Best credit cards in Canada

Fact checked by Scott Birke

Updated Jun 5, 2025

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Best credit cards in Canada: 13 gold winners by category

Our experts analyzed over 200 Canadian credit cards using 135 data points per card—more than 27,000 data points in total—to determine the best credit cards in Canada for 2025. Each top pick is selected based on data-driven analysis, not influenced by partnerships or promotions.

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Welcome Offer

Methodology

Why you can trust our 2025 Best Credit Cards Canada list

To identify Canada's best credit cards by category, our proprietary scoring system uses 135 different metrics to analyze over 27,000 credit card data points, from welcome bonuses and rewards to travel insurance, airport perks to interest rates, hidden fees and more. We also evaluated 28 of Canada's best credit card rewards programs using both data and subjective analysis. For more, watch our video below and check our credit card review methodology.

Money.ca's best credit cards rated over 200 cards to come up with its best credit card lists.

How Money.ca rates the best credit cards in Canada

For each category below, the Star Rating (out of 5) for each card is an overall score, not how it performed for that specific category. Some cards won multiple categories. You can also compare cards by reading all of Money.ca's credit card reviews and with our credit card comparison tool.

Finally, Money.ca's partnerships have no impact on our ratings, which are solely determined by the strengths of each card alone by our team of credit card experts. 

Best credit cards in Canada overall

For the best overall credit card in Canada, our on-staff credit card experts compared all of the major details of over 205 credit cards—across all categories. We rewarded high overall scores across every category, as well as high earn rates combined with low annual fees, and overall accessibility.

The American Express Cobalt® Card has once again claimed its throne as our best overall credit card. That’s because this premium powerhouse continues to outshine the competition across a wide range of categories.

  • Perfect 5/5 Rating: The Cobalt is the only card in our extensive review process to achieve a perfect 5 out of 5 rating, demonstrating its exceptional value across all categories we measure.
  • Robust rewards on dining, groceries and streaming: Earn between 3-5x points on these categories, helping you maximize rewards with one of the highest earning rates in Canada.
  • Bonus points on gas, EV charging and travel: 2x points on flights, hotels, car rentals, and even daily transit costs, plus gas and charging for EVs.
  • Accessible monthly fee structure: Rather than charging the full $155.88 annual fee upfront, the $12.99/month membership fee makes this premium card more accessible for Canadians and easier to budget for throughout the year.
  • Versatility of the Membership Rewards program: Transfer points to multiple airline and hotel partners, book travel through Amex Travel, apply points to purchases, or exchange for gift cards.
  • Comprehensive insurance: The Cobalt has you covered whether at home or abroad, thanks to comprehensive travel insurance, medical coverage and even mobile device insurance coverage.

Put simply, the Amex Cobalt is perfect for those with varied spending habits; in other words, most people.

Amex Cobalt disclosures:

  • Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.

    American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Best credit cards for rewards

We researched all major rewards credit cards in the Canadian market, using our proprietary algorithm to compare them by earn rates and the relative quality of rewards programs. For more rewards cards, read Money.ca's full list of best rewards credit cards.

When it comes to everyday value and store-focused loyalty programs, the PC® Mastercard® stands head and shoulders above the competition. We've selected it as our best rewards credit card, and for good reason:

  • Proven popularity: The PC® Mastercard® emerged as one of the winners in our Canada’s most popular credit cards study, confirming what we already knew — Canadians love this card for its practical rewards.
  • Unbeatable grocery value at Loblaws: This card scores the highest in our proprietary Grocery Score, thanks to the impressive points earned at Loblaws banner stores, including No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore, and Shoppers Drug Mart.
  • No annual fee: Unlike many rewards cards that charge for the privilege of earning points, the PC® Mastercard® delivers exceptional value with absolutely no annual fee.
  • Tiered card options: As your credit score and income grow, upgrade to the PC® World Mastercard® or PC® World Elite Mastercard® for enhanced earn rates and additional benefits.

