10 Best Credit Cards in Canada 2026

Best Cards 1st Yr Free Airline Bad Credit Balance Transfer Business Cash Back Groceries

Best for: 1st Yr Fee Rebate

FeaturedTD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card

Compare

5.0Ratesopedia rating

The TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card offers a first year annual fee rebate (regular fee $139/yr). It comes with a welcome bonus of 146,000 points. You earn 6x on groceries and 6x at restaurants. Estimated first-year value is $1,210.

Best of Month1st Yr Fee Rebate

Annual Fee: $139 $0
Rewards rate: 2x
Welcome Bonus: 146,000 points
1st Year Value: $1,210

Pros

First Year Annual Fee Rebate
Welcome bonus of 146,000 points
6x on groceries
6x at restaurants

Cons

Requires good credit

Best for: Overall value

ExclusiveNational Bank World Elite Mastercard

BNC MastercardNBC Rewards

Compare

4.2Ratesopedia rating

It comes with a welcome bonus of 50,000 points. You earn 5x on groceries and 5x at restaurants. Estimated first-year value is $872.

Best of Month

Annual Fee: $150
Rewards rate: 1x
Welcome Bonus: 50,000 points
1st Year Value: $872

Pros

Welcome bonus of 50,000 points
5x on groceries
5x at restaurants
Estimated 1st-year value of $872

Cons

Requires good credit

Best for: 1st Yr Fee Rebate

FeaturedBMO eclipse Visa Infinite Card

BMO Visa BMO Rewards

Compare

4.6Ratesopedia rating

The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Card offers a first year annual fee rebate (regular fee $120/yr). It comes with a welcome bonus of 70,000 points. You earn 5x on groceries and 5x at restaurants. Estimated first-year value is $951.

1st Yr Fee Rebate

Annual Fee: $120 $0
Rewards rate: 1x
Welcome Bonus: 70,000 points
1st Year Value: $951

Pros

First Year Annual Fee Rebate
Welcome bonus of 70,000 points
5x on groceries
5x at restaurants

Cons

Requires good credit

Best for: Travel rewards

SponsoredRBC Avion Visa Infinite Card

RBC Visa RBC Avion Rewards

Compare

5.0Ratesopedia rating

It comes with a welcome bonus of 70,000 points. You earn 1x on groceries and 1x at restaurants. Estimated first-year value is $1,296.

Annual Fee: $120
Rewards rate: 1x
Welcome Bonus: 70,000 points
1st Year Value: $1,296

Pros

Welcome bonus of 70,000 points
Estimated 1st-year value of $1,296

Cons

Requires good credit

Best for: Overall value

SponsoredScotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card

Scotia Visa Scene+

Compare

4.5Ratesopedia rating

It comes with a welcome bonus of 60,000 points. You earn 2x on groceries and 2x at restaurants. Estimated first-year value is $810.

Best of Month

Annual Fee: $150
Rewards rate: 1x
Welcome Bonus: 60,000 points
1st Year Value: $810

Pros

Welcome bonus of 60,000 points
2x on groceries
2x at restaurants
Estimated 1st-year value of $810

Cons

Requires good credit

Best for: Overall value

SponsoredUnited MileagePlus Neo World Elite Mastercard

Neo Mastercard United MileagePlus

Compare

4.2Ratesopedia rating

It comes with a welcome bonus of 25,000 miles. You earn 1x on groceries and 1x at restaurants. Estimated first-year value is $606.

Best of Month

Annual Fee: $89
Rewards rate: 0.75x
Welcome Bonus: 25,000 miles
1st Year Value: $606

Pros

Welcome bonus of 25,000 miles
Estimated 1st-year value of $606

Cons

Requires good credit

Best for: No annual fee

SponsoredPC World Elite Mastercard

PC Financial Mastercard PC Optimum

Compare

3.8Ratesopedia rating

The PC World Elite Mastercard has no annual fee, making it risk-free to hold. It comes with a welcome bonus of 20,000 points. You earn 30x on groceries and 10x at restaurants. Estimated first-year value is $420.

