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The Best Credit Cards in Canada for Families

Sep 17, 2026
Whether you’ve just welcomed your first child or you’re sending them off to university, your family needs the right credit card for your stage in life.
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Written by Jordan Lavin
Lead Writer & Content Strategist
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Edited by Athena Cocoves
Managing Editor
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Written by Jordan Lavin
Lead Writer & Content Strategist
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Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.

Your family’s spending habits will go through massive changes as your kids grow up. They’ll go from running out of diapers to crashing your car in the blink of an eye.

With that in mind, I’ve rounded up the best credit cards for families based on the stage you’re in and the expenses that tend to come with it. Whether you’re making another trip to Walmart for baby needs or you’re driving to another cross-border hockey tournament, these are the best credit cards for where your family is at right now.

Family credit cards at a glance

The best credit card for your family depends on how you spend your money. Consider these quick recommendations based on your top expenses.

CardNerdWallet ratingIf your family spends on...Because....Apply Now
Walmart Rewards™ World Mastercard®
Walmart Rewards™ World Mastercard®
3.5/5
Baby needs
3% back on Walmart purchases and discounted Walmart+ membership
Rogers Red World Elite® Mastercard®
Rogers Red World Elite® Mastercard®
4.5/5
Child care
2% cash back on all categories for eligible Rogers customers
CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card
APPLY NOW
on CIBC's website
CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card
APPLY NOW
on CIBC's website
5.0/5
Gas
4% cash back on gas and savings with Journie Rewards
Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite +* Card
APPLY NOW
on Scotiabank's website
Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite +* Card
APPLY NOW
on Scotiabank's website
5.0/5
Household bills
Earn 4% cash back on recurring bill payments
Tangerine® Money-Back World Mastercard®*
APPLY NOW
on Tangerine's website
Tangerine® Money-Back World Mastercard®*
APPLY NOW
on Tangerine's website
4.5/5
Kids activities
Choose up to three categories to earn 2% cash back
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card
APPLY NOW
on Scotiabank's website
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card
APPLY NOW
on Scotiabank's website
5.0/5
Road trips
Fuel savings at Shell, no foreign exchange fee and good travel insurance coverage
BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®*
APPLY NOW
on BMO's website
BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®*
APPLY NOW
on BMO's website
5.0/5
Transportation
Earn 4% cash back on daily transit including ride sharing
TD® First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card
APPLY NOW
on TD's website
TD® First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card
APPLY NOW
on TD's website
4.6/5
Travel
Valuable welcome bonus, flexible rewards and good travel benefits

Best credit cards for families with infants and young children

Our pick for: Baby needs
Walmart Rewards™ World Mastercard®
Walmart Rewards™ World Mastercard®
3.5
NerdWallet rating
Annual fee$0
Intro offer
Up to $45
Rewards rate
1%-3% Cash back
ListRewards breakdown
3%

Cash back in Walmart Reward Dollars on every $1 spent at Walmart.ca.

1.25%

Cash back in Walmart Reward Dollars on every $1 spent at gas stations.

1.25%

Cash back in Walmart Reward Dollars on every $1 spent at Walmart stores.

1%

Cash back in Walmart Reward Dollars on all other purchases.

ListNerdWallet's take

This card is designed to reward Walmart shoppers — both in-store and online — who want to maximize the value of money spent at this popular superstore. Cardholders earn Walmart Reward Dollars on everyday purchases and gain access to valuable perks, like six free months of Walmart Delivery Pass. Best for: Walmart regulars.

Pros

  • No annual fee.
  • Earn up to 3% on every eligible $1 spent.

Cons

  • Interest rates as high as 26.99%.
  • High $80,000 annual household income requirement.
  • No travel insurance.
Credit Card IconCard details
  • Walmart Rewards Mastercard® has no annual fee and lets you easily spend your Walmart Reward Dollars  like cash on your choice of virtually anything Walmart sells online and in store.
  • You can earn Walmart Reward Dollars by using your Walmart Rewards Mastercard® or your Walmart Rewards World Mastercard® with every purchase you make on the card.
  • Walmart Reward Dollars can be redeemed at Walmart stores in Canada and online at Walmart.ca. You can redeem Walmart Reward Dollars in $5 increments for virtually anything Walmart sells.
  • Boingo Wi-Fi for Mastercard — access to over 1 million hotspots worldwide — all at no added cost, and no added fees or roaming charges.
  • Purchase Assurance Protection against theft, loss or damage in the first 90 days on eligible purchases made on your card from the date of purchase.
  • Extended Warranty Protection which doubles the manufacturer’s regular repair services warranty for up to an additional warranty year on eligible purchases made on your card.
  • Existing Walmart Rewards Mastercard® cardholders can qualify for the World card by spending $15,000 or more on their card in the previous 12 months.
  • New applicants for a Walmart Rewards Mastercard® will be eligible for the World card if they have an annual household income of $100,000 or more. Standard credit and other approval criteria apply.
Why we like it for families

One of the first things I did after my son was born was go to Walmart and buy half the store. We needed diapers, clothing, formula, groceries, and a host of other things we hadn’t thought about until the day actually came.

New parents will appreciate the no-annual-fee Walmart Rewards World Mastercard for a few reasons. You can get a welcome bonus worth $25 in Walmart Reward Dollars when you spend a minimum of $75 at Walmart in the first 30 days — no problem. You can also earn 3% back in Walmart Reward Dollars on all your Walmart purchases. That’s a big deal because most grocery credit cards only offer their base reward rate at Walmart.

Tired parents will also like that this card comes with up to 6 months of Walmart+ free each year, which gives you free same-day delivery with no order minimum.

Parents who are feeling poor can use this card to finance large Walmart purchases of $199.99 or more over six months with no setup fees.

