Shannon Terrell
Erica CorbinMany or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own.
Visa credit cards are one of the commonly used and widely accepted both in Canada and outside the country. Visa cards make up a significant portion of the over 76 million cards currently used by Canadians[1]. Visa credit card offerings include cards for consumers, small businesses and commercial enterprises to ensure there’s a “best” Visa card for everybody. All you have to do is consider your spending, credit limit and rewards preferences to decide which Visa card fits the bill for you.
The best Visa credit cards in Canada
Best overall Visa credit card
Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card
Earn up to $1,000 in cash back on grocery shopping and recurring bill payments with a 4% rewards rate in both categories.
Pros
- It’s rare for a credit card to offer 4% cash back on two major spending categories. It’s even rarer to set a $25,000 annual limit to that 4% — a $1,000 value — before reverting to the healthy 1% base rate.
- You can waive the $120 annual fee every single year by using the Scotiabank Ultimate Package.
Cons
- The cash back earned is hands-off. You have to wait until November, and then it’s only redeemable as a statement credit. If you have a Scotiabank account, that annual payout can be deposited into your bank account.
- The 4% rate won’t mean much to you if you don’t buy a lot of groceries or often buy your food at somewhere that Visa doesn’t classify as a grocery store or supermarket, such as Canadian Tire, FreshCo, London Drugs, Walmart and No Frills.
- SPECIAL OFFER: Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases). No annual fee in the first year, including on supplementary cards. Offer ends October 31, 2024.
- Earn 4% for every $1 you spend on grocery store purchases, recurring bill payments, and subscription purchases.
- Earn 2% for every $1 you spend on gas purchases and daily transit purchases.
- Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases with no cash back limit.
- Redeem cash back as a statement credit in November.
- Visa Infinite benefits, including Visa Infinite* Concierge, Visa Infinite* Luxury Hotel Collection, Visa Infinite* Dining Series, and entertainment and lifestyle offers.
- Save up to 25% off base rates at participating AVIS locations and at participating Budget locations in Canada and the U.S.
- Access to Scotia SelectPay™.
- To be eligible, $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household) annual income is required, or $250,000 minimum assets under management. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident that is the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
- Terms and Conditions Apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details.
Best for: Rewards on travel bookings
TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card
With a large welcome bonus and accelerated earn rate on travel booked through ExpediaForTD.com, the TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card is perfect for travellers aiming to score free flights and hotel visits.
Pros
- A generous welcome bonus worth up to $800 in value.
- Travel expenses eligible for redemption include more than just hotel stays and flights – baggage fees, airport parking, car rentals, cruises, travel attractions, entertainment and more are all fair game.
Cons
- This card doesn’t have as many travel perks as others on the list, but you can quickly earn free flights and hotel stays.
- No free airport lounge access — you only receive an annual discount on a Priority Pass lounge membership.
- Earn up to $800 in value†, including up to 100,000 TD Rewards Points† and no Annual Fee for the first year†. Conditions Apply. Account must be approved by June 3, 2024.
- Earn a welcome Bonus of 20,000 TD Rewards Points when you make your first Purchase with your Card†.
- Earn 80,000 TD Rewards Points when you spend $5,000 within 180 days of Account opening†.
- Earn a Birthday Bonus of up to 10,000 TD Rewards Points†.
- 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.
- To receive the first Additional Cardholder first-year annual fee rebate, you must add your first Additional Cardholder by June 4, 2024.
- Earn 8 TD Rewards Points† for every $1 you spend when you book travel through Expedia® For TD†.
- Earn 6 TD Rewards Points† for every $1 you spend on Groceries and Restaurants†.
- Earn 4 TD Rewards Points† for every $1 you spend on regularly recurring bill payments set up on your Account†.
- Earn 2 TD Rewards Points For every $1 you spend on other Purchases made using your Card† plus earn an annual Birthday Bonus† of up to 10,000 TD Rewards Points.
- No travel blackouts†, no seat restrictions† and no expiry† for your TD Rewards Points as long as your account is open and in good standing.
- Each year, you will receive one $100.00 TD Travel Credit on your first Eligible Travel Credit Purchase of $500.00 or more made with Expedia For TD and posted to the Account in a calendar year.
- Interest Rates: 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances.
- Go Places on Points: Your Points are worth more when you redeem through Expedia® For TD: Search over a million flights, hotels, packages and more! When you’re ready to book, you can redeem† your TD Rewards Points towards your travel purchase right away.
- Redeem your TD Rewards Points towards making purchases at Amazon.ca with Amazon Shop with Points. Conditions apply.
- Shop online through TDRewards.com Redeem your TD Rewards Points for great deals on a wide selection of merchandise and gift cards.
- Option to purchase TD Auto Club Membership†: and be covered 24 hours a day for emergency roadside assistance services in case something goes wrong when you are out on the road.
- Travel Medical Insurance†: Up to $2 million of coverage for the first 21 days. If you or your spouse is aged 65 or older, you are covered for the first 4 days of your trip. Additional top-up coverage is available.
- Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance†: For Trip Cancellation, up to $1,500 of coverage per insured person, with a maximum of $5,000 for all insured persons, and for Trip Interruption, up to $5,000 of coverage per insured person, with a maximum of $25,000 for all insured persons on the same covered trip.
- To be eligible, $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household) annual income is required. Also, 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.
- †Terms and conditions apply.
- This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
- 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.
