Best credit card promotions in Canada
Getting a new credit card is a much sweeter experience when it comes bundled with a limited-time credit card offer for bulk bonus points, sky-high cashback levels, or accelerated rewards earning rates.
Missing one of these Canadian credit card offers means letting a lot of extra value slip by, so before applying for offers on credit cards check to make sure there isn’t a more lucrative opportunity on the list of the best credit card promotions in Canada in alphabetical order.
Best credit card offers in Canada for April 2024
| Credit card | Fast facts | Sign-up offer | Get started |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Express® Aeroplan®* Card |
Annual fee: $120
Income requirement: None |
Earn up to 50,000 Welcome Bonus Aeroplan®* points | Apply now |
| American Express Cobalt® Card |
Annual fee: $155.88 ($12.99/month)
Income requirement: None |
Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards® points | Apply now |
| American Express Green Card |
Annual fee: $0
Income requirement: None |
Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards® points | Apply now |
| BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®* |
Annual fee: $120 (first year free)
Income requirement: $80,000 personal or $150,000 household |
Get up to 10% cash back in your first 3 months and the $120 annual fee waived in the first year | Apply now |
| CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite |
Annual fee: $139 (first year free)
Income requirement: |
Up to 45,000 Aventura points, get a one-time annual fee rebate and up to three authorized users, 4 airport lounge passes, a $50 NEXUS application fee rebate | Apply now |
| CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite |
Annual fee: $120 (first year free)
Income requirement: $60,000 personal or $100,000 household |
Get a first-year annual fee rebate and earn 10% cash back welcome bonus of up to $250 (first 4 statements)† | Apply now |
| Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite |
Annual fee: $150 (first year free)
Income requirement: $60,000 personal or $100,000 household |
Up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points and first year annual fee waived. | Apply now |
| Tangerine World Mastercard |
Annual fee: $0
Income requirement: $60,000 personal or $100,000 household |
Get an extra 10% cash back on up to $1,000 in everyday purchases within your first 2 months. | Apply now |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege |
Annual fee: $599
Income requirement: $150,000 personal or $200,000 household |
Earn up to $2,900 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points†. Conditions Apply.
|
Apply now |
| TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite |
Annual fee: $139 (first year free)
Income requirement: $60,000 personal or $100,000 household |
Earn up to $800 in value†, including up to 100,000 TD Rewards Points† and no Annual Fee for the first year† | Apply now |
Best travel bonus credit cards
American Express Aeroplan
2x the points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada®* and Air Canada vacations®*
1.5x the points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada
1x the points on everything else
$120 Annual Fee
2.50% Foreign Transaction Fee
Good Recommended Credit Score
$0 Required Annual Personal Income
TD credit card offers: Aeroplan
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card
2 points for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®)†
1.5 points for every $1 you charge to your Card on eligible gas, groceries, travel and dining purchases.†
1.25 points for every $1 you charge to your Card on all other purchases.†
6 lounge visits included for each Cardholder per membership year at over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide with DragonPass†
2x Earn points twice when you provide your Aeroplan number to Aeroplan partner brands and on the Aeroplan eStore†
50% more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your TD card with your Starbucks® Rewards account.†
$100 Get a NEXUS application fee rebate every 48 months.†
1st checked bag free for you and up to eight companions when your travel originates on an Air Canada flight.†
10% savings at Avis and Budget in North America, 5% off internationally†
$599 Annual Fee
20.99% Purchase APR APR for purchases 20.99%†
22.99% Cash Advance APR APR for cash advances 22.99%†
3.00% Balance Transfer Fee
2.50% Foreign Transaction Fee
Excellent Recommended Credit Score
$150,000 Required Annual Personal Income
$200,000 Required Annual Household Income
Welcome Offer Ends Jun 3, 2024
Earn up to $2,900 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points†. Conditions Apply. Account must be approved by June 3, 2024.
