Best Credit Cards for Seniors in Canada
More than half (55%) of near-retiree households need to make lifestyle changes to avoid outliving their savings, according to a 2023 report by Deloitte Canada. Finding a credit card with minimal income requirements and low or no annual fees may be one place to start.
As you embrace your golden years, know that getting older doesn’t mean settling for lacklustre card options. There are plenty of credit cards packed with practical perks for retirees and people later in life.
Summary of the best credit cards for seniors in Canada
| Card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Interest rates | Rewards rate | Apply Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card | APPLY NOW on Scotiabank's website | ||||
 APPLY NOW on Scotiabank's website | 5.0/5 | $120 | 20.99%/22.99% | 1x-6x Points | |
| Scotiabank Value® Visa* Card | APPLY NOW on Scotiabank's website | ||||
 APPLY NOW on Scotiabank's website | 4.8/5 | $29 Waived first year | 13.99% | N/A | |
| RBC ION+ Visa Credit Card | APPLY NOW on RBC's website | ||||
 APPLY NOW on RBC's website | 4.7/5 | $48 | 20.99%/22.99% | 1x-3x Points | |
Best credit cards for seniors in Canada
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more.
Points for every $1 you spend on dining & food delivery. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
Points for every $1 you spend at other eligible grocery stores.
Points for every $1 you spend in Canada on eligible entertainment purchases. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
Points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas purchases.
Points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more.
Points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services.
Point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeA well-rounded rewards earner that stands out for its top-tier rates in popular categories, like groceries and entertainment spending. Its waived foreign exchange fees and travel insurance will appeal to travellers, but there’s no complimentary airport lounge access, just discounted membership to Priority Pass. Best for: Travellers and families who spend big on groceries, restaurants and commuting and want to collect Scene+ points.
Pros
- Generous rewards rates of up to 6x Scene+ points.
- No FX fees.
- Priority Pass airport lounge membership discount.
Cons
- No complimentary airport lounge access.
- Highest earn rate only applies to dollars spent at Sobeys and its subsidiary stores.
Card details
Card details- Earn up to $850 in welcome offers, first year rewards and savings value and up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points.¹
- 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 purchases. 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 services
- 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 January 2, 2026. Subject to change.
- *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.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThe card’s low 13.99% interest rate on purchases, cash advances and balance transfers can help you pay down debt quicker compared to a card with higher interest rates. But that’s all you're getting from this card. Besides discounts at participating car rental companies, there are no perks, no rewards and no complimentary insurances. Best for: Cardholders who typically carry a balance and want a simple, no-frills credit card.
Pros
- Low 13.99% APR.
- Low $29 annual fee.
Cons
- No rewards.
- No insurance coverage.
Card details
Card details- 0.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first 9 months (2% fee per cash advance, 13.99% after that annual fee $29).¹ Plus no annual fee in the first year.¹
- Plus no annual fee for the first year.¹
- Save hundreds of dollars in interest a year.
- Pay down balances faster.
- Simplify your monthly payments.
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of October 31, 2025. Subject to change.
- *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.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints on groceries.
Points on dining & food delivery.
Points gas & electric vehicle charging.
Points on rideshare.
Points on daily public transit.
Points on all other qualifying purchases.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeA solid, low-fee everyday earner with rewards rates that top out at 3x Avion points per dollar spent. Practical perks include fuel discounts and no annual fees for students, but insurance offerings are limited. Best for: Students and everyday shoppers seeking rewards on groceries, gas, entertainment and rideshares.
Pros
- Low $48 monthly fee.
- Fuel discounts of 3 cents per litre at Petro-Canada.
- Annual fee rebates for RBC Advantage Banking Account for Students account holders.
Cons
- Limited insurance coverage.
Card details
Card details- Get up to 21,000 Avion points^ - that’s up to $150 of value in gift cards!† Get 7,000 Welcome Points and earn 14,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 in your first 6 months^. Apply by May 6, 2026.
