Best Rewards Credit Cards in Canada

Best rewards credit cards in Canada

Fact checked by Amy Tokic

Updated Jun 4, 2025

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Top 3 rewards credit cards in Canada

If you value earning points more than low interest rates, a rewards credit card could be a smart choice. Many offer accelerated points on bonus categories, built-in insurance coverage, and travel perks designed to ease the stress of your journey

The best rewards cards provide high earn rates, exclusive benefits and discounts, and luxury travel perks.

Credit cards don’t exist solely to help you spend money. The best rewards credit cards in Canada will let you earn points with regular shopping. The key is to choose a rewards card with the best points-earning potential and a solid and worthwhile rewards program that suits your lifestyle (and yes, the perks and privileges are pretty nice, too). 

  • Why you can trust Money.ca's best rewards credit cards list

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    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. We analyzed 28 credit card programs, considered more than 135 features, reviewed over 200 cards and sifted through approximately 27,000 data points to identify the best options available.

    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. We used it to create our Best Credit Cards Canada list.

🏆Gold: PC® Mastercard®

Welcome Bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus PC Optimum™ points†.

On PC Financial'sSecure Site

Get this card if you...

  • frequently shop at Loblaw stores
  • want to accelerate your PC Optimum points
  • want to avoid paying an annual fee

The PC® Mastercard® takes the crown as our top rewards credit card for 2025, offering exceptional value for everyday Canadians:

  • Popular choice among Canadians: The PC® Mastercard® earned its place as one of the winners in our Most popular credit cards study, demonstrating its widespread appeal and satisfaction among cardholders.
  • Unbeatable grocery value: This card scores the highest in our proprietary Grocery Score thanks to its impressive points structure at Loblaws and affiliated stores. With Canadians spending an average of $500 monthly on groceries, this translates to substantial rewards for the typical household.
  • No-fee accessibility: Unlike many rewards powerhouses, the PC® Mastercard® charges no annual fee while still delivering competitive rewards, making it accessible to Canadians regardless of income level.
  • Tiered options for growth: The World and World Elite versions offer enhanced earning potential for applicants with higher credit scores or incomes, allowing cardholders to scale their rewards as their financial situation improves.
  • Versatile redemption options: PC Optimum points can be redeemed at numerous locations beyond just groceries, including Shoppers Drug Mart, Esso stations, and more, offering flexibility that few other rewards programs can match.

🥈 Silver: Canadian Tire Triangle® Mastercard®

Get this card if you...

  • frequently shop at Canadian Tire stores
  • want to earn rewards without paying an annual fee
  • want to take advantage of the 0% financing option

The Canadian Tire Triangle® Mastercard® earns our recognition as the best retail rewards card, delivering exceptional value for Canadian Tire shoppers:

  • Zero annual fee commitment: This no annual fee card delivers premium rewards without the premium price tag, enhancing its overall value proposition.
  • Proven consumer favorite: Another standout in our Most popular credit cards study, demonstrating strong customer satisfaction and widespread adoption among Canadians.
  • Impressive category earn rates: Cardholders enjoy a substantial 4% back on Canadian Tire purchases and 1.5% back on groceries, two significant spending categories for most Canadian households.
  • Room for improvement: The 0.5% back on everything else is disappointing compared to competitors, limiting its value as an everyday spending card outside the Canadian Tire ecosystem.
  • Unique redemption opportunities: The Triangle Rewards program offers flexible redemption options at Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, Mark’s, and Atmosphere, covering diverse shopping needs from automotive to clothing.

Disclosures:

  • Terms & conditions apply

🥉 Bronze: CIBC Costco Mastercard®

On CIBC'sSecure Site

Get this card if you...

