Canada’s 20 finest bank cards for June 2023
Discovering the precise bank card may prevent a whole bunch, if not hundreds, of {dollars} a yr. Whether or not you’re in search of decrease charges, extra rewards or just invaluable perks like journey medical insurance coverage or rental automotive financial savings, each greenback counts. If you happen to use your bank card correctly, repay your stability month-to-month and discover the precise rewards program for you, you might be positive to return out forward. There’s a slew of bank card choices on the market, and it may be difficult to seek out the perfect one—our checklist of finest bank cards in Canada is right here to assist.
Our picks for the 20 finest bank cards in Canada
Greatest total money again bank card
Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite*

First, the plain purpose that is MoneySense’s high card for money again: It has rattling good earn charges. Cardholders get spectacular money again rewards on in style spend classes, together with 4% on groceries and recurring payments and a pair of% on fuel and transit (together with Uber), and a 1% base price on every part else. Subsequent, the not-so-obvious causes for our choose? The advantageous print reveals very worthy perks for journey, insurance coverage, experiences and extra.
- Annual payment: $120 (waived for the primary yr)
- Rates of interest: 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on money advances, 22.99% on stability transfers
- Earn price: 4% on groceries and recurring payments; 2% on fuel and every day transit; 1% on every part else
- Welcome provide: You possibly can earn 10% money again on all purchases for the primary 3 months (as much as $2,000 in complete purchases). No annual payment within the first yr, together with on further playing cards. Supply ends June 30, 2023.
- Annual earnings requirement: Private earnings of $60,000 or family earnings of $100,000
- Further advantages: Cell system insurance coverage, journey emergency medical and journey accident protection, automotive rental injury/loss waiver, flight interruption and delayed and misplaced baggage insurance coverage, and entry to Visa Infinite experiences
Execs
- The best earn price for in style spending classes in Canada make selecting this card a no brainer.
- Comes with a variety of journey perks, making this an ideal card for travellers who take pleasure in money again rewards.
- The welcome provide could be very aggressive, too, with a double-digit earn price.
Cons
- The annual payment is a steep one (after the primary yr), however that’s simply made into money again in your pockets, particularly should you spend $1,200 in your first three months of getting the cardboard.
- The money again rewards should not accessible all yr spherical—money again is paid out yearly.
- If journey rewards are extra your factor, contemplate a journey bank card as a substitute.
Greatest money again playing cards
For simplicity: SimplyCash Most popular Card from American Categorical*
At a look: Rewards playing cards are nice and all, however there isn’t any denying the worth of money as a perk. And the SimplyCash Most popular Amex bank card is as uncomplicated because it comes. Groceries and fuel are two high spend classes for Canadians, and this card earns 4% on groceries and fuel as much as $1,200 in money again, when it turns to the bottom price of two%, which is relevant on every part else.
- Annual payment: $120
- Rates of interest: 20.99% on purchases, 21.99% on money advances
- Welcome provide: You possibly can earn a $40 assertion credit score for every month-to-month billing interval through which you spend $750 in purchases in your card.
- Earn price: 4% money again on eligible fuel and grocery purchases as much as $1,200 yearly; 2% money again on every part else
- Annual earnings requirement: None
- Further advantages: Journey insurance coverage, automotive rental theft and injury protection, American Categorical Invitations program for exhibits, purchasing gross sales and eating perks
Execs
- Tremendous easy to grasp earn price and redemption with rewards (ahem, money) that you need to use towards something you need. No factors calculators required.
- The insurance coverage protection is fairly in depth, together with protection for journey, automotive rental, cellular system and purchases.
- Benefit from American Categorical packages, comparable to Amex Entrance of the Line for reside exhibits and live shows and Amex Affords for purchasing offers.
Cons
- The annual payment is relatively excessive, but when your spending habits align with this bank card, it could be price it for you.
- The spectacular earn price for fuel and groceries at 4% caps out whenever you earn the utmost of $1,200 money again, after which it turns into 2%. At that time, chances are you’ll wish to contemplate including one other card, like one in every of these fuel playing cards or these grocery playing cards.
- Money is simply redeemable yearly, so it’s not at all times accessible for you.
- Not accepted at some retailers, together with Costco.
For bonus classes: CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite

At a look: Bonus classes are a good way to reap much more rewards. This card’s base price is 1% on purchases, but it surely additionally earns 4% money again on groceries and fuel, and a pair of% on eating, public transit (consists of Uber) and recurring payments. One other massive purpose this card is on our checklist: You possibly can redeem your money again in increments of $25, versus simply yearly like with some money again playing cards.
- Further advantages: Cell system insurance coverage, emergency journey insurance coverage, concierge service, Visa Infinite Eating and Wine Nation program, save as much as $0.10 per litre at collaborating Chevron, Ultramar, Quick Fuel and Pioneer fuel stations whenever you hyperlink your card with Journie Rewards
Execs
- You possibly can redeem money again everytime you like in increments of $25, in contrast to another money again rewards packages that solely allow annual redemptions.
- Lower prices on the pump, too: Save as much as $0.10 a litre at Chevron, Ultramar, Quick Fuel and Pioneer fuel stations when your card is linked to the Journie Rewards program.
- Perks embrace insurance coverage, together with protection for cellular system and out-of-province medical emergencies.
Cons
- The excessive earn charges have limits: The 4% and a pair of% money again presents are solely accessible on the primary $80,000 in web annual card purchases or $20,000 in grocery, fuel, recurring payments, and so on.
- When you attain the utmost spends for the accelerated earn charges, then you definately earn 1% money again.
- The annual earnings requirement could put this card out of attain for some Canadians.
Greatest no payment money again card
Tangerine Cash-Again Credit score Card*

