Best Rewards Credit Cards in Canada for May 2026
For most Canadians, a credit card is no longer just a way to pay for a vacation — it is a tool to manage the rising cost of living. If you want a card that earns points you can actually use for essentials, like bread and milk. But you aren’t ready to give up on the dream of a “free” flight, you need a flexible rewards card.
We chose the following cards because they don’t force you to choose a strategy until the moment you’re ready to redeem.
Summary: Best rewards credit cards in Canada
BACK TO TOP| Card | NerdWallet rating | Intro offer | Rewards rate | Apply Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Cobalt® Card | APPLY NOW on American Express' website | |||
 APPLY NOW on American Express' website | 5.0/5 | Up to 15,000 Points | 1x-5x Points | |
| Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card | APPLY NOW on Scotiabank's website | |||
 APPLY NOW on Scotiabank's website | 5.0/5 | Up to 45,000 Points | 1x-6x Points | |
| TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card | APPLY NOW on TD's website | |||
 APPLY NOW on TD's website | 4.6/5 | Up to 165,000 Points | 2x-8x Points | |
Browse by goal
BACK TO TOPCard | Best for | Why? |
|---|---|---|
American Express Cobalt Card | Overall points value | High earn on food and flexible points. |
MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard | Broad everyday earning | Strong Mastercard earn on repeat expenses. |
Scotiabank Gold American Express Card | Simple redemptions | Easy-to-use Scene+ points. |
TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card | Casual travel planning | Travel rewards without airline strategy. |
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card | Getting into travel points | Scene+ points plus travel perks. |
RBC Avion Visa Infinite | Keeping options open | Flexible travel redemption paths. |
RBC ION+ Visa Credit Card | Recurring spending | Rewards common monthly expenses. |
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Card | Groceries, gas and essentials | Strong earn on weekly spending. |
PC World Elite Mastercard | Retail loyalty | Best for PC Optimum shoppers. |
CIBC Adapta Mastercard | Automatic category matching | Adapts to your top categories. |
Scotiabank American Express card | No-fee points starter | No-fee access to Scene+ points. |
Best credit cards for rewards points
BACK TO TOPAmerican Express Cobalt Card — Best overall points credit card
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Points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery.* Spend cap applies.
Points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada.
Points on eligible ride shares, transit & gas in Canada.
Point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else.
Additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings via American Express Travel Online.
A standout everyday earner with up to 5x points on a spectrum of everyday spending categories, including eats and drinks, streaming services, gas and more. Unusually robust travel insurance for a mid-tier card makes it a decent travel companion, too. Best for: Those who spend big on groceries, entertainment or transit and want a flexible rewards program.
Pros
- Includes 10 forms of insurance.
- Points can be transferred to other rewards programs, including Aeroplan and Marriott Bonvoy.
- Up to $60 in Instacart statement credits.
Cons
- No lounge access.
- The 5x earn rate is capped at $2,500 monthly — purchases above the cap drop to 1x.
- In your first year as a new Cobalt Cardmember, you can earn 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in net purchases on your Card. This could add up to 15,000 points in a year. That’s up to $150 towards a weekend getaway or concert tickets.
- Earn 5x the points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery. Spend cap applies.
- Earn 3x the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada.
- Earn 2X the points on eligible ride shares, transit & gas in Canada.
- Earn 1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings via American Express Travel Online.
- Earn 1X point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else.
- Enjoy access to hotel bookings, a room upgrade (when available), 12pm check-in and late check-out (when available), and up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities when charged to the room for a stay of 2 or more consecutive nights through The Hotel Collection from American Express Travel
- Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs.
- Access Front Of The Line® Amex Presale & Reserved Tickets to some of your favourite concerts and theatre performances and special offers and events curated for Cardmembers with Amex Experiences™
- American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
If groceries, dining and coffee do the most damage to your monthly budget, the Cobalt turns that reality into an advantage. It works best when food spending is not just one category among many, but the category that keeps showing up on your statement.
Its edge is not just how fast it earns. It is that the points can stay useful whether you cash them out simply or hold them for something bigger later. That makes the Cobalt unusually good at serving both your current budget and your future travel ambitions.
Skip it if Amex acceptance already sounds like a hassle. The MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard is a cleaner everyday alternative if you want broader acceptance and higher multipliers on utilities and memberships. If you want travel-friendly perks on a Visa, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is the safer middle ground.
MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard — Best rewards card for broad everyday earning
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Points‡ for every $1 spent on eligible restaurant purchases.
Points‡ for every $1 spent on eligible grocery purchases.
Points‡ for every $1 spent on eligible digital media purchases.
Points‡ for every $1 spent on eligible membership purchases.
Points‡ for every $1 spent on eligible household utility purchases.
Point‡ for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.
This card offers a flexible reward program and decent travel perks. Get up to 5x the points on everyday purchases, which can be redeemed for a range of products and services, from cash back to travel bookings. But the $80,000 minimum income requirement may be too high for some users. Best for: Big spenders on everyday essentials with busy travel schedules.
