First Credit Card for Newcomers to Canada – RBC, Scotiabank, CIBC Programs
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Moving to Canada means starting your credit history from zero. It does not matter if you had an 800 score in your home country – Canadian lenders cannot see foreign credit history. Without a Canadian credit score, you cannot rent an apartment (many landlords check credit), get a phone plan without a deposit, or qualify for a mortgage. The good news: several major banks have programs specifically designed for newcomers, international students, and new permanent residents that approve you based on your immigration status rather than your (nonexistent) Canadian credit history.
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Best Credit Cards for Newcomers to Canada (2026)
| # | Card/Program | Eligibility | Annual Fee | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RBC Newcomer Package | PR/Work Permit (3 yrs) | /usr/bin/bash first year | No Canadian credit needed |
| 2 | Scotiabank StartRight | PR/Work Permit (3 yrs) | /usr/bin/bash | Scene+ rewards from day 1 |
| 3 | CIBC Newcomer Package | PR/Work Permit (5 yrs) | /usr/bin/bash first year | Aventura card access |
| 4 | TD New to Canada | PR/Work Permit (2 yrs) | /usr/bin/bash | No deposit required |
| 5 | BMO NewStart | PR/Work Permit (2 yrs) | /usr/bin/bash | Cashback from day 1 |
| 6 | Amex for Newcomers | PR (5 yrs) | Varies | Global transfer of history |
1. RBC Newcomer Package
RBC offers newcomers access to their full credit card lineup without requiring Canadian credit history. Eligible if you arrived in Canada within the last 3 years as a permanent resident or work permit holder. You can apply for cards up to the Visa Infinite tier (normally requires 2+ years of history and 720+ score).
What you get: No-fee banking for the first year, a credit card with no Canadian credit check, and a dedicated newcomer advisor. The credit card options include the RBC Cash Back Mastercard (no fee, 2% groceries) or RBC Rewards+ Visa (no fee, earn RBC points).
Requirements: Valid PR card or work permit. Proof of address in Canada. Government-issued ID. No minimum income for basic cards.
2. Scotiabank StartRight Program
Scotiabank approves newcomers for unsecured credit cards with no Canadian credit history required. Available to permanent residents and work permit holders who arrived within 3 years. You start earning Scene+ rewards immediately.
What you get: No-fee chequing account for the first year, a Scene+ Visa card (no annual fee, earn points on all purchases), and access to the Scotiabank mortgage newcomer program (up to 5% down with no CMHC surcharge for newcomers).
Why it stands out: Scene+ points are highly flexible – use for travel, movies, groceries (at Sobeys/FreshCo), or statement credits. You start building rewards from your first purchase while simultaneously building credit history.
3. CIBC Newcomer Package
CIBC offers one of the most generous newcomer windows: eligible if you arrived within the last 5 years (vs 2-3 years at other banks). Access to premium cards including the CIBC Aventura Visa (normally requires established credit).
What you get: No-fee banking for the first year, credit card approval without Canadian history, and a 00 welcome bonus for opening a chequing account. The Aventura card earns travel points redeemable for any flight on any airline.
Why it stands out: The 5-year eligibility window is the longest in Canada. If you have been here 3-4 years and still have thin credit, CIBC is your best option for a premium card without needing to start with a secured card.
4. TD New to Canada Package
TD approves newcomers within 2 years of arrival for unsecured credit cards. No deposit required. Available for permanent residents and work permit holders.
What you get: No-fee chequing for 6 months, a TD Rewards Visa (no annual fee), and access to TD mortgage newcomer rates. The Rewards Visa earns TD points redeemable for travel, merchandise, or statement credits.
Best for: Newcomers who want to bank with TD (largest branch network in Canada) and prefer a straightforward rewards card to start building history.
5. BMO NewStart Program
BMO approves newcomers within 2 years of arrival. Offers the BMO CashBack Mastercard (no fee, 3% groceries) without requiring Canadian credit history.
What you get: No-fee banking for the first year, a cashback credit card from day one, and access to BMO newcomer mortgage rates. The 3% grocery cashback is one of the highest earn rates available on a no-fee newcomer card.
Best for: Newcomers who prioritize cashback over points and want immediate value on grocery spending.
6. American Express Global Transfer
If you had an Amex card in your home country, Amex can transfer your global relationship to Canada. This means they consider your international Amex history when approving you, potentially giving you access to premium cards (Cobalt, Gold, Platinum) that would normally require years of Canadian credit.
How it works: Call Amex Canada and mention the Global Card Transfer program. Provide your international Amex account details. They review your global history and may approve you for a Canadian Amex without Canadian credit checks.
Best for: Existing Amex cardholders from the US, UK, Australia, India, or other countries where Amex operates. This is the fastest path to a premium rewards card in Canada for eligible newcomers.
Building Credit as a Newcomer: The 12-Month Plan
Month 1: Open a newcomer bank account and get your first credit card through the newcomer program. Set up autopay for the full balance.
Months 1-3: Use the card for small recurring purchases (phone bill, groceries, gas). Pay in full every month. Your credit file is being created.
Months 3-6: Your score should appear on Equifax/TransUnion (check via Borrowell or Credit Karma for free). Expect 650-680 if all payments are on time.
Months 6-9: With a 680+ score, you may qualify for a second card (no-fee rewards card from a different bank). A second card improves your credit mix and total available credit.
Months 9-12: Score should reach 700+. You now qualify for most mainstream credit cards, car loans, and can start the mortgage pre-approval process.
International Students: Your Options
International students face a tighter situation: most newcomer programs require a work permit or PR, not a study permit. Your options:
1. Student credit cards: Some banks (BMO, TD) offer student cards to international students with a valid study permit. Limits are low (00-,000) but they build credit.
2. Secured cards: Capital One Guaranteed Secured approves anyone with a Canadian address and bank account, including international students. No work permit or PR needed.
3. Authorized user: If you have a family member in Canada with a credit card, being added as an authorized user can help build your credit file (the account history appears on your report).
Common Newcomer Mistakes
Waiting too long to apply: Newcomer programs have eligibility windows (2-5 years). If you wait 3 years to apply at a bank with a 2-year window, you lose access to the easier approval path.
Not checking both bureaus: Canada has two credit bureaus (Equifax and TransUnion). Some lenders only report to one. Make sure your card reports to both for maximum credit building.
Applying at multiple banks simultaneously: Each application is a hard inquiry. Apply at one bank first, get approved, use the card for 6 months, then consider a second card if needed.
Closing your first card: Your first Canadian credit card establishes your credit age. Never close it, even after you get better cards. Keep it open with a small recurring charge.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my credit score from my home country in Canada?
No. Canadian lenders cannot access foreign credit bureaus. Your score from the US, UK, India, or anywhere else does not transfer. You start from zero in Canada. The exception is Amex Global Transfer, which uses your Amex relationship (not your score) to approve you.
How long until I have a credit score in Canada?
Typically 3-6 months after your first credit account is opened and reported. Equifax and TransUnion need at least one active account with payment history to generate a score.
Do I need a SIN to get a credit card?
Yes. Canadian credit bureaus use your SIN (Social Insurance Number) to track your credit file. You need a SIN before applying for any credit product. Apply for your SIN at a Service Canada office immediately after arriving.
Which bank is best for newcomers overall?
RBC and Scotiabank have the most comprehensive newcomer packages (banking + credit + mortgage). CIBC has the longest eligibility window (5 years). Choose based on branch convenience and which card rewards match your spending.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or immigration advice. Newcomer program eligibility and terms may change. Always verify current requirements directly with the bank.
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