At a look: The Tangerine Cash-Again card delivers limitless money again rewards at beneficiant earn charges—all with no annual payment. You possibly can earn 2% money again on two classes of your alternative, or three classes should you deposit rewards right into a Tangerine financial savings account as a substitute of again onto your bank card. Cardholders earn 0.5% again on all different spending areas. Plus, your earnings throughout these classes are limitless, and money again rewards are routinely deposited into your chosen account every month.
- Annual payment: $0
- Rates of interest: 19.95% on purchases, 19.95% on money advances, 19.95% on stability transfers
- Welcome provide: You possibly can earn an additional 10% again on as much as $1,000 in on a regular basis purchases throughout the first 2 months. Should apply by July 5, 2023.
- Earn price: 2% money again on as much as 3 bonus classes of your alternative; 0.5% on all different purchases
- Annual earnings requirement: $12,000
- Further advantages: Buy assurance and prolonged guarantee
Execs
- Supply personalization within the rewards program with no earn limits.
- The $12,000 annual earnings requirement makes the cardboard an accessible possibility with aggressive perks.
- Contains a 1.95% promotional stability switch rate of interest for brand new cardholders on six consecutive bank card statements, and a 1% stability switch payment throughout this era.
Cons
- The cardboard doesn’t have insurance coverage protection, missing choices for auto, cellular system and journey medical bills.
- The 0.5% base earn price is low, though you’ll be able to earn extra rewards in your designated classes.
Greatest rewards card for on a regular basis spending
Scotiabank Gold American Categorical*

At a look: A protracted-time favorite bank card for Canadians, the Scotiabank Gold American Categorical will get you 6 Scene+ factors per $1 spent on groceries at Sobeys banner shops (together with Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo and Foodland), 5 factors per $1 spent on eating, leisure and purchases in any respect different grocery shops, 3 factors per $1 on fuel, public transit and eligible streaming providers, and 1 level per $1 on every part else. Good, proper? There’s extra…
- Annual payment: $120 (waived for the primary yr)
- Rates of interest: 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on money advances, 22.99% on stability transfers
- Welcome provide: You possibly can earn as much as $650 in worth within the first 12 months, together with as much as 40,000 bonus Scene+ factors. Should apply by October 31, 2023.
- Earn price: 6 Scene+ factors per $1 spent on groceries at Sobeys banner shops (together with Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo and Foodland), 5 factors per $1 spent on eating, leisure and purchases in any respect different grocery shops, 3 factors per $1 on fuel, public transit and eligible streaming providers, and 1 level per $1 on every part else
- Annual earnings requirement: $12,000
- Further advantages: Journey emergency medical, journey cancellation and interruption, flight delay, misplaced or delayed baggage, journey accident, and rental automotive collision coverages; hotel-motel housebreaking insurance coverage; no international transaction charges; Amex Affords, Amex Entrance of the Line, and American Categorical Invitations; and discounted Precedence Cross membership
Execs
- You’ll save on international transactions since this card doesn’t cost FX charges. It’s just about a 2.5% bonus (the quantity normally charged) on all purchases in currencies that aren’t Canadian, each for purchasing on-line and in-person when travelling.
- The journey insurance coverage is top-notch, masking emergency medical, flight delay, misplaced baggage and automotive rental.
- Get entry to American Categorical packages, comparable to Amex Entrance of the Line and American Categorical Invitations.
- Its low earnings requirement makes it very accessible for a lot of Canadians.
Cons
- Entry to airport lounges isn’t complimentary. As an alternative, you’re supplied a reduction to Amex’s Precedence Cross lounge membership.
- The annual payment is relatively excessive, so be sure that the spend classes and earn charges make sense in your bank card habits.
- Not accepted at some retailers, together with Costco.
Greatest card for journey rewards
American Categorical Cobalt*

