Best Credit Cards in Canada - October 2026

Published Sep 30, 2026 3:00 PM • 7 min read

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The best credit card is the one that fits your spending habits and lifestyle. Based on where you are in your financial journey, we've curated a list of top credit cards across various categories including cash back, low interest, balance transfer, no annual fee, and travel rewards to help you find the perfect match.

  • 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.

  • MBNA True Line® Mastercard®: Best Balance Transfer Credit Card
  • Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard: Rewards card with balance transfer intro offer
  • MBNA Rewards World Elite® Mastercard®: Best Overall Rewards Credit Card
  • Rogers Red World Elite® Mastercard: Best No Annual Fee Cashback Credit Card
  • Simplii Financial™ Cash Back Visa* Card: Food and Groceries Cashback
  • Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite +* Card: Overall Travel and No Foreign Transaction Fees
  • Rogers Red Mastercard: Rogers, Shaw, Comwave, or Fido Customers
  • The Platinum Card®: Luxury Travel
  • An exclusive $225 rebate, no FX fees and up to 100,001 bonus Scene+ points
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    Our choice for: Best Balance Transfer Credit Card

    Welcome Bonus

    0% rate on balance transfers for 12 months (3% fee applies). Not available for residents of Quebec.†

    Rewards Rate

    0%

    Annual Fee

    $0

    Interest Rates

    12.99%* / 24.99%*

    RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

    300
    Poor
    560
    Fair
    660⁎
    Good
    725⁎
    Very Good
    760⁎
    Excellent
    ⁎Estimates based on Equifax scoring

    5/5

    Voted the Best Balance Transfer Credit Card by FinlyWealth, the MBNA True Line offers a 0 percent introductory balance transfer rate, a feature that very few credit cards in Canada provide, along with a very competitive transfer fee. Beyond the promotional period, it continues to stand out with one of the lowest ongoing purchase interest rates in Canada. With no annual fee, this card is an excellent choice for Canadians looking to reduce interest costs.

    Awards & Recognition

    Best Balance Transfer Credit Card

    Best Balance Transfer Credit Card

    2026

    Pros


    • No annual fee
    • Balance transfer intro offer
    • Low purchase interest rates
    • Credit transfers
    • Fraud protection
    • Car rental discounts

    Cons


    • Flat transfer fee
    • No rewards

    Rewards

    • No rewards earned on purchases.
    • Standard Annual Interest Rates of 12.99% on eligible purchases, 17.99% on balance transfers✪, and 24.99% on cash advances.
    • You could get a 0% promotional annual interest rate (“AIR”)† for 12 months on balance transfers✪ completed within 90 days of account opening, with a 3% transfer fee. This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
    • Use available credit on your credit card to transfer funds right to your chequing account.
    • Around-the-clock fraud protection.

    Benefits

    Details

    • car rental

      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

      Good
    • Annual Income

      N/A

    Our choice for: Rewards card with balance transfer intro offer

    Welcome Bonus

    10% Cash Back (up to $100 value) + 1.95% balance transfer promo rate for 6 months

    First Year Rewards

    $457.86

    Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards

    Annual Fee

    $0

    Interest Rates

    20.95%* / 22.95%*

    RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

    300
    Poor
    560⁎
    Fair
    660⁎
    Good
    725⁎
    Very Good
    760⁎
    Excellent
    ⁎Estimates based on Equifax scoring

    4.4/5

    While we think Tangerine isn't the best single credit card to own, it's still a valuable card to have in your arsenal for maximizing your rewards. It offers one of the highest cashback rates for pharmacy and recurring bill payments, areas where your other credit cards might not provide significant rewards. This card only requires a Fair credit score, making it an excellent choice for people who don't have a high credit score yet.

    Awards & Recognition

    Best Starter Credit Card

    Best Starter Credit Card

    2026

    Pros


    • Customizable cashback
    • Unique categories available
    • High recurring transaction optimization
    • High pharmacy purchase optimization
    • Bonus category available
    • No annual fee

    Cons


    • Basic insurance
    • Low base earn rate

    Rewards

    • 2% Money-Back Rewards on your choice of two categories from the 13 offered by Tangerine (Grocery, Restaurants, Gas, Entertainment, Furniture, Hotel-Motel, Drug Store, Reccurring Bill Payments, Home Improvement, Public Transportation and Parking and more). Change them up every 90 days to match your spending habits.
    • Have your Money-Back Rewards deposited into a Tangerine Savings Account and get a third 2% Money-Back Category.
    • 0.5% cashback on all other credit card purchases.

