Sign up for a secured credit card for temporary residents

Compare secured credit cards for temporary residents

Compare up to 4 providers

Use a Visa Debit or Debit Mastercard

How to apply for credit cards for non-permanent residents in Canada

Eligibility requirements

Required documents

Using a credit card to build your credit score in Canada

6 Easy ways new Canadians can build credit fast

Pros and cons of getting a card as a temporary resident

Pros

Cons

Bottom line

Frequently asked questions

Can a non-resident get a credit card in Canada?

Can a US citizen get a Canadian credit card?

What's the best credit card for international students in Canada?

What's the best credit card for work permit holders in Canada?

What happens if I default on my credit card and leave the country?

Claire Horwood

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