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The Best Credit Cards in Canada - March 2024

Last Updated on February 13, 2024


Rewards Canada is known for starting the top credit card ranking trend in Canada when we launched our first Top Travel Rewards Credit Card rankings in 2009. Since that time we continued with annual travel card rankings and added in cash back rankings. Now we have one more ranking - the best cards in Canada for different types of categories. Unlike our other rankings where we list first to fifth place, this feature only displays the top card for each type of credit card category.

From best overall to best low interest to best hotel card and many others in between, you'll find the best of each here. With nearly 20 years of research, experience in the loyalty and credit card space you can count on Rewards Canada to give you the most un-biased straight forward rankings. Unlike other websites and blogs we don't just cover cards we earn commissions on - we take them all into account as we have done since our inception in 2001. Do some cards earn us a commission? Yes! Do all of them? No. They all get equal consideration.

Also be sure to check out our Top Travel Rewards Credit Card Rankings and Top Cash Back Credit Card Rankings

Quick jump to each of the categories on this page:


International Loyalty Programs

The Best Overall Credit Card in Canada


The best overall card in Canada is the American Express Cobalt Card and it has been since it was launched late in 2017. Since that time it has been ranked as our number one overall travel rewards card and it is the second best cash back card in Canada. That's why we rank it the best overall card in Canada. It broke records when it was launched in 2017 by offering 5x points on eats and drinks - no other card had done that before. And by eats and drinks it means restaurants, fast food, grocery stores, convenience stores, bars and yes, food and grocery delivery services. Next the card earns 3x points on popular streaming services, 2x points on gas, travel and transit while all other spending earns 1 point per dollar. With travel and cash back redemptions on the Cobalt Card starting at a value of 1 cent per point that means this card gives you a minimum 1%, 2%, 3% and 5% return on your spending but it can actually go higher than that with some of the card's other redemption options. We recommend reading our review of the card here to learn about those redemption options.

Also check out our Rewards Canada Clash - Clash of the Reward Charts! American Express vs. RBC and see how the Cobalt Card destroys the RBC Avion card.


American Express Cobalt™ Card


Apply Now


Why is this card the best?

Provides the utmost in rewards flexibility with a trio of travel redemption options and redeem for any purchase made on the card (ie cash back)

Earns 5x Points per dollar on Eats & Drinks (Globally) - including food delivery services like Skip the Dishes and Instacart
Hint: Use Instacart to bypass Costco, Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, and other Loblaw family of stores non-acceptance of American Express. Check out our Cobal Card Confirmed Multiplier Locations to see where you can earn more points around the world!

Provides a 1% to 10% or higher rate of return when redeeming for travel

Provides a 1% to 5% rate of return when redeeming for any purchase on the card outside of travel (your cash back option)

Redeem your points at anytime for virtually any purchase starting at only 1,000 points (or as little as $200 in spending)

Convert points to Air Canada Aeroplan, Air France KLM, British Airways Executive Club, Marriott Bonvoy and others

 


American Express Cobalt Card

Top Overall Travel Rewards Credit Card Top Hybrid Travel Credit

American Express Cobalt® Card

2024 Top Overall Travel Rewards Card | 2024 Top Hybrid Travel Rewards Card
In your first year as a new Cobalt Cardmember, you can earn 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in net purchases on your Card. This could add up to 15,000 points in a year. That’s up to $150 towards a weekend getaway or concert tickets

Monthly Fee $12.99/month of Cardmembership ($155.88 annually) | Additional Cards: $0 | Annual interest rate 20.99% on purchases and 21.99% on funds advances

  • Earn 5x the points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery. Spend cap applies.
  • Earn 3x the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
  • Earn 2x the points on eligible ride shares, transit & gas in Canada
  • Earn 1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings via American Express Travel Online 
  • Earn 1x point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else
  • Enjoy access to hotel bookings, and 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
  • Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs
  • Cobalt Cardmembers receive regular Perks such as bonus reward offers and access to great events
  • Access Front Of The Line® Presale & Reserved Tickets to some of your favourite concerts and theatre performances and special offers and events curated for Cardmembers with American Express® Experiences
  • 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
  • Click here to apply for the American Express Cobalt Card


International Loyalty Programs

The Best Aeroplan Card in Canada


One of Canada's oldest, largest and best known loyalty programs has a lot of credit cards partnered with it. The question is which one is the best Air Canada Aeroplan card at this point in time. Right now that's the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card thanks to its sign up bonus and first year annual fee rebates. Add in the benefits for flying with Air Canada and the Preferred Pricing for Aeroplan flight redemptions and this is why this card is the mainstay Aeroplan card in Canada


TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card

Apply Now


Why is this card the best?