At a look: The earn price, welcome provide and dead-simple redemption program make this card a frontrunner for journey rewards. How does this sound? Earned rewards can be utilized at a price of $10 per 1,000 factors for any flight. On any airline. With no blackout dates. Factors may also be used for different issues like groceries, too.
- Annual payment: $156
- Rates of interest: 20.99% on purchases, 21.99% on money advances
- Earn price: 5 factors per $1 spent on eating out and groceries; 2 factors per $1 on journey and 1 further level per $1 on American Categorical Journey bookings; 1 level per $1 on all different purchases
- Welcome provide: You possibly can earn 2,500 factors for every month you spend $500, as much as a most of 30,000 factors.
- Annual earnings requirement: None
- Further advantages: Journey insurance coverage; American Categorical Invitations
Execs
- The redemption price is easy and versatile: $10 per 1,000 factors for any flight with any airline, and there aren’t any blackout dates. Factors may also be used towards the American Categorical Fastened Factors Journey or the American Categorical Lodge packages, or for on a regular basis bills at eligible shops that settle for American Categorical.
- The earn price is simply as simple to observe: 5 factors per $1 spent on meals (eating and groceries); 3 factors per $1 on eligible streaming subscriptions; 2 factors per $1 spent on journey; 1 level per $1 spent on all different purchases plus 1 further level on American Categorical journey bookings
- The earnings requirement is relatively low, making it an accessible bank card for many Canadians.
Cons
- The annual payment is charged month-to-month, and it’s larger than most different playing cards (but when it’s the precise card for you, it is best to be capable of earn it again).
- Whereas the journey perks are fairly candy, it’s not as complete as different journey playing cards, because it doesn’t provide airport lounge entry.
- In case you are 65 or older, know that the journey insurance coverage doesn’t embrace medical protection or journey cancellation in your age group.
- Not accepted at some retailers, together with Costco.
Greatest no-fee card for journey rewards
MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus Mastercard*

At a look: This no-fee card rewards customers with a beneficiant welcome provide and money again factors on on a regular basis purchases. The welcome bonus, price $50, is earned when cardholders spend not less than $500 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of getting the cardboard and join paperless statements. Additionally, you will earn double the factors on restaurant, grocery, streaming, membership and utility purchases within the first three months. After the provide interval, your earn price will return to 2 factors per $1 on these spending classes, and 1 level per $1 on every part else. Your factors are price double for journey purchases, at 100 factors for $1, whereas it takes 200 factors to assert $1 in different areas.
- Annual payment: $0
- Rates of interest: 19.99% on purchases, 24.99% on money advances, 22.99% on stability transfers
- Welcome provide: You possibly can earn 10,000 bonus factors ($50 in money again worth) (Not accessible for residents of Quebec.)
- Earn price: Earn 2 factors for each $1 spent on eligible groceries and eating places ($5,000 max annual spend per class) and 1 level per $1 on every part else
- Further advantages: Buy assurance and prolonged guarantee
Execs
- The cardboard has a beneficiant welcome provide that’s pretty simple to earn.
- The $0 payment and lack of earnings necessities make this card an accessible possibility for a lot of.
- Cardholders get an annual birthday bonus, price 10% of the factors earned within the yr earlier than your birthday month (most of 10,000 bonus factors).
Cons
- The redemption price for factors on on a regular basis purchases aside from journey is average, as factors earned for on a regular basis purchases like groceries, eating places and subscriptions are price 0.5 cents.
- The utmost spend quantity for every rewards class is about at $10,000.
Greatest Visa journey bank card
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite*

At a look: Not everybody can take advantage of out of grocery or fuel rewards, particularly should you’re younger, single, retired or residing an city life-style. And this card rewards these Canadians. Earn 5 instances the BMO Rewards factors in your spending at eating places (together with supply and takeout) and in your transit prices, like fuel, public transit and rideshares, in addition to groceries. Different classes earn at a price of 1 level per $1. You possibly can redeem factors for journey, reward playing cards and choose merchandise.
- Annual payment: $120 (waived for the primary yr)
- Rates of interest: 20.99% on purchases, 23.99% on money advances, 23.99% on stability transfers
- Welcome provide: You possibly can earn as much as 70,000 factors ($467 worth), 5 instances the factors on fuel, eating, groceries and transit for the primary yr, and 10% extra factors whenever you add a certified person. Additionally, earn a $50 life-style credit score.
- Earn price: 5 BMO Rewards factors per $1 on meals purchases, together with groceries, eating places and supply, in addition to fuel and transit purchases together with taxis and rideshares; 1 level per $1 on every part else
- Annual earnings requirement: Private earnings of $60,000 or family earnings of $100,000
- Further advantages: Visa Infinite privileges
Execs
- Spectacular earn price for eating, groceries, fuel and transit, making this a invaluable possibility due to its big selection of spending classes.
- Earn much more—10% extra—with a further cardholder.
- Visa Infinite packages are helpful for individuals who journey and love consuming out.
Cons
- Accelerated earn price is capped at $50,000 in annual purchases. After that, you’ll earn 1 level per $1 spent no matter spend class.
- The annual earnings requirement could make this card out of attain for a lot of Canadians.
Greatest Aeroplan card
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite*

