"What's in your wallet?" If it's a Capital One credit card, you're in for exceptional support and simplified rewards.
All Capital One credit cards are Mastercards, which are accepted almost everywhere worldwide, and yes, still in Canada.
Capital One is a financial services provider that offers a range of credit cards. Capital One credit cards include guaranteed options for borrowers who need to rebuild their credit and cards that earn rewards points on purchases. No matter which Capital One card you get, you can access standard Mastercard benefits and global assistance. Still can't find what you're looking for? Then check out our comprehensive best credit cards Canada list for all our top picks.
Top Capital One credit cards Canada
Card
Welcome Offer
🏆 Best Capital One credit card overall: Capital One Guaranteed Mastercard®
$0
First Year Value
$0
Annual Value
Get this card if you...
- are looking to improve your credit score
- value Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty coverage
- want to enjoy the convenience and security of a Mastercard
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$0
Annual Fee
21.9% - 29.9%
Purchase
21.9% - 29.9%
Cash Advance
21.9% - 29.9%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The Capital One Guaranteed Mastercard® is designed for individuals with less-than-perfect credit histories, offering guaranteed approval* and the opportunity to rebuild credit. Depending on the applicant's credit profile, approval may be for an unsecured card or a secured version requiring a security deposit; both versions provide benefits such as Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty coverage.
Eligibility
Poor (up to 299)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
- Guaranteed approval* for rebuilding credit
- Option for an unsecured version for some applicants
- Additional benefits like Price Protection and Extended Warranties
- Mastercard Zero Liability† and 24/7 customer service
Cons
- High interest rate on purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances
- Extra features available only on unsecured cards
- Limited benefits compared to premium credit cards
Annual Interest Rates
21.9% - 29.9%
Purchase
21.9% - 29.9%
Cash Advance
21.9% - 29.9%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
Insurance Benefits
$250,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Our Take
The Capital One Guaranteed Mastercard® is designed for individuals with less-than-perfect credit histories, offering guaranteed approval* and the opportunity to rebuild credit. Depending on the applicant's credit profile, approval may be for an unsecured card or a secured version requiring a security deposit; both versions provide benefits such as Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty coverage.
Eligibility
Poor (up to 299)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
- Guaranteed approval* for rebuilding credit
- Option for an unsecured version for some applicants
- Additional benefits like Price Protection and Extended Warranties
- Mastercard Zero Liability† and 24/7 customer service
Cons
- High interest rate on purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances
- Extra features available only on unsecured cards
- Limited benefits compared to premium credit cards
Annual Interest Rates
21.9% - 29.9%
Purchase
21.9% - 29.9%
Cash Advance
21.9% - 29.9%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
Insurance Benefits
$250,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
The Capital One Guaranteed Mastercard® is aimed at anyone with bad or no credit history. The annual fee is lower at $0 per year, and in exchange cardholders pay the regular Capital One interest rate of 21.9% - 29.9% on new purchases. The Guaranteed Mastercard® is unsecured and those who are approved for it will receive benefits not available to those that receive the Secured version of the card (see below).
The Guaranteed Mastercard’s benefits include common carrier travel accident coverage of up to $250,000 for the cardholder, their accompanying spouse and dependent children; up to $300 total if baggage is delayed for 3 days; emergency travel assistance; and car rental collision or loss damage waiver. Cardholders also enjoy extended warranty, purchase assurance and price protection. Capital One is not responsible for the content on this site including any editorials or reviews. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date product information.
🔒 Best secured Capital One credit card: Capital One Guaranteed Secured Mastercard®
$0
First Year Value
$0
Annual Value
Get this card if you...
- are looking to improve your credit score
- want a low security deposit card
- value purchase protection and extended warranty coverage
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$0
Annual Fee
21.9% - 29.9%
Purchase
21.9% - 29.9%
Cash Advance
21.9% - 29.9%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The Capital One Guaranteed Secured Mastercard® is designed for individuals with limited or poor credit, offering guaranteed approval* and the opportunity to rebuild credit through responsible use. Cardholders are required to provide a security deposit, and benefit from features such as Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty Coverage, though the card carries a standard interest rate.
