Compare Desjardins credit cards to find cash back, travel rewards, and low-interest options tailored to your spending habits.
For Quebec residents and those who value comprehensive purchase protection over sign-up incentives, Desjardins cards could provide solid ongoing value, particularly if you already hold accounts with the institution.
Understanding Desjardins Cards
Desjardins Group, Canada’s largest cooperative financial institution, issues a range of credit cards designed for different financial priorities. The card portfolio includes cash back options, travel rewards through the BONUSDOLLARS program, low-interest cards, and entry-level products for students and newcomers. Unlike many competitors, Desjardins positions itself as a member-focused institution rather than a traditional bank, which influences its product design and fee structures.
The BONUSDOLLARS program functions similarly to cash back but offers redemption options across eight categories, including travel, merchandise, statement credits, and charitable donations. One BONUSDOLLAR typically equals one Canadian dollar in value, maintaining a straightforward redemption structure. Most Desjardins cards provide purchase insurance, extended warranty coverage, and mobile device insurance—benefits typically reserved for premium cards at other institutions.
Desjardins Cash Back Credit Cards
Desjardins offers three primary cash back credit cards with varying annual fees and earning structures. These cards provide direct cash back rather than BONUSDOLLARS, appealing to cardholders who prefer uncomplicated redemption processes.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | |||
| $0 | |||
| $100 |
Desjardins Cash Back World Elite Mastercard
The Desjardins World Elite Mastercard is a cash back credit card.
With this card you can get:
- 4% cash back on purchases in the Grocery category (up to $10,000 in purchases during the year – beyond that, the earning rate drops to 1%)
- 3% cash back on purchases in the Restaurant category (up to $6,000 in purchases during the year – beyond that, the earning rate drops to 1%)
- 3% cash back on purchases in the Entertainment and Public Transit categories
- 1% cash back on your other purchases
In addition, this card offers several insurances for your purchases:
- 90 days purchase insurance
- One year extended warranty
- Mobile Device Insurance
Desjardins Cash Back Mastercard
The Desjardins Cash Back Mastercard is a credit card with no annual fee.
With this card you can get:
- 2% cash back on purchases in the Restaurant and Pre-Authorized Payment categories (up to $3,600 in purchases during the year – beyond that, the earning rate drops to 0.5%)
- 2% cash back on purchases in the Entertainment and Public Transit categories
- 0.5% cash back on your other purchases
In addition, this card offers several insurances for your purchases:
- 90 days purchase insurance
- One year extended warranty
- Mobile Device Insurance
Desjardins Cash Back Visa
The Desjardins Visa Cash Back Card is a credit card with no annual fee.
With this card you can get:
- 2% cash back on purchases in the Restaurant and Pre-Authorized Payment categories (up to $3,600 in purchases during the year – beyond that, the earning rate drops to 0.5%)
- 2% cash back on purchases in the Entertainment and Public Transit categories
- 0.5% cash back on your other purchases
In addition, this card offers several insurances for your purchases:
- 90 days purchase insurance
- One year extended warranty
- Mobile Device Insurance
Desjardins Travel Rewards Cards
Desjardins travel-focused cards utilize the BONUSDOLLARS rewards program rather than traditional travel points. This structure provides flexibility, as BONUSDOLLARS can be redeemed for travel expenses or applied to other categories if your plans change.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $110 | |||
| $130 | |||
| $395 |
Desjardins Odyssey® World Elite® Mastercard
The Desjardins Odyssey® World Elite® Mastercard is a BONUSDOLLARS credit card.
With this card you can get:
- 3% in BONUSDOLLARS on purchases in the Grocery category (up to $10,000 in purchases during the year – beyond that, the earning rate drops to 1.5%)
- 2% in BONUSDOLLARS on purchases in the Restaurant category (up to $6,000 in purchases during the year – beyond that, the earning rate drops to 1.5%)
- 2% in BONUSDOLLARS for purchases in the Entertainment and Public Transit categories
- 1.5% in BONIDOLLARS on your other purchases
In addition, this card offers several insurances for your purchases:
- 90 days purchase insurance
- One year extended warranty
- Mobile Device Insurance
As well as comprehensive travel insurance.
