Best credit cards in Canada

Beta version — April 2021

Getting new credit cards is one of the best ways for Canadians to travel more for less.

It’s how we easily get over a thousand dollars in travel rewards every year ourselves, all the while improving our credit score and getting plenty of other awesome travel benefits.

The key is to choose cards among the best credit cards in Canada (offers change constantly) and to always pay balances on-time and in full.

Here’s our monthly ranking, which focuses mainly on our Flytrippers Valuation of the credit cards’ welcome bonuses alone, since that’s what will be the same for any type of traveler—and because that is what is most important to maximize travel rewards.

(More details about how the ranking works or our Flytrippers Valuation.)

Flytrippers ranking of the best credit card offers in Canada (April 2021)

These are the best of the best, the credit cards with the highest welcome bonus offers in Canada right now. You can’t go wrong with any of these credit cards that all offer at least $276 in travel rewards with their welcome bonuses alone, but we help you choose below too.

You can read our detailed page about the best credit card offers in Canada for April 2021 (coming soon).

Best credit card offers (April 2021)		WELCOME BONUS	Best for
	American Express Cobalt^™ Card minimum income required: $0	≈ $706Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts (≈ $324) Earn on min. spend: 30,000 pts (≈ $324) Additional bonus: 15,000 pts (≈ $162) Earn on add. bonus spend: 1,500 pts (≈ $16) Card fee: deducted (-$120) spend $500/mo for 12 mos.*	Big spenders or beginners	ends May 5th
	Marriott Bonvoy^™ American Express^® Card minimum income required: $0	≈ $474Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 60,000 pts (≈ $540) Earn on min. spend: 6,000 pts (≈ $54) Card fee: deducted (-$120) spend $3k in 3 mos.	All travelers a must-have card	limited time
	BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card minimum income required: $60k	$327Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 25,000 pts ($167) Earn on min. spend: 9,000 pts ($60) Lifestyle credits: two in 1st year ($100) Card fee: first year free (-$0) Official BMO Offer Get up to 40,000 points* spend $3k in 3 mos.	Easy credits simple rewards
	SimplyCash^™ Preferred Card from American Express^® minimum income required: $0	$301Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: cashback ($400) Card fee: deducted (-$99) spend $4k in 4 mos.	Cashback fans who spend more
	American Express^® Aeroplan^®* Reserve Card minimum income required: $0	≈ $296Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 50,000 pts (≈ $750) Earn on min. spend: 3,000 pts (≈ $45) Additional bonus: statement credit ($100) Card fee: deducted (-$599) spend $3k in 3 mos.	Frequent Air Canada travel for VIP benefits
	BMO AIR MILES^®† World Elite^®* MasterCard^®* minimum income required: $80k	≈ $276Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 2,000 pts (≈ $240) Earn on min. spend: 300 pts (≈ $36) Card fee: 1st year free (-$0) spend $3k in 3 mos.	AIR MILES Rewards collectors
	Scotiabank Gold American Express^® Card minimum income required: $12k	$230Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts ($300) Earn on min. spend: 5,000 pts ($50) Card fee: deducted (-$120) spend $1k in 3 mos.	Lower spend or lower income 5x & insurance
	HSBC +Rewards^™ Mastercard^® minimum income required: $0	$160Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts ($150) Earn on min. spend: 2,000 pts ($10) Card fee: first year free (-$0) spend $2k in 6 mos. (see QC offer)	Lower credit scores and balances	ends April 19th
	HSBC World Elite^® Mastercard^® minimum income required: $80k	≈ $430Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 40,000 pts (≈ $240) Earn on min. spend: 15,000 pts (≈ $90) Annual credit: for travel ($100) Card fee: first year fee (-$0) spend $5k in 6 mos. (see QC offer)	Welcome bonus sometimes higher though	ends April 19th
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best credit card offers (April 2021)
American Express Cobalt^™ Card
minimum income required: $0
WELCOME BONUS	ends May 5th
≈ $706Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts (≈ $324) Earn on min. spend: 30,000 pts (≈ $324) Additional bonus: 15,000 pts (≈ $162) Earn on add. bonus spend: 1,500 pts (≈ $16) Card fee: deducted (-$120)
spend $500/mo for 12 mos.*
Best for: Big spenders or beginners
Marriott Bonvoy^™ American Express^® Card
minimum income required: $0
WELCOME BONUS	limited time
≈ $474Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 60,000 pts (≈ $540) Earn on min. spend: 6,000 pts (≈ $54) Card fee: deducted (-$120)
spend $3k in 3 mos.
Best for: All travelers a must-have card
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card
minimum income required: $60k
WELCOME BONUS
$327Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 25,000 pts ($167) Earn on min. spend: 9,000 pts ($60) Lifestyle credits: two in 1st year ($100) Card fee: first year free (-$0) Official BMO Offer Get up to 40,000 points*
spend $3k in 3 mos.
Best for: Easy credits simple rewards
SimplyCash^™ Preferred Card from American Express^®
minimum income required: $0
WELCOME BONUS
$301Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: cashback ($400) Card fee: deducted (-$99)
spend $4k in 4 mos.
Best for: Cashback fans who spend more
American Express^® Aeroplan^®* Reserve Card
minimum income required: $0
WELCOME BONUS
≈ $296Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 50,000 pts (≈ $750) Earn on min. spend: 3,000 pts (≈ $45) Additional bonus: statement credit ($100) Card fee: deducted (-$599)
spend $3k in 3 mos.
Best for: Frequent Air Canada travel for VIP benefits
BMO AIR MILES^®† World Elite^®* MasterCard^®*
minimum income required: $80k
WELCOME BONUS
≈ $276Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 2,000 pts (≈ $240) Earn on min. spend: 300 pts (≈ $36) Card fee: 1st year free (-$0)
spend $3k in 3 mos.
Best for: AIR MILES Rewards collectors
Scotiabank Gold American Express^® Card
minimum income required: $12k
WELCOME BONUS
$230Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts ($300) Earn on min. spend: 5,000 pts ($50) Card fee: deducted (-$120)
spend $1k in 3 mos.
Best for: Lower spend or lower income 5x & insurance
HSBC +Rewards^™ Mastercard^®
minimum income required: $0
WELCOME BONUS	ends April 19th
$160Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts ($150) Earn on min. spend: 2,000 pts ($10) Card fee: first year free (-$0)
spend $2k in 6 mos. (see QC offer)
Best for: Lower credit scores and balances
HSBC World Elite^® Mastercard^®
minimum income required: $80k
WELCOME BONUS	ends April 19th
≈ $430Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 40,000 pts (≈ $240) Earn on min. spend: 15,000 pts (≈ $90) Annual credit: for travel ($100) Card fee: first year fee (-$0)
spend $5k in 6 mos. (see QC offer)
Best for: Welcome bonus sometimes higher though
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best credit cards in Canada by category

Since there is no such thing as one “best card”, this beta version of our ranking of the best credit cards is now also split into various different sections based on your own preferences, profile, and strategy.

You can read a teaser about how to choose the best credit cards for you below the ranking, with more to come.

We’ll soon have even more categories, detailed credit card pages, comparison features, and more: sign up for free to be the first to get the full version.

Beginners: our upcoming free course (written & video) will explain how travel rewards & credit cards work in greater detail, but if you are new to this world, it’s important to read some basic knowledge (like not canceling old cards) also below the ranking.

Best cards by category hide

Best credit cards in Canada for groceries

Best credit cards in Canada for easy fixed-value travel credits

Best credit cards in Canada for AIR MILES Rewards

Best credit cards in Canada for Marriott Bonvoy points

Best credit cards in Canada for cashback

Best credit cards in Canada for balance transfers

Best credit cards in Canada with no foreign transaction fees

Best credit cards in Canada for airport lounge access

Best credit cards in Canada with low minimum spends

Best credit cards in Canada for those with non-employment income

Best credit cards in Canada for businesses

Best prepaid credit cards in Canada

Best free credit score monitoring in Canada

Other upcoming credit card categories

Best online shopping portals in Canada

Best services to earn more rewards in Canada

Best travel insurance providers for COVID-19

Best cryptocurrency services

Other upcoming financial categories

Get all our pro tips on how to earn more travel rewards with our newsletter

Best credit cards in Canada for groceries

A lot of travel rewards beginners have a hard time understanding that earn rates aren’t as important as welcome bonuses, so we figured adding this section would be a great opportunity to remind you. But with groceries being such a big expense, these cards are great for those getting started out.

You can read our detailed page about the best credit cards in Canada for groceries (coming soon).

