12 Best Signup Bonus Credit Cards of September 2025

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 2025

Choice for best overall signup bonus credit card: American Express Gold Rewards Card

The American Express Gold Rewards Card stands out as the top choice for those looking for a high-value sign-up bonus with manageable spending requirements. While some credit cards offer larger bonuses on paper, they often come with steeper spending thresholds, higher annual fees, or stricter income requirements that make them less accessible to the average cardholder.

What makes this card especially appealing is the balance it strikes between value and attainability. The welcome offer is generous and can be unlocked gradually through consistent monthly spending, making it more realistic for everyday users. When combined with the ongoing rewards earned throughout the year, the total first-year value is impressive, securing this card's position as the best sign-up bonus option overall. To learn more read American Express Gold Rewards 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 VIPorter travelers: 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 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 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 perks and lounge Access: 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 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.

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 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 Asia travelers: Neo Cathay World Elite Mastercard

If you frequently fly with Cathay Pacific, the Neo Cathay World Elite Mastercard is a strong option that aligns well with your travel habits. The card earns Asia Miles on purchases made with Neo Partners, as well as solid rewards on Cathay Pacific bookings and foreign currency purchases, making it a good fit for international travelers who prefer to collect airline-specific rewards.

The card includes useful travel insurance, such as car rental personal effects, rental collision coverage, and protection for flight and baggage delays. However, it lacks certain categories like trip interruption and trip cancellation coverage, which may be important for some frequent flyers.

Additional travel perks include access to airport lounges through DragonPass, priority airport services, and complimentary Wi-Fi at global Boingo hotspots. As for the welcome bonus, cardholders receive a generous amount of Asia Miles upon approval, with the opportunity to earn more after reaching a specified spending threshold in the first few months.

Overall, the Neo Cathay World Elite Mastercard is a compelling welcome bonus card for travelers looking to earn and redeem Asia Miles, especially through Cathay Pacific and its partner airlines across Asia. To learn more read Neo Cathay World Elite Mastercard review.

Choice for AIR MILES collectors: BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard

For those who collect Air Miles, the BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard is the top choice for maximizing rewards within the program. New cardholders can take advantage of a welcome bonus offered in stages throughout the first year, with bonus Miles awarded as you reach specific spending milestones. These bonus Miles can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, or used as Cash Miles for everyday savings, offering strong overall value for loyal collectors.

Beyond the introductory offer, the card earns Air Miles on everyday spending, with added value on purchases made at participating Air Miles partners and eligible categories like groceries, liquor, and wholesale stores. It’s a solid option for those looking to accumulate Air Miles quickly through regular spending.

The card also features a well-rounded travel insurance package, including trip interruption and cancellation coverage, as well as hotel burglary and baggage delay protection. Travel perks include DragonPass airport lounge membership, discounts on Shell fuel and car rentals, exclusive hotel offers through booking platforms, and an automatic upgrade to Air Miles Onyx status, giving members even more value and recognition within the program. To learn more read BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard 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.