The Best Credit Cards in Canada - March 2023
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 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 20 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 been ranked as our number one overall travel rewards card and it is the second 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 it 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, travel and transit 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 (Globally) - 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 around the world!
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, British Airways Executive Club, Marriott Bonvoy and others
American Express Cobalt® Card
2023 Top Overall Travel Rewards Card | 2023 Top Hybrid Travel Rewards Card
In your first year as a new Cobalt Cardmember, you can earn 2,500 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $500 in net purchases on your Card. This could add up to 30,000 points in a year. That’s up to $300 towards a weekend getaway or concert tickets
Monthly Fee $12.99/month of Cardmembership ($155.88 annually) | Additional Cards: $0 | Annual interest rate 20.99% on purchases and 21.99% on funds advances
- Earn 5x the points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery
- Earn 3x the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
- Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible transit & gas purchases in Canada and eligible travel purchases. That's 2X the points on purchases that get you from point A to B
- Earn 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else. We won't tell you where to spend, we'll just reward you on your Card purchases
- 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® Presale & Reserved Tickets to some of your favourite concerts and theatre performances and special offers and events curated for Cardmembers with American Express® Experiences
- American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details, current product information and Terms and Conditions, click the Apply now link. Conditions Apply
- Click here to apply for the American Express Cobalt Card
This is something we like to see! RBC has decided to bring their flagship card into the game of bigger and better bonuses. So many other issuers have been steadily increasing the offers on their cards - many with their best ever bonuses - and even RBC has done so on their British Airways, Cathay Pacific and WestJet cards. Now, it's the RBC Avion Visa Infinite card's turn. Right now the card has a new welcome bonus of up to 55,000 RBC Rewards points which just happens to be the best ever bonus ever provided for this card.
Why is this the best limited time offer?
You get 35,000 points upon approval - no purchase necessary. In fact people report getting the bonus in their account before receiving the physical card
The additional 20,000 points is easy to earn as you only have to spend $5,000 over the course of 6 months. That's less than $1,000 per month (You can spend more if you like however so that you can get the additional bonus sooner!)
You'll have no less than 60,000 points you'll have after spending the $5,000
60,000 points are worth $600 to over $1,000 when redeemed for travel
It is currently one of the easiest welcome bonus offers to achieve that gives you great bang for your buck!
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card
Get up to 55,000 bonus points (a value of up to $1,100), That’s enough to fly anywhere in North America or the Caribbean! (Taxes and Fees extra)
You’ll get 35,000 Welcome Points on approval and 20,000 bonus points when you spend $5,000 in your first 6 months. Apply by April 30, 2023 *
Annual Fee: $120 | Additional Card Fee: $50
- Earn 1 RBC Rewards® point for every dollar you spend* and an extra 25% on eligible travel purchases.
- When you are ready to travel again, Avioners can book flights with points on any airline, on any flight, at any time, early or last minute, with no blackout periods or restrictions.
- Avioners earn points that never expire so your points will be waiting for your next adventure.
- Redeem your points for travel and more. Use points for anything from paying bills and paying your card balance to redeeming for Gift Cards and Merchandise at top brands like Apple. The RBC Rewards program gives you the freedom of choice to use your points your way, and helps you make the most as an Avioner.
- Eligible RBC Rewards members can also convert points to other loyalty programs including WestJet dollars, British Airways Avios points and Hudson’s Bay Rewards points.
- Link your RBC card with a Petro-Points membership to instantly save 3₵ per litre on fuel at Petro-Canada stations and earn 20% more Petro-Points and 20% more RBC rewards points
- Link your RBC card with a Rexall Be Well account and get 50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall. Redeem Be Well points faster for savings in store on eligible purchases where 25,000 Be Well points = $10
- Get access to RBC offers which provides access to earn points faster at specified brands
- Extensive insurance including: mobile device insurance, travel insurance (trip cancellation, interruption and emergency medical) and other eligible purchases to protect you and your family
- Avioners get access to luxury Visa Infinite benefits including first in line for exclusive events, and hotel and dining benefits.
- Avioners no longer need 14-days to book travel using the RBC grid
- Up to a 2.3% return on your spending depending on which reward ticket you book
- Unwritten ability to redeem for Business Class tickets although at a lower rate of return when compared to the Avion Reward chart
- Get $0 delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash17 - Add your eligible RBC credit card to your DoorDash account to:
• Get a 12-month complimentary DashPass subscription18 – a value of almost $120
• Enjoy unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees on orders of $12 or more when you pay with your eligible RBC credit card
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 55,000 Aeroplan Points coupled with no annual fee in the first year provides huge value of at least $825!