  • are a Costco member, wanting to earn cash back on purchases
  • want to avoid paying an annual fee
  • want perks like purchase protection and mobile device insurance

The CIBC Costco Mastercard is another great pick and offers a compelling package for Costco members:

  • No annual fee: This card integrates seamlessly with your existing Costco membership with no additional annual fee, maximizing value for members.
  • Dual functionality: The card doubles as your Costco membership card, reducing wallet clutter and streamlining the shopping experience.
  • Strong dining and gas rewards: Cardholders earn an impressive 3% back on dining and Costco gas (2% at other gas stations), targeting high-value spending categories for many Canadians.
  • Limited market reach: While offering significant value, Costco’s relatively small footprint compared to other major rewards programs means it offers less value to Canadians who don’t live near a warehouse location.
  • Cash back simplicity: Unlike points programs with variable redemption values, this card’s straightforward cash back structure ensures transparency in rewards earned.

Disclosures:

  • †Terms and Conditions Apply. This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
  • The information for the CIBC Costco Mastercard® has been collected independently by Money.ca. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best rewards credit card for Scene+

Welcome Bonus: Earn up to $780* 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...

  • want exclusive travel benefits like no foreign exchange fees
  • need comprehensive travel insurance benefits
  • want to access exclusive Amex offers

The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is an outstanding option for Scene+ collectors, and in many ways, outperforms even the Scene+ Visa Infinite Card for certain types of spenders. Here's why we recommend it:

  • Superior everyday earning potential with 5 Scene+ points per dollar on groceries, restaurants, food delivery, and entertainment (compared to the Visa Infinite's reduced points)
  • Travel-focused benefits including 3 Scene+ points per dollar on gas, public transit, and eligible streaming services, plus 3 points per dollar on travel booked through the Scene+ Travel portal
  • No foreign transaction fees, saving you the standard 2.5% charged by most Canadian credit cards when making purchases in non-Canadian currency—a huge advantage for travelers
  • Comprehensive travel insurance including emergency medical, trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, lost baggage, and rental car collision coverage
  • Flexible redemption options with Scene+ points that can be used for movies, dining, travel, merchandise, and statement credits at a consistent value of 1 point = $0.01
  • Special Amex offers that provide exclusive discounts and bonus points opportunities not available on Visa or Mastercard products

The annual fee of $120 is easily offset if you're spending regularly in the top earn categories. For a household spending $500 monthly on groceries, that's 2,500 Scene+ points ($25 value) each month just from grocery purchases alone.

Disclosures:

  • 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 rewards card for PC Optimum

Welcome Bonus: Earn 20,000 PC Optimum™ points†.

On PC Financial'sSecure Site

Get this card if you...

  • want to quickly rack up PC Optimum points
  • want to avoid paying an annual fee
  • want basic insurance benefits

No, it’s not our overall winner, but the PC® World Elite Mastercard® stands out as the premier credit card for PC Optimum members, offering exceptional value that few rewards cards in Canada can match.

  • Unmatched grocery earning potential: Earn 30 PC Optimum points per dollar (effectively 3% back) at Loblaws banner stores including Loblaws, No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore, and Fortinos—where Canadians spend a significant portion of their monthly budget
  • Industry-leading drugstore rewards: Cardholders also earn 45 PC Optimum points per dollar (4.5% return) at Shoppers Drug Mart, making it one of the highest earn rates for pharmacy purchases in Canada
  • Competitive gas rewards: Earn 30 points per dollar (3% return) at Esso and Mobil stations, helping you save on another major household expense
  • Base earn rate of 10 PC Optimum points per dollar (1% return) on all other purchases, ensuring you're always collecting points
  • No annual fee despite its premium rewards structure, significantly enhancing its overall value compared to similar premium cards that charge $120-150 annually
  • Seamless integration with in-store points offers and PC Optimum Insiders subscription for even greater earning potential

While the card does have an income requirement of $80,000 personal annually, the regular PC® Mastercard® offers a an excellent alternative with slightly lower earn rates but the same fee-free structure for those who don't qualify.

Disclosures:

  • Sponsored advertising. President’s Choice Financial® Mastercard® is provided by President’s Choice Bank. The PC Optimum™ program is provided by President's Choice Services Inc. President’s Choice Bank is not responsible for the contents of this site, including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete information regarding the PC® Mastercard®, PC® World Mastercard®, or PC® World Elite Mastercard®, please click on the “Apply Now” or other applicable button.