Annual Fee: $0
Rewards rate: 10x
Welcome Bonus: 20,000 points
1st Year Value: $420

Pros

No annual fee
Welcome bonus of 20,000 points
30x on groceries
10x at restaurants

Cons

Requires good credit

Best for: Overall value

American Express Cobalt Card

Amex Amex Amex Membership Rewards

Compare

4.7Ratesopedia rating

It comes with a welcome bonus of 15,000 points. You earn 5x on groceries and 5x at restaurants. Estimated first-year value is $1,263.

Best of Month

Annual Fee: $192
Rewards rate: 1x
Welcome Bonus: 15,000 points
1st Year Value: $1,263

Pros

Welcome bonus of 15,000 points
5x on groceries
5x at restaurants
Estimated 1st-year value of $1,263

Cons

High annual fee ($191.88)

Best for: 1st Yr Fee Rebate

BMO CashBack Mastercard World Eliteᴹᴰ

BMO MastercardCash Back

Compare

4.8Ratesopedia rating

The BMO CashBack Mastercard World Eliteᴹᴰ offers a first year annual fee rebate (regular fee $120/yr). It comes with a welcome bonus of $650. You earn 5x on groceries and 1x at restaurants. Estimated first-year value is $1,276.

Best of Month1st Yr Fee Rebate

Annual Fee: $120 $0
Rewards rate: 1x
Welcome Bonus: $650
1st Year Value: $1,276

Pros

First Year Annual Fee Rebate
Welcome bonus of $650
5x on groceries
Estimated 1st-year value of $1,276

Cons

Requires good credit

Best for: 1st Yr Fee Rebate

SponsoredScotia Momentum Visa Infinite + Card

Scotia VisaCash Back

Compare

4.8Ratesopedia rating

The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite + Card offers a first year annual fee rebate (regular fee $120/yr). It comes with a welcome bonus of $300. You earn 4x on groceries and 1x at restaurants. Estimated first-year value is $1,025.

Best of Month1st Yr Fee Rebate

Annual Fee: $120 $0
Rewards rate: 1x
Welcome Bonus: $300
1st Year Value: $1,025

Pros

First Year Annual Fee Rebate
Welcome bonus of $300
4x on groceries
Estimated 1st-year value of $1,025

Cons

Fewer premium perks

Complete Guide

How to Choose the Best Credit Card

How We Pick the Best Credit Cards

Every month, our editorial team reviews every major credit card available in Canada. We evaluate cards across six dimensions: annual fee, welcome bonus, earn rates by spending category, insurance coverage, perks and benefits, and overall first-year value.

First-year value is our primary ranking metric because it captures what matters most to new cardholders: welcome bonus + rewards earned on typical spending - annual fee. This gives you a clear dollar figure for what each card is worth in year one.

What Makes a Great Credit Card?

The best credit cards share common traits: generous welcome bonuses, competitive earn rates on everyday spending categories (groceries, gas, restaurants), comprehensive travel insurance, and perks that justify any annual fee. Premium cards ($120-$800/yr) should offer at least 3-5x their annual fee in first-year value.

Our Editorial Independence

Ratesopedia may receive compensation through affiliate links when you apply for a card. However, this never influences our rankings or editorial picks. Our methodology is transparent and data-driven — every card is scored on the same criteria regardless of affiliate relationships.

166

Cards analyzed

Jun 2026

Last updated

100%

Independent

Methodology

Our team evaluates credit cards based on overall consumer value: rewards earning rates, annual fees, welcome bonuses, insurance coverage, and additional perks. Cards are ranked by estimated first-year value. We update our picks monthly.

📊Real data

🔄Updated regularly

⚖️Unbiased review

🎯Transparent criteria

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1What is the best credit card in Canada right now?

The best overall credit card depends on your spending habits. For travel rewards, the American Express Cobalt Card offers unmatched 5x points on food and drink. For cash back, the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite offers up to 4% back. For no annual fee, the Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard is hard to beat.

2How do we rank the best credit cards?

