Best credit cards for Quebec residents 2024
Updated: November 07, 2024
Did you know that credit card rules can vary depending on your location within Canada? This is particularly noticeable for residents of Quebec, who may experience different interest rates, welcome offers, and fees compared to credit card users in other provinces. In some instances, certain credit cards may not be accessible to those living in Quebec.
To ensure Canadians living in “la belle province” can pick the perfect plastic for their needs, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best credit cards for residents of Quebec. While there are other credit cards on the market for Quebecers, we think our picks are particularly outstanding — read on to find out why (and don't forget to check out our Best Credit Cards Canada list when you're done).
Best credit cards for Quebecers compared
Card Name | Biggest Perk | Get started |
---|---|---|
Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card |
Best for cash back
◦ |
Apply Now |
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card |
Best for travel
◦ Earn up to $1,300 in value† including up to 40,000 Aeroplan points† and no Annual Fee for the first year†. Conditions Apply. Account must be approved by January 6, 2025. |
Apply Now |
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card |
Best for No foreign transaction fees
◦ 0% foreign trans. fees on overseas purchases ◦ Earn up to $950* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points and first year annual fee waived. |
Apply Now |
BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* for Students |
Best for students
◦ Earn 3% (up to a monthly max of $500) cash back on groceries. |
Apply Now |
BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®* |
Best for rewards
◦ 4 annual airport lounge passes* |
Apply Now |
†Terms and conditions apply.
Best credit card for cash back in Quebec
Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
4.0
Good
Suggested credit scoreto receive the latest news, tips and offers by email
Pros
-
No annual fee
-
Choose the spending categories where you want to earn the most cash back
-
Unlimited cash back—no maximum spending limit for any purchase category
-
Cash back is paid out monthly rather than annually
-
Periodically includes a special welcome offer where you can get extra cash back
-
1.95% interest on balance transfers for the first 6 months (1% transfer fee applies)*
Cons
-
Regular cash back rates are still lower than what you can get from a card with an annual fee
-
Limited extra perks or benefits beyond the cash back and balance transfer promotion
-
Generally not a good fit for shopping at warehouse clubs or wholesale grocers like Costco or Walmart
-
Tangerine does not have any physical bank branches
Eligibility
Good
Recommended Credit Score
$12,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Recommended Credit Score
Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$12,000
2%
Earn 2% cash back on 2 categories of your choice (e.g. groceries, recurring bills, gas, drug stores, etc.)
3
Get a Tangerine Savings account and add a 3rd 2% cash back category.
0.5%
Earn 0.50% on all your other everyday purchases.
Earn 2% cash back on 2 categories of your choice (e.g. groceries, recurring bills, gas, drug stores, etc.)
2%
Get a Tangerine Savings account and add a 3rd 2% cash back category.
3
Earn 0.50% on all your other everyday purchases.
0.5%
19.95% - 24.95%
Variable APR
1.95%
Balance Transfer Rate 19.95%
19.95%
Cash Advance APR $3.50 within Canada, $5.00 outside Canada
$0
Annual Fee $0 for additional cardholders
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Variable APR
19.95% - 24.95%
Balance Transfer Rate
1.95%
Cash Advance APR
19.95%
Annual Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Pros
-
No annual fee
-
Choose the spending categories where you want to earn the most cash back
-
Unlimited cash back—no maximum spending limit for any purchase category
-
Cash back is paid out monthly rather than annually
-
Periodically includes a special welcome offer where you can get extra cash back
-
1.95% interest on balance transfers for the first 6 months (1% transfer fee applies)*
Cons
-
Regular cash back rates are still lower than what you can get from a card with an annual fee
-
Limited extra perks or benefits beyond the cash back and balance transfer promotion
-
Generally not a good fit for shopping at warehouse clubs or wholesale grocers like Costco or Walmart
-
Tangerine does not have any physical bank branches
Eligibility
Good
Recommended Credit Score
$12,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Recommended Credit Score
Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$12,000
2%
Earn 2% cash back on 2 categories of your choice (e.g. groceries, recurring bills, gas, drug stores, etc.)