Eligibility
Poor (up to 299)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
- Guaranteed approval* for those with weak credit
- Helps build or repair credit history with responsible use
- Low annual fee
- Everyday and Travel Benefits available for both secured and unsecured cards
Cons
- High interest rate
- Security funds are required for the secured version
Annual Interest Rates
21.9% - 29.9%
Purchase
21.9% - 29.9%
Cash Advance
21.9% - 29.9%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
1.00%
Balance Transfer
Insurance Benefits
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Be 100% sure you’ll be approved* before you apply. Try Quick Check®
Our Take
The Capital One Guaranteed Secured Mastercard® is designed for individuals with limited or poor credit, offering guaranteed approval* and the opportunity to rebuild credit through responsible use. Cardholders are required to provide a security deposit, and benefit from features such as Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty Coverage, though the card carries a standard interest rate.
Eligibility
Poor (up to 299)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
- Guaranteed approval* for those with weak credit
- Helps build or repair credit history with responsible use
- Low annual fee
- Everyday and Travel Benefits available for both secured and unsecured cards
Cons
- High interest rate
- Security funds are required for the secured version
Annual Interest Rates
21.9% - 29.9%
Purchase
21.9% - 29.9%
Cash Advance
21.9% - 29.9%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
1.00%
Balance Transfer
Insurance Benefits
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Be 100% sure you’ll be approved* before you apply. Try Quick Check®
Like the Capital One Guaranteed Mastercard®, the Capital One Guaranteed Secured Mastercard® is a good fit for applicants with bad credit. Even those with bankruptcies or defaults within seven years prior to application, or those who don’t have any Canadian credit history at all, are eligible for this Mastercard.
To get the Capital One Guaranteed Secured Mastercard®, cardholders must provide minimum security funds of $75, though they could be higher depending on their financial profile. Using the Capital One Guaranteed Secured Mastercard® and paying its bills on time can help cardholders build or rebuild their credit history and become eligible for even more valuable Capital One credit cards.
The Capital One Guaranteed Secured Mastercard® comes with an annual fee of $0 and a standard interest rate of 21.9% - 29.9% (21.9% for Quebec; 29.9% for the rest of Canada). Cardholders also get access to standard Mastercard benefits such as Mastercard Global Service, 24/7 customer service support and zero liability in the event of identity fraud.
Read more: Check out our best secured credit cards Canada list
🛡️ Best Capital One credit card for keeping a good credit score: Capital One Smart Rewards™ Mastercard®
$0
First Year Value
$0
Annual Value
Get this card if you...
- want to earn rewards for paying down your balance†
- value Everyday and Travel benefits
- have a fair credit score
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$0
Annual Fee
21.9% - 29.9%
Purchase
21.9% - 29.9%
Cash Advance
21.9% - 29.9%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The Smart Rewards Mastercard is a no annual fee credit card that rewards cardholders with points for making payments toward their balance†, rather than for spending. This unique structure encourages responsible financial habits, though the rewards program may offer lower value compared to other cards.
Eligibility
Fair (300 - 619)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
- No annual fee
- Earns five points per dollar paid towards your balance†
- Points don’t expire
- Pre-approval without impacting credit score†
- Travel assistance and Mastercard Global Service™
- Strong insurance coverage (Common Carrier, Baggage Delay, Rental Car, Purchase Assurance, and Extended Warranty)
- Price Protection service
- Zero Liability for unauthorized purchases†
Cons
- Slightly higher interest rate (21.9%-29.9%)
- Price Protection is capped at $500 per year
- Limited to Capital One's redemption options
Annual Interest Rates
21.9% - 29.9%
Purchase
21.9% - 29.9%
Cash Advance
21.9% - 29.9%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
1.00%
Balance Transfer
Rewards Capital One
5 points
for every $1 paid toward your balance†.
