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Published Sep 9, 2025 2:50 AM UTC • 7 min read
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
Objective editorial approach - we strive for unbiased reviews following our editorial guidelines
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.
To keep things simple, sometimes it’s best to get a credit card that’s straight to the point (or straight to the cashback for that matter).
The best uncomplicated cards on the Canadian market are those that come with a flat rate rewards program – meaning there’s only one reward rate on the card that optimizes all eligible purchases.
In this blog post, we’ve categorized all of the best flat-rate credit cards in Canada into sections pertaining to travel, no annual fees, and business. To make even more comparisons, try our card finder tool.
on American Express' website
Welcome Bonus
Up to 10,000 points ($210 value)
Rewards Rate
1x point
Points
Annual Fee
$0
Interest Rates
21.99%* / 21.99%*
The American Express® Green Card is a great option for those looking for a no-frills card that earns rewards on all purchases without any annual fee or minimum income requirement. It's an accessible card with no cap on rewards, making it ideal for those who want to earn points without the higher costs and complexities of premium cards. However, it does come with lower rewards earnings across most categories and a modest welcome bonus.
Pros
Cons
Rewards
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
Extended Warranty
Benefits
Details
Amex Experiences™
Extra points
Eligibility
Credit Score
Annual Income
On account of its affordable and uncomplicated nature, the American Express Green Card wins first place for best overall flat rate credit card.
Sure, the budget-conscious card only earns you a single American Express Membership Rewards point per dollar spent on all purchases, but this reward rate comes with no caps and plenty of flexible redemption options like travel, statement credits, Amazon purchases and more.
As mentioned, this card isn’t particularly fancy by any means. Expect classic insurance coverage like purchase protection and extended warranty insurance, plus standard benefits like Amex Experiences (common on most Amex cards) and extra points on Amex Travel Online purchases.
Overall, the American Express Green Card is the most straight-forward, accessible, and valuable option for everyday spenders who want uncomplicated earnings, and decent coverage and perks – all for no annual fee.
One of the most popular spend categories is travel, that’s why there are so many travel-oriented credit cards these days.
Luckily, there are even a couple of flat rate travel credit cards for adventurers who value convenience.
Our choice for: Luxury Travel + No FX Fees
on Scotiabank's website
Welcome Bonus
Up to 80,000 Scene+ points ($800 value)
Rewards Rate
2x Points
Points
Annual Fee
$399
Interest Rates
9.99% / 9.99%
The Scotiabank Platinum American Express is the perfect choice for those seeking a super premium credit card without steep income requirements. With a high flat rate of rewards on all purchases, extensive insurance coverage, and flexible travel redemption options, it offers full-featured perks that cater to frequent travelers and savvy spenders alike.
Pros
Cons
Rewards
Insurance
Coverage
Emergency Medical Term
Emergency Medical (65+)
Trip Cancellation
Lost or Stolen Baggage
Trip Interruption
Baggage Delay
Flight Delay
Travel Accident
Car Rental Damage & Theft
Hotel Burglary Insurance
Mobile Device Insurance
Purchase Protection
Extended Warranty
Benefits
Details
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Airport Lounge - Plaza Premium
Airport Lounge - Priority Pass
American Express® Experiences
Concierge Services
Discount
Status lift
Extra points
Eligibility
Credit Score
Annual Income
The Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card is the best flat rate travel card because it offers the highest flat rate of Scene+ points for every dollar spent on all purchases. To top it off, you can also earn bonus Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on travel expenses like hotel bookings, car rentals, and arrangements made through Scene+ Travel by Expedia.
Aside from an impressive rewards program, the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card also comes with 13 insurance categories – most of which pertain to travel. Some valuable inclusions are trip interruption and trip cancellation insurance, hotel burglary insurance, and emergency medical coverages.
The travel perks don’t stop there. This card also has sought-after trip benefits like no foreign transaction fees (a perk that forgoes the typical 2.5% fee on foreign transactions), a discount on a Priority Pass membership, airport lounge access through the Priority Pass and Plaza Premium lounges, concierge services, and a status lift to Hertz #1 Club Gold Member.
