10 Best Signup Bonus Credit Cards of October 2026 in Canada
Published Aug 22, 2026 6:27 PM • 10 min read
When getting a new credit card, receiving a large signup bonus is always a great perk. Below, we’ve listed a selection of cards tailored to different use cases and audiences that we think you’ll like.
Data-driven rankings of 120+ credit cards using a proprietary algorithm
Comprehensive analysis using 25+ data points including terms and conditions, points programs, and more
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FinlyWealth's credit cards content, including rankings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of engineers and writers who specialize in credit cards, banking, and personal finance. Our work has been featured in The Globe and Mail, GoBankingRates, and AOL. Our proprietary analysis systems evaluate product features, terms, and conditions to deliver comprehensive reviews and comparisons while maintaining strict editorial standards for accuracy and integrity.
An exclusive $225 rebate, no FX fees and up to 100,001 bonus Scene+ points
Earn up to $3,000* in value in the first 14 months, including up to 100,0001 bonus Scene+ points.
on FinlyWealth
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Best Signup Bonus Credit Cards in Canada
Our choice for: Best overall
on Scotiabank's website
Welcome Bonus
Earn up to $950 in welcome offers, first year rewards and savings value, and up to 50,000 bonus Scene+ points.
Annual Fee
$120
Interest Rates
21.99% / 22.99%
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
5/5
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is one of our favorite cards. It has a very solid rewards program, earning one of the highest rewards among all credit cards in Canada. In addition, it offers comprehensive travel benefits, including the rare and valuable no foreign transaction fee benefit, making it a great and balanced credit card in terms of both rewards and benefits. The first-year annual fee waiver is the cherry on top, providing even greater value to cardholders.
Pros
- No foreign transaction fees
- Well-rounded rewards
- Shell Fuel Savings
- Comprehensive insurance
- Flexible redemptions
- Instant decision. No credit impact.
Cons
- Limited acceptance
- No lounge access
- Annual fee
Rewards
- Earn 6x Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more*
- Earn 5x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.*
- Earn 5x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.*
- Earn 3x Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more*
- Earn 3x Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services*
- Plus earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
- Earn additional benefits + up to 4x Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 2, 2026. Subject to change.
Insurance
Coverage
Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
$1M, Up to 25 daysTravel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)
$1M, Up to 3 days
Trip Cancellation
$1,500/person, $10,000/trip
Trip Interruption
$1,500/person, $10,000/trip
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500/person, $1,000/trip
Baggage Delay
$500/person, $1,000/trip After 4 hoursFlight Delay
$500/person
Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$500K/person, $1M/occurrence.svg)
Car Rental Damage & Theft
$65K up to 48 days
Hotel Burglary Insurance
$1,000/occurrence
Mobile Device Insurance
$1,000
Purchase Protection
90 days
Extended Warranty
Up to 1 year
Benefits
Details
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Avoid the 2.5% foreign transaction fees incurred when spending in non $CAD.svg)
Gas Discount2
Get up to 12¢/L in value on fuel purchases at Shell stations
American Express® Experiences
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Concierge Services
Discount
Discount on PriorityPass Membership
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$12,000 personal or $12,000 household
Our choice for: Best for VIPorter Travelers
on BMO's website
Welcome Bonus
Get up to 70,000 VIPorter points and a round-trip companion pass.* Plus receive $1,000 in Qualifying Spend.*
Annual Fee
$199 $0
Interest Rates
21.99% / 23.99%□
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
4.5/5
This is easily the best credit card in Canada for frequent Porter airline (and its partners) travelers. Earning 2x VIPorter points on common everyday purchases like groceries, dining and transportation is a massive benefit, allowing you to rack up points really fast and enjoy travel via Porter and it's airline partners. The premium benefits of this card make your travels smooth as you get priority security screening, early boarding and priority re-accommodation for flight delays, one complimentary checked bag, a carry-on bag with every fare type (including Basic), and complimentary PorterClassic seat selection.
