The Best Credit Cards in Canada - July 2025
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 have 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 24 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:
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 ranked as our number one overall travel rewards card and right now it is the third 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 this 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 and transit (including ride sharing) 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.
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 in Canada - 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 in Canada!
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 Card 2025 | Top Hybrid Travel Rewards Card 2025 | #3 Best Cash Back Card in Canada
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
For non-Quebec residents, $12.99/month (Equals $155.88 annually). For Quebec residents, $150/year | Additional Cards: $0 | Annual interest rate 21.99% on purchases and 21.99% on funds advances Missed payment applicable rates, 25.99% - 29.99%
- 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, a room upgrade (when available), 12pm check-in and late check-out (when available), 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® Amex Presale & Reserved Tickets to some of your favourite concerts and theatre performances and special offers and events curated for Cardmembers with Amex ExperiencesTM
- 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
The best travel credit card in Canada is the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card. And by travel, we mean the card you want to have in your wallet while travelling and not to confuse it with travel rewards. The best travel rewards credit card is the Cobalt Card which is listed above as it's best to FUND your travels but the best travel credit card is all about the one that helps you the most while travelling.
And what do you need while travelling? Affordability, acceptance, great travel insurance coverage, travel benefits like lounge access, and extra perks like No Foreign Transaction fees which will save you 2.5% on purchases made outside of Canada. And guess which card is best at ticking all those boxes? The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card.
We at Rewards Canada like to call this card the most well rounded card in Canada as it does everything well. It may not be the best in a single category but rather than only being good at couple things and not so good at others like other cards, you get a great balance with this card, it's still a good points earner, has veryflexible redemption options and provides the extra benefits and insurance that travellers need. Click here to read our review of the card to learn more.
Why is this card the best?
The welcome bonus of 35,000 Scene+ Points provides great value
Earns 3x points at Empire grocery stores, 2x points for other grocery stores, dining plus 2x 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!
Airport lounge access membership with 6 free visit passes yearly (US$32 per visit afterwards)
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card
Top No Foreign Transaction Fee Rewards Credit Card 2025
Earn up to $1,350+ in value in the first 12 months, including up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points¹. Offer ends Oct 31, 2025
Annual Fee: $150 | Additional Cards: $0 for first card $50 for each additional | Minimum Income $60,000
- Bonus offer broken down as follows:
- Earn 35,000 bonus Scene+ Rewards points by making at least $2,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months.
- Plus, as a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite cardholder, you are eligible to earn an annual 10,000 Scene+ Rewards point bonus when you spend at least $40,000 in everyday net eligible purchases annually. - Earn 3x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more • Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligble entertainment puchases and eligible daily trasit options(including rideshares,buses,subways taxis and more)
- Plus earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases •
- Earn additional benefits + up to 4X Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- 6 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance coverage
- Visa Infinite* Concierge Services • Visa Infinite* Hotel Collection
- Visa Infinite* Dining and Wine Country program
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 2, 2025. Subject to change.
- Click here to apply for Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinte 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. Rates, fees and other information are effective as of Jan.3, 2025. Subject to change.
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
Why is this card the best?
The welcome bonus of up to 40,000 Aeroplan Points + first year free
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!
The program is becoming a big contender for booking hotels with points too!
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
Top Airline Credit Card for 2025
Earn up to $1,300 in value† including up to 40,000 Aeroplan points† and no Annual Fee for the first year†.
Conditions Apply. Offer effective as of January 7, 2025.
Annual Fee $139 | Additional Cards: $75 † | Annual interest rate 21.99% on purchases and 22.99% on funds advances (21.99% in Quebec) | $60,000 personal or $100,000 household annual income
Earn up to $1,300 in value†, including up to 40,000 Aeroplan points†, no Annual Fee for the first year† and additional travel benefits. Offer effective as of January 7, 2025.
- Earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first Purchase with your new Card†
- Earn 15,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $7,500 within 180 days of Account opening†
- Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 15,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 12 months of Account opening†
- Apply for the NEXUS program and once every 48 months get an application fee rebate (up to $100 CAD)†.