At a look: Aeroplan members shall be nicely rewarded with the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite card. This card boasts a formidable welcome provide and appreciable earn price on on a regular basis purchases, serving to you get nearer to creating your trip desires a actuality. You possibly can redeem your factors for flights, lodging, automotive leases and extra. Cardholders obtain a strong earn price of 1.5 factors per $1 on fuel, grocery and Air Canada purchases, and 1 level per $1 on all different spending areas. Customers may earn two instances the factors by purchasing by way of the Aeroplan eStore utilizing their bank card and Aeroplan account quantity.
- Annual payment: $139
- Rates of interest: 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on money advances, 22.99% on stability transfers
- Welcome bonus: You possibly can earn as much as 50,000 Aeroplan factors. Situations apply. Should apply by September 5, 2023. Plus, as an anniversary bonus, earn 20,000 Aeroplan factors whenever you spend not less than $7,500 inside 12 months of opening the account.
- Earn price: 1.5 Aeroplan factors per $1 spent on fuel, groceries and direct by way of Air Canada purchases (together with holidays), 1 Aeroplan level per $1 on every part else
- Further advantages: Free checked baggage, journey insurance coverage, cellular system insurance coverage, enroll in Nexus and get an utility payment rebate each 48 months (situations apply)
- Annual earnings requirement: Private earnings of $60,000 or family earnings of $100,000
Execs
- Redeem factors on a wide range of journey purchases, not simply flights.
- Affords strong insurance coverage protection; cardholders profit from journey medical insurance coverage, journey cancellation or delay insurance coverage, auto rental collision protection and extra.
- Perks embrace financial savings on automotive leases and 50% extra Stars at Starbucks, in addition to 50% extra Aeroplan rewards.
- Entry seven unique packages, together with the Visa Infinite Luxurious Lodge Assortment—which can assist you get perks and even decrease costs whenever you keep at eligible lodges.
Cons
- Whereas the perks and extras are in depth, the earn price on on a regular basis purchases is a bit decrease than different playing cards on this checklist, and restricted to 2 classes (groceries and fuel).
- For these over the age of 65, the default journey medical insurance coverage is sort of restricted—relevant solely to the primary 4 days of your journey.
Greatest Air Miles bank card
BMO Air Miles World Elite Mastercard*

At a look: Put together to be wowed by the in depth vary of perks and rewards supplied by the BMO Air Miles World Elite Mastercard. The bottom earn price of 1 mile per $12 spent is boosted to 3 instances the Miles when purchasing with Air Miles companions, and two instances the Miles when spending on groceries. Customers can select the place to retailer their Miles, and the allocation for each—Dream Miles go in the direction of journey and different experiences, and Money Miles can be utilized to redeem money again in-store. Cardholders profit from a collection of journey advantages, together with insurance coverage, reductions on rental vehicles, and a 25% off low cost on one flight redemption wherever on this planet.
- Annual payment: $120
- Rates of interest: 20.99% on purchases, % on money advances, % on stability transfers
- Welcome bonus: You possibly can earn 3,000 AIR MILES Bonus Miles and we’ll waive the $120 annual payment for the primary yr. Should apply by July thirty first, 2023.
- Earn price: 1 Mile for each $12 spent, 3 times the rewards at Air Miles companions and two instances at eligible grocery shops
- Further advantages: As much as 15 days of out-of-province/out-of-country emergency medical safety price as much as $2 million, journey cancellation/interruption protection, baggage and private results insurance coverage, and rental automotive insurance coverage
- Annual earnings requirement: Private earnings of $80,000 or family earnings of $150,000
Execs
- Travellers beneath the age of 65 shall be nicely protected with the host of insurance coverage protection choices.
- There are quite a few incomes alternatives for cardholders to benefit from, and there’s some personalization accessible so you’ll be able to select the place you set your Miles.
- The cardboard presents some notable perks just like the Mastercard Journey Cross membership for airport lounge entry at a decreased value, and reductions on automotive leases.
Cons
- The cardboard’s annual earnings requirement places it out of attain for some.
- When you set your rewards allocation between the 2 classes, you can’t switch already-earned Miles between them.
- Journey medical insurance coverage for out-of-province or worldwide journey doesn’t apply to these over the age of 65.
Greatest low-interest bank card
MBNA True Line Gold Mastercard*

At a look: The MBNA True Line Gold Mastercard’s low normal price on purchases makes it excellent for individuals who wish to lower down on curiosity prices. If you happen to carry a stability from one other bank card, you might benefit from the low stability switch price on the cardboard as nicely. This low-interest bank card additionally presents some perks like automotive rental reductions by way of Avis and Price range, buy assurance on most objects, prolonged guarantee, journey and authorized help, which is uncommon for playing cards on this class.
- Annual payment: $39
- Rates of interest: 8.99% on purchases, 24.99% on money advances, 8.99% on stability transfers
- Annual earnings requirement: None
Execs
- Entry low rates of interest and stability switch charges for a low annual payment.
- Switch accessible credit score in your account to a chequing account or to repay the stability of as much as three different bank cards.
Cons
- The cardboard doesn’t provide something in the best way of rewards or money again.
- It doesn’t provide journey medical insurance coverage or cellular system insurance coverage.
Greatest bank card for fuel
CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite

At a look: This card is a best choice for commuters, permitting you to earn 4% money again on fuel and even save $0.10 per litre on the pump with Journie Rewards. The upper-than-average 4% earn price additionally applies to groceries. You’ll get 2% again on every day transportation—together with ridesharing providers—takeout meals and eating places, and pre-authorized recurring invoice funds. After you attain the annual restrict of $80,000 in these two classes, all purchases earn on the base price of 1%.
- Annual payment: $120 (waived for the primary yr)
- Rates of interest: 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on money advances (21.99% for Quebec residents), 22.99% on stability transfers
- Earn price: 4% money again on fuel and EV charging, 4% on groceries, 2% on eating, every day transit and recurring payments, and 1% on every part else.
- Welcome bonus: You possibly can earn 15% money again welcome bonus of as much as $300 (first 4 statements).
- Further advantages: Emergency journey medical; automotive rental collision and loss injury insurance coverage; cellular system insurance coverage; plus save as much as $0.10 per litre at collaborating Chevron, Ultramar and Pioneer fuel stations whenever you hyperlink your card with Journie Rewards
- Annual earnings required: Private earnings of $60,000 or family earnings of $100,000
Execs
- This card presents a better earn price in on a regular basis spending classes in comparison with others on this checklist, and the annual spending limits are fairly excessive.
- Get further financial savings on fuel with Journie Rewards.
- Cardholders can profit from a spread of journey and cellular insurance coverage protection.
Cons
- Out-of-province journey insurance coverage is a bit restricted in comparison with different playing cards on this checklist, with protection solely lasting as much as 10 days for these aged 64 and beneath.
Greatest bank card for groceries
Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite*

At a look: The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite rewards transcend a cookie-cutter money again program, serving to customers earn on spending for in style streaming providers and subscriptions along with on a regular basis purchases. Cardholders can earn a excessive price of 4% again on groceries; Netflix, life-style or different subscriptions; and recurring invoice funds. Each day transportation spending, together with Uber, is eligible for a 2% earn price. These high-earning classes are restricted to an annual spend of $25,000 every, after which level they’ll get you 1% money again on the card’s base price.
- Annual payment: $120 (waived for first yr)
- Rate of interest: 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on money advances, 22.99% on stability transfers
- Welcome bonus: earn 10% money again on all purchases for the primary 3 months (as much as $2,000 in complete purchases). No annual payment within the first yr, together with on further playing cards. Supply ends June 30, 2023.
- Earn price: 4% money again on groceries, 4% money again on recurring invoice funds, 2% on fuel, public transit, taxis and rideshares, and 1% on every part else
- Further perks: Complimentary membership in Mastercard Journey Cross supplied by DragonPass; unique 25% low cost on one worldwide Air Miles flight redemption throughout the calendar yr; journey emergency medical protection; journey accident, journey cancellation, journey interruption and flight delay insurance coverage, and delayed or misplaced baggage safety; automotive rental loss or injury insurance coverage; cellular system insurance coverage
- Annual earnings requirement: Private earnings of $60,000 or family earnings of $100,000
Execs
- Get excessive earn charges on widespread bills that is probably not coated beneath different money again packages.
- Affords a bunch of insurance coverage coverages.
Cons
- Money again redemption lacks flexibility because the money again is simply deposited yearly.
- The bottom earn price of 1% is pretty low, and the spending cap for rewards classes is average.
Greatest scholar bank card
BMO CashBack Mastercard*

At a look: For college kids who need a no-fee bank card that helps them earn a bit of further money, the BMO CashBack Mastercard is a robust contender. It comes with one of many highest earn charges on groceries amongst playing cards with no annual payment, and also you’ll additionally earn some money again on recurring payments and all different purchases. Plus, the simplicity of money again is ideal for busy college students who don’t wish to spend time making sense of an advanced factors system or tiered earn charges.
- Annual payment: $0
- Rates of interest: 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on money advances, % on stability transfers
- Welcome provide: You possibly can earn 5% money again in your first 3 months. Situations apply.
- Earn price: 3% money again on groceries, 1% on recurring invoice funds, 0.5% on every part else
- Further advantages: Prolonged insurance coverage on purchases made with the cardboard; as much as 25% off automotive leases at eligible Alamo and Nationwide areas
Execs
- With an annual earnings requirement of $15,000, this card is accessible to college students who wish to make this their first bank card and use it to construct a credit score historical past.
- The three% earn price on groceries (as much as a most of $500 per assertion) is the best amongst no payment money again bank cards within the nation.
- Money again could be redeemed for as little as $1, which means you get your cash whenever you want it. Plus, there’s flexibility in how one can redeem—get your money again as a recurring fee, lump sum or assertion credit score, or deposit it in a BMO chequing, financial savings or investing account.
Cons
- The spectacular earn price on groceries is capped on the first $500 you spend on purchases monthly. After that, you’ll earn the bottom price of 0.5% till the cap resets the next month.
- Like many different no-fee playing cards, this one doesn’t include journey insurance coverage or different perks.
- Cardholders obtain solely the bottom earn price of 0.5% for different costly classes, like fuel and transportation (together with Uber).
Greatest lodge card
Marriott Bonvoy American Categorical*

