Best Transit Credit Cards in Canada

Best transit credit cards in Canada

Fact Checked: Cory Santos

🗓️

Updated: June 23, 2025

Partners on this page provide us earnings.

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

  • Why you can trust Money.ca's best transit credit cards in Canada list

    +

    Money.ca rates all credit cards on a numeric scale of 1 to 5 stars, with 1 being the lowest and 5 the highest rating, respectively. Money.ca’s proprietary scoring formulas break down the confusing language, complex points, rewards and earn rates to give you the real data that caters to your needs first, not ours.

    Our partnerships have no impact on our ratings, which are solely determined by the merits of each card. To learn more about how we researched and ranked these cards, read our full credit card review methodology.

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

Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 15,000 Welcome Bonus Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $150 in value.

On American Express'Secure Site

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

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

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

On BMO'sSecure Site

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

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

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

On BMO'sSecure Site

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

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

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

On Scotiabank'sSecure Site

Get this card if you...

  • want high cash back rates
  • value a great welcome offer
  • want comprehensive insurance benefits

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

Welcome Bonus: Get up to 7,000 Avion points^ - that’s up to $50 of value in gift cards!†

On RBC'sSecure Site

Get this card if you...

  • want to earn rewards on everyday purchases
  • want a low monthly fee
  • want mobile device protection and extended warranty

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

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

On Scotiabank'sSecure Site

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

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

Welcome Bonus: Get 3,500 Avion points on approval^ - that's a $25 value in gift cards†!

On RBC'sSecure Site

Get this card if you...

  • want to earn rewards without an annual fee
  • need basic insurance benefits
  • have a fair credit score

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.

Disclaimer

The content provided on Money.ca is information to help users become financially literate. It is neither tax nor legal advice, is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, either express or implied, with respect to the data provided, the timeliness thereof, the results to be obtained by the use thereof or any other matter. Advertisers are not responsible for the content of this site, including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any advertiser product, please visit their website.

†Terms and Conditions apply.