Best transit credit cards in Canada
Fact Checked: Cory Santos
Updated: June 23, 2025
Finding the best transit credit cards in Canada doesn't have to be tricky. We break down the top offers (which you'll find on our full Best Credit Cards Canada list) and select the best transit card options on the Canadian market.
3 best transit cards
Top rewards credit cards for everyday transit users
Many Canadians save money using transit instead of driving to and from work. However, while public transit can be an affordable option, there are still costs involved.
To help you get the most out of the money you’re spending on transit, here are the best transit credit cards in Canada.
Best overall
up to 15,000 points
Welcome Bonus
$630
First Year Value
$480
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 15,000 Welcome Bonus Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $150 in value.
Get this card if you...
- quickly rack up rewards on dining and grocery purchases
- want a flexible rewards program with travel rewards
- want access to exclusive events and robust travel insurance
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$155.88
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
Our Take
The American Express Cobalt® Card is a versatile rewards credit card designed for individuals who frequently spend on dining, groceries and travel-related expenses. It offers flexible redemption options and includes various travel and purchase protections, making it a comprehensive choice for those seeking to maximize rewards on everyday spending.
Eligibility
Fair (300 - 619)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
- High earn rates (up to 5% return on spending!)
- Flexible month-by-month fee structure
- Free supplementary cards
- 1:1 points transfer with selected hotels, airlines and frequent flyer programs
- Accelerated earn rates only apply to purchases in Canada (not to purchases made abroad)
- Amex has a more limited merchant acceptance rate than Visa and Mastercard
- Slightly higher than average annual fee
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
28.99%
Penalty
Fees
$155.88
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$2.75
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Membership Rewards
5x
the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada
3x
the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
2x
the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
1x
the points on everything else
1
additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
$100 USD
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$250,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards® points* by earning 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 on your Card in your first year as a new Cardmember. This could add up to 15,000 points in a year.*
That’s up to $150 towards your next weekend getaway.
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for this offer. Other terms apply.
Our Take
The American Express Cobalt® Card is a versatile rewards credit card designed for individuals who frequently spend on dining, groceries and travel-related expenses. It offers flexible redemption options and includes various travel and purchase protections, making it a comprehensive choice for those seeking to maximize rewards on everyday spending.
Eligibility
Fair (300 - 619)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
- High earn rates (up to 5% return on spending!)
- Flexible month-by-month fee structure
- Free supplementary cards
- 1:1 points transfer with selected hotels, airlines and frequent flyer programs
- Accelerated earn rates only apply to purchases in Canada (not to purchases made abroad)
- Amex has a more limited merchant acceptance rate than Visa and Mastercard
- Slightly higher than average annual fee
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
28.99%
Penalty
Fees
$155.88
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$2.75
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Membership Rewards
5x
the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada
3x
the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
2x
the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
1x
the points on everything else
1
additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
$100 USD
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$250,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards® points* by earning 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 on your Card in your first year as a new Cardmember. This could add up to 15,000 points in a year.*
That’s up to $150 towards your next weekend getaway.
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for this offer. Other terms apply.
The American Express Cobalt Card offers elevated earning rates in a few spending categories, including 2x points per $1 on transit purchases in Canada, including subway, streetcar, taxi, limousine and ride sharing services. While the annual fee is on the high side, the card offers several travel-related benefits.
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 cash back
up to 10% cash back†
Welcome Bonus
$1,025
First Year Value
$570
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get up to $335 in additional cash back including 10% cash back in your first 3 months.† Plus, the $120 annual fee is waived in the first year.† Expires Jan 31, 2026
Get this card if you...