At a look: Travellers who steadily guide with Marriott Bonvoy properties can reap hefty rewards with the Marriott Bonvoy American Categorical. Cardholders get 5 factors per $1 spent at Marriott properties and a pair of factors per $1 in all places else, plus journey insurance coverage protection and an annual free evening’s keep in a Marriott lodge. And the flexibleness with which you’ll redeem factors is difficult to beat: Use them on stays supplied at greater than 7,000 lodge properties worldwide, flights and rental vehicles, reward playing cards, merchandise or occasion tickets—or switch them to greater than 40 airline packages, together with Aeroplan.
- Annual payment: $120
- Rates of interest: 20.99% on purchases, 21.99% on money advances
- Welcome provide: You possibly can earn as much as 75,000 factors. Supply ends July 24, 2023. Spend and different situations Apply. Plus, get a further 10,000 factors whenever you make a purchase order between 14 and 17 months. Situations apply—provide ends July 24, 2023.
- Earn price: 5 factors per $1 at Marriott properties, 2 factors per $1 in all places else
- Further perks: Journey insurance coverage, automotive rental protection, annual free evening’s lodging
- Annual earnings requirement: None
Execs
- Factors could be redeemed totally free lodge stays at greater than 7,000 lodges worldwide, together with at Marriott, Delta, Ritz-Carlton, Courtyard properties and extra.
- Switch your factors to greater than 40 airline packages, together with Aeroplan.
- Get a free evening’s lodge keep yearly.
Cons
- Marriott Bonvoy’s dynamic pricing for reward redemptions means you’ll have to guide throughout off-peak durations to maximise your factors. Reserving on peak dates reduces the worth of your redemptions.
- The annual free evening’s lodge keep begins after one yr of getting the cardboard and is sweet for a room of as much as 35,000 factors.
- The cardboard lacks journey medical and journey cancellation insurance coverage.
Greatest retailer or retail card
PC Monetary World Elite Mastercard*

At a look: If you happen to store steadily at Loblaw grocery shops and Customers Drug Mart, you’ll be able to’t go improper with the no-fee PC Monetary World Elite Mastercard. Additionally one of many finest bank cards for grocery purchases, it comes with an earn price of 30 factors per $1 in at a protracted checklist of Loblaw-owned shops, 45 factors per $1 at Customers Drug Mart, and 10 factors in all places else. Along with the vary of shops at which you’ll earn, it’s easy to redeem in 10,000-point increments (price $10) wherever PC merchandise are offered.
- Annual payment: $0
- Rates of interest: 20.97% on purchases, 22.97% on money advances, 22.97% on stability transfers
- Earn price: 30 factors per $1 in Loblaws shops (together with No Frills and Actual Canadian Superstores) and PC Journey; 45 factors per $1 spent at Customers Drug Mart; 30 factors per litre at Esso; and 10 factors in all places else
- Welcome provide: You possibly can earn 20,000 PC Optimum factors ($20 worth).
- Further perks: Journey insurance coverage, automotive rental protection
- Annual earnings requirement: Private earnings of $80,000 or family earnings of $150,000, in addition to a $15,000 minimal annual spending requirement
Execs
- Loblaw is one in every of Canada’s largest retailers, so there’s no scarcity of alternatives to earn and redeem factors.
- Stack your factors by displaying your PC Optimum card at Loblaw-affiliated shops and paying together with your PC Monetary World Elite Mastercard.
- Earn charges are excessive in comparison with different no-fee bank cards.
- Consists of sufficient journey and automotive rental insurance coverage for brief journeys.
Cons
- You’ll want a excessive private and family earnings to qualify.
- Past primary journey and automotive rental insurance coverage, the cardboard doesn’t include many perks.
- The earn price at non-affiliated shops is a modest 10 factors per $1 spent.
Greatest card for perks
American Categorical The Platinum Card*

At a look: It might include a steep annual payment of $699, however The Platinum Card from American Categorical presents unimaginable perks. With an annual $200 journey credit score, limitless entry to the widest vary of airport lounges, premium insurance coverage protection, lodge upgrades and Platinum Concierge providers, it’s a standout even amongst different top-tier premium playing cards.
- Annual payment: $699
- Rates of interest: n/a
- Earn price: 3 factors per $1 on eating and meals supply; 2 factors per $1 spent on journey; 1 level per $1 on every part else
- Welcome provide: You possibly can earn as much as 80,000 rewards factors ($800 worth).
- Further Advantages: Limitless free lounge entry at over 1,300 airport lounges; $200 annual journey credit score; journey emergency medical insurance coverage; journey accident insurance coverage; automotive rental protection; lodge upgrades; Platinum; Concierge providers; American Categorical Invitations
- Annual earnings requirement: Private earnings of $40,000
Execs
- The beneficiant $200 annual journey credit score basically reduces the annual payment to $499.
- Achieve entry to the Amex’s Fastened Factors Journey program, which lets you switch factors to dozens of different loyalty packages.
- Each 4 years, get a $100 credit score in the direction of a Nexus payment.
Cons
- The Platinum Card is a cost card, which suggests you’ll have to repay the stability in full each month. This explains why there isn’t any listed rate of interest.
- For a card with such a excessive annual payment, the journey medical insurance coverage might be higher; you’ll have protection for 15 consecutive days, whereas another playing cards provide 20 days or extra.
Greatest no-fee card for perks
Brim Mastercard