While the annual fee for this contender is quite high, thankfully the income requirements are not.
So, if you’re looking for a premium flat rate travel credit card that earns you the highest flat rate rewards program, tons of travel insurance, and plenty of top-tier travel-oriented benefits like lounge access – the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card is your best option.
Our choice for: Premium Avion Card with complimentary lounge passes
on RBC's website
Welcome Bonus
Up to 70,000 Avion points*
Rewards Rate
1.25x points
Points
Annual Fee
$399
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.99%□
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege is an excellent choice for frequent travelers who want premium travel perks and high-value rewards. The welcome bonus, insurance coverage, and airport benefits offer significant value for those who qualify. However, the high annual fee and income requirements may limit its accessibility, and the reward rate outside of the travel chart is less competitive.
Pros
Cons
Rewards
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
Extended Warranty
Mobile Device Insurance
Travel Accident
Emergency Medical Term
Emergency Medical (65+)
Trip Interruption
Trip Cancellation
Hotel Burglary Insurance
Baggage Delay
Lost or Stolen Baggage
Flight Delay
Car Rental Damage & Theft
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
Gas Discount
Extra points
Concierge Services
Priority Travel
Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
Eligibility
Credit Score
Annual Income
For the same annual fee but much higher income requirements, you can opt for the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card instead.
That said, the flat rate of RBC Avion points you’ll receive is slightly lower than the Scene+ points you’ll receive with the Scotiabank Platinum American Express card – plus there’s no bonus travel point opportunities when booking through a specific platform.
Both premium cards come with the same travel insurance categories, but, in some cases, the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card has higher coverage in shared categories like hotel burglary insurance, mobile device insurance, and lost or stolen baggage insurance.
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card includes some valuable travel benefits as well, like gas discounts and extra earnings at Petro Canada, Priority Travel perks, and some airport lounge access through the Dragon Pass. Still, overall, the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card has better perks including more complimentary lounge access through Priority Pass and Plaza Premium lounges.
At the end of the day, the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card is still superior in terms of rewards and perks. However, if you’d like some extra coverage or prefer the specific benefits featured by the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card, plus you’re a high earner, then you might want to give the Privilege competitor a try.
Welcome Bonus
Enjoy 55,000 Avion points upon approval
Rewards Rate
1x point
Points
Annual Fee
$120
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.99%□
The RBC Visa Platinum Avion is a solid option for those who prefer flexible travel rewards without the high-income requirements of other premium cards. The welcome bonus, extensive insurance, and travel rewards flexibility offer good value for frequent travelers. However, the 1 point per $1 earn rate may be less appealing for those looking for higher rewards on everyday purchases.
Pros
Cons
Rewards
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
Extended Warranty
Travel Accident
Trip Interruption
Trip Cancellation
Hotel Burglary Insurance
Baggage Delay
Lost or Stolen Baggage
Flight Delay
Car Rental Damage & Theft
Benefits
Details
Gas Discount
Extra points
Eligibility
Credit Score
Annual Income
Maybe you liked some of what you saw from the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card, but just can’t swing the high annual fee or high income requirements (nor can you qualify for the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card).
In that case, check out the RBC Avion Visa Platinum Card.
This card earns you slightly less RBC Avion points per dollar spent on all eligible purchases when compared to the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card.
Of course, the coverage is also slightly less extensive, lacking categories like mobile device insurance, emergency medical over 65 insurance, and emergency out of province medical insurance. The coverage amount for certain categories like lost or stolen baggage, hotel burglary, and trip interruption and trip cancellation insurance is also higher on the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card.
You’ll also miss out on premium perks since the RBC Avion Visa Platinum Card only offers gas discounts, plus extra Petro points and Avion points at Petro Canada. Not to mention, bonus Be Well points for every dollar spent on eligible products at Rexall.