- Plus, share free first checked bags with up to 8 travel companions†
- Get an annual fee rebate for the first year†.
To receive the first-year annual fee rebate, you must activate your Card and make your first Purchase on the Account within the first 3 months after Account opening and you must add your Additional Cardholders while this offer is in effect.
Earning Aeroplan Points
- Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 spent on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, 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 200+ 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.
- 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.
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! (And right now due to technical issues this card's multipliers are working outside of Canada at select merchants!)
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
2025 Top Travel Points Credit Card with an annual fee
Earn up to $1,050 in welcome offers, first year rewards and savings value, including no annual fee in your first year, and up to 50,000 bonus Scene+ points
Offer ends Oct 31, 2025
Annual Fee: $120 | Additional Cards: $29 | Minimum Income $12,000
- Bonus offer broken down as follows:
- Earn 30,000 bonus Scene+ Rewards points by making at least $2,000 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
- Ppay no annual fee in your first year. - 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
- Earn 6x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
- Earn 5x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
- Earn 5x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes.Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
- Earn 3x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options.Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more
- Earn 3x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming sevices
- Plus earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
- Earn additional benefits + up to 4X Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance coverage
- AMEX Offers
- AMEX Front of the Line
- American Express Invites
- Complimentary Concierge Services
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 2, 2025. Subject to change.
- 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
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 low interest rate of 12.99% on purchases, which is 6 to 9% lower than most cards.
Why is this card the best?
Interest rates of 12.99% on purchases and 17.99% balance transfers
No annual fee
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, 17.99% on balance transfers✪, and 24.99% on cash advances|
- No annual fee
- Standard Annual Interest Rates of 12.99% on eligible purchases, 17.99% 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.
- This card is made from 100% recycled plastic
- Around-the-clock fraud protection
- Use available credit on your credit card to transfer funds right to your chequing account
- This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
- Click here to apply for the MBNA True Line® Mastercard® credit card
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..
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.
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 Secured Credit
Limited time offer: $25 welcome bonus2 when you apply and are approved for a Neo Secured Credit card
$5 monthly fee
- 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
- Build credit history with on-time payments
- Guaranteed approval4, no credit score needed to apply
- Up to 4% cash back on gas and grocery, up to 1% everywhere else
- Reports to both Transunion and Equifax
- Only $5 per month
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.
The overall best cash back card in Canada is the SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express. This card 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.
Why is this card the best?
Earn a bonus 10% cash back on all purchases for your first 3 months (up to $2,000 in purchases) on top of your regular cash back earn rates. Plus, earn a $50 statement credit when you make a purchase in month 13. This could add up to $250 in bonus value in your first 13 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 Amex ExperiencesTM
SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express
2025 Top Cash Back Rewards Credit Card
Earn accelerated earn rates on eligible gas and grocery purchases
Earn a bonus 10% cash back on all purchases for your first 3 months (up to $2,000 in purchases). Plus, earn a $50 statement credit when you make a purchase in month 13. This could add up to $250 in bonus value in your first 13 months.
$9.99/month (Equals $119.88 annually) for non-Quebec residents. $119/annual for Quebec residents. | Additional Card Fee: $0 | Annual interest rate 21.99% on purchases and 21.99% on funds advances; Missed payment applicable rates, 25.99% - 29.99%
- 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 Amex ExperiencesTM
- 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. 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 SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express
The Canadian credit card market has no shortage of no annual fee cards and most provide a very similar level of rewards and benefits. Out of them all we think the best card is 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 also 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
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
2025 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 21.99% on purchases and 21.99% on funds advances; Missed payment applicable rates, 25.99% - 28.99% Variable
- 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 Amex ExperiencesTM and Front Of The Line® Amex Presale Tickets, 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
The topic of a best AIR MILES Card is one I don't like - I actually chastise other websites that award Best AIR MILES Card badges as it's total bunk. There are only two consumer cards offering AIR MILES, one no fee and this one. To award a best AIR MILES card is not necessary but in the ever competitive space of copy cat websites we have this listed so when people search on the Google for the best AIR MILES card that we actually rank in the results.