Best credit cards for groceries		WELCOME BONUS	Earn rate on groceries
	American Express Cobalt^™ Card minimum income required: $0	≈ $706Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts (≈ $324) Earn on min. spend: 30,000 pts (≈ $324) Additional bonus: 15,000 pts (≈ $162) Earn on add. bonus spend: 1,500 pts (≈ $16) Card fee: deducted (-$120) spend $500/mo for 12 mos.*	≈ 5.4% or 5% at fixed-value	ends May 5th
	Scotiabank Gold American Express^® Card minimum income required: $12k	$230Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts ($300) Earn on min. spend: 5,000 pts ($50) Card fee: deducted (-$120) spend $1k in 3 mos.	5% fixed-value
	Scotia Momentum^® Visa Infinite* Card minimum income required: $60k	$200Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: cashback ($200) Card fee: 1st year free (-$0) spend $2k in 3 mos.	4% fixed-value
	BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card minimum income required: $60k	$327Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 25,000 pts ($167) Earn on min. spend: 9,000 pts ($60) Lifestyle credits: two in 1st year ($100) Card fee: first year free (-$0) Official BMO Offer Get up to 40,000 points* spend $3k in 3 mos.	3.55% fixed-value
	Tangerine World Mastercard^® minimum income required: $60k	$0Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: none ($0) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0) no welcome bonus	2% incl. Walmart Supercentres
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best credit cards for groceries
American Express Cobalt^™ Card
minimum income required: $0
WELCOME BONUS	ends May 5th
≈ $706Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts (≈ $324) Earn on min. spend: 30,000 pts (≈ $324) Additional bonus: 15,000 pts (≈ $162) Earn on add. bonus spend: 1,500 pts (≈ $16) Card fee: deducted (-$120)
spend $500/mo for 12 mos.*
Earn rate on groceries: ≈ 5.4% or 5% at fixed-value
Scotiabank Gold American Express^® Card
minimum income required: $12k
WELCOME BONUS
$230Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts ($300) Earn on min. spend: 5,000 pts ($50) Card fee: deducted (-$120)
spend $1k in 3 mos.
Earn rate on groceries: 5% fixed-value
Scotia Momentum^® Visa Infinite* Card
minimum income required: $60k
WELCOME BONUS
$200Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: cashback ($200) Card fee: 1st year free (-$0)
spend $2k in 3 mos.
Earn rate on groceries: 4% fixed-value
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card
minimum income required: $60k
WELCOME BONUS
$327Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 25,000 pts ($167) Earn on min. spend: 9,000 pts ($60) Lifestyle credits: two in 1st year ($100) Card fee: first year free (-$0) Official BMO Offer Get up to 40,000 points*
spend $3k in 3 mos.
Earn rate on groceries: 3.55% fixed-value
Tangerine World Mastercard^®
minimum income required: $60k
WELCOME BONUS
$0Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: none ($0) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0)
no welcome bonus
Earn rate on groceries: 2% incl. Walmart Supercentres
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best credit cards in Canada for easy fixed-value travel credits

While variable-value rewards are the best to maximize the value you get, some prefer easy fixed-value travel credits that can be applied to any travel expense for a lot more flexibility (and are okay with sacrificing value for that). These are the best current offers for easy “eraser”-type points.

You can read our detailed page about the best credit cards in Canada for easy fixed-value travel credits (coming soon).

Best credit cards for easy travel credits		WELCOME BONUS	Best for
	American Express Cobalt^™ Card minimum income required: $0	$645Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts ($300) Earn on min. spend: 30,000 pts ($300) Additional bonus: 15,000 pts ($150) Earn on add. bonus spend: 1,500 pts ($15) Card fee: deducted (-$120) spend $500/mo for 12 mos.*	Big spenders or beginners	ends May 5th
	Scotiabank Gold American Express^® Card minimum income required: $12k	$230Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts ($300) Earn on min. spend: 5,000 pts ($50) Card fee: deducted (-$120) spend $1k in 3 mos.	Very good travel insurance and earn rate
	Scotia Passport^™ Visa Infinite* Card minimum income required: $60k	$171Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts ($300) Earn on min. spend: 1,000 pts ($10) Card fee: deducted (-$139) spend $1k in 3 mos.	Airport lounge access and no FX fees
	HSBC +Rewards^™ Mastercard^® minimum income required: $0	$160Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts ($150) Earn on min. spend: 2,000 pts ($10) Card fee: first year free (-$0) spend $2k in 6 mos. (see QC offer)	Non-Amex option no travel insurance	ends April 19th
	American Express^® Gold Rewards Card minimum income required: $0	$130Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 25,000 pts ($250) Earn on min. spend: 3,000 pts ($30) Card fee: deducted (-$150) spend $1.5k in 3 mos.	Those who already have the Cobalt Card
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best credit cards for easy travel credits
American Express Cobalt^™ Card
minimum income required: $0
WELCOME BONUS	ends May 5th
$645Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts ($300) Earn on min. spend: 30,000 pts ($300) Additional bonus: 15,000 pts ($150) Earn on add. bonus spend: 1,500 pts ($15) Card fee: deducted (-$120)
spend $500/mo for 12 mos.*
Best for: Big spenders or beginners
Scotiabank Gold American Express^® Card
minimum income required: $12k
WELCOME BONUS
$230Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts ($300) Earn on min. spend: 5,000 pts ($50) Card fee: deducted (-$120)
spend $1k in 3 mos.
Best for: Very good travel insurance and earn rate
Scotia Passport^™ Visa Infinite* Card
minimum income required: $60k
WELCOME BONUS
$171Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts ($300) Earn on min. spend: 1,000 pts ($10) Card fee: deducted (-$139)
spend $1k in 3 mos.
Best for: Airport lounge access and no FX fees
HSBC +Rewards^™ Mastercard^®
minimum income required: $0
WELCOME BONUS	ends April 19th
$160Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts ($150) Earn on min. spend: 2,000 pts ($10) Card fee: first year free (-$0)
spend $2k in 6 mos. (see QC offer)
Best for: Non-Amex option no travel insurance
American Express^® Gold Rewards Card
minimum income required: $0
WELCOME BONUS
$130Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 25,000 pts ($250) Earn on min. spend: 3,000 pts ($30) Card fee: deducted (-$150)
spend $1.5k in 3 mos.
Best for: Those who already have the Cobalt Card
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best credit cards in Canada for AIR MILES Rewards

The AIR MILES program is widely-known but quite misused: like any rewards program, you can get the highest potential value by using it for travel. And AIR MILES Miles are easy to earn with many credit cards available.

You can read our detailed page about the best credit cards in Canada for AIR MILES Rewards (coming soon).

Best credit cards for AIR MILES Rewards		WELCOME BONUS	AIR MILES Miles
	BMO AIR MILES^®† World Elite^®* MasterCard^®* minimum income required: $80k	≈ $276Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 2,000 pts (≈ $240) Earn on min. spend: 300 pts (≈ $36) Card fee: 1st year free (-$0) spend $3k in 3 mos.	2,300 Miles after welcome bonus
	American Express^® AIR MILES^®* Platinum Card minimum income required: $0	≈ $156Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 2,000 pts (≈ $240) Earn on min. spend: 300 pts (≈ $36) Card fee: deducted (-$120) spend $1.5k in 3 mos.	2,300 Miles after welcome bonus
	BMO AIR MILES^®† MasterCard^®* minimum income required: $15k	≈ $110Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 800 pts (≈ $96) Earn on min. spend: 120 pts (≈ $14) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0) spend $1k in 3 mos.	920 Miles after welcome bonus
	American Express^® AIR MILES^®* for Business Card non-employment income required	≈ $100Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 2,000 pts (≈ $240) Earn on min. spend: 333 pts (≈ $40) Card fee: deducted (-$180) spend $5k in 3 mos.	2,300 Miles after welcome bonus
	BMO^® AIR MILES^®† Business^® Mastercard^®* business required	≈ $420Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 3,000 pts (≈ $360) Earn on min. spend: 500 pts (≈ $60) Card fee: 1st year free (-$0) spend $5k in 3 mos.	3,500 Miles after welcome bonus
	BMO^® AIR MILES^®† No-Fee Business^® Mastercard^®* business required	≈ $138Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 1,000 pts (≈ $120) Earn on min. spend: 150 pts (≈ $18) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0) spend $3k in 3 mos.	1,150 Miles after welcome bonus
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best credit cards for AIR MILES Rewards
BMO AIR MILES^®† World Elite^®* MasterCard^®*
minimum income required: $80k
WELCOME BONUS
≈ $276Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 2,000 pts (≈ $240) Earn on min. spend: 300 pts (≈ $36) Card fee: 1st year free (-$0)
spend $3k in 3 mos.
AIR MILES Miles: 2,300 Miles after welcome bonus
American Express^® AIR MILES^®* Platinum Card
minimum income required: $0
WELCOME BONUS
≈ $156Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 2,000 pts (≈ $240) Earn on min. spend: 300 pts (≈ $36) Card fee: deducted (-$120)
spend $1.5k in 3 mos.
AIR MILES Miles: 2,300 Miles after welcome bonus
BMO AIR MILES^®† MasterCard^®*
minimum income required: $15k
WELCOME BONUS
≈ $110Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 800 pts (≈ $96) Earn on min. spend: 120 pts (≈ $14) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0)
spend $1k in 3 mos.
AIR MILES Miles: 920 Miles after welcome bonus
American Express^® AIR MILES^®* for Business Card
non-employment income required
WELCOME BONUS
≈ $100Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 2,000 pts (≈ $240) Earn on min. spend: 333 pts (≈ $40) Card fee: deducted (-$180)
spend $5k in 3 mos.
AIR MILES Miles: 2,300 Miles after welcome bonus
BMO^® AIR MILES^®† Business^® Mastercard^®*
business required
WELCOME BONUS
≈ $420Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 3,000 pts (≈ $360) Earn on min. spend: 500 pts (≈ $60) Card fee: 1st year free (-$0)
spend $5k in 3 mos.
AIR MILES Miles: 3,500 Miles after welcome bonus
BMO^® AIR MILES^®† No-Fee Business^® Mastercard^®*
business required
WELCOME BONUS
≈ $138Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 1,000 pts (≈ $120) Earn on min. spend: 150 pts (≈ $18) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0)
spend $3k in 3 mos.
AIR MILES Miles: 1,150 Miles after welcome bonus
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best credit cards in Canada for Marriott Bonvoy points