More credit card choices for young families
Our pick for: Child care
Rogers Red World Elite® Mastercard®
Rogers Red World Elite® Mastercard®
Annual fee$0
Intro offerN/A
Rewards rate
1.5%-3%
ListRewards breakdown
3%

Unlimited cash back on all eligible purchases made in U.S. dollars.

2%

Unlimited cash back on all eligible non-U.S. dollar purchases if you have 1 qualifying service with Rogers, Fido or Shaw. Otherwise, earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on eligible non-U.S. dollar purchases.

ListNerdWallet's take

The Rogers Red World Elite® Mastercard® is a no-fee card with an easy-to-understand cash-back rewards program with an accelerated earn rate on U.S. dollar purchases. And unlike some no-fee cards, it still offers valuable perks for those who like to travel.

Pros

  • Rewards are easy to understand, $1 in cash-back rewards = $1 toward an eligible purchase or bill credit, and you can redeem rewards instantly using the Rogers Bank app.
  • Attractive travel benefits are included, like access to over 1,300 DragonPass airport lounges and several types of travel insurance.

Cons

  • Travel insurance isn't comprehensive.
  • Missing some travel perks like priority boarding and free checked bags.
Credit Card IconCard details
  • Earn 2% unlimited cash back on all eligible non-U.S. dollar purchases if you have 1 qualifying service with Rogers, Fido or Shaw.
  • Otherwise, earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on eligible non-U.S. dollar purchases.
  • Earn 3% unlimited cash back on all eligible purchases made in U.S. dollars.
  • Get 5 Roam Like Home days at no cost every year for Rogers mobile plans (up to $80 value).
  • 1.5x more cash back every time you redeem for Rogers, Fido or Shaw purchases.
  • No Annual Fee.
  • Complimentary membership to Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass – Access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide ($32 USD per person per visit).
  • Eight types of insurance provided, including 10-day travel medical benefits for those up to age 64 — up to $1 million in coverage. Three days of medical benefits are provided for those age 65 to 75.
  • Standard rate on Purchases and Fees: 20.99%
  • Standard rate on Cash Advances, Cash-like Transactions and Balance Transfers: 22.99%
  • Rates may increase to 25.99% (purchases) and 27.99% (cash-like transactions) if you miss the required payment by the due date twice in 12 months. See Disclosure Summary for details.
  • If you are not approved for an Account at the above rates and you reside outside Quebec, we may still issue you an Account at our alternate interest rates, as follows: Rate for Purchases and Fees: 25.99% Rate for Cash Advances, Cash like Transactions and Balance Transfers: 27.99%
  • To be eligible, $80,000 (individual) or $150,000 (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.
  • Rogers Bank is not responsible for maintaining or controlling the accuracy of the information published on this website. For full and up-to-date product information, visit Rogersbank.com.
  • ^ Terms and conditions apply. For full and up-to date product information and applicable terms and conditions, visit Rogersbank.com. Rogers Bank is not responsible for maintaining or controlling the accuracy of the information published on this website.
  • ®/TM Mastercard and World Elite are registered trademarks and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Used under license.
  • TM Rogers and Mobius Design, Rogers Bank and related marks, logos and brand names are trademarks of Rogers Communications Inc., or an affiliate, used under license. © 2025 Rogers Bank.
  • Rogers Bank is the issuer of this credit card.
Why we like it for families

If you have the option of paying for daycare with a credit card, you need a card with a high base reward rate. Enter: the Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard. This card offers 2% cash back on all categories to eligible Rogers customers on the first $26,000 in purchases each year. It also comes with a few benefits including credits for free roaming and travel emergency medical insurance.

Our pick for: Takeout meals
CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card
APPLY NOW
on CIBC's website
Annual feeSee Product Details†
Intro offer
Up to $400†
Rewards rate
1%-4%
ListRewards breakdown
4%

Cash back on gas & electric vehicle charging.†

4%

Cash back on groceries.†

2%

Cash back on dining.†

2%

Cash back on transportation.†

2%

Cash back on recurring payments.†

1%

Cash back on everything else.†

ListNerdWallet's take

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.

Pros

  • Generous cash back rates of up to 4%.
  • Car rental discounts of up to 35% with Avis and Budget.
  • Gas discounts of up to 10 cents per litre at Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron stations.

Cons

  • Limited travel insurance coverage.
  • Higher than average $120 annual fee for a points card.
Credit Card IconCard details
  • Welcome Offer: Join and earn up to $400 in value including a first year annual fee rebate.† Here's how you can earn up to $400 in value: Earn a 10% cash back welcome bonus of up to $250 (first 4 statements†). A $50 cash back bonus for setting up one pre-authorized payment within the first 4 monthly statements.† First year annual fee rebate valued at $120.†
  • After that, get 4% cash back on eligible gas, EV charging, and grocery purchases.†
  • 2% cash back on eligible transportation, dining purchases and recurring payments.†
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases.†
  • Get cash back on demand - redeem your cash back at any time when you have a minimum of $10 through CIBC Online and Mobile Banking®.†
  • Get a free Skip+ membership when you link your eligible CIBC credit card. Plus, enjoy $0 delivery fees and earn a $10 monthly voucher.†
  • Fuel up for less - Link your card with Journie Rewards to save up to 10 cents per litre at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.†
  • Get 50% off Disney+ for 6 months - Use an eligible CIBC credit card to pay for your Disney+ Standard with Ads subscription, and automatically receive $4.50 each month in statement credits.†
  • This is a digital-exclusive offer.† To be eligible for this offer: 1) this offer must have been directly communicated to you from CIBC or from a partner/affiliate; and 2) you must apply for the eligible card through the link provided in the CIBC or partner/affiliate communication to you.† This offer is reserved for you. Please do not forward it to anyone else.
  • CIBC may approve your application, but you are not eligible to receive this Offer if you have opened, transferred or cancelled another Dividend card within the last 12 months.†
  • †Terms and Conditions Apply. Select Apply Now to learn more.
Why we like it for families

When you just don’t want to cook, the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite card has your back. Yes, this card has a $120 annual fee, but the features are worth it. Among other things, it includes a free Skip+ membership which gives you $0 delivery fees and a $10 monthly voucher for delivery. It also pays 2% cash back on takeout orders and 4% cash back on groceries for those days you have it in you.

