What is the most prestigious credit card in Canada?

The most prestigious credit cards in Canada offer exclusive rewards such as concierge services, flight upgrades, companion flights and much more. There aren’t as many premium credit cards in Canada as there are in other countries, but there are still several elite cards that offer the status, exclusivity and metallic feel you’re looking for.

What is the most prestigious credit card in Canada? The Amex Black Card

The Centurion Card® from American Express, also known as the Amex Black Card, is generally considered the most prestigious credit card in Canada. It’s issued by invitation only to the wealthiest Amex cardholders.

Features of the Centurion® Card from American Express

• Invitation only.
  You have a higher chance of being invited if you’ve been an Amex cardholder for at least a year and spend and payoff hundreds of thousands of dollars annually (for personal, not business, purchases). You can also request to be considered for an invitation through Amex’s website.
• Initiation fee.
  There’s a one-time initiation fee of $10,000 USD.
• Annual fee.
  You’ll pay $5,000 USD a year to keep the card. You can add up to two additional cardholders, but you’ll have to pay the same annual fee for each card you add.
• Titanium card.
  Crafted from anodized titanium, the card is laser-etched with your account information. Anodized titanium enhances the card’s durability and resistance to wear-and-tear. Each additional card will cost $5,000.
• Charge card.
  This means you’re required to repay your full balance by the due date on each statement. If you don’t, you could be charged a late fee or face account suspension. Amex’s Pay Over Time feature allows you to pay for certain charges over an extended period at a variable interest rate of Prime Rate + 12.74%.
• No spending limit.
  Since it’s a charge card, the Centurion® Card from American Express doesn’t have a set credit limit. Internally, Amex will set a spend ceiling on your account based on factors like your credit history, income and spending habits.
• Travel benefits.
  The card gives you status upgrades in hotel and airline programs, access to premium airport lounges and clubs worldwide, complimentary membership in elite hotel loyalty programs, no foreign transaction fees and more.
• Rental cars and other driving perks.
  Limousines, elite rental benefits and driving experiences are all accessible to Centurion® Card from American Express members.
• Shopping benefits.
  The Centurion® Card from American Express entitles you to exclusive luxury brand offers through the Centurion Shopping Program and access to exclusive events.
• 24/7 concierge.
  Get reservations at some of the world’s top restaurants, arrange your last-minute travel itinerary or find the perfect gift for a loved one.
• Cash advances. You can get a cash advance from the Centurion® Card of up to $10,000, but you’ll be charged an interest rate of Prime Rate + 21.99% on the advance (plus a fee of either $10 or 5% of the cash advance amount, whichever is greater).

Compare the most prestigious credit cards in Canada

A number of premium credit cards in Canada offer high-tier features like concierge services, travel insurance coverage, complimentary companion flights, access to upgrades, experiences, discounts and tickets, shopping protection and much more. Plus, these elite credit cards are easier to get your hands on than the invitation-only Amex Black Card.

The 6 best premium credit cards in Canada

• Best for travel: American Express Cobalt Card
• Best for lifestyle: BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege
• Best for airport lounge access: The Platinum Card from American Express
• Best for no foreign transaction fees: Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card
• Best for earning cash back: Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card
• Best for signup bonus: RBC Avion Visa Infinite