Pros
- High 5x earn rate on everyday expenses.
- Decent range of travel insurance.
- A minimum of 5% off rental car bookings at Avis and Budget.
Cons
- Steep $80,000 income requirements for individuals, or $150,000 per household.
- 20,000 bonus points†† (approximately $165 in cash back value) after you make $2,000 or more in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of your account opening.
- 10,000 bonus points††(approximately $80 in cash back value) once enrolled for paperless e-statements within the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn 5 points‡ for every $1 spent on eligible restaurant, grocery, digital media, membership, and household utility purchases until $50,000 is spent annually in the applicable category. 1 point‡ for every $1 on all other eligible purchases.
- Each year, you will receive Birthday Bonus Points‡ equal to 10% of the total number of Points the Account earned in the 12 months before the month of your birthday, to a maximum Birthday Bonus each year of 15,000 Points.
- Redeem points‡ for cash back, brand-name merchandise, gift cards from participating retailers, charitable donations, and travel.
- Standard Annual Interest Rates of 21.99% on purchases, 22.99% on balance transfers✪, and 22.99% on cash advances.
- Mobile Device Insurance*** With Mobile Device Insurance, you’ve got up to $1,000 in coverage for eligible mobile devices in the event of loss, theft, accidental damage or mechanical breakdown.
- $120 annual fee. $50 Additional Card Annual Fee for one authorized user (if you have one).
- To qualify, your personal annual income must be greater than $80,000, or your household annual income must be $150,000 or greater††††.
- ††, ‡, ✪, ***, ††††, Terms and Conditions apply.
- This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
- Sponsored advertising. MBNA is a division of The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) and TD is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete information on this MBNA credit card, please click on the "Apply Now" button.
The MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard is the practical counterpoint to the American Express Cobalt Card. It earns well in the kinds of categories that show up month after month — groceries, dining, digital media, memberships, household utilities and recurring payments — but does it on the Mastercard network, which makes it easier to use as an actual everyday card.
That matters because rewards value is only useful if you can earn it where you already spend. The MBNA card is especially compelling for people who want more upside than a simple cash-back card, but do not want Amex acceptance to dictate their rewards strategy.
The tradeoff is that MBNA’s rewards setup can feel less intuitive than cleaner points programs like Amex Membership Rewards or Scene+. If you want the strongest food-spend upside and do not mind carrying a backup card, the American Express Cobalt Card is still the better pick. If you want rewards plus travel-friendly features like no foreign transaction fees, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is the better detour. If you want a no-fee way into points, the RBC ION Visa Credit Card is the simpler place to start.
Scotiabank Gold American Express Card — Best rewards card for simple point redemptions
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Points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more.
Points for every $1 you spend on dining & food delivery. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
Points for every $1 you spend at other eligible grocery stores.
Points for every $1 you spend in Canada on eligible entertainment purchases. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
Points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas purchases.
Points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more.
Points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services.
Point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases.
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.
- Earn up to $850 in welcome offers, first year rewards and savings value and up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points.¹
- Earn 6x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
- Earn 5x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
- Earn 5x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purchases. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
- Earn 3x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more
- Earn 3x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services
- Plus earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
- Earn additional benefits + up to 4X Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia.
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance coverage
- AMEX Offers®
- AMEX Front of the Line®
- American Express Invites®
- Complimentary Concierge Services
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of January 2, 2026. Subject to change.
- *See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.
Some rewards systems ask you to learn a whole new hobby before they start feeling useful. Scene+ is easier than that. If you want rewards on groceries, dining and entertainment without turning redemption into homework, this card is the clearest fit.
The value is not just the earn rate. It is that the points stay legible. You can use them for groceries, movies or travel without waiting for the perfect redemption. That makes the card easier to live with, especially if you want rewards that feel close to cash.
The main drawback is Amex acceptance. If you want a more travel-ready Visa with no foreign transaction fees, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is more versatile. If you want broader acceptance for everyday spending, the MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard is the cleaner fallback. And if you’re looking for a no-fee entry point to this same system, the Scotiabank American Express card is the simplest place to start.
TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card — Best rewards card for casual travel planning
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Points for every $1 you spend when you book travel through Expedia® For TD†.
Points for every $1 you spend on Groceries, Dining, and Public Transit†.
Points for every $1 you spend on Recurring Bill Payments and Streaming, Digital Gaming & Media†.
Points for every $1 you spend on other Purchases made using your Card†.
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.
- Earn up to $1,400 in value†, including up to 165,000 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 145,000 TD Rewards Points when you spend $7,500 within 180 days of Account opening†.
- 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.
- 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.
This card fits people who like the idea of travel rewards, but do not want to build their whole strategy around airline transfers. You can earn points on regular spending now and keep travel as the natural next step, not the only reason the card makes sense.