All in all, the RBC Avion Visa Platinum Card is a more accessible and affordable flat rate travel credit card option to both the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card and the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card. However, considering its lower annual fee and its lack of income requirements, you’ll miss out on some premium benefits like lounge access, plus comprehensive travel coverage.
If you’re looking for a card to support your business expenses, there are also a couple of flat rate options worth mentioning. Here are two from American Express.
These contenders also cater to travel, with a corporate twist.
Our choice for: Luxury travel business credit card
on American Express' website
Welcome Bonus
Earn up to 120,000 bonus Membership Rewards® points
Rewards Rate
1.25x points
Points
Annual Fee
$799
Interest Rates
21.99% - 30%* / 21.99% - 30%*
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is ideal for frequent business travelers who can take full advantage of the premium perks and extensive insurance coverage. Despite the high annual fee, the generous rewards and travel benefits may offset the cost for those who maximize the card's offerings.
Pros
Cons
Rewards
Insurance
Coverage
Travel Accident
Emergency Medical Term
Flight Delay
Baggage Delay
Lost or Stolen Baggage
Hotel Burglary Insurance
Trip Cancellation
Trip Interruption
Mobile Device Insurance
Car Rental Damage & Theft
Extended Warranty
Purchase Protection
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - American Express Global Lounge
Status lift
Free Extra Night at Hotels
Interest on Balance
Nexus Program Rebate
Concierge Services
Discount
American Express® Experiences
Priority Travel
Travel Credit
Wireless Credit
Business Statement Credits
Complimentary Hotel Benefits
Eligibility
Credit Score
Annual Income
The most valuable of the two is the American Express Business Platinum Card.
This card offers a flat rate of American Express Membership Rewards points on all purchases.
In addition to this simplified rewards program, you’ll receive tons of insurance coverage on popular categories like trip interruption and trip cancellation insurance, plus emergency out of province medical insurance.
There are also plenty of benefits included on this card, everything from an annual travel credit to unlimited access to the American Express Global Lounge collection to business statement credits.
Before you apply, make note of this luxury card’s high annual fee.
Overall, the American Express Business Platinum Card is the best flat rate credit card for frequent business travellers looking for premium travel perks alongside a simple rewards program.
on American Express' website
Welcome Bonus
Earn 40,000 bonus Membership Rewards® points
Rewards Rate
1x point
Points
Annual Fee
$199
Interest Rates
21.99% - 29.99%* / N/A*
The American Express® Business Gold Rewards Card is an excellent choice for business owners who also travel 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.
Pros
Cons
Rewards
Insurance
Coverage
Mobile Device Insurance
Flight Delay
Baggage Delay
Hotel Burglary Insurance
Lost or Stolen Baggage
Travel Accident
Car Rental Damage & Theft
Purchase Protection
Extended Warranty
Benefits
Details
Amex Experiences™
Travel Credit
Priority Travel
Eligibility
Credit Score
Annual Income
If you want to spend a lot less on annual fees and still get a flat rate business card with some travel perks, you can also consider the American Express Business Gold Rewards Card.
The flat rate of American Express Membership Rewards points is a little less than what you get with the American Express Business Platinum Card, but that’s to be expected given the lower annual fee. With the American Express Business Gold Rewards Card, you can also earn extra points each quarter when you meet a specific spending milestone.
The American Express Business Platinum Card has more extensive insurance including trip interruption and trip cancellation insurance, plus better coverage in shared categories overall.
As far as benefits go, the American Express Business Gold Rewards Card doesn’t have as many perks as the American Express Business Platinum Card, but it does include an annual travel credit and Amex Experiences.
In conclusion, you’d likely opt for the American Express Business Gold Rewards Card over the American Express Business Platinum Card if you want a flat rate travel business card with solid rewards, coverage, and perks for an annual cost that is significantly more affordable than the American Express Business Platinum Card.