Insurance Benefits
$250,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Our Take
The Smart Rewards Mastercard is a no annual fee credit card that rewards cardholders with points for making payments toward their balance†, rather than for spending. This unique structure encourages responsible financial habits, though the rewards program may offer lower value compared to other cards.
Eligibility
Fair (300 - 619)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
- No annual fee
- Earns five points per dollar paid towards your balance†
- Points don’t expire
- Pre-approval without impacting credit score†
- Travel assistance and Mastercard Global Service™
- Strong insurance coverage (Common Carrier, Baggage Delay, Rental Car, Purchase Assurance, and Extended Warranty)
- Price Protection service
- Zero Liability for unauthorized purchases†
Cons
- Slightly higher interest rate (21.9%-29.9%)
- Price Protection is capped at $500 per year
- Limited to Capital One's redemption options
Annual Interest Rates
21.9% - 29.9%
Purchase
21.9% - 29.9%
Cash Advance
21.9% - 29.9%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
1.00%
Balance Transfer
Rewards Capital One
5 points
for every $1 paid toward your balance†.
Insurance Benefits
$250,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
The Capital One Smart Rewards Mastercard® stands out as an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain a good credit score. That's because the Smart Rewards credit card rewards cardholders when they pay their credit card statement each month - and not when making purchases.
That said, the card still provides a lucrative rewards structure that is benefited by $0 annual fee:
- Base earn rate: Earn 5 points per $1 paid towards your balance†.
- Your points will never expire. Ever.
Plus, like other Capital One Canada card offers, the Smart Rewards Mastercard lets you check your eligiblity before you apply.
Finally, the card comes packed with benefits that can save you money and provide peace of mind:
- Price Protection Service: If an item that you purchased on your Capital One credit card is discounted within 60 days, Price Protection Service pays you the difference up to $100 per item and $500 per calendar year.
- Mastercard Global Service®: If your card is lost or stolen, Mastercard Global Service can help you replace your card, get an emergency cash advance and locate the nearest automatic banking machine (ABM). Plus, they’re available 24/7.
- Zero Liability: You’re protected from the unauthorized use of your card – which means you won’t pay pay if someone uses your card without your permission.
Secured credit tip: Keep your credit use below 30%
Overall credit use is one of the biggest factors on your credit score. Aim to use only 20-30% of your available credit limit. Banks and lenders prefer borrowers with credit utilization rates below this figure, as they are seen as safer customers. It's like the credit utilization limbo – how low can you go?
About Capital One Canada
Capital One is one the largest credit card issuers in the United States, but it's standing north of the border is less lofty. Despite that, Capital One Canada has been offering competitive online services for over 20 years.
Thinking about applying for a Capital One Card in Canada? Here's a quick rundown of the process of applying for (and getting) a Capital One credit card:
Online preapproval
Capital One offers pre-selection for its proprietary credit cards, though Capital One does not offer pre-approval without a credit check.
- 1 Head to Capital One Canada's website
- 2 Look for the "Quick Check®" or "Check Your Eligibility" option
- 3 Fill out the form. It'll ask for some basic information like your date of birth and income.
From there you'll get your credit card recommendation in seconds.
Capital One Canada provides a free, simple-to-use online pre-qualification tool to see if a Capital One credit card is right for you. Image courtesy of Capital One
Applying for a card
Found a card that you like? The next step is applying:
- 1 Choose your card and click "Apply Now"
- 2 Complete the application, providing your personal info, employment info and relevent financial information like income
- 3 Double-check everything (typos are not your friend here)
- 4 Hit submit and cross your fingers!
Types of Capital One cards
Capital One's Canadian credit card lineup has something for almost everyone. Capital One credit cards have your plastic needs covered, whether you're looking to earn some sweet rewards or build your credit from the ground up. Here's the lowdown:
- Rewards cards: For those with a taste for the finer things in life, Capital One's rewards cards are where it's at. Earn points on your everyday purchases and watch those rewards stack up faster than pancakes at a lumberjack breakfast.