Marriott has by far the best hotel rewards program for Canadians, and it is so easy to get many many free hotel nights. This is especially great for those who are like us and are able to find cheap flights anyways (and want to maximize the value they get from rewards).

You can read our detailed page about the best credit cards in Canada for Marriott Bonvoy points (coming soon).

Best credit cards for Marriott points		WELCOME BONUS	Marriott points
	Marriott Bonvoy^™ American Express^® Card minimum income required: $0	≈ $474Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 60,000 pts (≈ $540) Earn on min. spend: 6,000 pts (≈ $54) Card fee: deducted (-$120) spend $3k in 3 mos.	66,000 pts after welcome bonus	limited time
	American Express Cobalt^™ Card minimum income required: $0	≈ $706Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts (≈ $324) Earn on min. spend: 30,000 pts (≈ $324) Additional bonus: 15,000 pts (≈ $162) Earn on add. bonus spend: 1,500 pts (≈ $16) Card fee: deducted (-$120) spend $500/mo for 12 mos.*	91,800 pts after welcome bonus	ends May 5th
	Marriott Bonvoy^™ Business American Express^® Card non-employment income required	≈ $480Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 60,000 pts (≈ $540) Earn on min. spend: 10,000 pts (≈ $90) Card fee: deducted (-$150) spend $5k in 3 mos.	70,000 pts after welcome bonus	limited time
	American Express Business Edge^™ Card non-employment income required	≈ $333Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts (≈ $324) Earn on min. spend: 10,000 pts (≈ $108) Card fee: deducted (-$99) spend $5k in 3 mos.	48,000 pts after welcome bonus
	Choice Card from American Express^™ minimum income required: $0	≈ $149Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 12,500 pts (≈ $135) Earn on min. spend: 1,250 pts (≈ $14) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0) spend $1.25k in 3 mos.	16,500 pts after welcome bonus
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best credit cards for Marriott points
Marriott Bonvoy^™ American Express^® Card
minimum income required: $0
WELCOME BONUS	limited time
≈ $474Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 60,000 pts (≈ $540) Earn on min. spend: 6,000 pts (≈ $54) Card fee: deducted (-$120)
spend $3k in 3 mos.
Marriott points: 66,000 pts after welcome bonus
American Express Cobalt^™ Card
minimum income required: $0
WELCOME BONUS	ends May 5th
≈ $706Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts (≈ $324) Earn on min. spend: 30,000 pts (≈ $324) Additional bonus: 15,000 pts (≈ $162) Earn on add. bonus spend: 1,500 pts (≈ $16) Card fee: deducted (-$120)
spend $500/mo for 12 mos.*
Marriott points: 91,800 pts after welcome bonus
Marriott Bonvoy^™ Business American Express^® Card
non-employment income required
WELCOME BONUS	limited time
≈ $480Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 60,000 pts (≈ $540) Earn on min. spend: 10,000 pts (≈ $90) Card fee: deducted (-$150)
spend $5k in 3 mos.
Marriott points: 70,000 pts after welcome bonus
American Express Business Edge^™ Card
non-employment income required
WELCOME BONUS
≈ $333Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts (≈ $324) Earn on min. spend: 10,000 pts (≈ $108) Card fee: deducted (-$99)
spend $5k in 3 mos.
Marriott points: 48,000 pts after welcome bonus
Choice Card from American Express^™
minimum income required: $0
WELCOME BONUS
≈ $149Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 12,500 pts (≈ $135) Earn on min. spend: 1,250 pts (≈ $14) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0)
spend $1.25k in 3 mos.
Marriott points: 16,500 pts after welcome bonus
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best credit cards in Canada for cashback

Travel rewards are a lot better than cashback if you want to get more value. And some types of travel rewards are just as simple and flexible as cashback. But some still prefer cashback, so here are the few cashback cards that at least have good welcome bonuses.

You can read our detailed page about the best credit cards in Canada for cashback (coming soon).

Best credit cards for cashback		WELCOME BONUS	Earn rate
	Scotia Momentum^® Visa Infinite* Card minimum income required: $60k	$200Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: cashback ($200) Card fee: 1st year free (-$0) spend $2k in 3 mos.	4% on groceries (1-2% elsewhere)
	SimplyCash^™ Preferred Card from American Express^® minimum income required: $0	$301Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: cashback ($400) Card fee: deducted (-$99) spend $4k in 4 mos.	2% on everything
	American Express^® AIR MILES^®* Platinum Card minimum income required: $0	$122Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 2,000 pts ($210) Earn on min. spend: 300 pts ($32) Card fee: deducted (-$120) spend $1.5k in 3 mos.	2.1% on food & gas (1.05% elsewhere)
	BMO CashBack^® World Elite^®* MasterCard^®* minimum income required: $80k	$200Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: cashback ($200) Card fee: 1st year free (-$0) Official BMO Offer Get up to 10% cash back in your first 3 months and the $120 annual fee waived in the first year* spend $2k in 3 mos.	1.5% on everything
	BMO AIR MILES^®† MasterCard^®* minimum income required: $15k	$97Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 800 pts ($84) Earn on min. spend: 120 pts ($13) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0) spend $1k in 3 mos.	1.26% at AM partners (0.42% elsewhere)
	BMO AIR MILES^®† World Elite^®* MasterCard^®* minimum income required: $80k	$242Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 2,000 pts ($210) Earn on min. spend: 300 pts ($32) Card fee: 1st year free (-$0) spend $3k in 3 mos.	1.05% (2.63% at AM partners in May)
	SimplyCash^™ Card from American Express^® minimum income required: $0	$150Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: cashback ($150) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0) spend $6k in 3 mos.	1.25% on everything
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best credit cards for cashback
Scotia Momentum^® Visa Infinite* Card
minimum income required: $60k
WELCOME BONUS
$200Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: cashback ($200) Card fee: 1st year free (-$0)
spend $2k in 3 mos.
Earn rate: 4% on groceries (1-2% elsewhere)
SimplyCash^™ Preferred Card from American Express^®
minimum income required: $0
WELCOME BONUS
$301Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: cashback ($400) Card fee: deducted (-$99)
spend $4k in 4 mos.
Earn rate: 2% on everything
American Express^® AIR MILES^®* Platinum Card
minimum income required: $0
WELCOME BONUS
$122Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 2,000 pts ($210) Earn on min. spend: 300 pts ($32) Card fee: deducted (-$120)
spend $1.5k in 3 mos.
Earn rate: 2.1% on food & gas (1.05% elsewhere)
BMO CashBack^® World Elite^®* MasterCard^®*
minimum income required: $80k
WELCOME BONUS
$200Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: cashback ($200) Card fee: 1st year free (-$0) Official BMO Offer Get up to 10% cash back in your first 3 months and the $120 annual fee waived in the first year*
spend $2k in 3 mos.
Earn rate: 1.5% on everything
BMO AIR MILES^®† MasterCard^®*
minimum income required: $15k
WELCOME BONUS
$97Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 800 pts ($84) Earn on min. spend: 120 pts ($13) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0)
spend $1k in 3 mos.
Earn rate: 1.26% at AM partners (0.42% elsewhere)
BMO AIR MILES^®† World Elite^®* MasterCard^®*
minimum income required: $80k
WELCOME BONUS
$242Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 2,000 pts ($210) Earn on min. spend: 300 pts ($32) Card fee: 1st year free (-$0)
spend $3k in 3 mos.
Earn rate: 1.05% (2.63% at AM partners in May)
SimplyCash^™ Card from American Express^®
minimum income required: $0
WELCOME BONUS
$150Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: cashback ($150) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0)
spend $6k in 3 mos.
Earn rate: 1.25% on everything
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best credit cards in Canada for balance transfers

You should never carry a balance on a credit card. If you do, fixing that should be your #1 financial priority (the yearly thousand dollars in travel rewards you can get with credit cards should be good motivation). But if you are carrying a balance, in the meantime these cards will at least help you save on interest by doing a transfer.