Awards & Recognition
Best Airline Loyalty Credit Card
2026
Pros
- First-year fee rebate
- Generous welcome bonus
- Solid everyday earning opportunities
- Impressive Porter redemptions
- Comprehensive coverage
- Valuable travel perks
Cons
- Higher annual fee
- Companion pass spending requirement
- Limited redemption opportunities
- Spending caps
- High income requirements
Rewards
- Earn 3 VIPorter points for every $1 spent on eligible Porter purchases via flyporter.com (up to $20,000 in spending annually)
- Earn 2 VIPorter point for every $1 spent on eligible gas and transportation purchases (up to $5,000 in spending annually combined)
- Earn 2 VIPorter point for every $1 spent on eligible groceries and dining purchases (up to $10,000 in spending annually combined)
- Earn 2 VIPorter point for every $1 spent on eligible hotel accommodation purchases (up to $5,000 in spending annually)
- Earn 1 VIPorter point for every $1 spent everywhere else
- Primary cardholders will receive an annual companion pass after spending a minimum of $50,000 (less refunds and excluding cash advances, cash-like transactions, interest charges, fees, credit or debit adjustments) within the first 365 days after the account open date. On the anniversary date of your card, the calculation of the purchases will reset to zero and primary cardholders must qualify again for the new annual period.
Insurance
Coverage
Extended Warranty
1 yearPurchase Protection
90 daysTravel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
Up to $5M per insured person, per trip, for 21 days per tripCommon Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
Up to $500,000 per insured personTrip Cancellation
Up to $1,500 per insured person, per trip (maximum of $5,000 per trip for all insured persons combined)Trip Interruption
$2,000 per insured personFlight Delay
Up to a maximum of $500 per trip for all insured persons combinedBaggage Delay
Up to $500 per insured person, to a maximum of $1,000 per trip for all insured persons combined, for the purchase of essential itemsLost or Stolen Baggage
Up to $500 per insured person to a maximum of $1,000 per trip for all insured persons combinedHotel Burglary Insurance
Up to $1,000 per occurrence for all insured persons combinedCar Rental Damage & Theft
Rental period up to 48 days, with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of up to $65,000
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass. As a member enjoy lounge access for a fee of just US$32 per person, per visit.*.svg)
Free first checked bag
1 complimentary checked bag as well as 1 complimentary carry-on bag on all Porter fare types up to 8 companions travelling on the same booking
Companion Voucher
A round-trip companion pass per year
Priority Travel
Priority check-in, security, and early boarding for up to 8 companions travelling on the same booking
Car Rental Discount
Save up to 20% on National Car Rental®†† and Alamo Rent A Car®†† and up to 5% on Enterprise Rent-A-Car®†† at locations worldwide using the Car Rental Booking toolHotel Booking Discount
Save up to 7% on your Booking.com prepaid hotel or property rental bookings at booking.com/mastercardcanada*
Mastercard On-Demand and Subscription Services
Discount
Enjoy six months of Instacart+ and a $10 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$80,000 personal or $150,000 household
Our choice for: Cashback for Grocery and Recurring Transaction Purchasers
on Scotiabank's website
Welcome Bonus
Earn 15% Cash Back on all purchases for the first 3 months, a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers, and no annual card fees in the first year
Annual Fee
$120 $0
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.99%
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
4.6/5
The 4% cashback offered on groceries and recurring purchases is the highest among all other credit cards. With the first year's annual fee waived, and with the right transactions used on this credit card, a high amount of cashback could be earned.
Pros
- High grocery optimization
- High recurring payment optimization
- High insurance coverage
- First-year fee rebate
- Car rental discounts
Cons
- Low base earn rate
- Income requirements
Rewards
- 4% for every $1 you spend on grocery store purchases, recurring bill payments and subscription purchases
- 2% for every $1 you spend on gas and daily transit purchases
- New 2% Cash Back earn category: You will earn 2% on all eligible purchases of Food Delivery4
- 1% cash back on all other purchases with no cashback limit
- New Cash Back Anytime feature: Redeem your cash back that you’ve earned whenever you need it, through the Scotia app or Scotia Online ($25.00 minimum redemption)¹
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 2, 2026. Subject to change.
Insurance
Coverage
Mobile Device Insurance
$1,000Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$500,000Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
15 daysTrip Interruption
$2,000Trip Cancellation
$1,500Flight Delay
$500Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500Baggage Delay
$500Car Rental Damage & Theft
48 daysPurchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
1 year
Benefits
Details
Car Rental Discount
25% off base rate of Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A CarDiscount11
Yearly GigSky 1GB/15-Day plan, 20% off future purchases, and 10GB of global data for 15 days with Travel Essentials
Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
YesGas Discount12
Get up to 7¢/L in value on fuel purchases at Shell stations
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$60,000 personal or $100,000 household
Our choice for: Air Canada frequent travellers
Welcome Bonus
Earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points.