Related: Registered Education Savings Plan: How RESPs Work in Canada

Best credit cards for families with school-aged kids

Our pick for: Family road trips
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card
Annual fee$120
Intro offer
Up to 50,000 Points
Rewards rate
1x-6x Points
ListRewards breakdown
6x

Points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more.

5x

Points for every $1 you spend on dining & food delivery. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.

5x

Points for every $1 you spend at other eligible grocery stores.

5x

Points for every $1 you spend in Canada on eligible entertainment purchases. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.

3x

Points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas purchases.

3x

Points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more.

3x

Points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services.

1x

Point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases.

ListNerdWallet's take

A 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.
Credit Card IconCard details
  • Earn up to $950 in welcome offers, first year rewards and savings value and up to 50,000 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 July 2, 2026. Subject to change.
Why we like it for families

When you have kids in middle childhood, there’s a good chance your life revolves around road trips. Whether it’s hockey, dance or cheer, you need a credit card that can keep up with their busy travel schedule.

The Scotiabank Gold American Express card is your friend at this stage in life. This card earns Scene+ points, which are some of the most flexible rewards in Canada. It comes with a welcome bonus worth up to $500 and earns up to 6 Scene+ points per dollar spent at eligible grocery stores.

When it comes to your road trips, this card can save up to 12 cents per litre on fuel at Shell stations. It also has no foreign transaction fees, which will save you 2.5% on every purchase when their baseball tournament takes you south of the border. And it has great travel insurance coverage including hotel/motel burglary insurance to protect you while you’re on the road.

More credit cards for families with school-aged kids
Our pick for: Kids sports equipment
Triangle™ World Elite Mastercard®
Triangle™ World Elite Mastercard®
4.6
NerdWallet rating
Annual fee$0
Intro offerN/A
Rewards rate
1%-4%
ListRewards breakdown
4%

CT Money at Canadian Tire or its affiliate stores.

3%

CT Money at grocery stores (on the first $12,000 per year, 1% after that).

1%

CT Money everywhere else.

ListNerdWallet's take

If you spend big regularly at Canadian Tire, stop scrolling — earn 4% back at the retail giant, 3% back at grocery stores and 1% on everything else. You also get access to rental car coverage, gas discounts and roadside assistance, with no annual fee. But the steep $80,000 minimum income requirement may disqualify some users. Best for: High earners who spend big at Canadian Tire.

Pros

  • No annual fee.
  • Rental car insurance.
  • Roadside assistance.

Cons

  • $80,000 minimum income requirement.
  • Top 4% earn rate is for CT stores only.
Credit Card IconCard details
  • Collect 3% in Canadian Tire Money on the first $12,000 spent at eligible grocery stores per year and 1% on eligible grocery purchases after that.
  • Collect 4% in Canadian Tire Money on qualifying purchases at Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, Mark’s, L’Équipeur, Party City, Pro Hockey Life, Atmosphere, Sports Rousseau, Hockey Experts, L’Entrepôt du Hockey, and participating Sports Experts stores.
  • Collect 7 cents in Canadian Tire money per litre of premium fuel, and 5 cents per litre on all other fuel types purchased at Gas+/Essence+ locations.
  • Canadian Tire Money can be redeemed at Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, Atmosphere, Sports Rousseau, Hockey Experts, L’Entrepot du Hockey and participating Mark’s/L’Equipeur and Sports Experts stores.
  • No fee, no interest financing on qualifying purchases of $150 or more at participating stores. Conditions apply.
  • No-receipt returns at participating stores.
  • Access to member-only events and personalized offers.
  • Priority queuing when calling the Triangle call centre.
  • Enrollment in the Triangle World Elite Mastercard Roadside Assistance Gold Plan, which includes 5 service calls per year and unlimited tows to any Canadian Tire Auto Service Centre within towing limits.
  • Car rental collision/loss damage waiver insurance.
  • Extended warranty insurance for eligible purchases.
  • Eligibility: Must be a Canadian resident and the age of majority in the province/territory of residence.
  • No annual fee.
  • No fee for obtaining a supplementary card on the same account.
  • Interest rates: 19.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash transactions (21.99% in Quebec).
Why we like it for families

Another road-trip ready credit card is the Triangle World Elite Mastercard. This card offers rewards of up to 7 cents per litre on premium gas at Gas+ and Petro-Canada stations and 5 cents per litre on other fuel types. It also comes with a free roadside assistance package just in case the minivan doesn’t quite make it to Sault Ste. Marie.

If your kids are into sports, this card rewards you with 4% back in Canadian Tire Money at SportChek, Atmosphere, Hockey Experts, Hockey Life, and, of course, Canadian Tire.

Related: The Best Credit Cards for Buying Gas in Canada

Our pick for: E-games
Annual fee$0
Intro offer
$100
Rewards rate
0.5%-2%
ListRewards breakdown
2%

Cash back in two 2% categories of your choice.

0.5%

Cash back on all your other everyday purchases.

ListNerdWallet's take

You can earn unlimited 2% cash back in up to three categories of your choice, making it one of the more flexible cash-back programs in Canada. The card comes with more perks than the Money-Back version — mobile phone and rental car coverage, as well as discounted airport lounge access and a complimentary data roaming plan with Flexiroam. But the $50,000 minimum income requirements may be restrictive for some users. Best for: Travellers who spend big in unique categories and want a flexible cash-back program.

Pros

  • No annual fee.
  • Choose the 2% cash-back categories based on your spending.
  • Mobile phone and rental car insurance.