Best for: Rewards on daily spending
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card
The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card boasts a generous intro offer, competitive rewards rates on popular daily spending categories and point-boost incentives for adding an authorized user.
Pros
- You can earn up to 10% more points by adding an authorized user to your account.
- Mobile device insurance up to $1,000.
Cons
- Limited travel insurance may disappoint frequent travellers.
- The bonus rewards rate drops down to the 1x flat rate after a $50,000 annual spend. Considering how many categories fit into the cap, hitting the limit will be easy for families and big spenders.
- Welcome offer: Get up to 60,000 points worth $400 in travel rewards, a $50 lifestyle credit and the $120 annual fee waived in the first year – that’s a $570 value in your first year!*
- Earn 5x the BMO Rewards points on groceries, dining, gas and transit.*
- Get 1 BMO Reward for every $1 spent on everything else.*
- Get a $50 annual lifestyle credit to spend however you want.*
- Mobile Device Insurance that covers you for up to $1,000.*
- Earn 10% more points when you add an authorized user to your account.*
- Pay with Points by browsing your recent transactions & redeem your points for as little as $1.
- *Terms and conditions apply.
- 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.
Best for: Bad credit
Home Trust Secured Visa (No annual fee)
The Home Trust Secured Visa offers a straightforward, no-frills experience for credit builders. Plus, there are two secured credit card options to fit a variety of needs: a no-fee card, and a low-interest card with a $59 annual fee.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- Payments are reported to both credit bureaus.
Cons
- You’ll need to budget for the $500 minimum deposit.
- No ability to earn rewards on purchases.
- No annual fee.
- Lower interest rate available for a $59 annual fee.
- $500 minimum security fund deposit required.
- $10,000 maximum security fund deposit.
- Hard credit checks are made on Home Trust Secured Visa applications.
- Credit activity, including every payment, is reported to TransUnion and Equifax, the two major consumer credit bureaus in Canada.
- Ability to upgrade to an unsecured credit card.
- Manage your account and billing online.
- Cardholders can choose between a card with no annual fee and 19.99% interest or an annual fee of $59 and 14.90% interest.
- Protection against fraud through Visa’s Zero Liability Policy.
- Preferred rates: 19.99% for purchases and cash advances.
- To be eligible, you must have a source of income and cannot currently be in bankruptcy. You must also be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live. The Home Trust Secured Visa Card is not available to Québec residents.
Best for: Beginners and newcomers
Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* Card
Perfect for movie-goers, you’ll earn Scene+ points on everyday spending and 2x the points each time you make a Cineplex purchase. Points can be redeemed for more than just movie tickets — rewards include merchandise, dining, entertainment, airfare and even hotel stays.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- Earn up to 7,500 Scene points within the first year.
- Flexible point redemption program.
Cons
- Insurance coverage isn’t included — it must be opted into.
- No option to earn cash back.
- Earn up to 7,500 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months¹
- No annual fee in the first year, including on supplementary cards¹
- Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, participating Co-ops, Freshco and more
- Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on Home Hardware, Home Building Center, Home Furniture locations in Canada and online at homehardware.ca
- Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend at Cineplex theatres or online at cineplex.com
- Plus earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of Mar 1, 2024. Subject to change.
- Terms and Conditions Apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details.
Best for: No foreign transaction fees
Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card offers competitive earn rates and easy-to-understand redemption on travel — 1 point equals 1 cent in travel savings.
Pros
- Complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program membership, with six free airport lounge visits included every year, which is more than typically included with a credit card.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- The accelerated rate on travel purchases only lasts three months — but you can earn up to 42,500 points, worth $425 in travel savings.
- The annual $1,000 bonus requires you to spend $40,000 per year on everyday spending on the card.
- Earn up to $1,100+ in value in the first 12 months, including up to 35,000 bonus Scene+ points and first year annual fee waived on your first supplementary card. Offer Ends January 3, 2024.
- The only major bank credit card offering you no foreign transaction fees, including for shopping online or abroad.
- Your Award Winning Card For Travel.
- Earn 2 Scene+ points on every $1 you spend on eligible grocery stores, dining, entertainment purchases, and daily transit purchases (including buses, subways, taxis and more).
- Earn 1 Scene+ point on every $1 you spend on all other eligible purchases.
- You’ll earn 3X Scene+ points for each dollar charged to your account on all eligible purchases¹ at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà by IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Chalo! FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés TradItIon, Rachelle Béry and Co-Op.
- Airport lounge access through complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program membership, plus six complimentary lounge visits per year from the date of enrollment, providing you with access to 1,200+ airport lounges globally, including participating Plaza Premium Lounges.
- Visa Infinite* benefits including Visa Infinite Concierge, Visa Infinite* Luxury Hotel Collection, Visa Infinite* Dining Series, and Entertainment & Lifestyle Offers.
- Access to Scotia SelectPay™.
- To be eligible, $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household) annual income is required, or a minimum assets under management of $250,000. Also, 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.
- Terms and Conditions Apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details.
Best for: Aeroplan rewards
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Card
While it’s a little light on exclusive perks, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite card offers an interesting collection of benefits that should be more than enough to keep many users satisfied.
Pros
- An admirable amount of insurance coverage considering the card’s relatively low annual fee.
- Families can combine their Aeroplan points.
Cons
- Few opportunities to earn double points on purchases, even during the introductory period.
- Beyond the free first checked bag allowance and access to Visa Infinite’s lineup of food, beverage and luxury hotel offers, juicier travel perks are in short supply.
