Best credit cards for newcomers to Canada

See the best credit cards for newcomers in Canada and apply today to start building a strong credit score.

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The top new immigrant credit cards not only help you establish credit for the first time but come with rewards, maximizing the value of every dollar.

Newcomers to Canada should start building credit right away. A strong credit score helps secure loans for homes or cars. As an immigrant, you can easily access special programs that make it easier for newcomers to get credit cards. Here are the best credit cards for newcomers in Canada. And don't forget to check out our Best Credit Cards Canada list when you're done.

Summary of picks

7 best credit cards for newcomers to Canada

Card name Card details Get started
Scotiabank Momentum No-Fee Visa Card ◦ $0 annual fee
◦ 1% cash back at gas stations, grocery stores, drugs stores, and on recurring payments.
◦ 0.5% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
Apply Now
Scotiabank American Express ◦ $0 annual fee
◦ 3x Scene+ points at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco and more
◦ 2x Scene+ points¹ on dining; eligible entertainment purchases; eligible gas and daily transit; eligible select streaming services
◦ 1x Scene+ point on all other eligible everyday purchases.
Apply Now
Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* ◦ $0 annual fee
◦ 2x Scene+ points at Sobeys, Safeway, Foodland & Participating Co-ops, FreshCo and more; home hardware; Cineplex.
◦ 1x on all other eligible everyday purchases
Apply Now
BMO CashBack® MasterCard®* review ◦ $0 annual fee
◦ 3% cash back on groceries (up to a monthly max of $500)
◦ 1% on any recurring bill payments* (up to $500 per month)
◦ 0.5% on all other eligible purchases*
Apply Now
RBC Cash Back Mastercard ◦ $0 annual fee
◦ 2% unlimited cash back on groceries
◦ 1% unlimited cash back on everything else
Apply Now
Home Trust Secured Visa ◦ No annual fee
◦ No required annual income
Apply Now
KOHO Essential Mastercard® Prepaid Card ◦ $48 annual fee
◦ No required annual income
◦ 1% cash back on groceries and transportation
◦ 2.5% interest earned on your account balance
◦ Free ATM withdrawals and e-transfers
Apply Now
Newcomers and credit

💳 How can I get a credit card in Canada as a newcomer?

You can easily get a credit card as a newcomer in Canada as banks have special offers for all newcomers. Banks offer two main types of credit cards: secured cards, which require an initial deposit to cover any unpaid balance, and unsecured cards, which can be obtained without any deposit requirements. Canada’s top banks offer special programs specifically designed for the needs of immigrants, including providing them with access to unsecured credit cards. Access to unsecured credit cards is a privilege that other Canadians without credit history typically do not have.

If a new immigrant is only interested in obtaining a credit card and does not wish to join a bank’s complete banking program for new immigrants, they can obtain a secured card instead.

Best Scotiabank

Scotiabank's best no fee credit card for Canadian newcomers

5% cash back

Welcome Bonus

$271

First Year Value

$171

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Earn 5% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases); Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months. Expires Nov 01, 2025

Learn More Apply Now On Scotiabank's Secure Site

As its name would suggest, the Scotiabank Momentum® No-Fee Visa* Card is inexpensive because it does not come with an annual fee. It’s unsecured, meaning you won’t need to give the bank a cash deposit in exchange for a credit limit. The card also comes with a welcome bonus. With this card, you can earn points on essentials like gas, groceries, drugstore purchases, and recurring bills

Earn a solid 1% cash back on all eligible gas stations, grocery stores, drug stores purchases and recurring payments. And for those looking to manage existing debt, take advantage of the promotional balance transfer offer of 0% for the first 6 months on transfers made, albeit with a balance transfer fee. 

However, the Scotiabank Momentum® No-Fee Visa* Card has its limitations. Non-essential spending rewards are lower at 0.5%, and the redemption process is somewhat inflexible, allowing redemption only once a year in November. Additionally, the card lacks comprehensive insurance coverage, although optional insurance can be purchased, and a 2.5% foreign transaction fee may not be ideal for travelers or those making purchases in foreign currencies.

Who should consider this card? If you appreciate maximizing your dollar's value and seek a practical credit card that aligns with your budget, the Scotiabank Momentum No-Fee Visa Card could be the right choice. It's especially beneficial if your regular expenses primarily consist of groceries, gas, and recurring bills. This card is also suitable for newcomers to credit cards, offering a simple way to build credit and earn rewards, as well as students looking for a cash-back card without an annual fee and with a low introductory rate on balance transfers.

Disclosures:

  • *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.