3
Get a Tangerine Savings account and add a 3rd 2% cash back category.
0.5%
Earn 0.50% on all your other everyday purchases.
Earn 2% cash back on 2 categories of your choice (e.g. groceries, recurring bills, gas, drug stores, etc.)
2%
Get a Tangerine Savings account and add a 3rd 2% cash back category.
3
Earn 0.50% on all your other everyday purchases.
0.5%
19.95% - 24.95%
Variable APR
1.95%
Balance Transfer Rate 19.95%
19.95%
Cash Advance APR $3.50 within Canada, $5.00 outside Canada
$0
Annual Fee $0 for additional cardholders
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Variable APR
19.95% - 24.95%
Balance Transfer Rate
1.95%
Cash Advance APR
19.95%
Annual Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Yes, that’s right! The top cash back credit card in Canada comes with $0 annual fee. The Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card consistently rewards you with 2% cash back on purchases within three categories of your preference, chosen from a selection of 10 categories. Additionally, you earn 0.5% cash back on all other purchases. Cash back rewards are issued monthly, and there's no cap on spending within any category, ensuring your earnings remain limitless. Moreover, the card provides purchase insurance and extended warranty coverage.
The Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card currently features some amazing welcome offers:
* .
*Terms and Conditions apply
Runner up for cash back: SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express
SimplyCash® Preferred Card
4.0
up to 10% back
Welcome offerExcellent
Suggested credit scoreEarn a bonus 10% cash back on purchases in your first 3 months (up to $2,000 in purchases).
Pros
-
Competitive cash back rates: Up to 4% on gas and groceries, and more
-
Refer-a-friend bonus up to $750 annually
-
Extra benefits like rental car insurance and travel accident coverage
-
Manufacturer's warranty doubled on purchases
Cons
-
$9.99/month fee ($119.88 annually)
-
Cash back redeemed annually in September
-
Not all benefits may be relevant to all users
-
Limited to American Express acceptance
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
4%
cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada
4%
cash back on eligible grocery store purchases in Canada (up to $1,200 cash back annually)
2%
cash back on all other purchases
cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada
4%
cash back on eligible grocery store purchases in Canada (up to $1,200 cash back annually)
4%
cash back on all other purchases
2%
21.99%
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR *
$119.88
Annual Fee $9.99 per month. Additional cards are free.
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 2.5% of the transaction in CDN
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
21.99%
Annual Fee
$119.88
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Pros
-
Competitive cash back rates: Up to 4% on gas and groceries, and more
-
Refer-a-friend bonus up to $750 annually
-
Extra benefits like rental car insurance and travel accident coverage
-
Manufacturer's warranty doubled on purchases
Cons
-
$9.99/month fee ($119.88 annually)
-
Cash back redeemed annually in September
-
Not all benefits may be relevant to all users
-
Limited to American Express acceptance
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
4%
cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada
4%
cash back on eligible grocery store purchases in Canada (up to $1,200 cash back annually)
2%
cash back on all other purchases
cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada
4%
cash back on eligible grocery store purchases in Canada (up to $1,200 cash back annually)
4%
cash back on all other purchases
2%
21.99%
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR *
$119.88
Annual Fee $9.99 per month. Additional cards are free.
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 2.5% of the transaction in CDN
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
21.99%
Annual Fee
$119.88
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
The SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express is a contender for best cash back card because of its super bonus offer:
Earn a bonus 10% cash back on purchases in your first 3 months (up to $2,000 in purchases). That’s on top of your everyday cash back earn rates.
Earn a $50 statement credit* when you make a purchase in month 13.*
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for this offer. Other terms apply.
And if you dig the Tangerine card’s 2% cash back offered in a few categories, it might be worth it to pay a fee of $119.88 annual fee ($9.99 per month. Additional cards are free.) for the SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express, which gives you 4% cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada, 4% cash back on eligible grocery store purchases in Canada (up to ) and 2% cash back on all other purchases. You’ll earn enough cash back to cover the annual fee and then some if you charge about $5,000 or more to the card each year, which is very realistic for the average Quebecer.