    Insurance

    Coverage

    • purchase protection

      Purchase Protection

      90 days
    • extended warranty

      Extended Warranty

      Up to a year

    Eligibility

    • Credit Score

      Fair
    • Annual Income

      $12,000 personal

    Our choice for: Best Overall Rewards Credit Card

    Welcome Bonus

    Up to 30,000 points ($245 in cash back value or $300 when redeemed for MBNA Travel)††

    First Year Rewards

    $867.76

    Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards

    Annual Fee

    $120

    Interest Rates

    21.99% / 22.99%

    RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

    300
    Poor
    560
    Fair
    660⁎
    Good
    725⁎
    Very Good
    760⁎
    Excellent
    ⁎Estimates based on Equifax scoring

    5/5

    The MBNA Rewards World Elite® Mastercard® is one of the best reward credit cards in Canada, offering high rewards on frequently spent categories such as groceries and restaurant purchases. The annual birthday bonus, unique to this card, also provides a significant boost to your yearly earnings. Additionally, the card features a comprehensive list of benefits, including price protection—a rare and valuable perk not found with many other cards in Canada. These factors make this card one of the best to have in Canada.

    Awards & Recognition

    Best Rewards Credit Card

    Best Rewards Credit Card

    2026

    Pros


    • High grocery optimization
    • High dining optimization
    • Annual birthday bonus
    • Solid travel insurance
    • Rare price protection
    • Good redemption values

    Cons


    • Missing key insurance categories
    • Low gas optimization
    • Annual fee
    • High income requirements

    Rewards

    • Earn 5 points‡ for every $1 spent on eligible restaurant, grocery, digital media, membership, and household utility purchases until $50,000 is spent annually in the applicable category.
    • 1 point‡ for every $1 on all other eligible purchases.
    • Each year, you will receive Birthday Bonus Points‡ equal to 10% of the total number of Points the Account earned in the 12 months before the month of the primary cardholder's birthday, to a maximum Birthday Bonus each year of 15,000 Points.

    Insurance

    Coverage

    • mobile device insurance

      Mobile Device Insurance

      $1,000
    • purchase protection

      Purchase Protection

      90 days
    • extended warranty

      Extended Warranty

      1 year
    • car insurance

      Car Rental Damage & Theft

      31 days
    • hourglass timer

      Flight Delay

      $500/person after 4 hours
    • heart lock

      Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance

      $1,000,000
    • travel accident medical

      Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)

      $2M for 21 days
    • lost baggage

      Lost or Stolen Baggage

      $1,000/person
    • hourglass timer

      Baggage Delay

      $1,000/person
    • price protection

      Price Protection

      $500/item, $1,000/account per year

    Benefits

    Details

    • birthday cake

      Annual Birthday Bonus

      10% of the Points earned the 12 months prior to the primary cardholder's birthday month (up to a max 15,000 bonus points per year)
    • car rental

      Car Rental Discount

      10% off base rate of Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car in Canada and US and 5% internationally
    • gavel

      Trip and legal Assistance

    • concierge

      Concierge Services

    Eligibility

    • Credit Score

      Good
    • Annual Income

      $80,000 personal or $150,000 household

    Our choice for: Best No Annual Fee Cashback Credit Card

    Rogers

    Rogers, Fido, Shaw or Comwave customer?

    Eligible customers unlock boosted rewards on this card

    +$120

    Welcome Bonus

    Welcome Bonus varies

    First Year Rewards

    $360

    Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards

    Annual Fee

    $0

    Interest Rates

    21.99% - 25.99%* / 22.99% - 27.99%*

    RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

    300
    Poor
    560
    Fair
    660⁎
    Good
    725⁎
    Very Good
    760⁎
    Excellent
    ⁎Estimates based on Equifax scoring

    4.5/5

    This card is one of the best in Canada, especially if you have 1 qualifying service with Rogers, Fido, Shaw or Comwave. With a qualifying service, you can effectively receive up to 2% cashback rate, which competitive against other no-fee contenders. Additionally, for a no-fee card, you gain access to an extensive list of travel benefits, many of which are typically offered only with cards that have annual fees. Therefore, we recommend this card to anyone who meets the income requirements, even if you are not a Rogers customer!