Welcome Offer	Rewards	Annual Fee
Best for travel
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 concert tickets. T&Cs apply.	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading	Why we like it The American Express Cobalt Card offers a generous return on points for everyday purchases. You can collect 5 points for every dollar you spend on dining, 3 points for eligible streaming subscriptions, 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 concert tickets. 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, 1 extra point per dollar spent on eligible hotel and car rental bookings via Amex Travel Online and 1 point for every other dollar spent. Get exciting travel perks including hotel credits, upgrades, exclusive offers, travel insurance coverage and more Cons This card costs $15.99 per month to maintain You'll have to pay an interest rate of 21.99% on any unpaid balance
Best for lifestyle
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege	200,000 points	5 points per $1 spent	$599	Get up to 200,000 welcome points, Visa Airport Companion Program membership & 6 Complimentary Lounge Passes, NEXUS Statement Credit, $200 Statement Credit and earn 25% more points when you add another cardholder. That's up to $2,300 in value. Plus, get 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% transfer fee. T&Cs apply.	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading	Why we like it From everyday purchases to travel plans, the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege is a powerful everyday card. To begin, you'll get a $200 lifestyle credit annually, which you can spend however you like. Earn 5x the BMO Points for every $1 spent on groceries, dining in and out, drugstore, gas and travel purchases. You'll earn 1 point per $1 spent on everything else. The card also comes with an impressive signup bonus: Get up to 200,000 welcome points, Visa Airport Companion Program membership & 6 Complimentary Lounge Passes, NEXUS Statement Credit, $200 Statement Credit and earn 25% more points when you add another cardholder. That's up to $2,300 in value. Plus, get 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% transfer fee. You'll also have access to a host of travel insurance coverage and benefits like airport lounge access and Visa Infinite Privilege Concierge services. Pros & cons Pros Earn 5x the BMO Points for every $1 spent on groceries, dining in and out, drugstore, gas and travel purchases. You'll earn 1 point per $1 spent on everything else. Get up to 200,000 welcome points, Visa Airport Companion Program membership & 6 Complimentary Lounge Passes, NEXUS Statement Credit, $200 Statement Credit and earn 25% more points when you add another cardholder. That's up to $2,300 in value. Plus, get 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% transfer fee. Get exciting travel perks including free airport lounge visits, concierge services, travel insurance coverage and more. Cons You'll have to pay an annual fee of $599 to maintain this card. You'll be charged a 2.5% fee for foreign currency purchases. To be eligible for this card, you'll need a personal income of $150,000 or a household income of $200,000.
Best for airport lounge access
The Platinum Card from American Express	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.	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading	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 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. Plus, enjoy complimentary access to airport lounges worldwide. Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards points—that’s up to $1,000 towards a weekend away. Pros & cons Pros Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards points—that’s up to $1,000 towards a weekend away. Earn 70,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $10,000 in purchases in your first 3 months of card membership. Plus, earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase between 15 and 17 months of card membership. 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. Get exciting travel perks including airport lounge access, upgrades, discounts, travel insurance coverage and more This premium credit card comes in precision-cut, engraved metal, which makes it incredibly durable Cons The annual fee for this card is $799 Additional Platinum Cards cost $250 annually This is a charge card, not a credit card Penalty for failing to pay off your balance is high. Interest charged on unpaid balances is up to 30%
Best for no foreign transaction fees
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card	60,000 points	Up to 4x points per $1 spent	$150	Earn up to 60,000 bonus Scene+ points (that’s up to $1,500 in value in the first 12 months). Apply by July 1, 2026.. T&Cs apply.	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading	Why we like it The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card offers a sizeable welcome bonus along with a high rewards point earn rate. Earn up to 60,000 bonus Scene+ points (that’s up to $1,500 in value in the first 12 months). Apply by July 1, 2026. Earn 40,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $2,000 in purchases in your first 3 months and earn 10,000 Scene+ points when you spend at least $40,000 in your 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 six free visits per year at your choice of 1,200 airport lounges around the world. Pros & cons Pros 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. Earn up to 60,000 bonus Scene+ points (that’s up to $1,500 in value in the first 12 months). Apply by July 1, 2026. Get exciting travel perks including airport lounge access, upgrades, travel insurance coverage and more 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 for earning cash back
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. Plus, pay no annual fee in the first year. Apply by April 30, 2026.. T&Cs apply.	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading	Why we like it Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 spend). Plus, pay no annual fee in the first year. Apply by April 30, 2026. Enjoy a great suite of travel insurance benefits; a high cash back rate on grocery purchases, bills, subscriptions and gas puchases; Visa Infinite Concierge Services and more—just watch out for the $120 annual fee. Pros & cons Pros 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. Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 spend). Plus, pay no annual fee in the first year. Apply by April 30, 2026. Pay for your flight with your card and get complimentary insurance for emergency medical situations up to $1,000,000, trip interruptions and cancellations, flight delays, lost and delayed baggage. 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
Best for signup bonus
RBC Avion Visa Infinite	Up to 55,000 points	Up to 1.25 points per $1 spent	$120	Get up to 55,000 Avion Points. Apply by June 15, 2026. T&Cs apply.	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading	Why we like it The RBC Avion Visa Infinite is a solid travel card, offering perks and travel rewards for any frequent flyer. Earn 1.25 Avion points on travel related purchases and 1 Avion point for every $1 you spend. Every 100 points you earn with this card equals CAD$1 that you can use for flights and other perks. You'll also get a suite of travel insurance coverage. Pros & cons Pros Earn 1.25 Avion points on travel related purchases and 1 Avion point for every $1 you spend. Get up to 55,000 Avion Points. Apply by June 15, 2026. Get travel perks including travel insurance coverage Cons This card has an annual fee of $120 This card has a foreign transaction fee of 2.5% You'll need to earn a personal income of at least $60,000, or a combined household income of at least $100,000 annually to apply