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!
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
2023 Top Airline Credit Card
Earn up to 55,000 Aeroplan points†. Plus, first year no Annual Fee†. Conditions Apply. Must apply online by May 28, 2023.
Annual Fee $139 | Additional Cards: $75 † | Annual interest rate 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on funds advances | $60,000 personal or $100,000 household annual income
Earn up to $1,500 in value† including up to 55,000 Aeroplan points, no annual fee for the first year and additional travel benefits. Must apply by May 28, 2023.
- Earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase with your new card†
- Earn 30,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $5,000 within 180 days of Account opening†
- Plus, earn an additional 15,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $7,500 within 12 months of Account opening†
- Enroll for NEXUS and once every 48 months get an application fee rebate†
- 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 by May 29, 2023.
- Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 spent on eligible gas, 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 170+ 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.
Now approaching five years of being in the Canadian market, the HSBC World Elite Mastercard is the card to have whether you do lots of travel or shop online in other currencies as you'll save on average 2.5% over most cards in Canada. On top of this it has earn rates that give you 1% to 3% back on your spending when you redeem for any travel (yes any travel with any travel provider) Or you can choose to convert points to three airline programs (British Airways being the most popular) which can provide huge outsized value, think 5 to 15% or more. It has a $100 annual travel enhancement credit, business class lounge access and a very good insurance package.
Why is this card the best?
The welcome bonus of 80,000 HSBC Rewards Points and no annual fee in the first year provide huge travel value
Earn 6 points per dollar spent on any travel and 4 points per dollar on gas, groceries, and drug stores
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!
Ability to convert points to British Airways Executive Club, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles & Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
HSBC World Elite® Mastercard®
Top No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Card for 2023
Earn up to 80,000 Points* PLUS a full annual fee rebate for the Primary Cardholder for the first year*
Primary Cardholder Annual Fee: $149 (1st year annual fee rebate*) | Authorized User Annual Fee: $0 Per Card | Annual interest rate: 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances and balance transfers. | $80,000 personal or $150,000 household annual income
Special offer: Earn up to 80,000 points* ($400 travel value) PLUS a full annual fee rebate for the primary cardholder for the first year* ($149 value) and receive a $100 annual travel enhancement credit*. Must apply by May 31, 2023. Conditions apply.
• Welcome bonus of 20,000 points* ($100 travel value)
• Earn 10,000 points* each month when you spend at least $1,000 each month for the first 6 months of account opening (up to $300 travel value)
• First year annual fee rebate for the primary cardholder* ($149)
• Receive a $100 annual travel enhancement credit*
• With the HSBC World Elite Mastercard you earn 6 points for $1 in Net Purchases which are Travel Purchases, 4 Points for $1 in Net Purchases that are Gas, Grocery and Drugstore Purchases and 2 Points for $1 in Net Purchases, other than Travel, Gas, Grocery and Drugstore Purchases.
• Save on all your foreign currency purchases (even online) with no additional foreign currency conversion charges.
• Enjoy maximum flexibility and redeem your Points on your terms for:
• Travel
• Gift cards and valuable merchandise
• Financial rewards
• Rewards for miles
*Terms and Conditions apply
®/TM Mastercard and World Elite are registered trademarks, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Used pursuant to licence
This offer is only available to residents of Canada other than the province of Quebec (Quebec residents eligible for separate offer)
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 standard low interest rate of 12.99%, which is 6 to 9% lower than most cards.
Why is this card the best?
Standard annual interest rate of 12.99% on purchases and 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 • No annual fee • Standard Annual Interest Rates of 12.99% on eligible purchases, 12.99% 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 • Around-the-clock fraud protection • Use available credit on your credit card to transfer funds right to your chequing account. Apply for the MBNA True Line® Mastercard® credit card today • This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.  †, ✪, Terms and Conditions apply. This offer is not available for residents of Quebec. For residents of Quebec, please click here. 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. |
After a revamp in late 2021, there is a new champ as the best cash back in card, well actually it was a champ before, got knocked down to second place but now has firmly taken back the top spot. That card is the SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express. This 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?