The welcome bonus of up to 50,000 Aeroplan Points

Aeroplan Miles are very valuable when redeeming for business class and first class flights

A strong earn rate is offered on this card of 1 to 1.5 Aeroplan Miles per dollar spent

Extra benefits like preferred pricing on Aeroplan award flights, first checked bag free on Air Canada flights & more!

 


TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card Top Airline Credit Card

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card

2024 Top Airline Credit Card
Earn up to $1,200 in value† including up to 50,000 Aeroplan points†
Conditions Apply. Account must be approved by June 3, 2024.

Annual Fee $139 | Additional Cards: $75 † | Annual interest rate 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on funds advances | $60,000 personal or $100,000 household annual income



Terms & Conditions apply




Earn up to $1,200 in value†, including up to 50,000 Aeroplan points† (enough for a round trip to New York City†), and additional travel benefits. Account must be approved by June 3, 2024.

  • Earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase with your new card†
  • Earn 20,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $6,000 within 180 days of Account opening†
  • Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $10,000 within 12 months of Account opening†
  • Enroll for NEXUS and once every 48 months get an application fee rebate†
  • Plus, share free first checked bags with up to 8 travel companions†

Earning Aeroplan Points

  • Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®) made with your card
  • Earn 1 point† for every $1 spent on all other Purchases made with your Card
  • Earn points twice when you pay with your Card and provide your Aeroplan number at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and at 170+ online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore (www.aeroplan.com/estore).
  • Your Aeroplan Points do not expire as long as you are a TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Cardholder in good standing
  • Earn big rewards on the little things: Earn 50% more Aeroplan Points and 50% more Stars at participating Starbucks® stores. Simply link your TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card to your Starbucks® Rewards account. Conditions apply. Learn more.
Card Benefits
  • Travel lightly through the airport and save on baggage fees† : Primary Cardholders, Additional Cardholders, and travel companions (up to eight) travelling on the same reservation will all enjoy their first checked bag free (up to 23kg/50lbs) when your travel originates on an Air Canada flight.
  • Complimentary Visa Infinite Concierge† : On-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the Visa Infinite Concierge can help with any Cardholder request — big or small, to help you get the most out of life whenever you travel, shop and use your Card.
  • Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection†: Receive seven exclusive benefits when you book your stay through the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection featuring over 900 of the world’s most intriguing properties.
  • Click here to apply for TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card

This offer is not available for residents of Quebec. For Quebec residents, please click here.

† Terms and Conditions apply.

Sponsored advertising. The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button.


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No Foreign Transaction Fee

The Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Card in Canada


With the HSBC World Elite Mastercard no longer open to new applications, this category now goes to the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card. This the card to have for making purchases in other currencies as you'll save on average 2.5% over most cards in Canada. On top of this it is a Points Earning Machine with earn rates that give you 1% to 6% back on your spending when you redeem for any travel (yes any travel with any travel provider) Or you can choose to redeem points for groceries at Empire stores (Safeway, Sobeys, Freshco, IGA & more), Cineplex purchases and even at Home Hardware with the same value as the travel redemptions so you don't have worry about which redemption provides the best return!


Scotiabank Gold American Express Card


Apply Now


Why is this card the best?

The welcome bonus of 40,000 Scene+ Points provides great value

Earns 6x points at Empire grocery stores, 5x points for other grocery stores, dining plus 3x points on gas and transit

No Foreign Transaction fees

Redeem points for any travel you book on the card. No restrictions of booking via a credit card's travel agency!