We recommend the PC® Mastercard® for Canadians who regularly shop at Loblaws banner stores and want to earn valuable PC Optimum points without paying an annual fee. The combination of strong earn rates at popular Canadian retailers and the flexible PC Optimum rewards program makes this card an exceptional choice for practical, budget-conscious Canadians.

PC® Mastercard® disclosures:

  • Sponsored advertising. President’s Choice Financial® Mastercard® is provided by President’s Choice Bank. The PC Optimum™ program is provided by President's Choice Services Inc. President’s Choice Bank is not responsible for the contents of this site, including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete information regarding the PC® Mastercard®, PC® World Mastercard®, or PC® World Elite Mastercard®, please click on the “Apply Now” or other applicable button.

Top credit cards for cash back

We analyzed all major Canadian cash back credit cards, using our proprietary algorithm to compare them by cash back rates and annual fees. For more cash back cards, read Money.ca's full list of best cash back credit cards.

The BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®* his an impressive combination of high earn rates, flexible redemption options and valuable perks, making it the ultimate cash back choice for Canadians:

  • Cash back juggernaut: The CashBack World Elite is powerhouse that offers some of the most competitive cash back rates in Canada, delivering top-notch value across multiple spending categories that matter most to Canadian households.
  • Big cash back welcome bonus: Get up to 10% cash back in your first 3 months, $75 cash back bonus when you spend $25,000 in your first year, and the $120 annual fee waived in the first year†.
  • Category domination: After winning our best gas credit card and best groceries credit card last year, this versatile card has retained its grocery crown again —a testament to its impressive value-for-money.
  • Consistent excellence: Last year's runner-up has now claimed the top spot as best cash back credit card.
  • Premium cash back in key categories: Get 5% cash back on groceries, 4% cash back on transit, including ride sharing, taxis, and public transportation, 3% cash back on gas and EV charging, 2% cash back on recurring bills and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Flexible redemption options: Unlike some cash back programs that make you wait for annual payouts, BMO lets you redeem your cash back whenever you want, with no minimum redemption amount.
  • Comprehensive insurance: Unlike some other cash back cards, the CashBack World Elite provides a suite of impressive insurance protections, including travel accident insurance, baggage/flight delay, extdended warranty and more.

The combination of category-leading earn rates, an impressive welcome bonus, and flexible redemption options makes The BMO CashBack World Elite the cash back king and an outstanding choice for those who prefer the simplicity and versatility of cash back rewards.

BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard® disclosures:

  • *Terms and conditions apply.
  • BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.

Best credit cards for balance transfers

We used our proprietary algorithm to compare all major Canadian balance transfer credit cards by balance transfer fees, rates and welcome offers. For more balance transfer cards, read Money.ca's full list of best balance transfer credit cards.

For the second consecutive year, the MBNA True Line Mastercard earns our best balance transfer spot. If you're looking to consolidate debt and save on interest charges, you've found the most effective tool for the job. Here’s why:

  • Unbeatable 0%introductory APR offer: Enjoy 0% APR for 12 months on balance transfers completed within 90 days of account opening, giving you a genuine interest-free year to make significant progress on debt repayment.
  • Exclusive from the Big 5: The MBNA True Line Mastercard stands alone as the only card from the Big 5 banks offering 12 months of 0% balance transfer promotion for this duration.
  • Reasonable rate afterwards: After the promotional period ends, the 12.99% APR remains competitive compared to typical credit card interest rates of 19.99% or higher.

How much can the True Line save you?

Here's how much you could save if you transfer a $5,000 balance from a card with 19.99% interest to the True Line Mastercard:

  • With your old card: If you made a $416.67 monthly payment, you could repay your balance over 14 months, paying $548.24 in interest.
  • With the MBNA True Line: You'd pay $0 in interest during the promotional period. And if you made that same $416.67 payment you’d pay off the $5,000 in 12 months — with zero interest charges.

By focusing all your payments on principal reduction during those 12 months, you could potentially pay off the entire balance and save $548.24 in interest charges.

MBNA True Line Mastercard disclosures:

  • †, ✪, Terms and Conditions apply.

    This offer is not available for residents of Quebec. For residents of Quebec, please click here.