Annual Fee
See Rates
Interest Rates
21.99%* / 21.99%*
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
4.7/5
If you are a frequent Air Canada traveler, having an Aeroplan card for perks like free checked bags and priority service can be very beneficial. Many financial institutions offer Aeroplan cards, but we don't believe the American Express version is the best one. Opting for another option might be better. However, the Amex card does have a very large sign-up bonus, making it a great choice for those specifically seeking that.
Pros
- Generous rewards rate
- Free checked bags
- Preferred flight pricing
- Unlimited airport lounge access
- Extensive coverage
- Instant decision. No credit impact.
Cons
- Limited acceptance
- Limited loyalty rewards
- High annual fee
- Limited lounge brand access
Rewards
- 3x Aeroplan® points per $1 spent on eligible Air Canada® and Air Canada Vacations® purchases
- 2x Aeroplan® points per $1 spent on eligible dining & food delivery purchases
- 1.25x Aeroplan® points per $1 spent on all other purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
15 daysTrip Cancellation
$1,500/person, $3,000/tripTrip Interruption
$1,500/person, $6,000/tripFlight Delay
$1,000/person after 4 hoursBaggage Delay
$1,000/person after 6 hoursLost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$500,000Car Rental Damage & Theft
48 daysHotel Burglary Insurance
$1,000Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
1 year
Benefits
Details
Free first checked bag
First checked bag is free for primary cardholder on Air Canada branded flight and up to 8 guests
Nexus Program Rebate
$100 every 4 yearsAmex Experiences™
Amex Experiences™ opens doors for you to access a number of special events, including special dining experiences, VIP parties, advance film screenings and more
Extra points
Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and over 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore.svg)
Status lift
Complimentary upgrade to Avis® President's ClubStatus lift
Get a 10% Head Start. Starting in 2027, eligible Basic Cardmembers with Aeroplan EliteTM* Status will receive a 10% head start toward qualification, based on Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) accumulated the year before. Roll over any unallocated unused eUpgrade Credits to the following year to enjoy during your travelsStatus lift
Primary Cardholders who also hold Aeroplan Elite Status will benefit from an extra 12 months to use eUpgrade credits, for a total of 24 months from issuance.Priority Travel
At Toronto Pearson airport get benefits such as Priority Security lane, Complimentary valet, premium parking spots, priorioty taxi and limo lane and discount for parking and car care.Priority Travel
Get Priority Check-in, Priority Boarding and Priority Baggage Handling, Priority Airport Standby & Priority Airport Upgrades for you, your authorized users and up to 8 companions on the same flight (Only AirCanada)Airport Lounge - Priority Pass
Pass only. No Complimentary visits!Airport Lounge - Maple Leaf and AirCanada Cafes
Unlimited Access for you and one guestCompanion Voucher
Annual Worldwide Companion Pass from $99 to a max of $599 After spending $25,000 on your card
Free Extra Night at Hotels
Cardmembers can now get an extra night free for every 3 hotel nights redeemed with Aeroplan points. Enjoy even more at over 300,000 hotel properties worldwide
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
Our choice for: Best for mid tier Amex
Welcome Bonus
Earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points
Annual Fee
$250
Interest Rates
21.99%* / 21.99%*
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
4.3/5
The American Express® Gold Rewards Card is an excellent choice for travelers seeking an entry-level card that offers a strong balance of generous travel benefits without excessive costs. With a relatively low annual fee, this card provides flexibility and a range of perks that make it stand out among other options. It’s ideal for those who want to maximize their travel rewards without being tied to a specific airline or compromising on the benefits offered.
Pros
- Flexible rewards
- Travel perks
- Comprehensive insurance
- Multiple redemption options
- Instant decision. No credit impact.