Redeem points for groceries, dining, movies and more at the same value as the travel redemptions

 


Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
Canada's Top Travel Points Card Canada's Top No Foreign Transaction Fee Card

Scotiabank Gold American Express Card

2024 Top Travel Points Credit Card with an annual fee | 2024 Top No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Card

Earn up to $650* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points¹. Offer ends Jul 1, 2024

Annual Fee: $120 | Additional Cards: $29 | Minimum Income $12,000



Terms & Conditions apply




  • Bonus offer broken down as follows:
    - Earn 20,000 bonus Scene+ Rewards points by making at least $1,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months.
    - Earn 20,000 bonus Scene+ Rewards points when you spend $7,500 within your first 12 months
  • You will not pay 2.5% foreign transaction fees on any foreign currency purchases, including online shopping and when travelling abroad. Only the exchange rate applies
  • You’ll earn 6X Scene+ points for each $1 CAD charged to your account on all eligible purchases1 at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà by IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Chalo! FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés Tradition, Rachelle Béry and Co-Op.
  • Earn 5X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent on eligible grocery stores, restaurants, fast food, and drinking establishments. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions
  • Earn 3X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent on eligible gas and daily transit. Includes rideshare, buses, taxis, subway, and more
  • Earn 1X Scene+ point for every $1 spent on every other purchase
  • Complimentary Concierge Services 24/7
  • Amex exclusive benefits (Front Of The Line)
  • Use your points to purchase travel online or over the phone through our full-service travel agency. Or book your own travel using your card and go online to redeem points for the purchase.
  • Receive up to 25% off qualifying car rentals
  • Travel emergency medical coverage is automatically provided for eligible persons for up to 25 consecutive days
  • Redeem points for merchandise and other rewards
  • Click here to apply for Scotiabank Gold American Express Card

*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


International Loyalty Programs

The Best Low Interest Credit Card in Canada


Another major category to pay attention to in our current market situation is if you are needing to run a balance on your credit card(s). If you are and that card is a reward card with high interest rates you may need to look at a lower interest card. This is especially the case if you feel like it will take you more than two or three months to pay off that balance. In these cases the best low interest card in our market is the MBNA True Line Mastercard. It has a great standard low interest rate of 12.99%, which is 6 to 9% lower than most cards.


MBNA True Line® Mastercard® credit card

Apply Now


Why is this card the best?

Standard annual interest rate of 12.99% on purchases and balance transfers

No annual fee

 


MBNA True Line® Mastercard® credit card



MBNA True Line® Mastercard® credit card

You could get a 0% promotional annual interest rate (“AIR”)† for 12 months on balance transfers✪ completed within 90 days of account opening, with a 3% transfer fee.

$0 annual fee | $0 Additional Card | Standard Annual Interest Rates of 12.99% on eligible purchases, 12.99% on balance transfers✪, and 24.99% on cash advances|



Terms & Conditions apply




  • No annual fee
  • Standard Annual Interest Rates of 12.99% on eligible purchases, 12.99% on balance transfers✪, and 24.99% on cash advances
  • You could get a 0% promotional annual interest rate (“AIR”)† for 12 months on balance transfers✪ completed within 90 days of account opening, with a 3% transfer fee.
  • Around-the-clock fraud protection
  • Use available credit on your credit card to transfer funds right to your chequing account.
  • Apply for the MBNA True Line® Mastercard® credit card today
  • This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
  • Click here to apply for the MBNA True Line® Mastercard® credit card

‡ ††, ‡, ✪, ***, ††††, Terms and Conditions apply.

Sponsored advertising. MBNA is a division of The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) and TD is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete information on this MBNA credit card, please click on the “Apply Now” button.

The Toronto-Dominion Bank is the issuer of this credit card. MBNA is a division of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. ®MBNA and other-trademarks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank..






Secured Credit Card

The Best Secured Credit Card in Canada


If you are new to Canada or looking to start building (or rebuilding credit) one of your best options is to get a secured credit card. And the best option out there is the Neo Secured Credit card. This card is exact copy of their popular Neo Credit card which offers great cash back rewards and more. You get all that with the Neo Secured Credit card and you can choose how much money you want to secure the card with. It can be as little $50 or any amount above that and that becomes your card's credit limit.


Neo Secured Credit

Apply Now


Why is this card the best?

It receives all the same rewards and benefits as the standard Neo Card!

