Bremo › Credit Cards
Updated: March 2026 | Reviewed by the Bremo editorial team
Choosing the right credit card in Canada can save you hundreds — or even thousands — of dollars per year. Whether you want cash back on everyday purchases, travel rewards, or a simple no-fee option, this guide covers the top cards across every major category in 2025.
Earns 4% cash back on groceries and gas, 2% on recurring bills, and 1.25% on everything else. Annual fee of $99/year. One of the highest flat earn rates in Canada for everyday spending.
Earn Aeroplan points on every purchase. 1.5 pts per dollar on eligible grocery, gas, and Air Canada purchases; 1 pt per dollar elsewhere. $139 annual fee with strong travel insurance coverage.
No annual fee with 2% cash back in 2 (or 3 with a Tangerine savings account) spending categories of your choice. Best flexible no-fee card in Canada.
| Card | Category | Top Earn Rate | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amex SimplyCash Preferred | Cash Back | 4% grocery/gas | $99 |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite | Travel/Aeroplan | 1.5 pts | $139 |
| Scotiabank Gold Amex | Scene+ Travel | 6x points dining | $120 |
| Rogers World Elite Mastercard | Cash Back | 3% on Rogers purchases | $0 |
| Tangerine Money-Back | No Annual Fee | 2% chosen categories | $0 |
| BMO AIR MILES World Elite MC | AIR MILES | 1 Mile per $12 spent | $120 |
| CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite | Aeroplan | 1.5 pts grocery/gas | $139 |
| Amex Cobalt | Membership Rewards | 5x on eats/drinks | $155.88/yr |
Look at your last 3 months of bank statements. Most Canadians spend the most on groceries, gas, and dining. Pick a card that earns the highest rate in your top category.
A $120 annual fee is worth it if the rewards and benefits exceed $120/year. For someone who spends $2,000/month, the Amex SimplyCash Preferred ($99 fee) typically earns $400–$600 in cash back annually — well worth the cost.
American Express isn't accepted everywhere in Canada, particularly at smaller merchants and gas stations. If you want a card accepted everywhere, choose Visa or Mastercard as your primary card.
For frequent travelers: airport lounge access, comprehensive travel insurance, $200 annual travel credit, and 3x points on dining and travel. The annual fee pays for itself if you use the travel benefits.
Top-tier Aeroplan card with preferred pricing on rewards, complimentary Maple Leaf Club passes, and up to 2 pts/dollar. For heavy Air Canada travelers.
Most Canadian credit cards charge 19.99% APR on purchases and 22.99%–24.99% on cash advances. If you carry a balance, interest charges will quickly wipe out any rewards you earn. These cards are only worth it when paid in full each month.
If you're working to avoid debt, a prepaid Mastercard like KOHO can be a smart alternative. You earn cash back on purchases without the risk of overspending or paying interest.
KOHO's prepaid Mastercard earns cash back on groceries and gas without the risk of credit card debt. No credit check, no annual fee. Use code 45ET55JSYA for a sign-up bonus.
Get KOHO Free — Use Code 45ET55JSYAVisa and Mastercard are accepted at virtually every merchant in Canada. American Express is widely accepted but not universal — some smaller businesses and Costco don't accept it.
Two cards is the sweet spot for most Canadians: one primary rewards card and one backup. Having too many cards can complicate your finances and may affect your credit score if you open too many in a short period.
Most charge 2.5% on foreign currency transactions. Travel-focused cards like the Scotiabank Gold Amex and Rogers World Elite Mastercard waive these fees entirely.
Yes — newcomer programs from Scotiabank, RBC, TD, and CIBC allow recent immigrants to apply without Canadian credit history. KOHO also works without a credit check.
The best credit card in Canada depends entirely on your spending habits and financial goals. If you want maximum cash back, go with the Amex SimplyCash Preferred. For Air Canada travel, TD or CIBC Aeroplan cards are unbeatable. For zero risk and no fees, KOHO is an excellent prepaid alternative.
Compare all options carefully, calculate your expected annual rewards, and pick the card that earns the most for your specific lifestyle.