Best rewards card for Moi

Welcome Bonus: Get up to 10,000 bonus points! Offer ends July 8, 2025. Expires Jul 08, 2025

On RBC'sSecure Site

Get this card if you...

  • frequently shop at Metro stores
  • want to earn rewards without paying an annual fee
  • value a generous welcome offer

  • Accelerated everyday earning: Earn 2 Moi points at participating Metro, Jean Coutu, Brunet and Première Moisson stores when you pay with your moi RBC Visa credit card and swipe your Moi program card.
  • Enhanced dining rewards: Earn 2 Moi points per dollar on all restaurant and dining purchases, allowing you to double your points when eating out or ordering takeout.
  • Competitive gas benefits: Earn 2 Moi points per dollar on all gas and EV charging purchases, helping you save on transportation costs.
  • Seamless program integration: Direct linking with the Moi Rewards program, creating a frictionless experience when shopping at participating retailers.
  • Additional bonus opportunities: Special promotions when you link your card to your Moi Rewards account and meet minimum purchase requirements at participating stores.
  • Petro-Canada partnership: Save 3¢/L instantly on gas and earn 20% more Petro-Points when you link your moi RBC Visa to your Petro-Points card.
  • Simons discount benefit: 10% statement credit (up to $30) when shopping at Simons and paying with your moi RBC Visa.

Disclosures:

  • Refer to RBC page for up to date offer terms and conditions.

    This post contains affiliate links. Please read disclaimer for more info. 

    Disclaimer: Money.ca may engage in affiliate marketing, which is done by embedding tracking links into Money.ca. If you click on a link for an affiliate partnership, a cookie will be placed on your browser to track any sales for purposes of commissions.

Best rewards credit card for More Rewards

More Rewards RBC Visa Infinite

3.8

Welcome Bonus: Enjoy up to 50,000 bonus More Rewards points. That’s a value of $75 in groceries! Expires Jun 25, 2025

Get this card if you...

  • frequently shop at any of the 700+ partner locations.
  • do not want to pay an annual fee but still want to earn rewards for your purchases.
  • value insurance coverage for your purchases, including mobile devices.

  • Accelerated earning structure: Earn up to 8 points per $1 spent at over 700 partner locations
  • Expanded bonus categories: Earn 8 points per $1 spent on gas, EV charging, and dining, allowing you to rapidly accumulate points no matter where you shop..
  • Premium insurance coverage: Comprehensive travel insurance including emergency medical, trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, and rental car collision coverage—benefits not available on the regular More Rewards card.
  • RBC Rewards flexibility: The ability to convert your RBC Rewards points to More Rewards points at an enhanced ratio, effectively giving you two ways to earn within the same program.
  • Special program access: Exclusive More Rewards offers and bonus point opportunities only available to Infinite cardholders.

Disclosures:

  • Terms & conditions apply

Best rewards card for Tim Hortons

Welcome Bonus: Get a $20 digital gift card upon first purchase with a new Tims Mastercard.† Offer valid through June 30, 2025. Expires Jun 30, 2025

Get this card if you...

  • frequently dine at Tim Hortons
  • want to earn rewards on everyday purchases
  • want to avoid paying an annual fee

  • Accelerated Tims Rewards earning: Earn 15 points per $1 at Tim Hortons® restaurants when you scan for Tims® Rewards.
  • Automatic Tims status boost: Cardholders receive automatic Tims Rewards Gold Status, unlocking premium benefits like larger sizes on every 7th visit, no expiry on rewards, and exclusive offers.
  • Everyday rewards beyond coffee: Earn 5 Tims Rewards points per $1 spent on gas, grocery, and public transit purchases, turning your essential shopping into future coffee and donuts.
  • No annual fee: Enjoy all these benefits with no annual fee, maximizing the value of every point earned without any offsetting costs.
  • Seamless digital integration: Link directly with the Tim Hortons app for a frictionless ordering experience, allowing you to track points, redeem rewards, and pay all in one place.
  • Contactless convenience: Tap-to-pay technology for quick transactions when you're in a hurry for that morning coffee rush.
  • Special member promotions: Access to exclusive offers and point multiplier events only available to Tims® Mastercard holders.