Learn moreBest credit card sign-up bonus
TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card
8 Points Earn 8 TD Rewards Points for every $1 you spend through ExpediaForTD†
6 Points Earn 6 TD Rewards Points for every $1 you spend on groceries and restaurants.†
4 Points Earn 4 TD Rewards Points for every $1 you spend on recurring bill payments.†
2 Points Earn 2 TD Rewards points for every $1 you spend using your card.†
10% Bonus Points Each year, received a birthday bonus equal to 10% of the total number of points earned over the 12 preceding months.†
$100 Get an annual TD Travel Credit when you book at Expedia For TD†
USD The annual fee is in USD
$139 Annual Fee Annual fee is in USD. First additional cardholder is $50, subsequent cardholders are $0.
20.99% Purchase APR APR for purchases 20.99%†
22.99% Cash Advance APR APR for cash advances 22.99%†
22.99% Balance Transfer Rate APR for balance transfers 22.99%†
Good Recommended Credit Score
$60,000 Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000 Required Annual Household Income
Welcome Offer Ends Jun 3, 2024
Earn up to $800 in value†, including up to 100,000 TD Rewards Points† and no Annual Fee for the first year†. Conditions Apply. Account must be approved by June 3, 2024.
Learn moreBest credit card balance transfer offers
Tangerine World Mastercard®
2% Earn 2% cash back in two categories of your choice (e.g. groceries, restaurants, gas, entertainment, recurring bill payments and more)
3 Get a Tangerine Savings account and get a 3rd 2% cash back category.
$0 Annual Fee
19.95% Purchase APR
19.95% Cash Advance APR
1.95% Balance Transfer Rate 1.95% for first 6 months (19.95% after that)
3.00% Balance Transfer Fee 3% of the amount transferred, or minimum of $5
2.50% Foreign Transaction Fee
Fair Recommended Credit Score
$60,000 Required Annual Personal Income
Welcome Offer Ends Apr 30, 2024
Get an extra 10% cash back on up to $1,000 in everyday purchases within your first 2 months. Get 1.95% interest on balance transfers for your first 6 months.
Learn moreBest BMO offers
BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard
5% Groceries: 5% cash back up to $500 spent per month ($25 in cash back)*
4% Transit: 4% cash back up to $300 spent per month ($12 in cash back)*
3% Gas: 3% cash back up to $300 spent per month ($9 in cash back)*
2% Recurring Bills: 2% cash back up to $500 spent per month ($10 in cash back)*
1% Everything Else: 1% cash back, unlimited*
$120 Annual Fee
20.99% Purchase APR
23.99% Cash Advance APR 21.99% for Quebec residents
23.99% Balance Transfer Rate
2.90% Foreign Transaction Fee
Excellent Recommended Credit Score
$80,000 Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000 Required Annual Household Income
Welcome Offer
Get up to 10% cash back in your first 3 months and the $120 annual fee waived in the first year.
Learn moreCIBC credit card offers | Cash back
CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite
4% Earn 4% cash back on gas, EV charging, and groceries.
2% Earn 2% cash back on dining, transportation, recurring payments or bills.
1% Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases with no limit.
10 cents Save 10 cents per litre with CIBC and Journie Rewards (Ultramar, Chevron, Pioneer, Fas Gas)
$120 Annual Fee First year rebated. Each additional card is $30 per year, max 3.
20.99% Purchase APR non-Quebec residents†
22.99% Cash Advance APR non-Quebec residents†
22.99% Balance Transfer Rate non-Quebec residents†
Good Recommended Credit Score
$60,000 Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000 Required Annual Household Income
Welcome Offer
Get a first-year annual fee rebate and earn 10% cash back welcome bonus of up to $250!†
Learn moreCIBC credit card offers | Travel
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* card
2 Earn 2 points per $1 spent on travel purchases through the CIBC Rewards Centre†
1.5 Earn 1.5 points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases at eligible gas stations, EV charging, grocery stores, and drug stores. Available on the first $80,000 in net annual card purchases on your account.
1 After exceeding $80k in purchases, cardholders will earn 1 point per $1 spent in these categories until the annual limit resets each December.
$139 Annual Fee
20.99% Purchase APR non-Quebec residents†
22.99% Cash Advance APR for non-Quebec residents†
22.99% Balance Transfer Rate for non-Quebec residents†
Good Recommended Credit Score
Welcome Offer
Join and get up to $1,500 in value including a first year annual fee rebate!†
Learn moreBest Amex offers in Canada
Amex Cobalt
5x the points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery. Spend cap applies.