Cons

  • Must have a Tangerine savings account to unlock 3rd cash-back category.
Credit Card IconCard details
  • Get $100 with a Money-Back World Mastercard®* Spend $1,500 in your first 3 months to enjoy this Bonus. It’s the no annual fee Credit Card with the most cash back categories to choose from ††. Offer Expires September 30, 2026.
  • Two Categories – 2% Money-Back Rewards on purchases in two categories of your choice. OR Three categories Deposit your Rewards into a Tangerine Savings Account and get a third 2% Money-Back category. 13 Categories to explore – Groceries, gas, and beyond, choose from 13 categories to suit your spending. And change them up every 90 days to match your purchases.◊
  • 0.5% on everything else.
  • With Mastercard Travel Rewards, you can unlock cashback offers and get a rebate applied directly to your statement, by using your Tangerine® Money-Back World Mastercard®* at select merchants that accept Mastercard while travelling outside of Canada.
  • Save on the things you love with your Tangerine® Money-Back World Mastercard®*. Enjoy special benefits and offers from a growing lineup of on-demand apps and subscription services made available to you as a Tangerine® Money-Back World Mastercard®* cardholder.
  • Make the most of your travel with Mastercard® Travel Pass Provided by DragonPass. Your complimentary membership gives you exclusive dining, retail and spa offers in over 650 airports worldwide, along with access to over 1,300 airport lounges at $32 USD per visit. Learn more at Mastercard® Travel Pass.
  • Rental Car Collision/Loss Damage Insurance**: Damage and theft protection for your car rental when you rent for up to 31 consecutive days and charge the full cost of your rental to your Card.
  • Mobile Device Insurance**: Protection on new cell phones, smartphones or tablets when you charge the full cost to your Card, or when you purchase it through a plan and charge all of your wireless bill payments to your Card. Covers up to $1,000 if your mobile device is lost, stolen, accidentally damaged or experiences mechanical failure.
  • Preferred rates: 20.95% for purchases, 22.95% for cash advances (including balance transfers).
  • To be eligible, a $50,000 (individual) 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.
Why we like it for families

Whatever activities your kids are busy with, the Tangerine Money-Back World Mastercard offers flexible rewards to match. Rather than prescribing its top cash-back rewards categories, this card lets you choose two categories to earn 2% cash back. You can choose a third category if you have a Tangerine Savings Account and deposit your cash back there. You can even choose E-Games and earn some rewards on their reckless Roblox spending.

Best credit cards for families with teenagers

PC Insiders World Elite Mastercard

Teenagers do two things: sleep and eat. Fortunately, sleeping is free. For their bottomless-pit stomachs, the PC Insiders World Elite Mastercard will help keep your fridge full.

This card comes with a welcome bonus worth up to $50 in points and pays 40 PC Optimum points per dollar spent on groceries at Loblaws and other participating stores. It also includes a complimentary PC Express Pass, which gives you unlimited $0 delivery and pickup.

For your teenager’s TikTok-inspired skin care routine, you can earn 50 points per dollar spent at Shoppers Drug Mart. For their fashion needs, you can get 40 points per dollar spent at Joe Fresh stores.

This card also comes with a few additional benefits like rewards on gas purchases at Esso and Mobil stations and some travel insurance coverage. It also has a free concierge service that can help you get tickets to that concert all their friends are going to.

More cards for families with teenagers
Our pick for: Cash back on groceries
BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®*
APPLY NOW
on BMO's website
Annual fee
$139
Waived first year
Intro offer
Up to $650 in value
Rewards rate
1%–5%
ListRewards breakdown
5%

Cash back on groceries.*

4%

Cash back on transit including ride sharing, taxis and public transportation.*

3%

Cash back on gas and electric vehicle charging.*

2%

Cash back on recurring bill payments.

1%

Cash back on all other purchases*.

ListNerdWallet's take

A category-strong cash-back card that shines on essential spending categories, including a whopping 5% back on groceries, 4% on transit and 3% on gas. Lofty annual income criteria could be a dealbreaker, though. Best for: Canadians who spend big on groceries or commutes seeking simple cash-back returns.

Pros

  • Redeem cash back at any time.
  • Discounted airport lounge access for $32 USD per visit.

Cons

  • $80,000 individual or $150,000 household annual income requirement.
Credit Card IconCard details
  • Get up to $650 in value and the annual fees waived in the first year. Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on Balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% transfer fee.*
  • Earn more cash back on the categories that mean the most: 5% on groceries.* 4% on transit including ride sharing, taxis and public transportation.* 3% on gas and electric vehicle charging.* 2% on recurring bill payments like your monthly phone bill or favourite streaming service.* 1% unlimited cashback on all other purchases.*
  • Extended warranty and purchase protection*
  • Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass.*
  • Complimentary Roadside Assistance Program*; Including battery boosts, flat-tire change, lockout service and towing – a $75/year value.
  • BMO CashBack World Elite Travel and Medical Protection.*
  • Unlock Mastercard Travel Rewards cashback offers when you travel and shop outside of Canada.
  • Enjoy six months of Instacart+ and a $10 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
  • *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.
Why we like it for families

If it’s groceries you need, the BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard offers up to 5% cash back on your first $500 in monthly grocery spending. This card also offers a complimentary 6-month Instacart+ membership and a $10 monthly Instacart credit on eligible orders.

Our pick for: Cash back on groceries
Neo World Elite® Mastercard*
Neo World Elite® Mastercard*
4.5
NerdWallet rating
APPLY NOW
on Neo's website
Annual fee
$149
Waived first year free
Intro offer
$100
Rewards rate
1%-15%
ListRewards breakdown
5%

Cashback on groceries.

4%

Cashback on recurring payments.

3%

Cashback on gas & electric vehicle charging.

1%

Cashback on everything else.

