Annual fee
$0 first year
Then $149 annually
Best First Year Free Credit Cards in Canada
A waived fee is helpful, but year two still matters
First-year-free offers can make premium cards easier to try, but you should still compare the regular annual fee, welcome offer, rewards, benefits, and long-term fit. RateBuddy helps organize those details clearly.
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Ready to refine
Annual fee
$149$0
First year waived
Purchase APR
14.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
TD Canada Trust
Best for
Travel Rewards
Business
Rewards
Best for
Travel Rewards
Business
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$1,900
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$211.50
First-year annual fee
$149 first-year fee waiver applied
$149
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$2,111.50
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 1% | $54 |
| Dining | $300 | 1.5% | $54 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1% | $18 |
| Travel | $75 | 2% | $18 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1.5% | $13.50 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
Aeroplan
First year free
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Purchase APR
14.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$49
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
—
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$139$0
First year waived
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
TD Canada Trust
Best for
Travel Rewards
Rewards
Best for
Travel Rewards
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$1,400
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$396
First-year annual fee
$139 first-year fee waiver applied
$139
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$1,796
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 3% | $162 |
| Dining | $300 | 3% | $108 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1% | $18 |
| Travel | $75 | 4% | $36 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 2% | $18 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
TD Rewards
First year free
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0 first year
Then $139 annually
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$50
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
$60,000
Minimum household income
$100,000
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$199$0
First year waived
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
23.99%
BMO Bank of Montreal
Best for
Travel Rewards
Premium
Rewards
Best for
Travel Rewards
Premium
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$1,400
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$306
First-year annual fee
$199 first-year fee waiver applied
$199
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$1,706
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 2% | $108 |
| Dining | $300 | 2% | $72 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 2% | $36 |
| Travel | $75 | 3% | $27 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
First year free
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0 first year
Then $199 annually
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
23.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
—
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
$80,000
Minimum household income
$150,000
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$139$0
First year waived
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
TD Canada Trust
Best for
Travel Rewards
Rewards
Best for
Travel Rewards
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$1,450
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$220.50
First-year annual fee
$139 first-year fee waiver applied
$139
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$1,670.50
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 1.5% | $81 |
| Dining | $300 | 1% | $36 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1.5% | $27 |
| Travel | $75 | 1.5% | $13.50 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
Aeroplan
First year free
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0 first year
Then $139 annually
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$75
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
$60,000
Minimum household income
$100,000
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$149$0
First year waived
Purchase APR
19.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
TD Canada Trust
Best for
Travel Rewards
Business
Rewards
Best for
Travel Rewards
Business
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$1,300
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$337.50
First-year annual fee
$149 first-year fee waiver applied
$149
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$1,637.50
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 1% | $54 |
| Dining | $300 | 3% | $108 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 3% | $54 |
| Travel | $75 | 4.5% | $40.50 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 3% | $27 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
TD Rewards
First year free
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0 first year
Then $149 annually
Purchase APR
19.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$49
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
—
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$120
Purchase APR
19.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
CIBC
Best for
Travel Rewards
Business
Premium
Best for
Travel Rewards
Business
Premium
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$1,200
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$220.50
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$120
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$1,300.50
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 1% | $54 |
| Dining | $300 | 1.5% | $54 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1.5% | $27 |
| Travel | $75 | 2% | $18 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1.5% | $13.50 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
Aeroplan
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$120
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
19.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
—
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
—
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$120$0
First year waived
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
23.99%
BMO Bank of Montreal
Best for
Travel Rewards
Premium
Rewards
Best for
Travel Rewards
Premium
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$650
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$612
First-year annual fee
$120 first-year fee waiver applied
$120
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$1,262
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 5% | $270 |
| Dining | $300 | 5% | $180 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 5% | $90 |
| Travel | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
First year free
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0 first year
Then $120 annually