Its strength is that it gives you a soft landing into travel rewards: You can redeem through Expedia for TD, or apply points to eligible travel purchases you book elsewhere. The points are easy enough to use that they still feel worthwhile before a trip is booked, which is exactly what makes the card so approachable.
Choose the American Express Cobalt Card instead if you want stronger earning power on food and drinks. Choose the RBC Avion Visa Infinite if you care more about keeping transfer options open than using a straightforward travel portal.
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card — Best rewards card for getting into travel points
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Points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more.
Points for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining purchases, entertainment purchases, and eligible daily transit options (including rideshares, buses, subways, taxis and more).
Point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases.
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.
Pros
- Free airport lounge membership and six free visits per year.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Free Avis Preferred Plus membership.
Cons
- An above-average $150 annual fee for a travel card.
- Top earn rate (3x on groceries) only applies to Sobeys and its subsidiary stores.
- Must book through Scene+ Travel platform to earn 3x points on travel.
- Earn up to $1,500 in first year welcome offers, rewards and savings, including up to 60,000 bonus Scene+ points¹
- Earn 3x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more.
- Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including rideshares, buses, subways, taxis and more).
- 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.
- Travel with confidence using 10GB of free GigSky global mobile data for 15 days with unlimited Travel Essentials by GigSky for essential travel apps. Visa Infinite cardholders also continue to receive one complimentary 1GB/15-Day GigSky global mobile data plan each year, plus 20% off future GigSky purchases with their Scotiabank Visa Infinite+ card.
- No Foreign Transaction Fee.
- 6 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access.
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance coverage.
- Visa Infinite* Concierge Services.
- Visa Infinite* Hotel Collection.
- Visa Infinite* Dining and Wine Country program.
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of Jan 2, 2026. Subject to change.
- *See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.
The Passport is a good first serious travel card because it pays off in ways that are easy to understand. You do not need to master a loyalty program before the card feels useful.
The immediate value is the point. Six airport lounge visits and no foreign transaction fees can matter the moment you travel, book abroad or shop with an international retailer. The card still earns Scene+ points for regular spending, so it does not become irrelevant during the 50 weeks of the year you are not in an airport.
Skip it if you already know what kind of travel rewards you want. The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card is cleaner if you want to go deeper on flight redemptions. The American Express Cobalt Card is stronger if you want to build a bigger flexible points balance first. And if your real priority is keeping your future options open for as long as possible, the RBC Avion Visa Infinite is the better fit.
RBC Avion Visa Infinite — Best rewards card if you’re not ready to commit to one points program
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Points on eligible travel-related purchases
Points on everything else.
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite simplifies reward accrual with 1 Avion point per $1 spent and boosted rates of 1.25x on travel purchases. A broad swath of insurance coverage, paired with value-adding extras like gas, car rental and food delivery discounts, makes this a well-rounded card for travellers. Best for: Travellers who want flexible rewards points and built-in travel protections.
Pros
- Car rental discounts of up to 20% at Hertz.
- Fuel discounts of 3 cents per litre at Petro-Canada.
Cons
- No airport lounge access.
- Highest earn rate only applies to travel spending.
- Get up to 55,000 Avion points¹ (max travel value of $1,100†), that’s up to 3 round trip flights^. Get 35,000 Welcome Points on approval and 20,000 bonus points when you spend $5,000 in your first 6 months¹. Apply by June 15, 2026.
- Earn 1 Avion point for every dollar you spend* and an extra 25% on eligible travel purchases.
- Avion Visa Infinite Cardholders can book flights with points on any airline, on any flight, at any time, early or last minute, with no blackout periods or restrictions.
- Avion Visa Infinite Cardholders 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 Avion Visa Infinite Cardholder.
- 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.
- Avion Visa Infinite Cardholders get access to luxury Visa Infinite benefits including first in line for exclusive events, and hotel and dining benefits.
- Avion Visa Infinite Cardholders no longer need 14-days to book travel using the RBC grid.
- Add your credit card to your DoorDash account and get a free 12 monthly DashPass subscription¹⁶
- 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.
Avion is not trying to win on raw everyday earning. Its value is optionality. It fits someone who wants travel rewards, but does not yet want to become loyal to one airline, one portal or one redemption style.
You can use points through RBC’s own travel options, or transfer them to partners like British Airways or WestJet. That gives you escape routes as your travel habits become clearer. The card is less about maximizing every grocery run and more about keeping your future choices open.
The tradeoff is that you are giving up some everyday earning power in exchange for future flexibility. If you want a simpler card for casual travel booking, the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card is easier to use. If you want stronger earning on everyday spending before deciding how to travel, the American Express Cobalt Card is the better starting point.
RBC ION+ Visa Credit Card — Best rewards card for recurring everyday spending
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Points on groceries.
Points on dining & food delivery.
Points gas & electric vehicle charging.
Points on rideshare.
Points on daily public transit.
Points on all other qualifying purchases.