- Earn 3X Avion points for every $1 spent¹ on:
- Grocery, Dining & Food Delivery - Satisfy your taste buds by earning points on groceries, dining out, food delivery.ⁱ
- Rides, Gas & EV Charging – Enjoy earning points on gas, rideshare, daily public transit, electric vehicle charging.ⁱⁱ
- Streaming, Digital Gaming & Subscriptions– Stay entertained while earning points on streaming, gaming, eligible digital subscriptions, eligible digital downloads, and in-game purchases.ⁱⁱⁱ
- Earn 1 Avion point for every $1 spent on all other qualifying purchases.¹
- Annual Fee $48.
- Pay With Points – Redeem your Avion points to pay bills, your credit card balance or even send money to friends with Interac e-Transfer⁴. Minimum redemption is only $10, so you can use your points where you need them most.
- Save at Petro-Canada – Save 3¢/L on fuel and earn 20% more Petro-Points and 20% more Avion points when you pay with a linked RBC card.⁶
- Earn more Be Well points at Rexall – Earn 50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases at Rexall when you pay with your linked RBC card and scan your Be Well card.⁷
- Add your credit card to your DoorDash account and get a 6-month complimentary DashPass subscription⁶
- Earn Moi points at Metro - earn 1 extra Moi point for every $2 spent at Metro, Food Basics, Super C, Jean Coutu, Brunet and Première Moisson when you swipe your Moi Rewards card and pay with your linked RBC card (minimum purchase required)
- When you shop at Metro, Food Basics or Super C, and spend at least $60, you’ll get 1 additional Moi point for every 2 dollars you spend. When you shop at Brunet or Jean Coutu and spend at least $40 you’ll get 1 extra Moi point for every 2 dollars spent and when you shop at Premiere Moisson, and spend at least $20, you’ll get 1 extra Moi point for every 2 dollars spent.
- Students or Anyone 24 and Younger Receive an Annual Fee Rebate – Get the annual fee rebated every month if you open an RBC Advantage™ Banking Account for Students¹⁰.
- Mobile Device Insurance⁵ Included – Get 2 years of coverage up to $1,000 in the event your mobile device such as your cell phone is lost, stolen, accidentally damaged or experiences mechanical failure when you purchase your mobile device with this credit card.
- Purchase Security and Extended Warranty Insurance⁵ – Automatically protects eligible card purchases against loss, theft or damage within 90 days of purchase, and doubles the manufacturer's original Canadian warranty by up to one additional year, to a maximum of five years.
- Corresponding legal references and product terms are available on the RBC website, which will be available and agreed upon in the customer onboarding process.
- ^ This offer only applies to new applications for an RBC ION+ Visa credit card received between January 21, 2026 and May 6, 2026 (“Offer Period”) and approved by Royal Bank of Canada (“Royal Bank”), subject to the conditions below. Additional cardholders(s) (co-applicant and authorized user(s)) on the RBC ION+ Visa credit card account, as well as existing cardholders on any RBC Royal Bank personal credit card transferring to an RBC ION+ Visa credit card during the Offer Period, are not eligible for this offer. 7,000 Avion points (“Welcome Points”) will appear on your monthly credit card statement within sixty (60) days after your application has been approved, provided that your RBC ION+ Visa credit card account (“Credit Card Account”) remains open and in good standing at the time the Welcome points are credited to your account, “good standing” meaning that your Credit Card Account must not be past due for more than two (2) consecutive credit card account statement periods, closed, charged off or in credit revoked status. 14,000 additional Avion points (“Bonus Points”) will be awarded to you if a total of $1,500 (“Qualifying Transaction Amount”) or more in qualifying net purchases and/or pre-authorized bill payment transactions (“Qualifying Transactions”) are posted to your Credit Card Account within the first six (6) months from your Credit Card Account opening date (“Period”). The Bonus Points will appear on your monthly credit card statement within sixty (60) days after you reach $1,500 in Qualifying Transactions, provided your Credit Card Account is in good standing at the time the Bonus Points are credited to your account.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdowncash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada.