    Awards & Recognition

    Best No Fee Cash Back Credit Card

    Best No Fee Cash Back Credit Card

    2026

    Pros


    • Top no-fee contender
    • Member earning boosts
    • USD optimization
    • Comprehensive coverage
    • Airport lounge membership
    • Roam Like Home days

    Cons


    • High income requirements
    • Annual spending caps

    Rewards

    • Earn 2% cash back on all eligible non-U.S. dollar purchases if you have 1 qualifying service with Rogers, Fido, Shaw or Comwave. Otherwise, earn 1.5% cash back on eligible non-U.S. dollar purchases.
    • Plus, earn up to 3% cash back on eligible U.S. dollar purchases. 

    Insurance

    Coverage

    • travel accident medical

      Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)

      Up to 10 days
    • travel accident medical

      Travel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)

      Up to 3 days
    • cancel airplane

      Trip Cancellation

      $1,000/person, $5,000 maximum
    • pause

      Trip Interruption

      $1,000/person, $5,000 maximum
    • car insurance

      Car Rental Damage & Theft

      31 days, $65,000 car MSRP
    • purchase protection

      Purchase Protection

      90 days
    • extended warranty

      Extended Warranty

      1 year

    Benefits

    Details

    • alcohol cheers

      Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass

      Discounted access to over 1300 airport lounges with Mastercard Travel Pass. Pass only, complimentary visits not included.
    • mobile phone wifi

      Roam Like Home Days

      Get 5 Roam Like Home days at no cost, every year, with an eligible Rogers mobile plan.

    Eligibility

    • Credit Score

      Good
    • Annual Income

      $80,000 personal or $150,000 household

    Our choice for: Best Cashback

    Finly Special Offer

    Welcome Bonus

    $0 First-Year Annual Fee and $100 Welcome Bonus

    First Year Rewards

    $725.48

    Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards

    Annual Fee

    $149 $0

    Interest Rates

    19.99% - 26.99%□ / 22.99% - 28.99%

    RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

    300
    Poor
    560
    Fair
    660⁎
    Good
    725⁎
    Very Good
    760⁎
    Excellent
    ⁎Estimates based on Equifax scoring

    4.6/5

    This card offers some of the highest cash back rates in Canada for gas, groceries, and recurring purchases, which is pretty hard to beat. While the cash back rates are very high, you need to mind the spend caps set for each category to see if your earning potential is really that high compared to most other credit cards. However, if you're the average person whose spending is generally below $12k per year in groceries, $6k per year in recurring bills and $12k per year in gas, then you'll be doing pretty well, especially with the great insurance and benefit offers.

    Awards & Recognition

    Best Cash Back Credit Card

    Best Cash Back Credit Card

    2026

    Pros


    • High cashback rates
    • Premium insurance coverage
    • Airport lounge membership
    • Boosted partner cashback
    • Instant approval and access

    Cons


    • High income requirements
    • Spending caps
    • Annual fee

    Rewards

    • 5% cash back on grocery purchases up to $1,000 spending per month
    • 4% cash back on recurring purchases up to $500 spending per month
    • 3% cash back on gas purchases up to $1,000 spending per month
    • 1% cash back on all other purchases with no spending caps
    • Up to 15% boosted cashback at thousands of partners across Canada - on top of base cashback rates

    Insurance

    Coverage

    • travel accident medical

      Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)

      Up to $1,000,000
    • cancel airplane

      Trip Cancellation

      $1,000
    • pause

      Trip Interruption

      $1,000
    • hourglass timer

      Flight Delay

      $500
    • hourglass timer

      Baggage Delay

      $1,000
    • burglar

      Hotel Burglary Insurance

      $1,000
    • car accident

      Car Rental Accident

      $100,000 for cardholder, up to $10,000 per Spouse or Dependent Child
    • car insurance

      Car Rental Damage & Theft

      Yes
    • luggage insurance

      Car Rental Personal Effects

      $1,000
    • purchase protection

      Purchase Protection

      90 days
    • extended warranty

      Extended Warranty

      1 year
    • lost baggage

      Lost or Stolen Baggage

      $1,000
    • credit card lock

      Mastercard Zero Liability Protection

      Yes

    Benefits

    Details

    • alcohol cheers

      Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass

      Pass only - pay $32 USD per visit
    • exchange money

      No Foreign Transaction Fees1

      You can get all FX fees rebated up to $10K spending per month with a Neo Grow membership ($12.99/month cost or $0 with $20K across your Neo accounts)
    • mastercard benefits

      World Mastercard Benefits

      Including discounting with participating partners and DragonPass airport lounge access.