ListNerdWallet's take

Neo’s top-tier cash-back Mastercard earns 5% on groceries, 4% on recurring payments, 3% on gas and electric vehicle charging, and 1% on everything else. Boosted offers at participating Neo partners can pay as much as 15% cash back. The card also comes with broad travel insurance and a DragonPass airport lounge membership, though each lounge visit costs $32 USD. Its $149 annual fee and $80,000 personal income requirement may put it out of reach for some applicants. Best for: Travellers who spend heavily on groceries and prefer cash back to travel points.

Pros

  • High $1,000/month spending caps on top earn rates.
  • Robust travel insurance.
  • Secured option available.

Cons

  • Interest rates can reach 29.99%, depending on credit history.
  • Steep $80,000 minimum income requirement.
  • Majority of travel insurance not available in Quebec.
Credit Card IconCard details
  • 5% cashback on groceries
  • 4% cashback on recurring payments
  • 3% cashback on gas & electric vehicle charging
  • 1% on everything else
  • Up to 15% boosted cashback at thousands of partners across Canada - on top of base cashback rates
  • Mastercard Zero Liability
  • Extended Warranty
  • Purchase Protection
  • Auto Rental Collision Loss Damage Coverage
  • Rental Car Theft, Damage, Accident, Personal Effects Coverage
  • Out-of-Province & Country Emergency Medical Coverage
  • Trip Interruption & Cancellation Coverage
  • Flight & Baggage Delay Coverage
  • Hotel & Motel Burglary Coverage
  • World Mastercard Benefits including discounting with participating partners and DragonPass airport lounge access.
  • Premium insurance coverage
  • Track your monthly spending with real-time insights
  • Instant cashback that can be redeemed anytime
  • Pay your bill instantly with Neo's #1 rated financial app
  • Also available as a secured credit card for those looking to build their credit history in Canada
  • International IDs accepted
Why we like it for families

Another good grocery card is the Neo World Elite Mastercard. This card offers up to 5% cash back on your first $1,000 in monthly grocery spending. You’ll want to make sure it’s the right choice for you, however, as its high $149 annual fee could eat into your rewards.

Related: Best Grocery Credit Cards in Canada

Best credit cards for families with university students

Our pick for: Travel rewards
Annual fee
$139
First year rebate
Intro offer
Up to 160,000 Points
Rewards rate
2x-8x Points
ListRewards breakdown
8x

Points for every $1 you spend when you book travel through Expedia® For TD†.

6x

Points for every $1 you spend on Groceries, Dining, and Public Transit†.

4x

Points for every $1 you spend on Recurring Bill Payments and Streaming, Digital Gaming & Media†.

2x

Points for every $1 you spend on other Purchases made using your Card†.

ListNerdWallet's take

Avid Expedia users will get the most out of this card, with its top earn rate (8x TD points) on bookings made through the travel platform. An annual travel credit, airport lounge access and insurances round out this card as a solid pick for jetsetters. But the $139 may be too steep for some, and if you don’t use Expedia, the rewards may not be as fruitful. Best for: Frequent travellers and Expedia surfers who spend big on groceries, dining, and transit.

Pros

  • $100 travel credit, annually.
  • Airport lounge access and four free passes.
  • Comprehensive travel insurance.

Cons

  • Higher than average $139 annual fee for points card.
  • Top earn rate (8x points) only applies to Expedia bookings.
Credit Card IconCard details
  • Earn up to $1,400 in value†, including up to 160,000 TD Rewards Points, receive an Annual Fee rebate for the first year† and additional travel benefits. Conditions Apply.
  • Earn a welcome Bonus of 20,000 TD Rewards Points when you make your first Purchase with your Card†.
  • Earn 140,000 TD Rewards Points when you spend $7,500 within 180 days of Account opening†.
  • Get an Annual Fee Rebate for the first year†.
  • Get an annual TD Travel Credit† of $100 when you book at Expedia® For TD.
  • Earn a Birthday Bonus of up to 10,000 TD Rewards points†.
  • Enjoy your time at the airport with global airport lounge access and 4 complimentary lounge visits with Visa Airport Companion Program (a value of up to $277)*.
  • To receive the first-year Annual Fee rebate for the Primary Cardholder, you must activate your Card and make your first Purchase on the Account within the first 3 months after Account opening. To receive the Additional Cardholder(s) first-year Annual Fee rebate, you must add your Additional Cardholder(s) while the offer is in effect.
  • Offer may be changed, withdrawn, or extended at any time and cannot be combined with any other offer unless otherwise indicated.
  • 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, Dining, and Public Transit†.
  • Earn 4 TD Rewards Points† for every $1 you spend on Recurring Bill Payments and Streaming, Digital Gaming & Media†.
  • 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.
  • Earn more at Starbucks: Link your eligible Card to earn 50% more TD Rewards Points plus more Starbucks Stars. Redeem points for even more Stars. Conditions apply.
  • 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: 21.99% 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
Why we like it for families

At this stage in life, travel becomes important. Your almost-adult kid needs to travel to and from school, and you want to take advantage of the empty-nest life.

One of the best choices for a travel rewards credit card is the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card. This card offers a welcome bonus worth up to $730 and earns up to 8 points per dollar spent on travel when you book using Expedia for TD.

This card also offers excellent travel benefits. It has a full suite of travel insurance including travel emergency medical coverage for up to 21 days. It also includes a $100 annual travel credit and four complimentary airport lounge visits each year.

If you want to give a card to your student, you can add an additional cardholder for just $50 per year. Their spending will earn 6 points per dollar spent on groceries, dining and public transit, 4 points per dollar spent on recurring bill payments, gaming and media, and 2 points per dollar spent on everything else. As the primary cardholder, you remain responsible for all charges made by an additional cardholder.

