Annual fee
$599
Primary cardholder
Best Rewards Credit Cards in Canada
Rewards should match your life, not just the card brochure
A great rewards card depends on where you spend, how you redeem, and whether the annual fee makes sense. RateBuddy helps organize points, welcome offers, earning categories, redemption flexibility, and everyday value so you can compare rewards cards with less guesswork.
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Ready to refine
Annual fee
$599
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
TD Canada Trust
Best for
Travel Rewards
Premium
Rewards
Best for
Travel Rewards
Premium
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$3,000
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$258.75
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$599
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$2,659.75
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 1.5% | $81 |
| Dining | $300 | 1.5% | $54 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1.5% | $27 |
| Travel | $75 | 2% | $18 |
| 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
Aeroplan
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
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$199
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
$150,000
Minimum household income
$200,000
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$399
Purchase APR
9.99%
Cash advance
9.99%
Scotiabank
Best for
Travel Rewards
Low Interest
Premium
Best for
Travel Rewards
Low Interest
Premium
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$2,500
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$360
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$399
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$2,461
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 | 2% | $18 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 2% | $18 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 2% | $108 |
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
Scene+
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$399
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
9.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
9.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$99
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
$12,000
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
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.
Annual fee
$0 first year
Then $149 annually
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
$599
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
$1,500
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$648
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$599
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$1,549
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 | 5% | $45 |
| 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.
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$599
Primary cardholder
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
$150,000
Minimum household income
$200,000
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$599
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
21.99%
American Express(Canada)
Best for
Travel Rewards
Business
Premium
Best for
Travel Rewards
Business
Premium
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$1,800
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$240.75
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$599
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$1,441.75
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 | 3% | $27 |
| 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
Aeroplan
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$599
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
21.99%
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
$199
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
21.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
Scotiabank
Best for
Travel Rewards
Premium
Rewards
Best for
Travel Rewards
Premium
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$850
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$648
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$120
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$1,378
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 6% | $324 |
| Dining | $300 | 5% | $180 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 3% | $54 |
| Travel | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| 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
Scene+
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
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$29
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
$12,000
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Showing 10 of 30 cards
Other Great Rewards Cards
Explore other highly-rated options you might have missed.
CAPITAL ONE CANADA
ATB Financial
PC Financial
Canadian Tire Bank
BMO Bank of Montreal
Welcome Bonus
Annual Fee: $0
$150
Purchase Int: 21.99%
1st Yr Value
$956
View Offer
American Express(Canada)
Welcome Bonus
Annual Fee: $599
Purchase Int: 21.99%
1st Yr Value
$1369
View Offer
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Maximize Your Potential
Why use a generic card? Choosing a card that aligns with your spending habits could help you earn more value over time.
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Rankings based on hard numbers (fees vs rewards), not advertising budgets.
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We highlight the "gotchas" and fees just as clearly as the perks.
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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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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.
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From entry-level options to exclusive black cards. Find the eligibility level that fits you.
KNOWLEDGE BASE
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Best Rewards Programs 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.
If you close a credit card account, you may forfeit any unredeemed points associated directly with that card. However, if the points are held in a separate loyalty program account (like Aeroplan or Air Miles), they generally remain safe. Always check the forfeiture policy before closing an account.
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.
For most personal credit cards, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) typically treats cash back as a 'discount' rather than income, meaning it is generally not taxable. However, rewards earned on business credit cards or through banking signup bonuses may be treated differently. RateBuddy recommends consulting a tax professional for your specific situation.
Some loyalty programs (like Aeroplan or Scene+) allow for points pooling or transfers between family members, sometimes for free and sometimes for a fee. Check the specific terms and conditions of your loyalty program to see if transfers are permitted.
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.
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