Best credit card for travel
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
4.0
up to 40K pts
Welcome offerExcellent
Suggested credit scoreEarn up to $1,300 in value† including up to 40,000 Aeroplan points† and no Annual Fee for the first year†. Conditions Apply. Account must be approved by January 6, 2025.
Expires
Jan 6, 2025
Pros
-
The card has a high earn rate for Aeroplan Points, generating 1.5 points† per $1 spent on eligible purchases.
-
Insurance offered includes coverage in the categories that travellers need, and is generally better than its Aeroplan peers at a similar annual fee level.
Cons
-
No airport lounge membership or free lounge access.
-
Aeroplan points can’t be redeemed for flights outside the Star Alliance network, nor can they be redeemed for cash credit. This makes them less flexible than some competing travel rewards programs.
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000
1.5 points†
for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®)
1 point†
Earn 1 point for every $1 you spend on all other purchases
2x
Earn points twice with Aeroplan partner brands and on the Aeroplan eStore.
50%
Earn 50% more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your card to your account. Conditions apply.
1
NEXUS application fee rebate every 48 months†
1st
checked bag free for you and up to 8 travel companions†
for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®)
1.5 points†
Earn 1 point for every $1 you spend on all other purchases
1 point†
Earn points twice with Aeroplan partner brands and on the Aeroplan eStore.
2x
Earn 50% more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your card to your account. Conditions apply.
50%
NEXUS application fee rebate every 48 months†
1
checked bag free for you and up to 8 travel companions†
1st
20.99%
Purchase APR APR for purchases 20.99%†
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate APR for balance transfers 22.99%†
22.99%
Cash Advance APR APR for cash advances 22.99%†
$139
Annual Fee Additional cardholder is $75† ; Get an annual fee rebate for the first year†
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee Foreign transaction fee: 2.50%†
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$139
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Pros
-
The card has a high earn rate for Aeroplan Points, generating 1.5 points† per $1 spent on eligible purchases.
-
Insurance offered includes coverage in the categories that travellers need, and is generally better than its Aeroplan peers at a similar annual fee level.
Cons
-
No airport lounge membership or free lounge access.
-
Aeroplan points can’t be redeemed for flights outside the Star Alliance network, nor can they be redeemed for cash credit. This makes them less flexible than some competing travel rewards programs.
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000
1.5 points†
for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®)
1 point†
Earn 1 point for every $1 you spend on all other purchases
2x
Earn points twice with Aeroplan partner brands and on the Aeroplan eStore.
50%
Earn 50% more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your card to your account. Conditions apply.
1
NEXUS application fee rebate every 48 months†
1st
checked bag free for you and up to 8 travel companions†
for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®)
1.5 points†
Earn 1 point for every $1 you spend on all other purchases
1 point†
Earn points twice with Aeroplan partner brands and on the Aeroplan eStore.
2x
Earn 50% more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your card to your account. Conditions apply.
50%
NEXUS application fee rebate every 48 months†
1
checked bag free for you and up to 8 travel companions†
1st
20.99%
Purchase APR APR for purchases 20.99%†
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate APR for balance transfers 22.99%†
22.99%
Cash Advance APR APR for cash advances 22.99%†
$139
Annual Fee Additional cardholder is $75† ; Get an annual fee rebate for the first year†
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee Foreign transaction fee: 2.50%†
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$139
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card is one of the most outstanding credit cards for frequent fliers because it makes it easy to earn Aeroplan points.
Best Offer yet for the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card. Earn up to $1,300 in value†, including up to 40,000 Aeroplan points†, no Annual Fee for the first year† and additional travel benefits. Account must be approved by January 6, 2025.:
- Earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase with your new card†
- Earn 40,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $5,000 within 180 days of account opening†
- Plus, earn an anniversary bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $7,500 within 12 months of Account opening†
- Enroll for NEXUS, and once every 48 months, get an application fee rebate††
- Plus, share free first checked bags with up to eight travel companions†.