Perhaps you’re looking for a more budget-friendly flat rate credit card. If so, there are a few different contenders to choose from.
on American Express' website
Welcome Bonus
Up to 10,000 points ($210 value)
Rewards Rate
1x point
Points
Annual Fee
$0
Interest Rates
21.99%* / 21.99%*
The American Express® Green Card is a great option for those looking for a no-frills card that earns rewards on all purchases without any annual fee or minimum income requirement. It's an accessible card with no cap on rewards, making it ideal for those who want to earn points without the higher costs and complexities of premium cards. However, it does come with lower rewards earnings across most categories and a modest welcome bonus.
Pros
Cons
Rewards
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
Extended Warranty
Benefits
Details
Amex Experiences™
Extra points
Eligibility
Credit Score
Annual Income
As you’ll recall, the American Express Green Card is a superior no-fee flat rate option that earns you an American Express Membership Rewards point per every dollar spent on all purchases.
This convenient rewards program is paired with classic purchase protection insurance and extended warranty coverage.
The benefits on the card are also pretty basic, consisting only of standard Amex Experiences and extra points on Amex Travel Online purchases.
Still, overall, the American Express Green Card is the best flat rate credit card in this category (and on this list) due to its good balance of basic rewards, coverage, and perks – all for a reasonable price.
on Home Trust's website
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Rewards Rate
0% - 1%
Cash Back
Annual Fee
$0
Interest Rates
21.99% / 21.99%"
The Home Trust Visa card is the only no-annual-fee credit card in Canada that offers no foreign transaction fees, which is a significant benefit for frequent travelers. The big catch is that you don't earn any rewards on foreign purchases, so if you have a credit card that gives you a cashback rate close to 2.5%, it might not be worth the hassle to get this card. Other than this benefit, there are no compelling reasons to use this card as your primary credit card.
Pros
Cons
Rewards
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
Benefits
Details
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Eligibility
Credit Score
Annual Income
If you prefer cashback over points, the Home Trust Preferred Visa Card earns you a flat cashback rate on all eligible purchases.
This simple rewards program is accompanied by purchase protection insurance and no foreign transaction fees – which is very rare for a no fee credit card.
In conclusion, the Home Trust Preferred Visa Card is the best no-fee cashback flat rate card with the notable inclusion of no foreign transaction fees. However, if you’re partial to points, want extended warranty insurance, and more benefits, you may want to stick to the American Express Green Card.
on ATB's website
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Rewards Rate
1% cashback
Cash Back
Annual Fee
$0
Interest Rates
19.99% / 22.99%
The ATB Gold Cash Rewards Mastercard is an excellent choice for Alberta residents looking for a no-annual-fee card that offers straightforward 1% cash back on all purchases. With a few types of insurance and a customizable card design, it’s a solid card for everyday spending, though the annual rewards payout may not be ideal for those wanting more frequent access to their cash back.
Pros
Cons
Rewards
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
Extended Warranty
Car Rental Accident
Car Rental Damage & Theft
Car Rental Personal Effects
Travel Accident
Benefits
Details
Car Rental Discount
Eligibility
Credit Score
Annual Income
Another flat rate cashback contender worth considering is the ATB Gold Cash Rewards Mastercard. However to apply you need to reside in Alberta.
This card earns you the same cashback rate on all eligible purchases as the Home Trust Preferred Visa Card, but it adds way more insurance coverage. This coverage includes car rental damage and theft insurance, car rental accident insurance, travel accident insurance, extended warranty insurance, and car rental personal effects insurance.
Instead of no foreign transcation fees, which is what you’ll get with the American Express Green Card, you’ll receive a car rental discount at participating Avis and Budget locations.
Ultimately, you might choose the ATB Gold Cash Rewards Mastercard as your cashback flat rate credit card over the American Express Green Card if you want more insurance coverage and if you want to prioritize car rental discounts over no foreign transaction fees.
About the author
Sara Skodak
Lead Writer
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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Kevin Shahnazari
Credit Card Expert
Kevin started FinlyWealth and juggles a bit of everything—digging into data, running our marketing, and keeping the finances on track. Before this, he spent years as a data scientist at tech companies...
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