Annual fee
$0 first year
Then $150 annually
Best National Bank Credit Cards in Canada
National Bank cards can stand out when benefits match your needs
National Bank credit cards may appeal to people comparing travel benefits, insurance coverage, rewards, and banking relationships. RateBuddy helps organize the card details so you can review options more confidently.
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Compare Top National Bank Cards
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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.
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
$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
$70$0
First year waived
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash advance
22.49%
National Bank of Canada
Best for
Travel Rewards
Rewards
Best for
Travel Rewards
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$200
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$224.10
First-year annual fee
$70 first-year fee waiver applied
$70
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$424.10
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 1.66% | $89.64 |
| Dining | $300 | 1.66% | $59.76 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1.25% | $22.50 |
| Travel | $75 | 1.25% | $11.25 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1.25% | $11.25 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 0.55% | $29.70 |
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 $70 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
$35
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
$30
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash advance
22.49%
National Bank of Canada
Best for
Cash Back
Best for
Cash Back
Welcome-offer value
No current monetary welcome-offer estimate was included
$0
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$216
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$30
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$186
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% | $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.
Rewards program
Cash Back
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$30
Primary cardholder
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
$0
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
$0
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash advance
22.49%
National Bank of Canada
Best for
Cash Back
No Annual Fee
Best for
Cash Back
No Annual Fee
Welcome-offer value
No current monetary welcome-offer estimate was included
$0
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$112.50
First-year annual fee
No annual fee
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$112.50
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 0.5% | $27 |
| Dining | $300 | 1% | $36 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 0.5% | $9 |
| Travel | $75 | 0.5% | $4.50 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| 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.
Rewards program
Cash Back
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0
Primary cardholder
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
$0
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
$0
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash advance
22.49%
National Bank of Canada
Best for
Cash Back
No Annual Fee
Best for
Cash Back
No Annual Fee
Welcome-offer value
No current monetary welcome-offer estimate was included
$0
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$90
First-year annual fee
No annual fee
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$90
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 0.5% | $27 |
| Dining | $300 | 0.5% | $18 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 0.5% | $9 |
| Travel | $75 | 0.5% | $4.50 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 0.5% | $4.50 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 0.5% | $27 |
Estimate notes
- A welcome offer is described, but no monetary value estimate is available.
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
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0
Primary cardholder
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
$0
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
$115
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash advance
22.49%
National Bank of Canada
Best for
Travel Rewards
Rewards
Best for
Travel Rewards
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
No current monetary welcome-offer estimate was included
$0
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$198
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$115
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$83
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 1.1% | $59.40 |
| Dining | $300 | 1.1% | $39.60 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1.1% | $19.80 |
| Travel | $75 | 1.1% | $9.90 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1.1% | $9.90 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1.1% | $59.40 |
Estimate notes
- A welcome offer is described, but no monetary value estimate is available.
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
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$115
Primary cardholder
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
$35
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
$50,000
Minimum household income
$80,000
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$0
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash advance
22.49%
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0
Primary cardholder
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
$0
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
$0
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
National Bank of Canada
Best for
No Annual Fee
Business
Best for
No Annual Fee
Business
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0
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
$0
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
$35
Purchase APR
8.90%
Cash advance
12.90%
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$35
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
8.90%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
12.90%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$0
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.
Showing 10 of 12 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.
Travel Rewards
Best for frequent flyers.
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ISSUERS
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LOYALTY PROGRAMS
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PAYMENT NETWORKS
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KNOWLEDGE BASE
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Compare Top National Bank Cards 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.
It can be, depending on your usage. Premium cards with annual fees often come with higher reward earn rates, comprehensive insurance, and perks like lounge access. If the value of the rewards and benefits you utilize exceeds the cost of the fee, the card may offer a positive net value.
You should contact your card issuer immediately to lock or cancel the card. Many issuers also offer a 'Lock Card' feature in their mobile app which can prevent new transactions instantly. Once reported, the issuer will typically send a replacement card with a new number.
In Canada, you will often see AIR (Annual Interest Rate) used. It represents the yearly cost of borrowing on the card. Standard cards typically have purchase interest rates around 20.99%, while Low Interest cards can be significantly lower. Cash advances often carry higher interest rates than purchases.
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).
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.
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