Disclosures:

  • Conditions Apply

    The Tims® Mastercard is issued by Neo Financial™ pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Inc. Tims Financial is a registered trademark of Tim Hortons Canada.

How do rewards credit cards work?

A rewards credit card is a type of credit card that allows you to earn cash back, travel rewards, or store rewards. The type of rewards you earn depends on the card. In addition, how many rewards you can get depends on the earning rate of the card. Some cards provide you with an increased earning rate on some categories, while others give you a flat rate regardless of where you shop.

Whenever you make an eligible purchase with a rewards credit card, you’ll earn points, miles, or cash back. Typically, non-purchases where you still use your credit card, such as cash advances, gambling sites, casinos, and lottery tickets, wouldn’t earn you any rewards. If you ever need to make a refund, the rewards you earned will be deducted from your account.

Pros and cons of rewards cards

Pros
  • Welcome bonuses: Many cards offer substantial sign-up bonuses, giving you a head start on rewards
  • Perks: Some cards may come with premium travel perks like lounge access, free bags on flights, insurance or more
  • Insurance: Rewards cards may provide ravel insurance coverage (e.g., trip cancellation, medical emergency), purchase protection, mobile device coverage and more
Cons
  • Annual fees: Many rewards cards charge annual fees, sometimes $100+ for the very best offers
  • Interest rates: Reward credit cards feature higher interest rates vs. non-reward cards, meaning you'll pay more if you carry a balance
  • Complexity: Some rewards programs have complicated earning and redemption structures

How do Canada's leading reward programs compare?

Program
Geographic reach
Main benefit
Limitation
National (strongest in ON/QC)
Everyday essentials at excellent value
Limited to Loblaws ecosystem
National
Flexible redemptions at fixed value
Higher-value cards have annual fees
National
Great for home improvement & outdoor gear
Limited everyday redemption options
More Rewards
Western Canada
Strong grocery value
Limited geographic footprint
QC/ON only
Good grocery & pharmacy rewards
Very limited program footprint

  • PC Optimum: 0.1¢ per point, minimum 10,000 points ($10) to redeem
  • Scene+: 1.0¢ per point, minimum 1,000 points ($10) to redeem
  • Triangle Rewards: 0.4¢ per CT Money, can redeem from just 1¢ in CT Money
  • More Rewards: 0.4-0.7¢ per point, minimum 2,500 points to redeem
  • Moi Rewards: 0.5-1.0¢ per point, minimum 500 points to redeem

How to choose the best rewards credit card for your needs

When trying to choose choose the right card for you, consider your spending patterns. Your card should allow you to earn points when buying the items you would be purchasing anyway. For example, if you are a frequent traveller, then a hotel rewards card that earns extra points on hotel stays would be a smart choice. A large family would do best with a rewards card that earns points at the grocery store they shop at most frequently, while anyone who covers a lot of miles would benefit from a card that gives good rewards on gas.

