Best transit credit cards in Canada for August 2024

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Updated: September 06, 2024

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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.

Top rewards credit cards for everyday transit users

American Express Cobalt® Card

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4.9

15,000 pts

Welcome offer

Fair

Suggested credit score

Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards® points

Pros

  • 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

Cons

  • 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

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Fair

Required Annual Personal Income

$0

Required Annual Household Income

$0

Pros

  • 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

Cons

  • 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

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Fair

Required Annual Personal Income

$0

Required Annual Household Income

$0

Earn 5 times the points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery. Spend cap applies.

5x

Earn 3 times the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada.

3x

Get 2 times the points on eligible ride shares, transit & gas in Canada.

2x

Earn 1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings via American Express Travel Online

1x

Earn 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else

1x

Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities when charged to the room for a stay of 2 or more consecutive nights through The Hotel Collection from American Express Travel.

$100 USD

Purchase APR

21.99%

Cash Advance APR

21.99%

Annual Fee

$155.88

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.50%

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.

BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®*

Apply now

4.9

up to 10%

Welcome offer

Excellent

Suggested credit score

Get up to 10% cash back in your first 3 months and the $120 annual fee waived in the first anniversary*.

Expires

Nov 30, 2024

Pros

  • Valuable sign-up bonus

  • High 5% cash back rate on groceries

  • Free roadside assistance

  • Excellent extended warranty and purchase protection terms

Cons

  • Restrictive spending limits for most cash back categories

  • Sign-up bonus structure is head-scratchingly complicated

  • High minimum income requirements

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Required Annual Personal Income

$80,000

Required Annual Household Income

$150,000

Pros

  • Valuable sign-up bonus

  • High 5% cash back rate on groceries

  • Free roadside assistance

  • Excellent extended warranty and purchase protection terms

Cons

  • Restrictive spending limits for most cash back categories

  • Sign-up bonus structure is head-scratchingly complicated

  • High minimum income requirements

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Required Annual Personal Income

$80,000

Required Annual Household Income

$150,000

Groceries: 5% cash back up to $500 spent per month ($25 in cash back)*

5%

Transit: 4% cash back up to $300 spent per month ($12 in cash back)*

4%

Gas: 3% cash back up to $300 spent per month ($9 in cash back)*

3%

Recurring Bills: 2% cash back up to $500 spent per month ($10 in cash back)*

2%

Everything Else: 1% cash back, unlimited*

1%

Purchase APR

20.99%

Balance Transfer Rate

23.99%

Cash Advance APR

23.99%

Annual Fee

$120

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.50%

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.

BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite

Apply now

3.8

up to 60K pts

Welcome offer

Very Good

Suggested credit score

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

Nov 30, 2024

Pros

  • 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

Cons

  • High minimum annual income: Minimum $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household)

  • Insurance doesn't include trip cancellation coverage

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Very Good

Required Annual Personal Income

$60,000

Required Annual Household Income

$100,000

Pros

  • 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

Cons

  • High minimum annual income: Minimum $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household)

  • Insurance doesn't include trip cancellation coverage

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Very Good

Required Annual Personal Income

$60,000

Required Annual Household Income

$100,000

Earn 5x the points for every $1 spent on groceries, gas, dining in and out and transit.*

5x

Earn 10% more points when you add an authorized user to your account.*

10%

Get a $50 annual lifestyle credit to spend however you want*

$50

Purchase APR

20.99%

Balance Transfer Rate

23.99%

Cash Advance APR

23.99%

Annual Fee

$120

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.

Scotiabank Momentum® Visa Infinite

Apply now

5.0

10% back

Welcome offer

Excellent

Suggested credit score

Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases). No annual fee in the first year, including on additional cards.

