As the world's largest credit card company, Visa offers a wide array of credit cards and benefits, making it easy to find one that works for you.
Advertisement
When consumers shop for a new credit card, they typically look at the ability to collect points, the insurance coverage offered, fees and interest rates on unpaid balances—not at the credit card company itself. But if you already have an account with RBC, CIBC, Scotiabank or any other Visa issuers, you may be inclined to choose a card that’s “in the family.” Or, maybe you want to take advantage of the benefits offered by the largest credit card company in the world—Visa. Whatever your reasons for considering Visa, this guide will help you find a credit card that fits your lifestyle.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Find your next credit card
See cards tailored for you from over 12 banks and card issuers
There are excellent Visa cards for all sorts of purposes but if you’re wondering which Visa card is the best in Canada overall, our selection is the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite. With this card, you can maximize the power of your everyday spending to earn BMO Rewards points that are easily redeemable for merchandise or gift cards, travel, as statement credits, or even to invest. Plus, you’ll receive a juicy $50 “lifestyle credit” annually that you can spend as you please. Card holders can rest easy with included mobile device coverage and travel insurance. With this Visa Infinite card, card holders can treat themselves to the Visa Infinite dining, hotel, concierge and experiences. For new members, there’s a generous welcome bonus of up to 70,000 BMO Rewards points and an annual fee waiver for the first year.
Welcome bonus: Get 60,000 points ($400 in travel rewards) when you sign up. Also receive $50 lifestyle credit on your account that you use for any purchase.
Earn rate: 5 times the BMO Rewards points for every $1 spent on dining in and out, groceries, and gas and transit for the first $50,000 in annual purchases; 1 BMO Rewards point for everything else; earn 10% more points when you add an authorized user
Our favourite features: $50 lifestyle credit every year
Additional benefits:Annual lifestyle credit worth $50; mobile device coverage; car rental collision/loss damage protection; out-of-province/country emergency medical; Visa Infinite
Minimum income requirement: $60,000 or $100,000 as a household
When it comes to perks, cash is king. You simply can’t find a more flexible reward currency, so it’s no surprise that cash back cards are extremely popular. The Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite tops our list for its high earn rate—4% on groceries and recurring bills, 2% on gas and daily transit (including public transit, taxis and rideshares), and 1% on everything else—and its robust purchase and travel protection.
Welcome bonus: You can earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000)
Earn rate:4% on gas and recurring bills; 2% on gas and daily transit; 1% on everything else
Additional benefits: Mobile device insurance, travel emergency medical and travel accident coverage, car rental damage/loss waiver, flight interruption and delayed and lost baggage insurance; and access to Visa Infinite experiences
Minimum income requirement:$60,000 or a minimum household income of $100,000
With the recent jump in the cost of groceries and fuel, anyone who is in the market for a new Visa should consider this card. With a return of 4% cash back on gas and groceries, you can add a silver lining to all that spending. There are other categories in which you can earn a solid return rate too, including 2% on daily transit (including rideshares and public transit) and 2% on both dining and recurring payments like bills. Plus, you still earn 1% on any spending that doesn’t fall within those categories. You also get some perks like travel medical and rental car collision insurance, as well as more gas benefits if you link this card with Journie Rewards.
Annual fee: $120 (rebated for the first year)
Interest rates: Purchases 20.99%, cash advances 22.99%, balance transfers 22.99% (21.99% on cash advances for Quebec residents).
Earn rate: 4% cash back on gas and groceries, 2% on dining, daily transit and recurring bills, and 1% back on everything else.
Welcome bonus: Get 10% cash back for all purchases (up to $300). After that, the earn rate becomes 4% on eligible gas and grocery purchases.
Additional benefits: Emergency travel medical; car rental collision and loss damage insurance; mobile device insurance; plus save up to $0.10 per litre at participating Chevron, Ultramar and Pioneer gas stations when you link your card with Journie Rewards.
Income required: $60,000 (or $100,000 as a household)
From providing purchase protection and insurance coverage to offering opportunities to earn travel rewards, credit cards have revolutionized travel. Our top pick in this category, the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card, allows you to earn TD points which you can redeem for rewards, including travel. For new cardholders there’s a bonus of up to 100,000 points, which is a travel value of up to $500 when redeemed online at ExpediaforTD.com. In addition to the sign-up incentive, this card gets first pick for its flexibility. Rewards can be applied to any travel expense—not just flights.