3x the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
2x the points on eligible ride shares, transit & gas in Canada
1x additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings via American Express Travel Online
1x point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else
$100 USD 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
$155.88 Annual Fee 12.99/mo
21.99% Purchase APR on purchases
21.99% Cash Advance APR
2.50% Foreign Transaction Fee
Fair Recommended Credit Score
$0 Required Annual Personal Income
$0 Required Annual Household Income
Best Amex offer with no annual fee
American Express Green card
1 MR point Earn 1 Membership Rewards point per $1 spent.
1 bonus point Earn 1 additional MR point for every dollar charged to your card with Amex Travel Online.
$0 Annual Fee No annual fee
20.99% Purchase APR
21.99% Cash Advance APR
Good Recommended Credit Score
Scotiabank offers
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite
3x Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
2x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
1x Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
$150 Annual Fee
20.99% Purchase APR
22.99% Cash Advance APR
22.99% Balance Transfer Rate
5.00% Balance Transfer Fee
0.00% Foreign Transaction Fee
Good Recommended Credit Score
$60,000 Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000 Required Annual Household Income
Welcome Offer Ends Jul 1, 2024
Earn up to $1,300* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points and first year annual fee waived
Learn more
Expert tip: How to compare credit cards with a sign up bonus or welcome offers
Welcome bonuses are a huge draw when it comes to getting a new credit card. However, they aren’t always offered and can frequently change. Some of the top tier cards have pretty hefty spending requirements in order to earn the full bonus, so it’s worth keeping an eye out on current credit card welcome bonuses when you know you have a big spend coming up. That being said, don’t get caught up on the sign-up bonus alone. You want to choose a credit card that, yes, has a decent welcome bonus but one that you can use regularly and benefit from in terms of perks, benefits, and rewards throughout the duration of your time with the credit card.
—Hannah Logan, Money.ca credit card, saving and travel expert
What are credit card welcome offers and how do they work?
Credit card welcome offers are bonuses and perks that entice new cardholders to choose one card over another. For example, a welcome offer for a cashback card will often increase the rate you’ll earn during the promotional period. Card promotions might also award travel or rewards points in bulk, free vouchers for airport lounge entry or vouchers for companion flights — and most waive the cardholder’s annual fee for the first year.
Many promotions provide these bonuses with no questions asked, but the most lucrative ones require the cardholder to fulfill specific criteria (like spending a certain amount or making an initial purchase) before receiving the bonus. Others may cap their rewards once a milestone has been reached. Some card issuers make a ‘welcome bonus’ part of their offering permanently, but the best package deals tend to be limited-time offers, with the clock ticking before the extra perks are off the table.
Sometimes a limited-time offer will be extended, but prospective cardholders shouldn’t bank on it. In the past, some promotions have ended due to relationship instabilities between rewards programs and card issuers, which was the case in 2017 when TD opted not to extend its Aeroplan credit card promotions. So if you see an amazing deal, jump on it!
Methodology: Best credit cards offers Canada-wide
If you're looking for the best credit card bonus, know that the best sign-up bonus offers are determined by the Money.ca editorial team and based on factors and features that everyday users care about most. We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. The products featured in this article were independently selected, but please be aware that some products and services linked in this article are from our sponsors.
We collect data from providers’ websites by researching the offerings, using their services and watching demonstrations as required. Our goal is to provide an independent review, and give you the information you need to make a decision on which product or service is best for you.
How much is your credit card signup bonus in Canada really worth?
Read the credit card’s conditions and fine print to understand if you first need to meet a spending goal before earning the bonus, if the bonus rate only applies to a certain type of spending, or if there’s a maximum amount you can earn at the accelerated rate. Chances are that multiple conditions apply at once, and these will all factor into how worthwhile the sign-up bonus is really worth.
For example, say a promotional credit card deal in Canada requires new cardholders to spend $3,000 in three months to earn 35,000 points and a $150 annual fee waiver, together worth $400. This is a 13.33% extra return on your money assuming you spend that much normally (about $1,000 per month).