- Earn 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase. Earn 20,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $4,000 or more during the first 4 monthly statements periods. Earn 15,000 Aeroplan points as an additional anniversary bonus when you have at least $10,000 in net purchases posted on your account during the first 12 monthly statement periods. Offer applies to new cardmembers only.
- 1.5x Aeroplan points for every dollar spent on gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries and direct Air Canada purchases, including Air Canada Vacations, up to a maximum annual spend of $80,000.
- 1x Aeroplan point for every dollar you spend on all other purchases.
- Earn points twice by providing your Aeroplan number at over 150 Aeroplan partners and more than 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore.
- Points can be redeemed for flights, car rentals and hotel bookings, as well as merchandise and gift cards available in the Aeroplan eStore.
- $139 annual fee, which can be reduced each year if you have a CIBC Smart Plus account.
- Access to Visa Infinite offers, including exclusive benefits at luxury hotels, gourmet restaurants and wineries in British Columbia, Ontario and Sonoma Valley.
- Car rental discounts of up to 25% at participating Avis and Budget locations worldwide.
- The Aeroplan Family Sharing plan allows Aeroplan members in the same household to combine their points and speed up the delivery of their next flight reward.
- Primary cardholders hoping to reach Aeroplan Elite Status can receive 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and 1 Status Qualifying Segment for every $10,000 in eligible purchases.
- Access to CIBC Pace It, an installment plan designed to help you pay off large or unexpected purchases over time at a lower interest rate.
- 13 types of insurance provided, including 15-day travel medical benefits (three days if you’re 65 or older on your departure date) — worth up to $5 million in coverage per insured person.
- Preferred rates: 20.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances.
- To be eligible, $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household) annual income is required. You must also be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live who has not declared bankruptcy in the last seven years.
Best for: Cash back rewards
Simplii Financial™ Cash Back Visa Card
The $0-annual-fee Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa Card earns bonus cash-back on the purchases you make almost every day.
Pros
- Earn up to 4% cash back on eligible purchases in restaurants, bars and coffee shops.
- Get cash back on fee-free global money transfers.
Cons
- The 0.5% base rate isn’t exactly impressive, but it only applies after you hit the annual spending limits of bonus categories.
- It only includes purchase security and extended protection insurance.
- Earn 4% on eligible restaurant, bar and coffee shop purchases up to $5,000 spend per year†.
- Earn 1.5% on eligible gas, groceries, drugstore purchases and pre-authorized payments, up to $15,000 per year†.
- Earn 0.5% on all other credit card purchases with no limit on how much you can earn†.
- Get 20% cashback in your first 3 months on eligible gas, groceries, drugstore purchases and pre-authorized payments (up to $500 spend)†
- Redeem cash back as a statement credit in December.†
- No annual fee.
- Cash back when you send money abroad with a Simplii Financial Global Money Transfer. No transaction fees and no interest charges.†
- Purchase security and extended protection insurance provided.†
- Interest rates: 20.99% for purchases‡, 22.99% for cash advances‡.
- To be eligible, a $15,000 (individual/household) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident (excluding Quebec) that is the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
- †Terms and conditions apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details. This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
- ‡ “Purchase” means any Transaction other than a Cash Advance, Balance Transfer or Convenience Cheque. “Cash” means a Cash Advance, Balance Transfer and Convenience Cheque. Interest rates may change from time to time.
Best for: Airline rewards for businesses
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Business Plus Card
In addition to a solid earn rate on Air Canada purchases, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Plus card helps businesses earn Aeroplan points on items and services they’ll inevitably spend money on, like shipping, internet and phone services.
Pros
- Strong earn rates on Air Canada purchases and when buying common business items.
- Achievable bonuses, like an Air Canada Buddy Pass and 10,000 bonus points earned after your first purchase.
- Broad selection of travel insurance included, plus perks like four complimentary
- Maple Leaf Lounge™ One-Time Guest Passes per year.
Cons
- Smaller businesses may not spend enough to score the full 60,000 welcome bonus.
- Capitalizing on the highest earn rates won’t be possible if you don’t fly with Air Canada frequently.
- Intro offer: Earn 10,000 points after making the first purchase, 20,000 points by spending $3,000 during the first four months, and 30,000 points by spending $35,000 during the first year. Plus, an annual fee rebate for the first card and each additional cardholder.
- Receive an Air Canada Buddy Pass, good for a $0 base fare anywhere Air Canada flies in North America, when $3,000 is charged to the account in the first four monthly statement periods.
- Free first checked bag for two travellers for each flight when a round-trip Air Canada flight is taken in the first year.
- Maple Leaf Lounge access: up to four passes worth $25 each for every $10,000 in eligible spend.
- $120 annual fee — rebated in the first year.
- $50 annual fee for each additional card — first year rebate for up to three cards.
- Add up to 15 cardholders to consolidate business expenses and earn points faster.
- Earn 2 Aeroplan points for every dollar spent directly with Air Canada, including through Air Canada Vacations. After $80,000 in net annual card purchases, Aeroplan points are earned at the regular rate.
- Earn 1.5 Aeroplan points for every dollar spent on shipping, internet, cable, phone services, travel and dining.
- Earn 1 Aeroplan point for every dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partners and more than 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan estore.
- Points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, merchandise, gift cards and more.
- Book flight rewards using fewer points when booking through the Rewards Officer.