- are a high-earner looking to earn cash back
- want great perks like travel insurance and concierge services
- value a great welcome offer
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$120
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®* is a premium credit card offering elevated cash back rates on categories such as groceries, transit, gas, and recurring bill payments. Cardholders benefit from complimentary roadside assistance, comprehensive insurance coverage, and flexible cash back redemption options, so you can maximize your rewards on everyday spending.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
- Valuable sign-up bonus
- High 5% cash back rate on groceries
- Free roadside assistance
- Excellent extended warranty and purchase protection terms
- Restrictive spending limits for most cash back categories
- Sign-up bonus structure is head-scratchingly complicated
- High minimum income requirements
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards cash back
5%
Groceries: 5% cash back up to $500 spent per month ($25 in cash back)*
4%
Transit: 4% cash back up to $300 spent per month ($12 in cash back)*
3%
Gas: 3% cash back up to $300 spent per month ($9 in cash back)*
2%
Recurring Bills: 2% cash back up to $500 spent per month ($10 in cash back)*
1%
Everything Else: 1% cash back, unlimited*
Insurance Benefits
$2,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to $335 in additional cash back including 10% cash back in your first 3 months.† Plus, the $120 annual fee is waived in the first year.†
†Terms and Conditions apply,
Our Take
The BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®* is a premium credit card offering elevated cash back rates on categories such as groceries, transit, gas, and recurring bill payments. Cardholders benefit from complimentary roadside assistance, comprehensive insurance coverage, and flexible cash back redemption options, so you can maximize your rewards on everyday spending.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
- Valuable sign-up bonus
- High 5% cash back rate on groceries
- Free roadside assistance
- Excellent extended warranty and purchase protection terms
- Restrictive spending limits for most cash back categories
- Sign-up bonus structure is head-scratchingly complicated
- High minimum income requirements
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards cash back
5%
Groceries: 5% cash back up to $500 spent per month ($25 in cash back)*
4%
Transit: 4% cash back up to $300 spent per month ($12 in cash back)*
3%
Gas: 3% cash back up to $300 spent per month ($9 in cash back)*
2%
Recurring Bills: 2% cash back up to $500 spent per month ($10 in cash back)*
1%
Everything Else: 1% cash back, unlimited*
Insurance Benefits
$2,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to $335 in additional cash back including 10% cash back in your first 3 months.† Plus, the $120 annual fee is waived in the first year.†
†Terms and Conditions apply,
At first glance, the BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard stands out for its attractive welcome offer and a waiver of the annual fee for the first year. But cardholders also benefit from an eye-popping 4% earning rate on transit purchases, including rideshares and taxis. Note that there is a $300 monthly spending cap before the earning rate drops to 1%.
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.
*Terms and conditions apply
†Statement based on a comparison of the non-promotional grocery rewards earn rate on Canadian cash back credit cards as of January 4, 2023.
Best for no fuss rewards
up to 60,000 points
Welcome Bonus
$1,052
First Year Value
$482
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get up to 60,000 points worth $400 in travel rewards, a $50 lifestyle credit and the $120 annual fee waived in the first year - that's a $570 value in your first anniversary.* Expires Jan 31, 2026
Get this card if you...
- want to maximize rewards on everyday spending
- want travel insurance and exclusive Visa Infinite perks
- value a generous welcome offer
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$120
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card is a rewards credit card designed for individuals who frequently spend on categories such as groceries, dining, gas, and transit. It offers flexible redemption options through the BMO Rewards program and includes additional benefits like a lifestyle credit and various insurance coverages.
Eligibility
Very Good (671 - 739)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
- Excellent welcome offer: Get up to 60,000 points and a $50 lifestyle credit
- Good earn rate in top spending categories
- First year annual fee waiver* (Value: $120)
- Includes new mobile device insurance: Up to $1,000 in coverage**
- Annual $50 lifestyle credit to spend however you like*
- Includes comprehensive travel insurance
- Access to exclusive Visa Infinite benefits
- High minimum annual income: Minimum $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household)
- Insurance doesn't include trip cancellation coverage
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
Rewards BMO Rewards
5x
Earn 5x the points for every $1 spent on groceries, gas, dining in and out and transit.*
10%
Earn 10% more points when you add an authorized user to your account.*
$50
Get a $50 annual lifestyle credit to spend however you want*
1x
Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on everything else.*
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to 60,000 points worth $400 in travel rewards, a $50 lifestyle credit and the $120 annual fee waived in the first year - that's a $570 value in your first anniversary!*
30,000 points when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months, and 2,500 points for each subsequent month in which you make at least $2,000 in purchases on your card, for 12 months.
Our Take
The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card is a rewards credit card designed for individuals who frequently spend on categories such as groceries, dining, gas, and transit. It offers flexible redemption options through the BMO Rewards program and includes additional benefits like a lifestyle credit and various insurance coverages.