At a look: You possibly can nonetheless get a variety of perks, even if you’d like a no-fee card. Contemplate the Brim Mastercard, which helps you to earn 1% again factors on all of your purchases, plus bonuses on spends at companion shops. One other profit is that you just gained’t pay any international transaction charges, which with different playing cards can add as much as 2.5% on all in-person and on-line purchases made in non-Canadian forex.
- Annual payment: $0
- Rates of interest: 19.99% on purchases, 21.5% on money advances, 19.99% on stability transfers
- Earn price: 1 level per $1 on every part you purchase, plus bonus factors at companion retailers like Warby Parker, Nike, Microsoft and extra
- Welcome provide: You possibly can earn $200 in first time bonuses when purchasing at collaborating retailers.
- Further Advantages: No international change; free international wi-fi by Boingo; as much as $500 in cellular system insurance coverage; occasion ticket reimbursement; widespread service accident insurance coverage; versatile funds; household playing cards; budgeting and monitoring instrument
- Annual earnings requirement: None
Execs
- Don’t pay any international transaction charges on cross-border purchases made in non-Canadian {dollars}.
- Achieve entry to greater than one million hotspots worldwide with a free Boingo Wi-Fi membership.
- In contrast to many no-fee bank cards, this one comes with cellular system insurance coverage, occasion ticket reimbursement and customary service accident insurance coverage.
Cons
- The 1% normal earn price is lower than what you’ll find with different playing cards.
- Whereas some playing cards provide accelerated earn price classes, this one doesn’t. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to enhance the earn price by purchasing at companion shops.
Greatest secured bank card for constructing credit score
Dwelling Belief Secured Visa*

At a look: The Dwelling Belief Secured Visa is a robust possibility for self-employed people, college students and newcomers to Canada—or anybody who desires to enhance their credit score rating and should in any other case have problem getting accepted for a bank card. Cardholders have the choice of not paying an annual payment and being charged a reasonably normal rate of interest of 19.99% on unpaid balances, or of paying a modest $59 per yr in change for a decrease price of 14.9%. As a secured card, your spending restrict is decided by the quantity you deposit upfront, which could be wherever from $500 to $10,000.
- Annual payment: $0
- Rates of interest: 19.99% on purchases, 19.99% on money advances
- Earn charges: None
- Welcome provide: This card doesn’t have a welcome bonus right now.
- Further advantages: None
- Annual earnings requirement: None
Execs
- Cardholders can select which of the 2 rate of interest and annual payment choices most closely fits their wants—both an annual payment of $59 and a 14.90% rate of interest or no annual payment and a 19.99% rate of interest.
- Helps cardholders construct their credit score rating by reporting funds to the credit score businesses.
Cons
- The cardboard’s objective is to offer credit score to individuals with a bad credit score and who could not in any other case get accepted, so there aren’t any perks, rewards or insurance coverage protection.
- It’s essential to present a safety deposit upfront.
- Not accessible to residents of Quebec.
Greatest Mastercard
Rogers World Elite Mastercard