    Sponsored advertising. MBNA is a division of The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) and TD is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete information on this MBNA credit card, please click on the “Apply Now” button.

    The Toronto-Dominion Bank is the issuer of this credit card. MBNA is a division of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. ®MBNA and other-trademarks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.

Top credit cards with no annual fee

We used Money.ca's proprietary algorithm to compare all major Canadian no annual fee credit cards by earn rates, welcome offers and any other perks. For more no annual fee cards, read Money.ca's full list of best no annual fee credit cards.

The BMO eclipse rise Visa* was launched too late to make our list last year, but it’s made up for lost time by storming to the top spot as the best no annual fee credit card. That’s because the eclipse rise Visa delivers an impressive combination of high-value rewards and money-saving features without charging a penny in annual fees:

  • No annual fee and a balance transfer promo: Take advantage of an exceptional 0.99% for 9 months with a 2% fee on balance transfers, making this an excellent option for anyone consolidating debt while also looking to earning rewards.
  • Impressive earn rates: Earn 5 BMO Rewards points for every $2 spent on recurring bills, groceries, dining and takeout. That’s a selection of categories that represent a significant portion of most Canadians' monthly spending.
  • Fuel savings: Save up to 7 cents per litre on gas at Shell stations, offering even more ways to save.
  • Mobile device insurance: The BMO eclipse rise Visa* is one of the few no fee cards that offers mobile phone or device coverage at no extra charge.

BMO eclipse rise Visa disclosures:

  • BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information. 


Best low interest credit cards

Our credit card experts used Money.ca's proprietary algorithm to compare all major low interest rate credit cards by annual percentage rate (APR), welcome offer rates and any other perks. For more low APR cards, read Money.ca's full list of best low interest credit cards.

The MBNA True Line® Gold Mastercard® retains its crown as our best low interest rate credit card for the second consecutive year. When it comes to keeping interest costs down, the True Line Gold continues to set the standard that other issuers simply can't match:

  • Market-leading purchase APR: The 10.99% APR on purchases stands as the lowest rate available among major Canadian financial institutions, providing substantial savings for cardholders who occasionally carry balances.
  • A competitive balance transfer rate, too: With a 13.99% APR on balance transfers, this card offers an excellent long-term solution for debt consolidation after promotional offers expire.
  • Peace of mind: The permanently low interest rate means you won't face sudden rate increases or promotional period expirations that could throw off your financial planning.
  • Low annual fee: The modest annual fee is easily offset by interest savings for anyone who carries even small balances throughout the year.

How much could you save with the True Line Gold?

Let's compare carrying a $3,000 balance for 6 months with minimum payments of 2% ($60 to start):

  • Traditional credit card: At an average APR of 19.99%, over 6 months you’d pay $277.31, with a remaining balance of $2,849.82
  • MBNA True Line Gold: With the card’s low 10.99% APR you’d pay $157.29 in interest over 6 months, with a remaining balance of $2,729.80.

With the True Line Gold, you’d save a total of 240.04 ($120.02 in interest plus $120.02 in extra principal)

MBNA True Line Gold Mastercard disclosures:

  • †, ✪, Terms and Conditions apply.

    This offer is not available for residents of Quebec. For residents of Quebec, please click here.

    Sponsored advertising. MBNA is a division of The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) and TD is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete information on this MBNA credit card, please click on the “Apply Now” button.

    The Toronto-Dominion Bank is the issuer of this credit card. MBNA is a division of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. ®MBNA and other-trademarks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.

Best credit cards for dining

We used our proprietary algorithm to compare all major Canadian dining credit cards by earn rates on restaurants, takeout, food delivery services, and international dining experiences. Our analysis focused on rewards value, foreign transaction fees, and additional food-related perks. For more cards that maximize your dining dollars, read Money.ca's full list of best dining credit cards.

