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Published Aug 31, 2025 2:01 AM UTC • 6 min read
If you're interested in low-interest credit cards, then there's a good chance you tend to be budget-conscious. With this in mind, we've put together a detailed list of the best low-interest credit cards in Canada, with a specific focus on low-fees, no-fees, and the best in balance transfers.
However, if you happen to be a bigger spender who's looking for more perks, we've also included options that satisfy both low interest rates and high rewards.
To explore all of your options, take advantage of our credit card finder tool.
Our choice for: Balance transfer and interest savings
on MBNA's website
Welcome Bonus*
0% rate on balance transfers for 12 months (3% fee and not available in Quebec)†
Rewards Rate*
0%
Annual Fee*
$0
Interest Rates
12.99%* / 24.99%*
Even though this card offers no benefits or rewards, the amount you can save on interest is substantial, making it an excellent option for reducing your monthly payments.
Pros
Cons
Rewards*
Benefits*
Details*
Car Rental Discount
Eligibility*
Credit Score
Annual Income
If you're looking for the best overall low-interest credit card, look no further than the MBNA True Line Mastercard.
This low-interest contender grants you a 0% promotional annual interest rate for 12 months on balance transfers completed within 90 days of opening your account. Just note the 3% transfer fee!
Ultimately, this contender takes first place because it can substantially reduce your monthly payments by dodging interest rates for a full year.
Bottom line: This card is perfect for the budget-conscious and those who need a boost when it comes to catching up with debt.
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
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 Out of province Medical
Emergency Medical Over 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
Intrigued by low-interest and high rewards? The Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card is exactly what you've been hoping for. With the lowest interest rates in both cash advance and purchase categories, it's the best low-interest credit card for earning rewards (specifically through Scene+ points). The card includes benefits like no foreign transaction fees, comprehensive travel insurance, mobile device insurance, and even luxury travel perks like airport lounge visits.
With a points system incentive, promising redemptions in popular categories, and the lowest interest rates, could there really be a downside? Well, unfortunately, there might be one. With these premium perks comes a higher annual fee, something someone interested in low interest might not be a fan of.
on Desjardins' website
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Rewards Rate
1.75% - 4%
Annual Fee
$395
Interest Rates
11.90% - 19.90% / 12.90%
The Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard is a strong contender in the World Elite category, offering impressive rewards of up to 3% cash back on groceries and 2% on other popular categories. With a comprehensive insurance package, including coverage for seniors, and perks like free lounge access in Montreal, this card is great for frequent travelers and high spenders. However, the lack of a welcome bonus and high income requirements might deter some users.
Pros
Cons
Rewards
Insurance
Coverage
Extended Warranty
Purchase Protection
Mobile Device Insurance
Trip Cancellation
Trip Interruption
Emergency Out of province Medical
Emergency Medical Over 65
Baggage Delay
Lost or Stolen Baggage
Car Rental Damage & Theft
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - Priority Pass
Airport Lounge - Desjardins Odyssey
Boingo Wi-Fi hotspot
Car Rental Discount
Car Rental Discount
Concierge Services
Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
Eligibility
Credit Score
Annual Income
Now that we covered the best low-interest credit card for points, it's time to uncover the best low-interest credit card for cash back. The Desjardins Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege Card offers the best BONUSDOLLARS cash-back opportunities with low interest on both purchases and cash advances. In terms of perks, the card comes with generous insurance policies, yearly passes to the Desjardins Odyssey Lounge, plus discounts at select airports and ski resorts.
However, like the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card, these benefits come with a cost, specifically a higher annual fee and income requirement. So, unless you're craving cash-back rewards and low interest on the same card, you might want to consider something a little more budget-friendly.
Our choice for: Balance transfer and interest savings
on MBNA's website
Welcome Bonus*
0% rate on balance transfers for 12 months (3% fee and not available in Quebec)†
Rewards Rate*
0%
Annual Fee*
$0
Interest Rates
12.99%* / 24.99%*
Even though this card offers no benefits or rewards, the amount you can save on interest is substantial, making it an excellent option for reducing your monthly payments.
Pros
Cons
Rewards*
Benefits*
Details*
Car Rental Discount
Eligibility*
Credit Score
Annual Income
The MBNA True Line Mastercard shines yet again in this category. Alongside an impressive balance transfer interest rate (specifically in the first year) and a low purchase interest rate, this card comes with no annual fee, making it a great choice for those on a tighter budget. Just be careful with those cash advance interest rates!
on Desjardins' website
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Rewards Rate
No Rewards
Annual Fee
$0
Interest Rates
10.9% - 19.9 / 12.9%
If you plan to carry a balance on your credit card, this is one of the best no-fee, low-interest-rate credit cards in Canada. However, outside of this specific use case, the card doesn't offer many additional benefits.