- Fraud alerts and zero liability protection if a card is stolen or used for fraudulent purchases.
- Travel insurance: trip cancellation insurance (up to $1,000 per insured person per trip to a maximum of $5,000), trip interruption/trip delay insurance (up to $2,000 per insured person per trip), flight delay insurance (up to $500 per occurrence), stolen/lost/delayed baggage insurance (up to $500 per insured person to a maximum of $1,000 per occurrence), car rental collision and loss damage insurance (on cars with a suggested retail price of less than $65,000), common carrier accident insurance (up to $500,000 per insured person), purchase security and extended warranty protection.
- Free Uber Pass for six months.
- Access to Visa Spend Clarity for Business, a web-based reporting solution for expense management.
- Preferred rates: 19.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances.
Best for: Business cash back rewards
Meridian Visa Infinite Business Cash Back Plus Card
It may be short on perks, but by offering 1.5% cash back on all purchases, the Meridian Visa Infinite Business Cash Back Plus Card provides a reliable way for businesses to take a bite out of their expenses.
Pros
- The earn rates will be there no matter how much you spend.
- No annual fee in the first year.
- Internationally-minded businesses will love the extensive range of travel insurance offerings and 3% cash back on foreign currency purchases.
Cons
- No welcome bonus or introductory earn rates.
- The income and earnings threshold required for approval may be too high for newer or smaller businesses.
- The 3% earn rate won’t benefit businesses who deal solely in Canadian currency.
- Earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases.
- Earn 3% unlimited cash back on net purchases in foreign currencies.
- Cash back earnings can be redeemed at any time for account credits, travel, event tickets, gift cards and other merchandise.
- Annual fee: $110, but free for the first year.
- Additional card fee: $49.
- Access to Visa expense management tools.
- Visa Infinite Benefits, which include concierge services and exclusive access to luxury hotels, dining events and wine tastings.
- Full suite of travel insurance and services, including: trip cancellation and interruption insurance (up to $2,000 per person), baggage insurance (up to $1,000 per person), common carrier accident protection (up to $1,000,000), auto rental collision/loss insurance, mobile device insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty coverage and 24/7 travel assistance.
- Preferred rates: 19.50% on purchases, 19.50% on cash advances.
- Eligibility requirements: either $60,000 annual personal income, $100,000 annual household income, minimum annual spend of $30,000 on current issuer’s card, assets under management of $250,000, or minimum business annual sales revenue of $500,000.
Best for: Avion points
RBC ION Visa Credit Card
The no-fee RBC ION Visa Card earns Avion points on every dollar spent with elevated rates for eligible grocery, gas, gaming purchases and more. Cardholders can save up to 3 cents per litre on fuel when they pay with their RBC ION Visa at Petro-Canada. It may lack lavish travel perks and robust insurance coverage, but as far as no-fee cards are concerned, the RBC ION Visa has a respectable lineup of benefits for everyday spenders.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- Petro-Canada fuel discounts.
- Earn bonus Be Well points on Rexall purchases.
- Accelerated earn rate on eligible grocery, gas, transit, streaming and digital gaming purchases.
Cons
- Insurance is limited to purchase security & extended warranty protection.
- Enjoy 3,500 Avion points upon approval.*
- Earn 1.5X Avion points¹ on:
- Grocery – Satisfy your taste buds by earning points on groceries.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
- 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 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
- Save Big on Delivery with DoorDash – Get a 3-month complimentary DashPass subscription – a value of almost $30.⁸ Enjoy unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees on qualifying orders of $15 or more when you pay with your eligible RBC credit card⁹. See how to save with DoorDash.
- 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.
Best for: Students
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Card for Students
Credit card beginners can use the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students to accumulate travel rewards thanks to a solid earn rate and a generous welcome bonus.
Pros
- The welcome bonus has no strings attached or hoops to jump through — simply make a purchase a receive 10,000 Aeroplan points.
- Your Aeroplan membership will help you earn points twice as fast at Aeroplan partners and retailers in the Aeroplan eStore when you pay with your Aeroplan credit card.
Cons
- The higher 20.99% interest rate could be a problem for students learning how to use their first credit card.
- To get the best value, you’ll have to be loyal to Air Canada and the Aeroplan rewards program.
- 1x Aeroplan points per dollar on gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries and Air Canada travel purchases, up to $40,000 annual spend.
- 1x Aeroplan points per $1.50 spent on all other purchases, including gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries and Air Canada travel purchases that exceed the $40,000 threshold.
- Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partners and 170+ online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore.
- Aeroplan Points never expire and can be redeemed for a variety of travel, merchandise, gift card, and other rewards offered by Aeroplan’s participating partners and suppliers.
- $0 annual fee.
- Get three free months of Uber Pass for discounts on rides, meals and more. Offer ends September 8, 2022.
- Earn 1 Aeroplan point for every $6 spent on CIBC Global Money Transfer, with no transaction fees or interest as long as you pay your balance on time. Offer ends June 30, 2022.
- Maximize your points by adding up to three additional cards and giving them to your spouse or other family members. Points can be shared with other Aeroplan members in your household.
- Earn points by using your CIBC Aeroplan Visa to automatically make recurring bill payments.
- Receive preferred pricing when paying for flights with your Aeroplan points.
- Save up to 25% on car rentals at participating Budget and Avis locations worldwide when paying with your card.