The Scotiabank Gold American Express® wins our top spot for delivering exceptional value for Canadian foodies and entertainment enthusiasts alike. Here’s how:

  • Impressive 1st-year value: Enjoy an estimated $1,512 in first-year value, including a substantial $780 welcome bonus that puts real rewards in your pocket from the start
  • No FTX fees: Dine internationally without the typical 2.5% foreign transaction fees charged by most Canadian credit cards. This is a significant savings for travellers and those who enjoy international cuisine
  • Flexibility of Scene+ Rewards: Scene+ points offer greater real-world value and flexibility for Canadians compared to many travel rewards programs, with easy redemptions at restaurants, cinemas and retailers nationwide
  • Exceptional dining earn rate: Earn 5x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery, food subscriptions, other eligible grocery stores, and eligible entertainment purposes, making this card particularly valuable for those who entertain frequently or host dinner parties

Scotiabank Gold American Express® disclosures:

  • Rates, fees and other information are effective as of January 3, 2025. Subject to change.
  • Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card to learn more.

    *See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.

Best credit cards for groceries

Our credit card experts used Money.ca's proprietary algorithm to compare all major grocery credit cards by earn rates, welcome offers and any other perks. For more cards with high earn rates on grocery purchases, read Money.ca's full list of best grocery credit cards.

While you might expect the PC World Elite Mastercard (great for Loblaws, No Frills, Shoppers Drug Mart) or the Scotiabank Scene+ Visa card with rewards at FreshCo and Sobeys, the fact is, it's hard to beat the right 5% cash back on groceries with the premium BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®* .

  • Category champion: For the second year running, this card maintains its position as the best option for grocery shoppers.
  • Superior acceptance across Canadian supermarkets: With Mastercard enjoying the highest grocery acceptance score in our proprietary ranking system, the BMO CashBack World Elite offers bonus rewards at more grocery stores than others, ensuring you maximize earnings regardless of where you shop.
  • Impressive grocery cash back: Earn 5% cash back on groceries, significantly outperforming most competing cards in this essential spending category.
  • Premium insurance package: Unlike many cash back cards that skimp on insurance benefits, the BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®* includes comprehensive coverage typically reserved for travel rewards cards.
  • Flexible redemption options: Cash out your grocery rewards whenever you want with no minimum redemption threshold, putting you in control of when and how you use your earnings.

BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®* disclosures:

  • *Terms and conditions apply.
  • BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.

Best credit cards in Canada for gas

We used our proprietary algorithm to compare all major gas credit cards by earn rates, welcome offers and perks like rental car insurance and CAA benefits. For more cards with high earn rates on grocery purchases, read Money.ca's full list of best gas credit cards.

In a surprising shift from last year's results, the BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* has dethroned its premium sibling to claim our top no gas credit card award. While the BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®* won this category last year with its 5% cash back on gas, we've determined that the no-fee version actually delivers superior overall value for most Canadians.

  • No annual fee: Unlike its premium counterpart, The BMO CashBack World Elite, this card charges absolutely no annual fee, meaning every dollar of cash back you earn is pure savings, with no need to offset a yearly fee.
  • Competitive cash back on gas: Earn a solid 3% cash back on all gas and EV charging purchases. That’s less than what the premium-version provides but that card also charges a $120 annual fee.
  • Exceptional balance transfer offer: Take advantage of a 0.99% introductory interest rate on Balance Transfers for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee, making this card a dual-purpose financial tool that helps you save on interest while earning rewards.
  • No minimum income requirement: Unlike the World Elite version, this card is accessible to a wider range of Canadians without strict income thresholds.

BMO CashBack® Mastercard® disclosures:

  • *Terms and conditions apply.
  • BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.

Top credit cards for travel

We compared all major travel credit cards by earn rates, insurance offerings, annual fee, welcome offers and any other associated perks. For more travel cards, read Money.ca's full list best travel credit cards.