The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card earns 1.5 Aeroplan points† on eligible gas, grocery and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®)† made with your card. You earn 1 Aeroplan point on all other purchases†. The card also comes with extensive travel insurance like hotel/motel burglary†, Travel Medical Insurance†, and rental car insurance†. Extra perks include a NEXUS fee rebate† and a free checked bag for cardholders and up to eight travel companions on the same reservation for Air Canada-originated flights†.
- 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.†Terms and conditions apply.
Runner up for travel: Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card
4.3
up to 35K pts
Welcome offerExcellent
Suggested credit scoreEarn up to $1,100* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 35,000 bonus Scene+ points
Expires
Jan 3, 2025
Pros
-
No FX fees means the card saves you significant expenses on foreign transaction fees
-
Earn up to 3x Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
-
Flexible and straightforward redemption program
-
Visa acceptance globally compared to American Express, especially outside major cities.
-
Enjoy six annual visits to airport lounges
-
Robust insurance offerings, including extended travel emergency medical coverage
-
Access to Visa Infinite Program benefits, with added advantages like a free supplementary card
Cons
-
High annual fee
-
Limited rewards categories for earning reward max rate on purchases
-
Primarily best for travel within Canada
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000
3x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
2x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
3x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
2x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
1x
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$150
Annual Fee First supplementary Card is $0/year ($50/year on each additional Card)
0%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$150
Foreign Transaction Fee
0%
Pros
-
No FX fees means the card saves you significant expenses on foreign transaction fees
-
Earn up to 3x Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
-
Flexible and straightforward redemption program
-
Visa acceptance globally compared to American Express, especially outside major cities.
-
Enjoy six annual visits to airport lounges
-
Robust insurance offerings, including extended travel emergency medical coverage
-
Access to Visa Infinite Program benefits, with added advantages like a free supplementary card
Cons
-
High annual fee
-
Limited rewards categories for earning reward max rate on purchases
-
Primarily best for travel within Canada
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000
3x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
2x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
3x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
2x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
1x
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$150
Annual Fee First supplementary Card is $0/year ($50/year on each additional Card)
0%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$150
Foreign Transaction Fee
0%
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card has a very different set of benefits compared to the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, starting first and foremost with its basic rewards system. The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* earns Scene+ points, which may be less widely known than Aeroplan points, though they’re just as valuable.
The Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card is also distinct from the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card in that it offers 6 free annual airport lounge visits (the most of any credit card in Canada with an annual fee of under $200) and it’s one of the few Canadian credit cards that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. Finally, it has high earning potential, at 3X Scene+™ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and Participating Co-ops, and more eligible grocers. Earn 2 Scene+™ points on every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, entertainment purchases, and daily transit purchases (including buses, subways, taxis and more), and earn 1 Scene+™ point on every $1 you spend on all other eligible purchases. The annual fee is $150.
- *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 card with no foreign transaction fees in Quebec
Scotiabank Gold American Express®
4.8
up to 45K pts
Welcome offerVery Good
Suggested credit scoreEarn up to $950* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points and first year annual fee waived.