Eligibility
Very Good (671 - 739)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
- Excellent welcome offer: Get up to 60,000 points and a $50 lifestyle credit
- Good earn rate in top spending categories
- First year annual fee waiver* (Value: $120)
- Includes new mobile device insurance: Up to $1,000 in coverage**
- Annual $50 lifestyle credit to spend however you like*
- Includes comprehensive travel insurance
- Access to exclusive Visa Infinite benefits
- High minimum annual income: Minimum $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household)
- Insurance doesn't include trip cancellation coverage
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
Rewards BMO Rewards
5x
Earn 5x the points for every $1 spent on groceries, gas, dining in and out and transit.*
10%
Earn 10% more points when you add an authorized user to your account.*
$50
Get a $50 annual lifestyle credit to spend however you want*
1x
Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on everything else.*
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to 60,000 points worth $400 in travel rewards, a $50 lifestyle credit and the $120 annual fee waived in the first year - that's a $570 value in your first anniversary!*
30,000 points when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months, and 2,500 points for each subsequent month in which you make at least $2,000 in purchases on your card, for 12 months.
We like the BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Card for its straightforward rewards structure. There is one bonus tier - 5x points for every $1 spent on groceries, dining in and out, gas and transit. You can also earn 10% more points on all purchases if you add an authorized user to your account.
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.
*Terms and conditions apply.
Best for mobile phone insurance
10% cash back
Welcome Bonus
$914
First Year Value
$594
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases). Plus, no annual fee in the first year, including on additional cards. Expires Oct 31, 2025
Get this card if you...
- want high cash back rates
- value a great welcome offer
- want comprehensive insurance benefits
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$120
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The Scotiabank Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card is a cash back credit card offering elevated earn rates on purchases in categories such as groceries, recurring bill payments, gas, and daily transit. Cardholders benefit from a competitive welcome bonus, comprehensive insurance coverage, and the potential to have the annual fee waived by bundling the card with certain Scotiabank chequing accounts.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
- High earn rate on everyday spending categories
- Comprehensive travel and purchase insurance
- Visa Infinite perks such as concierge, events, and special offers
- 25% Car rental discounts at Avis and Budget
- Mobile device insurance
- Up to $200 welcome bonus
- Income requirements are higher: $60k personal or 100k household
- Cash back can only be redeemed once a year
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$5
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
Rewards cash back
4%
For every $1 you spend on grocery store purchases, recurring bill payments and subscription purchases
2%
For every $1 you spend on gas and daily transit purchases
1%
Cash back on all other purchases with no cash back limit
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases). Plus, no annual fee in the first year, including on additional cards.
To qualify for these offers make sure to open a new Scotiabank Momentum® Visa Infinite* credit card account by October 31, 2025.
To earn 10% cash back, make sure to use your new card to make everyday eligible purchases and earn 10% cash back on the first $2,000 you spend in your first 3 months from account opening.
Once you qualify, we’ll credit your account in 2 instalments:
Bonus Cash Back: The amount earned under the Cash Back Bonus Rate will be credited to your Account within approximately 7 months from the account open date; and
Regular Cash Back: The amount earned under your regular Cash Back Program Rate will be credited to your Account according to the regular cash back payment schedule as set out under the Program (i.e., November).
Individuals who are currently or were previously primary or secondary cardholders of a Scotiabank personal credit card in the past 2 years, including those that switch from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card, as well as employees of Scotiabank, are not eligible for these offers.
See terms and conditions for full details.
Our Take
The Scotiabank Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card is a cash back credit card offering elevated earn rates on purchases in categories such as groceries, recurring bill payments, gas, and daily transit. Cardholders benefit from a competitive welcome bonus, comprehensive insurance coverage, and the potential to have the annual fee waived by bundling the card with certain Scotiabank chequing accounts.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
- High earn rate on everyday spending categories
- Comprehensive travel and purchase insurance
- Visa Infinite perks such as concierge, events, and special offers
- 25% Car rental discounts at Avis and Budget
- Mobile device insurance
- Up to $200 welcome bonus
- Income requirements are higher: $60k personal or 100k household
- Cash back can only be redeemed once a year
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$5
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
Rewards cash back
4%
For every $1 you spend on grocery store purchases, recurring bill payments and subscription purchases
2%
For every $1 you spend on gas and daily transit purchases
1%
Cash back on all other purchases with no cash back limit
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases). Plus, no annual fee in the first year, including on additional cards.
To qualify for these offers make sure to open a new Scotiabank Momentum® Visa Infinite* credit card account by October 31, 2025.
To earn 10% cash back, make sure to use your new card to make everyday eligible purchases and earn 10% cash back on the first $2,000 you spend in your first 3 months from account opening.
Once you qualify, we’ll credit your account in 2 instalments:
Bonus Cash Back: The amount earned under the Cash Back Bonus Rate will be credited to your Account within approximately 7 months from the account open date; and
Regular Cash Back: The amount earned under your regular Cash Back Program Rate will be credited to your Account according to the regular cash back payment schedule as set out under the Program (i.e., November).