When it comes to travel rewards cards, the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card stands head and shoulders above the competition.. Another repeat winner, this impressive travel card provides an exceptional combination of generous rewards, premium travel perks and outstanding overall value for Canadian travellers:

  • Exceptional 1st-year value: Enjoy an impressive $1,646 in first-year value through welcome bonuses, statement credits, and ongoing rewards, making this one of the most valuable travel cards on the market.
  • Reasonable annual fee: The manageable $139 annual fee strikes the perfect balance between premium benefits and cost-effectiveness, and can be completely waived if you hold a CIBC Smart Plus account. Plus, new accounts get a one-time annual fee rebate ($139) for the primary cardholder and up to three authorized users ($50 each)†
  • Enhanced earn rates: Earn 1.5x Aeroplan points on a wide range of everyday spending categories, including gas, groceries, and Air Canada travel purchases, turning your regular expenses into your next vacation.
  • Premium Aeroplan baggage benefits: Save significantly on travel costs with free first checked bags for up to 8 travelers on your reservation when flying Air Canada—a potential savings of hundreds of dollars per trip.
  • Aeroplan flexibility: Air Canada's Aeroplan is one of Canada's most versatile travel rewards programs, with redemption options for flights on Air Canada and over 45 airline partners worldwide.
  • Travel insurance: Enjoy comprehensive travel protection including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, flight delay, baggage, auto rental collision/loss, and travel medical coverage.
  • Maple Leaf lounge access: Receive complimentary Maple Leaf Lounge access when traveling on Air Canada, plus additional lounge privileges through your Visa benefits.

CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card disclosures:

  • The information for the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card has been collected independently by Money.ca. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
  • †Terms and Conditions Apply. This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.

Best credit cards for welcome bonus

We compared all major credit cards by the quality of their welcome offers in the context of their annual fees. For more on sign-up offers and welcome bonuses, read Money.ca's full list of best credit card offers, updated every month.

It's the welcome bonus: Earn up to $3,000 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points†. Conditions Apply. Offer effective as of January 7, 2025. 

But there's more to the TD Aeroplan VIP Card than just a huge welcome bonus and $3,067 in first-year value:

  • Premium travel perks: Enjoy NEXUS application fee credits and comprehensive lounge access, including Maple Leaf Lounges and Priority Pass memberships.
  • An Air Canada aficionado's dream: Priority check-in, boarding, baggage handling, and upgraded status benefits make this card essential for frequent Air Canada flyers.
  • Extensive insurance: Coverage for trip cancellation/interruption, travel accident and emergency medical coverage, mobile device coverage, hotel burglary protection, flight/baggage delay, rental car damage waiver and more.

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* disclosures:

  • †Terms and conditions apply.

    This offer is not available to residents of Quebec.

    The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button. Sponsored Content.

Best credit cards in Canada for students

We compared all major student credit cards by annual fees, interest rates, welcome offers and perks for students. For more on student credit cards, read Money.ca's full list of best student credit cards.

For the second year running, the RBC ION+ Visa has claimed our top spot as the best student credit card in Canada. The card continues to deliver exceptional value, specially tailored to student lifestyles and spending habits.

  • Student-friendly monthly fee: The innovative $4 per month fee structure (instead of a larger annual fee) makes this premium card accessible for students managing tight monthly budgets and irregular income.
  • Mobile phone protection: In our opinion, the standout feature is the included mobile phone insurance, which is a rare benefit that protects the device most essential to student life against damage or theft.
  • Student-centric earn rates: Earn an impressive 3x points on the expenses that dominate student spending, like gas, dining, groceries, rideshares and streaming services.
  • No minimum income requirement: Unlike many rewards cards, students don't need to prove a specific income level to qualify, making this accessible even for those with part-time jobs.
  • Flexible redemptions: RBC Rewards points can be redeemed for statement credits toward any purchase, making this program particularly valuable for students who need maximum flexibility.
  • Financial education resources: Access to RBC's student-focused financial literacy tools and resources helps build sound money management habits.

RBC ION+ Visa disclosures:

  • Refer to RBC page for up to date offer terms and conditions.

    This post contains affiliate links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

    Disclaimer: Money.ca may engage in affiliate marketing, which is done by embedding tracking links into Money.ca. If you click on a link for an affiliate partnership, a cookie will be placed on your browser to track any sales for purposes of commissions.