You can read our detailed page about the best credit cards in Canada for balance transfers (coming soon).

Best credit cards for balance transfers		WELCOME BONUS	Interest rate
	BMO AIR MILES^®† MasterCard^®* minimum income required: $15k	≈ $110Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 800 pts (≈ $96) Earn on min. spend: 120 pts (≈ $14) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0) spend $1k in 3 mos.	1.99% for 9 mos 1% transfer fee
	BMO Rewards^® MasterCard^®* minimum income required: $15k	$74Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 10,000 pts ($67) Earn on min. spend: 1,000 pts ($7) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0) spend $1k in 3 mos.	1.99% for 9 mos 1% transfer fee
	BMO CashBack^® MasterCard^®* minimum income required: $15k	$25Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: cashback ($25) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0) Official BMO Offer Get 5% cash back in your first 3 months* spend $500 in 3 mos.	1.99% for 9 mos 1% transfer fee
	President's Choice Financial^® Mastercard^® minimum income required: $0	$20Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 20,000 pts ($20) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0) spend $0 (1 purchase)	0.97% for 6 mos 0% transfer fee
	Tangerine Money-Back Card minimum income required: $0	$0Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: none ($0) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0) no welcome bonus	1.95% for 6 mos 3% transfer fee
	Scotiabank Value^® Visa* Card minimum income required: $12k	–$29Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: none ($0) Card fee: deducted (-$29) no welcome bonus	0.99% for 6 mos 0% transfer fee
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best credit cards for balance transfers
BMO AIR MILES^®† MasterCard^®*
minimum income required: $15k
WELCOME BONUS
≈ $110Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 800 pts (≈ $96) Earn on min. spend: 120 pts (≈ $14) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0)
spend $1k in 3 mos.
Interest rate: 1.99% for 9 mos 1% transfer fee
BMO Rewards^® MasterCard^®*
minimum income required: $15k
WELCOME BONUS
$74Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 10,000 pts ($67) Earn on min. spend: 1,000 pts ($7) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0)
spend $1k in 3 mos.
Interest rate: 1.99% for 9 mos 1% transfer fee
BMO CashBack^® MasterCard^®*
minimum income required: $15k
WELCOME BONUS
$25Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: cashback ($25) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0) Official BMO Offer Get 5% cash back in your first 3 months*
spend $500 in 3 mos.
Interest rate: 1.99% for 9 mos 1% transfer fee
President's Choice Financial^® Mastercard^®
minimum income required: $0
WELCOME BONUS
$20Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 20,000 pts ($20) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0)
spend $0 (1 purchase)
Interest rate: 0.97% for 6 mos 0% transfer fee
Tangerine Money-Back Card
minimum income required: $0
WELCOME BONUS
$0Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: none ($0) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0)
no welcome bonus
Interest rate: 1.95% for 6 mos 3% transfer fee
Scotiabank Value^® Visa* Card
minimum income required: $12k
WELCOME BONUS
–$29Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: none ($0) Card fee: deducted (-$29)
no welcome bonus
Interest rate: 0.99% for 6 mos 0% transfer fee
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best credit cards in Canada with no foreign transaction fees

Almost every Canadian credit card charges a 2.5% fee on all transactions in foreign currencies, which might still be worth paying overall, depending on your card strategy. But these are the best credit cards to avoid that fee altogether.

You can read our detailed page about the best credit cards in Canada with no foreign transaction fees (coming soon).

Best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees		WELCOME BONUS	Other benefit
	Scotiabank Gold American Express^® Card minimum income required: $12k	$230Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts ($300) Earn on min. spend: 5,000 pts ($50) Card fee: deducted (-$120) spend $1k in 3 mos.	Very good travel insurance and earn rate
	Scotia Passport^™ Visa Infinite* Card minimum income required: $60k	$171Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts ($300) Earn on min. spend: 1,000 pts ($10) Card fee: deducted (-$139) spend $1k in 3 mos.	Airport lounge access 6 passes
	Brim Mastercard minimum income required: $0	$0Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: none ($0) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0) no welcome bonus	No-fee card add-on w/ other card
	Brim World Elite Mastercard minimum income required: $80k	$0Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: none ($0) Card fee: 1st year free (-$0) no welcome bonus	No minimum spend add-on w/ other card	ends March 31st
	HSBC World Elite^® Mastercard^® minimum income required: $80k	≈ $430Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 40,000 pts (≈ $240) Earn on min. spend: 15,000 pts (≈ $90) Annual credit: for travel ($100) Card fee: first year fee (-$0) spend $5k in 6 mos. (see QC offer)	Welcome bonus sometimes higher though	ends April 19th
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Scotiabank Gold American Express^® Card
minimum income required: $12k
WELCOME BONUS
$230Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts ($300) Earn on min. spend: 5,000 pts ($50) Card fee: deducted (-$120)
spend $1k in 3 mos.
Other benefit: Very good travel insurance and earn rate
Scotia Passport^™ Visa Infinite* Card
minimum income required: $60k
WELCOME BONUS
$171Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts ($300) Earn on min. spend: 1,000 pts ($10) Card fee: deducted (-$139)
spend $1k in 3 mos.
Other benefit: Airport lounge access 6 passes
Brim Mastercard
minimum income required: $0
WELCOME BONUS
$0Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: none ($0) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0)
no welcome bonus
Other benefit: No-fee card add-on w/ other card
Brim World Elite Mastercard
minimum income required: $80k
WELCOME BONUS	ends March 31st
$0Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: none ($0) Card fee: 1st year free (-$0)
no welcome bonus
Other benefit: No minimum spend add-on w/ other card
HSBC World Elite^® Mastercard^®
minimum income required: $80k
WELCOME BONUS	ends April 19th
≈ $430Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 40,000 pts (≈ $240) Earn on min. spend: 15,000 pts (≈ $90) Annual credit: for travel ($100) Card fee: first year fee (-$0)
spend $5k in 6 mos. (see QC offer)
Other benefit: Welcome bonus sometimes higher though
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best credit cards in Canada for airport lounge access

The only thing better than airport lounge access is free airport lounge access. We love airport lounges. And it’s easy for any Canadian to get free airport lounge access with these cards, no matter how often you travel.

You can read our detailed page about the best credit cards in Canada for airport lounge access (coming soon).