Scotiabank's best Amex card for Canadian newcomers

up to 5K pts

Welcome Bonus

$471

First Year Value

$421

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 5,000 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months (that’s up to $50 towards travel). Expires Jul 01, 2025

Learn More Apply Now On Scotiabank's Secure Site

Looking for a rewarding credit card option as a new immigrant in Canada? Consider the Scotiabank American Express Card, tailored for those who want to earn Scene+ rewards without dealing with annual fees. Despite being fee-free, this card boasts an impressive rewards structure that rivals pricier options. Earn 3 points for every dollar spent at select grocery stores like Foodland, Sobeys and FreshCo, and 2 points for every dollar spent on dining, entertainment, gas, ridesharing, and streaming services. This card also offers mobile device insurance, typically reserved for premium cards, along with car rental discounts and a generous welcome bonus of Scene+ points, based on spending requirements.

Who's this card for? It's ideal for newcomers to the credit card world, especially young adults who've been building credit with basic offerings from their banks. If you're keen on exploring credit card rewards without committing to an annual fee, this card is for you. While its welcome bonus might not be the highest, the focus here is on starting your rewards journey affordably.

Key benefits:

◦ Up to 3x points per dollar spent.

◦ Mobile device insurance.

◦ Extended warranty protection and purchase security.

Insurance coverage:

In addition to mobile device insurance, enjoy purchase security, and extended warranty protection. Optional insurance packages are available for additional coverage.

If you're seeking a no-fee card with solid rewards and essential insurance coverage, this card offers a practical option. However, if you prioritize premium features like travel insurance and lounge access, you might consider other options.

Disclosures:

  • Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank 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.

Scotiabank's best Scene+ credit card for Canadian newcomers

up to 7,500 pts

Welcome Bonus

$351

First Year Value

$276

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: up to 7,500 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months Expires Mar 02, 2025

Learn More Apply Now On Scotiabank's Secure Site

The Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* Card is a great option for newcomers who want to earn rewards and avoid a high annual fee. With this card, you can redeem your points for a variety of options, such as travel, shopping, entertainment, dining, and banking services. What makes the Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* Card stand out is its unique sign-up bonus offer, which is rare for a credit card that doesn't charge an annual fee.

Disclosures:

  • Conditions apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* 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 BMO

BMO's best credit card for new immigrants

5% cash back

Welcome Bonus

$526

First Year Value

$401

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Get 5% cash back in your first 3 months* Expires Jun 01, 2025

Learn More Apply Now On BMO's Secure Site

The BMO CashBack® MasterCard®* is an excellent choice for new immigrants looking for a no annual fee cash back card that rewards everyday spending. This card is especially beneficial for those who spend a significant amount on groceries and recurring payments, as it offers cash back on these common expenses, helping you save more with every purchase. Additionally, frequent travelers will appreciate the added benefit of discounts on rental cars, making it a versatile card for those who travel often. With its combination of no annual fee, cash back rewards, and travel perks, the BMO CashBack® MasterCard® is an ideal option for newcomers looking to maximize their spending and start building their financial future.

Disclosures:

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

Best RBC

RBC's best credit card for newcomers

RBC offers new immigrants both a cash back and rewards card.

$307

First Year Value

$0

Annual Value

Learn More Apply Now On RBC's Secure Site

For newcomers looking for a no-fee credit card that offers great rewards on everyday purchases and has simple qualification criteria, the RBC Cash Back Mastercard stands out as an ideal option. With this card, you can earn cash back on a variety of everyday expenses, including groceries, gas, and more, helping you save while you spend. The card’s easy approval process makes it accessible to a wide range of applicants, and there’s no annual fee, making it a cost-effective choice for those starting to build their credit history. Whether you're new to Canada or just new to credit cards, this card provides an excellent balance of rewards and convenience.

Disclosures:

Refer to RBC Page for up to date offer terms and conditions.

Best Koho

KOHO's best prepaid card for newcomers

Prepaid credit cards are simple to use: you load your own money onto the card before spending. With no debt incurred and no interest charges, it's a hassle-free way to shop. Plus, you earn points and can build credit history while enjoying unique card benefits. 

$20 sign-up bonus

Welcome Bonus

$0

First Year Value

$0

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Get a 30-day free trial for any KOHO plan. Get a $20 sign-up bonus on your first $20 transaction.

Learn More Apply Now On Koho's Secure Site

The KOHO Essential Mastercard® Prepaid Card allows you to earn cash back rewards and interest while you shop, which are rare perks for a prepaid card. You can earn 1% cash back on groceries and transportation and 2.5% interest on your total account balance. This reloadable card also comes with an integrated app that gives real-time insights into your daily spending. 

Secured cards

Secured credit cards for newcomers

If you’re not interested in signing up for a complete immigrant banking program, but still wish to improve your credit score, we recommend getting a secured credit card. A secured credit card is an easy way to get access to credit without a credit history, or with bad credit. Banks simply ask applicants to match their desired credit limit (the maximum amount of money you can spend with the credit card) with a cash deposit beforehand.