Individuals who are currently or were previously primary or secondary cardholders of a Scotiabank personal credit card in the past 2 years, including those that switch from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card, as well as employees of Scotiabank, are not eligible for these offers.
See terms and conditions for full details.
The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card is one of Canada’s top cash back credit cards, and for good reason. Cardholders earn 4% cash back on groceries and recurring payments, and 2% cash back on gas and daily transit purchases, including rideshare services. The card also comes with extensive travel insurance coverage.
Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank Momentum® Visa Infinite 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 for students
up to 7,000 points†
Welcome Bonus
$506
First Year Value
$456
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get up to 7,000 Avion points^ - that’s up to $50 of value in gift cards!†
Get this card if you...
- want to earn rewards on everyday purchases
- want a low monthly fee
- want mobile device protection and extended warranty
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$48
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The RBC ION+ Visa is a rewards credit card offering elevated Avion points on categories such as groceries, dining, gas, rideshare, public transit, EV charging, streaming services, digital gaming, and online subscriptions, with a standard earn rate on all other purchases. Cardholders benefit from a welcome bonus, mobile device insurance, and savings on fuel at Petro-Canada; however, the card carries a modest annual fee, which is waived for students with an RBC Advantage Banking account.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
- Decent rewards rate in everyday spending categories.
- Low monthly fee, (rebated for students with the no-monthly fee RBC Advantage Banking account).
- Perks like mobile device insurance and fuel savings at Petro-Canada.
- Complex rewards structure with less valuable Avion points in the ION tier.
- Limited insurance benefits (but you can pay to add-on travel insurance).
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$48
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
3.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
Rewards Avion Premium
3
Avion points† per $1 on qualifying grocery, dining, food delivery, gas, rideshare, public transit, EV charging, streaming, digital gaming and online subscriptions
1
Avion point per $1 on all other purchases
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
Get up to 7,000 Avion points^ - that’s up to $50 of value in gift cards!†
Get 3,500 Welcome Points and earn 3,500 bonus points when you spend $500 in your first 3 months.^
Our Take
The RBC ION+ Visa is a rewards credit card offering elevated Avion points on categories such as groceries, dining, gas, rideshare, public transit, EV charging, streaming services, digital gaming, and online subscriptions, with a standard earn rate on all other purchases. Cardholders benefit from a welcome bonus, mobile device insurance, and savings on fuel at Petro-Canada; however, the card carries a modest annual fee, which is waived for students with an RBC Advantage Banking account.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
- Decent rewards rate in everyday spending categories.
- Low monthly fee, (rebated for students with the no-monthly fee RBC Advantage Banking account).
- Perks like mobile device insurance and fuel savings at Petro-Canada.
- Complex rewards structure with less valuable Avion points in the ION tier.
- Limited insurance benefits (but you can pay to add-on travel insurance).
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$48
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
3.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
Rewards Avion Premium
3
Avion points† per $1 on qualifying grocery, dining, food delivery, gas, rideshare, public transit, EV charging, streaming, digital gaming and online subscriptions
1
Avion point per $1 on all other purchases
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
Get up to 7,000 Avion points^ - that’s up to $50 of value in gift cards!†
Get 3,500 Welcome Points and earn 3,500 bonus points when you spend $500 in your first 3 months.^
If you’re looking for a transit credit card with a low annual fee, the RBC ION+ Visa may fit the bill. It has a $48 annual fee (paid as $4 per month), and cardholders earn 3 Avion points† on grocery, dining, food delivery, gas, rideshare, public transit, EV charging, streaming, digital gaming and online subscriptions. If there’s a downside to this card, it’s that you can’t redeem your points for travel, which is RBC’s most lucrative point redemption option.tt
Best for travel
up to 40,000 pts*
Welcome Bonus
$1,612
First Year Value
$312
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to $1,300* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points*. Expires Jul 01, 2025
Get this card if you...
