Compare credit cards designed for newcomers to Canada. Get approved without a Canadian credit history and start building your credit file from day one.
The National Bank mycredit Mastercard has no annual fee, making it risk-free to hold. You earn 0.5x on groceries and 1x at restaurants. Estimated first-year value is $175.
Cash Back
The American Express Green Card has no annual fee, making it risk-free to hold. It comes with a welcome bonus of 10,000 points. You earn 1x on groceries and 1x at restaurants. Estimated first-year value is $549.
Amex Membership Rewards
The BMO CashBack Mastercard has no annual fee, making it risk-free to hold. It comes with a welcome bonus of $100. You earn 3x on groceries and 0.5x at restaurants. Estimated first-year value is $350.
Cash Back
Ends Jun 30, 2026
The CIBC Dividend Visa Card has no annual fee, making it risk-free to hold. It comes with a welcome bonus of $100. You earn 2x on groceries and 1x at restaurants. Estimated first-year value is $346.
Cash Back
The Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Card has no annual fee, making it risk-free to hold. It comes with a welcome bonus of $100. You earn 1x on groceries and 0.5x at restaurants. Estimated first-year value is $324.
Cash Back
The Wealthsimple Prepaid Mastercard has no annual fee, making it risk-free to hold. It comes with a welcome bonus of $25. Estimated first-year value is $248.
Cash Back
You earn 2x on groceries and 0.5x at restaurants. Estimated first-year value is $94.
Cash Back
Complete Guide
Compare credit cards designed for newcomers to Canada. Get approved without a Canadian credit history and start building your credit file from day one.
Arriving in Canada without a credit history? You're not stuck. Most major banks (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC, National Bank) offer newcomer programs that approve you on the strength of your immigration status — Permanent Resident, work permit, study permit, or refugee — instead of a Canadian credit file.
Newcomer programs typically waive the credit-history requirement for the first 12 months. You may need to provide proof of arrival (PR card, work/study permit), proof of address, and ID. Once approved, you receive a regular credit card with a starter limit ($500–$5,000) that grows as you build credit.
Prioritize cards that: (1) report to both Equifax and TransUnion from day one, (2) waive the first-year annual fee, (3) include cell phone insurance and travel coverage useful for new arrivals, and (4) come from a bank where you can also open a chequing account to bundle services.
7
Cards analyzed
Jun 2026
Last updated
100%
Independent
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.
FAQ
Yes. RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC, and National Bank all offer newcomer programs that approve you based on your immigration status (PR, work permit, study permit) instead of credit history. You typically need to apply within 5 years of arrival.
Most banks require: proof of arrival (PR card, COPR, work or study permit), valid passport or driver's licence, proof of Canadian address, and proof of income or employment. Some let you apply online; others require an in-branch appointment.
If you qualify for a newcomer program (most PRs and work-permit holders do), choose that — it's a regular credit card with a real limit and no deposit. Secured cards are a fallback when newcomer programs reject you.
Compare the best credit cards in Canada or calculate which card's rewards actually fit your budget.