Cash back on eligible grocery store purchases in Canada (up to $1,200 cash back annually).
Cash back on all other purchases.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeGetting 2% back on everything is very rare, which makes this card one of our favourites. It also offers 4% back on gas and groceries, comes with comprehensive travel coverage and offers up to $60 in statement credits with Instacart. But the $119.88 annual fee ($9.99 a month) may be too steep for some users. Best for: People who value earning cash back over extensive travel perks.
Pros
- Unlimited 2% cash back.
- Up to $60 statement credit with Instacart.
- Comprehensive travel insurance.
Cons
- $119.88 annual fee is higher than average for a cash-back card.
Card details
Card details- 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.
- 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 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. 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
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco and more.
Points for every $1 you spend on restaurants, fast food, drinking establishments. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
Points for every $1 you spend on eligible grocery stores.
Points for every $1 you spend on eligible entertainment purchases. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
Points for every $1 you spend on eligible gas.
Points for every $1 you spend eligible daily transit. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more.
Points for every $1 you spend on eligible select streaming services.
Point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThe Scotiabank American Express Card offers solid Scene+ point rewards on everyday purchases like groceries and dining — all with no annual fee and a few built-in perks.
Pros
- Great earn rates on everyday purchases.
- Includes mobile device insurance.
- Enjoy special offers, experiences and more with American Express Invites.
Cons
- Limited insurance — only includes mobile device coverage, purchase security, and extended warranty.
- No Amex Membership Rewards — only earns Scene+ points, which have limited redemption options and can’t be transferred to airline or hotel programs.
Card details
Card details- Earn up to 5,000 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months (that’s up to $50 towards travel).¹
- Earn 3x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco and more
- Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on restaurants, fast food, drinking establishments and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
- Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on eligible entertainment purchases. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
- Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on eligible gas and daily transit. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more
- Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on eligible select streaming services
- 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.
- Mobile Device Insurance coverage
- American Express Invites®
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of October 31, 2025. Subject to change.
- *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.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints per dollar on the first $20,000 spent annually.
Points per dollar on spending between $20,001 and $30,000 annually.
Points per dollar on any amount spent over $30,000.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThis card offers up to 2x points on all purchases, a flexible rewards program and comprehensive travel insurance. But the earn rate is based on how much you spend on the card each year — limiting the highest 2x rate to a narrow $10,000 window. Best for: Someone who wants a simple rewards card with flexible redemption options.
Pros
- Robust travel insurance.
- Wide range of redemption options.
Cons
- Highest 2x earn rate only applies to annual spend between $20,001 to $30,000.
Card details
Card details- Enjoy up to 60 days' coverage with our travel, trip cancellation/interruption, baggage loss and car rental insurance.
- Get more for your points when you redeem them for travel rewards.
- Get up to triple the manufacturer's warranty for most items purchased using your credit card.
- Pay your card balance, invest in a Financial product or pay your mortgage with your rewards points or our À la carte Extras program®.
- Redeem your points to pay for travel expenses, such as plane tickets, car rentals or vacation home rentals.
- Redeem your points at our online store where we offer a wide range of rewards from top brands.
- Terms and conditions apply.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeTap into the equity of your home to access up to $1 million in revolving credit with low interest rates, no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. Just don’t expect to earn any rewards. Also worth considering is that this card is secured by your home’s equity. If you aren’t comfortable using this as collateral, you may want to consider alternative credit options. Best for: Homeowners who want to access big credit for major expenses.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- Access up to $1,000,000 in revolving credit.
- Low interest rates of 7.49%-15.49%.
Cons
- Doesn’t earn rewards.
- Interest rates vary by real estate collateral and the borrower’s credit.
Card details
Card details- No annual fee.
