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Ranking · Updated May 2026

Best First Year Free Credit Cards in Canada

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

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Best for: First year free

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TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card

5.0Ratesopedia rating

The TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card offers the first year free (regular fee $139/yr). It comes with a welcome bonus of 165,000 pts. You earn 6x on groceries and 6x at restaurants. Estimated first-year value is $1,634.

Best of Month1st Year FreeVisa

Annual Fee

$139 $0

Rewards rate

TD Rewards

Welcome Bonus

165,000 pts

1st Year Value

$1,634

Pros

First year free
Welcome bonus of 165,000 pts
6x on groceries
6x at restaurants

Cons

Requires good credit

Best for: Cash back

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Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite +* Card

4.3Ratesopedia rating

The Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite +* Card offers the first year free (regular fee $120/yr). It comes with a welcome bonus of 300 pts. You earn 4x on groceries and 1x at restaurants. Estimated first-year value is $948.

Best of Month1st Year FreeVisa

Annual Fee

$120 $0

Rewards rate

Cash Back

Welcome Bonus

300 pts

1st Year Value

$948

Pros

First year free
Welcome bonus of 300 pts
4x on groceries
Estimated 1st-year value of $948

Cons

Fewer premium perks

Complete Guide

Best First Year Free Credit Cards in Canada

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

First year free cards let you experience premium benefits — welcome bonuses, travel insurance, airport lounge access — without paying the annual fee in year one. It's a risk-free way to test whether a premium card is worth it for your spending habits.

Cards analyzed

May 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.

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🔄Updated regularly

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1Should I cancel after the first free year?

Calculate your annual rewards minus the fee. If rewards exceed the fee, keep it. If not, downgrade to a no-fee card from the same issuer to preserve your credit history.

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Compare the best credit cards in Canada or calculate which card's rewards actually fit your budget.

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Best First Year Free Credit Cards in Canada

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Cons

Pros

Cons

Best First Year Free Credit Cards in Canada

Methodology

Frequently Asked Questions

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