Updated March 2025

Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards Canada 2025

Why pay an annual fee when great no-fee credit cards are available? These cards earn cash back or rewards with $0 annual fee — perfect for most everyday Canadians in 2025.

Top Picks for 2025

Ranked by overall value — rates, fees, features, and Canadian-specific benefits.

KOHO Note: KOHO offers a completely free tier with 1% cashback on groceries and transit — no credit check required and $100 bonus with code 45ET55JSYA. The perfect complement to any no-fee credit card.

1
KOHO Essential (Free)
1% cashback on groceries & transit

Bonus/Welcome: $100 (code 45ET55JSYA)

Pros: $100 bonus, no credit check, no FX fees, credit building add-on, instant approval

Cons: Visa prepaid, not a traditional credit card

Get $100 Bonus with KOHO →
Annual Fee$0 forever
Earn Rate1% cashback on groce
2
Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard
2% on 2 selectable categories, 0.5% elsewhere

Bonus/Welcome: 2% on select categories for first 3 months

Pros: Best 2% no-fee cash back, flexible category selection, no FX on cash back

Cons: 0.5% on non-selected categories

Annual Fee$0
Earn Rate2% on 2 selectable c
3
Rogers Mastercard
3% on US purchases, 1.5% on CAD purchases

Bonus/Welcome: $25 welcome bonus

Pros: 1.5% everywhere, best for international spending

Cons: Best value for Rogers customers

Annual Fee$0
Earn Rate3% on US purchases,
4
SimplyCash Amex (no fee)
1.25% on everything

Bonus/Welcome: 2.5% for first 3 months

Pros: Flat 1.25% on all purchases, simple cash back

Cons: Amex acceptance issues in Canada, lower rate than Tangerine 2%

Annual Fee$0
Earn Rate1.25% on everything
5
Scotiabank Scene+ Visa
2x Scene+ points on groceries/dining/entertainment

Bonus/Welcome: 5,000 Scene+ points

Pros: Good Cineplex rewards, no annual fee

Cons: Scene+ points less flexible than cash back

Annual Fee$0
Earn Rate2x Scene+ points on
6
PC Financial Mastercard
10 PC Optimum points per $1 at Loblaws/Shoppers

Bonus/Welcome: $25 welcome offer

Pros: Excellent at Loblaws banner stores, PC Optimum synergy

Cons: Best value only at PC-affiliated stores

Annual Fee$0
Earn Rate10 PC Optimum points

Get $100 Free with KOHO

$100 Cash Bonus

No credit check required. Earn cashback + interest. Canada's best everyday spending account.

45ET55JSYA


Claim Your $100 →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best no-fee credit card in Canada for cash back?
Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard earns 2% in up to 3 categories with no annual fee — it's the top no-fee cash back card in Canada. For those who want a no-credit-check option, KOHO's free tier earns 1% with a $100 sign-up bonus.
Can I get a no-fee credit card in Canada with bad credit?
Yes — KOHO (code 45ET55JSYA) offers a Visa prepaid card with cashback and no credit check. KOHO's Credit Building feature can help you improve your credit score to qualify for traditional no-fee credit cards within 6–12 months.
Do no-fee credit cards have lower rewards than cards with annual fees?
Generally yes — paid cards offer better rewards to offset their fees. However, for moderate spenders, the higher rewards on a $99+ annual fee card may not exceed the fee cost. Calculate your expected cashback on both options using your actual spending.
Is the Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard good?
Yes — it's one of Canada's best no-annual-fee cards. You earn 2% in 2 categories (or 3 if you have a Tangerine account), and the categories are flexible. Monthly cashback deposits are a nice touch. The 0.5% on non-selected categories is low, so use it mainly for your 2% categories.