    Eligibility

    • Credit Score

      Good
    • Annual Income

      $80,000 personal or $150,000 household

    Our choice for: Food and Groceries Cashback

    Welcome Bonus

    20% cashback† up to $500 in spending

    First Year Rewards

    $482.18

    Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards

    Annual Fee

    $0

    Interest Rates

    20.99%* / 22.99%*

    RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

    300
    Poor
    560
    Fair
    660⁎
    Good
    725⁎
    Very Good
    760⁎
    Excellent
    ⁎Estimates based on Equifax scoring

    4.3/5

    If you dine out a lot and don't want to pay an annual fee for your credit card, the Simplii Financial™ Cash Back Visa* Card will undoubtedly be one of your best friends with its 4% cashback. Additionally, the card offers a decent cashback rate (1.5%) for gas, pharmacy, and groceries, making it one of the best no-annual-fee cashback credit cards in Canada. However, there are limits on how much you can earn in these categories. Therefore, you need to be careful not to exceed those limits; otherwise, your cashback rate will drop to 0.5% after those spending limits are reached.

    Awards & Recognition

    Best Dining Cash Back Credit Card

    Best Dining Cash Back Credit Card

    2026

    Pros


    • High restaurant optimization
    • Decent cashback rates
    • No annual fee

    Cons


    • Basic insurance
    • No benefits
    • Capped rewards

    Rewards

    • 4% cash back on eligible restaurant, bar, and coffee shop purchases up to $5,000 spent per year†
    • 1.5% cash back on gas, groceries, drugstore, and pre-authorized payments up to $15,000 spent per year†
    • 0.5% cashback on all other purchases†

    Insurance

    Coverage

    • purchase protection

      Purchase Protection

      Up to 90 days
    • extended warranty

      Extended Warranty

      Up to 1 year

    Eligibility

    • Credit Score

      Good
    • Annual Income

      $15,000 household

    Our choice for: Overall Travel and No Foreign Transaction Fees

    Welcome Bonus

    Earn up to $1,250 in value, including up to 35,000 bonus Scene+ points

    First Year Rewards

    $566.8

    Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards

    Annual Fee

    $150

    Interest Rates

    20.99% / 22.99%

    RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

    300
    Poor
    560
    Fair
    660⁎
    Good
    725⁎
    Very Good
    760⁎
    Excellent
    ⁎Estimates based on Equifax scoring

    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

    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 accident medical

      Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)

      $2M/insured up to 25 days
    • travel accident medical

      Travel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)

      $2M/insured up to 3 days
    • cancel airplane

      Trip Cancellation

      $1,500/person, $10,000/trip
    • pause

      Trip Interruption

      $2,500/person, $10,000/trip
    • hourglass timer

      Flight Delay

      $500/person after 4 hours
    • lost baggage

      Lost or Stolen Baggage

      $1,000
    • hourglass timer

      Baggage Delay

      $1,000
    • heart lock

      Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance

      $500,000/insured, $1M combined
    • car insurance

      Car Rental Damage & Theft

      $65,000 up to 48 days
    • burglar

      Hotel Burglary Insurance

      $1,000
    • purchase protection

      Purchase Protection

      90 days
    • extended warranty

      Extended Warranty

      1 year

    Benefits

    Details

    • exchange money

      No Foreign Transaction Fees

      Avoid the usual 2.5% forex fees on your purchases when you travel outside of Canada
    • alcohol cheers

      Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass

      6 Free complimentary visits
    • gas station

      Gas Discount2

      Get up to 10¢/L in value on fuel purchases at Shell stations
    • star fall

      Status lift

      Avis® Preferred Plus membership
    • concierge

      Concierge Services

    • discount

      Discount**

      Yearly GigSky 1GB/15-Day plan, 20% off future purchases, and 10GB of global data for 15 days with Travel Essentials
    • exclusive

      Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits

    Eligibility

    • Credit Score

      Good
    • Annual Income

      $60,000 personal or $100,000 household

    Our choice for: Travel Rewards

    APPLY NOW

    Apply with Confidence — won't impact your credit score

    on American Express' website

    Welcome Bonus

    Up to 15,000 Membership Rewards® points

    First Year Rewards

    $1,072.38

    Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards

    Annual Fee

    $191.88⁕

    $15.99 Paid Monthly

    ⁕ For Quebec, $191.88/year

    Interest Rates

    21.99%* / 21.99%*

    RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

    300
    Poor
    693
    Fair
    743⁎
    Good
    790⁎
    Very Good
    833⁎
    Excellent
    ⁎Estimates based on TransUnion scoring

    4.9/5

    This card was voted one of the Best Credit Card in Canada by FinlyWealth. The rewards earned on this card for a person with average spending exceed those of other credit cards in Canada by a huge margin! In addition, this card has a good benefits coverage, a flexible amex cobalt bonus points redemption program (1:1 transfer to Aeroplan® or Avios), making it the best candidate to become the main credit card for the majority of people.

    Awards & Recognition

    Best Travel Rewards Credit Card

    Best Travel Rewards Credit Card

    2026

    Pros


    • Impressive optimization
    • 1:1 Aeroplan point transfer
    • Generous welcome bonus
    • Flexible high value redemptions
    • Comprehensive coverage
    • Highly ranked
    • Instant decision. No credit impact.

    Cons


    • Limited acceptance
    • Lacks valuable coverage categories

    Rewards

    • 5x points per $1 spent on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery (up to 12,500 points per month)
    • 3x points per $1 spent on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
    • 2x points per $1 spent on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
    • 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases

    Insurance

    Coverage

    • travel accident medical

      Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)

      15 days, up to $5M (if under age 65)
    • hourglass timer

      Flight Delay

      $500
    • hourglass timer

      Baggage Delay

      $500
    • burglar

      Hotel Burglary Insurance

      $500
    • lost baggage

      Lost or Stolen Baggage

      $500
    • heart lock

      Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance

      $250,000
    • car insurance

      Car Rental Damage & Theft

      yes
    • mobile device insurance

      Mobile Device Insurance

      $1,000
    • purchase protection

      Purchase Protection

      90 days
    • extended warranty

      Extended Warranty

      1 year

    Benefits

    Details

    • Amex logo

      Amex Experiences™

      Access Front Of The Line® Amex Presale & Reserved Tickets to some of your favourite concerts and theatre performances and special offers and events curated for Cardmembers with Amex Experiences™

    Eligibility

    • Credit Score

      Good
    • Annual Income

      N/A

    Our choice for: Rogers, Shaw, Comwave, or Fido Customers

    Rogers

    Rogers, Fido, Shaw or Comwave customer?

    Eligible customers unlock boosted rewards on this card

    +$240

    Welcome Bonus

    Welcome Bonus varies

    First Year Rewards

    $240

    Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards

    Annual Fee

    $0

    Interest Rates

    21.99% - 25.99%* / 22.99% - 27.99%*

    RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

    300
    Poor
    560
    Fair
    660⁎
    Good
    725⁎
    Very Good
    760⁎
    Excellent
    ⁎Estimates based on Equifax scoring

    3.8/5

    This card is one of our top-ranked options in terms of rewards, especially if you have 1 qualifying service with Rogers, Fido, Shaw or Comwave. With a qualifying service, you can effectively receive up to 2% cashback, which is competitive among other no-fee contenders. If you have a high income of $80K or a household income of $150K, you can apply for the World Elite® version of this card, which comes with additional insurance and benefits like a lounge pass.

    Pros


    • No annual fee
    • Member boosting opportunities
    • USD optimization
    • Roam Like Home days
    • Wide acceptance

    Cons


    • No insurance
    • Low non-member rewards
    • Annual spending caps

    Rewards

    • Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases if you have 1 qualifying service with Rogers, Fido, Shaw or Comwave. Otherwise, earn 1% cash back on eligible non-U.S. dollar purchases.
    • Earn 2% cash back in all eligible purchases made in U.S. dollars.