Best secured credit cards

Our on-staff credit card experts evaluated all major secured credit cards in Canada based on minimum deposit requirements, annual fees, interest rates, and reporting practices to credit bureaus. We prioritized cards that offer clear paths to rebuilding credit with minimal costs. For more top picks and tips, read Money.ca's full list of best secured credit cards.

The Capital One Guaranteed Secured Mastercard® stands out as our pick for best secured credit card in Canada, offering an accessible path to building or rebuilding credit without the unnecessary costs or complications:

  • No annual fee: Build or rebuild your credit without paying an annual fee, keeping this essential financial tool completely cost-free while you focus on improving your credit score
  • Low minimum security deposit: Start with a security deposit as low as $75, making this card significantly more accessible than other options requiring $500 or more to open
  • Digital-first banking experience: As a product of Capital One Canada's digital banking platform, the card offers convenient nationwide access through intuitive online and mobile interfaces
  • Clear path to credit-building: Regular reporting to credit bureaus ensures your responsible card use positively impacts your credit score over time

The Capital One Secured Mastercard delivers exceptional value if you're seeking a straightforward secured card without unnecessary fees or complications.

Capital One Guaranteed Secured Mastercard disclosures:

  • Terms & conditions apply

Best credit cards for businesses

We compared all major Canadian business credit cards using our proprietary scoring system that weighs factors critical to business owners, including expense management tools, employee card options, insurance coverage, and rewards on business-relevant spending categories. For more business card options, read Money.ca's full list of best business credit cards.

The American Express® Business Gold Rewards Card has claimed our top spot as the Canadian business card because it offers a powerful combination of flexibility, rewards and premium perks specifically tailored to Canadian businesses:

  • Solid welcome bonus:

    Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points with Amex’s best offer this year on this Card!

    • Earn 40,000 points after you spend $7,500 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership.

    • Earn an additional 40,000 points after you spend a total of $30,000 on your Card in the first 12 months of Cardmembership.

    • Plus, earn 20,000 points when you make a purchase between 15 and 17 months of Cardmembership.

    That’s $1,000 in statement credits that can be reinvested in your business.

    Offer ends August 18, 2025.

    *Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible. Other terms apply. 

  • Flexible spending power: Unlike traditional credit limits, the Amex Business Gold Card features no preset spending limit, adapting to your business needs and cash flow patterns. It’s effectively a charge card
  • Extended payment terms: Take advantage of up to 55 interest-free days, providing critical financial flexibility for managing business cash flow and timing payments optimally
  • Comprehensive insurance protections: Keep your employees comfortable and your business protected with an extensive insurance package covering travel accidents, baggage loss, flight delays, hotel burglary and car rental damages
  • Cost-effective employee cards: Add employees to your account for just $50 per additional card, allowing you to centralize expenses while maintaining separate tracking and controls. That’s a much more economical fee compared with other premium business cards
  • World-class Amex customer support: Access American Express's legendary business customer service, with dedicated representatives who understand business needs and challenges

American Express® Business Gold Rewards Card disclosures:

  • Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.

    American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

What are the best credit cards networks in Canada by popularity?

The best credit cards by popularity vary depending on the type, such as travel rewards, cash back offers, or low-fee options. Recent insights from YouGov categorize the top cards by their payment networks, including Visa and Mastercard, with an additional analysis by age group to assist you in choosing the most suitable option for those within your age bracket.

Ages 18-24:

  • Visa: 33% market share
  • Mastercard: 16% market share

Ages 25-35:

  • Visa: 41% market share
  • Mastercard: 27% market share

Ages 55 and over:

  • Mastercard: 37% market share (leads in this group)
  • Visa: 33% market share

All age groups combined:

  • Visa: 34.4% market share
  • Mastercard: 33.44% market share (nearly equal to Visa).

What's the best credit card company for customer service?

Choosing the right credit card isn't just about rewards and fees—it’s also about customer service. This includes how easy it is to get help and the options for contacting support. At Money.ca, we know firsthand how important good customer service and short hold times can be. When we talk to our writers about their best and worst experiences, long wait times often come up as a common frustration.

