Credit card ledger
| Who it's for | Key number to check | Compare |
|---|---|---|
| First card or building credit Approval needs and annual fee | Approval needs and annual fee | Compare |
| Pulse pick Everyday cashback Flat rate vs rotating categories | Flat rate vs rotating categories | Compare |
| Carrying a balance 0% intro APR length and transfer fee | 0% intro APR length and transfer fee | Compare |
| Travel and miles Foreign transaction fee and bonus spend | Foreign transaction fee and bonus spend | Compare |
| Students No annual fee and credit-building tools | No annual fee and credit-building tools | Compare |
Amex · travel
Best for: Ideal for those who frequently spend on dining and entertainment, looking to maximize rewards through Scene+.
This card offers excellent rewards for frequent diners and entertainment seekers, but the high APR may deter those who carry a balance.
View card
Visa · travel
Best for: Best for those who travel frequently and can leverage the rewards for flights and upgrades.
This card is ideal for frequent travelers seeking flexibility and rewards, though its APR may deter balance carriers.
View card
Mastercard · low_interest
Best for: Individuals with existing credit card debt who need a low-interest option to manage payments effectively.
With a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for the first year, this card is ideal for those looking to manage existing debt. However, the maximum APR can reach 24.99%, which is steep for long-term users.
View card
Visa · student
Best for: Best for students wanting to earn cashback on everyday grocery purchases without incurring fees.
This card is a great choice for students looking to earn cashback without an annual fee.
View cardBest for: Canadians with bad credit wanting dual-bureau reporting
Lower APR than most Canadian secured cards and reports to both bureaus. The annual fee is a trade-off.
View card
Best for: Frequent diners and grocery shoppers in Canada with good credit looking to maximize rewards.
With a high rewards rate of 5x points on dining and groceries, this card is ideal for foodies and frequent shoppers. However, the steep annual fee may deter casual users.
View card
Best for: Individuals who typically carry a balance and prioritize low interest rates over rewards.
With a low 12.99% interest rate, this card is great for those who carry a balance. However, the lack of a rewards program may deter those looking for perks.
View card
Mastercard · cashback
Best for: High-income Canadians with excellent credit scores who want to maximize cashback on everyday purchases.
With a strong cashback structure, this card is a those who frequently spend on groceries and gas. However, the high annual fee and income requirements limit accessibility for average earners.
View cardBest for: TD Bank customers building credit
Another Big Five secured card option. TD's extensive branch network is a plus for in-person banking.
View card
Visa · travel
Best for: Best suited for frequent travelers who can leverage the card's travel rewards and benefits.
The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card offers solid travel rewards but comes with a notable annual fee.
View card
Amex · cashback
Best for: Best for Canadians who frequently spend on gas and groceries and prefer straightforward cashback rewards.
The SimplyCash Card is a solid choice for everyday spenders looking to earn cashback without an annual fee.
View cardBest for: Canadian newcomers wanting to start with a major bank
A secured card from one of Canada's Big Five banks. The big-bank backing means easy graduation to unsecured cards.
View card
Mastercard · cashback
Best for: Best for Canadians who travel to the U.S. or make significant purchases in USD.
This card is ideal for those who frequently spend in USD and want to earn cashback without annual fees.
View cardBest for: Newcomers wanting to build credit with a major Canadian bank
Big Five bank secured card with a clear path to unsecured products. Annual fee is the trade-off for the CIBC relationship.
View card
Visa · cashback
Best for: Individuals with good credit seeking to earn cash back rewards on everyday purchases while traveling.
This card is excellent for those looking to maximize cash back on their spending, especially with the 10% cash back on eligible purchases in the first three months. However, the high annual fee and APR may deter users who carry a balance.
View cardBest for: Budget-conscious Canadians who want a simple, fee-free secured card focused purely on credit building.
The Home Trust Secured Visa is about as simple as secured cards get — no annual fee, no rewards, no gimmicks. The 19.99% interest rate is fair for a secured card, and the broad deposit range ($500-$10,000) gives you flexibility on your credit limit. Reports to both Equifax and TransUnion.
View card
Mastercard · student
Best for: Students with limited income who want to earn rewards while managing everyday expenses.
The BMO CashBack Mastercard for Students is for students looking to earn rewards on everyday purchases. Its no annual fee and high cashback rates make it an attractive option, but the APR can be steep for those who might carry a balance.
View card
Mastercard · secured
Best for: Individuals in Canada with no established credit looking to build their credit profile.
The Capital One Guaranteed Mastercard is those needing to establish or improve their credit, thanks to its guaranteed approval. However, the high APR range of 21.9% to 29.9% can be costly for long-term users.
View card
Mastercard · cashback
Best for: Best for consumers who primarily spend on groceries and want to avoid annual fees.
This card is a practical choice for those who want to earn cashback without annual fees.
View cardMastercard
Best for: Canadians looking for the lowest barrier to entry for a secured card that also earns rewards.
The Secured Neo Mastercard stands out for its extremely low $50 minimum deposit — one of the lowest in Canada. It also earns 1% cash back on gas and groceries, which is unusual for a secured card. The monthly fee of $7.99 adds up to about $96/year, but the cash back and credit-building tools partially offset it.
View card