- travel often and want premium travel perks like lounge access
- want to avoid paying foreign exchange fees
- appreciate a good welcome offer
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$150
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card is a travel rewards credit card offering elevated Scene+ points on eligible grocery store purchases, dining, entertainment, and daily transit, with a standard earn rate on all other purchases. Cardholders benefit from no foreign transaction fees, six complimentary airport lounge visits per year through the Visa Airport Companion Program, and comprehensive travel insurance.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
- 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
- High annual fee
- Limited rewards categories for earning reward max rate on purchases
- Primarily best for travel within Canada
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$150
Annual Fee
0.00%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
Rewards Scene+
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)
4x
Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
Insurance Benefits
$2,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $1,300 in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points*.
|
Our Take
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card is a travel rewards credit card offering elevated Scene+ points on eligible grocery store purchases, dining, entertainment, and daily transit, with a standard earn rate on all other purchases. Cardholders benefit from no foreign transaction fees, six complimentary airport lounge visits per year through the Visa Airport Companion Program, and comprehensive travel insurance.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
- 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
- High annual fee
- Limited rewards categories for earning reward max rate on purchases
- Primarily best for travel within Canada
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$150
Annual Fee
0.00%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
Rewards Scene+
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)
4x
Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
Insurance Benefits
$2,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $1,300 in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points*.
|
If you like the idea of redeeming credit card rewards for entertainment purchases, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is a great choice. Not only do you earn 2x Scene+ points for transit purchases (including rideshares), but you can redeem your points at Cineplex theatres, the Cineplex Store, the Rec Room and Playdium, in addition to groceries, dining, travel and more.
Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite 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 no annual fee
3,500 Avion points†
Welcome Bonus
$298
First Year Value
$273
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get 3,500 Avion points on approval^ - that's a $25 value in gift cards†!
Get this card if you...
- want to earn rewards without an annual fee
- need basic insurance benefits
- have a fair credit score
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$0
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The RBC ION Visa Card is a no-annual-fee credit card that allows cardholders to earn Avion points on everyday purchases, with elevated rates for spending on groceries, transportation (including gas, rideshare, transit, and EV charging), and streaming services and subscriptions. Cardholders benefit from additional perks such as savings on fuel at Petro-Canada and earning Be Well points at Rexall.
Eligibility
Fair (300 - 619)
Recommended Credit Score
- No annual fee
- Minimum redemption is only $10
- DoorDash subscription worth $30
- Miserly welcome bonus, valued at less than many cash back bonuses
- Pretty “meh” on points collection through daily spending
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
3.00%
Balance Transfer (Introductory)
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
3.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Avion Premium
1.5x
Avion points for every $1 spent on groceries, transportation (gas, rideshare, transit, EV charging), and streaming services and subscriptions
1
Avion point for every $1 spent on all other qualifying purchases
1
year extension on manufacturer's warranty
90 days
of purchase security protection
3¢/L
savings at Petro-Canada
50
Be Well points at Rexall for every $1 spent
3
month DashPass subscription to enjoy unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees from DoorDash.
Get 3,500 Avion points on approval^ - that's a $25 value in gift cards†!
Our Take
The RBC ION Visa Card is a no-annual-fee credit card that allows cardholders to earn Avion points on everyday purchases, with elevated rates for spending on groceries, transportation (including gas, rideshare, transit, and EV charging), and streaming services and subscriptions. Cardholders benefit from additional perks such as savings on fuel at Petro-Canada and earning Be Well points at Rexall.
Eligibility
Fair (300 - 619)
Recommended Credit Score
- No annual fee
- Minimum redemption is only $10
- DoorDash subscription worth $30
- Miserly welcome bonus, valued at less than many cash back bonuses
- Pretty “meh” on points collection through daily spending
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
3.00%
Balance Transfer (Introductory)
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
3.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Avion Premium
1.5x
Avion points for every $1 spent on groceries, transportation (gas, rideshare, transit, EV charging), and streaming services and subscriptions
1
Avion point for every $1 spent on all other qualifying purchases
1
year extension on manufacturer's warranty
90 days
of purchase security protection
3¢/L
savings at Petro-Canada
50
Be Well points at Rexall for every $1 spent
3
month DashPass subscription to enjoy unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees from DoorDash.
Get 3,500 Avion points on approval^ - that's a $25 value in gift cards†!
Not every transit user wants to pay the high annual fees many premium rewards credit cards charge. The RBC ION Visa has no annual fee, yet you still get 1.5 Avion points for every $1 you spend on transit, groceries, gas, streaming, subscriptions and more. Also, by linking your card, you can earn discounts at popular retailers, including Petro-Canada, Rexall and DoorDash.

Colin Graves is a Winnipeg-based financial writer and editor whose work has been featured in publications such as Time, MoneySense, MapleMoney, Retire Happy, The College Investor, and more. Before becoming a full-time writer, Colin was a bank manager for over 15 years.
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