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• How we chose the best premium credit cards in Canada

  We’ve chosen the most prestigious credit cards in Canada based on the providers available through Finder. These cards are not representative of the entire market. Our top premium credit cards generally offer a high value of rewards or cash back, exclusive perks such as discounted luxury accommodation and concierge services, and a signup bonus. We’ve also considered annual fees and balance transfer fees. No single premium card will be the best choice for everyone, so compare your options before picking your new card.

What is the most expensive credit card in Canada?

The most expensive credit card in Canada is the American Express Centurion Card® with an initiation fee of $10,000 and an ongoing annual fee of $5,000. Other than that, the best premium credit cards in Canada typically come with annual fees between $120 and $800.

What’s the most prestigious credit card in the world?

Not just our pick for the most prestigious credit card in Canada, the Centurion® Card from American Express is also our pick for the most prestigious credit card in the world.

The Amex Black Card is generally considered to be the first, and most elite card in existence. It has been available in Canada since 2009 and is named for the centurion head featured in the Manhattan credit card company’s iconic logo. This card is traditionally made of titanium and issued by invitation-only to the wealthiest American Express cardholders.

The AMEX Black Card is so exclusive that much of its qualification requirements aren’t published on the company’s website. Rumour has it that you have to drop hundreds of thousands of dollars annually on personal luxury purchases to receive an invitation.

Check out our list of the top 10 most exclusive credit cards in the world to learn more.

Features of the most prestigious credit cards in Canada

Depending on the credit card, the perks of premium credit cards in Canada may include the following:

• Metal design. One of the most well-known features of the Amex Black Card is that it’s made of titanium. Titanium or metal cards have become a status symbol in recent years and many of the most elite cards in the world offer metal versions. If you’re looking for a metal card but don’t want to wait for an invitation to apply for one of these exclusive cards, the metal The Platinum Card from American Express has less stringent eligibility criteria and can be customized and engraved. To check out more metal cards, read our Metal Credit Cards guide here.
• High spending limit. Since these cards are targeted toward high earners and big spenders, there’s likely going to be an extremely high credit limit. We’re talking tens of thousands of dollars or higher.
• Travel benefits. These elite credit cards are usually excellent travel companions, giving you access to premium airport lounges and clubs worldwide, complimentary companion airline tickets on select airlines, flight upgrades and extensive travel insurance coverage.
• Hotel benefits. Some prestigious credit cards also offer hotel upgrades and complimentary elite status in hotel loyalty programs.
• Rental cars and other driving perks. Limousines and luxury cars may be available for rental with your prestigious card. You can also expect extensive rental car insurance coverage.
• Shopping benefits. You may have access to advance ticket sales to concerts and exclusive events, as well as VIP access to a range of experiences worldwide.
• Concierge and valet services. Many prestigious cards offer concierge services, which includes getting you a table at the most chic, booked-out restaurants, arranging your last-minute travel itinerary or arranging to have your car parked at a busy downtown restaurant.