Expires
Jan 3, 2025
Pros
-
Lots of daily spend options to earn multiplied point bonuses
-
Swanky Amex perks like Front of the Line presale concert tickets
-
Save on foreign transaction fees when abroad
-
Fantastic insurance coverage, especially for travel
Cons
-
Relatively low-value welcome bonus
-
$120 annual fee that chews into your point value substantially
-
Scene points redeem poorly for travel
Eligibility
Very Good
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Very Good
6x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
5x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
5x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
3x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more
3x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
6x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
5x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
5x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more
3x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services
3x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
1x
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$120
Annual Fee $29 for each supplementary card
0%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$120
Foreign Transaction Fee
0%
Pros
-
Lots of daily spend options to earn multiplied point bonuses
-
Swanky Amex perks like Front of the Line presale concert tickets
-
Save on foreign transaction fees when abroad
-
Fantastic insurance coverage, especially for travel
Cons
-
Relatively low-value welcome bonus
-
$120 annual fee that chews into your point value substantially
-
Scene points redeem poorly for travel
Eligibility
Very Good
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Very Good
6x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
5x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
5x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
3x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more
3x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
6x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
5x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
5x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more
3x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services
3x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
1x
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$120
Annual Fee $29 for each supplementary card
0%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$120
Foreign Transaction Fee
0%
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is one of the few credit cards in Canada that doesn’t charge a foreign exchange fee when you make purchases in foreign dollars, which can save you money when you travel outside Canada or shop online at non-Canadian sites.
With one of the top earn rates in the country for these categories, the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card earns 5X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend on eligible grocery, dining and entertainment purchases. Get 3X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent on gas, eligible daily transit and select streaming services. You’ll earn 6X Scene+ points for each $1 CAD charged to your account on all eligible purchases¹ at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà by IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Chalo! FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés Tradition, Rachelle Béry and Co-Op. All other purchases earn a single point per dollar. The card also comes with strong travel insurance, a discounted Priority Pass membership and concierge service.
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 card for students in Quebec
BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* for students
4.2
5% cash back
Welcome offerGood
Suggested credit scoreGet 5% cash back in your first 3 months.*
Pros
-
No annual fee: this makes it cost-effective for students looking to build credit without incurring additional expenses.
-
Earn cash back on everyday purchases, including up to 5% cash back on every purchase in your first three months.
-
Credit building: If you’re responsible, you can build a positive credit history, which helps you get better credit cards and more
Cons
-
Higher interest rates: If you can’t pay off your balance in full, opt for a low interest credit card
-
Limited additional benefits: While there are some benefits, it’s not the full suite of perks, but then again, there’s no annual fee.
Eligibility
Good
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
$0
3%
Earn 3% cash back on groceries
1%
Earn 1% cash back on recurring bill payments like your mobile phone, streaming and subscription services
0.5%
Earn 0.5% cash back on all other purchases
Earn 3% cash back on groceries
3%
Earn 1% cash back on recurring bill payments like your mobile phone, streaming and subscription services
1%
Earn 0.5% cash back on all other purchases
0.5%
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Cash Advance APR 21.99% for Quebec residents
$0
Annual Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$0
Pros
-
No annual fee: this makes it cost-effective for students looking to build credit without incurring additional expenses.
-
Earn cash back on everyday purchases, including up to 5% cash back on every purchase in your first three months.
-
Credit building: If you’re responsible, you can build a positive credit history, which helps you get better credit cards and more
Cons
-
Higher interest rates: If you can’t pay off your balance in full, opt for a low interest credit card
-
Limited additional benefits: While there are some benefits, it’s not the full suite of perks, but then again, there’s no annual fee.
Eligibility
Good
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
$0
3%
Earn 3% cash back on groceries
1%
Earn 1% cash back on recurring bill payments like your mobile phone, streaming and subscription services
0.5%
Earn 0.5% cash back on all other purchases
Earn 3% cash back on groceries
3%
Earn 1% cash back on recurring bill payments like your mobile phone, streaming and subscription services
1%
Earn 0.5% cash back on all other purchases
0.5%
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Cash Advance APR 21.99% for Quebec residents
$0
Annual Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$0
The student version of the BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* has $0 annual fee and a welcome offer of up to 5% cash back. The card earns you 3% cash back on groceries (up to a monthly max of $500 on grocery spending; the max resets each month) and 1% (to $500 per month)* on recurring bill payments like streaming services or subscriptions. You net 0.5% (no max) on all other purchases*.
The BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* has a flexible redemption policy whereby you can deposit your cash back into a BMO account (chequing, savings or InvestorLine) or put it toward a statement credit. The card comes with lots of student-focused benefits like getting a free credit score via CreditView, as well as extended warranty* and purchase protection*. Save up to 20% on National Car Rental®†† and Alamo Rent A Car®†† and up to 5% on Enterprise Rent-A-Car®†† at locations worldwide using BMO's Car Rental Booking tool.* You will also get 15% off admission to Cirque du Soleil shows in Canada and 20% off resident shows in Las Vegas*.
- *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.
Runner up for students: KOHO
Koho Mastercard
3.9
Poor
Suggested credit scoreto receive the latest news, tips and offers by email
Pros
-
A no-fee account option
-
Earn up to 5% cash back on your purchases
-
Accepted worldwide, wherever Mastercard is accepted
-
Four account tiers, so there’s something for everyone
-
Earn interest on your account
-
RoundUps feature helps you save
-
Financial coaching is available
-
Features like Credit Building (to help you build your credit history) and Cover (to protect you from overdrawing your account)
-
Compatible with Apple Pay
-
Joint account option for families and couples
Cons
-
No physical branches or tellers
-
No RRSP, TFSA or RESP accounts
-
Customer service not on par with the big banks
-
Missing some banking features, like wire transfers, currency exchanges and multiple lines of business like financial planning, mortgages and insurance
Eligibility
Poor
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Poor
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
$0
1%
cash back on groceries and transportation
3.5%
interest earned on your account balance
cash back on groceries and transportation
1%
interest earned on your account balance
3.5%
$0
Annual Fee Option to add credit building (price available in app)
Annual Fee
$0
Pros
-
A no-fee account option
-
Earn up to 5% cash back on your purchases
-
Accepted worldwide, wherever Mastercard is accepted
-
Four account tiers, so there’s something for everyone
-
Earn interest on your account
-
RoundUps feature helps you save
-
Financial coaching is available
-
Features like Credit Building (to help you build your credit history) and Cover (to protect you from overdrawing your account)
-
Compatible with Apple Pay
-
Joint account option for families and couples
Cons
-
No physical branches or tellers
-
No RRSP, TFSA or RESP accounts
-
Customer service not on par with the big banks
-
Missing some banking features, like wire transfers, currency exchanges and multiple lines of business like financial planning, mortgages and insurance
Eligibility
Poor
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Poor
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
$0
1%
cash back on groceries and transportation
3.5%
interest earned on your account balance
cash back on groceries and transportation
1%
interest earned on your account balance
3.5%
$0
Annual Fee Option to add credit building (price available in app)
Annual Fee
$0
Unlike the BMO CashBack® Mastercard®, the KOHO card is not a credit card, it’s a prepaid card. But that’s why it’s a good alternative student card, because with KOHO you don’t have to worry about making payments on time or getting into trouble with credit card debt. KOHO Easy is a free, reloadable, prepaid card that’s connected to your KOHO no-fee spending account. The card works like a debit card in some ways, but you also up to cash back. With KOHO Easy, earn 1% groceries and transportation; up to 5% extra cash back when shop with partnered merchants. Best of all, you can earn saving interests on your entire KOHO account balance.