Pros

  • 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

Cons

  • Income requirements are higher: $60k personal or 100k household

  • Cash back can only be redeemed once a year

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Required Annual Personal Income

$60,000

Required Annual Household Income

$100,000

Pros

  • 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

Cons

  • Income requirements are higher: $60k personal or 100k household

  • Cash back can only be redeemed once a year

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Required Annual Personal Income

$60,000

Required Annual Household Income

$100,000

For every $1 you spend on grocery store purchases, recurring bill payments and subscription purchases

4%

For every $1 you spend on gas and daily transit purchases

2%

Cash back on all other purchases with no cash back limit

1%

Purchase APR

20.99%

Balance Transfer Rate

22.99%

Cash Advance APR

22.99%

Annual Fee

$120

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.50%

The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card is one of Canada’s top cash back credit cards, and for good reason. In addition to a generous welcome offer of up to 10% cash back for the first three months, 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.

RBC ION+ Visa

Apply now

3.2

12,000 pts

Welcome offer

Good

Suggested credit score

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Pros

  • Decent rewards rate in everyday spending categories.

  • Low monthly fee, (rebated for students with the RBC AdvantageTM Banking Account for students).

  • Perks like mobile device insurance and fuel savings at Petro-Canada.

Cons

  • Complex rewards structure with less valuable Avion points in the ION tier.

  • Limited insurance benefits (but you can pay to add-on travel insurance).

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Good

Pros

  • Decent rewards rate in everyday spending categories.

  • Low monthly fee, (rebated for students with the RBC AdvantageTM Banking Account for students).

  • Perks like mobile device insurance and fuel savings at Petro-Canada.

Cons

  • Complex rewards structure with less valuable Avion points in the ION tier.

  • Limited insurance benefits (but you can pay to add-on travel insurance).

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Good

Avion Ion points† per $1 on qualifying grocery, dining, food delivery, gas, rideshare, public transit, EV charging, streaming, digital gaming and online subscriptions

3

Avion Ion point per $1 on all other purchases

1

Purchase APR

20.99%

Balance Transfer Rate

22.99%

Cash Advance APR

22.99%

Annual Fee

$48

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.50%

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 in $4 monthly installments), and cardholders earn three Avion points per $1 spent on qualifying public transit purchases, including rideshares. 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

Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card 

Apply now

4.3

up to 35K pts

Welcome offer

Excellent

Suggested credit score

Earn up to $1,100* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 35,000 bonus Scene+ points

Expires

Nov 1, 2024

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

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Required Annual Personal Income

$60,000

Required Annual Household Income

$100,000

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

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Required Annual Personal Income

$60,000

Required Annual Household Income

$100,000

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

Purchase APR

20.99%

Balance Transfer Rate

22.99%

Cash Advance APR

22.99%

Annual Fee

$150

Foreign Transaction Fee

0.00%

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.

RBC ION Visa

Apply now

2.3

6,000 pts

Welcome offer

Fair

Suggested credit score

Get 6,000 Avion points upon approval* - that’s $40 of value in gift cards+! Apply by November 4, 2024.

Pros

  • No annual fee

  • Minimum redemption is only $10

  • DoorDash subscription worth $30

Cons

  • Miserly welcome bonus, valued at less than many cash back bonuses

  • Collects Avion ION points which are worth about half as much as traditional Avion points

  • Pretty “meh” on points collection through daily spending

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Fair

Pros

  • No annual fee

  • Minimum redemption is only $10

  • DoorDash subscription worth $30

Cons

  • Miserly welcome bonus, valued at less than many cash back bonuses

  • Collects Avion ION points which are worth about half as much as traditional Avion points

  • Pretty “meh” on points collection through daily spending

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Fair

Avion points for every $1 spent on groceries, transportation (gas, rideshare, transit, EV charging), and streaming services and subscriptions

1.5x

Avion point for every $1 spent on all other qualifying purchases

1

year extension on manufacturer's warranty

1

of purchase security protection

90 days

savings at Petro-Canada

3¢/L

Be Well points at Rexall for every $1 spent

50

month DashPass subscription to enjoy unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees from DoorDash.

3

Purchase APR

20.99%

Balance Transfer Rate

22.99%

Cash Advance APR

22.99%

Annual Fee

$0

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.50%

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 Freelance Writer

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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