Annual fee
$0 first year
Then $199 annually
RateBuddyCredit card guide
MASTERCARD NETWORK
Best Mastercard Credit Cards in Canada
- Fact checked
- Card acceptance
- Network benefits
Mastercard comparison without the clutter
Mastercard options can vary widely by issuer, tier, rewards, and benefits. RateBuddy helps bring the important details together so you can review annual fees, rewards, welcome offers, World Elite perks, and everyday usefulness in one place.
Mastercard details to compare
- Rewards and cash back structure
- World and World Elite benefits
- Annual fee and eligibility
- Everyday acceptance and use case
Smart Card Filter
Auto-updates results
Compare Top Rated Mastercards — October 2026
Last updated
Use the filters to shape the card results below. Adjust your monthly spend, narrow by provider, or highlight no-fee and welcome-bonus options — RateBuddy will quietly refresh the list so the results stay connected to your choices.
Ready to refine
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.
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
$150$0
First year waived
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash advance
22.49%
National Bank of Canada
Best for
Travel Rewards
Premium
Best for
Travel Rewards
Premium
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$650
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$576
First-year annual fee
$150 first-year fee waiver applied
$150
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$1,226
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 | 2% | $36 |
| Travel | $75 | 2% | $18 |
| 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.
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 $150 annually
Purchase APR
20.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.49%
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
$89$0
First year waived
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
23.99%
BMO Bank of Montreal
Best for
Travel Rewards
Rewards
Best for
Travel Rewards
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$800
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$157.50
First-year annual fee
$89 first-year fee waiver applied
$89
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$957.50
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% | $18 |
| Travel | $75 | 2% | $18 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 0.5% | $4.50 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 0.5% | $27 |
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 $89 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
—
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$150$0
First year waived
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
23.99%
BMO Bank of Montreal
Best for
Travel Rewards
Balance Transfer
Premium
Best for
Travel Rewards
Balance Transfer
Premium
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$650
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$306
First-year annual fee
$150 first-year fee waiver applied
$150
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$956
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 | 1% | $18 |
| Travel | $75 | 5% | $45 |
| 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.
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 $150 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
$120$0
First year waived
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
23.99%
BMO Bank of Montreal
Best for
Cash Back
Balance Transfer
Premium
Best for
Cash Back
Balance Transfer
Premium
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$320
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$441
First-year annual fee
$120 first-year fee waiver applied
$120
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$761
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 5% | $270 |
| Dining | $300 | 1% | $36 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 3% | $54 |
| Travel | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| 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.
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
$80,000
Minimum household income
$150,000
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$125$0
First year waived
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
National Bank of Canada
Best for
Travel Rewards
Business
Rewards
Best for
Travel Rewards
Business
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$500
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$225
First-year annual fee
$125 first-year fee waiver applied
$125
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$725
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 1.25% | $67.50 |
| Dining | $300 | 1.25% | $45 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1.25% | $22.50 |
| Travel | $75 | 1.25% | $11.25 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1.25% | $11.25 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1.25% | $67.50 |
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
More 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 $125 annually
Purchase APR
20.99%
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
—
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$120$0
First year waived
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
ATB Financial
Best for
Travel Rewards
Premium
Newcomer
Best for
Travel Rewards
Premium
Newcomer
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$320
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$369
First-year annual fee
$120 first-year fee waiver applied
$120
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$689
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 3% | $162 |
| Dining | $300 | 1% | $36 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 3% | $54 |
| Travel | $75 | 4% | $36 |
| 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
ATB My 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 $120 annually
Purchase APR
20.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
2.90%
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$35
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
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
RBC Royal Bank
Best for
Travel Rewards
Best for
Travel Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$450
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$310.50
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$139
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$621.50
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 2% | $108 |
| Dining | $300 | 1.5% | $54 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 2% | $36 |
| Travel | $75 | 2% | $18 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1.5% | $13.50 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1.5% | $81 |
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.