Secured cards are great for improving your credit score, because their card issuers frequently report repayment performance to Equifax and TransUnion, the two Canadian credit bureaus that track Canadians’ credit histories. However, secured credit cards do have some drawbacks: they rarely offer the same level of rewards or cash back as unsecured cards, and they don’t have high credit limits unless you have a lot of spare cash to offer as the deposit. Some of the best secured credit cards in Canada are listed below:

$0

First Year Value

$0

Annual Value

Learn More Apply Now On Home Trust's Secure Site

Home Trust offers multiple versions of their secured card with differing fee and rate options depending on your budget and spending habits. We recommend the Home Trust Secured Visa with an annual fee of $0 and a Purchase APR of 19.99%. A higher interest rate isn’t detrimental as long as applicants are serious about paying off their card balances in full each month.

Benefits of using credit

Benefits of using a credit card in Canada as a newcomer

Newcomers to Canada can enjoy several benefits from using credit cards:

  1. 1.

    Build a strong credit history: It's important to have a credit history in Canada. Using a credit card the right way helps newcomers build their credit score. This is important for loans or mortgages later.

  2. 2.

    Earn rewards: Many credit cards have rewards that give you points or cash back on purchases. As a newcomer, these benefits can help you save money.

  3. 3.

    Have emergency funds handy: Credit cards can help in emergencies. They give quick access to money without needing cash, which is useful for those new to the country.

  4. 4.

    Enjoy convenience: Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in Canada. They make everyday purchases, online shopping, and travel easier for newcomers.

  5. 5.

    Fraud protection: Credit cards often offer better protection against fraud compared to cash or debit cards. This gives newcomers more security with their spending.

  6. 6.

    Monitor your spending: Credit card statements show a clear record of spending. This helps newcomers manage their money and get used to a new currency.

  7. 7.

    Take advantage of promotional offers: Many banks have special offers for newcomers, like lower interest rates or no fees for the first year. This makes credit cards more appealing.

Expert tip

As a newcomer, focus on getting a credit card with no annual fee and great rewards. Don’t worry too much about the credit limit—it will increase as you build your credit history. Some newcomers become too preoccupied with having a high credit limit instead of focusing on the card’s perks.

- Lubna Umar, Credit Card Expert at Money.ca

🍁 Welcome to Canada!

Canada is one of the most friendly and welcoming places in the world, and this characteristic extends to its treatment of new immigrants. Any of the above credit cards and banking programs will help you establish a healthy financial future in this country.

Interested in additional personal finance tips for new immigrants? We’ve set up a page that provides an overview of all the major financial concerns for new immigrants. Check it out and let us know if you have any other questions that we didn’t cover.

Disclosures:

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

FAQs

FAQs about credit cards for new immigrants in Canada

  • Can newcomers get a credit card in Canada?

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    Yes, newcomers to Canada benefit from establishing a credit history. They can easily apply for credit cards, earning rewards for everyday purchases and online shopping while building credit.

  • How to get a credit card for the first time in Canada?

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    1- Ensure you're of legal age in your province (typically 18 to 19). 2- Hold permanent residence or citizenship in Canada. 3- Obtain a social insurance number. 4- Confirm no association with an undischarged bankruptcy.

  • Why is it difficult for newcomers in Canada to get credit?

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    As a newcomer to Canada, building credit poses challenges since your credit history doesn't transfer. You'll need to start anew by purchasing a cell phone, applying for a credit card, managing expenses diligently, and utilizing credit-building tools to establish a solid financial footing from scratch.

  • What is the credit score of a newcomer in Canada?

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    New immigrants in Canada begin with a blank credit slate. Upon arrival, they possess no credit, meaning their score isn't low but non-existent. It's crucial to note that Canada lacks a universal credit reporting system, emphasizing the need to establish credit from scratch.

  • Which Canadian banks allow non-residents?

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    Multiple Canadian banks accommodate non-residents, such as Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Toronto Dominion Bank (TD), Bank of Montreal (BMO), and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC).

  • Can a non-resident get a credit card in Canada?

    +

    Non-residents and newcomers can obtain Canadian credit cards. Despite lacking a credit history, you can apply for various options such as store cards, prepaid cards, and secured credit cards, facilitating access to financial services in Canada.

  • What is considered a good credit score in Canada?

    +

    In Canada, Equifax typically considers a credit score of 660 to 724 as good. Scores from 725 to 759 are deemed very good, while 760 and above are excellent. The credit score range spans from 300 to 900.

Lubna Umar Content Strategist

Lubna Umar is an experienced writer in the field of personal finance, with over six years of expertise under her belt. Her portfolio features comprehensive guides on personal finance, mortgages, car insurance, and in-depth credit card reviews. Lubna has had the opportunity to work for several prominent brands in the finance sector, including RATESDOTCA, LowestRates, InsuranceHotline, and the Financial Post.

Disclaimer

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