Best Credit Cards in Canada (2026)
We compared over 50 Canadian credit cards across cashback rates, annual fees, welcome bonuses, and perks. Here are the top picks for 2026.
Best Cashback Credit Cards Canada
| Card | Annual Fee | Top Earn Rate | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Pick BMO CashBack® World Elite® Mastercard® BMO · Mastercard | $120/yr | 5%on groceries | Apply Now → |
American Express Cobalt® Card American Express · Amex | $156/yr | 5%on food and dining | Apply Now → |
Simplii Financial™ Cash Back Visa* Simplii Financial · Visa | No fee | 4%on dining | Apply Now → |
TD Cash Back Visa Infinite* TD Bank · Visa | $120/yr | 3%on groceries | Apply Now → |
Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card Tangerine · Mastercard | No fee | 2%on 2-categories-of-choice | Apply Now → |
BMO Student Mastercard* BMO · Mastercard | No fee | 1%on everything | Apply Now → |
* Rates and offers subject to change. Verify with the card issuer before applying. We may earn a commission on approved applications at no cost to you.
Best No-Fee Credit Cards Canada
| Card | Annual Fee | Top Earn Rate | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Pick Scotiabank Scene+™ Visa* Scotiabank · Visa | No fee | 5%on scene partners | Apply Now → |
Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* for Students Scotiabank · Visa | No fee | 5%on scene partners | Apply Now → |
Simplii Financial™ Cash Back Visa* Simplii Financial · Visa | No fee | 4%on dining | Apply Now → |
TD Rewards Visa* Card TD Bank · Visa | No fee | 4%on travel via expedia | Apply Now → |
Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card Tangerine · Mastercard | No fee | 2%on 2-categories-of-choice | Apply Now → |
BMO Student Mastercard* BMO · Mastercard | No fee | 1%on everything | Apply Now → |
* Rates and offers subject to change. Verify with the card issuer before applying. We may earn a commission on approved applications at no cost to you.
Best Travel Credit Cards Canada
| Card | Annual Fee | Top Earn Rate | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Pick TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* TD Bank · Visa | $139/yr | 8%on travel via expedia | Apply Now → |
American Express Cobalt® Card American Express · Amex | $156/yr | 5%on food and dining | Apply Now → |
Scotiabank Scene+™ Visa* Scotiabank · Visa | No fee | 5%on scene partners | Apply Now → |
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Scotiabank · Visa | $150/yr | 3%on groceries | Apply Now → |
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* CIBC · Visa | $139/yr | 2%on travel via cibc rewards | Apply Now → |
* Rates and offers subject to change. Verify with the card issuer before applying. We may earn a commission on approved applications at no cost to you.
Best Student Credit Cards Canada
No annual fee, no income requirement. These cards are designed for students building credit for the first time.
| Card | Annual Fee | Top Earn Rate | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Pick Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* for Students Scotiabank · Visa | No fee | 5%on scene partners | Apply Now → |
TD Rewards Visa* Card TD Bank · Visa | No fee | 4%on travel via expedia | Apply Now → |
BMO Student Mastercard* BMO · Mastercard | No fee | 1%on everything | Apply Now → |
* Rates and offers subject to change. Verify with the card issuer before applying. We may earn a commission on approved applications at no cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do I need for a premium credit card in Canada?
Most premium cards (like the BMO World Elite or Scotiabank Passport Infinite) require a credit score of 725+, considered 'good' by Canadian bureaus (Equifax/TransUnion). No-fee cards like the Tangerine Money-Back typically require 660+.
Are credit card rewards taxable in Canada?
Generally, no. The CRA treats most credit card cashback and points as a discount on purchases rather than income, so they are not taxable for personal use. Business reward redemptions may be different — consult a tax professional.
What's the best credit card for groceries in Canada?
The BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard earns 5% on groceries — the highest in Canada. The Simplii Cash Back Visa earns 1.5% with no annual fee.
Which Canadian credit card has no foreign transaction fees?
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite and the Rogers World Elite Mastercard both waive the standard 2.5% foreign transaction fee — essential for frequent travellers.
Can I have multiple credit cards in Canada?
Yes. Many Canadians hold 2–3 cards optimized for different spending categories. For example, a 5% grocery card + a no-fee everyday card + a travel card for flights.