Best credit cards for airport lounge access		WELCOME BONUS	Lounge passes
	Scotia Passport^™ Visa Infinite* Card minimum income required: $60k	$171Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts ($300) Earn on min. spend: 1,000 pts ($10) Card fee: deducted (-$139) spend $1k in 3 mos.	6 passes worldwide Priority Pass
	American Express^® Aeroplan^®* Reserve Card minimum income required: $0	≈ $296Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 50,000 pts (≈ $750) Earn on min. spend: 3,000 pts (≈ $45) Additional bonus: statement credit ($100) Card fee: deducted (-$599) spend $3k in 3 mos.	∞ (unlimited, no guest) in North America Air Canada Lounges
	Platinum Card^® from American Express minimum income required: $0	≈ $296Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 50,000 pts (≈ $750) Earn on min. spend: 3,000 pts (≈ $45) Annual credit: for travel ($200) Card fee: deducted (-$699) spend $3k in 3 mos.	∞ (unlimited + 1 guest) worldwide Priority Pass
	BMO World Elite^™* MasterCard^®* minimum income required: $80k	$207Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 25,000 pts ($167) Earn on min. spend: 6,000 pts ($40) Card fee: first year free (-$0) spend $3k in 3 mos.	4 passes worldwide LoungeKey
	BMO AIR MILES^®† World Elite^®* MasterCard^®* minimum income required: $80k	≈ $276Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 2,000 pts (≈ $240) Earn on min. spend: 300 pts (≈ $36) Card fee: 1st year free (-$0) spend $3k in 3 mos.	2 passes worldwide (2021 only) LoungeKey
	BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card minimum income required: $150k	$327Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 35,000 pts ($249) Earn on min. spend: 25,000 pts ($177) Lifestyle credits: two in 1st year ($400) Card fee: deducted (-$499) Official BMO Offer Get up to 50,000 points* spend $5k in 3 mos.	6 passes worldwide Priority Pass
	Scotiabank Platinum American Express^® Card minimum income required: $12k	–$99Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts ($300) Card fee: deducted (-$399) spend $0 (1 purchase)	10 passes worldwide Priority Pass
	American Express^® Aeroplan^®* Business Reserve Card non-employment income required	≈ $401Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 55,000 pts (≈ $825) Earn on min. spend: 5,000 pts (≈ $75) Additional bonus: statement credit ($100) Card fee: deducted (-$599) spend $5k in 3 mos.	∞ (unlimited, no guest) in North America Air Canada Lounges
	Business Platinum Card^® from American Express non-employment income required	≈ $382Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 50,000 pts (≈ $750) Earn on min. spend: 8,750 pts (≈ $131) Card fee: deducted (-$499) spend $7k in 3 mos.	∞ (unlimited + 1 guest) worldwide Priority Pass
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best credit cards for airport lounge access
Scotia Passport^™ Visa Infinite* Card
minimum income required: $60k
WELCOME BONUS
$171Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts ($300) Earn on min. spend: 1,000 pts ($10) Card fee: deducted (-$139)
spend $1k in 3 mos.
Lounge passes: 6 passes worldwide Priority Pass
American Express^® Aeroplan^®* Reserve Card
minimum income required: $0
WELCOME BONUS
≈ $296Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 50,000 pts (≈ $750) Earn on min. spend: 3,000 pts (≈ $45) Additional bonus: statement credit ($100) Card fee: deducted (-$599)
spend $3k in 3 mos.
Lounge passes: ∞ (unlimited, no guest) in North America Air Canada Lounges
Platinum Card^® from American Express
minimum income required: $0
WELCOME BONUS
≈ $296Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 50,000 pts (≈ $750) Earn on min. spend: 3,000 pts (≈ $45) Annual credit: for travel ($200) Card fee: deducted (-$699)
spend $3k in 3 mos.
Lounge passes: ∞ (unlimited + 1 guest) worldwide Priority Pass
BMO World Elite^™* MasterCard^®*
minimum income required: $80k
WELCOME BONUS
$207Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 25,000 pts ($167) Earn on min. spend: 6,000 pts ($40) Card fee: first year free (-$0)
spend $3k in 3 mos.
Lounge passes: 4 passes worldwide LoungeKey
BMO AIR MILES^®† World Elite^®* MasterCard^®*
minimum income required: $80k
WELCOME BONUS
≈ $276Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 2,000 pts (≈ $240) Earn on min. spend: 300 pts (≈ $36) Card fee: 1st year free (-$0)
spend $3k in 3 mos.
Lounge passes: 2 passes worldwide (2021 only) LoungeKey
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
minimum income required: $150k
WELCOME BONUS
$327Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 35,000 pts ($249) Earn on min. spend: 25,000 pts ($177) Lifestyle credits: two in 1st year ($400) Card fee: deducted (-$499) Official BMO Offer Get up to 50,000 points*
spend $5k in 3 mos.
Lounge passes: 6 passes worldwide Priority Pass
Scotiabank Platinum American Express^® Card
minimum income required: $12k
WELCOME BONUS
–$99Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts ($300) Card fee: deducted (-$399)
spend $0 (1 purchase)
Lounge passes: 10 passes worldwide Priority Pass
American Express^® Aeroplan^®* Business Reserve Card
non-employment income required
WELCOME BONUS
≈ $401Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 55,000 pts (≈ $825) Earn on min. spend: 5,000 pts (≈ $75) Additional bonus: statement credit ($100) Card fee: deducted (-$599)
spend $5k in 3 mos.
Lounge passes: ∞ (unlimited, no guest) in North America Air Canada Lounges
Business Platinum Card^® from American Express
non-employment income required
WELCOME BONUS
≈ $382Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 50,000 pts (≈ $750) Earn on min. spend: 8,750 pts (≈ $131) Card fee: deducted (-$499)
spend $7k in 3 mos.
Lounge passes: ∞ (unlimited + 1 guest) worldwide Priority Pass
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best credit cards in Canada with low minimum spends

Pros know that adding a 2nd card the same day as a card application is a great way to double your welcome bonuses, and that’s easier when the 2nd has a low minimum spend (also for those who spend less, despite our tips to reach minimum spend requirements).

You can read our detailed page about the best credit cards in Canada with low minimum spends (coming soon).

Best credit cards with low minimum spends		WELCOME BONUS	Best for
	Scotiabank Gold American Express^® Card minimum income required: $12k	$230Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts ($300) Earn on min. spend: 5,000 pts ($50) Card fee: deducted (-$120) spend $1k in 3 mos.	Lower spend or lower income 5x & insurance
	HSBC +Rewards^™ Mastercard^® minimum income required: $0	$160Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts ($150) Earn on min. spend: 2,000 pts ($10) Card fee: first year free (-$0) spend $2k in 6 mos. (see QC offer)	Non-Amex option no travel insurance	ends April 19th
	Scotia Passport^™ Visa Infinite* Card minimum income required: $60k	$171Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts ($300) Earn on min. spend: 1,000 pts ($10) Card fee: deducted (-$139) spend $1k in 3 mos.	Airport lounge access and no FX fees
	BMO AIR MILES^®† MasterCard^®* minimum income required: $15k	≈ $110Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 800 pts (≈ $96) Earn on min. spend: 120 pts (≈ $14) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0) spend $1k in 3 mos.	More AIR MILES Rewards
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best credit cards with low minimum spends
Scotiabank Gold American Express^® Card
minimum income required: $12k
WELCOME BONUS
$230Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts ($300) Earn on min. spend: 5,000 pts ($50) Card fee: deducted (-$120)
spend $1k in 3 mos.
Best for: Lower spend or lower income 5x & insurance
HSBC +Rewards^™ Mastercard^®
minimum income required: $0
WELCOME BONUS	ends April 19th
$160Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts ($150) Earn on min. spend: 2,000 pts ($10) Card fee: first year free (-$0)
spend $2k in 6 mos. (see QC offer)
Best for: Non-Amex option no travel insurance
Scotia Passport^™ Visa Infinite* Card
minimum income required: $60k
WELCOME BONUS
$171Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts ($300) Earn on min. spend: 1,000 pts ($10) Card fee: deducted (-$139)
spend $1k in 3 mos.
Best for: Airport lounge access and no FX fees
BMO AIR MILES^®† MasterCard^®*
minimum income required: $15k
WELCOME BONUS
≈ $110Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 800 pts (≈ $96) Earn on min. spend: 120 pts (≈ $14) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0)
spend $1k in 3 mos.
Best for: More AIR MILES Rewards
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best credit cards in Canada for those with non-employment income

Many people don’t know that they simply do not require having an actual business for certain small business cards: any type of non-employment income qualifies you for some amazing offers (reselling, side gig, etc.) so here are the best ones.

You can read our detailed page about the best credit cards in Canada for those with non-employment income (coming soon).

Best credit cards for non-employment income		WELCOME BONUS	Best for
	American Express^® Aeroplan^®* Business Reserve Card non-employment income required	≈ $401Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 55,000 pts (≈ $825) Earn on min. spend: 5,000 pts (≈ $75) Additional bonus: statement credit ($100) Card fee: deducted (-$599) spend $5k in 3 mos.	Frequent Air Canada travel & maximizing Aeroplan
	Business Platinum Card^® from American Express non-employment income required	≈ $382Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 50,000 pts (≈ $750) Earn on min. spend: 8,750 pts (≈ $131) Card fee: deducted (-$499) spend $7k in 3 mos.	Big spenders & luxury travelers
	American Express Business Edge^™ Card non-employment income required	≈ $333Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts (≈ $324) Earn on min. spend: 10,000 pts (≈ $108) Card fee: deducted (-$99) spend $5k in 3 mos.	More Marriott points and good earn rate
	Marriott Bonvoy^™ Business American Express^® Card non-employment income required	≈ $480Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 60,000 pts (≈ $540) Earn on min. spend: 10,000 pts (≈ $90) Card fee: deducted (-$150) spend $5k in 3 mos.	Valuable Marriott certificate another must-have	limited time
	American Express^® Business Gold Rewards Card non-employment income required	≈ $275Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts (≈ $450) Earn on min. spend: 5,000 pts (≈ $75) Card fee: deducted (-$250) spend $5k in 3 mos.	More valuable Amex points for Aeroplan or Avios
	American Express^® AIR MILES^®* for Business Card non-employment income required	≈ $100Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 2,000 pts (≈ $240) Earn on min. spend: 333 pts (≈ $40) Card fee: deducted (-$180) spend $5k in 3 mos.	Another AIR MILES bonus
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best credit cards for non-employment income
American Express^® Aeroplan^®* Business Reserve Card
non-employment income required
WELCOME BONUS
≈ $401Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 55,000 pts (≈ $825) Earn on min. spend: 5,000 pts (≈ $75) Additional bonus: statement credit ($100) Card fee: deducted (-$599)
spend $5k in 3 mos.
Best for: Frequent Air Canada travel & maximizing Aeroplan
Business Platinum Card^® from American Express
non-employment income required
WELCOME BONUS
≈ $382Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 50,000 pts (≈ $750) Earn on min. spend: 8,750 pts (≈ $131) Card fee: deducted (-$499)
spend $7k in 3 mos.
Best for: Big spenders & luxury travelers
American Express Business Edge^™ Card
non-employment income required
WELCOME BONUS
≈ $333Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts (≈ $324) Earn on min. spend: 10,000 pts (≈ $108) Card fee: deducted (-$99)
spend $5k in 3 mos.
Best for: More Marriott points and good earn rate
Marriott Bonvoy^™ Business American Express^® Card
non-employment income required
WELCOME BONUS	limited time
≈ $480Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 60,000 pts (≈ $540) Earn on min. spend: 10,000 pts (≈ $90) Card fee: deducted (-$150)
spend $5k in 3 mos.
Best for: Valuable Marriott certificate another must-have
American Express^® Business Gold Rewards Card
non-employment income required
WELCOME BONUS
≈ $275Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts (≈ $450) Earn on min. spend: 5,000 pts (≈ $75) Card fee: deducted (-$250)
spend $5k in 3 mos.
Best for: More valuable Amex points for Aeroplan or Avios
American Express^® AIR MILES^®* for Business Card
non-employment income required
WELCOME BONUS
≈ $100Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 2,000 pts (≈ $240) Earn on min. spend: 333 pts (≈ $40) Card fee: deducted (-$180)
spend $5k in 3 mos.
Best for: Another AIR MILES bonus
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best credit cards in Canada for businesses