Cons
- High annual fee
- Foreign transaction fees
- Limited senior travel insurance
- Limited acceptance
Rewards
- 2x points per $1 spent on gas, groceries and drugstore purchases
- 2x points per $1 spent on travel (eligible flights, hotels, tours and more)
- 1x point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
15 daysTrip Cancellation
$1,500 per person, $3,000 combinedTrip Interruption
$1,500 per person, $6,000 combinedFlight Delay
$500Baggage Delay
$500Hotel Burglary Insurance
$500Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$500,000Car Rental Damage & Theft
yesPurchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to 1 year
Benefits
Details
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Travel Credit
$100Nexus Program Rebate
$50 statement credit every 4 yearsAirport Lounge - Priority Pass
Pass only. No Complimentary visits!Airport Lounge - Plaza Premium
4 Free complimentary visits
Complimentary Hotel Benefits
Hotels booked American Express TravelStatus lift
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® loyalty programAmerican Express® Experiences
Extra points
Earn 2 points on Amex Travel Online purchases and extra points on American Express offers
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
Our choice for: Overall travel and no FX fees
on Scotiabank's website
Welcome Bonus
Earn up to $1,250 in value, including up to 35,000 bonus Scene+ points
Annual Fee
$150
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.99%
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
4.8/5
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + is a strong choice for frequent travelers, especially those who value flexibility and premium perks. It stands out with its rare benefit of no foreign transaction fees, making international purchases more cost-effective. Additionally, the card offers a valuable blend of travel perks, including airport lounge access, comprehensive insurance coverage, and flexible rewards, making it an ideal companion for those who frequently travel abroad and want to avoid extra fees while enjoying premium benefits.
Awards & Recognition
Best Travel Credit Card
2026
Pros
- High rewards
- No foreign transaction fees
- Airport lounge access
- Shell Fuel Savings
- Comprehensive insurance
- Generous intro offer
Cons
- High income requirements
- High annual fee
Rewards
- Earn 3x Scene+™ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more†
- Earn 2x Scene+™ points for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including rideshares, buses, subways taxis and more)†
- Plus earn 1 Scene+™ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases†
- Earn additional benefits + up to 4x Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia†
Insurance
Coverage
Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
$2M/insured up to 25 daysTravel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)
$2M/insured up to 3 daysTrip Cancellation
$1,500/person, $10,000/tripTrip Interruption
$2,500/person, $10,000/tripFlight Delay
$500/person after 4 hoursLost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000Baggage Delay
$1,000Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$500,000/insured, $1M combinedCar Rental Damage & Theft
$65,000 up to 48 daysHotel Burglary Insurance
$1,000Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
1 year
Benefits
Details
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Avoid the usual 2.5% forex fees on your purchases when you travel outside of CanadaAirport Lounge - Dragon Pass
6 Free complimentary visitsGas Discount2
Get up to 10¢/L in value on fuel purchases at Shell stationsStatus lift
Avis® Preferred Plus membershipConcierge Services
Discount**
Yearly GigSky 1GB/15-Day plan, 20% off future purchases, and 10GB of global data for 15 days with Travel EssentialsVisa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$60,000 personal or $100,000 household
Our choice for: Perks and No Foreign Transaction Fee
on Scotiabank's website
Welcome Bonus
Earn up to 80,000 bonus Scene+ points
Annual Fee
$599
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.99%
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
4.5/5
For frequent flyers who want a single card that handles almost every travel need, this one’s hard to beat. It offers a hefty intro bonus, an annual Scene+ Travel credit that’s as good as cash when you book through Expedia, and complimentary DragonPass lounge visits each year. Pair that with no foreign‑currency markup, rich earn rates on travel and dining/entertainment, and unusually comprehensive travel insurance, and the annual fee can pay for itself quickly for anyone who travels a few times a year.
Pros
- No foreign transaction fees
- Generous welcome bonus
- Annual travel credit
- Shell Fuel Savings
- Airport lounge access
- Accelerated earn rates
- Comprehensive coverage
- Premium extras
Cons
- Higher annual fee
- Steep qualifications bar
- Fixed-value Scene+ points
Rewards
- Earn 3X the Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on eligible travel purchases. Plus, earn an extra 3X the points on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do when you book through Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia. That's a total of 6X the points!
- Earn 2X the Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on eligible dining and entertainment.
- Plus, earn 1X the Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on all other eligible purchases.