At a look: Providing 3% money again on U.S.-currency purchases, the Rogers World Elite Mastercard is a well-rounded card for travellers and cross-border buyers. After paying international transaction charges on U.S. purchases, you’re nonetheless left with a 0.5% return. Pair that with no annual payment and 1.5% again on all different purchases, and you’ve got a aggressive card.
- Annual payment: $0
- Rates of interest: 19.99% on purchases, 22.99% on money advances, 22.99% on stability transfers
- Welcome bonus: Obtain $25 whenever you make your first buy inside your first 3 months
- Earn price: 3% on purchases in U.S. forex (0.5% after international transaction charges); and 1.5% money again on all different purchases
- Annual earnings requirement: Private earnings of $80,000 or family earnings of $150,000
- Further advantages: Journey emergency medical insurance coverage for 10 days; rental automotive insurance coverage; journey interruption and cancellation protection
Execs
- Along with not charging an annual payment, the cardboard presents a formidable 1.5% money again on every part you purchase—a perk sometimes reserved for playing cards with annual charges.
- Nice for snowbirds and frequent U.S. travellers, as a result of the accelerated 3% money again on purchases made in U.S. {dollars} successfully offsets foreign-transaction charges on U.S. purchases.
Cons
- True no international transaction payment playing cards don’t cost charges on purchases in any international forex—they don’t solely offset the prices of purchases made in U.S. {dollars}.
- The playing cards comes with a $15,000-a-year minimal spend, and a steep annual earnings requirement.
Our methodology: How we decide the perfect playing cards
The MoneySense editorial crew selects the perfect bank cards by assessing the worth they supply to Canadians throughout numerous classes. Our greatest total bank cards rating relies on an intensive checklist of card particulars and options, together with annual charges, rates of interest, welcome presents, rewards earn charges and redemption choices, annual earnings necessities, approval chance and velocity, and perks comparable to insurance coverage protection, buy safety, roadside help, rebates, reductions and airport lounge entry. We now have additionally thought of the professionals and cons of every card that will help you decide which of them finest fit your monetary wants. Our rankings are an unbiased supply of knowledge for Canadians. The addition of hyperlinks from affiliate companions has no bearing on the outcomes. Learn extra about how MoneySense makes cash.
A information to bank cards in Canada
How do bank cards work?
While you use a bank card, you’re taking out a short-term mortgage with a stability that comes due each month. As you pay down your stability, the credit score accessible to you the next month begins to return as much as the utmost credit score restrict in your card. There are a lot of methods you need to use a bank card. For instance, many playing cards can be utilized for purchases, for stability transfers and/or money advances. As helpful as they’re, it’s essential to grasp easy methods to use bank cards responsibly to keep away from falling into monetary bother.
What are some great benefits of utilizing a bank card?
One of many main advantages of a bank card is comfort. You possibly can merely pay in your buy understanding you can be billed for the excellent stability the next month—no want to hold money in your pockets.
Different advantages embrace the flexibility to accrue rewards and factors—comparable to money again or journey factors—based mostly on a share of your purchases every month; relying on the cardboard you select, it begins at 1% and goes as much as 4%. You possibly can then redeem these factors for reward playing cards, journey or different objects supplied by way of the bank card firm’s on-line rewards catalogue.
Bank cards may allow you to construct credit score. All the time paying on time will assist you obtain a excessive credit score rating (650 plus), permitting you to borrow for a mortgage or a automotive mortgage sooner or later at an inexpensive rate of interest from a monetary establishment.
Evaluating several types of bank cards: Which one is finest?
Deciding which kind of bank card is finest is about prioritizing your wants. If you happen to normally carry a stability otherwise you wish to cut back your debt, it is best to strongly contemplate a low-interest bank card or a stability switch card. If you happen to repay your stability in full each month, you’ll seemingly profit extra from a journey bank card or a money again bank card, each of that are thought of forms of rewards bank cards. Journey playing cards can provide profitable rewards, however except you journey steadily, there could also be no level in getting one—a money again card often is the solution to go. Be taught extra in regards to the classes of playing cards accessible in Canada:
With regards to rewards bank cards, the title says all of it. These are playing cards that provide you with one thing again whenever you spend with them, whether or not it’s factors, miles or money. The extra you spend, the extra rewards you get. For individuals who repay their stability in full each month, these playing cards can actually add worth. There are 4 predominant forms of rewards playing cards:
Money again bank cards
Money again playing cards provide a rebate credited to your stability, normally calculated as a share of the greenback worth of your purchases. Most of those playing cards have accelerated earn charges in sure classes (groceries and fuel, for instance), and so they all have a minimal base price for spending exterior these classes. Your money again rewards can assist you save on something you should purchase together with your card.
Journey bank cards
These playing cards provide factors or miles to be redeemed in the direction of travel-related purchases comparable to flights, lodges, cruises and/or trip packages. Rewards may not be as simple as money again, however journey factors playing cards can assist you save massive on upcoming journeys, with many providing perks together with sign-up bonuses, complete journey insurance coverage and airport lounge entry.
Retailer bank cards
These playing cards reward you with factors for on a regular basis purchases that may be redeemed for reductions off objects out of your favorite retailer. The thought is to reward model loyalty with invaluable advantages. The PC Monetary Mastercard and the Canadian Tire Mastercard bank cards are nice examples.
Lodge bank cards
Just like journey playing cards, lodge bank cards reward shoppers with factors redeemable for lodge stays and perks. These playing cards are sometimes linked or co-branded with a selected lodge model or loyalty program, like Marriott Bonvoy or Greatest Western Rewards.
Choosing the perfect card: What else to contemplate
When you’ve chosen the class of card that you really want, contemplate the earn price, further advantages and kind of factors earned with every card. If you happen to occur to spend so much on fuel and groceries, search for a card with a excessive earn price for these classes. The annual payment must also be thought of. There’s a huge collection of no-fee bank cards in Canada. Though nobody likes to pay an annual payment merely to make use of their card, annual-fee playing cards sometimes provide extra in perks and worth again—which means you’ll be able to nonetheless simply come out on high financially.
Steadily requested questions
Your resolution will come down as to if a money again or journey rewards bank card fits your wants and spending habits finest. Journey rewards could be profitable, however what you earn from a money again card could be spent on something—or saved.
When contemplating a money again card, take inventory of your spending habits and choose the cardboard that may earn you essentially the most rewards. For instance, should you spend so much on fuel, then choose a card that earns you extra money again at fuel stations. Excessive earn charges are nice, however remember the fact that lots of the high playing cards have a excessive earnings requirement.
Additionally be aware that some money again bank cards will solely provide you with what you’ve earned after you attain a minimal quantity or as soon as per calendar yr. Learn the way you’ll receives a commission, and ensure you’re okay with it earlier than you apply. If you happen to’re contemplating a card with an annual payment, be sure that the money again you earn is price greater than the payment. If it’s not, keep on with a no-fee card.
The newest bank card information
Extra of Canada’s finest bank cards:
What does the * imply?
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