Desjardins Odyssey® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
The Desjardins Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege Card is a credit card offering BONUSDOLLARS.
With this card you can get:
- 4% in BONUSDOLLARS for purchases in the Restaurant, Entertainment, Public Transit categories
- 3% in BONUSDOLLARS on purchases in the Travel category (up to $25,000 in purchases during the year – beyond that, the accumulation rate drops to 1.5%)
- 3% in BONUSDOLLARS for your purchases in the Grocery category
- 1.5% in BONUSDOLLARS for your other purchases
In addition, this card offers several insurances for your purchases:
- 180-day purchase insurance
- Two year extended warranty
- Mobile Device Insurance
As well as comprehensive travel insurance.
Desjardins Odyssey® Gold Visa Card
The Desjardins Odyssey Gold Visa Card is a credit card offering BONUSDOLLARS.
With this card you can get:
- 2% in BONUSDOLLARS for purchases in Restaurant, Travel and Pre-Authorized Payment categories (up to $6,000 in purchases during the year – beyond that, the accumulation rate drops to 0.65%)
- 2% in BONUSDOLLARS for purchases in the Entertainment and Public Transit categories
- 0.65% in BONUSDOLLARS for your other purchases
In addition, this card offers several insurances for your purchases:
- 90 days purchase insurance
- One year extended warranty
- Mobile Device Insurance
As well as comprehensive travel insurance.
Desjardins Low-Interest Option
The Desjardins Flexi Visa provides one of Canada’s lowest ongoing interest rates for a no-annual-fee credit card. This card prioritizes interest savings over rewards, making it suitable for consumers who occasionally carry balances or want a backup card for large purchases they plan to pay over time.
- Benefit from a 10.9% interest rate on purchases, significantly lower than standard rates.
- Pay 12.9% interest on cash advances, still competitive for this transaction type.
- Access mobile device insurance despite the zero annual fee.
- Receive select rental car discounts and basic travel insurance coverage.
The Flexi Visa does not offer rewards points or cash back. If you consistently pay your balance in full each month, a rewards card would likely provide better value. However, for planned large purchases or emergency expenses you need to carry month-to-month, the interest savings could exceed any rewards you might earn. Rates and terms may vary by financial institution.
Desjardins Flexi Visa Card
Desjardins Student and Entry Cards
Desjardins offers its no-fee cash back cards as entry-level options for students and newcomers to Canada. The Cash Back Visa and Cash Back Mastercard do not specify minimum income requirements as strict as premium cards, making them accessible for those building credit history.
Students benefit from earning cash back on common expenses like dining and entertainment while building positive payment history. The included purchase protections provide value beyond basic student cards that offer minimal benefits. Both Visa and Mastercard networks work at most Canadian merchants, so choose based on whether you shop at Costco, which accepts Mastercard but not Visa.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | |||
| $0 |
Choosing the Right Desjardins Card
Selecting among Desjardins credit cards depends on your spending patterns, income level, and whether you prioritize cash back, travel benefits, or low interest rates. Consider these factors when evaluating which card aligns with your financial habits.
Spending Category Analysis
Review your past three to six months of expenses to identify where you spend most. If groceries and restaurants constitute your largest categories and you spend over $10,000 annually on groceries, the Cash Back World Elite Mastercard could maximize returns. For more modest spending or if you want BONUSDOLLARS flexibility for travel redemptions, the Odyssey World Elite Mastercard offers similar earning rates with different redemption options.
Annual Fee Justification
Calculate the rewards you would earn with a fee-based card compared to a no-fee option. Subtract the annual fee from your projected rewards to determine net benefit. For example, if you earn $400 in cash back annually with the World Elite card but pay an annual fee, compare your net return to what you would earn with the no-fee Cash Back Mastercard on the same spending.
- Track your spending in accelerated categories like groceries, restaurants, and entertainment.
- Multiply category spending by the card’s earn rate to project annual rewards.
- Subtract the annual fee to calculate net benefit.
- Compare this figure to rewards from no-fee alternatives.