A solid, low-fee everyday earner with rewards rates that top out at 3x Avion points per dollar spent. Practical perks include fuel discounts and no annual fees for students, but insurance offerings are limited. Best for: Students and everyday shoppers seeking rewards on groceries, gas, entertainment and rideshares.
Pros
- Low $48 monthly fee.
- Fuel discounts of 3 cents per litre at Petro-Canada.
- Annual fee rebates for RBC Advantage Banking Account for Students account holders.
Cons
- Limited insurance coverage.
- Get up to 21,000 Avion points^ - that’s up to $150 of value in gift cards!† Get 7,000 Welcome Points and earn 14,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 in your first 6 months^. Apply by May 6, 2026.
- Earn 3X Avion points for every $1 spent¹ on:
- Grocery, Dining & Food Delivery - Satisfy your taste buds by earning points on groceries, dining out, food delivery.ⁱ
- Rides, Gas & EV Charging – Enjoy earning points on gas, rideshare, daily public transit, electric vehicle charging.ⁱⁱ
- Streaming, Digital Gaming & Subscriptions– Stay entertained while earning points on streaming, gaming, eligible digital subscriptions, eligible digital downloads, and in-game purchases.ⁱⁱⁱ
- Earn 1 Avion point for every $1 spent on all other qualifying purchases.¹
- Annual Fee $48.
- Pay With Points – Redeem your Avion points to pay bills, your credit card balance or even send money to friends with Interac e-Transfer⁴. Minimum redemption is only $10, so you can use your points where you need them most.
- Save at Petro-Canada – Save 3¢/L on fuel and earn 20% more Petro-Points and 20% more Avion points when you pay with a linked RBC card.⁶
- Earn more Be Well points at Rexall – Earn 50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases at Rexall when you pay with your linked RBC card and scan your Be Well card.⁷
- Add your credit card to your DoorDash account and get a 6-month complimentary DashPass subscription⁶
- Earn Moi points at Metro - earn 1 extra Moi point for every $2 spent at Metro, Food Basics, Super C, Jean Coutu, Brunet and Première Moisson when you swipe your Moi Rewards card and pay with your linked RBC card (minimum purchase required)
- When you shop at Metro, Food Basics or Super C, and spend at least $60, you’ll get 1 additional Moi point for every 2 dollars you spend. When you shop at Brunet or Jean Coutu and spend at least $40 you’ll get 1 extra Moi point for every 2 dollars spent and when you shop at Premiere Moisson, and spend at least $20, you’ll get 1 extra Moi point for every 2 dollars spent.
- Students or Anyone 24 and Younger Receive an Annual Fee Rebate – Get the annual fee rebated every month if you open an RBC Advantage™ Banking Account for Students¹⁰.
- Mobile Device Insurance⁵ Included – Get 2 years of coverage up to $1,000 in the event your mobile device such as your cell phone is lost, stolen, accidentally damaged or experiences mechanical failure when you purchase your mobile device with this credit card.
- Purchase Security and Extended Warranty Insurance⁵ – Automatically protects eligible card purchases against loss, theft or damage within 90 days of purchase, and doubles the manufacturer's original Canadian warranty by up to one additional year, to a maximum of five years.
- Corresponding legal references and product terms are available on the RBC website, which will be available and agreed upon in the customer onboarding process.
- ^ This offer only applies to new applications for an RBC ION+ Visa credit card received between January 21, 2026 and May 6, 2026 (“Offer Period”) and approved by Royal Bank of Canada (“Royal Bank”), subject to the conditions below. Additional cardholders(s) (co-applicant and authorized user(s)) on the RBC ION+ Visa credit card account, as well as existing cardholders on any RBC Royal Bank personal credit card transferring to an RBC ION+ Visa credit card during the Offer Period, are not eligible for this offer. 7,000 Avion points (“Welcome Points”) will appear on your monthly credit card statement within sixty (60) days after your application has been approved, provided that your RBC ION+ Visa credit card account (“Credit Card Account”) remains open and in good standing at the time the Welcome points are credited to your account, “good standing” meaning that your Credit Card Account must not be past due for more than two (2) consecutive credit card account statement periods, closed, charged off or in credit revoked status. 14,000 additional Avion points (“Bonus Points”) will be awarded to you if a total of $1,500 (“Qualifying Transaction Amount”) or more in qualifying net purchases and/or pre-authorized bill payment transactions (“Qualifying Transactions”) are posted to your Credit Card Account within the first six (6) months from your Credit Card Account opening date (“Period”). The Bonus Points will appear on your monthly credit card statement within sixty (60) days after you reach $1,500 in Qualifying Transactions, provided your Credit Card Account is in good standing at the time the Bonus Points are credited to your account.
The ION+ is not built around a dream trip. It is built around the purchases that keep coming back: groceries, gas, streaming, food delivery and other everyday categories.
That is what makes the card feel grounded. It rewards the categories that keep showing up, which is exactly what you want when the goal is not just earning points, but making ordinary spending sting a little less.