- Build or rebuild credit: Life happens, and sometimes your credit score takes a hit. No worries! Capital One Canada's got your back with cards designed to help you build or rebuild your credit. It's like financial physiotherapy for your credit score.
- Guaranteed and secured Cards: Worried about approval? Capital One's got options that'll have you saying "approved, eh?" faster than you can pour maple syrup on your morning waffles.
Quick Check®: Know before you go
Capital One Canada's not about wasting your time. Their Quick Check® tool lets you see which cards you're eligible for without dinging your credit score. It's like trying on financial shoes before you buy 'em!
Online banking keeps you informed on the go
Capital One Canada's bringing the bank to your fingertips with their online banking services. Pay bills, check your balance, and manage your account faster than you can say "double-double." Their mobile app is so user-friendly, even your tech-phobic Uncle Bob could figure it out.
Need help? Capital One Canada's support centre is ready to assist. Whether you prefer to chat online, give them a ring, or communicate via carrier pigeon (okay, maybe not that last one), they've got you covered.
How Capital One Rewards works in Canada
The program automatically enrolls eligible Canadian cardholders upon credit card account setup. Specifically, you earn points based on net purchases, which are calculated daily and credited to your rewards account. Furthermore, the program allows you to track your earnings through online banking or the Capital One mobile app
How to earn Capital One Rewards points with Canadian credit cards
Earning points with Capital One cards in Canada follows these key principles:
- Cash advances and balance transfers do not qualify for points
- Points begin accumulating immediately after enrollment
Additionally, your rewards account must remain in good standing to continue earning points. The program excludes earnings on security funds and payments made towards optional services
Do points expire?
One significant advantage of Capital One Rewards is its longevity. Capital One Rewards points never expire if your rewards account remains open and in good standing. However, it's important to note that if your account is closed for any reason, you will forfeit any unredeemed points
Capital One top tip: Meet Eno, your digital assistant
Capital One offers all customers access to Eno, your 24/7 digital assistant. This smart cookie keeps an eye on your accounts, sends alerts if anything looks fishy, and is always ready to answer your burning money questions.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Great options for no credit: Capital One provides great secured credit card options for those looking to rebuild or establish their credit for the first time.
- No (or low) annual fees: Capital One cards often feature no annual fee. Even those with a fee have modest charges, however. This means you won't need to break the bank to hold a Capital One card.
- Points don't expire: Capital One Rewards points don't expire.
Cons
- Limited premium options: While it does offer rewards cards, Capital One Canada does not provide a suite of high-end travel options.
- High APR: Capital One interest rates might be higher than you'll find elsewhere.
Summary of out top Capital One credit card picks
| Card | Best for | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| Capital One Guaranteed Mastercard® | Overall/rebuilding credit | |
| Capital One® Guaranteed Secured Mastercard | Secured, no credit | |
| Capital One Smart Rewards™ Mastercard® | Maintaining good credit |
How satisfied are Capital One credit card customers?
Just how satisfied are Capital One Canada customers? Here's how TD ranks in the J.D. Power 2024 Canada Credit Card Satisfaction Study:
Disclaimer:
Capital One is not responsible for the content on this site including any editorials or reviews. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date product information.
*You’re guaranteed to be approved for a Capital One Mastercard as long as:
- You are at least the age of majority in your province or territory of residence
- You don’t have a frozen credit profile and your eligibility for credit is not prohibited for legal or regulatory reasons
- You don’t have an existing Capital One account or a pending application for one; and
- You haven’t applied for a Capital One account more than once in the last 30 days, haven’t had a Capital One account that was not in good standing in the last year, and aren’t in legal recoveries with Capital One.
Capital One credit card FAQs
Scott Birke
Content editor, Money.ca
Scott Birke is a financial content editor at Money.ca.
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