Insurance
Coverage
Mobile Device Insurance
$1,000Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
$5M/insured up to 31 daysTravel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)
$5M/insured up to 10 daysTrip Cancellation
$2,500/person, $10,000/tripTrip Interruption
$5,000/person, $25,000/tripFlight Delay
$1,000/personLost or Stolen Baggage
$2,500/person (max $5,000 per trip)Baggage Delay
$1,000/personHotel Burglary Insurance
$2,500Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$500,000/insuredCar Rental Damage & Theft
Covers vehicles MSRP ≤ $85k, rentals ≤ 48 daysPurchase Protection
180 daysExtended Warranty
2 years
Benefits
Details
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Avoid the usual 2.5% forex fees on your purchases when you travel outside of CanadaTravel Credit
$250 annual Scene+ Travel credit – automatic statement credit on your first Expedia‑powered booking each membership year.Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
10 Free complimentary visitsGas Discount2
Get up to 10¢/L in value on fuel purchases at Shell stationsStatus lift
Avis President’s Club membership – two class upgrades, priority service.Concierge Services
24/7 Visa Infinite Privilege concierge (English & French)Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
Priority Travel
Dedicated security and taxi lanes, valet and parking discounts at select Canadian airports.
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$150,000 personal or $200,000 household
Our choice for: No Fee Signup Bonus Credit Card
on MBNA's website
Welcome Bonus
Up to 10,000 bonus points†† + 4x points on restaurant, grocery, digital media, membership and household utility purchases††
Annual Fee
$0
Interest Rates
21.99% / 22.99%
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
3.4/5
The MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus MasterCard is a solid no-annual-fee card choice with high returns on restaurant and grocery purchases, which are the most common spending categories for most people. Additionally, it offers one of the highest signup bonuses for a no-annual-fee card. However, there are two main considerations before choosing this card. If you are open to a card with an annual fee, many other cards offer better rewards. Furthermore, the points earned need to be used for travel to fully benefit from this card; otherwise, if you are not planning to use the points for travel, you are better off with a cashback or another type of card.
Pros
- Top no-fee contender
- Impressive optimization
- Generous welcome bonus
- Annual birthday bonus
Cons
- Low non-travel value
- Relatively weaker reward rates
Rewards
- Earn 4 points†† for every $1 spent on eligible restaurant, grocery, digital media, membership and household utility purchases during the first 90 days (these earn rates apply until $10,000 is spent annually in the applicable category)
- 2 points‡ for every $1 spent on restaurant, grocery, digital media, membership and household utility purchases (these earn rates apply until $10,000 is spent annually in the applicable category)
- 1 point‡ for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
- Each year, you will receive Birthday Bonus Points‡ equal to 10% of the total number of Points earned in the 12 months before the month of your birthday, to a maximum Birthday Bonus each year of 10,000 Points
Insurance
Coverage
Mobile Device Insurance
$1000Purchase Protection
Up to 90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to a year
Benefits
Details
Annual Birthday Bonus
10% of the Points earned the 12 months prior to the primary cardholder's birthday month (up to a max 10,000 bonus points per year)Car Rental Discount
10% off base rate of Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car in Canada and US and 5% internationally
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
Our choice for: Perks and Lounge Access
Welcome Bonus
Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points
Annual Fee
$799
Interest Rates
21.99% - 30%* / N/A*
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
4.6/5
If you're a frequent traveler, the Platinum card is an excellent choice. It's highly recommended for its extensive travel benefits, including unlimited lounge access for you and a guest at the American Express Lounge collection, making it the best card for lounge access in Canada. The card also offers unique perks not commonly found with other Canadian cards, such as status upgrades at Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton, dining and travel credits, concierge service, airport benefits, Nexus application reimbursement, and more. These benefits can more than offset the annual fee. However, if you don't travel often or are mainly looking for a card that maximizes rewards, this card may not be the best option for you.
Awards & Recognition
Best Lounge Access Credit Card
2026
Pros
- Most premium perks
- Dining and travel credits
- Unlimited airport lounge access
- Multiple redemption options
- Comprehensive coverage
- Luxurious metal card
- Instant decision. No credit impact.