    Benefits

    Details

    • mobile phone wifi

      Roam Like Home Days

      Get 5 Roam Like Home days at no cost, every year, with an eligible Rogers mobile plan.

    Eligibility

    • Credit Score

      Good
    • Annual Income

      N/A

    Our choice for: Secured Credit Card

    Welcome Bonus

    N/A

    First Year Rewards

    $206.38

    Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards

    Annual Fee

    $119.88

    $9.99 Paid Monthly

    Interest Rates

    19.99% - 29.99%□ / 22.99% - 31.99%□

    RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

    300⁎
    Poor
    560⁎
    Fair
    660⁎
    Good
    725⁎
    Very Good
    760⁎
    Excellent
    ⁎Estimates based on Equifax scoring

    4.8/5

    Most secured cards give you very low to no rewards for using your card as you build your score over time. This card, however, offers balanced rewards for everyday purchases. This is a fantastic card to help build your score while you also get to earn solid cash back rates.

    Pros


    • Instant approval and access
    • Credit building tools
    • Booster partner cashback
    • No credit score requirements

    Cons


    • Basic insurance coverage
    • Spending caps

    Rewards

    • 2% cash back on grocery purchases up to $1,000 spending per month
    • 2% cash back on gas purchases up to $1,000 spending per month
    • 2% cash back on recurring purchases up to $500 spending per month
    • 0.5% cash back on all other purchases
    • Up to 15% boosted cashback at thousands of partners across Canada - on top of base cashback rates

    Insurance

    Coverage

    • purchase protection

      Purchase Protection

      90 days
    • extended warranty

      Extended Warranty

      1 year
    • credit card lock

      Mastercard Zero Liability Protection

      Yes

    Benefits

    Details

    • mastercard benefits

      World Mastercard Benefits

      Including discounting with participating partners and DragonPass airport lounge access.

    Eligibility

    • Credit Score

      Poor
    • Annual Income

      $50,000 personal or $80,000 household

    Our choice for: Luxury Travel

    APPLY NOW

    Apply with Confidence — won't impact your credit score

    on American Express' website

    Welcome Bonus

    Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points

    Rewards Rate

    1x - 2x

    Points

    Annual Fee

    $799

    Interest Rates

    21.99% - 30%* / N/A*

    RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

    300
    Poor
    693
    Fair
    743⁎
    Good
    790⁎
    Very Good
    833⁎
    Excellent
    ⁎Estimates based on TransUnion scoring

    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

    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 accident medical

      Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)

      15 days
    • cancel airplane

      Trip Cancellation

      $2,500
    • pause

      Trip Interruption

      $2,500
    • hourglass timer

      Flight Delay

      $1,000
    • hourglass timer

      Baggage Delay

      $1,000
    • burglar

      Hotel Burglary Insurance

      $1000
    • lost baggage

      Lost or Stolen Baggage

      $1,000
    • heart lock

      Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance

      $500,000
    • car insurance

      Car Rental Damage & Theft

      Yes
    • purchase protection

      Purchase Protection

      120 days
    • extended warranty

      Extended Warranty

      1 year

    Benefits

    Details

    • alcohol cheers

      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 apply
    • travel

      Travel Credit

      $200
    • food location

      Dining Credit

      $200 at Select Restaurants
    • border guard

      Nexus Program Rebate

      $100 statement credit every 4 years
    • hotel

      Complimentary 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 + Resorts
    • star fall

      Status lift

      Upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold Status
    • star fall

      Status lift

      Upgrade to Marriott BonvoyTM Gold Elite status
    • airport waiting room

      Priority Travel

      At Toronto Pearson Airport get Priority Security lane, Complimentary valet and 15% discount at the Express Park and daily park
    • concierge

      Concierge Services

    • gavel

      Trip and legal Assistance

    • Amex logo

      American Express® Experiences

    • reward cup

      Extra points

      Earn 2 points on Amex Travel Online purchases and extra points on American Express offers

    Eligibility

    • Credit Score

      Good
    • Annual Income

      N/A

    How Do Credit Cards Work?

    Credit is essentially a financial agreement that allows you to borrow money to make purchases with the understanding that you’ll repay the borrowed amount later. When you use credit, like with a credit card, you're temporarily using the lender's money, which you’ll need to pay back by a specified date. Typically, you’re given a grace period, which is between 21 and 25 days, to pay off the balance. If you repay the full amount within this period and by the due date, no interest is charged.