If you have an incorporated business, you have even more options in terms of small business cards, so here are the best ones.

You can read our detailed page about the best credit cards in Canada for businesses (coming soon).

Best business credit cards		WELCOME BONUS	Best for
	Marriott Bonvoy^™ Business American Express^® Card non-employment income required	≈ $480Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 60,000 pts (≈ $540) Earn on min. spend: 10,000 pts (≈ $90) Card fee: deducted (-$150) spend $5k in 3 mos.	Valuable Marriott certificate another must-have	limited time
	BMO^® AIR MILES^®† Business^® Mastercard^®* business required	≈ $420Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 3,000 pts (≈ $360) Earn on min. spend: 500 pts (≈ $60) Card fee: 1st year free (-$0) spend $5k in 3 mos.	AIR MILES Rewards collectors
	American Express^® Aeroplan^®* Business Reserve Card non-employment income required	≈ $401Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 55,000 pts (≈ $825) Earn on min. spend: 5,000 pts (≈ $75) Additional bonus: statement credit ($100) Card fee: deducted (-$599) spend $5k in 3 mos.	Frequent Air Canada travel & maximizing Aeroplan
	Business Platinum Card^® from American Express non-employment income required	≈ $382Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 50,000 pts (≈ $750) Earn on min. spend: 8,750 pts (≈ $131) Card fee: deducted (-$499) spend $7k in 3 mos.	Big spenders & luxury travelers
	American Express Business Edge^™ Card non-employment income required	≈ $333Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts (≈ $324) Earn on min. spend: 10,000 pts (≈ $108) Card fee: deducted (-$99) spend $5k in 3 mos.	More Marriott points and good earn rate
	BMO Rewards Business Mastercard^®* business required	$298Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 35,000 pts ($233) Earn on min. spend: 9,750 pts ($65) Card fee: first year free (-$0) spend $5k in 3 mos.	Easy-to-use fixed-value rewards
	American Express^® Business Gold Rewards Card non-employment income required	≈ $275Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts (≈ $450) Earn on min. spend: 5,000 pts (≈ $75) Card fee: deducted (-$250) spend $5k in 3 mos.	More valuable Amex points for Aeroplan or Avios
	BMO CashBack^® Business Mastercard^®* business required	$150Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: cashback ($150) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0) spend $1.5k in 3 mos.*	Simple cashback rewards
	BMO^® AIR MILES^®† No-Fee Business^® Mastercard^®* business required	≈ $138Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 1,000 pts (≈ $120) Earn on min. spend: 150 pts (≈ $18) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0) spend $3k in 3 mos.	AIR MILES collectors who spend less
	American Express^® AIR MILES^®* for Business Card non-employment income required	≈ $100Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 2,000 pts (≈ $240) Earn on min. spend: 333 pts (≈ $40) Card fee: deducted (-$180) spend $5k in 3 mos.	Another AIR MILES bonus
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best business credit cards
Marriott Bonvoy^™ Business American Express^® Card
non-employment income required
WELCOME BONUS	limited time
≈ $480Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 60,000 pts (≈ $540) Earn on min. spend: 10,000 pts (≈ $90) Card fee: deducted (-$150)
spend $5k in 3 mos.
Best for: Valuable Marriott certificate another must-have
BMO^® AIR MILES^®† Business^® Mastercard^®*
business required
WELCOME BONUS
≈ $420Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 3,000 pts (≈ $360) Earn on min. spend: 500 pts (≈ $60) Card fee: 1st year free (-$0)
spend $5k in 3 mos.
Best for: AIR MILES Rewards collectors
American Express^® Aeroplan^®* Business Reserve Card
non-employment income required
WELCOME BONUS
≈ $401Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 55,000 pts (≈ $825) Earn on min. spend: 5,000 pts (≈ $75) Additional bonus: statement credit ($100) Card fee: deducted (-$599)
spend $5k in 3 mos.
Best for: Frequent Air Canada travel & maximizing Aeroplan
Business Platinum Card^® from American Express
non-employment income required
WELCOME BONUS
≈ $382Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 50,000 pts (≈ $750) Earn on min. spend: 8,750 pts (≈ $131) Card fee: deducted (-$499)
spend $7k in 3 mos.
Best for: Big spenders & luxury travelers
American Express Business Edge^™ Card
non-employment income required
WELCOME BONUS
≈ $333Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts (≈ $324) Earn on min. spend: 10,000 pts (≈ $108) Card fee: deducted (-$99)
spend $5k in 3 mos.
Best for: More Marriott points and good earn rate
BMO Rewards Business Mastercard^®*
business required
WELCOME BONUS
$298Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 35,000 pts ($233) Earn on min. spend: 9,750 pts ($65) Card fee: first year free (-$0)
spend $5k in 3 mos.
Best for: Easy-to-use fixed-value rewards
American Express^® Business Gold Rewards Card
non-employment income required
WELCOME BONUS
≈ $275Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts (≈ $450) Earn on min. spend: 5,000 pts (≈ $75) Card fee: deducted (-$250)
spend $5k in 3 mos.
Best for: More valuable Amex points for Aeroplan or Avios
BMO CashBack^® Business Mastercard^®*
business required
WELCOME BONUS
$150Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: cashback ($150) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0)
spend $1.5k in 3 mos.*
Best for: Simple cashback rewards
BMO^® AIR MILES^®† No-Fee Business^® Mastercard^®*
business required
WELCOME BONUS
≈ $138Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 1,000 pts (≈ $120) Earn on min. spend: 150 pts (≈ $18) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0)
spend $3k in 3 mos.
Best for: AIR MILES collectors who spend less
American Express^® AIR MILES^®* for Business Card
non-employment income required
WELCOME BONUS
≈ $100Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 2,000 pts (≈ $240) Earn on min. spend: 333 pts (≈ $40) Card fee: deducted (-$180)
spend $5k in 3 mos.
Best for: Another AIR MILES bonus
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best prepaid credit cards in Canada

While you won’t get a high amount of travel rewards by getting a prepaid credit card, if you are building your credit and still want some of the benefits of credit cards in a free chequing account, these prepaid cards do not require a credit check (we have & recommend both).

You can read our detailed page about the best prepaid credit cards in Canada (coming soon).

Best prepaid credit cards		WELCOME BONUS	Best for
	KOHO Prepaid Visa minimum income required: $0	$0Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: none ($0) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0) no welcome bonus	0.5% cashback on everything
	STACK Prepaid Mastercard^® minimum income required: $0	$5Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: credit ($5) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0) spend $0 (at sign-up)	No FX fees worldwide
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best prepaid credit cards
KOHO Prepaid Visa
minimum income required: $0
WELCOME BONUS
$0Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: none ($0) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0)
no welcome bonus
Best for: 0.5% cashback on everything
STACK Prepaid Mastercard^®
minimum income required: $0
WELCOME BONUS
$5Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: credit ($5) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0)
spend $0 (at sign-up)
Best for: No FX fees worldwide
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best free credit score monitoring in Canada

As part of your travel rewards strategy, you should monitor your credit score. Your bank might offer this for free, but if not, you can still get it at no cost. By following the rules, you’ll maintain or improve your credit score in addition to getting great welcome bonuses.