We analyze over 150 data points per card including annual fees, welcome bonuses, earn rates by category, insurance coverage, perks, and first-year value. Our rankings are updated monthly and are 100% independent — we never let affiliate relationships influence our editorial picks.

3Should I get a credit card with an annual fee?

If you spend enough to offset the fee through rewards, yes. A card with a $120 annual fee that earns $500+ in first-year value is a great deal. Many premium cards also include travel insurance worth $200-400 if purchased separately. No-fee cards are best if you want simplicity with no risk.

4How many credit cards should I have?

Most experts recommend 2-3 cards to maximize rewards across categories. For example, a travel card for big purchases, a grocery/gas card for everyday spending, and a no-fee backup. Having multiple cards also helps your credit utilization ratio, which can improve your credit score.

5What credit score do I need for the best cards?

Premium cards typically require a score of 680+, while basic cards may accept 600+. Some secured cards have no minimum score requirement and can help you build credit. Check each card’s requirements before applying to avoid unnecessary hard inquiries.

6Can I get a credit card as a newcomer to Canada?

Yes! Several banks offer credit cards specifically for newcomers, including secured cards that require a deposit. CIBC, BMO, and Scotiabank have dedicated newcomer programs. After 6-12 months of responsible use, you can upgrade to a rewards card.

7What’s the difference between Visa, Mastercard, and American Express?

Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere in Canada. American Express has slightly less acceptance but often offers better rewards and perks. All three offer similar consumer protections. Your choice should be based on the specific card’s rewards, not the network.

8How do welcome bonuses work?

Most cards offer bonus points or cash back when you spend a minimum amount (typically $1,000-$3,000) within the first 3-4 months. These bonuses can be worth $200-$1,200+ and are the biggest source of first-year value. Read the conditions carefully — the spending timeframe and minimum vary.

Next step

Find your perfect card

Explore our category comparisons, or calculate which card's rewards actually match your budget.

Compare all cards →Calculate rewards

Browse by category

By type

1st Yr Free

Premium cards with no fee in year one. Get welcome bonuses, insurance, and perks risk-free.

Airline

Compare airline-branded and miles-earning credit cards in Canada — Aeroplan, Avion, WestJet, Flying Blue. Earn miles fast and unlock free flights, lounge access, and elite perks.

Bad Credit

Rebuild your credit with cards designed for low scores or no credit history. Secured options, low-fee picks, and credit-builder cards available in Canada.

Balance Transfer

Transfer high-interest debt to a low or 0% promotional rate. Compare balance transfer offers and save on interest.

Business

Compare business credit cards in Canada — employee cards, expense management, generous welcome bonuses, and rewards on B2B spend categories.

Cash Back

Compare the top cash back credit cards. Earn 1–5% back on groceries, gas, restaurants, and everyday purchases.

Groceries

Earn the most rewards on grocery shopping. Compare cards offering 2–5x points or 2–4% cash back at supermarkets.

Hotel

Compare Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and other hotel-earning credit cards in Canada. Earn free nights, elite status, and complimentary upgrades.

Lounges

Access airport lounges worldwide with your credit card. Compare Priority Pass, Amex Centurion, and Plaza Premium benefits.

Low Interest

Compare credit cards with low purchase and balance-transfer interest rates. Cut the cost of carrying a balance with the best low-interest cards in Canada.

Newcomers

Compare credit cards designed for newcomers to Canada. Get approved without a Canadian credit history and start building your credit file from day one.

No Fee

Top credit cards with $0 annual fee. Earn cash back and rewards without paying a yearly charge.

No FX Fee

Save 2.5% on every international purchase. Compare cards that waive foreign transaction fees.

Restaurants

Maximize rewards when dining out. Compare cards with 2–5x points or 3–4% cash back at restaurants and food delivery.

Secured

Compare the best secured credit cards in Canada. Build or rebuild your credit with a refundable security deposit and guaranteed approval.

Students

Credit cards designed for students. Build credit history, earn rewards, and enjoy no annual fee.

Travel

Earn points for flights, hotels, and experiences. Compare travel rewards, airport lounge access, and travel insurance benefits.