- Factor in additional benefits like insurance coverage and lounge access that have monetary value.
Income Requirements
Desjardins World Elite cards require minimum household income levels consistent with Mastercard’s World Elite tier requirements. Visa Infinite and Visa Infinite Privilege cards have their own income thresholds. If you do not meet these requirements, the no-fee cards or Gold-tier products provide access to rewards without income restrictions.
Comparing Key Features
This comparison highlights how Desjardins cards stack up across critical features. Understanding these differences helps identify which card best matches your priorities.
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Top Earning Rate | Rewards Type | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash Back World Elite Mastercard | Fee applies | 4% on groceries | Cash back | High grocery rewards |
| Odyssey World Elite Mastercard | Fee applies | 3% on groceries | BONUSDOLLARS | Airport lounge access |
| Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege | Premium fee | 4% on dining | BONUSDOLLARS | $200 anniversary credit |
| Cash Back Mastercard | $0 | 2% on restaurants | Cash back | No annual fee |
| Flexi Visa | $0 | No rewards | None | 10.9% purchase rate |
Application Considerations
Before applying for a Desjardins credit card, understand the approval process and requirements. While specific credit score thresholds are not publicly disclosed, premium cards typically require good to excellent credit history.
- Recent credit inquiries or new accounts may reduce approval odds for premium cards.
- Existing debt levels relative to income affect creditworthiness assessments.
- Limited credit history could result in lower initial credit limits even if approved.
- Non-residents of Quebec or Ontario may have limited access to certain Desjardins products.
Desjardins members may experience streamlined application processes and potentially better approval odds due to existing banking relationships. If you already maintain accounts with Desjardins, mention this during application as it provides the institution with additional financial context beyond credit bureau reports.
Insurance Coverage Details
One distinguishing feature of Desjardins credit cards is the insurance coverage included even on no-fee products. Understanding what these policies cover helps you assess the true value beyond earning rates.
Purchase and Warranty Protection
Most Desjardins cards include purchase insurance covering eligible items against theft or damage for 90 days from purchase date. Extended warranty protection adds one year to the manufacturer’s warranty on eligible purchases. Premium cards extend these coverages to 180 days of purchase protection and two years of extended warranty.
Mobile Device Insurance
Desjardins includes mobile device insurance on many cards, covering smartphones and tablets against damage or theft. Coverage typically requires you to pay your monthly mobile phone bill with your Desjardins card. Review the policy terms for deductibles, coverage limits, and claim procedures before relying on this benefit.
Travel Medical Insurance
Premium travel cards from Desjardins provide emergency medical insurance for trips outside your province. Coverage limits, trip duration maximums, and age restrictions vary by card tier. Always review policy details and consider whether the coverage meets your needs or if supplemental travel insurance would be prudent for your specific situation.
BONUSDOLLARS Program Overview
The BONUSDOLLARS program offers eight redemption categories, providing more flexibility than pure cash back but less simplicity. Understanding redemption options helps you determine whether BONUSDOLLARS or straight cash back better suits your preferences.
- Travel redemptions through the Desjardins travel portal at a 1:1 value ratio.
- Statement credits applied against eligible purchases on your card.
- Merchandise through the BONUSDOLLARS rewards catalog.
- Gift cards for various retailers and restaurants.
- Charitable donations to participating organizations.
- Contributions to registered savings plans held at Desjardins.
- Mortgage or loan payment reductions for Desjardins lending products.
- Account fee reimbursements for Desjardins banking services.
Travel redemptions typically offer the most straightforward value at one cent per BONUSDOLLAR. Merchandise redemptions may provide lower value per point compared to purchasing items directly with cash back, so compare options before redeeming.
Bottom Line
Desjardins credit cards distinguish themselves through comprehensive insurance coverage on no-fee products and the flexible BONUSDOLLARS redemption program. T
he Cash Back World Elite Mastercard and Odyssey World Elite Mastercard offer competitive earning rates on groceries and restaurants, categories that represent significant spending for many Canadian households. However, the absence of substantial welcome bonuses puts Desjardins at a disadvantage compared to competitors offering sign-up incentives worth hundreds of dollars.