Choose the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Card if groceries, gas, transit and takeout dominate your spending and you want a more aggressive category earner. If your spending is even broader and includes memberships and digital subscriptions at a higher volume, the MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard is the better high-cap workhorse. Choose the SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express if you would rather lower costs directly with cash back instead of managing points.
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Card — Best rewards card for groceries, gas and everyday essentials
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Points on groceries.
Points on dining.
Points on gas.
Points on transit.
Point for every $1 spent on everything else.
Built for everyday spending, this mid-tier points card boasts a competitive 5x earn rate on popular spending categories and point-boost incentives for adding an authorized user. But its limited travel insurance may disappoint frequent jetsetters. Best for: Shoppers who spend big on food and commuting.
Pros
- $50 statement credit annually.
- Earn up to 10% more points when you add an authorized user to your account.
Cons
- Limited travel insurance.
- No airport perks.
- Get up to $1,150 in value including up to 70,000 Bonus points, monthly streaming statement credit, $50 statement credit, and no annual fee 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.
- 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.
The eclipse is for people whose budgets are heavily shaped by groceries, gas, transit and takeout. If those categories do the heavy lifting every month, this card gives that routine a strong rewards engine.
The appeal is straightforward: this card rewards the spending that repeats most often, which makes it a strong fit for someone who wants their points strategy to begin with routine life, not a future trip. This is a practical optimizer’s card, not a card that asks you to care about transfer-partner nuance.
It works best if your spending fits the bonus categories. If your everyday costs are broader and include utilities, memberships or digital subscriptions, the MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard is a more flexible workhorse. If you want the card to adjust automatically to your spending, the CIBC Adapta Mastercard is the easier detour.
PC World Elite Mastercard — Best rewards card for people with retail loyalty
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Points per $1 at Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix stores.
Points per $1 at Loblaw-affiliated grocery stores.
Points per litre at Esso and Mobil gas stations.
Points per $1 every else.
This co-branded card generously rewards Loblaw shoppers with up to 4.5% back on everyday spending categories, like gas, groceries and drugstore purchases. That said, points are only redeemable at Loblaw stores, and steep income criteria limits this card’s accessibility. Best for: High-income earners who frequently shop Loblaw-affiliated stores.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- Up to 4.5% back in everyday spending.
- Some travel insurance.
Cons
- High $80,000 individual or $150,000 household annual income requirement.
- Highest earn rate limited to drugstore spending.
- Points only redeemable at participating Loblaw-owned stores, Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmapix, and Esso gas stations.
- 45x PC Optimum points per dollar on Shoppers Drug Mart purchases.
- 30x PC Optimum points per dollar on Loblaw-brand grocery store purchases.
- 30x PC Optimum points per dollar per litre of gas purchased at Esso Mobil.
- 10x PC Optimum points per dollar on all other purchases.
- Redeem a minimum of 10,000 points for free products and groceries at participating stores (in person and online).
- No annual fee.
- 24/7 concierge service to make dinner reservations, reserve event tickets, deliver gifts and more.
- Access to identity theft services to help you avoid identity theft or restore your identity if stolen.
- Four types of insurance provided, including 10-day travel medical benefits for those under age 65.
- Preferred rates: 20.97% for purchases, 21.97% for cash advances.
- 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.
The PC World Elite Mastercard is not trying to be the most flexible rewards card. It is for people whose routines already run through Loblaw grocery stores, Shoppers Drug Mart and Esso or Mobil stations.
That is where the card makes sense. If you already shop in the PC Optimum ecosystem, your rewards do not need translation. They become grocery, pharmacy and household savings you can use at checkout. For the right household, that can be more useful than a more flexible currency that takes effort to redeem well.
The weakness is portability. If your loyalty sits with another grocery or gas network, this card loses a lot of its appeal. If your store loyalty runs through Save-On-Foods or other More Rewards partners instead, the More Rewards RBC Visa Infinite is the better regional alternative, especially in Western Canada. If you want grocery rewards without committing to one merchant family, the Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card is a cleaner fallback.
CIBC Adapta Mastercard — Best rewards card when you want the card to handle the category work
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Adapta points for every dollar you spend in your top 3 spend categories.†; or
Adapta points for every dollar you spend on eligible travel purchases made through CIBC by Expedia†; or
Adapta point for every dollar you spend on all other purchases.†
With no annual fee and an intuitive rewards program, the CIBC Adapta Mastercard is a practical choice for cardholders with fluctuating spending habits. Adapta points can be redeemed for cashback, but when compared to other no-fee cash-back options, this card’s 1% cash-back rate isn’t hugely competitive. Best for: Those who want a no-fee, set-and-forget earn structure with straightforward, cash-style redemptions.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- Flexible earn rates that are automatically applied to your top spending categories monthly.
Cons
- Less competitive earn rates than other no-fee cashback cards.