Cons
- High annual fee
- Limited acceptance
- Benefit limitations
Rewards
- 2x points per $1 spent on eligible dining & food delivery purchases (restaurant, fast food, coffee shop, food delivery)
- 2x points per $1 spent on eligible travel purchases (flights, hotels, tours and more)
- 1x point per $1 spent for all other purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
15 daysTrip Cancellation
$2,500Trip Interruption
$2,500Flight Delay
$1,000Baggage Delay
$1,000Hotel Burglary Insurance
$1000Lost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$500,000Car Rental Damage & Theft
YesPurchase Protection
120 daysExtended Warranty
1 year
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - American Express Global Lounge
Take full advantage of The American Express Global Lounge CollectionTM which unlocks access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide. This includes The Centurion® Lounge network, Plaza Premium Lounges, and hundreds of other domestic and international lounges designed to enhance your travel experience. Terms and Conditions applyTravel Credit
$200
Dining Credit
$200 at Select RestaurantsNexus Program Rebate
$100 statement credit every 4 yearsComplimentary Hotel Benefits
Enjoy complimentary benefits that offer an average value of $550 USD at over 1,600 extraordinary properties worldwide when you book Fine Hotels + ResortsStatus lift
Upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold StatusStatus lift
Upgrade to Marriott BonvoyTM Gold Elite statusPriority Travel
At Toronto Pearson Airport get Priority Security lane, Complimentary valet and 15% discount at the Express Park and daily parkConcierge Services
Trip and legal Assistance
American Express® Experiences
Extra points
Earn 2 points on Amex Travel Online purchases and extra points on American Express offers
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
Our choice for: Cashback Credit Card
Welcome Bonus
Up to $250 ($200 in first year)
Annual Fee
$119.88⁕
$9.99 Paid Monthly
⁕ For Quebec, $119/year
Interest Rates
21.99%* / 21.99%*
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
4.6/5
The Simply Cash Preferred is one of the best cashback credit cards in Canada. The base cashback rate of 2% is great for all purchases, but the 4% on groceries and gas, which are two of the highest expenses for most people is the cherry on top of their great cashback program.
Awards & Recognition
Best Gas Credit Card
2026
Pros
- High cashback rates
- Solid base rate
- Comprehensive insurance
- Instant decision. No credit impact.
Cons
- Annual cashback redemptions
- Lower acceptance
- Annual fee
Rewards
- 4% cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada
- 4% cash back on eligible grocery purchases in Canada (up to $1,200 cash back annually)
- 2% cash back on all other eligible purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
$5M/insured PersonFlight Delay
$500Baggage Delay
$500Hotel Burglary Insurance
$500Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$100,000Car Rental Damage & Theft
$85K up to 48 daysMobile Device Insurance
$1,000Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
1 year
Benefits
Details
Amex Experiences™
Access events and special offers curated for Cardmembers with Amex Experiences™
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
Key Factors to Consider Before Picking a Credit Card with a Sign-Up Bonus
If you plan to switch credit cards frequently, targeting cards with generous sign-up bonuses can be a smart strategy to maximize your rewards. This is because the value of ongoing rewards and perks tends to diminish over time. However, if you intend to keep a card long-term, the sign-up bonus should be just one of several factors in your decision. You should also consider the card’s overall rewards structure, insurance coverage, annual fees, and additional perks to ensure it aligns with your spending habits and financial goals.
From our editors: The full list of Best Sign-up Bonus Credit Cards in Canada For 2026
Choice for great rewards, travel benefits and no foreign transaction fee: Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card stands out as a top travel credit card with a strong welcome bonus and practical benefits for everyday and international spending. It offers excellent value right from the start, with lower annual income requirements and a more accessible annual fee compared to many premium travel cards.
Cardholders earn Scene+ points on everyday purchases, with top earning potential in categories like groceries, gas, dining, and entertainment. These points can be redeemed for travel, giving users a flexible and rewarding way to turn spending into future trips. The card also includes extensive travel insurance and the rare advantage of no foreign transaction fees, making it well-suited for both domestic and international use.
The welcome bonus offers a significant boost in Scene+ points when minimum spending requirements are met in the first few months and throughout the first year. Combined with the card’s ongoing earning potential, this makes it a compelling option for travelers who want strong first-year value and everyday rewards without the need for a high annual income or luxury-tier fee. To learn more read Scotiabank Gold American Express Card review.
Choice for Air Canada frequent travellers: American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
On top of offering one of the highest welcome bonuses available, the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card provides strong ongoing value for travelers who frequently fly with Air Canada. Cardholders earn elevated Aeroplan points on eligible purchases with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations, and also benefit from a wide range of premium travel perks, including priority check-in, boarding, and access to select airport lounges.
