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Conquer your credit card debt with the RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option, one of the best balance transfer and low-interest credit cards in Canada.
May 5, 2026 2:59 PM
If you carry a credit card balance, the RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option is one of the best remedies in the face of debt. Complete with a low interest welcome bonus, an annual fee rebate, and valuable perks.
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Welcome Bonus
Enjoy a 0.99% introductory interest rate for the first 10 months on balance transfers^ and no annual fee for the first year*. Apply by September 30, 2026.
Rewards Rate
N/A
Annual Fee
$20 $0
Interest Rates
12.99% / 12.99%
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
Purchase APR
12.99%
Cash Advance APR
12.99%
Balance Transfer APR
12.99%
Promotional Balance Transfer Rate
Promotional Rate
0.99%
Promotional Period
10 months
Transfer Fee
$5
Annual Fee
$20
Additional Cards
$0
Minimum Individual Income
N/A
Minimum Household Income
N/A
Credit Score Estimate
Good
Card Type
Credit
Reward Type
None
Pros
Cons

Best Low Interest Credit Card
2026
The RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option doesn't earn any points or cash back rewards, instead the card offers a rewarding introductory interest rate on balance transfers and no annual fee for the first year of membership. Other perks include extra Be Well points on eligible Rexall purchases, gas discounts, and extra Petro-Points at Petro-Canada, plus a limited-time complimentary DashPass subscription with free deliveries on eligible purchases.
When you combine the promotion and perks, it's no wonder that the RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option is ranked one of the best low-interest credit cards in Canada and one of the best balance transfer credit cards in Canada.
There are a handful of benefits that make the RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option worthwhile.
The best part about the RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option is its introductory interest rate on balance transfers, available for the first several months of membership. Even beyond the promotional period, cardholders can expect relatively low interest rates on purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers.
For the first year of membership, the RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option's annual fee is waived completely. Afterwards, the annual fee is still pretty affordable.
Cardholders collect extra Be Well points per dollar spent on eligible Rexall purchases when they link their RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option card to their account.
Expect more Petro-Points at the pump, plus discounted fuel at Petro Canada when you link your RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option card to your account.
Enjoy a complimentary DashPass subscription for the first half of your first year. Not to mention, unlimited deliveries without delivery fees on eligible orders of $15 or more when you pay using your RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option card.
There are also a couple of downsides to consider before submitting an application.
Unfortunately, as mentioned, the RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option lacks any rewards earned on eligible purchases.
For coverage, the RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option only comes with standard extended warranty and purchase protection insurance.
In this section, we're going to compare the RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option against other leading low-interest and balance transfer credit cards in Canada.
Scotiabank
4.1
Annual Fee
$20
First year rebated
$0
$29
First year rebated
$29
First year rebated
Welcome Bonus
Enjoy a 0.99% introductory interest rate for the first 10 months on balance transfers^ and no annual fee for the first year*. Apply by September 30, 2026.
0% rate on balance transfers for 12 months (3% fee applies). Not available for residents of Quebec.†
0.99% interest on balance transfers for 9 months + first year fee rebate
Get a 0% introductory interest rate on Balance Transfers for 9 months with a 0.99% transfer fee and we’ll waive the $29 annual fee for the first year.*
Rewards
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Welcome Bonus Details
Earn Rates
Insurance Coverage
Extra Benefits
Requirements
The MBNA True Line Mastercard offers a lower and longer-lasting promotional interest rate on balance transfers, and by lower and longer, we mean 0% interest for a full year. That said, the transfer rate for the RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option is much lower by comparison. This close competitor also lacks coverage, but it offers car rental discounts at Avis and Budget locations. The best part? You can get your hands on this contender for no annual fee.
Verdict: The MBNA True Line Mastercard is the superior balance transfer credit card in Canada for those who need a full year to clear their balance. For those who can pay it off in slightly less than a year (10 months), the RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option is the better choice.
The Scotiabank Value Visa Card has a nearly identical promotional period, but it's slightly shorter. For coverage, cardholders can expect balance protection insurance. As an added perk, the card provides car rental discounts at Avis. While the annual fee is slightly higher, it's waived for the first year of membership.
Verdict: The RBC Classic Low Rate Option still has a better promotion, superior coverage, and more perks compared to the Scotiabank Value Visa Card.
The BMO Preferred Rate Mastercard waives interest on your carried balance for the first several months of membership. That said, after the promotional period is up, the balance transfer interest rate, as well as purchase and cash advance rates, are higher than the base interest rates provided by the RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option. Regardless, BMO Preferred Rate Mastercard cardholders also receive a first-year annual fee rebate. On top of basic coverage, expect some Instacart perks when you enroll your card.
Verdict: While the BMO Preferred Rate Mastercard is another zero-interest option, its interest rates after the promotional period are lower than the RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option. Therefore, the RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option is still the better choice in the long run.
The RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option stands out for its low-interest balance transfer welcome bonus as well as its decent bundle of partner perks.
Yes. The RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option has a small annual fee. That said, the fee is waived for the first year of membership.
The RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option is the best balance transfer contender for those who can clear their balance in 10 months, considering its low promotional rate and transfer fee. If you need a full year to pay off your balance, we consider the MBNA True Line Mastercard to be superior. This contender has a longer and lower-interest promotional period, but a higher transfer fee.
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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