More cards for families with university students
Our pick for: Points on travel purchases
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card
5.0
NerdWallet rating
Annual fee
See Product Details†
Intro offer
Up to 45,000 Points†
Rewards rate
1x-2x Points
ListRewards breakdown
2x

Points for every $1 spent on travel via the CIBC Rewards Centre.†

1.5x

Points for every $1 spent at eligible gas & electric vehicle charging stations.†

1.5x

Points for every $1 spent at eligible grocery stores.†

1.5x

Points for every $1 spent at eligible drug stores.†

1x

Points for every $1 spent everywhere else.†

ListNerdWallet's take

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.

Pros

  • Four airport lounge passes annually.
  • NEXUS application rebates every four years.
  • Robust travel insurance.

Cons

  • 2x earn rate only applies to travel booked through the CIBC Rewards Centre.
  • No priority airport services.
Credit Card IconCard details
  • Welcome Offer: Join and earn up to $1,600 in value including a first year annual fee rebate!† Here's how you can earn up to $1,600 in value–
  • Get up to 45,000 Aventura Points (up to $900 in travel value†):
  • 15,000 Aventura Points when you make your first purchase.†
  • 30,000 Aventura Points when you spend $3,000 or more in the first 4 monthly statement periods.†
  • Get a one-time annual fee rebate ($139) for you (the primary cardholder) and up to three authorized users ($50 each): up to $189 value.†
  • Elevate your airport experience with 4 complimentary visits at 1,200+ lounges globally through Visa Airport Companion Program: up to $285 in value.†
  • Plus, get a NEXUS◊ Application Fee rebate†: A $160 value†
  • As an eligible CIBC Cardholder, take advantage of a free Skip+ membership (first year value of $110)†
  • Plus, enjoy extra valuable travel benefits.
  • Travel when it’s right for you – your Aventura Points don’t expire.†
  • Redeem your Aventura Points for more than travel with our Shop With Points/Pay with Points features.†
  • Travel local - Aventura Points can be redeemed for more than just flights – use your points for hotels and car rentals for a weekend getaway.
  • 2 points for every $1 spent on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre.†
  • 1.5 points for every $1 spent at eligible gas stations, EV charging, grocery stores and drug stores.†
  • 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.†
  • Get a free Skip+ membership when you link your eligible CIBC credit card. Plus, enjoy $0 delivery fees and earn a $10 monthly voucher.†
  • Fuel up for less - Link your card with Journie Rewards to save up to 10 cents per litre at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.†
  • Get 50% off Disney+ for 6 months - Use an eligible CIBC credit card to pay for your Disney+ Standard with Ads subscription, and automatically receive $4.50 each month in statement credits.†
  • This is a digital-exclusive offer.† To be eligible for this offer: 1) this offer must have been directly communicated to you from CIBC or from a partner/affiliate; and 2) you must apply for the eligible card through the link provided in the CIBC or partner/affiliate communication to you.† This offer is reserved for you. Please do not forward it to anyone else.
  • CIBC may approve your application, but you are not eligible to receive this Offer if you have opened, transferred or cancelled another Aventura card within the last 12 months.†
  • †Terms and Conditions Apply. Select Apply Now to learn more.
Why we like it for families

Another excellent travel card option is the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card. This card comes with a welcome bonus worth up to $800 and offers 2 points per dollar spent on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre. This card also offers complimentary airport lounge passes, a NEXUS application fee rebate and extensive travel insurance coverage. Secondary cardholders pay just $50 per year, so your student can spend with confidence.

Our pick for: Flying WestJet
Annual fee$139
Intro offer
Up to 70,000 Points
Rewards rate
1.5x-2x
ListRewards breakdown
2x

Points for every dollar you spend on WestJet flights, WestJet Vacations, and Sunwing Vacations².

2x

Points for every dollar you spend at grocery stores and on transportation including gas, EV charging, public transit and rideshare³.

1.5x

Points for every dollar you spend on all other everyday purchases².

ListNerdWallet's take

Free checked bags, airport lounge access, an annual companion voucher, and the ability to earn WestJet points on everyday purchases are just a few of the perks this card has to offer — not to mention the full suite of insurances. But if you don’t fly WestJet often, or don’t meet the minimum $80,000 annual income requirement, this card won’t be worth your while. Best for: Frequent travellers who are loyal to WestJet and its partner airlines.

Pros

  • Annual companion pass from $119.
  • Free checked bags for you and up to 8 guests.
  • Full suite of travel insurance.

Cons

  • DragonPass membership only — airport lounge visits cost extra.
  • High $80,000 minimum income requirement.
Credit Card IconCard details
  • Get up to 70,000 WestJet points¹: 30,000 WestJet points upon your first purchase, 30,000 WestJet points when you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months, 10,000 WestJet points after first year anniversary.
  • Check your first bag for free for the primary cardholder and up to 8 guests on the same reservation when you pay with your WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard⁴
  • Cardholders can now achieve Silver, Gold and even Platinum Status with a Status Lift up to 50 times per year – you’ll earn 200 CAD in tier qualifying spend for every $5,000 in purchases on your card⁵
  • Receive an annual round-trip companion voucher (World Elite Companion Voucher) starting from $119 CAD (plus taxes, fees, surcharges and other ATC) when you spend a minimum of $5,000 annually on your card⁵, or choose to exchange it for one of the following: a 30% flight discount for one traveller⁸, a $200 credit towards a WestJet Vacations package or Sunwing Vacations package⁹, or two airport lounge passes¹⁰
  • Earn 2 points for every dollar you spend on WestJet flights, WestJet Vacations, and Sunwing Vacations²
  • Earn 2 points for every dollar you spend at grocery stores and on transportation including gas, EV charging, public transit and rideshare³
  • Earn 1.5 points for every dollar you spend on all other everyday purchases²
  • WestJet points can now be redeemed to cover taxes, fees and surcharges⁹
  • You can truly relax while you’re travelling with comprehensive coverage, now including Trip Cancellation insurance⁶.
  • WestJet points never expire. Use your WestJet points to book flights anytime so you can travel when and where you want – no blackout periods.
  • Travel coverage including emergency medical insurance²⁰ as well as trip interruption insurance²¹, hotel burglary¹⁸ and rental car insurance¹⁹. Even eligible purchases you make on the card are protected.
  • Save at Petro-Canada – Save 3¢/L on gas and earn 20% more Petro-Points when you pay with a linked RBC card.⁷
  • 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 credit card.⁸
  • Enjoy unlimited $0 delivery fees with DoorDash – Get a complimentary DashPass subscription⁹ from DoorDash for up to 12 months and enjoy unlimited deliveries from qualifying restaurants you love. Enjoy $0 delivery fees10 on orders of $15+ when you pay with an eligible RBC credit card.
  • Enjoy airport lounges worldwide: Your WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard entitles you to membership in the Mastercard Travel Pass Program provided by DragonPass.¹¹ This program offers access to more than 1,300 airport lounges globally, plus valuable airport dining and spa offers. Download the Mastercard Travel Pass app and register at mastercardtravelpass.dragonpass.com
  • Eligibility: This card requires a minimum personal income of $80,000 or a minimum household income of $150,000. Must also be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory of residence.
  • Corresponding legal references and product terms are available on the RBC website, which will be available and agreed upon in the customer onboarding process.
Why we like it for families