- Welcome Offer: Join and get up to $100 in value† with no annual fee.† Here’s how it adds up–
- Receive a Welcome Bonus of 3,000 Adapta points after your first purchase (up to $25 value)†
- Get 3,000 Adapta points when you spend $1,000 in the first 4 monthly statement periods (up to $25 value)†
- Includes membership to Roadside Assistance† after you make your first purchase. Services include battery boosting, gas delivery, towing and more, offered by Dominion Automobile Association ($50 value)†
- How do Adapta points work? Each month, you’ll automatically earn–
- 1.5 Adapta points for every dollar you spend in your top 3 spend categories.†
- 2 Adapta points for every dollar you spend on eligible travel purchases made through CIBC by Expedia†; or
- 1 Adapta point for every dollar you spend on all other purchases.†
- What are Adapta points worth? 1,500 Adapta points are worth $10 when redeemed towards your credit card balance or a recent purchase.† 1,200 Adapta points are worth $10 when redeemed towards select CIBC financial products.†
- Save over $600 with CIBC and Skip – Get a 12-month Skip+ free trial and other exclusive benefits when you link your CIBC Adapta Mastercard with Skip.†
- Save on gas with CIBC and Journie Rewards – Link and use your CIBC Adapta Mastercard with Journie Rewards to save up to 10 cents per litre† at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.†
- CIBC may approve your application, but you are not eligible to receive this Offer if you have opened, transferred or cancelled another Adapta card within the last 12 months.†
- †Terms and Conditions Apply. Select Apply Now to learn more.
The Adapta is built for people who do not want rewards optimization to become another chore. Instead of asking you to pick fixed bonus categories, it adapts to where your money actually goes.
That makes it useful when your spending shifts month to month, or when you know you are not going to remember which card to use where.
The tradeoff is ceiling. If you know food spending is your biggest opportunity, the American Express Cobalt Card has more upside. If you want a stronger fixed-category engine for groceries, gas and transit, the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Card is the sharper optimizer’s tool.
Scotiabank American Express card — Best no-fee rewards card for starting to earn points
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Points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco and more.
Points for every $1 you spend on restaurants, fast food, drinking establishments. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
Points for every $1 you spend on eligible grocery stores.
Points for every $1 you spend on eligible entertainment purchases. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
Points for every $1 you spend on eligible gas.
Points for every $1 you spend eligible daily transit. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more.
Points for every $1 you spend on eligible select streaming services.
Point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases.
The Scotiabank American Express Card offers solid Scene+ point rewards on everyday purchases like groceries and dining — all with no annual fee and a few built-in perks.
Pros
- Great earn rates on everyday purchases.
- Includes mobile device insurance.
- Enjoy special offers, experiences and more with American Express Invites.
Cons
- Limited insurance — only includes mobile device coverage, purchase security, and extended warranty.
- No Amex Membership Rewards — only earns Scene+ points, which have limited redemption options and can’t be transferred to airline or hotel programs.
- Earn up to 5,000 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months (that’s up to $50 towards travel).¹
- Earn 3x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco and more
- Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on restaurants, fast food, drinking establishments and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
- Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on eligible entertainment purchases. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
- Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on eligible gas and daily transit. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more
- Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on eligible select streaming services
- Plus earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
- Earn additional benefits + up to 4X Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia.
- Mobile Device Insurance coverage
- American Express Invites®
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of October 31, 2025. Subject to change.
- *See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.
Many no-fee points cards feel too weak to matter or too abstract to understand. The Scotiabank American Express card is easier to believe in because it earns Scene+ points, a currency many Canadians can use in familiar places.
The appeal is immediacy. You can earn extra points at grocery stores like Sobeys, Safeway and FreshCo, and on categories like dining, gas and streaming. Then you can use those points for groceries, movies or travel without learning airline charts first.
The tradeoff is that this is a practical starter, not the most ambitious one. American Express Green Card has more long-term upside if you care about flexible points first. RBC ION Visa is the better no-fee starting point if you want to grow into Avion. And if Visa acceptance matters from day one, Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card is the easier fallback.
Methodology
BACK TO TOPHow did we select cards for this roundup?
For this roundup, we focused on credit cards that earn points-based rewards or loyalty rewards that can be useful across everyday spending, travel, statement credits, merchandise, entertainment, groceries or retail purchases.
We did not treat this page as a broad guide to every type of reward. Cash-back cards, airline cards and premium travel cards may all earn “rewards,” but they solve different reader problems. This page is for readers who already want a rewards or points card and need help deciding which one fits the way they spend and redeem.
To select our picks, NerdWallet Canada considered:
Everyday earning power: How well the card rewards common spending categories like groceries, dining, gas, recurring bills, subscriptions, transit, travel and retail purchases.
Redemption usefulness: Whether points are easy to redeem for things people actually use, such as travel, groceries, statement credits, gift cards, merchandise or loyalty-program rewards.
Flexibility: Whether rewards can be used in more than one way, transferred to other programs or redeemed without requiring a narrow strategy.
