Compare credit cards in Canada

What is a credit card?

A credit card lets you spend money that you can pay back over time, usually with interest.

Unlike a debit card—where you need money in the bank—a credit card gives you a set amount you can spend (or borrow) known as your credit limit. You also get regular statements (usually monthly) with a due date by which you need to make repayments.

In Canada, you must be at least the age of majority in your province or territory (18 or 19 years old) to apply for a credit card in your name.

Our expert says

"When comparing credit cards, decide what’s most important to you. Is it a low interest rate? Low annual fee? Bonus frequent flyer points? Maybe a balance transfer deal? For instance, I pay my balance in full each month, so I ignore the interest rates and don’t look at balance transfer offers. Instead, I aim to find cards with a great points earning rate. Knowing exactly what you want, makes it easier to find the right card for you."

Sarah Megginson

Senior editor

What types of credit cards are there?

There are five main types of credit cards. Every card is slightly different, so you should compare credit cards to find the best credit card that has the features that matter to you.

Card type	Principal use	Pros	Cons
Balance transfer	Pay off existing debt with no/low interest	Save money on interest and pay down debt faster	Minimal perks and no interest-free days on new purchases
Rewards	Earn points on your spending	Get rewarded for money you’d spend anyway	High interest rates & annual fees
No annual fee	Credit without an upfront cost	Costs nothing if you pay it off in full or don’t use it at all	Minimal perks and higher interest rates
Low rate	Pay off purchases over time while paying less interest	Saves you money if you carry a balance from month to month	Minimal perks
Business	Managing cash flow and separating spending	Offer distinct features for business (like accounting feeds)	Stricter eligibility requirements

How to compare credit cards

Here’s a breakdown of features and charges you should look at when doing a credit card comparison.

1. Find the right type of card. Want Aeroplan Points? Get a frequent flyer card that lets you earn points when you spend. Need a simple, cheap card for everyday spending? Look at low rate or no annual fee cards.
2. Look at the purchase rate. Credit cards charge high interest rates—but only if you don’t pay the card off on time.
3. Don’t forget the annual fee. Most cards charge a yearly fee. It can be as low as $0 or as high as $400+ for a fancy card with lots of perks and benefits.
4. Count your interest-free days. One of the best features of credit cards, interest-free “grace periods” let you buy something today and pay no interest for at least 21 days (the details are a little complicated, though).
5. Look at all the perks and benefits the card offers. Some credit cards give you rewards points or frequent flyer points, purchase protection, complimentary travel insurance, cashback on your spending or other rewards. The more perks a card offers, the higher the annual fee. So, if you don’t use them, you’re wasting money.

Credit cards 101

There are plenty of confusing terms in credit card land. Here’s a quick explainer:

• Balance transfer rate. The interest rate you’ll pay if you transfer a balance from one card to another. Some introductory offers give you 0% APR on your balance for a limited time, but you may pay a one-time fee.
• Cash advances. Try not to withdraw cash from an ATM or use your card to gamble or buy foreign currencies. These transactions are considered cash advances, and they come with a fee plus a higher interest rate (which you get charged immediately).
• Credit card network. The payment system that processes all your credit card transactions. In Canada, most cards are either Visa, Mastercard or American Express.
• Foreign transaction fees. This is the fee you’ll be charged on purchases made in a foreign currency overseas or online. Some cards have 0% foreign fees.
• Minimum repayment. You can repay all your card spending each month. Or, you can pay it off slowly (and get charged interest). The minimum repayment is the lowest amount you must pay by the due date. Miss this, and you’ll get charged a fee.

Expert insight: Why credit card records matter

"Maintaining these records helps you track your spending, verify transactions and catch any errors or fraudulent activities promptly. They are also useful for budgeting, filing taxes and providing proof of purchase or payment if disputes arise. Keeping organized and accessible records of your statements, whether in digital or paper form, ensures you have a comprehensive financial history that can be referenced whenever necessary."

Angel Zhong

Professor, RMIT

Pros & cons of credit cards

Bottom line? Credit cards have a mix of great perks and understandable risks. A good rule of thumb is to compare credit cards to ensure you get one with the features you need, while having a plan for paying it off and using the benefits.

Have questions about credit cards? We have answers

• How do I get a credit card in Canada?

  You need to apply for a credit card before you can start using one. This is usually a simple process that you can do online in a few steps:

  1. Compare credit cards from different providers to find one you want.
  2. Check that you meet the eligibility requirements (e.g. being over the age of majority and earning the minimum required income).
  3. Complete the application, including uploading supporting documentation (e.g. your driver's licence details, pay stubs etc.).

  Before you apply, it's important to think about how a credit card fits in with your financial situation. It may be helpful to use a repayment calculator to estimate your potential costs and budget for repayments if you don't think you'll pay off what you spend each month.

  Also, keep in mind that lenders check your credit report and score when you apply. So, if you want to check these details before that happens, you can get a copy of your report and score.

• How do I use a credit card and avoid debt?

  A credit card is convenient, but it comes with a risk of debt. Here are four tips to help you stay on top of payments.