    Here’s a quick breakdown of a typical credit card transaction when, for example, you purchase a coffee at your favourite coffee shop:

    1. You use your credit card to buy the coffee.
    2. Your card details are sent to the store's bank, known as the acquiring bank.
    3. The acquiring bank seeks payment approval. This request is forwarded to the payment network associated with your card, such as Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.
    4. The transaction is approved.
    5. The amount for your coffee is deducted from your available credit. You then see the purchase on your credit card statement, along with the due date and the minimum payment required. If you settle the entire balance, no interest will be charged.

    Different Types of Credit cards in Canada

    When choosing the right credit card, it's important to know the various types available, especially if you're interested in earning cashback, points, or improving your credit. Here's a breakdown of the most common credit card options:

    Cashback and Points Credit Cards in Canada

    Cashback credit cards give you a percentage back on your purchases, typically in categories like groceries, gas, or dining. Some offer a flat rate on all spending, while others provide higher rewards for specific categories. Points cards allow you to accumulate points that can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, or gift cards, making them ideal for those who want flexibility in how they use their rewards.

    You can review some of the best cashback credit cards here:

    1. Neo World Elite Mastercard – Gas & Grocery review
    2. Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa Card review
    3. SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express review

    You can also find reviews of some of the best points and rewards credit cards here.

    1. American Express Cobalt Card review
    2. MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard review
    3. Scotiabank Gold American Express Card review

    Student Credit Cards in Canada

    Student credit cards are a great starting point for young adults building credit. They typically have low fees and offer simple rewards like cashback on daily expenses. Some cards even provide bonuses for maintaining good grades. By using these cards responsibly, students can establish a strong credit history for future financial needs. See best student credit cards to learn more.

    Explore our curated list of the best student credit cards available in Canada below:

    1. Students – BMO CashBack Mastercard
    2. Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
    3. Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card

    High-Limit Credit Cards (Charge Cards) in Canada

    If you have a strong credit score, high-limit credit cards or charge cards provide the ability to make larger purchases without negatively impacting your credit utilization. Charge cards, which often come with no pre-set spending limit, require that you pay the balance in full each month. These cards are useful for big purchases but demand disciplined financial management.

    The American Express Platinum Card is one of the most famous charge cards in Canada. You can read our review here.

    Secured Credit Cards in Canada

    For individuals looking to build or rebuild their credit, secured credit cards are a valuable tool. These cards require a security deposit, which serves as your credit limit. While they may not offer many rewards, they report to credit bureaus and can help improve your credit score over time. Once your credit improves, you may transition to unsecured cards. See best secured credit cards in Canada to learn more.

    Here’s our review of one of the best secured cards: Secured Neo World Mastercard – Gas & Grocery review

    Balance Transfer Credit Cards in Canada

    Balance transfer credit cards are designed to help people pay off high-interest debt by offering a 0% APR for a set period on transferred balances. This allows you to consolidate your debt and pay it off interest-free, saving money in the long run. Just be mindful of any balance transfer fees and the terms after the introductory period ends. See best balance transfer credit cards in Canada to learn more.

    Here’s a list of some of the best balance transfer cards:

    1. MBNA True Line Mastercard review
    2. Scotiabank Value Visa Card review
    3. CIBC Select Visa Card review

    Starter Cards for Building Credit in Canada

    In addition to secured cards, starter credit cards are available for those new to credit or rebuilding their score. These cards typically have lower limits and fewer rewards but offer an essential stepping stone to building a solid credit history. See best credit building credit cards in Canada to learn more.

    Find details on some of the best credit building cards below:

    1. BMO CashBack Mastercard review
    2. Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Card review
    3. CIBC Dividend Visa Card review

    Travel Credit Cards in Canada

    Travel credit cards, including airline-branded and hotel-branded cards, are perfect for frequent travelers. Airline cards often include perks like free checked baggage and priority boarding, while hotel cards offer points for free nights and upgrades. Both types usually have sign-up bonuses, allowing you to earn rewards quickly.

    Some credit cards waive foreign transaction fees, allowing individuals to save around 2.5% on purchases made abroad. You can find our top picks here: Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards in Canada.