To shore up our best credit card rankings, we charted J.D. Power’s Canada Credit Card Satisfaction Studies from 201820192020, 202120222023 and 2024. In addition to some credit card issuers consistently performing better than others, like Tangerine, 2023 highlights a declining trend in customer satisfaction across Canadian issuers.

If customer satisfaction was the only determining factor, the best credit card issuers in Canada would continually be TangerineCanadian Tire Financial, and PC Financial. Traditional issuers like RBC credit cards and BMO credit cards consistently rank in the middle or the bottom with MBNA bringing up the rear.

The best credit cards by network

In Canada, we have three major credit card networks: Amex, Mastercard, and Visa. Each network has its own requirements from income to credit score and offer a variety of perks to match your dreams and desires. 

The best credit cards by bank

Best credit card in Canada FAQs

  • How do I get the best Canadian credit card welcome offers?

    +

    Money.ca has a Canadian credit card offers page, which we update every month, and which features the best welcome bonus offers and top credit card deals available in Canada.

  • How do balance transfer credit cards differ and how should I compare them?

    +

    Canadian balance transfer credit cards offer low or 0% introductory APRs on transferred balances for a set period of time — usually 6 months or less. To compare these offers, take a loot at the length of the introductory period, the balance transfer fee (typically 3-5% of the transferred amount), and the regular APR after the introductory period ends.

  • What should I look for when comparing credit card reward programs?

    +

    When comparing reward programs, consider the type of rewards (cash back, points, miles etc.), the earning rate, and any caps or expiration dates on rewards. If these are rewards points or miles, consider the redemption options and how they'd work for your personal situation and financial goals, plus any restrictions on how rewards can be used. To learn more, check out our best travel rewards programs guide,

  • What are the different credit card companies in Canada?

    +

    You have the big 5 banks: TD, RBC, Scotiabank, CIBC, and BMO. Then you have subsidiary brands like Tangerine (Scotia) and MBNA (TD), store cards like Rogers Bank, Canadian Tire, and Walmart, and upstarts like KOHO, Brim, EQ, and NEO.

  • Is one credit card network better than the others?

    +

    Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted networks. These cards are accepted just about anywhere in the world you go and can be used online with most retailers. But there are several American Express credit cards that frequently sit at the top of best credit card lists.

  • What minimum income do you need to qualify for a credit card?

    +

    Credit cards may or may not have strict income requirements. Depending on the card you’re applying for, these requirements could be low – $15,000 is a fairly common minimum – or much higher – $100,000 or more. As a rule, the more premium the card, the higher the minimum accepted income.

  • Which bank is the best to get a credit card?

    +

    In Canada, top banks for credit cards include Scotiabank for high rewards, Tangerine for no-fee and customizable options, American Express for flexible rewards and cash back, and TD Bank for travel benefits. Other notable banks are CIBC, RBC, BMO, and National Bank, each offering diverse card options​

  • What is the best credit card to establish credit?

    +

    For establishing credit in Canada, a great option is the Home Trust Secured Visa. It offers a choice between two interest rate and annual fee options, making it suitable for those building credit. This card requires a minimum credit score of 300, making it accessible to those with limited or no credit history. It's important to choose a card that reports to credit bureaus and to manage it responsibly to build a good credit history.

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Last updated June 13, 2025
Cory Santos Credit card editor

Cory Santos is a finance writer, editor and credit card expert with nearly a decade of experience in personal finance. Cory joined Wise Publishing from BestCards, with bylines in numerous print and digital publications across North America, including the Miami Herald, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Debt.ca, AOL, MSN and Medium as well as financial podcasts like KOFE Talk.

Lisa Jackson is a freelance personal finance and travel journalist, editor, and blogger who contributes to various online and print media outlets in Canada and abroad, including The Globe & Mail, Toronto Star, Islands Magazine, Fodors, BRIDES, Huffington Post Canada, CAA Magazine, The Food Network, West Jet Magazine, NUVO Magazine, and many others. When she's not writing from her home office, she's busy globe-trotting to new destinations in search of her next story.

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