Pros
Cons
Rewards
No rewards earned on this card
Insurance
Coverage
Emergency Out of province Medical
Trip Cancellation
Trip Interruption
Baggage Delay
Lost or Stolen Baggage
Travel Accident
Mobile Device Insurance
Purchase Protection
Extended Warranty
Eligibility
Credit Score
Annual Income
There are a couple of things the Desjardins Flexi Visa Card and the MBNA True Line Mastercard have in common. First, as you could probably guess from this category, they both have no annual fee. Second, they also don't offer any reward programs.
Unlike the MBNA True Line Mastercard, the Desjardins Flexi Visa Card doesn't offer 0% interest rates on balance transfers in the first year, or any balance transfer promos for that matter, but its ongoing interest rate on balance transfers remains slightly lower by comparison. The card also comes with mobile device protection and is definitely one of the lowest interest-rate cards with no annual fee.
Our choice for: Balance transfer and interest savings
on MBNA's website
Welcome Bonus*
0% rate on balance transfers for 12 months (3% fee and not available in Quebec)†
Rewards Rate*
0%
Annual Fee*
$0
Interest Rates
12.99%* / 24.99%*
Even though this card offers no benefits or rewards, the amount you can save on interest is substantial, making it an excellent option for reducing your monthly payments.
Pros
Cons
Rewards*
Benefits*
Details*
Car Rental Discount
Eligibility*
Credit Score
Annual Income
We're bringing up the MBNA True Line Mastercard yet again because it's one of the best low-interest credit cards in terms of balance transfers. The proof is in the promo.
This card offers zero 0% interest in the first year before subsiding back to its usual rate, which is still fairly reasonable.
on CIBC's website
Welcome Bonus
Balance transfer 0% interest for up to 10 months with a 1% transfer fee
Rewards Rate
No Rewards
Annual Fee
$29 $0
Interest Rates
13.99% / 13.99%
A nice low rate card for everyday spending.
Pros
Cons
Rewards
No rewards earned on this card
Insurance
Coverage
Travel Accident
Eligibility
Credit Score
Annual Income
What's great about this credit card is that its annual fee is a fraction of both the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card and the Desjardins Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege Card, plus the first year is completely rebated.
Its purchase interest rates are a little bit higher than the MBNA True Line Mastercard or the Desjardins Flexi Visa Card, but the card offers basic balance protections, emergency coverage, and award-winning balance transfer options, especially in the first 10 months. Not to mention, free global money transfers (which allow you to send money internationally) and the lowest balance transfer fee in this "best low-interest credit cards for balance transfers" category.
on Scotiabank's website
Welcome Bonus*
0.99% interest on balance transfers for 9 months + first year fee rebate
Rewards Rate*
0%
Annual Fee*
$29 $0
Interest Rates
13.99%* / 13.99%*
This is a great card for those who carry a balance every month and want to take advantage of much lower interest rates compared to most other cards. It also comes with a great introductory balance transfer rate for a limited number of months.
Pros
Cons
Rewards*
This card does not earn rewards on purchases but instead offers much lower interest rates.
Insurance*
Coverage*
Balance Protection
Benefits*
Details*
Car Rental Discount
Eligibility*
Credit Score
Annual Income
Similar to the MBNA True Line Mastercard, the Scotiabank Value Visa Card offers no interest rate as a welcome bonus for several months before switching back to its usual rate, which is even lower than the MBNA True Line Mastercard. On top of all that, although limited, enjoy perks like balance protection and rental car discounts. The catch? Although it's waived in the first year, there is a small annual fee attached to this card (something the MBNA True Line Mastercard doesn't have).
Our choice for: Low interest
on BMO's website
Welcome Bonus*
0.99% interest rate on balance transfers for 9 months*
Rewards Rate*
No Rewards
Annual Fee*
$29
Interest Rates
13.99%* / 15.99%*
If you plan to carry a balance on your credit card, this card offers a very low interest rate. However, there are other cards with no annual fee and slightly lower interest rates that you might want to consider as well.