One of the highest cash back welcome bonuses where in your first 10 months as a new SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express Cardmember, you can earn a $40 statement credit for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in purchases on your Card. This could add up to $400 in statement credits in the first 10 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 American Express Experiences
SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express
2023 Top Cash Back Rewards Credit Card
Earn accelerated earn rates on eligible gas and grocery purchases
In your first 10 months as a new SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express Cardmember, you can earn a $40 statement credit for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in purchases on your Card. This could add up to $400 in statement credits in the first 10 months
Monthly Fee: $9.99 ($119.88 annually) | Additional Card Fee: $0 | Annual interest rate 20.99% on purchases and 21.99% on funds advances; Missed payment applicable rates, 24.99% - 26.99%
- 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 American Express® Experiences
- 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. Conditions apply
- 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. The best of them in our mind has changed in 2021 - we think the best card is now 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 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
2023 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 20.99% on purchases and 21.99% on funds advances; Missed payment applicable rates, 23.99% and/or 26.99%
- 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 American Express Experiences and Front Of The Line®, 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
One of Canada's largest and most popular loyalty programs AIR MILES has quite a few credit cards to choose from. The best one of the bunch is the American Express® AIR MILES* Platinum Credit Card as it has amazing earning potential. It is the only card in the market that earns 1 AIR MILES Reward Mile for every $5 spend in the select categories of food and drinks as well as gas and transit. All other spending earns 1 AIR MILES Reward Miles for every $10 spent - a rate that's not even matched by the next best AIR MILES card the BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard. Add in a welcome bonus of 2,000 miles, an annual travel redemption benefit that saves you 25% on an AIR MILES award flight (up to 750 miles in total discount) and you see why this card is the best AIR MILES credit card in Canada
Why is this card the best?
A strong welcome bonus of 2,000 AIR MILES which is worth just over $200
The best earn rate of any AIR MILES credit card with 1 mile earned for every $5 on eligible food & drinks and gas & transit
Annual travel redemption benefit that gives you back 25% of the miles used for a flight as a bonus - up to a max of 750 bonus miles
American Express® AIR MILES* Platinum Credit Card
New American Express® AIR MILES®* Platinum Credit Card Cardmembers, earn a Welcome Bonus of 2,000 AIR MILES®* Bonus Miles when you charge a total of $1,500 in purchases to your Card within your first three months of Cardmembership. That’s enough to redeem for $200 towards your purchases with AIR MILES®* Cash
Annual Fee: $120 | Additional Card Fee: $50 for each Additional Aeroplan®* Card to share some of the benefits and earn Aeroplan points faster $0 for each Additional Aeroplan®* No Fee Card to earn points faster
- Earn 1 Mile for every $5 in Card purchases, up to $30,000 annually, on eligible food & drinks, (such as eligible restaurants, coffee shops and stand-alone grocery stores), and eligible gas & transit (such as local commuter transportation including ridesharing services and taxi) in Canada.
- Earn 1 Mile for every $10 in Card purchases everywhere else.
- American Express® AIR MILES®* Platinum Credit Card Cardmembers can take advantage of the Annual Travel Redemption Benefit. Once per calendar year, when an eligible Cardmember uses Dream Miles with the AIR MILES Reward Program to book their first single flight or package vacation through airmiles.ca or vacations.airmiles.ca, they can get Bonus Miles equivalent to 25% of the net number of Miles used (up to a maximum of 750 Bonus Miles).
- Shop at participating AIR MILES®* Partners®* across Canada with your Card and show your AIR MILES®* Card, and you can earn Miles twice
- 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 AIR MILES Platinum Credit Card
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?
The welcome bonus of up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
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
Ranked the 5th best overall travel rewards credit card in Canada
Unlock Travel Possibilities
New Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Cardmembers earn 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points after you charge $1,500 in purchases to your Card in your first three months of Cardmembership. Subject to change at any time
Annual Fee: $120 | Additional Card Fee: $0 | Annual interest rate 19.99% on purchases and 21.99% on funds advances; Missed payment applicable rates, 23.99% and/or 26.99%
- 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. Conditions apply
- 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 Brim World Elite Mastercard as it provides a 2% return (on $25,000 in total annual spend), great benefits, No Foreign Transaction Fees and has no annual fee in the first year.
Recommended reading: Top 5 Mastercard Cards to use at Costco
Why is this card the best?
