Best Credit Cards in Canada

Last year, I travelled to 5 countries without paying a dollar for my flights… thanks to credit card points!

When used right, credit cards can do way more than just build your credit score.
They can unlock travel rewards, cashback, free insurance, and even help stretch your budget on groceries, bills, and gas.

But the key is choosing a card that matches your lifestyle… not just what’s trending.

Here are 6 credit cards I actually recommend in 2025, based on real value, not hype:

American Express Cobalt

For Foodies, City-livers, and Fast point collectors

• Earn 2x points on travel, gas, groceries, and drugstores

• Transfer points to Aeroplan, Avios, and more – Ideal for travel hackers

• $100 annual travel credit – Book through Amex Travel and offset your fee

• Extensive travel and purchase insurance – Baggage, car rental, hotel burglary, and more

  ✅ Great for people who travel often and want to squeeze max value out of flexible points

  💰 Annual Fee: $12.99/month ($155.88 annually)

CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite

For High Cashback on Groceries and Gas

• 4% cashback on groceries – One of the best rates in Canada for supermarket spending

• 2% cashback on gas, transportation, dining, and recurring bills – Covers most lifestyle categories

• 1% on everything else – So you’re always earning, no matter the purchase

• Strong travel insurance coverage – Including emergency medical, trip interruption, rental cars, and more

  ✅ A great everyday card for families or anyone spending big on groceries, gas, and monthly bills

  💰 Annual Fee: $120 (often waived for the first year)

PC World Elite Mastercard

For Grocery, Pharmacy, and Household Essentials

• Earn PC Optimum points – Up to 30 points per $1 at Loblaws, No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore

• Shoppers Drug Mart bonus points – Multiply value with bonus redemption days

• Free for life – No annual fee and no hidden costs

• Free travel emergency medical insurance – 10-day coverage under age 65

  ✅ One of the best no-fee cards for families or anyone who shops at Loblaw-owned stores

  💰 Annual Fee: $0 (None)

Scotiabank Gold American Express

For Frequent Travellers and Grocery Shoppers

• No foreign transaction fees – Save 2.5% on every USD or international purchase

• 4-6x points on groceries, dining, gas, UberEats, and entertainment – Strong everyday earn rate

• Comprehensive travel insurance – Including trip cancellation, interruption, rental car, and more

• Scene+ points are flexible – Redeem for travel, grocery gift cards, or bill credits

  ✅ A great all-in-one travel and daily spending card, especially for people who shop internationally

  💰 Annual Fee: $120

Tangerine World Mastercard

For Custom Cashback based on your Lifestyle

• Choose 2–3 cashback categories – Like gas, groceries, recurring bills, or entertainment

• No annual fee – Keep it forever with zero cost

• Mastercard Travel Rewards + Boingo WiFi – Added value while travelling

• Free rental car collision insurance – Coverage without needing a separate plan

  
  ✅ A simple, flexible card with long-term value — ideal for budgeters and first-timers

  💰 Annual Fee: $0 (None)

American Express Gold Rewards Card

For Flexible points and Elevated Travel Benefits

• Earn 2x points on travel, gas, groceries, and drugstores

• Transfer points to Aeroplan, Avios, and more – Ideal for travel hackers

• $100 annual travel credit – Book through Amex Travel and offset your fee

• Extensive travel and purchase insurance – Baggage, car rental, hotel burglary, and more

  ✅ Great for people who travel often and want to squeeze max value out of flexible points

  💰 Annual Fee: $250