By loyalty program

Aeroplan

Compare every Aeroplan credit card in Canada. Earn Aeroplan points on everyday spending and redeem for flights on Air Canada and Star Alliance partners.

Amex Membership Rewards

Compare Amex MR cards. Earn flexible points transferable to Aeroplan, Avios, Flying Blue, Marriott Bonvoy, and Hilton Honors.

Asia Miles

Compare credit cards that earn Cathay Pacific Asia Miles for award flights across Asia and beyond.

Avios

Compare credit cards that earn Avios for British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and Qatar Airways award flights.

BMO Rewards

Compare BMO credit cards. Earn BMO Rewards points for travel, cash back, and merchandise.

CIBC Aventura

Compare CIBC Aventura cards. Earn flexible travel points redeemable for flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages.

Delta SkyMiles

Compare credit cards that earn Delta SkyMiles for award flights across the SkyTeam alliance.

Flying Blue

Compare credit cards that earn Flying Blue Miles for Air France, KLM, and SkyTeam award flights.

Hilton Honors

Compare credit cards that earn Hilton Honors points for free nights at 7,000+ hotels worldwide.

Marriott Bonvoy

Compare Marriott Bonvoy Amex cards. Earn hotel points for free nights at 8,000+ Marriott properties worldwide.

PC Optimum

Compare PC Financial Mastercard options. Earn PC Optimum points on groceries at Loblaws, No Frills, Shoppers Drug Mart, and more.

RBC Avion

Compare RBC Avion Rewards cards. Earn flexible travel points redeemable for any travel, with no blackout dates.

Scene+

Compare Scene+ credit cards from Scotiabank. Earn points for movies, dining, groceries at Empire stores (Sobeys, IGA, Safeway), and travel.

TD Rewards

Compare TD credit cards. Earn TD Rewards points for travel, merchandise, and gift cards.

United MileagePlus

Compare credit cards that earn United MileagePlus miles for Star Alliance award flights.

VIPorter

Compare credit cards that earn VIPorter points for Porter Airlines flights across North America.

WestJet Rewards

Compare WestJet credit cards. Earn WestJet dollars for flights, companion vouchers, and free checked bags.

By issuer

American Express

Compare all Amex cards in Canada. Cobalt, Gold, Platinum, Green, Marriott Bonvoy, and Aeroplan cards reviewed.

BMO

Compare all BMO credit cards. Ascend, CashBack, Eclipse Visa Infinite, and VIPorter cards reviewed.

Capital One

Compare all Capital One credit cards in Canada. Aspire, Smart Rewards, and no-foreign-transaction-fee options.

CIBC

Compare all CIBC credit cards. Aventura, Aeroplan, Dividend, and Costco cards reviewed and ranked.

Desjardins

Compare all Desjardins credit cards. Odyssey, Bonusdollars, and Remises Visa cards reviewed.

Laurentian Bank

Compare Laurentian Bank Visa credit cards. Low rate, cash back, and rewards options reviewed.

MBNA

Compare all MBNA credit cards. Rewards, Smart Cash, True Line, and more reviewed and ranked.

National Bank

Compare all National Bank credit cards. Syncro, Allure, World Elite, and Echo cards reviewed.

Neo Financial

Compare all Neo Financial credit cards. Secured cards, no-fee options, and high cash back at partner merchants.

PC Financial

Compare all PC Financial credit cards. PC World Elite Mastercard, PC Mastercard, and the PC Insiders™ World Elite Mastercard reviewed and ranked.

RBC

Compare all RBC Royal Bank credit cards. From RBC Avion to Cash Back, find the right RBC card for you.

Rogers Bank

Compare Rogers Bank credit cards. No-foreign-transaction-fee World Elite, cash back rewards reviewed.

Scotiabank

Compare all Scotiabank credit cards. Scene+, Momentum, Passport Visa Infinite, and Gold Amex reviewed.

Tangerine

Compare Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard and World Mastercard. No-fee cash back cards with customizable categories.

Compare all TD credit cards. Aeroplan, Cash Back, First Class Travel, and Rewards cards reviewed and ranked.