- Save up to 10 cents per litre at participating Chevron, Ultramar and Pioneer gas stations if you link your card with Journie Rewards.
- Use the CIBC Pace It feature to make installment payments on large purchases.
- Four types of insurance are provided: auto rental collision and loss damage insurance, purchase security, extended protection insurance, and $100,000 in common carrier accident insurance.
- Preferred rates: 20.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances.
- To be eligible, you must have full-time status in a college or university.
Best for: Aventura rewards
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card
There’s a lot to like about the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card. It’s rife with travel perks, like complimentary airport lounge access, a NEXUS fee rebate and travel insurance. Plus, it offers a high rewards earn rate on travel spending, which will appeal to travel bugs.
Pros
- Accelerated rewards on travel spending.
- Comprehensive travel insurance.
- Four complimentary airport lounge visits annually.
- NEXUS application fee rebate.
- Ongoing annual fee rebates for customers with a CIBC Smart Plus Account.
Cons
- Annual income requirements may disqualify some applicants.
- Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre.
- Earn 1.5 points for every $1 spent at eligible gas stations, electric vehicle charging stations, grocery stores and drug stores, up to $80,000 annual spend.
- Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on other purchases or on category spending in excess of the $80,000 annual limit.
- Earn 1 Aventura Point for every $4.00 spent on a CIBC Global Money Transfer. There are no transaction fees, and you won’t be charged interest as long as you pay your balance by the payment due date.
- Use Aventura Points to cover full airfare, including taxes and fees.
- To redeem your points for hotel stays, vacation packages, cruises, merchandise, gift cards and one-of-a-kind activities, visit the CIBC Rewards Centre.
- Use your Aventura Points to help pay down your credit card balance or contribute them to select financial products.
- Enjoy an annual fee rebate every year for the primary cardholder of up to $139 if you have a CIBC Smart Plus Account.
- Out-of-province emergency travel medical insurance.
- Flight delay and baggage insurance.
- Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance.
- Auto rental collision and loss damage insurance.
- $500,000 common carrier accident insurance.
- Purchase security and extended protection insurance.
- Hotel burglary insurance.
- Mobile device insurance.
- Kick back in a comfortable lounge before boarding and enjoy your four complimentary visits with the Visa Airport Companion Program. Zip in and out of the country with a rebate on one NEXUS application fee every four years.
- Score luxury upgrades, tickets and tours through Visa Infinite Exclusive Offers.
- Fly any airline with points that don’t expire. Access personalized travel booking and trip planning with no booking fees through the Aventura Travel Assistant.
- Link your Journie Rewards card to save on every fill-up at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.
- To be eligible, a $60,000 individual or $100,000 household minimum annual income is required.
Bets for: Low interest rates
Scotiabank Value® Visa* Card
A rare 0% intro period on balance transfers and low interest rates year-round, the Scotiabank Value Visa can help you quickly pay down balances transferred from higher-rate credit cards.
Pros
- Cardholders who carry a balance will save money every month with this card’s low 12.99% interest rate on purchases, cash advances and balance transfers.
- A stellar 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first six months.
Cons
- No rewards.
- No insurance coverage.
- 0% introductory interest rate on Balance Transfers for the first 10 months (12.99% after that; annual fee $29).¹ Plus no annual fee in the first year.¹ Offer ends 31 Oct 2024.
- Save up to hundreds of dollars a year on interest.
- Low interest rate of 12.99%.
- Pay down higher interest rate balances faster.
- Transfer higher rate balances and save even more.
- To be eligible, $12,000 (individual) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident that is the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
- Terms and Conditions Apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details.
Honourable mention: Avion points
RBC Avion Visa Infinite
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite is a premium card that comes with extensive insurance coverage, a generous intro offer, plenty of Visa Infinite benefits, and a competitive flat rewards rate with no limit to what you can earn.
Pros
- You can transfer Avion points to many frequent flyers programs and even score promotional bonuses on those transfers to further increase their value.
- Strong insurance coverage and travel protection, including mobile device insurance up to $1,500.
Cons
- It can be tricky to redeem your points for the most value.
- A high income is required.
- Get 35,000 welcome Avion points on approval** – Enough to fly anywhere in Canada & the U.S† (Alaska and Hawaii require more points)
- Earn 1 Avion point for every dollar you spend* and an extra 25% on eligible travel purchases.
- 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 Avion Rewards program gives you the freedom of choice to use your points your way, and helps you make the most as an Avioner.
- Eligible Avion 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 Avion 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.
- 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 subscription± – a value of almost $120.
- Enjoy unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees on orders of $15 or more when you pay with your eligible RBC credit card.
- Corresponding legal references and product terms are available on the RBC website, which will be available and agreed upon in the customer onboarding process.
Honourable mention: Businesses that travel
TD Business Travel Visa* Card
With its huge welcome offer, high earn rates on travel and foreign currency, and hearty selection of perks and benefits, the TD Business Travel Card is a strong option for businesses of any size.
Pros
- Large intro offer that many established businesses will be able to earn.
- Wide range of travel perks, including a broad selection of insurance, rewards on foreign currency and travel booking, and more.
- Very strong earn rates in certain purchase categories.
Cons
- Smaller businesses may not spend enough to score the full welcome bonus of 175,000 TD Rewards points.
- Lack of flexibility with travel booking, which must be done through ExpediaForTD.com to earn rewards.