Annual fee: $120 (rebated for the first year, along with $50 fee for first additional cardholder)
Welcome bonus: You can earn up to 100,000 TD points (up to $500 value) within the first 3 months of having the card. You’ll earn 20,000 TD points with your first card purchase, then another 80,000 when you spend $1,500 within the first 90 days, for a combined total of 100,000 points. Must apply before October 29, 2022. For Quebec residents, please click here.
Earn rate: 9 TD Points per $1 on travel booked online through Expedia For TD; 6 TD Points per $1 for travel booked on the phone through Expedia For TD; and 3 TD Points per $1 spent on everything else
Additional benefits: Travel emergency medical, travel accident, car rental, trip interruption, flight interruption and delayed and lost baggage insurance; access to Visa Infinite experiences; car rental savings with Avis and Budget
Minimum income requirement:$60,000 or a minimum household income of $100,000
Aeroplan is one of the largest travel rewards programs in Canada. And with a refresh in November 2020, now is a great time to reconsider the card in your wallet. Travel rewards are hugely popular and finding the best program can be confusing. However, if Air Canada is your airline of choice, things just got a whole lot easier. That’s because with the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite, you’ll get a bunch of Air Canada perks like preferred pricing that can get you a better deal on Air Canada when booking travel with points, and a free first checked bag on Air Canada for you and up to eight travel companions. The all-new Aeroplan rewards chart and generous stopover policy means you can get great value on your points when redeeming for travel on Air Canada as well as over two dozen Star Alliance partner airlines.
Welcome bonus: You can earn up to 50,000 Aeroplan points. First, earn 10,000 as a welcome bonus when you make your first purchase and another 20,000 when you spend $1,500 in the first 90 days. After that earn another 20,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $7,500 within the first 12 months of opening an account. Must apply by September 5, 2022. Quebec residents, click here.
Earn rate: 1.5 Aeroplan points for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery and Air Canada purchases, and 1 point per $1 spent on everything else
Our favourite features: Comprehensive travel insurance, free checked bags on Air Canada.
Additional benefits: Hotel-motel burglary insurance; auto rental collision/loss damage insurance; new mobile device insurance up to $1,000; Nexus application rebate of up to $125 every 48 months
Minimum income requirement: $60,000 (or $100,000 household)
For a no fee card, this Visa comes with some great rewards. You’ll earn 4% on the first $5,000 you spend at restaurants, bars and coffee shops; 1.5% on the first $15,000 spent on gas, groceries and at drugstores; and 0.5% on everything else, with no limit. The welcome offer is very generous, with 10% cash back at restaurants and bars for the first four months (on spends up to $500). However, each of the bonus categories has a cap, meaning that earns exceeding the cap amount drop down to the base 0.5% rate. Note that you must currently hold a Simplii financial bank account to qualify for the card.
Welcome bonus: 10% cash back at restaurants and bars during the first 4 months up to a $500 spend
Earn rate: 4% cash back at restaurants, bars and coffee shops (up to $5,000 spend); 1.5% back on gas, groceries, drugstore purchases and pre-authorized payments (up to $15,000 spend); 0.5% on all other purchases
Additional benefits: Purchase security and extended protection insurance
Minimum income requirement:$15,000
Best Visa credit card for no foreign transaction fees
For travellers and cross-border shoppers, a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees is a revelation. Most credit cards apply a surcharge of 2.5% to 3% in foreign transaction fees on top of the currency exchange, bumping up your cost for products and services purchased in different currencies. With that surcharge out of the way, you’re already saving—but the Home Trust Preferred Visa goes one better. It lets you earn 1% cash back on all purchases in Canada. And the card has no annual fee, so you keep more of your money in your wallet.
For students or those carrying debt, rewards and perks may be less important than having a credit card with low interest. RBC offers the Visa Classic Low Rate Option credit card. For the very affordable annual fee of $20, cardholders receive an interest rate of 11.99% on purchases and cash advances. Though basic, this card provides purchase protection and extended warranty protection, as well as zero liability protection against fraud, meaning if someone hacks your card, you’re not on the hook.
Additional benefits:Free additional card; save 3¢ per litre on fuel at Petro-Canada gas stations when you link your credit card to your Petro-Points account; option to save at select retailers, such as Roots, Indigo and The Keg restaurants, through RBC Offers
Travel rewards cards aren’t just about collecting points and getting insurance coverage; many give you access to airport lounges all over the world. And while some get you a few free lounge visits, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card gets you a Priority Pass membership and six free visits per year to your choice of more than 1,300 lounges, no matter your airline or class of service. That’s more free visits than most credit cards with an annual fee of $150 or less. Plus, you can use those free visits for your travel companions we well. Instead of waiting at the gate, you can enjoy comfy chairs, WiFi, bar beverages and soft drinks; some lounges offer spa services at extra charge, as well as shower facilities and nap rooms. Travellers will also appreciate that there are no transaction fees on foreign currency purchases they make with this card.