$25 cash back bonus when you are approved for the card

No annual fee

 


Neo Card™ Standard

Neo Secured Credit

Limited time offer: $25 welcome bonus2 when you apply and are approved for a Neo Secured Credit card

No monthly or annual fees1 for free Standard rewards plans



Terms & Conditions apply




  • Get an average 5% unlimited cashback3 at thousands of Neo partners, plus earn enormous bonuses - like 15% cashback3 on your first purchase at most partners.
  • Guaranteed approval4 card that earns you cashback
  • Add Security Funds to match your credit limit. Change your limit any time and use your deposit to pay off your bill if you ever need to. .


1 For Quebec: Monthly Statements; No monthly or annual fees; 21-day grace period; Minimum payment is the higher of $10.00 or 5.0% of total statement balance; Purchase rate (19.99%-26.99%) and cash advance rate (21.99%-25.24%).
2 Limited-time offer. Only new Neo Secured Credit customers are eligible for this offer. This offer is only awarded if a new customer is approved for a Neo Secured Credit. Customer has 90 days to complete the card application process. Offer is subject to the Rewards Policy, the Neo Platform Terms and Conditions and all other applicable terms and conditions. Offer may be amended or cancelled at any time without notice
3 Average based on current offers at select partners. Cashback varies per plan, offer and partner
4 Conditions apply.


International Loyalty Programs

The Best Cash Back Credit Card in Canada


After a revamp in late 2021, there is a new champ as the best cash back in card, well actually it was a champ before, got knocked down to second place but now has firmly taken back the top spot. That card is the SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express. This has some of the best overall cash back earn rates thanks to a base earn rate of 2% and then 4% cash back on grocery store and gas station purchases. Sure other cards may even go as high as 5% cash back in select categories but this card's 2% base earn is pretty much double that of all those competitors and that makes a big difference in your cash back earning.

 



SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express

Apply Now


Why is this card the best?

One of the highest cash back welcome bonuses where in your first 10 months as a new SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express Cardmember, you can earn a $40 statement credit for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in purchases on your Card. This could add up to $400 in statement credits in the first 10 months

4% cash back on grocery purchases (up to $1,200 cash back annually for this category), unlimited 4% cash back on gas purchases

2% cash back on all other purchases

Strong insurance coverage, access to Amex Offers (Statement credits/discounts) and American Express Experiences


SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express

Top No Fee Travel Rewards Credit Card

SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express

2023 Top Cash Back Rewards Credit Card
Earn accelerated earn rates on eligible gas and grocery purchases

In your first 10 months as a new SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express Cardmember, you can earn a $40 statement credit for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in purchases on your Card. This could add up to $400 in statement credits in the first 10 months

Monthly Fee: $9.99 ($119.88 annually) | Additional Card Fee: $0 | Annual interest rate 20.99% on purchases and 21.99% on funds advances; Missed payment applicable rates, 24.99% - 26.99%



Terms & Conditions apply




  • Earn accelerated earn rates on eligible gas and grocery purchases
  • Earn 4% cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada, 4% cash back on eligible grocery store purchases in Canada (up to $1,200 cash back annually) and 2% cash back on all other purchases
  • Access events and special offers curated for Cardmembers with American Express® Experiences
  • Extensive insurance coverage and 24/7 Customer Service
  • 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. Conditions apply
  • Click here to apply for the SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express


International Loyalty Programs

The Best No Annual Fee Credit Card in Canada


The Canadian credit card market has no shortage of no annual fee cards and most provide a very similar level of rewards and benefits. The best of them in our mind has changed in 2021 - we think the best card is now the American Express Green Card. It provides the same type of flexibliity as its older sibling, the American Express Cobalt Card in that you can redeem for any travel, redeem for cash back and even convert the points to Aeroplan, British Airways, Marriott Bonvoy and other programs. In fact it is the best no annual fee card for earning Aeroplan points!

Recommended reading: Clash of the Credit Cards! American Express® Green Card vs. CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card


American Express Green Card


Apply Now


Why is this card the best?