- Earn a value of up to $1,122 in TD Rewards Points (that’s up to 175,000 TD Rewards Points) with no Annual Fee in the first year. Conditions Apply. Account must be opened by June 3, 2024.
- Earn 9 TD Rewards Points when you book travel online through ExpediaForTD.com using your Card.
- Earn 6 points for every dollar spent on foreign currency purchases, restaurant purchases and regularly recurring bill payments up to a maximum annual spend of $80,000. Earn rate becomes 2 TD Rewards Points per dollar spent after that.
- Earn 2 TD Rewards Points per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, retail business merchandise, gift cards, while making business purchases at Amazon.ca with Amazon Shop, and more. They can also be used to pay down the card’s balance.
- No travel blackouts, no seat restrictions and no expiry for TD Rewards Points.
- Annual fee: $149 — rebated in the first year.
- Annual fee on additional cards: $49 — rebated for up to three cards in the first year.
- Interest rates: 19.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances.
- Access online reporting, review business expenses, managing existing credit limits and apply spend controls through the TD Card Management Tool.
- Visa SavingsEdge program: save up to 25% on eligible business purchases.
- Travel benefits: travel medical insurance (up to $2 million in coverage for the first 15 days for those under 65; coverage lasts for 4 days for those 65 and older); common carrier travel accident insurance (up to $500,000 for covered losses), trip cancellation insurance (up to $1,500 per insured person; maximum of $5,000), trip interruption insurance (up to $5,000 per insured person; maximum of $25,000), flight/trip delay insurance (up to $500 if a flight or trip is delayed for longer than 4 hours), delayed and lost baggage insurance (up to $1,000 of overall coverage per insured person), auto rental collision/loss damage insurance (covers the full cost of a car rental).
- Toll-free emergency travel assistance services.
- Save a minimum of 10% on the lowest available base rates in Canada and the U.S., and a minimum of 5% on the lowest base rates internationally on qualifying car rentals at participating Avis and Budget locations.
- Visa Zero Liability protection, Verified by Visa and instant alerts to prevent fraudulent card use.
- Access to $5,000 emergency cash advances.
- Linked cards can earn 50% more TD Rewards Points and 50% more Stars at participating Starbucks stores.
- Minimum credit limit of $1,000.
Methodology: How we evaluate cards
We selected the best Visa cards in Canada based on overall consumer value and their suitability for specific kinds of consumers. Factors in our evaluation methodology include annual and other fees, rewards rates, the earning structure (for example, flat-rate rewards versus bonus categories), redemption options, bonus offers for new cardholders, introductory and ongoing APRs, and other noteworthy features such as airline or hotel perks or the ability to transfer points. A single card is eligible to be chosen as among the “best” in multiple categories.
Summary of the best Visa cards
| Card Name | Best for | Current intro offer |
|---|---|---|
| Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card | Best overall Visa. | Up to $200. |
| CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Card | Aeroplan rewards. | Up to 45,000 Points. |
| Simplii Financial™ Cash Back Visa Card | Cash-back rewards. | Up to 20% Cash Back. |
| CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Business Plus Card | Airline rewards for businesses. | Up to 60,000 Points. |
| RBC ION Visa Credit Card | Avion points. | 3,500 Points. |
| Meridian Visa Infinite Business Cash Back Plus Card | Business cash-back rewards. | N/A. |
| TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card | Rewards on travel bookings. | Up to 100,000 Points. |
| BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card | Rewards on daily spending. | Up to 60,000 Points. |
| Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card. | No foreign transaction fees. | Up to 35,000 Points. |
| Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* Card | Beginners and newcomers. | Up to 7,500 Points. |
| Home Trust Secured Visa Card | Bad credit. | N/A. |
| CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Card for Students | Students. | 10,000 Points. |
| CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card | Aventura rewards. | Up to 35,000 Points. |
| Scotiabank Value Visa Card | Low interest rates. | N/A. |
| RBC Avion Visa Infinite | Honourable mention: Avion points. | Up to 35,000 Points. |
| TD Business Travel Visa* Card | Honourable mention: Businesses that travel. | Up to 175,000 Points. |
Visa credit card overview
Visa is one of three major credit card networks in Canada. A Visa credit card allows you to pay retailers who accept Visa anywhere in the world, making it a convenient option.
The Visa financial service corporation serving a global network across 200+ countries is not the direct issuer of Visa cards. It relies on financial institutions such as banks, credit unions and caisses populaires to get them into the hands of users.
So, how do you know if a Visa is the best choice for you? You can start by reviewing some aspects of Visa card ownership:
Benefits of Visa credit cards
- One of the most commonly used and widely accepted cards, both in Canada and outside the country.
- Generous welcome bonuses on many Visa credit cards.
- Comprehensive roster of benefits based on card types and tiers.
Drawbacks of Visa credit cards
- Higher annual fee for premium tier cards.
- A few major retailers, like Costco, don’t accept Visa credit cards.
- Higher income requirements for cards with top experiences and perks.
To find the right Visa credit card for your needs, understand how the type of card, tiers and rewards affect the overall value of the card which can help narrow down your options.
Types of Visa cards
Visa credit cards can be grouped into categories based on the type of rewards they offer, such as travel points and cash back. Each Visa card serves a specific purpose, including:
Visa business credit card
Visa business cards are aimed at people who have a small business, are self-employed, or are freelancers. With a Visa business card, you can separate your business transactions from your personal ones, making it easier to track business expenses and help during tax time.