Best rewards credit card in Quebec
BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®
4.5
up to 90K pts
Welcome offerExcellent
Suggested credit scoreGet up to 90,000 points and the annual fee waived in your first anniversary for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.*
Expires
Nov 30, 2024
Pros
-
High-value welcome offer
-
Flexible airport lounge access
-
BMO Rewards points can be used to cover flight taxes and fees
-
Great for those who frequently rent cars
-
Good for Costco and No Frills shoppers
Cons
-
So-so earn rates relative to its annual fee
-
Points have low redemption value compared to other travel rewards programs
-
Charges foreign transaction fees
-
Relatively high minimum income requirements
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$80,000
Required Annual Household Income
$150,000
5x
Earn 5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases*
3x
Earn 3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments*
1x
Earn 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else*
4
Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass, with 4 annual complimentary passes
Earn 5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases*
5x
Earn 3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments*
3x
Earn 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else*
1x
Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass, with 4 annual complimentary passes
4
20.99%
Purchase APR
23.99%
Balance Transfer Rate 21.99% for Quebec residents
23.99%
Cash Advance APR
$150
Annual Fee first year waived
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
23.99%
Cash Advance APR
23.99%
Annual Fee
$150
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Pros
-
High-value welcome offer
-
Flexible airport lounge access
-
BMO Rewards points can be used to cover flight taxes and fees
-
Great for those who frequently rent cars
-
Good for Costco and No Frills shoppers
Cons
-
So-so earn rates relative to its annual fee
-
Points have low redemption value compared to other travel rewards programs
-
Charges foreign transaction fees
-
Relatively high minimum income requirements
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$80,000
Required Annual Household Income
$150,000
5x
Earn 5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases*
3x
Earn 3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments*
1x
Earn 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else*
4
Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass, with 4 annual complimentary passes
Earn 5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases*
5x
Earn 3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments*
3x
Earn 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else*
1x
Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass, with 4 annual complimentary passes
4
20.99%
Purchase APR
23.99%
Balance Transfer Rate 21.99% for Quebec residents
23.99%
Cash Advance APR
$150
Annual Fee first year waived
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
23.99%
Cash Advance APR
23.99%
Annual Fee
$150
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
The BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®* allows you to rev up your rewards points, starting with its lucrative sign-up bonus: Get up to 90,000 points and the annual fee waived in your first anniversary for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.*.
The card earns rewards on spending at a respectable rate, with 5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases,* 3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments,* 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else.* The card’s flexible redemption program means you can redeem points for flights, hotels and vacation packages with no black-out periods. You can also apply points to pay for purchases or build up your savings by putting them towards a BMO savings or investment account.
But the standout feature of the BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®* is its lucrative lounge access package. The card gives you complimentary membership in Dragon Pass,* with 4 annual complimentary passes. And unlike most lounge access deals, BMO lets you use your four free annual passes for yourself or for a guest to accompany you.
*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.
Why is Quebec different than the rest of Canada when it comes to credit cards?
Credit card rules regarding fees, interest rates, minimum payments and more are often different for residents of Quebec due to the fact that the province has different laws governing credit cards. One of the main laws that affect credit cards is Quebec’s Consumer Protection Act. The act governs things like what is allowable in contracts (such as a credit card agreement) between a merchant (like a credit card company) and a consumer (a credit card user).
One of the best examples of how Quebec’s Consumer Protection Act affects Quebec credit card users differently than the rest of Canada is to take a look at a new law the province instituted affecting credit card minimum payments. In August of 2020, a new rule went into effect that Quebecers must pay at least 2.5% of their credit card balance each month; previously, credit card users in Quebec only had to make a minimum payment of 2%. The mandatory minimum payment will continue to rise until 2025 when Quebec residents will be required to pay at least 5% of their outstanding balance each month. (Note that this gradual increase only pertains to credit card accounts that already exist. New credit card accounts in Quebec will immediately be subject to the 5% minimum payment requirement.) In the rest of Canada, most credit card providers only require that a cardholder pay 2.5% of the amount owing or make a minimum payment of $10. Quebec’s new law is designed to help Quebec credit card users not spend beyond their means and prevent credit card debt from ballooning out of control.
To emphasize the importance of the new 5% rule, an example on Quebec’s consumer protection website shows how a $1,000 purchase charged to a card with 19.9% would take almost 26 years to pay off and cost an extra $3,001 in interest charges if the cardholder only made the 2% minimum payment. With a 5% minimum payment, the card would be paid off in 6 years and only cost an additional $442 in interest. If you want customized information about how long it would take you to pay off credit card debt, check out our credit card calculator.
FAQs
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. 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.
Sandra MacGregor has been writing about finance and travel for nearly a decade. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications like the New York Times, the UK Telegraph, the Washington Post, Forbes.com and the Toronto Star.
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