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$139
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
20.99%
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
$59
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
$120
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
MBNA Canada
Best for
Travel Rewards
Premium
Rewards
Best for
Travel Rewards
Premium
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$245
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$480.06
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$120
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$605.06
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 4.17% | $225.18 |
| Dining | $300 | 4.17% | $150.12 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 0.83% | $14.94 |
| Travel | $75 | 0.83% | $7.47 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 4.17% | $37.53 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 0.83% | $44.82 |
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
MBNA Rewards
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
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
22.99%
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
$80,000
Minimum household income
$150,000
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
featured
Get a $100 Welcome Bonus + First-Year Annual Fee Waived
Get Exclusive Ratebuddy Cash Rebate:
$100
Annual fee
$149$0
First year waived
Purchase APR
19.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
Neo Financial
Best for
Cash Back
Travel Rewards
Premium
Best for
Cash Back
Travel Rewards
Premium
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$100
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$459
First-year annual fee
$149 first-year fee waiver applied
$149
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$559
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 5% | $270 |
| Dining | $300 | 1% | $36 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 3% | $54 |
| Travel | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 4% | $36 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
RateBuddy cash rebate
This separate rebate is not included in the card value or ranking above.
+$100
Potential first-year value with RateBuddy rebate
$659
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
Cash Back
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
3%
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$49
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
Very Good
Minimum personal income
$80,000
Minimum household income
$150,000
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Showing 10 of 30 cards
RateBuddy
Math. Not Marketing.
We calculate the true value to save you every penny.
Data-Driven Logic
Rankings based on hard numbers (fees vs rewards), not advertising budgets.
100% Unbiased
We highlight the "gotchas" and fees just as clearly as the perks.
Direct & Secure
No data harvesting. We send you straight to the bank's secure official site.
Priceless Experiences & Perks
From everyday shopping flexibility to elite travel benefits, Mastercard offers a diverse range of card tiers tailored to your life.
Costco Acceptance Advantage
In Canada, Mastercard is currently the only credit card network accepted at Costco warehouses and gas stations. For the millions of Canadians who shop there, carrying a Mastercard is essential to avoid paying by debit or cash. This exclusive acceptance makes Mastercard a staple in many wallets, ensuring you can earn rewards on your bulk grocery and fuel purchases.
Global Connectivity
Many World Elite Mastercards include free membership to Boingo Wi-Fi, keeping you connected at over 1 million hotspots worldwide. This includes Wi-Fi on many airlines, in airports, and in urban centers. For travelers, this benefit saves on roaming data charges and keeps you connected to work and family while on the move. It is a modern perk that adds tangible value to your travel experience.
Priceless Cities Program
Unlock access to Mastercard’s "Priceless Cities" program, offering exclusive experiences unavailable to the general public. This includes concert ticket presales, reserved tables at top-tier restaurants, and curated cultural tours in major cities around the globe. It transforms your credit card from a payment tool into a key that opens doors to memorable events and VIP treatment.
RATEBUDDY TOOLKIT
Crunch The Numbers
See exactly how much you can save, earn, or pay off.
Explore the Ecosystem
Discover more ways to save, earn, and optimize your wallet.
Not sure what you need?
Explore other possibilities.
Credit Cards is great, but sometimes a different card fits your lifestyle better. Use our Smart Finder to see what else you qualify for.
Cash Back
Earn money on daily spend.
Travel Rewards
Best for frequent flyers.
SPEC SHEET
Find best cards by features:
Filter our database by the specific perks and coverages that matter to you.
ISSUERS
Browse by Bank & Issuer:
Filter our database to see offers from specific Canadian financial institutions.
LOYALTY PROGRAMS
Browse by Reward Program:
Already collect points? Find the card that accelerates your existing balance.
PAYMENT NETWORKS
Browse by Network:
Filter by Visa, Mastercard, or Amex acceptance.
CARD LEVELS
Browse Cards by Tier:
From entry-level options to exclusive black cards. Find the eligibility level that fits you.
KNOWLEDGE BASE
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Compare Top Rated Mastercards 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.
A hard inquiry (from a credit application) typically remains on your credit report for up to 36 months, though its impact on your credit score generally diminishes significantly after the first 12 months.
Personal income generally refers to your individual annual earnings. Household income typically includes the combined income of you and your spouse or common-law partner. Premium cards often have higher income thresholds (e.g., $60k personal or $100k household) to qualify.
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).
A cash advance occurs when you withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card or transfer funds from the card to a bank account. These transactions typically incur a fee (e.g., $5) and interest starts accruing immediately (no grace period), often at a higher rate than purchases.
If a transaction pushes you over your limit, the issuer may decline the transaction or, in some cases, accept it and charge an 'Over-Limit Fee' (typically around $29). Exceeding your limit can also negatively impact your credit score. It is best to keep balances well below your limit.
Still have questions?
Visit our Financial Education Hub
FINANCIAL WELLNESS
Tools & Resources
Master your money with our suite of free calculators and guides.