The BEST CREDIT CARDS in Canada (2025 Guide)

Choosing the best credit card in Canada can be overwhelming—with so many options, how do you know which one is right for you? Whether you’re a student, frequent traveler, cashback lover, or small-town spender, this guide breaks down the top credit cards in Canada based on rewards, fees, and real-world usability.

Why Your Credit Card Choice Matters

A great credit card can:
✔ Save you thousands in travel and cashback rewards
✔ Offer valuable perks like lounge access, insurance, and concierge services
✔ Help build credit while earning rewards on everyday spending

But the wrong card could mean missed rewards, high fees, or limited acceptance. Let’s find your perfect match.

Best Overall Credit Card: AMEX Cobalt Card

Annual Fee: $156($13/month)
Best For: Foodies, travelers, and points maximizers

Why It’s #1:

✅ 5x points on food & drinks (restaurants, groceries, delivery)
✅ 3x points on streaming services (Netflix, Spotify, Disney+)
✅ 2x points on travel & transit (3x if booked via AMEX Travel)
✅ 15,000 bonus points in the first year (worth **$150+\ast \ast )✅\ast \ast Mobiledeviceinsurance\ast \ast (coverstheft/damageupto$1,000)

Redemption Tip: Transfer points to Aeroplan or Flying Blue for up to 9¢ per point in value (great for business-class flights).

Downside: AMEX isn’t accepted everywhere (some small businesses exclude it).

Best Travel Credit Cards

1. AMEX Platinum Card (Premium Travel)

Annual Fee: $799(butloadedwithperks)✔\ast \ast 100,000welcomepoints\ast \ast ($2,000+ in travel value)
✔ $200annualtravelcredit+$200 dining credit
✔ Unlimited airport lounge access (Priority Pass + Centurion Lounges)
✔ Fine Hotels & Resorts benefits (free upgrades, late checkout)

Best For: Frequent travelers who want luxury perks.

2. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite (Air Canada Flyers)

Annual Fee: 100 every 4 years)**
✔ 1.5x points on gas, groceries, and Air Canada purchases

Best For: Loyal Air Canada travelers.

3. Scotiabank Gold AMEX (No Foreign Fees)

Annual Fee: $120
✔ No foreign transaction fees (great for international travel)
✔ 5x Scene+ points on groceries, dining, and entertainment
✔ 30,000-point welcome bonus

Best For: Canadians who travel abroad often.

Best Cashback Credit Cards

1. BMO Cashback World Elite Mastercard

Annual Fee: $120 (waived first year)
✔ 5% cashback on groceries
✔ 4% on transit, 3% on gas, 2% on recurring bills
✔ 4 free airport lounge passes/year

Best For: High earners (requires $80k+ income).

2. Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard (No Fee)

Annual Fee: $0
✔ 2% cashback in 3 categories (e.g., groceries, gas, restaurants)
✔ No income requirements

Best For: Budget-conscious spenders.

3. Simplii Visa (Restaurant Lovers)

Annual Fee: $0
✔ 4% cashback on restaurants
✔ 1.5% on gas & groceries

Best For: Foodies who dine out often.

Best Credit Cards for Unique Situations

1. For Costco Shoppers: Triangle World Elite Mastercard

✔ 3% cashback at Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, and groceries
✔ 1% on bills (like utilities)
✔ No annual fee

Best For: Costco & Canadian Tire shoppers.

2. For Rural Canadians: AMEX SimplyCash Preferred

✔ 2% cashback on everything, 4% on gas/groceries
✔ $99 annual fee

Best For: Those in areas where AMEX acceptance is limited.

3. For Students & Beginners: Capital One Secured Card

✔ Helps build credit
✔ No annual fee

Best For: Students or those rebuilding credit.

Upcoming Card: Wealthsimple Visa Infinite (Q2 2024)

✔ 2% cashback on everything
✔ No foreign transaction fees
✔ No annual fee if you deposit pay or hold $100k with Wealthsimple

Best For: Investors and high-earning minimalists.

FAQs: Best Credit Cards in Canada

1. Is the AMEX Cobalt worth it if I don’t travel much?

If you never travel, consider a cashback card like the Tangerine Mastercard or Simplii Visa. But if you travel even once every 2-3 years, the Cobalt’s points can still be valuable.

2. What’s the best no-fee credit card?

• Tangerine Money-Back (2% in 3 categories)

• Simplii Visa (4% on restaurants)

3. Which card is best for Costco?

Since Costco doesn’t take AMEX, the Triangle WE Mastercard (3% back) is a great alternative.

4. How do I maximize credit card rewards?

• Use AMEX Cobalt for food/dining

• Use BMO WE for groceries & gas

• Use Tangerine for bills & other categories

Final Verdict: Best Credit Card for You

Pro Tip: Pair the AMEX Cobalt (engine) with a cashback or travel card (body) for maximum rewards.

TAGS:

Best credit card Canada 2024, top rewards credit cards, best travel credit card Canada, no-fee credit cards, AMEX Cobalt review, cashback credit cards Canada, TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite, BMO World Elite Mastercard

Which card fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! 🚀