The type of spending that the bonus rate applies to is relevant as well. If you’re comparing two hypothetical cards, the first of which offers 10% back on spending but only in its primary category (such as groceries) and the second of which offers 6% back on all spending, you might actually collect more cash back with the latter card, despite its seemingly low rate. For some, the decision may come down to the size of their monthly grocery bill.
The final component to consider is the maximum cashback you can earn at the bonus rate, if applicable. If you earn 10% on spending up to $2,500, for instance, the maximum cashback you’ll get during the bonus period is $250. You’ll need to compare that to the benefits of the card once the promotional period is over.
Types of credit card offers in Canada
Not all credit card offers are alike. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of credit card offers in Canada:
Cashback bonuses: Cashback bonuses often provide a boosted earning rate on the card’s primary eligible spending category, but to a maximum amount of spending (and therefore accruable cashback) before the card’s regular cashback rate resumes. The annual fee may also be waived in the first year.
Travel bonuses: Travel card bonuses typically offer bulk travel or rewards points for reaching a spending milestone within a certain number of months; they might have an annual fee waiver attached to the milestone as well.
Balance transfer bonuses: These types of promotions will, for a set amount of time, reduce the interest rate charged to balances you’ve transferred onto the card. Sign up before the promotion expires and you’ll consolidate your balances to save a bundle on interest fees.
Credit card bonus conditions
You should always read the fine print when it comes to credit cards, including Canadian credit card promotions. For example, a credit card issuer might offer a sign-up bonus of 50,000 points, but the fine print will explain that you need to meet various spending goals throughout the year to achieve those points. Here are some credit card bonus conditions to be aware of when choosing a card:
Spending goal: Many bonuses will require the cardholder to spend a certain amount before they receive their bulk points or annual fee waiver.
2-year problem: Many credit cards (👀 Amex) make you wait until the 12th-14th month of spending to unlock all the possible rewards which means you're paying the annual fee twice (because they're essentially locking you in for 2 years).
Account in good standing: Bonuses may only apply to accounts that maintain their good standing with the bank (such as accounts that don’t have delinquent balances).
Spending caps: Accelerated cashback or higher earning rates typically have a spending cap — on overall spending or category spending — so you can’t game the system.
Bonus time windows: This means that credit card promotions are only available for a limited time, and once the deadline has passed you’re out of luck. Also, cashback at an elevated rate or balance transfers at a low rate usually only applies for the first few months after an account is set up.
Purchase categories: A promotional cashback offer may apply to overall spending, but it may apply only to specific purchase categories, such as groceries or gas.
Bank promotions in Canada: While most credit card promotions are at the credit card level, there are banks that "stack" rewards together when you have multiple products with them. These financial bundles can unlock even more rewards (just be careful when you start unbundling and your bank account fees jump to $16.95 per month).
How to compare the best card bonuses for cashback credit cards
With a cashback credit card, you get cash back on eligible purchases, based on a percentage of what you’ve spent. Eligible purchases could include spending categories such as groceries, gas, travel and even bill payments.
Some of the best card bonuses for cashback credit cards include:
- An elevated cashback rate or statement credit during the promotional period
- An accelerated rewards earning rate
- An annual fee waiver for the first year
How to compare the best credit card offers in Canada for rewards credit cards
Rewards credit cards commonly offer bulk travel or rewards points for reaching a spending milestone within a certain period of time after opening an account.
Some of the best credit card promotional offers for rewards credit cards include:
- Bulk bonus travel or rewards points when you join and/or when you reach a spending milestone
- Additional travel or rewards points when you make a qualified spend with a partner (such as an airline or retailer) during the promotion period
- An accelerated rewards earning rate
- An annual fee waiver for the first year
- Additional perks, such as a travel enhancement credit or companion voucher
How to compare the best credit card promos for balance transfer credit cards
A balance transfer credit card allows you to use one credit card to pay off another credit card, which you might consider if you’re looking to move an existing balance to a card with a lower interest rate.