While the card includes solid travel insurance coverage and valuable benefits, its full potential is best realized by those who regularly redeem points for Aeroplan flights. The Aeroplan program is most rewarding when used within its own ecosystem, making this card an excellent fit for loyal Air Canada travelers looking to accumulate and redeem points efficiently.
With its generous welcome bonus, accelerated earning on Air Canada purchases, and extensive travel benefits, the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card is a top-tier option for Canadians who prioritize flying with Air Canada and want to elevate their travel experience. To learn more read American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card review.
Choice for VIPorter travellers: BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard
The BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard is an excellent choice for frequent Porter Airlines travelers who want to earn valuable rewards and enjoy enhanced travel perks. Alongside a generous welcome bonus in VIPorter points, this card offers benefits designed specifically for those loyal to the Porter network.
After meeting the minimum spend requirement within the first few months, cardholders can unlock the full welcome bonus, a round-trip companion pass, and a boost in Qualifying Spend, which helps them move closer to the next tier in the VIPorter Avid Traveller program. These perks can make Porter flights more rewarding and comfortable, while the first-year annual fee waiver adds even more value. For travelers who regularly fly with Porter Airlines, this card provides a well-rounded package of rewards, elite status acceleration, and travel flexibility. To learn more read BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard review.
Choice for overall travel: Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card
Credited as one of the best overall travel credit cards in Canada, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card also stands out for offering a strong welcome bonus tailored to frequent travellers. New cardholders can unlock this bonus after meeting a minimum spend requirement in the first few months, providing a valuable boost to kickstart their rewards journey.
What makes this card especially appealing is how seamlessly the welcome bonus integrates with the card’s robust travel rewards program. Cardholders earn elevated points on travel-related purchases like hotel bookings, car rentals, and experiences through Scene+ Travel, as well as at popular grocery partners and in everyday categories like dining, entertainment, and transit. The card also includes premium travel perks such as no foreign transaction fees, airport lounge access, and comprehensive insurance coverage—all while waiving the annual fee in the first year.
Thanks to its balance of strong travel benefits, everyday earning potential, and a competitive sign-up bonus, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card is a top choice for Canadians looking to earn meaningful rewards from both travel and daily spending. To learn more read Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card review.
Choice for best overall signup bonus credit card: American Express Platinum Card
Although it comes with a premium annual fee, the American Express Platinum Card offers unmatched travel perks, especially in the area of airport lounge access. With access to over 1,400 lounges worldwide through the American Express Global Lounge Collection, frequent travelers can enjoy elevated comfort while in transit. The card also includes a travel credit, hotel status upgrades, and priority travel benefits at Toronto Pearson Airport, making it one of the most comprehensive travel credit cards available in Canada.
To unlock the full value of the welcome bonus, cardholders must meet the minimum spending requirement within the initial months of membership. For those who do, the reward is one of the highest welcome bonuses in Canada, delivering significant first-year value alongside the card’s premium travel benefits. To learn more read American Express Platinum Card review.
Choice for perks and no foreign transaction fee: Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Privilege Card
In addition to offering one of the most valuable welcome bonuses in the travel credit card space, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Privilege Card delivers exceptional rewards on travel spending. Cardholders earn elevated Scene+ points on every dollar spent, with additional bonus points on hotel bookings, car rentals, and experiences made through Scene+ Travel, making it a strong choice for frequent travelers who want to maximize returns.
Beyond its rewards structure, this card provides comprehensive travel insurance, including extensive trip interruption coverage, along with premium travel perks designed for comfort and convenience. One of its standout features is the no foreign transaction fee, allowing you to save on international purchases and truly travel fee-free.
With its strong welcome bonus, robust earning potential, and premium travel protections, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Privilege Card is a top-tier option for Canadians who want flexibility, value, and peace of mind while traveling. To learn more read Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Privilege Card review.
Choice for no fee credit card: MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus Mastercard
The MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus Mastercard offers a compelling set of perks for budget-conscious users, especially in the early months of card membership. New cardholders can earn a welcome bonus through a combination of easy-to-meet requirements, such as enrolling in paperless statements and meeting a modest spending threshold within the first 90 days. During the initial period, users also benefit from elevated earn rates on everyday spending categories like groceries, restaurants, digital media, and utilities, adding extra value early on.