Downsides of the most prestigious credit cards

• Invitation-only. Some of the most premium and prestigious credit cards are available by invitation only, which usually means you’ll have to spend a large amount of money each year on your current credit card to even be considered.
• Annual fee. This fee varies depending on the specific elite credit card. Expect to pay anywhere from $120 to $800 or more annually.
• Strict eligibility criteria. While the eligibility criteria for the most prestigious credit cards can be ambiguous, the average household income for Centurion® Card from American Express cardholders could be in the millions with an even higher net worth including assets. It has also been rumoured that cardholders must have a five-figure monthly spending bill to get the black card.
• Minimum or maximum spending. To max out your rewards, you may need to spend a sizeable amount. To qualify for a welcome bonus, you may need to rack up a high balance in a limited time. On the other hand, some rewards credit cards limit the points, miles or cash back you can earn.

Eligibility requirements for the most prestigious credit cards in Canada

While it varies between different credit card providers, you can usually expect the following requirements:

• Age. You will need to be at least the age of majority in your province or territory (18 or 19 years old).
• Residency. You’ll need to be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident with a valid Canadian address.
• Credit score. Meet any minimum credit score requirements, which likely means having a good to excellent credit score of 660 or higher.
• Income. These types of credit cards usually have minimum income requirements. Applicants might need to have an annual salary of at least $80,000.
• Spend requirements. Prestige generally means you’re a big spender, so you may have to meet an annual spending requirement.

How to choose the best premium credit card in Canada

When searching for the most prestigious credit card in Canada that you can potentially qualify for, ask yourself the following four questions:

1. Would you rather earn cash back, points or miles? Compare the value of cash back, points and miles to determine which will give you more bang for your buck. Which type of reward do you use more? If you’re not a big traveller, consider cash back instead of miles.
2. Do you want to earn accelerated points? With expensive credit cards, you might be able to earn rewards points at an accelerated rate. But you could be limited to specific spending categories. Look for a card that offers accelerated rewards in your most active spending categories.
3. Do you want to do a balance transfer? Balance transfer offers vary greatly, from 0% offers to low interest rates, offers lasting for six months and offers lasting up to ten months. Consider how much debt you have and how much you want to transfer.
4. Are you a frequent spender? Some top-tier cards offer sizeable welcome bonuses or luxury perks if you reach a high spending tier, but these may also charge high fees. If you don’t spend frequently, look for a premium credit card that doesn’t require big spending to earn rewards and doesn’t charge hundreds of dollars a year to maintain.
5. Do you want the ultimate credit card? If you’re willing to pay for it, one of the top credit cards on the market is the The Platinum Card from American Express. For an annual fee of $799, this card gives you the ultimate in luxury travel benefits.

Compare some of the most prestigious credit cards in Canada

The cards in this table are based on the providers available through Finder. These cards are not representative of the entire market. No single premium card will be the best choice for everyone, so compare your options before picking your new card.

