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Right now, Canadian banks are offering over $2,000 in combined sign-up bonuses across their credit card portfolios. These bonuses change quarterly and disappear without notice. A single welcome bonus can be worth more than an entire year of regular spending rewards — but only if you pick the right card and hit the minimum spend threshold without forcing purchases you would not otherwise make.
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Highest Credit Card Welcome Bonuses in Canada 2026
| # | Card | Bonus | Min Spend | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite | 50,000 pts | $3,000 / 90 days | ~$333 travel |
| 2 | TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite | 40,000 pts | $7,500 / 180 days | ~$800 flights |
| 3 | Scotiabank Gold American Express | 40,000 pts | $7,500 / 90 days | ~$400 travel |
| 4 | RBC Avion Visa Infinite | 35,000 pts | $5,000 / 90 days | ~$350 travel |
| 5 | Amex Cobalt | 30,000 pts | $500/mo x 12 | ~$600 flights |
| 6 | TD Cash Back Visa Infinite | $100 cash | $2,000 / 90 days | $100 cash |
💡 Welcome bonuses change frequently. The offers listed here are current as of May 2026. Always verify the bonus amount on the issuer website before applying — some bonuses are targeted and may differ by applicant.
BMO Eclipse: Easiest Big Bonus in Canada
50,000 BMO Rewards points for spending just $3,000 in 90 days. That is $1,000/month — achievable through normal spending for most households without buying anything extra. No other card offers this many points for this little spend. The points are worth approximately $333 in travel through BMO’s portal.
Net value calculation: $333 bonus minus $120 annual fee = $213 profit in year one, guaranteed, just from normal spending. Add the ongoing 5x on dining and this card pays for itself repeatedly.
TD Aeroplan: Highest Flight Value Bonus
40,000 Aeroplan points are worth $800+ when redeemed for flights through Air Canada. The catch: $7,500 minimum spend over 180 days ($1,250/month). That is higher than BMO but the 180-day window gives you more time. If your household spending naturally exceeds $1,250/month (rent/mortgage excluded), this bonus is achievable without forced spending.
The Aeroplan point value advantage: 1 Aeroplan point = 2+ cents for flights vs BMO points at 0.67 cents for travel. Same number of points, dramatically different value.
Amex Cobalt: Best Long-Term Bonus Structure
Unlike traditional lump-sum bonuses, Cobalt gives you 2,500 bonus points every month you spend $500+. Over 12 months, that is 30,000 points ($600+ in Aeroplan flights). The advantage: no pressure to hit a large spend in 90 days. The disadvantage: you need to maintain spending for a full year to get the full bonus.
Combined with the 5x earn on food, a Cobalt cardholder spending $1,500/month on food earns 120,000+ points in year one — worth $2,400+ in flights. No other card comes close for total first-year value.
How to Maximize Welcome Bonuses
Time your application with large planned purchases. Need new furniture, appliances, or have a vacation coming? Apply for the card before those purchases to hit the minimum spend naturally.
Never force spending. If the minimum spend requires buying things you do not need, the bonus is not worth it. A $333 bonus is worthless if you spent $500 on things you would not have bought.
Stack bonuses strategically. Apply for one card at a time, hit the bonus, then wait 3-6 months before the next application. This minimizes credit score impact while maximizing total bonus value over time.
Check if you are eligible. Some banks exclude existing cardholders or people who held the card in the past 12 months. Verify eligibility before applying to avoid a wasted hard inquiry.
Bonus Value: Points vs Cash
Not all “50,000 points” are equal. The value depends entirely on how you redeem:
- Aeroplan for flights: 2-3 cents per point ($800-$1,200 for 40K points)
- BMO for travel: 0.67 cents per point ($333 for 50K points)
- Scene+ for travel: 1 cent per point ($400 for 40K points)
- Statement credit: 0.5-0.7 cents per point (worst value, avoid)
Always redeem for flights or travel. Never cash out points as statement credits — you lose 50-70% of their value.
Current offers expire without notice — check what is available now:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get multiple welcome bonuses? ▼
Yes, from different banks. You can hold cards from RBC, TD, BMO, CIBC, and Amex simultaneously. Most banks only restrict bonuses if you held the same card in the past 12 months.
Does the minimum spend include the annual fee? ▼
No. The annual fee does not count toward minimum spend. Only purchases count. Balance transfers, cash advances, and fees are excluded.
What happens after the bonus period? ▼
You keep earning at the card’s regular rate. Evaluate whether the ongoing earn rate justifies the annual fee. If not, downgrade to a no-fee card from the same bank (preserving your credit history) or cancel after 12 months.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Credit card terms, rates and offers change frequently. Always verify current conditions directly with the issuing bank before applying.