If your business has employees, you can typically get multiple Visa cards for them, consolidating spending while separating each user’s transactions. Visa business credit cards also may offer rewards like travel points or cash back.
Visa debit card
A Visa debit card is used to make in-store and online purchases or access your account through an ATM.
Regardless of the network it’s on, the key difference between a debit card and a credit card is that a debit card uses available funds from your account to make the payment, instead of borrowing credit.
Prepaid Visa cards
A prepaid Visa card is a reloadable card that allows you to make purchases using the Visa network. Unlike Visa debit cards, which are attached to your bank account, a prepaid Visa is a standalone product you can load money in before using.
Visa gift card
A Visa gift card comes preloaded with funds and can be used anywhere Visa is accepted. These cards are popular for gifts since the recipient can use the card to buy whatever they’d like.
Crypto Visa card
Crypto Visa cards are basically prepaid Visas that let you earn crypto rewards based on your spending. Several crypto Visa cards are offered through cryptocurrency exchanges such as Crypto.com and Shakepay.
Virtual Visa card
A virtual Visa card is essentially a disposable credit card number — a unique number you can use to shop online or over the phone instead of providing your actual credit card number. A virtual credit card is still attached to your main credit account, but it adds a layer of security in case the retailer has a data breach.
Some people also use the term “virtual Visa card” to refer to a Visa stored in a digital or virtual wallet, such as Apple Pay or Google Wallet. Essentially, digital wallets let you pay for purchases on your credit card using your phone instead of the physical card.
Visa credit card tiers
Visa offers its credit cards in a number of tiers or levels. Generally speaking, the higher the tier, the more benefits the card offers. Higher-tier cards usually have a significant annual fee and require more individual or household income. If you’re considering a Visa credit card, it’s a good idea to compare the different tiers to find the best fit for you.
Visa Classic
Think of the Visa Classic tier as an entry-level credit card. It gives you access to the Visa network but has limited benefits. A Visa Classic credit card typically has low individual and household income requirements, making it ideal for students, young adults, newcomers to Canada and those looking to establish a credit history.
Visa Gold
Visa Gold cards are a step up from a Classic card. Depending on the card, they offer benefits such as enhanced insurance, purchase protection and extended warranties. Some Visa Gold card issuers may not have a personal income requirement; those that do may require up to $15,000. The annual fee for Visa Gold credit cards can be $100+.
Visa Platinum
Visa Platinum cards are very similar to Gold cards in terms of their benefits and credit limit. As far as annual fees go, Visa Platinum cards typically range from $0 to $100+. However, a lower fee typically means fewer benefits, so be sure to compare your options closely.
Visa Infinite
Once you get to the Visa Infinite series, you get premium perks. Hotel benefits include room upgrades, free breakfast and late checkout. Dining and entertainment perks offer access to exclusive culinary experiences and special events, plus a 24/7 concierge service.
These perks are in addition to any you may get from your credit card provider, which may include enhanced travel insurance, free checked bags and mobile device insurance. However, to qualify for a Visa Infinite card, you’ll need to earn $60,000 in personal annual income or $100,000 in household income.
Visa Infinite Privilege
Visa Infinite Privilege cards offer the perks of Visa Infinite cards, plus six annual complimentary passes for airport lounge access.
The credit card provider also may include extra benefits, such as unlimited priority boarding on flights or airport lounge access with credit cards. To be eligible for Visa Infinite Privilege cards, you’ll typically need an annual personal income of $150,000 or a household income of $200,000.
Visa Infinite vs. Infinite Privilege
Visa Infinite and Visa Infinite Privilege tiers both offer envious luxurious perks and benefits compared to the lower-tier cards. What puts Infinite Privilege in the lead is the added travel-specific conveniences.
VISA INFINITE BENEFITS
Visa Infinite credit cards offer perks that most globetrotters and business executives would enjoy, including:
- Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection: When you book accommodations through the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection, you’ll get automatic room upgrades (if available), free WiFi, complimentary breakfast, a US$25 food and drink credit, and late checkout.
- Visa Infinite Dining Series: Experience unique culinary experiences such as prix fixe menus and gourmet three-course meals.
- Visa Infinite Wine Country Program: Receive special online offers with British Columbia and Ontario Wine Country programs. Enjoy special online offers at some of the best wineries across Ontario and BC. Benefits from free tastings and tours with discounts on wine purchases at participating wineries.
- Troon Rewards: As a Visa Infinite cardholder, you gain a silver status through the Troon Rewards golf course loyalty program. You’ll receive a 10% discount on golf fees, lessons and merchandise.
- Concierge service: Have one of Visa’s concierges plan your trip, book a restaurant, or help you find the perfect gift. Concierges are available 24/7.
VISA INFINITE PRIVILEGE BENEFITS
Choosing a Visa Infinite Privilege card will get you all the Visa Infinite benefits, plus additional perks and elevated benefits like:
- Visa Airport Companion Program: Enjoy your six passes to more than 1,200 airport lounges around the world.
- Airport benefits: Experience special perks at major Canadian airports, such as priority security lines, parking discounts and priority taxi lines.
- More Troon Rewards: Receive elevated golf perks with platinum status on your Troon Rewards loyalty program, and get a 20% discount on golf fees, lessons and merchandise.
Bank Visa credit cards
Financial institutions that offer Visa credit cards include:
Scotiabank Visa cards: If you’re looking for a cash-back card, the is our top pick for newcomers to Canada offering great cash back on groceries and recurring payments. You can also find more reward categories within Scotiabank credit card selections.