Consideration Explenation
Assess Your Spending Habits • Track your monthly expenses across categories (e.g., groceries, gas, dining)
• Identify where you spend the most to maximize potential rewards
• Consider seasonal spending patterns (e.g., holiday shopping, summer travel)
Define Your Rewards Goals • Determine if you prefer cash back, travel points, or merchandise rewards
• For travel rewards, decide between flexible points or airline/hotel specific programs
• Consider if you want to focus on everyday rewards or save for big redemptions
Evaluate the Earn Rate • Look for cards offering higher earn rates in your top spending categories
• Compare base earn rates for non-bonus category spending
• Consider cards with multipliers or accelerators for specific merchants
Analyze the Annual Fee • Weigh the annual fee against potential rewards and benefits
• Calculate if your spending and rewards will offset the fee
• Consider no-fee options for lower spenders or as secondary cards
Assess the Welcome Bonus • Compare sign-up bonuses across different cards
• Ensure you can meet the minimum spend requirement within the timeframe
• Calculate the value of the bonus relative to your regular spending
Consider Additional Perks • Look for travel insurance coverage (e.g., trip cancellation, medical)
• Evaluate purchase protection and extended warranty benefits
• Consider lifestyle perks like airport lounge access or concierge services
Check Redemption Flexibility • Understand the redemption options available (e.g., statement credits, travel bookings)
• Look for cards with no blackout dates or seat restrictions for travel redemptions
• Consider if points can be transferred to other loyalty programs
Evaluate Point Values • Research the average value per point across different redemption options
• Consider cards with points that maintain consistent value regardless of redemption choice
• Look for opportunities to maximize point values through promotions or transfers
Consider Your Credit Score • Check if you meet the card’s credit score requirements
• Look for pre-approval options to avoid hard credit checks
• Consider secured or entry-level rewards cards if building credit
Review Foreign Transaction Fees • For frequent travelers, prioritize cards with no foreign transaction fees
• Calculate potential savings on international purchases
• Consider pairing a no-FX fee card with a high-earning domestic card
Assess Ease of Use • Look for user-friendly online interfaces and mobile apps
• Consider if the card integrates with your preferred budgeting tools
• Evaluate customer service options and reputation

Should you get a rewards credit card?

If you always pay your bills on time and in full, then rewards credit cards are always worth it. You’re essentially being rewarded for spending. Plus, many rewards credit cards come with additional benefits, such as travel insurance, airport lounge access, and extended warranty, that could help you save. 

When comparing rewards cards, make sure to consider how much value it will really deliver to your budget. Where and how you spend your money is the biggest determining factor, not flashy welcome bonuses or premium perks that sound impressive but don't match your lifestyle. 

Rewards credit card FAQs

  • Do reward cards build credit?

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    Yes. Like all credit cards, rewards credit cards can help you build a positive credit history with responsible use. This means keeping your credit usage low, paying your balance in full each month (where possible), and keeping any new credit applications to a minimum. But incorrect usage can also result in a negative impact on your credit health and a falling credit score, so be careful.

  • What are the main types of rewards cards?

    +

    Reward credit cards can be broken down into 3 distinct types: cash back, points and miles.

  • Are there any drawbacks to reward credit cards?

    +

    Like any credit card, reward credit cards can negatively impact your credit health if used incorrectly. Reward cards typically have a higher interest rate than no-reward cards. Additionally, they may have a higher annual fee, though this can usually be offset with spending in the key bonus categories.

  • Should you own more than one rewards credit card?

    +

    While this is entirely up to your own preference and how many credit cards you are comfortable with, owning more than one rewards credit card is not a bad thing — but only if they offer different types of rewards. Ideally, you should own two different rewards credit cards from different providers (i.e., Visa, Mastercard, American Express) that offer the best rewards rates on travel, shopping, cashback, etc. While many credit cards are now allowing customers to redeem their points towards a range of benefits, there will always be rewards credit cards that offer a better return on particular types of rewards. Therefore, the best card combination for you might come in the form of a travel reward card and a cash reward card. You can research more using our best credit card in Canada guide. To compare nearly all Canadian cards, use our credit card comparison tool.

  • How can I analyze my rewards to make sure I'm getting the most value for money?

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    Analyze your spending patterns and select a card that offers the highest rewards in your top spending categories. For example, if you're a frequent traveller, a travel rewards card like the American Express Cobalt® Card might be ideal.

Sources

Cory Santos Credit card editor

Cory Santos is a finance writer, editor and credit card expert with nearly a decade of experience in personal finance. Cory joined Wise Publishing from BestCards, with bylines in numerous print and digital publications across North America, including the Miami Herald, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Debt.ca, AOL, MSN and Medium as well as financial podcasts like KOFE Talk. He's also the creator and author of the annual Money.ca Credit Card Awards.

Barry Choi Contributor

Barry Choi is a Toronto-based personal finance and travel expert who makes frequent media appearances. When he's not educating people on how to be smarter with money, he's earning and burning miles and points for luxury travel.

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.