Real-world usability: Whether the card’s network, merchant acceptance, category rules and redemption process make it practical as an everyday card.
Annual fee value: Whether the rewards, welcome offer and benefits can reasonably justify the card’s cost for the right user.
Distinct reader fit: Whether the card gives readers a meaningfully different answer from the other cards on the list.
A card did not need to be the highest-earning option in every scenario to make the list, but it did need to solve a distinct rewards problem better than close alternatives.
Mini-guide to rewards credit cards
BACK TO TOPRewards credit cards can look similar at first: earn points when you spend, redeem them later. But the cards on this page solve different problems.
Some are strongest if you spend heavily on groceries and dining. Some are better for recurring bills or broad everyday purchases. Some make points easy to use for groceries, statement credits or entertainment. Others are more useful if you want to keep future travel options open.
The right rewards card is the one that fits where you spend, how you redeem and how much effort you want to put into managing points.
MORE: How do rewards credit cards work?
How to choose a rewards credit card
1. Start with where your spending repeats
The best rewards card is usually the one that earns well where your money already goes. For many Canadians, that means groceries, dining, gas, transit, streaming, subscriptions, utilities or recurring bills. A card with a strong earn rate in your biggest repeat categories can be more valuable than a card with flashier perks you rarely use.
Before applying, look at a few recent statements and ask: Which purchases keep showing up?
If food spending dominates, a grocery-and-dining card may make sense. If your spending is broader, a Mastercard or Visa with strong everyday categories may be easier to use. If your spending changes month to month, a card that adapts to your top categories may be more practical than one with fixed bonus rates.
2. Decide whether you want easy points or flexible points
Not all points work the same way. Some rewards programs are easy to understand because points can be redeemed for familiar things, like groceries, movies, travel bookings, merchandise, gift cards or statement credits. These programs are useful if you want rewards that feel close to cash.
Other programs may offer more upside, especially for travel, but they usually require more planning. Transfer partners, travel portals and point valuations can make rewards more valuable, but only if you are willing to learn how the program works.
A simple rule: If you want rewards to reduce everyday costs, prioritize ease of redemption. If you want bigger future value, prioritize flexibility.
3. Be honest about how much effort you’ll tolerate
A rewards card is only valuable if you’ll actually use it well. Some people enjoy comparing redemption values, pairing multiple cards and saving points for a better trip later. Others want to earn points and use them without doing homework.
Neither approach is wrong. But the card should match your habits.
If you want low effort, look for simple earn categories, clear redemption options and points you can use without waiting for the perfect redemption. If you like optimizing, a more complex rewards program may be worth the extra work.
4. Make sure the card works where you spend
A high earn rate does not help if the card is not accepted where you shop. American Express cards can offer strong rewards value, but acceptance may be more limited than Visa or Mastercard depending on your grocery store, pharmacy, gas station, restaurant or biller.
Also check whether your purchases actually qualify for the card’s bonus categories. Some cards cap accelerated earn rates after a certain amount of spending. Others may exclude certain merchants, bill payments or third-party payment services.
Before choosing a card, ask:
Will my usual stores accept it?
Will my biggest purchases earn the bonus rate?
Are there caps that limit the value?
Do I need a backup Visa or Mastercard?
5. Check whether the annual fee still makes sense after year one
Welcome offers can make a card look better than it will feel long term. A rewards card with an annual fee may be worth it if the ongoing earn rates, redemption options and benefits outweigh the cost. But the card should still make sense after the welcome bonus is gone.
Ask whether you would keep the card in year two. If the answer is no, the card may still be useful for a short-term bonus, but it may not be the right everyday rewards card.
What makes rewards cards different from one another
The best rewards card is not always the one with the highest earn rate. The better question is: What kind of rewards problem are you trying to solve?
If you want... | Look for... | Cards to consider |
|---|---|---|
More points on daily spending | High earn rates on repeat categories. | Cobalt, MBNA Rewards WE, RBC ION+, BMO eclipse. |
Easy redemptions | Points you can use for everyday costs. | Scotia Gold Amex, Scotia Amex, PC World Elite. |
Travel value without airline loyalty | Travel rewards with flexible redemption paths. | TD First Class Travel, RBC Avion, Scotia Passport. |
Future flexibility | Transfer options or multiple ways to redeem. | RBC Avion, Amex Cobalt. |
Store loyalty | Strong value in one retail ecosystem. | PC World Elite, More Rewards RBC Visa Infinite. |
No annual fee | Useful rewards without a yearly cost. | Scotia Amex, RBC ION Visa, Scotia Scene+ Visa. |
Popular credit card rewards programs in Canada
Rewards programs differ in how easy they are to use, how flexible they are and where they offer the most value.