The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard comes with a welcome bonus worth up to $700 in travel and pays 2 points per dollar spent on WestJet flights and vacations. This card also earns 2 points per dollar spent on groceries and transportation, plus 1.5 points per dollar spent on everything else.

This card also comes with some WestJet perks including free checked bags, discounted companion vouchers and status-qualifying spend.

Methodology

NerdWallet Canada selects the best credit cards based on overall consumer value as well as their suitability for specific kinds of consumers. Factors in our evaluation methodology include each card’s earning rates, rewards structure (such as flat-rate or bonus categories), annual fee, redemption options, promotional APR period for purchases, bonus offers for new cardholders, and noteworthy features such as insurance, loyalty bonuses or the ability to choose one’s own rewards categories.

How we selected the best credit cards for families

Every family is different, but our goal was to find the best credit cards for each stage of family life. We considered spending categories, reward types, welcome bonuses and annual fees.

Family credit cards at a glance

The best credit card for your family depends on how you spend your money. Consider these quick recommendations based on your top expenses.

If your family spends on…

Consider…

Because…

Baby needs

Walmart Rewards World Mastercard

3% back on Walmart purchases and discounted Walmart+ membership

Child care

Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard

2% cash back on all categories for eligible Rogers customers

Gas

CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card

4% cash back on gas and savings with Journie Rewards

Groceries

PC Insiders World Elite Mastercard

Up to 50 PC Optimum points per dollar spent at participating stores and free PC Express Pass

Household bills

Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite +*

Earn 4% cash back on recurring bill payments

Kids activities

Tangerine Money-Back World Mastercard

Choose up to three categories to earn 2% cash back

Road trips

Scotiabank Gold American Express

Fuel savings at Shell, no foreign exchange fee and good travel insurance coverage

Transportation

BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard

Earn 4% cash back on daily transit including ride sharing

Travel

TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card

Valuable welcome bonus, flexible rewards and good travel benefits

Mini-guide to credit cards for families

Choosing the right credit card for your family comes down to finding the right mix of fees and benefits. Consider these features when comparing credit cards for your family.

Fees and interest

Credit cards can be expensive, but they don’t have to be. You’re likely to find that a card with an annual fee in the range of $120 to $150 offers enough value to be well worth it for your family.

Look for these fees and costs when comparing credit cards:

  • Annual fee: Ranges from $0 to $799. Most families can tolerate an annual fee if the card’s rewards are enough to outweigh it.

  • Secondary cardholder: Ranges from $0 to $99 for each additional cardholder.

  • Purchase interest: Typically ranges from 19.99% to 22.99% for most cards. Plan to pay off your balance in full each month, or look into a low-interest credit card if you carry a balance.

  • Cash interest: Typically ranges from 21.99% to 24.99% for most cards. Interest accrues immediately on cash-like purchases. Avoid using your credit card for cash advances.

  • Foreign transaction fee: Usually 2.5% on top of any currency conversion. Some cards offer no foreign transaction fee.

Rewards

Most families will be interested in earning rewards on everyday spending. Some of the rewards you can earn with a family credit card include:

  • Cash back: Earn cash back on purchases with rewards most commonly redeemed as a statement credit or to a linked bank account.

  • Travel rewards: Earn travel points on purchases with rewards most commonly redeemed for travel.

  • Other rewards: Earn rewards points on purchases with rewards most commonly redeemed for merchandise in stores.

Many credit cards offer spending categories that earn bonus rewards. Common reward categories include gas, groceries, restaurants, daily transportation and recurring bills.

Travel benefits

Depending on how much your family travels, you may or may not want a credit card with travel benefits. Some of the benefits you might want to consider include:

  • Travel insurance: Covers expensive mishaps like trip cancellation, lost/delayed baggage and travel accidents.

  • Travel emergency medical insurance: Covers emergency medical expenses while travelling outside your home province.

  • Rental car insurance: Covers your rental car for damage or loss.

  • Airport lounge access: Some cards include complimentary airport lounge visits. These cards typically have higher annual fees.

  • Travel credits: Some cards offer credits toward travel expenses like NEXUS applications. These cards typically have higher annual fees.

Other benefits

Family credit cards can come with other useful benefits besides travel perks. Consider whether these additional benefits would be useful for your family:

  • Gas discounts: Many credit card issuers are partnered with fuel brands to give you discounts at the pump when you link your loyalty card.

  • Car rental discounts: Many credit cards offer discounts on base rates at participating car rental agencies.

  • Roadside assistance: A few credit cards offer complimentary roadside assistance packages.

  • Delivery discounts: Many credit cards offer discounts on memberships for popular restaurant and grocery delivery services like DoorDash, Instacart and Skip.