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Welcome Offer	Rewards	Purchase Interest Rate	Annual Fee	Min. Credit Score
Promoted BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard	100,000 points	Up to 5x points per $1 spent	21.99%	$0 annual fee for the first year ($150 thereafter)	Get up to 100,000 points, Mastercard Travel Pass & 4 Complimentary Lounge Passes, NEXUS Statement Credit and get the $150 annual fee waived in the first year. Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% transfer fee. That's up to $1,600 in value. T&Cs apply.	Min. recommended credit score: 760	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
Promoted American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card	85,000 points	Up to 3x points	21.99%	$599	Earn up to 85,000 welcome bonus Aeroplan points. Plus, you could earn up to $4,400 in value within your first 13 months. T&Cs apply.	Min. recommended credit score: 700	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card	60,000 points	Up to 4x points per $1 spent	20.99%	$150	Earn up to 60,000 bonus Scene+ points (that’s up to $1,500 in value in the first 12 months). Apply by July 1, 2026.. T&Cs apply.	Min. recommended credit score: 700	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
Scotiabank Gold American Express Card	45,000 points	Up to 6x points per $1 spent	20.99%	$120	Earn up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points. Apply by July 1, 2026.. T&Cs apply.	Min. recommended credit score: 700	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard	Get $40 cash back each month	Up to 5% cash back	21.99%	$0 annual fee for the first year ($120 thereafter)	Get $40 cash back each month in your first year and get the $120 annual fee waived in the first year. Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% transfer fee. That's up to $650 in value. T&Cs apply.	Min. recommended credit score: 760	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite	70,000 points	5 points per $1 spent	21.99%	$0 annual fee for the first year ($120 thereafter)	Get up to 70,000 Bonus points, monthly streaming statement credit, a $50 statement credit, and the $120 annual fee waived by your first anniversary. That's up to $1,150 in value. T&Cs apply.	Min. recommended credit score: 760	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading

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Are premium credit cards in Canada worth the cost?

Whether a premium credit card is worth its yearly price tag depends on how you plan to use the card. The high costs associated with owning a premium credit card can be a tough pill to swallow, especially since annual fees can be hundreds of dollars. However, these fees can pay for themselves if you take full advantage of the premium perks the card offers.

How to make a premium credit card pay off

Like any credit card, you need to make sure the terms behind the rewards and perks of any of the best premium credit cards are a good fit for your lifestyle and spending habits. In fact, it’s even more important for premium cardholders, who could wind up paying high annual fees.

One of the easiest ways to make your premium credit card worth it is to use your annual credits, miles, points or cash back rewards. Take advantage of any travel insurance, concierge services, car rental insurance, airport lounge access, experiences, financial tools and all other perks your card offers.

Bottom line on elite credit cards in Canada

The most prestigious credit cards represent much more than just a payment option or a line of credit. Your premium credit card can also be a symbol of status and distinction. However, for this type of prestige, there’s often a hefty price tag in the form of a high annual fee. Learn more about your credit card options in our detailed guide.

FAQs on premium credit cards in Canada

• Which material is used to make premium credit cards?

  Most premium credit cards in Canada are made from plastic, but you can find some premium cards that are made out of metal, such as the The Platinum Card from American Express.

• What is the hardest credit card to get in Canada?

  The hardest credit card to get and the most exclusive credit card in Canada is the Centurion Card® from American Express, otherwise known as the Amex Black Card, which is reportedly reserved for those who spend and pay off hundreds of thousands of dollars a year (the exact threshold is not confirmed) and are willing to pay a one-time initiation fee of $10,000 USD.

• What credit score do I need for a premium credit card?

  Many luxury credit cards in Canada require at least a very good credit score to be approved, which usually means having a high income and a minimum credit score of 725. That said, you may be able to apply for a premium credit card with a good score of around 660 or higher. Learn more about credit scores in our guide here.

• What is the highest credit card score in Canada?

  In Canada, the highest credit score is 900 and the lowest credit score is 300. This is true for scores issued by both of Canada's main credit bureaus, Equifax and TransUnion.

  To qualify for the most prestigious credit cards, you'll likely need a very good (725-759) or excellent (760-900) credit score. It may be possible to get approved for some premium cards with a less-than-excellent credit score if your income and monthly spending are very high.

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Stacie Hurst as part of our fact-checking process.

Written by

Emma Balmforth

Producer

Emma Balmforth is a producer at Finder. She is passionate about helping people make financial decisions that will benefit them now and in the future. She has written for a variety of publications including World Nomads, Trek Effect and Uncharted. Emma has a degree in Business and Psychology from the University of Waterloo. She enjoys backpacking, reading and taking long hikes and road trips with her adventurous dog. See full bio

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Emma has written 120 Finder guides across topics including:

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Co-written by

Chelsey Hurst

Publisher

Chelsey Hurst is a publisher 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 124 Finder guides across topics including:

• Banking
• Stock Trading
• Cryptocurrency