Pros
Cons
Rewards*
No rewards earned on this card
Insurance*
Coverage*
Purchase Protection
Extended Warranty
Eligibility*
Credit Score
Annual Income
Almost as good as the MBNA True Line Mastercard, the CIBC Visa Select Card, and the Scotiabank Value Visa Card's welcome offers, the BMO Preferred Rate Mastercard offers a low introductory interest rate on balance transfers within the first several months of membership, but the promo isn't exactly interest-free like it is for the previous cards. Like the Scotiabank Value Visa Card or the CIBC Visa Select Card, this card comes with a small annual fee, but it's also waived in the first year. As for perks, it offers free extended warranty and purchase protection.
While these cards might not have all the perks and promos as the low-interest cards in our main list, their low interest rates and inclusions are still worth highlighting.
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Rewards Rate
No Rewards
Annual Fee
$25
Interest Rates
12.90%* / 12.90%*
A low-interest credit card in case you want to carry a balance every month. For people who don't have a balance right now but will in the future, the promotional interest rate is a nice benefit of this card.
Pros
Cons
Rewards
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
Extended Warranty
Benefits
Details
Extra points
Car Rental Discount
Eligibility
Credit Score
Annual Income
The TD Low Rate Visa Card is yet another option for an inviting balance transfer offer within the first several months of the year. This standard card also features relatively low annual fees and competitive interest rates on both purchases and cash advances.
on RBC's website
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Rewards Rate
No Rewards
Annual Fee
$0
Interest Rates
10.44% - 14.44% / 10.44% - 14.44%
A low-interest credit card in case you want to carry a balance every month.
Pros
Cons
Rewards
No rewards earned on purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
Extended Warranty
Benefits
Details
Extra points
Gas Discount
Eligibility
Credit Score
Annual Income
If you're up for some flexibility, this low-interest, no-annual-fee credit card comes with a low variable interest rate, meaning the interest rate may change over time based on the current prime rate. Some additional features include savings at Petro-Canada, Be Well points at Rexall, and DoorDash deals.
on American Express' website
Welcome Bonus*
N/A
Rewards Rate*
No Rewards
Annual Fee*
$25
Interest Rates
12.99%* / 12.99%*
A low-interest credit card to gain access to American Express experiences. While this card offers decent low-interest rates, there may be better alternatives if you're not particularly interested in the American Express experience benefits.
Pros
Cons
Rewards*
No rewards earned on purchases
Insurance*
Coverage*
Travel Accident
Purchase Protection
Extended Warranty
Benefits*
Details*
Amex Experiences™
Eligibility*
Credit Score
Annual Income
With no rewards or intro offers, this card lives up to its name, seeing as it only covers the essential simplicities of a low-interest credit card. The card is optimal for those who want an affordable, easy-to-understand, and easy-to-use low-interest credit card – plus access to some American Express Experiences.
on Home Trust's website
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Rewards Rate
No Rewards
Annual Fee
$0
Interest Rates
19.99%, option to pay $59 Annual fee for %14.90 / 19.99%, option to pay $59 Annual fee for %14.90
Although there are other better secured credit card options available in Canada, this card is the only no-fee secured credit card option, making it the choice for those who want to avoid fees.
Pros
Cons
Rewards
No Rewards
Eligibility
Credit Score
Annual Income
Built for building or rebuilding credit through everyday shopping, this option is one of Canada’s leading secured credit cards. It’s designed to help cardholders get better interest rates on loans and increase their chances of rental or mortgage approval. In terms of fees, you have two options: pay no annual fee and earn a reasonable interest rate, or pay an annual fee for a lower interest rate.
on CIBC's website
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Rewards Rate
No Rewards
Annual Fee
$0
Interest Rates
CIBC Prime plus 1.5% / CIBC Prime plus 1.5%
A low-interest credit card in case you want to carry a balance every month.
Pros
Cons
Rewards
No rewards earned on purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Travel Accident
Benefits
Details
Car Rental Discount
Eligibility
Credit Score
Annual Income
This card is created with new businesses with individual income in mind. Cardholders can expect low cash and purchase interest rates, access to Visa SavingsEdge, and savings on car rentals. To keep a close eye on spending, this card also comes with a budgeting tool with insights into common spending categories.
You'll want to start by selecting a credit card with the lowest interest rates that also satisfies your spending levels, desired perks (if any), and budget. To avoid interest rates altogether, you'll want to pay off your credit card balance in full by the due date each month.
Typically, the average interest rates fall between 19.99% and 23.99%. Rates will vary between the type of card and the issuer.
As seen in our list, even though it's a premium rewards card, you'll find that the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card offers the lowest interest rates (for a price).
About the author
Sara Skodak
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 ... See full bio
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