Best Visa Credit Cards in Canada

You can earn a lot of cash back with this card if you max out the spending categories — for example, get up to $1,000 back each year when you spend $25,000 on groceries and recurring payments. The catch: Cash back is only deposited into your account once a year, in November, and the $120 annual fee is higher-than-average for a cash-back card. Best for: Big spenders on groceries and gas who don’t mind reaping their rewards annually.

A simple, no-fee secured card with a fairly standard 19.99% interest rate and no rewards. One notable feature is the card’s broad deposit range ($500 to $10,000). Best for: Budget-conscious credit-builders who don’t carry a balance.

This no-fee option could be a practical entrypoint for those interested in the Scene+ program. Despite its most generous rates being reserved for travel spending, cardholders still earn 2x at select grocery and home improvement stores. Best for: Budget-conscious Scene+ collectors.

A competitive travel card that earns up to 3x Scene+ points on everyday purchases, and comes with six complimentary airport lounge visits and no foreign transaction fees. While you can earn accelerated points (3x) on travel purchases, they must be made through the Scene+ Travel platform, which may feel limiting for some users. Best for: Frequent travellers who shop regularly at Scene+ partner grocery stores, spend big abroad and are looking for airport lounge access.

This low-interest card was made to cut borrowing costs with fixed interest rates on purchases, cash advances and balance transfers. There’s no rewards program, and insurance offerings are limited, but fuel discounts and complimentary DoorDash subscriptions provide additional value. Best for: People who typically carry a balance and don’t mind a low annual fee in favour of predictable fixed low interest rates.

With no annual fee, no fees on global money transfers and up to 4% back on purchases, this card offers solid rewards for people on a budget. But the top cash-back rate of 4% on restaurants, bars and coffee shops is capped at $5,000 a year, which may be too restrictive for people who spend big on dining out. Best for: Foodies who send money overseas and don’t want to pay an annual fee.

A mid-tier Aeroplan card that earns accelerated points on groceries, gas, EV charging and Air Canada purchases, plus travel insurance and free checked bags on Air Canada itineraries. Just don’t expect high-end airport perks like priority check in or complimentary airport lounge access. Best for: Air Canada flyers who occasionally need to check a bag and want Aeroplan points without a premium price tag.

A low-rate, travel-friendly business card that earns Aeroplan points and comes with some airport perks and travel insurance. Just know that airport lounge access isn’t automatic: you earn one guest pass for every $10,000 you charge to your card. Best for: Businesses that typically carry a card balance and occasionally fly Air Canada.

This card offers students clean and easy entry into the Aeroplan program: no annual fee, points on everyday essentials and access to Aeroplan’s Family Sharing feature to pool rewards with loved ones. There’s no robust travel insurance or glitzy airport perks though, so it’s best for occasional flyers building credit. Best for: Students who want to access credit and earn travel rewards in tandem.

The appeal of this mid-tier points card is its flexibility: points on everyday earn categories, plus solid extras, like complimentary lounge access, travel insurance and NEXUS fee rebates. The caveat? This card’s highest earn rate (2x points) is limited to dollars spent via the CIBC Rewards Centre. Best for: Travellers who want occasional lounge access and flexible redemption options.

Not only does this card offer up to 4% cash back on popular spending categories, but it also comes with impressive insurance coverage: its emergency medical coverage extends to travellers up to the age of 75 for trips as long as 48 days. Best for: Anyone who wants cash back rewards and added peace of mind on longer trips.

Earn attractive cash-back rates of up to 4% on groceries, gas and EV charging, but you’ll net less value once you hit the spending caps or venture outside the bonus categories. Best for: Cost-conscious households that spend big on fuel and groceries, seeking flexible cash-back rewards.

By offering 6x points per $2 on foreign purchases and 3x points per $2 on everything else, this card rewards businesses that spend big abroad. It also comes with a comprehensive suite of travel insurances, but that’s where the perks end. Best for: Small businesses that spend big abroad.

This top-shelf Aeroplan card is stacked with perks, including up to 2x points on eligible purchases, unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access, priority airport services and more. The hefty annual fee and high income criteria place it firmly in premium territory. Best for: Air Canada loyalists who can make the most of top-tier travel benefits to offset this card’s sizable annual fee.

This card offers premium travel perks at top dollar. You get comprehensive travel insurance, annual $99 companion passes, unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges, six annual lounge passes via the Visa Airport Companion Program, priority airport services, NEXUS rebates and more. But not everyone will be able to afford the annual fee, nor meet the steep income requirement. Best for: Frequent Air Canada travellers with a big budget looking for premium perks at the airport.

The Wealthsimple Card offers an impressive 2% cash back on everything, no foreign transaction fees and a suite of travel insurance. While the card’s $20 monthly fee can be waived, you’ll need to have at least $4,000 deposited into a Wealthsimple chequing account monthly to do so. Best for: Wealthsimple customers who spend big abroad.