For consumers who prioritize ongoing rewards over one-time bonuses and value robust purchase protections, Desjardins cards could serve well. The Flexi Visa fills a specific niche for those seeking Canada’s lowest interest rates on a no-fee card.
Before choosing, compare your projected annual rewards minus any fees against alternative cards from other institutions, factoring in welcome bonuses and additional perks. Calculate whether Desjardins’ insurance coverage and member benefits offset potentially higher earnings elsewhere, particularly if you qualify for premium cards from banks offering strong acquisition offers.
Before applying, compare our full list of the best credit cards in Canada to make sure this card is the right fit for your wallet.
FAQ
What interest rates do Desjardins credit cards charge?
The Desjardins Flexi Visa offers a 10.9% interest rate on purchases and 12.9% on cash advances, among the lowest in Canada for no-fee cards. Other Desjardins cards charge standard purchase rates that vary by card type and creditworthiness. Rates and terms may vary by financial institution, so review your cardholder agreement for specific rates applicable to your account.
What are the best Desjardins rewards cards?
The Cash Back World Elite Mastercard and Odyssey World Elite Mastercard represent the top rewards offerings from Desjardins. Both provide 3% to 4% returns on groceries and restaurants, with the cash back version offering direct cash and the Odyssey version using BONUSDOLLARS that can be redeemed for travel and other options. Your choice depends on whether you prefer cash back simplicity or BONUSDOLLARS flexibility.
What are Desjardins credit card eligibility requirements?
Desjardins World Elite cards require minimum household income levels consistent with Mastercard’s World Elite tier, typically $80,000 or higher depending on region. Visa Infinite Privilege cards have higher income requirements. No-fee cards like the Cash Back Mastercard and Cash Back Visa have lower or unspecified income thresholds, making them more accessible for students and those building credit.
How do Desjardins cards compare to competitors?
Desjardins cards typically lack the substantial welcome bonuses offered by competitors like National Bank, Scotiabank, and BMO, which may provide 30,000 to 60,000 bonus points or more. However, Desjardins compensates with strong ongoing earning rates in grocery and restaurant categories and includes comprehensive insurance coverage even on no-fee cards. If you value long-term rewards over sign-up bonuses, Desjardins could compete effectively.
What travel insurance do Desjardins cards provide?
Desjardins premium cards include emergency medical insurance, trip cancellation and interruption coverage, baggage insurance, and travel accident insurance. The Odyssey World Elite and Visa Infinite Privilege cards offer the most comprehensive travel insurance packages. Coverage limits, trip duration maximums, and exclusions vary by card, so review the certificate of insurance for complete details before traveling.
Can I apply for Desjardins cards online?
Yes, Desjardins offers online applications for most credit cards through their website. The application process typically requires personal information, employment details, and income verification. Existing Desjardins members may experience faster processing through AccèsD online banking. Application decisions can take several business days depending on verification requirements.
What is the difference between BONUSDOLLARS and cash back?
BONUSDOLLARS function similarly to cash back at a 1:1 value but offer eight redemption categories including travel, statement credits, merchandise, and gift cards. Cash back provides direct monetary returns without redemption restrictions. If you prefer maximum flexibility and plan to use rewards for travel through Desjardins’ portal or specific redemption categories, BONUSDOLLARS work well. For simplicity, direct cash back requires fewer decisions.
Are there Desjardins student credit cards?
Desjardins offers its no-fee Cash Back Visa and Cash Back Mastercard as entry-level options suitable for students. These cards provide 2% cash back on restaurants and entertainment, categories relevant to student spending, while building credit history. The cards include purchase insurance and extended warranty coverage despite charging no annual fee, adding value beyond basic student cards.
Do Desjardins cards charge foreign transaction fees?
Most Desjardins credit cards charge foreign transaction fees of approximately 2.5% on purchases made in currencies other than Canadian dollars, consistent with industry standards. If you travel internationally frequently or make foreign currency purchases online, consider cards from other institutions that waive foreign transaction fees, such as the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite +* Card or certain premium travel cards.
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