The 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. Overall it is the most well rounded AIR MILES card in Canada.
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®*
Welcome offer: Get up to $1,000 in value including up to 7,000 AIR MILES Bonus Miles and no annual fee in your first year.†
Annual Fee: $120 (waived in first year) | Primary Card $50 Additional Card | Interest Rate: Purchases 21.99% Cash Advances & Balance Transfers 23.99% (21.99% for Quebec residents)
- Earn over 10x faster than other AIR MILES collectors:
- 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*
- 2x the Miles for every $12 spent at any eligible wholesale clubs, membership-based retailers and alcohol retailers*
- Earn 1 reward mile for every $12 in credit card purchases, everywhere you spend*
- Plus, you now have the flexibility to move your Miles between Cash and Dream with our new Transfer Miles feature, so if you want to turn your Cash Miles into a dream vacation, go for it!
- Enjoy a 7¢/L discount on Shell V-Power®± premium fuel and 2¢/L on all other Shell fuel every time you fuel up!
- 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*
- 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®*
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
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.
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
Experience Amex’s best offer this year on the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card
New Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Cardmembers earn up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points
Offer ends August 18, 2025.
Annual Fee: $120 | Additional Card Fee: $0 | Annual interest rate 21.99% on purchases
New Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Cardmembers earn up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points
- Earn 65,000 points after you spend $3,000 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
- Earn an additional 30,000 points after you spend a total of $20,000 on your card in your first 12 months of Cardmembership.
- Plus, earn 15,000 points when you make a purchase between 15 and 17 months of Cardmembership
- 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
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 recently updated BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard as it provides a 1.67% return on Costco purchases in addition to all the other opportunities at earning AIR MILES across Canada.
Recommended reading: Top 5 Mastercard Cards to use at Costco
Why is this card the best?
1.67% return on spending at Costco
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®*
Welcome offer: Get up to $1,000 in value including up to 7,000 AIR MILES Bonus Miles and no annual fee in your first year.†
Annual Fee: $120 (waived in first year) | Primary Card $50 Additional Card | Interest Rate: Purchases 21.99% Cash Advances & Balance Transfers 23.99% (21.99% for Quebec residents)
- Earn over 10x faster than other AIR MILES collectors:
- 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*
- 2x the Miles for every $12 spent at any eligible wholesale clubs, membership-based retailers and alcohol retailers*
- Earn 1 reward mile for every $12 in credit card purchases, everywhere you spend*
- Plus, you now have the flexibility to move your Miles between Cash and Dream with our new Transfer Miles feature, so if you want to turn your Cash Miles into a dream vacation, go for it!
- Enjoy a 7¢/L discount on Shell V-Power®± premium fuel and 2¢/L on all other Shell fuel every time you fuel up!
- 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*
- 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®*
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
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
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®
2025 Top Ultra Premium Credit Card in Canada
Experience Amex’s best offer this year on the Platinum Card®
New Platinum® Cardmembers can earn up to 180,000 Membership Rewards® points - that’s up to $1,800 towards a weekend away
Annual Fee: $799 | Additional Card Fee: $250 for Platinum, $0 for Gold (First 2 Cards) then $50 each
- Earn 100,000 points after you spend $10,000 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
- Earn an additional 50,000 points after you spend a total of $50,000 on your Card in your first 12 months of Cardmembership
- Plus, earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase between months 15 and 17 of Cardmembership
- Offer ends August 18, 2025
- 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 1,400 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 $550 USD at over 1,600 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
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express has replaced the American Express Business Edge Card as the best small business card as the latter has been closed to new applications. This card is perfect for small businesses who want a card that provides great travel benefits like amazing airport lounge access all without being tied to one airline. The card has a strong non-category bonus earn rate that of course is part of Membership Rewards so you get all the flexibility in travel rewards options the program providess. Like other Membership Rewards cards those points can then be used towards any travel bookings, statement credits and they can be converted to programs such as Air Canada Aeroplan, Air France KLM, British Airways Executive Club and others.
