Top 10 Best Credit Cards in Canada
1. Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
Best for: Travel rewards and flexible points
Eligibility:
Canadian resident, 18+
Good to excellent credit score
Required Documents:
Government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license)
Proof of income (pay stub, tax return)
Proof of residency (utility bill, bank statement)
Benefits:
5x points on groceries, dining, and gas
No foreign transaction fees
Travel insurance included
Annual fee: $120
2. Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
Best for: Flexible cashback
Eligibility:
Canadian resident, 18+
Fair to good credit
Required Documents:
ID and proof of address
Proof of income
Benefits:
2% cashback in 3 categories of your choice
No annual fee
Easy online management
3. TD Cash Back Visa Infinite Card
Best for: Everyday cashback
Eligibility:
Canadian resident, 18+
Minimum income around $60,000 (or $100,000 household)
Required Documents:
Valid ID
Proof of income (pay slips, tax documents)
Benefits:
3% cashback on groceries
1% cashback on gas and recurring bills
Travel insurance
Annual fee: $120
4. BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard
Best for: Cashback and travel perks
Eligibility:
Canadian resident, 18+
Good to excellent credit
Required Documents:
ID and proof of income
Benefits:
5% cashback on groceries and dining
1.5% on all other purchases
Travel insurance
Annual fee: $120
5. CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card
Best for: Cashback on gas and groceries
Eligibility:
Canadian resident, 18+
Good credit and income $60,000+
Required Documents:
Government ID
Proof of income
Benefits:
4% cashback on gas
2% cashback on groceries
1% on other purchases
Annual fee: $120
6. RBC Avion Visa Infinite
Best for: Travel rewards
Eligibility:
Canadian resident, 18+
Good credit and income $60,000+
Required Documents:
ID and proof of income
Benefits:
Points for travel bookings
Comprehensive travel insurance
Annual fee: $120
7. American Express Cobalt Card
Best for: Food, drinks, and travel points
Eligibility:
Canadian resident, 18+
Good credit history
Required Documents:
ID and proof of income
Benefits:
5x points on eats and drinks
2x points on travel and transit
Monthly fee: $12.99
8. MBNA True Line Mastercard
Best for: Low interest rate
Eligibility:
Canadian resident, 18+
Fair to good credit
Required Documents:
ID and proof of income
Benefits:
8.99% interest rate on purchases
No annual fee
Simple, straightforward card
9. Capital One Guaranteed Mastercard
Best for: Building or rebuilding credit
Eligibility:
Canadian resident, 18+
No or poor credit accepted
Required Documents:
ID and proof of address
Security deposit required
Benefits:
Helps build credit
No credit check required
Annual fee: $59
10. Scotiabank StartRight Program Card
Best for: Newcomers to Canada
Eligibility:
New Canadian residents (less than 3 years)
Minimum income may not be required
Required Documents:
Passport, visa or PR card
Proof of residency
Benefits:
No credit history required
No annual fee for first year
Access to banking benefits
Summary Table
| Credit Card | Best For | Annual Fee | Income Requirement | Credit Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotiabank Gold Amex | Travel rewards | $120 | Good income | Good to Excellent |
| Tangerine Money-Back | Cashback | $0 | None | Fair to Good |
| TD Cash Back Visa Infinite | Everyday cashback | $120 | $60k income | Good |
| BMO CashBack World Elite | Cashback + travel | $120 | Good income | Good to Excellent |
| CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite | Gas & groceries | $120 | $60k income | Good |
| RBC Avion Visa Infinite | Travel rewards | $120 | $60k income | Good |
| American Express Cobalt | Food, drinks & travel | $156/year* | Good income | Good |
| MBNA True Line Mastercard | Low interest | $0 | None | Fair to Good |
| Capital One Guaranteed Mastercard | Build credit | $59 | Security deposit | Poor or No Credit |
| Scotiabank StartRight Program | Newcomers | $0 first year | New resident | None |
Canada Credit Card FAQ
❓1. What is the minimum age to apply for a credit card in Canada?
Answer: You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a credit card in Canada.
❓2. What documents do I need to apply for a credit card?
Answer: Generally, you will need:
Government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license)
Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns)
Proof of Canadian residency (utility bill, bank statement)
❓3. Can newcomers to Canada get a credit card without credit history?
Answer: Yes. Cards like Scotiabank StartRight Program or Capital One Guaranteed Mastercard are designed for newcomers and those without credit history.
❓4. What credit score is needed to qualify for the best credit cards?
Answer: For premium rewards and travel cards, a good to excellent credit score is required (typically 650+). For secured or beginner cards, lower scores or no credit history can be accepted.
❓5. Are there credit cards with no annual fees?
Answer: Yes. Examples include the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card and MBNA True Line Mastercard which offer no annual fees.
❓6. How long does it take to get approved for a credit card?
Answer: Approval can be instant or take a few days depending on the bank and your credit history.
❓7. What benefits do travel credit cards offer?
Answer: Travel cards usually offer:
Reward points for flights, hotels, and dining
No foreign transaction fees
Travel insurance
Airport lounge access (on some cards)
❓8. Can I build or rebuild my credit with a credit card?
Answer: Yes. Secured or guaranteed cards like the Capital One Guaranteed Mastercard help you build credit by reporting your payments to credit bureaus.
❓9. Are cashback credit cards worth it?
Answer: Yes, if you use the card regularly and pay your balance in full to avoid interest charges. Cashback can save you money on everyday purchases.
❓10. What should I consider before applying for a credit card?
Answer: Look at:
Annual fees
Interest rates (APR)
Rewards and benefits
Eligibility and required income
Your spending habits and credit score
Looking for the best credit cards in Canada for 2025? This comprehensive guide covers the top 10 credit cards tailored for different needs — whether you want cashback, travel rewards, low fees, or a card to build your credit. Learn about each card’s eligibility criteria, required documents, annual fees, and key benefits to find the perfect match for your lifestyle. Whether you’re a newcomer, student, or experienced cardholder, this guide will help you apply confidently and make the most out of your credit card.