Program | Common redemption options | Best for |
|---|---|---|
American Express Membership Rewards | Travel, statement credits, gift cards, merchandise and transfers to partner programs. | People who want flexible points with strong travel upside. |
Scene+ | Groceries, entertainment, dining, travel and statement credits for eligible purchases. | People who want points that are easy to use in everyday life. |
RBC Avion | Travel, merchandise, gift cards, statement credits and transfers to select partners. | People who want to keep future travel options open. |
TD Rewards | Expedia for TD, eligible travel purchases, merchandise, gift cards and statement credits. | People who want approachable travel rewards without airline-transfer complexity. |
PC Optimum | Rewards at Loblaw-banner grocery stores, Shoppers Drug Mart, Esso, Mobil and other partners. | Loyal PC Optimum shoppers who want grocery, pharmacy and gas savings. |
BMO Rewards | Travel, merchandise, gift cards, statement credits and investments. | People whose spending fits BMO’s bonus categories and redemption options. |
When is a rewards card worth it?
A rewards card may be worth it if you pay your balance in full, spend regularly in the card’s bonus categories and can redeem points in a way that feels useful.
A rewards card may not be worth it if you carry a balance, overspend to earn points, rarely use the redemption options or pay an annual fee that your rewards do not offset.
Rewards work best when they reward spending you would have made anyway. The goal is not to change your habits to chase points. It is to choose a card that gives you more value from the spending already in your life.
Frequently asked questions
What is a rewards credit card?
A rewards credit card earns points, cash back or miles on eligible purchases. The type of rewards, and how you can redeem them, depends on the card and its loyalty program.
Note: Applying doesn’t guarantee approval. The issuer needs to assess your financial profile to determine your eligibility. Cards with lower interest rates, more perks and generous reward earn rates typically require higher credit scores.
Do rewards points ever expire?
Rewards points or miles may expire if there is no account activity for a certain period of time, or if your account falls out of good standing.
Some issuers have stricter rules than others, so always check the card’s terms and conditions to understand how and when rewards could expire.
How much are credit card reward points worth?
The value of points or miles depends on the program and how you redeem them. Whenever possible, compare redemption options before using your points.
You can estimate point value using this formula:
Cash value of redemption ÷ number of points required = value per point
For example, if your reward program allows you to redeem 20,000 points for a $200 flight, the formula would be:
$200 ÷ 20,000 = $0.01
So, each point is worth roughly 1 cent.
If you redeem the same 20,000 points for a $100 kitchen accessory, the value drops to $0.005 per point.
Calculating a baseline value for your points helps you decide when a redemption is worth it.
Here are NerdWallet’s estimated point values for some Canadian reward programs:
American Express Membership Rewards: $0.03 per point.
Aeroplan: $0.02 per point.
Aventura: $0.02 per point.
Scene+ points: $0.01 per point.
Avion Premium: $0.01 per point.
BMO Rewards: $0.01 per point.
Marriott Bonvoy: $0.01 per point.
TD Points: $0.003 per point. PC Optimum: $0.001 per point.
Are credit card rewards taxable?
Credit card rewards are generally considered a rebate or discount by the Canada Revenue Agency, so you won’t usually be taxed on rewards earned from personal spending.
That said, if you earn cash-back rewards as part of your employment or business, tax treatment may be different.
Should you have multiple rewards credit cards?
The number of credit cards you should have depends on your spending habits and financial health.
It can make sense to carry two rewards cards that maximize different bonus categories. For example, you might use one card for groceries and dining, and another for travel purchases or recurring bills.
But more cards also mean more payments to track and more opportunities to carry debt. Only carry multiple rewards cards if you are confident you can pay the balances in full.
Is a rewards credit card worth it?
A rewards card is often worth it if:
You pay your balance in full every month.
You spend regularly in the card’s bonus categories.
You can use the rewards without changing your spending habits.
The rewards and perks outweigh the annual fee.
A rewards card may not be worth it if:
You usually carry a balance.
You overspend to earn points.
You rarely use the redemption options.
You do not meet the card’s eligibility requirements.
The annual fee is higher than the value you realistically get back.
No amount of rewards is worth paying high interest on unpaid balances. If you often carry debt, a low-interest credit card may be a better fit than a rewards card.
What are the perks included with reward credit cards?
Alongside earning points, miles or cash back, some rewards cards offer perks like:
Travel insurance, such as emergency medical, delayed flight, lost luggage, hotel burglary, trip cancellation and car rental coverage.
Deals and discounts with partners, such as rental car companies, restaurants, delivery services or gas stations.
Security features, such as fraud monitoring, purchase protection and extended warranty.
Specialty insurance or services, such as mobile phone coverage, roadside assistance or concierge access.
Travel perks, such as airport lounge access, priority boarding or no foreign transaction fees.
Prioritize perks that are important to you and that you’ll actually use. For example, if you use airport lounges regularly, free lounge passes may save you money. If you rarely travel, those same passes may not justify a higher annual fee.
JUMP TO:
Not sure if a rewards card is right for you?
If you’re still deciding which type of credit card best fits your needs, you may want to compare options across categories in our guide to the best credit cards in Canada.
DIVE EVEN DEEPER
Shannon Terrell
Shannon Terrell