  • Concierge service: Many credit cards offer a complimentary concierge that can help secure restaurant reservations, concert tickets, and find rare items.

Credit card options for kids and teens

Kids are growing up faster than ever these days, and they want to be able to make their own purchases.

Mydoh Smart Cash Card
Mydoh Smart Cash Card
Annual feeN/A
Interest ratesN/A
Intro offerN/A
Recommended credit scoreN/A
ListRewards breakdown
ListNerdWallet's take

The Mydoh Smart Cash Card is a reloadable digital and physical Visa Prepaid Card for kids and teens, issued by RBC. It’s designed for young users, with parental transfers, spending oversight and card controls rather than adult prepaid-card rewards. Best for: Canadian families who want a prepaid spending card for kids and teens.

Pros

  • Designed for kids and teens.
  • Digital and physical Visa Prepaid Card.
  • No monthly fee.
  • Parents can monitor spending.
  • No access to credit or overdraft.

Cons

  • No traditional cash-back or points rewards.
  • Cannot be used for ATM or bank cash withdrawals.
  • Foreign currency conversion fee applies.
  • Funds are not CDIC-insured.
Credit Card IconCard details

For kids and teens, a good choice is an app called MyDoh. Backed by RBC, this program gives your little ones their own prepaid Visa card they can use to make in-store purchases. You can also use the app to manage their allowance, pay them for chores and send them money for special occurrences.

If you’re interested in helping your child build credit, unfortunately they won’t be able to do so until they reach the age of majority in your home province.

What about a credit card for my university student?

In addition to adding your university student as a secondary cardholder on your favourite credit card, you should encourage them to apply for a card of their own to start building credit and managing their own finances.

Popular choices include the BMO CashBack Mastercard for Students, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students and the Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card for Students.

For more information on student credit cards, visit our guide to student credit cards in Canada.

Talking to your kids about credit cards

No matter how old your kids are, it’s a good idea to start talking to them about how your family uses credit cards. Consider these age-appropriate tips for introducing credit cards into their vocabulary.

1Preschool

Young children can learn that credit cards are used to buy things. Tell them how you use real money to pay your credit card bill each month.

2Elementary school

School-aged kids are ready for more in-depth information about credit cards. Talk to them about how your family budgets for expenses, and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using credit cards. Consider getting them their own spending card using an app like MyDoh.

3High school

High-school students need to learn the hard truth about credit cards. Help them learn about interest rates and what it means to carry a balance. When they’re old enough, consider adding them as an authorized user on your credit card so they can learn to make purchases responsibly, though being an authorized user does not build their credit history.

4University

University is one of the best times to get a credit card because students enjoy relaxed qualification criteria. Encourage your post-secondary student to apply for a credit card in their own name and talk with them about the importance of budgeting and responsible credit card use.

Young children can learn that credit cards are used to buy things. Tell them how you use real money to pay your credit card bill each month.

School-aged kids are ready for more in-depth information about credit cards. Talk to them about how your family budgets for expenses, and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using credit cards. Consider getting them their own spending card using an app like MyDoh.

High-school students need to learn the hard truth about credit cards. Help them learn about interest rates and what it means to carry a balance. When they’re old enough, consider adding them as an authorized user on your credit card so they can learn to make purchases responsibly, though being an authorized user does not build their credit history.

University is one of the best times to get a credit card because students enjoy relaxed qualification criteria. Encourage your post-secondary student to apply for a credit card in their own name and talk with them about the importance of budgeting and responsible credit card use.

Frequently asked questions


What is the best family credit card?

The best credit card for your family depends on your stage in life and your spending habits. Families with young children might get good use out of the Walmart Rewards World Mastercard while families with kids in university might prefer a travel credit card like the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card.

Can you get a credit card as a stay-at-home parent?

Yes, stay-at-home parents may qualify using household income, depending on the card issuer and the card. Many of the best credit cards in Canada require a household income of $100,000 or more, but many are available with household income as low as $12,000. They can also be added as an additional cardholder to a partner’s account. Check an issuer’s eligibility requirements before applying.]

Alternatively, you may be approved for a secured credit card even if you have no income at all.

What is the best credit card for stay-at-home parents?

Stay-at-home parents are often responsible for household chores like grocery shopping and getting children to school and other activities. Some of the best credit cards for gas and groceries in Canada include the PC Insiders World Elite Mastercard and the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card.

Can I open a credit card in my child’s name?

You can’t open a credit card in your child’s name, but you have a few options.

For young children, a popular service called MyDoh allows you to help your child learn about finances and gives them a prepaid Visa card they can use to make purchases in stores.

For teenagers and adult children, you may be able to add them as an authorized user on your credit card account. Your teen will get their own card and be able to make purchases as if it were their own.

Post-secondary students should apply for a student credit card in their own name to start building their credit history and managing their own finances.

Can I add my child as an authorized user on my credit card, and at what age?

You may be able to add your child as an authorized user on your credit card before they turn 18. While some issuers don’t specify a minimum age, BMO confirms it allows authorized users as young as 13 and RBC allows authorized users as young as 14.

Does adding my teenager as an authorized user affect my credit score or build theirs?

Adding your teenager as an authorized credit card user will not help them build their credit score. It also shouldn’t affect your credit score unless their spending habits cause you to miss payments or carry a balance.

How much annual income do you need to qualify for a premium family rewards credit card in Canada?

Minimum-income requirements vary substantially. Many World Elite Mastercard cards require annual personal or household income of $80,000 or $150,000, while Visa Infinite cards commonly require $60,000 personal or $100,000 household income. Some suitable family cards have no minimum-income requirement.

Do credit card travel insurance benefits cover children and dependents on a family trip?

Credit card travel insurance often covers the cardholder, their spouse and eligible dependent children, but eligibility and payment requirements vary by benefit and insurer. Check the certificate of insurance before relying on coverage for a family trip.