Provides the utmost in rewards flexibility with a trio of travel redemption options and redeem for any purchase made on the card (ie cash back)

Earns 1 point per dollar on all spending. That's no less than a 1% return and goes higher depending on how you redeem the points

The welcome bonus of 10,000 points is worth no less than $100

Convert points to Air Canada Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, Marriott Bonvoy and others

 


American Express Green Card

Top No Fee Travel Rewards Credit Card

American Express® Green Card

2023 Top No Fee Travel Rewards Credit Card
Get the Card that lets you live in the moment while getting ready for the future. The American Express® Green Card lets you go for it with every swipe or tap of your Card

As a new American Express® Green Cardmember, you can earn a Welcome Bonus of 10,000 Membership Rewards® points when you charge $1,000 in purchases to your Card in the first 3 months of Cardmembership.  That’s $100 towards groceries or concert tickets

Annual Fee: $0 | Additional Card Fee: $0 | Annual interest rate 20.99% on purchases and 21.99% on funds advances; Missed payment applicable rates, 25.99% - 28.99% Variable



Terms & Conditions apply




  • Earn 1x the points on Card purchases
  • Charge an eligible purchase to your Card and redeem your Membership Rewards points for a statement credit (All eligible purchases: 1,000 points = $10 statement credit)
  • With American Express Experiences and Front Of The Line®, American Express Cardmembers get access to amazing events in Canada
  • Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs
  • 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. Conditions apply
  • Click here to apply for the American Express Green Card


International Loyalty Programs

The Best AIR MILES Card in Canada


The most best AIR MILES credit card in Canada is the BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard. It has a good limited time welcome bonus that includes paying no annual fee in the first year. The card provides an annual discount on AIR MILES Reward flights anywhere in the world, has airport lounge access membership and offers free global Wi-Fi that even works on WestJet flights. On top of all this it has a pretty decent insurance coverage package. Like we said this the most well rounded AIR MILES card in Canada.


BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* MasterCard®*

Apply Now


Why is this card the best?

One of the best things about this card is the 25% discount it provides on one worldwide AIR MILES redemption annually

Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass

Provides automatic AIR MILES Onyx Elite Status

World Elite Mastercard benefits like free global Wi-Fi from Boingo, benefits from Ritual and more

 


BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* MasterCard®*

BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* MasterCard®*

Welcome offer: Get 2,000 AIR MILES Bonus Miles and we’ll waive the $120 annual fee for the first year*

Annual Fee: $120 | Primary Card $50 Additional Card | Interest Rate: Purchases 20.99% Cash Advances 23.99% (21.99% for Quebec residents)



Terms & Conditions apply




  • Get 3x the Miles for every $12 spent at participating AIR MILES Reward Partners* and 2x the Miles for every $12 spent at any eligible grocery store*
  • Earn 1 reward mile for every $12 in credit card purchases, everywhere you spend*
  • Get valuable benefits and offers for digital everyday services from a variety of on-demand apps and subscription services
  • Use your card at Costco
  • Extended Warranty
  • Access over 1 million Wi-Fi hotspots around the world - all at no added cost, and no added fees or roaming charges*
  • Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass.*
  • Use less Miles with our exclusive 25% discount on one worldwide AIR MILES flight redemption during the calendar year.*
  • BMO AIR MILES World Elite Travel and Medical Protection*
  • BMO Concierge Service*
  • Unlock Mastercard Travel Rewards cashback offers when you travel and shop outside of Canada

  • Click here to apply for BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* MasterCard®*

*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

International Loyalty Programs

The Best Hotel Card in Canada


Several years ago we had upwards of six credit card choices for hotel loyalty programs but that has now dwindled down to one. Unfortunately many Canadians haven't caught on to hotel programs and the value they can provide. The best hotel credit card in Canada is the Marriott Bonvoy American Express card and it can provide huge value. Marriott Bonvoy points have a minimum redemption value of about a penny each and with this card earning no less than 2 points per dollar that translates to a 2% return - at a minimum. There are many cases where the value is much higher depending on which hotel you redeem for. Another good thing about a hotel credit card is that if there 2 or 3 or 4 of travelling you only need to earn enough points for one redemption - ie one hotel room - compare this to trying to earn enough points to redeem for 2 to 4 flights. Hotel programs, especially Marriott Bonvoy are a hidden gem in the travel world.


Marriott Bonvoy™ American Express®* Card


Apply Now


Why is this card the best?