Beyond the welcome perks, the card continues to provide value year after year with features like a unique annual birthday bonus, which gives 10% back in points based on the previous year’s earnings. Additional benefits such as car rental discounts and mobile device insurance enhance the overall package, making this card a strong choice for those looking to earn rewards without a high annual fee or strict income requirements. To learn more read MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus Mastercard review.
Choice for cashback credit card: SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express
If you're looking for a welcome bonus in the form of cashback, the SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express is one of the top choices in Canada. Designed for high spenders in everyday categories like gas and groceries, this card offers strong cashback potential right from the start.
The cashback welcome bonus is delivered through an elevated earn rate during the first few months of membership, giving new cardholders a valuable boost on all purchases. Additionally, a statement credit offered in the second year adds to the card’s first-year value, making it a rewarding option for those who prefer straightforward cashback over points-based programs. To learn more read SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express review.
Choice for cashback for grocery and recurring transaction purchasers: Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite + Card
The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite + Card is a powerful cashback card designed to reward everyday spending in essential categories like gas, groceries, recurring bill payments, and daily transit. It's well-suited for those looking to earn meaningful returns on routine purchases throughout the year.
New cardholders can benefit from a welcome bonus that offers an elevated cashback rate during the first few months of membership, providing strong upfront value. Additionally, the first-year annual fee is waived, making it easier to experience the card’s full benefits without an initial cost.
With its combination of category-based rewards, early cashback incentives, and practical features, the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite + Card delivers excellent value for those who want to earn cashback effortlessly on their day-to-day expenses. To learn more read Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite + Card review.
How we picked these cards
The biggest factor was selecting cards that offered the highest sign-up bonus value, meaning the total value of the bonus after subtracting the card’s annual fee. Next, the required spending levels to qualify for the sign-up bonus were taken into account. Finally, the cards were categorized based on the different ways the bonuses could be redeemed, depending on each person’s use case.
How Do Credit Card Sign-up Bonuses work
Credit card sign-up bonuses offer cardholders an incentive for opening a new credit card account. If you meet a card's imposed minimum spending requirement on eligible transactions within a set timeframe, you'll be able to collect extra cashback or points, typically as a lump sum.
For example, your credit card may offer you a welcome bonus of up to 10,000 points. To get those points, however, you'll need to spend, say, $1,000 on your card within those first few months of membership. For some households, hitting that $1,000 mark might be pretty easy. If not, you'll want to sign-up for this card when you know that you'll be spending at least $1,000 before those three months are up.
Some cards may also feature a smaller bonus just for signing up and using your card.
How to get the most out of your sign-up bonus credit card
To get the most out of your sign-up bonus credit card, you'll want to time large purchases or multiple necessary purchases within your card's promotional period. This will ensure that you meet your card's minimum spending requirements (when applicable) and that you'll collect as many bonus points or cashback as possible. During this time, consider covering expenses like travel bookings, home repairs, furniture or electronics.
Keep track of the promotional period's deadline and avoid overspending for the sake of reward maximization, this can negatively impact your financial health.
Frequently Asked Questions
While significant sign-up offers can appear at different times throughout the year (and will vary by card issuer), you'll typically see the best offers starting in October and lasting until December. Consider it a holiday season special, since most credit card companies are aware that this is the time of year when customers do the most spending.
How long it takes to receive your sign-up bonus depends on the credit card and your credit card issuer. It may take several weeks for your sign-up bonus rewards to be credited to your account. For the most accurate timeline, refer to your card's terms and conditions.
No, you generally shouldn't open a credit card for the sole purpose of collecting a sign-up bonus. Sign-up bonuses are meant to act as an incentive for a card that already complements your spending habits. If you open a credit card exclusively for the sign-up bonus, close the card, then repeat this process with another contender, you're ultimately practising credit card churning. Credit card churning comes with both advantages and disadvantages and may not be for everybody.
Initially, if you open a credit card just for the sign-up bonus, but then continue to use the card responsibly and keep the account in good standing, you likely won't encounter any issues.
Remember: The best credit cards in Canada are the ones that optimize spending year round.
About the author
Sara Skodak
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Since graduating from the University of Western Ontario, Sara has built a diverse writing portfolio, covering topics in the travel, business, and wellness sectors. As a self-started freelance content ...
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