    Selecting the right card, whether for cashback, travel, or improving your credit, can help you maximize your financial goals. Be sure to compare your options and choose the one that fits your lifestyle and spending habits. See best travel credit cards in Canada to learn more.

    You can also review some of the best travel credit cards in Canada here:

    1. Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card review
    2. TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card review
    3. Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card review

    How Many Credit Cards should you have?

    When deciding how many credit cards to have in Canada, the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. The ideal number of cards depends on your financial situation, spending habits, and how well you manage them. Some Canadians may get by just fine with one card, while others might find value in carrying multiple to take advantage of different rewards and benefits. It’s important to consider your goals—whether you want to maximize rewards for specific purchases like travel, groceries, or gas—or simply maintain a good credit score. The right setup will differ for each individual, and there’s no set rule for how many cards you should have.

    Managing multiple cards effectively requires careful attention to a few key factors. For instance, avoid maxing out any card to keep your credit utilization low, and always pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest. Keeping older credit card accounts open can help lengthen your credit history, which contributes positively to your credit score. However, opening too many cards at once can have a negative impact on your score due to multiple credit inquiries. For many Canadians, managing 3-5 cards is a practical approach, allowing you to earn rewards in different categories while keeping your finances organized. As long as you stay disciplined with payments and track your spending, multiple cards can offer substantial benefits without leading to financial trouble.

    How we picked these cards

    There’s no single best credit card for everyone. The ideal card depends on factors like an individual’s spending habits, credit score, income, travel frequency, and the perks they value most. That’s why we’ve matched cards to different groups based on approval likelihood and overall value.

    If you already know what you're looking for, you can explore our categories and choose a card that fits your needs. If you'd prefer a personalized recommendation, use our credit card comparison tool. Just enter your spending details, and we'll help you find the best match.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to credit cards, as the ideal card depends on your personal spending patterns, financial objectives, and credit score. If you have a strong credit profile, you’re likely eligible for cards that offer perks like cash back, points, or travel miles. These types of cards are most beneficial when you pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges that could offset the rewards. However, if you typically carry a balance or need to finance a large purchase, a card with an introductory 0% APR might be a better fit, allowing you to spread payments without paying interest for a set period.


    For individuals aiming to build or repair their credit, secured cards or those specifically designed for people with limited credit histories can be a solid choice. While these cards may not offer as many perks, they can help improve your credit over time, especially if they report to all three major credit bureaus. In the end, the right credit card should align with your financial habits and goals, whether you’re looking to earn rewards, minimize interest costs, or strengthen your credit profile.

    If you don't have a high credit score or are just starting out, secured credit cards, newcomer credit cards, and student credit cards are the easiest to qualify for.

    Credit card rewards come in a variety of forms, but the two most common are cash back and points or miles. Cash back rewards allow you to reduce your balance or deposit the amount directly into your bank account. Some cards even give the option to receive it as a check. Meanwhile, points or miles can be exchanged for travel, merchandise, gift cards, or even statement credits. Both types of rewards help you benefit from your everyday purchases, but the right option depends on how you prefer to redeem your earnings.


    Read More: Cashback vs. Travel Rewards Credit Cards


    There are two primary types of rewards programs: fixed-rate rewards and category-based rewards. With a fixed-rate program, you earn the same rate on all purchases—such as 3% back or 3 points per dollar, regardless of where you shop. This type of card is simple to use and great for people who want consistent earnings. Category-based programs provide a base rate, like 1%, on all purchases but offer higher rates for specific spending, such as 5% on groceries or gas. Some cards even feature rotating categories that change every few months, letting you earn higher rewards in areas that shift quarterly.


    Each credit card issuer sets up its own rewards structure, and it's important to understand how each one works. Flat-rate rewards offer consistent earnings, ideal for people who don't want to track specific categories. Category-based cards go a step further by offering enhanced rewards in areas like dining, groceries, or travel. For instance, one card may offer 5% back on grocery store purchases while giving 1% back on everything else. This structure can help you earn more, but it requires you to pay attention to where and how you're spending.


    About the author

    Kevin Shahnazari

    Kevin Shahnazari

    Co-founder

    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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    Abid Salahi

    Abid Salahi

    Co-founder

    Abid leads the design and engineering of the FinlyWealth website, making sure everything runs smoothly and looks great. He’s a seasoned software engineer who follows best practices and designs interfa...

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    Sara Skodak

    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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