You earn a free night award each year on your card's anniversary date

Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status and 15 night credit towards status

You can convert Marriott Bonvoy points to over 40 airline programs including Air Canada Aeroplan

The card has one of the best everday best earn rates of 2 points per dollar which we value as a 2% return at a minimum

 


Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card



Marriott Bonvoy™ American Express®* Card

Travel to new heights with the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card. Earn up to 80,000 Points:
New Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Cardmembers, earn 65,000 Welcome Bonus points after you spend $3,000 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership. Plus, earn an additional 3 points for a total of 5 points on every $1 spent on eligible travel and gas purchases in your first 6 months (up to 15,000 points). Offer ends May 6, 2024

Annual Fee: $120 | Additional Card Fee: $0 | Annual interest rate 20.99% on purchases



Terms & Conditions apply




  • Earn 5 points for every dollar in eligible Card purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®
  • Earn 2 points for every $1 in all other Card purchases
  • Receive an Annual Free Night Award for up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide every year after your first anniversary
  • No annual fee on Additional Cards
  • Redeem points for free nights with no blackout dates at over 7,000 of the world’s most desired hotels
  • Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status membership 
  • Receive 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card. These can be used towards attaining the next level of Elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy program
  • Enjoy an automatic upgrade to Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card each year or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your card
  • 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.
  • Click here to apply for the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card


International Loyalty Programs

The Best Mastercard to use at Costco


You would think CIBC's Mastercard that is exclusively for Costco members would be the best Mastercard for Costco purchases but that's not the case! That card only earns 1% cash back at Costco where other cards can earn more. Your best bet is the Brim World Elite Mastercard as it provides a 2% return (on $25,000 in total annual spend), great benefits, No Foreign Transaction Fees and has no annual fee in the first year.

Recommended reading: Top 5 Mastercard Cards to use at Costco


Brim World Elite MasterCard


Apply Now

Why is this card the best?

You'll earn 2% cash back on all your Costco purchases until you reach the annual $25,000 cap on 2% cash back

The card offers No Foreign Transaction Fees so you'll save 2.5% on average on purchases made outside of Canada

It has a really strong insurance benefits package

 


Brim World Elite Mastercard

Brim World Elite Mastercard

Up to $500+ in first time bonuses from Brim merchant partners + no annual fee in the first year

Annual fee: $199 | Additional Cards: $50



Terms & Conditions apply




  • 2 points for every $1 spent up to $25,000 annually
  • 1 point for every $1 spent after that
  • No Foreign Transaction fees
  • Complimentary membership in Mastercard Airport Experiences provided by LoungeKey
  • Free Global Wi-Fi
  • Comprehensive package of insurance benefits

International Loyalty Programs

The Best Ultra Premium Card in Canada


Don't be swayed by the $799 annual fee - this is a high end card with an annual fee to match. The card comes with welcome bonus of up to 80,000 points which is worth $800 or more. This isn't even taking into consideration all the other benefits that this card affords and there are a lot. An annual $200 travel credit, hotel elite status, NEXUS credit, the best lounge access of all cards in Canada and more.

Recommended reading: How to maximize the elite status benefits from The Platinum Card from American Express


The Platinum Card®

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Why is this card the best?

Earns 3x Points per dollar on dining - including restaurants, fast food, coffee shops and more.

Redeem your points at anytime for virtually any purchase starting at only 1,000 points (or as little as $334 in spending)

Convert points directly to Air Canada Aeroplan or British Airways Executive Club on a 1:1 basis

Amazing travel benefits like an annual $200 travel credit, airport business class lounge access benefits, hotel elite status and more

 


The Platinum Card from American Express

Top Ultra Premium Travel Rewards Credit Card

The Platinum Card®

2024 Top Ultra Premium Credit Card
Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points - that’s up to $1,000 towards a weekend away

Annual Fee: $799 | Additional Card Fee: $250 for Platinum, $0 for Gold (First 2 Cards) then $50 each



Terms & Conditions apply




  • New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn 70,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $10,000 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
  • Plus, earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership

  • Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada, 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel, and 1 point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
  • Access a $200 Annual Travel Credit through American Express Travel Online or Platinum® Card Travel Service
  • Enjoy a $200 Annual Dining Credit at some of Canada’s best restaurants
  • Unlock $200 or more in additional value with Member extras. You can earn statement credits for qualifying purchases with participating brands

