Ranked by real value — welcome bonus, ongoing rewards, and annual fee. We only list cards Canadians can actually get, with verified welcome offers.
| Card | Welcome Offer | Best For | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amex Cobalt | Up to 30,000 MR points (~$600) | Food, dining, travel | $155.88/yr ($12.99/mo) |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite | Up to 60,000 Aeroplan points (~$800) | Air Canada flyers | $139/yr |
| Scotiabank Gold Amex | Up to 40,000 Scene+ points (~$400) | Groceries + dining | $120/yr |
| Rogers Red World Elite | None (ongoing 3% cashback) | Unlimited cashback | $0 (Rogers customers) |
| Brim World Elite | None | Travel + no FX fees | $199/yr |
| Tangerine Money-Back | None | 2% cashback, no fee | $0 |
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite offers the highest single welcome bonus in Canada for Air Canada loyalists. If you fly regularly, the 60,000-point welcome offer alone is worth keeping this card for the year. The Amex Cobalt is the stronger all-rounder if you are not locked into Air Canada.
The Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard gives 3% cashback on every purchase with no cap. That is the highest flat-rate cashback on any Canadian credit card. The catch: you need to be a Rogers, Fido, or Shaw customer to get the no-fee version. Otherwise the Tangerine Money-Back card gives 2% in 3 categories at zero annual fee.
The Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard gives 2% in up to 3 categories you choose (groceries, gas, restaurants, etc.) and 0.5% everywhere else. No annual fee, no minimum income requirement. One of the best no-fee cards available to Canadians.
If your credit score is below 600 or you have limited credit history, look at secured credit cards. The Home Trust Secured Visa has a low annual fee and reports to both credit bureaus. KOHO also offers a Credit Building feature that works differently than a traditional card — it is a savings-backed account that builds credit without the risk of overspending. Use code BREMO2026 to get started at bremo.io/go/koho.
5x points on food and drinks. Up to 30,000 MR points welcome bonus earned monthly over 12 months.
Up to 60,000 Aeroplan points on signup. Free first checked bag. Travel insurance included.
6x Scene+ points at Sobeys and IGA, 5x at restaurants, 3x on gas. Up to 40,000 welcome points.
3% unlimited cashback on all purchases. No foreign transaction fees. Best flat-rate cashback in Canada.
If you have good credit (700+), start with the Amex Cobalt for maximum rewards value. If you are building credit, start with a no-fee secured card or KOHO's Credit Building feature. The wrong first card can cost you in annual fees before you understand how to maximize rewards.
Cashback is simpler and always valuable. Travel points can be worth more per dollar if you know how to redeem them, but require more planning. Canadians who fly Air Canada at least twice a year usually come out ahead with Aeroplan points. Everyone else usually does better with cashback.
Two to three is the sweet spot. One for everyday purchases (cashback or travel), one for specific categories (groceries, gas), and optionally one no-fee card for backup. More than 3 cards without a clear strategy can hurt your credit utilization ratio and tempt overspending.
Get a free bank account with cashback. KOHO Essential earns 1% on groceries and transit with no monthly fee. Code BREMO2026 gets you 3 months free.
Get KOHO FreeCard terms, welcome offers, and fees change frequently. Always verify current offers directly with the card issuer before applying. Bremo may earn a commission through referral links.