You can read our detailed page about the best free credit score monitoring in Canada (coming soon).

Best free credit score monitoring service		WELCOME BONUS	Best for
	Mogo not available in Québec	$0Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: none ($0) no welcome bonus	Free credit score monitoring
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best free credit score monitoring service
Mogo
not available in Québec
WELCOME BONUS
$0Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: none ($0)
no welcome bonus
Best for: Free credit score monitoring
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Other upcoming credit card categories

Subscribe to our free travel rewards newsletter to get all our content to earn a lot more travel rewards.

Best credit cards for Aeroplan points
Best credit cards for other airline points
Best credit cards for luxury travel benefits
Best credit cards for travel insurance
Best credit cards for insurance coverage for reward flights
Best credit cards for luxury travel benefits
Best credit cards for mobile device insurance
Best credit cards for low interest rates
More to be announced later

Best online shopping portals in Canada

Credit cards are how you’ll earn rewards a lot faster, but it’s also a good practice to double-dip and to always use online shopping portals to get 100% more rewards for everything you buy. You can get valuable variable-value rewards or simpler cashback.

You can read our detailed page about the best online shopping portals for Canadians.

Best online shopping portals		WELCOME BONUS	Best for
	Aeroplan eStore earn Aeroplan points online	$0Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: none ($0) no welcome bonus	Most valuable rewards for purchases
	AIR MILES Shops earn AIR MILES Miles online	$0Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: none ($0) no welcome bonus	Other valuable rewards for purchases
	Rakuten earn cashback online	$5Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: cashback ($5) spend $25 (anywhere)	Easy cashback rewards for purchases
	ampli earn cashback online & in-store	$5Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: cashback ($5) spend $0 (at sign-up)	Other cashback app for purchases
	Paymi earn cashback online & in-store	$0Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: none ($0) no welcome bonus	Other cashback app for purchases
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best online shopping portals
Aeroplan eStore
earn Aeroplan points online
WELCOME BONUS
$0Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: none ($0)
no welcome bonus
Best for: Most valuable rewards for purchases
AIR MILES Shops
earn AIR MILES Miles online
WELCOME BONUS
$0Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: none ($0)
no welcome bonus
Best for: Other valuable rewards for purchases
Rakuten
earn cashback online
WELCOME BONUS
$5Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: cashback ($5)
spend $25 (anywhere)
Best for: Easy cashback rewards for purchases
ampli
earn cashback online & in-store
WELCOME BONUS
$5Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: cashback ($5)
spend $0 (at sign-up)
Best for: Other cashback app for purchases
Paymi
earn cashback online & in-store
WELCOME BONUS
$0Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: none ($0)
no welcome bonus
Best for: Other cashback app for purchases
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best services to earn more rewards in Canada

Bill payment services are another way to earn more rewards. One allows you to at least earn some rewards for some bills that can’t be paid by credit card (for free), while the other allows you to pay virtually any bill by credit card (for a fee).

You can read our detailed page about the best services to earn more rewards in Canada (coming soon).

Best services to earn more rewards		WELCOME BONUS	Best for
	Plastiq bill-payment website	$13Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 500 Fee-Free Dollars (≈ $13) make $500 in payments	Pay any bill with a card for a fee
	Paytm bill-payment app	$2Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 2,000 points ($2) complete email verification	Rewards on bill payments for free
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best services to earn more rewards
Plastiq
bill-payment website
WELCOME BONUS
$13Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 500 Fee-Free Dollars (≈ $13)
make $500 in payments
Best for: Pay any bill with a card for a fee
Paytm
bill-payment app
WELCOME BONUS
$2Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 2,000 points ($2)
complete email verification
Best for: Rewards on bill payments for free
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best travel insurance providers for COVID-19

While getting travel insurance coverage for free is one of the best benefits of credit cards, most of it has been temporarily voided due to COVID-19. It is now necessary to purchase a stand-alone travel insurance plan if you are traveling internationally.

You can read our detailed page about the best travel insurance providers for Canadians (coming soon).

Best travel insurance providers for COVID-19		WELCOME BONUS	Best for
	Goose app-first insurer	$10Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: credit ($10) spend $0 (at sign-up)	All-digital experience & welcome bonus
	SafetyWing made for nomads	$0Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: none ($0) no welcome bonus	Lower-cost & lower coverage option
	Manulife leading Canadian insurer	$0Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: none ($0) no welcome bonus	Customer service & full-service insurer
	TuGo another Canadian option	$0Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: none ($0) no welcome bonus	Comprehensive & customizable options simple process
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best travel insurance providers for COVID-19
Goose
app-first insurer
WELCOME BONUS
$10Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: credit ($10)
spend $0 (at sign-up)
Best for: All-digital experience & welcome bonus
SafetyWing
made for nomads
WELCOME BONUS
$0Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: none ($0)
no welcome bonus
Best for: Lower-cost & lower coverage option
Manulife
leading Canadian insurer
WELCOME BONUS
$0Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: none ($0)
no welcome bonus
Best for: Customer service & full-service insurer
TuGo
another Canadian option
WELCOME BONUS
$0Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: none ($0)
no welcome bonus
Best for: Comprehensive & customizable options simple process
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best cryptocurrency services

Some also invest time into cryptocurrencies in addition to credit cards. Since we are as passionate about innovation as we are are about the financial industry, here are our favorite services for Canadians interested in cryptocurrencies (also called digital currencies).

You can read our detailed page about the best cryptocurrency services in Canada (coming soon).

Best cryptocurrency apps & platforms		WELCOME BONUS	Best for
	Coinbase minimum income required: $0	$51Flytrippers Valuation Courses bonuses: US$40 (≈ $51) take free courses	Highest bonus for a portfolio
	Crypto.com minimum income required: $0	$32Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: US$25 (≈ $32) signup for card	Crypto as rewards on a credit card
	Bitbuy minimum income required: $0	$20Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: credit ($20) deposit $250	Easy-to-use Canadian platform
	BlockFi minimum income required: $0	$19Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: US$15 (≈ $19) deposit US$25	Earning interest on your crypto
	CoinField minimum income required: $0	$17Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 20 SOLO (≈$17) deposit $100	Leading global platform
	NDAX minimum income required: $0	$10Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: credit ($10) spend $0 (at sign-up)	Easy-to-use Canadian platform
	Kraken minimum income required: $0	$0Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: none ($0) no welcome bonus	Most secure crypto exchange
	Coinsmart minimum income required: $0	$0Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: none ($0) no welcome bonus	Trade in CAD 100% Canadian
	Coinsquare minimum income required: $0	$0Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: none ($0) no welcome bonus	Another app-first exchange
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best cryptocurrency apps & platforms
Coinbase
minimum income required: $0
WELCOME BONUS
$51Flytrippers Valuation Courses bonuses: US$40 (≈ $51)
take free courses
Best for: Highest bonus for a portfolio
Crypto.com
minimum income required: $0
WELCOME BONUS
$32Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: US$25 (≈ $32)
signup for card
Best for: Crypto as rewards on a credit card
Bitbuy
minimum income required: $0
WELCOME BONUS
$20Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: credit ($20)
deposit $250
Best for: Easy-to-use Canadian platform
BlockFi
minimum income required: $0
WELCOME BONUS
$19Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: US$15 (≈ $19)
deposit US$25
Best for: Earning interest on your crypto
CoinField
minimum income required: $0
WELCOME BONUS
$17Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 20 SOLO (≈$17)
deposit $100
Best for: Leading global platform
NDAX
minimum income required: $0
WELCOME BONUS
$10Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: credit ($10)
spend $0 (at sign-up)
Best for: Easy-to-use Canadian platform
Kraken
minimum income required: $0
WELCOME BONUS
$0Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: none ($0)
no welcome bonus
Best for: Most secure crypto exchange
Coinsmart
minimum income required: $0
WELCOME BONUS
$0Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: none ($0)
no welcome bonus
Best for: Trade in CAD 100% Canadian
Coinsquare
minimum income required: $0
WELCOME BONUS
$0Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: none ($0)
no welcome bonus
Best for: Another app-first exchange
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Other upcoming financial categories

Subscribe to our free travel rewards newsletter to get all our content to save money and travel more.

Best banking accounts for travelers
Best international ATM withdrawal options
Best international money transfer options
Best online investing services
More to be announced later

Get all our pro tips on how to earn more travel rewards with our newsletter

free. forever.

How our ranking of the best credit cards works

Here’s how we’ve designed the tables for each card ranking category, with more to come about each card in the non-beta version.