RBC Visa credit cards: For students and gamers seeking higher rewards on credit card spending while paying a low annual fee, RBC ION+ Visa Credit Card can be an ideal choice. Although, there are other RBC Visa credit card options available.
TD Visa credit cards: TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card offers attractive travel perks and comprehensive benefits for those who love travelling. Others may find day-to-day perks and cash-back rewards on other TD Visa credit card offerings more appealing.
CIBC Visa credit cards: One of our top picks for Aeroplan rewards for business is the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Business Plus Card. However, personal users are likely to find similar benefits with CIBC Visa credit cards.
BMO Visa cards: If you’re looking for BMO Visa cards with the best rewards for everyday spending, our top pick among other BMO Visa cards is the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card.
How to get the most out of your Visa card
Regardless of the type of Visa credit card you choose, there are some common features that can add more value to the overall experience. It’s a good idea to spend some time familiarizing yourself with what your Visa offers, so you can make the most of its features and services.
Visa credit card customer service
Visa’s global customer service can be accessed 24/7.If you lose your Visa card, or it is stolen, you’ll need to get in touch with a customer representative right away so they can lock your card and send you a replacement immediately. Alternatively, you may be able to lock your account instantly via your mobile app.
Visa protection and security features
All Visa credit cards have built-in security features that help protect you from fraud. In addition, some Visa cards offer additional insurance for your purchases that can give you peace of mind.
- Visa Zero Liability protects cardholders against unauthorized transactions.
- Fraud prevention measures like the use of EMV chips, security PINs, address verification, and three-digit codes (CVV) add extra security.
- Purchase Security can provide purchase protection for purchases charged to your card for 90 days against loss, theft and damage.
- Visa Extended Warranty in Canada is an extended protection offered by financial institutions on select cards, which doubles the manufacturer’s warranty up to one additional year when you charge the item to your Visa card.
Visa installment payments
Many financial institutions allow you to pay your Visa card bill in installments, or multiple payments. Interest charges and fees may apply. If you’re interested, check with the bank to make sure they offer it before applying for a card. Some of the Visa installment payment programs offered by Canadian banks include:
- TD Payment Plans.
- CIBC Pace It.
- Scotia SelectPay.
- PayPlan by RBC.
Visa Click to Pay
Visa Click to Pay allows cardholders to make online purchases without having to enter their payment information every time.
To use Visa Click to Pay, set up an account online and then choose “remember me” and “trust this device” on your computer or smartphone. When you shop online, you’ll see a Visa Click to Pay icon on participating merchants’ websites. Click the icon, and your purchase will go through immediately.
How to apply for a Visa credit card
Each financial institution offers different Visa tiers and types of cards, and each provider and card has different requirements. For the most part, you’ll need to meet the eligibility criteria, send in your application for approval, and wait for the approval.
Eligibility
To qualify for a Visa card, you must:
- Be a Canadian resident.
- Be at least the age of majority in your province or territory.
- Meet income requirements. Each tier typically has an annual personal or household income requirement. For instance, Visa Infinite cards require a personal income of $60,000 or household income of $100,000.
- Meet certain credit score requirements.
Note, Visa credit card issuers in Canada typically do not include expected credit scores on their websites. This makes it difficult to predict the outcome of the credit card application process. However, we know that having a higher score boosts the chances, no matter what card you’re applying for.
For more clarity on the topic, you can review our articles on credit scores needed to get a credit card and how to check your credit score and build your credit history.
Application for a Visa credit card
Once you’ve chosen the card, follow these steps to apply:
- Verify you meet the card’s requirements.
- Click “apply now” online or apply in person at a branch.
- Fill out your personal information.
- Wait for your approval.
When the card arrives, activate it online or by calling the number on the card.
How to activate a Visa credit card
Once you receive your Visa card, you’ll need to activate it before you start using it. Different card issuers may have slightly different ways of going about it. Although, typically you should be able to activate a Visa credit card:
- Online via the issuer’s website or mobile app, or
- Over the phone via the customer service number on the back of the card or the activation number on the sticker of the card.
When you receive your new card in the mail, it will be enclosed in a letter with step-by-step instructions on the activation process.
Visa credit card alternatives
If you’re looking for specific rewards, benefits or offers that you’re not able to find in a Visa credit card, you may want to check cards from other payment networks.
Mastercard credit cards
Mastercard is another major credit card network. Mastercard credit cards come with a slew of unique offerings through the standard, World and World Elite programs for individuals and businesses worldwide.
American Express credit cards
American Express cards offer numerous rewards options, including cash back, Aeroplan points, Marriot Bonvoy Points, American Express Membership Rewards points and more. Amex personal and business cards both provide generous perks and benefits.
Frequently asked questions about Visa cards
Visa Infinite is a higher tier than Visa Platinum, which means the network provides more benefits to Visa Infinite cards than Platinum cards.
That said, you may find that some Platinum cards are more suitable for your needs than their Visa Infinite counterparts. That’s because factors set by the bank — like the annual fees, insurance, rewards rates, and other perks decided by the bank — may affect your decision more.
Visa cards are not accepted as a method of payment at Costco Canada warehouses and Costco gas stations, but you can use a Visa to pay for online purchases at Costco.ca.
Article Sources
-
Canadian Bankers Association, “Focus: Credit Cards: Statistics and Facts,” accessed April 24, 2024.
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