  • Ask for a credit limit you can manage. Credit card companies determine your limit based on what you can reasonably afford given your income, existing debt load and other factors. But if the credit limit you're offered is higher than what you need, you can request a lower limit so you have more control.
  • Pay more than the minimum. Only paying the minimum amount listed on your credit card statement can lead to years of debt and interest charges. Aim to pay off the total balance before the interest-free grace period ends.
  • Plan repayments. Set a monthly calendar reminder for the payment due date, or set up automated payments. Finder's credit card repayment calculator can also help you budget.
  • Get help if you need it. If you're struggling with your credit card, call your bank or provider to see what options are available. You can also get free financial advice from a credit counselling agency, which you can find through the Credit Counselling Canada or the Canadian Association of Credit Counselling Services.

• What will getting a credit card do to my credit score?

  Applying for a credit card impacts your credit score, as each application is recorded on your credit file. Submitting multiple applications in a short period can lower your score, as can missing repayments. But making regular payments and responsibly using a credit card can raise your credit score. It's all in how you use the card.

• Can I get a credit card if I have a bad credit history?

  Yes you can get a credit card with bad credit, but it's typically more difficult. It's a good idea to provide as much detail as possible on the application to show you can manage the account. You could also chat to your current bank before applying so they can guide you. If you can't get a credit card, an unsecured personal loan could be another option.

• How do credit cards compare to buy now, pay later services?

  The discussion around credit cards vs Afterpay has been going on for years, but both cards and buy now, pay later (BNPL) services have different features. Here's a basic breakdown:

  • Credit cards: You can use a credit card almost everywhere—shops, cafes, online. They just need to accept the type of card you have (Amex, Mastercard or Visa). If you don't pay off your balance in full each month, you'll be charged interest. When you apply, the bank will check your credit score to decide what limit to give you.
  • Buy now pay later: Most BNPL services let you buy items from partnered stores then pay them off in fixed instalments over a few weeks or months. They don't typically charge interest, but there may be other fees, especially for late payments. Your credit history isn't usually checked when you apply, and your limit will increase with responsible use.

• What credit card options are available for people under 18?

  Although you can't apply for a credit card in your name while you're under the age of majority in your province or territory (18 or 19), you can consider the following options:

  • Ask to be an additional cardholder on your parents' credit card. If you're at least 13 years of age, your parents may be able to add you to their credit card account as a supplementary cardholder. This means that you will receive a credit card linked to their account, but they will remain legally responsible for all the expenses.
  • Get a prepaid credit card. A prepaid credit card lets you preload the card with money. This means it's technically not a "credit" card because you're responsible for providing the money you spend, but it can be a useful pay-as-you-go option. With a prepaid card, you won't fall into debt and can usually shop anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted (including online).
  • Use a debit card. A debit card is similar to a prepaid card, except it's linked to a bank account. When you use this type of card, you're spending money you have in the account and don't have to keep loading money like you would with a prepaid card. Most debit cards can be used for contactless payments and mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay, if you're set up with one of those accounts.
  • Focus on savings. The importance of saving throughout your life is often underrated. Learning to save should be a critical focus, especially before you get a credit card. This will ensure you have funds that you can use when necessary and also prevent unmanageable credit card debt in the future.

  Before applying for a credit card, make sure you've researched your chosen card and understood the terms, conditions and eligibility requirements. Rather than thinking of these requirements as restrictive, understand that credit card application requirements help uphold responsible lending practices and protect consumers.

• What is Credit Card Finder, and how can I use it?

  Credit Card Finder is a free Canadian service that you can use to compare dozens of card offers from banks, credit unions and other financial institutions. We've been around for years and keep a database with thousands of data points on credit card fees, rates, features and special offers.

  Our comparison tables are free to use, and we link you directly to the lender's secure application page. We make money from featured partners, but our editorial opinions are our own.

• What is the most accepted type of credit card in Canada?

  Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards in Canada. They can be used for both domestic and international purchases, offering broad merchant acceptance and lower fees for use compared to other networks like American Express. That being said, some cardholders prefer Amex's rewards and signup offers.

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

We've researched 150+ cards and published hundreds of financial guides. Our work has been referenced in major media outlets like The Globe and Mail, BNN Bloomberg and the Financial Post.

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.

Find a credit card company in Canada

Looking for a new credit card? Choose from this list of credit card companies in Canada. Read our reviews of banks like Scotiabank and Tangerine, networks like American Express and more.

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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

Richard Whitten

Editor

Richard Whitten is a money editor at Finder, and has been covering home loans, property and personal finance for the last 5 years. He has written for Yahoo Finance, Money Magazine and Homely and regularly provides financial commentary in print and radio. Richard enjoys helping people understand the ins and outs of mortgages so they can make smarter property decisions. He also has a mortgage of his own. Richard trained as a high school teacher but found it easier to manage personal finances than a classroom full of kids. Before joining Finder, he edited textbooks and taught English in South Korea. See full bio

Co-written by

Amy Bradney-George

Editor

Amy Bradney-George is an SEO Writer and Subeditor at Are Media and former acting editor for Finder X and a senior writer for credit cards and Finder Green. She has more than 13 years' experience as a journalist and writer, with bylines in publications including The Equity Magazine, The Sydney Morning Herald, ABC News and produce industry website FreshPlaza. Amy has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Drama from Griffith University, and when she’s not putting (virtual) pen to paper, she spends her time as an actress. See full bio