1. The card ranking category
So you can easily see which ranking this is.

2. The card image and card name
So you can easily see what card we’re talking about.

3. The minimum income required
So you can easily see if you are eligible for the card.

4. The Flytrippers Valuation
So you can easily see how much value you’ll get from the welcome bonus alone (clickable to see detailed calculations).

5. The minimum spend requirement
So you can easily see how much spend is required to unlock the welcome bonus.

6. The custom data column
So you can easily see why this card is included in that specific category ranking.

7. The link to the card’s page
So you can easily read more details about the card (that page will soon be revamped too).

How we calculate our Flytrippers Valuation

The key element in our ranking of the best credit cards in Canada is our Flytrippers Valuation. It’s there to help you understand how much a credit card’s welcome bonus is worth. We always include only the value you get from the welcome bonus, not from any additional spending whatsoever. Why?

First, not all point currencies are worth the same amount, so “20,000 points” means nothing: that can be worth $100 or that can be worth $300. The Flytrippers Valuation shows you the dollar value at a glance so you can compare credit cards more easily, apples to apples.

Second, we want to show you what you’ll get with just the welcome bonus since that’s the amount that will be the same for everyone regardless of what you decide to do after. The Flytrippers Valuation shows you the best-case maximization scenario to get the most points for the least spend.

For the beta version, the detailed Flytrippers Valuation and welcome bonus components is briefly broken down by clicking on the number. It will be even more detailed on each card page very soon.

For fixed-value rewards, the Flytrippers Valuation is obviously simply the guaranteed value of those points (those without the “≈” symbol).

For variable-value rewards, the Flytrippers Valuation is a very conservative and fair value for an average traveler—but you can easily get a lot more value with the same points if you use them well (or less if you use them badly). That’s the beauty of points with outsized value and unlimited value.

The relaunched card pages will show you concrete examples of how to get even more than the Flytrippers Valuation for each card that earns variable-value points (those with the “≈” symbol).

Reminder of credit card basics

If you are a beginner in the fascinating world of travel rewards and credit cards, there are very important rules to know about. Some are very counterintuitive, like for example how you should never cancel your old cards. That’s a common mistake that is very bad for your credit score.

For more great pro tips that are simply vital, please download our free checklist for when you get a new card.

Of course, you also need to understand why having more credit cards is better for your credit score (if paid on-time and in full—obviously), why welcome bonuses are the key to earning more travel rewards, why banks offer such generous welcome bonuses, and all the other credit card basics.

And stay tuned for our upcoming text and video content for beginners.

How to choose the best credit cards for you

There is simply no “best card” because that would be saying that having just one card is good (it’s not), that welcome bonuses never change (they do), or that every traveler is the same (you are not).

This topic will be a major one in our free travel rewards beginners course, but here is a brief overview of 7 things to consider when choosing.

1. Your level of ambition for travel rewards overall

If you aren’t interested in putting in any effort to earn travel rewards correctly by getting multiple credit card welcome bonuses every year, then your strategy will be a lot different than travelers who want to take travel rewards very seriously.

If your level of ambition is lower, card earn rates will be a bigger deciding factor since you’ll be doing this the (very) slow way with just the few points you earn on your regular purchases.

If your level of ambition is higher and you want to maximize your rewards, you’ll focus on the welcome bonuses.

2. Your desire to maximize the value you get and be flexible

Similarly, many travelers do not want to learn anything about how rewards work. There are 2 types of travel rewards: fixed-value rewards and variable-value rewards. Fixed-value rewards are very simple but will be a lot less valuable than variable-value rewards.

If you don’t want to invest any time, don’t want to be flexible, and don’t want to learn how to maximize the rewards, you should stick to easy fixed-value rewards as these are extremely simple and flexible.

If you want to invest a bit of time, be flexible, and maximize your rewards, you’ll focus on variable-value points that can offer outsized value and unlimited value. We’ll show you how you can easily maximize these.

3. Your income level

Sadly, most card issuers still discriminate based on income level and restrict some of their best cards to those who earn more money. You obviously need to take that into account when choosing cards.

If you earn under $60,000 per year (or $100,000 in combined income with your spouse), there are simply fewer options. It’s even more important to focus on welcome bonuses and variable-value rewards to get a thousand dollars per year in travel rewards in that situation (and to start generating non-employment income of any kind; see below).

If you earn over between $60,000 and $80,000 per year, you have access to almost all offers. Over $80,000 per year (or $150,000 in combined income with your spouse) will give you access to all offers except some very premium cards.

If you have non-employment income (reselling online, side gig of any kind, etc.) you’ll have access to many small business cards that are very worthwhile.

4. Your spending habits

No, we’re not talking about earn rates (welcome bonuses are the key). Most welcome bonuses come with a minimum spend requirement in the first 3 months, so if you don’t spend as much (which is a good thing!) you need to take that into account.

Never spend more to earn rewards, never. We do have tips to reach these minimum spend requirements (including prepaying future expenses) but make sure you look at the credit cards’ specific requirements.

If you can spend $1,500 in 3 months ($115/week), you’ll have access to most welcome bonuses. If you can spend $1,000 in 3 months ($231/week), you’ll have access to almost all welcome bonuses.

5. Your other cards

If you are a beginner, you probably only have a few cards so you need to make sure at least one covers you for travel insurance. If not, that’s a more important benefit than for someone who is sure to be covered by one of their many other cards anyway.

The cards already in your wallet are important in your card strategy, because if you already have a stash of hotel points and want points that can be used for flights, you need to take that into account. As for any financial strategy, diversification is a lot safer. You don’t want to have just one type of rewards in your portfolio.

6. Your desire for travel benefits

As we just saw, our Flytrippers Valuation only takes into account concrete value and we never assign value to subjective benefits like airport lounge access or any other things that you might value at more than $0 yourself.

So if you do value airport lounge access or other travel benefits, it might be worth sacrificing a bit of total value in terms of travel rewards to get them.

7. Your travel preferences

Finally, how you travel will be the major factor in deciding between a few cards that fit your profile.

The exact use you’ll make of your rewards is what will determine the value you’ll get from them, so by understanding what you can get with each card’s rewards (which we’ll make a lot easier in our new credit card pages), you’ll be able to make the best decision.

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Flytrippers travel rewards terms & conditions

This content is not sponsored. Some links on this page may allow Flytrippers to earn a commission at absolutely no cost to you. Thank you for using our links and helping us keep all our content free for everyone and therefore helping us to fulfill our mission of helping Canadians travel more for less.

The views and opinions expressed on this page are purely our own. They have not been provided, approved, endorsed, or ratified by any third party mentioned on the site.

Financial institutions are not responsible for updating or ensuring the accuracy of the information on Flytrippers’ website. All the information was independently collected by Flytrippers and not provided by financial institutions.

All offers described on the Flytrippers website are subject to the financial institutions’ latest terms and conditions that can be found on their website. No efforts are spared to ensure this page is up to date, but offers from financial institutions change quickly. It is your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of these offers on their website. Flytrippers will not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the offers or the result of your actions.

Flytrippers’ website does not contain all available credit card offers or all available credit card products on the market. Flytrippers never shares an offer if it is not considered advantageous for certain travelers, at its sole discretion.

No author on Flytrippers’ website is a financial advisor, a financial planner, a legal professional, or a tax professional. No author on Flytrippers’ website can in any way be considered as such.

All articles and pages on Flytrippers’ website are merely personal opinions of a general nature and are for informational purposes only and should not be considered as advice for specific situations. It is your responsibility to perform your own personal research to make sure that travel rewards are appropriate for your own situation.

You can learn more about our terms of use here.

Best credit cards in Canada

Beta version — April 2021

Flytrippers ranking of the best credit card offers in Canada (April 2021)

Best credit cards in Canada by category

Best credit cards in Canada for groceries

Best credit cards in Canada for easy fixed-value travel credits

Best credit cards in Canada for AIR MILES Rewards

Best credit cards in Canada for Marriott Bonvoy points

Best credit cards in Canada for cashback

Best credit cards in Canada for balance transfers

Best credit cards in Canada with no foreign transaction fees

Best credit cards in Canada for airport lounge access

Best credit cards in Canada with low minimum spends

Best credit cards in Canada for those with non-employment income

Best credit cards in Canada for businesses

Best prepaid credit cards in Canada

Best free credit score monitoring in Canada

Other upcoming credit card categories

Best online shopping portals in Canada

Best services to earn more rewards in Canada

Best travel insurance providers for COVID-19

Best cryptocurrency services

Other upcoming financial categories

Get all our pro tips on how to earn more travel rewards with our newsletter

How our ranking of the best credit cards works

How we calculate our Flytrippers Valuation

Reminder of credit card basics

How to choose the best credit cards for you

Get all our travel rewards tips

Subscribe to receive our free travel rewards newsletter with strategies, guides, and more.