You'll earn 2% cash back on all your Costco purchases until you reach the annual $25,000 cap on 2% cash back
The card offers No Foreign Transaction Fees so you'll save 2.5% on average on purchases made outside of Canada
It has a really strong insurance benefits package
 Brim World Elite MasterCard Annual Fee: $199 Primary Card (Waived in first year) $50 Secondary Card • Up to $500 in first time bonuses from Brim merchant partners • 2 points for every $1 spent up to $25,000 annually • 1 point for every $1 spent after that • No Foreign Transaction fees • Complimentary membership in Mastercard Airport Experiences provided by LoungeKey • Free Global Wi-Fi • Comprehensive package of insurance benefits |
Don't be swayed by the $699 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®
2023 Top Ultra Premium Credit Card
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points - that’s $800 towards a weekend away
New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn 80,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $7,500 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
Annual Fee: $699 | Additional Card Fee: $175 for Platinum, $50 for Gold
- Earn 3 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
- You will have access to a $200 CAD Annual Travel Credit to use towards any single travel booking of $200 or more charged to your Platinum Card and made on www.americanexpress.ca/travel or through Platinum Card Travel Service
- Take full advantage of The American Express Global Lounge CollectionTM which unlocks access to over 1200 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 1,000 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 such as discount on parking
- You will also have access to many leading hotel and car rental companies’ loyalty programs. Our partners include Marriott International, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Radisson Hotel Group Americas, 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. Conditions apply
- Click here to apply for The Platinum Card from American Express
Storming onto the market in late 2019 the American Express Business Edge Card quickly took the honours of the best small business card in Canada. A strong sign up bonus and mid-level annual fee on the primary card only (up to 99 supplementary cards are free) are just the start of why this card is so good. Now add in the earn rate of 3 points per dollar on eats & drinks, office supplies & electronics and rides & transit and the card just gets better. Then you have have the power of the Membership Rewards program on the redemption side where 1,000 points = $10 towards any purchase or you can utilize Amex' Fixed Points travel program to score huge value when travelling and the list goes on!
Why is this card the best?
The welcome bonus of up to 45,000 points (worth $450+) coupled with a mid level annual fee is a huge benefit to this card
The earn rate of 3 points per dollar on eats & drinks, office supplies & electronics and rides & transit
1,000 bonus points for each month you spend $3,000 or more on the card - for the life of the card!
Valuable redemption options via the Membership Rewards Select program including the ability to convert to Aeroplan
American Express Business Edge™ Card
Top Small Business Travel Rewards Credit Card for 2023
Earn up to 67,000 welcome bonus Membership Rewards® points
Earn 45,000 Welcome Bonus points when you charge $5,000 in purchases to your Card in your first three months of Cardmembership
Plus, earn 10x the points for every $1 spent on eligible business essentials including office supplies & electronics, rides & gas, eats & drinks within 6 months of Cardmembership, up to a maximum of 10,000 points.
You can earn an extra 1,000 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $3,000 in purchases on your Card.
This could add up to 12,000 extra points in a year.
That’s $670 in statement credits that can be reinvested in your business.
Annual Fee: $99 | Additional Card Fee: $0
Earn points that you can redeem in a variety of ways.
- Earn 3x the points for Card purchases on eligible business essentials including office supplies & electronics, rides & gas, eats & drinks when your Welcome Offer ends. Caps and other conditions may apply.
- Earn 1x the points on all other purchases charged to the Card
- Use points to offset business expenses. Membership Rewards® allows you to offset business expenses by covering the cost of purchases made on your Card, in full or in part. Redeem points for statement credits and to book flights, hotels, and car rentals.
- Transfer points to frequent flyer and hotel programs, including one-to-one to Aeroplan®* and Avios.
Make the most out of a full suite of business management tools that give you more control over your business - anytime and anywhere.
- Leverage your cash flow with the option of carrying a balance or paying in full each month.
- Employee Card Misuse Protection is a benefit created specifically for business owners and it provides coverage of up to $100,000 per Basic Cardmember in the event an employee misuses their Supplementary Card for unauthorized charges.
Access coverage that can protect your business purchases when you charge the full price of eligible items to your American Express Business EdgeTMCard.
- Protect your eligible purchases against accidental physical damage and theft for up to 90 days with Purchase Protection® Plan
- Double the manufacturer’s original warranty up to one additional year with Buyer’s Assurance® Protection Plan
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.
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 regularly.