  • Take full advantage of The American Express Global Lounge CollectionTM  which unlocks access to over 1300 airport lounges worldwide. This includes The Centurion® Lounge network, Plaza Premium Lounges, and hundreds of other domestic and international lounges designed to enhance your travel experience
  • Enjoy flexible ways to use your points such as statement credits for any eligible purchase charged to your Card, new travel purchases booked on American Express Travel Online through the Flexible Points Travel Program, and eligible flights through the Fixed Points Travel Program
  • Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs
  • Enjoy complimentary benefits that offer an average value of $750 CAD at over 1,300 extraordinary properties worldwide when you book Fine Hotels + Resorts
  • Platinum Cardmembers can enjoy access to special events and unique opportunities
  • Enjoy premium benefits at the Toronto Pearson Airport
  • You will also have access to many leading hotel and car rental companies’ loyalty programs. Our partners include Marriott International, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Hertz and Avis

  • Interest applies in accordance with your Cardmember Agreement, Information Box, and Disclosure statement if the total New Balance is not paid by the Payment Due Date each month. All payments must be received by the Payment Due Date shown on the monthly statement
  • 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
  • Click here to apply for The Platinum Card from American Express


International Loyalty Programs

The Best Small Business Credit Card in Canada


Storming onto the market in late 2019 the American Express Business Edge Card quickly took the honours of the best small business card in Canada. A strong sign up bonus and mid-level annual fee on the primary card only (up to 99 supplementary cards are free) are just the start of why this card is so good. Now add in the earn rate of 3 points per dollar on eats & drinks, office supplies & electronics and rides & transit and the card just gets better. Then you have have the power of the Membership Rewards program on the redemption side where 1,000 points = $10 towards any purchase or you can utilize Amex' Fixed Points travel program to score huge value when travelling and the list goes on!


American Express Business Edge™ Card 


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Why is this card the best?

The welcome bonus of up to 45,000 points (worth $450+) coupled with a mid level annual fee is a huge benefit to this card

The earn rate of 3 points per dollar on eats & drinks, office supplies & electronics and rides & transit

1,000 bonus points for each month you spend $3,000 or more on the card - for the life of the card!

Valuable redemption options via the Membership Rewards Select program including the ability to convert to Aeroplan

 


American Express Business Edge™ Card

Top Small Business Travel Rewards Credit Card

American Express Business Edge™ Card

Top Small Business Travel Rewards Credit Card for 2023
Earn up to 67,000 welcome bonus Membership Rewards® points

Earn 45,000 Welcome Bonus points when you charge $5,000 in purchases to your Card in your first three months of Cardmembership
Plus, earn 10x the points for every $1 spent on eligible business essentials including office supplies & electronics, rides & gas, eats & drinks within 6 months of Cardmembership, up to a maximum of 10,000 points.
You can earn an extra 1,000 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $3,000 in purchases on your Card.
This could add up to 12,000 extra points in a year. That’s $670 in statement credits that can be reinvested in your business. 

Annual Fee: $99 | Additional Card Fee: $0

Earn points that you can redeem in a variety of ways.

  • Earn 3x the points for Card purchases on eligible business essentials including office supplies & electronics, rides & gas, eats & drinks when your Welcome Offer ends. Caps and other conditions may apply.
  • Earn 1x the points on all other purchases charged to the Card
  • Use points to offset business expenses. Membership Rewards® allows you to offset business expenses by covering the cost of purchases made on your Card, in full or in part.  Redeem points for statement credits and to book flights, hotels, and car rentals.
  • Transfer points to frequent flyer and hotel programs, including one-to-one to Aeroplan®* and Avios.

Make the most out of a full suite of business management tools that give you more control over your business - anytime and anywhere.

  • Leverage your cash flow with the option of carrying a balance or paying in full each month.
  • Employee Card Misuse Protection is a benefit created specifically for business owners and it provides coverage of up to $100,000 per Basic Cardmember in the event an employee misuses their Supplementary Card for unauthorized charges.

Access coverage that can protect your business purchases when you charge the full price of eligible items to your American Express Business EdgeTMCard.

  • Protect your eligible purchases against accidental physical damage and theft for up to 90 days with Purchase Protection® Plan
  • Double the manufacturer’s original warranty up to one additional year with Buyer’s Assurance® Protection Plan

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. Conditions apply.

 


There you have it! The best cards to get in various categories in Canada! Be sure to book mark this page as we will be adding more categories and as new cards or offers come along the best cards in each category may change!

Be sure to explore our site for many more articles, tips and tricks for credit cards and loyalty programs in Canada!

This feature was first posted on April 14, 2020 and is updated regularly.



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