The Complete Canadian Credit Card Directory: Compare 20+ Cards Side-by-Side

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Every credit card worth considering in Canada, organized by category. Use this directory to compare cards side-by-side and find the right fit for your spending profile, credit situation, and goals. Each card links to its detailed review with full pros, cons, and application guidance.

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Travel Rewards Cards
#CardProgramFeeBest For
1Amex CobaltAeroplan (transfer)55.88Everyday earn for travel
2TD Aeroplan Visa InfiniteAeroplan39Air Canada flyers
3RBC Avion Visa InfiniteAvion20Flexible redemption
4Scotiabank Gold AmexScene+20No FX fee travel
5CIBC Aeroplan Visa InfiniteAeroplan39Buddy Pass
6Amex Aeroplan CardAeroplan20Aeroplan without Visa
7TD First Class Travel Visa InfiniteTD Points39Non-Aeroplan travel
Cashback Cards
#CardTop RateFeeBest For
1Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite4% groceries/bills20Families
2CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite4% groceries + gas20Groceries + gas
3Tangerine Money-Back2% in 2-3 categories/usr/bin/bashCustomizable no-fee
4Simplii Cash Back Visa4% restaurants/usr/bin/bashDining out
5BMO CashBack Mastercard3% groceries/usr/bin/bashGroceries (no fee)
6Neo Financial Mastercard5% partners/usr/bin/bashPartner store shoppers
7TD Cash Back Visa Infinite3% groceries/bills9TD customers
8RBC Cash Back Mastercard2% groceries/usr/bin/bashRBC customers
No Annual Fee Cards
#CardRewardsBest For
1Tangerine Money-Back2% in categoriesCustomizable cashback
2Simplii Cash Back Visa4% restaurantsDining
3Neo Financial MastercardUp to 5%Partner stores
4BMO CashBack Mastercard3% groceriesGroceries
5RBC Cash Back Mastercard2% groceriesRBC customers
6Canadian Tire Triangle4% CT, 2% gasCT shoppers
7MBNA True LineNone (0% BT)Balance transfers
8Rogers World Elite1.5% + no FXInternational spending
Secured / Credit Building Cards
#CardMin DepositFeeBest For
1Capital One Guaranteed Secured5/usr/bin/bashEasiest approval
2Home Trust Secured Visa00/usr/bin/bashCashback while rebuilding
3Refresh Financial Secured002.95Active bankruptcy
4Neo Secured Mastercard0/usr/bin/bashLow deposit + rewards
5KOHO Secured Visa0/usr/bin/bash-9/moPrepaid model
Balance Transfer Cards
#CardPromo RateDurationFee
1MBNA True Line0%12 months/usr/bin/bash
2CIBC Select Visa0%10 months9
3TD Low Rate Visa0%6 months/usr/bin/bash
4Scotiabank Value Visa0.99%6 months9
5BMO Preferred Rate3.99%9 months9
Newcomer / Student Cards
#Card/ProgramEligibilityFeeBest For
1RBC Newcomer PackagePR/Work Permit (3 yrs)/usr/bin/bash yr 1Full banking + credit
2Scotiabank StartRightPR/Work Permit (3 yrs)/usr/bin/bashScene+ rewards
3CIBC Newcomer PackagePR/Work Permit (5 yrs)/usr/bin/bash yr 1Longest eligibility
4TD New to CanadaPR/Work Permit (2 yrs)/usr/bin/bashLargest branch network
5BMO NewStartPR/Work Permit (2 yrs)/usr/bin/bashCashback from day 1
6Amex Global TransferExisting Amex holderVariesPremium card access
Welcome Bonus Cards

✓ You will stay on this site  •  ✓ Free content  •  ✓ No sign-up

#CardBonus ValueMin SpendFee
1BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite33 (50K pts),000/90d20
2TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite00+ (40K pts),500/180d39
3Scotiabank Gold Amex00 (40K pts),500/90d20
4RBC Avion Visa Infinite50 (35K pts),000/90d20
5Amex Cobalt00+ (30K/yr)00/mo55.88

How to Use This Directory

Step 1: Identify your primary goal (travel rewards, cashback, credit building, debt payoff, or newcomer access).

Step 2: Look at the relevant category table above and shortlist 2-3 cards.

Step 3: Read the detailed article for that category (linked at the top of this page) for full breakdowns, math comparisons, and recommendations based on spending level.

Step 4: Check the individual card review for your top choice to understand exact terms, pros/cons, and application tips.

Quick Decision Guide

I want the best card overall: Amex Cobalt (if you spend on food) or TD Aeroplan (if you fly Air Canada).

I refuse to pay an annual fee: Tangerine + Simplii combo for maximum free cashback.

I need to rebuild my credit: Capital One Guaranteed Secured for easiest approval.

I just moved to Canada: RBC or Scotiabank newcomer program for unsecured credit without Canadian history.

I have debt to pay off: MBNA True Line for 12 months at 0%.

I want free money from sign-up bonuses: BMO Eclipse for easiest bonus or TD Aeroplan for highest value.

I travel internationally: Scotiabank Gold Amex for no FX fee + rewards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cards should I have?

Two to three is optimal. One primary rewards card, one no-fee backup, and optionally one specialized card. More than four complicates tracking without adding meaningful value.

Can I have cards from multiple banks?

Yes. There is no restriction on holding cards from different banks. Many Canadians optimize by using different cards for different spending categories across multiple issuers.

What credit score do I need for premium cards?

Visa Infinite and World Elite cards typically require 720+. Mid-tier cards approve at 650-700. No-fee cards often approve at 600+. Secured cards have no minimum.

How often should I apply for new cards?

Space applications 3-6 months apart to minimize hard inquiry impact. One to two new cards per year is sustainable without significant score damage.


This directory is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Card offers, rates, and terms change without notice. Always verify current details on the issuer website before applying. Last updated: May 2026.