Why is this card the best?
The welcome bonus of up to 150,000 points (worth $1,500+)
The best airline lounge access program out of any business card offered in Canada
Annual travel credit and other small business credits
Valuable redemption options via the Membership Rewards Select program including the ability to convert to Aeroplan
Business Platinum Card® from American Express
The best Small Business Travel Rewards Card in Canada for 2025
Experience Amex’s best offer this year on the Business Platinum® Card from American Express®*
New Business Platinum® Cardmembers can earn up to 200,000 bonus Membership Rewards® points
Annual Fee: $799 | Additional Card Fee: $250 annually for Business Platinum Cards; $0 for Business Gold Cards | Purchase Interest: 21.99-28.99% on Flexible Payment Option limit and 30% on Due In Full balance
Experience Amex’s best offer this year on the Business Platinum® Card from American Express®* New Business Platinum® Cardmembers can earn up to 200,000 bonus Membership Rewards® points
- Earn 110,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership.
- Earn an additional 60,000 points after you spend a total of $90,000 on your Card in your first 12 months of Cardmembership.
- Plus, earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase between 15 and 17 months of Cardmembership.
- That’s up to $2,000 in statement credits that can be reinvested in your business.
- Offer ends August 18, 2025.
Earn points that you can redeem in a variety of ways.
- Earn 1.25 Membership Rewards points for virtually every $1 in purchases and get the most out of your business expenses
- Enjoy an exceptional line-up of rewards redemption options for you and your business, including travel, dining, entertainment, gift cards, merchandise, and more with Membership Rewards program.
- Transfer points to frequent flyer and hotel programs, including one-to-one to Aeroplan®* and Avios.
- Bolster your business with up to $820 in annual business and travel statement credit
- Enroll your eligible Card and earn up to $500 in business statement credits on qualifying purchases with Dell and Indeed.
- Enroll and earn up to $120 in eligible Wireless Credits each year.
- Access a $200 Annual Travel Credit each year of your Cardmembership
Unlock spending power and payment flexibility with a full suite of business management tools that give you more control over your business - anytime and anywhere
- Enjoy financial flexibility with no pre-set spending limit on purchases. With this Card, your purchasing power adjusts dynamically with your Card usage, and can grow over time, as long as you make your payments on time and maintain a good credit history.
- Maximize your cash flow with up to 55 interest free days so you can keep more cash on hand when you need it most.
- Pay for business expenses over time with Flexible Payment Option.
- This charge Card has both Due in Full and Flexible Payment Option balances. All Due in Full balances must be paid each month. Interest rate of 30% applies to each delinquent Due in Full Charge. This rate is effective from the day the account is opened. The Preferred rate of 21.99% applies to your Flexible Payment Option balance. If you have 2 separate Missed Payments in a 12 month period, the Flexible Payment Option rate for your account will be 25.99%. If you have 3 or more separate Missed Payments in a 12 month period, the Flexible Payment Option rate will be 28.99%. These rates are effective from the day the Flexible Payment Option is first available on your account.
Enjoy exclusive benefits for you and your business.
- Take full advantage of the American Express Global Lounge Collection which unlocks access to over 1400 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 premium benefits at the Toronto Pearson Airport, including access to the Pearson Priority Security Lane and discount on parking.
- Get access to discounted base fares for you and your travel companions when you book through the International Airline Program.
- Enjoy Fine Hotels + Resorts benefits at over 1,600 properties worldwide like guaranteed late check-out, complimentary breakfast for two, and more with Business Platinum.
- Upgrade your stay with premium status at leading hotel brands like Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy
- Enjoy access to specialty services and events, preferential treatment, and a dedicated Concierge team.
- Access a $100 CAD credit for NEXUS every 4 years with your Cardmembership
- Access comprehensive insurance coverage for your travel needs.
- Equip your business with Mobile Device Insurance
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
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 on a regular basis.