Some of the best credit card promos on balance transfer credit cards include:
- A low introductory rate on transfers, sometimes as low as 0% (often for 12 to 24 months)
- A low introductory rate on purchases (during the promotion period)
How to compare the best credit card promotion offers for premium credit cards
Premium credit cards come with a higher annual fee, but they also come with premium perks — but when choosing a card, make sure it will still meet your needs after the promotional period is over. For example, if a promotional offer on a travel rewards card waives the annual fee of $500 for the first year, you’ll need to consider if you travel enough to justify paying $500 every year thereafter.
Some of the best credit card promotional offers for premium credit cards include:
- Bulk travel or rewards points for joining and/or when you reach spending milestones — sometimes enough to cover a roundtrip flight
- Additional travel or rewards points when you make a qualified spend with a partner (such as an airline or retailer) during the promotion period
- Additional perks, such as a travel enhancement credit or companion voucher
- An accelerated rewards earning rate
- An annual fee waiver for the first year
How to compare promo offers to choose the best credit card sign-up bonus in Canada
If a card's rewards, low interest rate or other lures seem really appealing, and if your wallet could use a change of plastic, maybe you should apply—after you consider a few things.
What's the purpose of credit card sign-up bonuses?
Credit card sign-up bonuses are designed to make a new credit card attractive to new potential credit card holders. In general, the more premium a credit card, the better the welcome offer usually is—but there are exceptions.
You may be tempted by a promotional offer such as a huge bonus of airline miles or rewards points if you reach a certain spending limit quickly on the new card. But you have to weigh whether you'll be able to pay off the balance quickly, without accruing interest charges. Other sign-up offers for balance transfer cards focus on low or zero-rate balance transfers, but could incur transfer fees as well.
Understand the terms of the credit card after its bonus offer expires
To determine how much the card will cost and how generous its promo offer really is, you need to look at these four important terms of the credit card after the welcome bonus period ends: APR; cash advance APR; grace period; and annual fee.
The APR is essentially the interest rate. Most cards charge no interest if you pay off the balance each month by the due date. A lower APR means lower interest charges if you do have to revolve, or carry over, debt from one month to the next.
If you plan to use your credit card for cash advances (meaning you withdraw cash from the card at an ATM), you might face a higher APR for cash. That cash advance APR may kick in immediately — no matter how fast you pay off the withdrawal.
If you don't usually pay your bills promptly, you'll want to know about the card's grace period. It's the amount of time you have to pay off a new balance before finance charges are applied.
About a quarter of credit cards have an annual fee that must be paid no matter how often the card is used or how much interest is accrued. Rewards credit cards tend to come with annual fees, and you may decide the fee is worth the benefits.
Sign-up bonuses aside, look for credit cards with terms that will be acceptable if you do find yourself carrying over debt and incurring interest charges. The best strategy is to get a mix of cards with different terms for different goals: paying everyday bills, taking care of emergencies, collecting frequent-flyer miles, and so on.
Are you getting the best credit card welcome bonus in Canada?
Any of the cards listed above are fantastic for a credit card bonus. However, know that companies can change a credit card bonus at anytime. If you like a credit card sign up bonus, or any of the credit card promotions, we suggest jumping on these promotions now and you can always switch out to another card later. There are many people on Reddit who "churn" or "hack" their way to dream vacations by hopping onto some of the best credit credit card promotions in Canada, accumulate points, then ditch the card for a better offer later. Just be mindful of your credit score because amount of credit and credit history are critical factors.
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. 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.
FAQs
Best credit card guides
Latest Articles
TC Energy reduces pressure on pipeline segment as rupture investigation continues
Grant Cordone: Quit saving, start investing
S&P/TSX composite closes up nearly 100 points, U.S. stock markets mixed
Major water users in southern Alberta agree to curb consumption in face of drought
Most actively traded companies on the Toronto Stock Exchange
As inflation cools, Macklem says different countries will cut rates at own pace
Disclaimer
The content provided on Money.ca is information to help users become financially literate. It is neither tax nor legal advice, is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, either express or implied, with respect to the data provided, the timeliness thereof, the results to be obtained by the use thereof or any other matter.