- Interest rates: 7.99% to 14.99% for purchases and cash advances. The rate you’ll receive depends on real estate collateral and your credit.
- Use home equity to secure anywhere from $20,000 to $1,000,000 in revolving credit. Use it to pay for renovations, a family vacation or other big-ticket item.
- No prepayment penalty when you pay off the entire balance.
- Pay no exchange fees on foreign currency transactions when using the Home Trust Equityline Visa for online shopping or abroad.
- Purchase Security insurance is included with the Home Trust Equityline Visa card. It insures eligible items against theft or damage for 90 days from the date of purchase.
- Visa Zero Liability policy offers protection from unauthorized purchases and fraudulent activity.
- Accepted in more than 200 countries and territories.
- Check the account balance, view transactions and pay bills online at Home Trust Visa Online.
- Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay Digital Wallet compatible.
- To be eligible, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
Methodology
BACK TO TOPWhat to know about credit cards for older adults in Canada
Your finances are likely to change as you grow older, and a credit card that may have once worked in your wallet may no longer support your financial goals. Exploring your credit card options can help you find a card that saves you money and rewards your spending.
What is a senior credit card?
Financial institutions rarely offer credit cards that are exclusively designed for those who are later in life. So any credit card could be considered a senior credit card unless it has eligibility criteria that specifically limit its availability to certain types of applicants, like students or business owners.
Can you get a credit card if you are retired?
You can get a credit card if you’re retired as long as you meet the card’s eligibility criteria. Basic credit card eligibility criteria in Canada typically require applicants to:
Be the age of majority in their province or territory of residence.
Be a Canadian resident.
Have no bankruptcy claims within the past seven years.
Additional qualifications commonly include credit score and annual income requirements. Generally speaking, cards with splashy perks, like premium travel benefits and robust insurance coverage, require stronger credit scores and higher annual incomes to qualify.
Annual income may include wages, salary, private pension payments from a past employer, withdrawals from retirement funds, Canadian Pension Plan payments, Old Age security payments and other sources.
Does age impact eligibility for credit card travel insurance?
Emergency medical coverage offers money up to a set amount to reimburse the cardholder in the event of a medical emergency while travelling. This form of travel insurance is most likely to carry restrictions and exclusions that pertain to older adults.
Credit card emergency medical travel insurance often covers card applicants up to the age of 65. Those over 65 may be offered the same amount of insurance coverage but for a shorter length of time. For example, a credit card may offer 20 days of emergency medical coverage for cardholders up to the age of 64, while those 65 and older might receive 10 days of emergency medical coverage. In other cases, those over the age of 65 may not be eligible for their credit card’s emergency medical coverage at all.
Always review the fine print to familiarize yourself with any caveats or restrictions associated with a credit card’s insurance coverage. When in doubt, contact the card provider directly to inquire.
How to compare your credit card options as an older adult
There’s no shortage of card options on the market, so to help narrow down your options, consider the following:
Eligibility criteria. Credit score and annual income requirements may impact your eligibility for certain credit cards. While annual income requirements should be relatively easy to spot, card providers tend to be less forthcoming about credit score thresholds.
Insurance. Credit card insurance comes in many shapes and forms, from travel coverage to mobile device protection. If you’re interested in a specific type of insurance, read through the card’s terms and conditions to confirm what’s available and what exclusions may apply.
Spending habits. Try to find a credit card that offers its highest rewards rate for a category in which you frequently spend to maximize your potential rewards.
Annual fee. If your income and budget have become more restrictive later in life, a credit card with no annual fee may be particularly appealing. Cards with annual fees tend to offer more substantial perks but are only worthwhile if you can offset the cost.
Rewards. Rewards programs are plentiful in Canada. The ideal program for you will depend on your finances and lifestyle.
The right credit card has the potential to significantly enhance your financial well-being. Take time to assess your options so that you can choose a card that supports your financial goals into your golden years.
DIVE EVEN DEEPER
Georgia Rose
Beth Buczynski