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
23.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
—
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
$60,000
Minimum household income
$100,000
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$180
Purchase APR
12.99%
Cash advance
14.50%
CIBC
Best for
Travel Rewards
Business
Best for
Travel Rewards
Business
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$1,200
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$220.50
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$180
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$1,240.50
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 1% | $54 |
| Dining | $300 | 1.5% | $54 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1.5% | $27 |
| Travel | $75 | 2% | $18 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1.5% | $13.50 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
Aeroplan
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$180
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
12.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
14.50%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
—
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
$35,000
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$120$0
First year waived
Purchase APR
19.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
CIBC
Best for
Travel Rewards
Business
Premium
Best for
Travel Rewards
Business
Premium
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$900
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$198
First-year annual fee
$120 first-year fee waiver applied
$120
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$1,098
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 1% | $54 |
| Dining | $300 | 1% | $36 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1.5% | $27 |
| Travel | $75 | 2% | $18 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
Aventura
First year free
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0 first year
Then $120 annually
Purchase APR
19.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
—
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
$35,000
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$120$0
First year waived
Purchase APR
19.99%
Cash advance
21.99%
CIBC
Best for
Travel Rewards
Business
Best for
Travel Rewards
Business
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$900
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$198
First-year annual fee
$120 first-year fee waiver applied
$120
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$1,098
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 1% | $54 |
| Dining | $300 | 1% | $36 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1.5% | $27 |
| Travel | $75 | 2% | $18 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
Aventura
First year free
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0 first year
Then $120 annually
Purchase APR
19.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
21.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
—
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
$35,000
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Showing 10 of 33 cards
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Why Choose a Credit Card?
Beyond simple convenience, the right credit card offers a layer of consumer protection, financial leverage, and rewards that debit cards or cash simply cannot match.
Zero Liability Protection
Canadian credit cards come with robust federal protections against unauthorized transactions. Unlike cash, which is gone forever if lost, or debit cards which are directly linked to your bank funds, a credit card offers a buffer. If your card is used fraudulently, you are generally not held liable for those charges once reported. This keeps your actual bank account safe and liquid while the bank investigates the issue. It provides peace of mind in an era of increasing digital fraud.
Value-Added Rewards
Every purchase you make is an opportunity to earn a return on your spending. Whether you prefer travel points, merchandise, or cash back, using a credit card allows you to get value back on expenses you were going to pay anyway. Over the course of a year, a standard 1-2% reward rate can accumulate into hundreds of dollars in free groceries or flights. It is effectively a discount on your entire lifestyle, provided you pay your balance in full. Why pay full price with cash when you can earn a rebate with credit?
Building Credit History
Your credit score is your financial passport in Canada, dictating your ability to rent apartments, get a mortgage, or finance a car. Responsible credit card use is one of the most effective and fastest ways to establish this history. By using a card and paying it off on time every month, you demonstrate reliability to future lenders. A long, positive history with a credit card accounts for a significant portion of your credit score calculation. Without this history, obtaining major loans later in life can be difficult or much more expensive.
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Cash Back
Earn money on daily spend.
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Best for frequent flyers.
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KNOWLEDGE BASE
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Compare Fee Waived Offers Cards and financial strategy.
Disclaimer: Information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Terms subject to change by issuers.
Providing your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is usually optional for credit card applications, though it can help the issuer verify your identity and locate your credit file more accurately. You can generally apply without it, provided you supply other identification details.
Contactless payments use encryption technology similar to Chip & PIN transactions. Limits are typically placed on the amount allowed per tap (e.g., $100-$250) to minimize risk. If a thief exceeds this limit, a PIN is required. You are also protected by the issuer's Zero Liability policy for fraudulent tap transactions.
An authorized user is someone you add to your account (like a spouse or child) who gets their own card. The primary cardholder is fully responsible for all debt incurred by the authorized user. It can be a way to help someone build credit habits, but legal liability remains with the primary account holder.
Most Canadian credit cards charge a fee (typically 2.5%) on top of the exchange rate for any transaction made in a currency other than Canadian dollars. Cards marketed as 'No Foreign Transaction Fee' generally waive this 2.5% surcharge, though the exchange rate itself is still determined by the card network (Visa/Mastercard/Amex).
Yes, many major banks offer specific programs for newcomers that do not require a Canadian credit history. You may need to visit a branch in person and provide immigration documents (such as a Permanent Resident card or Work Permit) to be approved.
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Visit our Financial Education Hub
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