Welcome bonus: Earn up to 35,000 Scene+ points. First, earn 25,000 points when you spend $1,000 in everyday purchases in the first 3 months. Then, get another 10,000 points when you spend $40,000 on everyday purchases in the first year. Must apply by July 4, 2022.
Earn rate: 2 Scotia Rewards points per $1 on groceries, dining, entertainment and transit charges; 1 Scotia Rewards point on other purchases
Most credit cards come with some type of travel insurance, but our pick for the most comprehensive coverage is the Meridian Visa Infinite Travel Rewards Card. Typically, cards come with $1 million in medical emergency coverage for a few weeks of travel, with little to no coverage for seniors; however, this card comes with up to $5 million per person for trips of up to 48 days if you’re 59 and under (23 days for ages 60 to 64). Even seniors up to the age of 75 will receive complimentary coverage for up to 15 days. It also includes solid trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance, flight delay insurance, baggage insurance and vehicle rental insurance. To top it all off: The card comes with up to $1,000 in mobile device insurance that’ll cover your cell phone if it’s lost, stolen or damaged.
Roadside assistance is one of those perks that most folks don’t think about–until they’re stranded on the side of the road out of gas or with a flat tire. If you carry the TD Cash Back Visa Infinite, you’re a Deluxe member of the TD Auto Club so your fuel or service is only a call away. With this package, you’re entitled to towing, winching, lock-out help, fuel delivery, and emergency service calls of up to 200 KMs. Even better, you’re covered 24/7, no matter which vehicle you’re driving, anywhere in Canada or the U.S. For commuters and road trippers, the TD Auto Club Deluxe membership is a valuable perk worth peace of mind and more when you travel by car.
Welcome bonus: Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to total spend of $2,000) when you apply for the card online. After that continue to earn 6% cash back on gas and grocery purchases, and pre-authorized payments for the first three months (up to a total spend of $3,500). Must apply before September 5, 2022.
Earn rate: 3% cash back on gas, grocery and recurring bill payments; 1% on all other purchases
Additional benefits: Deluxe TD Auto Club membership; some medical insurance
Minimum income requirement:$60,000, or $100,000 as a household
If you’re a student who wants to build up your credit history, earn rewards and not pay an annual fee, then consider the Scotiabank Scene Card. The big perk is that you can earn points on everyday purchases towards free movies, which require 1,250 Scene Points each. Plus you’ll get discounts at restaurants, and up to 25% off car rentals at participating Avis and Budget locations as well. It’s also an easy card to qualify for, as it requires a modest annual income of $12,000.
Welcome bonus: Earn 5,000 Scene points when you spend $750 in the first 3 months of having the card. Must apply by May 1, 2022.
Earn rate: 1 Scene Point for every $1 spent; 5 Scene Points for every $1 spent at Cineplex theatres or cineplex.com
Additional benefits: $10 off participating restaurants when you redeem 1,000 points; 25% off base rates at participating Avis and Budget car rental locations
For students or people just starting out, we recommend Koho, a prepaid Visa card that allows you to earn cash back rewards for your everyday spending without worrying about blowing your budget. With Koho, you load money into your account and then use your card to make purchases (and earn 0.5% cash back). Because your Visa is pre-paid, there’s no interest charged and no chance of spending more than you’ve loaded. There’re also financial literacy tools and features like RoundUp that will help you save more of your money. Koho is free, with unlimited transactions, but for those who want to leverage the product with features like more cash back, no foreign exchange, and financial coaching, there’s the Koho Premium account for $84 annually or $9 monthly.
Annual fee: $0
Interest rates: n/a
Welcome bonus: None
Earn rate: 0.5% cash back with the Koho account; 2% cash back on transportation, groceries, and restaurants with the Koho Premium account; up to 5% back on purchases at partner stores
Additional benefits: Up to 5% cash back when purchasing at select partners (and an additional 2% for Premium Koho subscribers); credit building for an additional fee; access $100 from government cheques early; financial coaching
While perks and rewards are great, you often have to pay an annual fee in order to get them. With the Scotiabank Momentum No-Fee Visa card, not only do members not pay an annual fee, they’re also given the opportunity to earn cash back. And with an introductory interest rate of 7.99% for the first six months, you can take advantage of transferring balances from higher-interest cards.
Welcome bonus: Earn 5% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000), and get a 2.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfer for the first 6 months (22.99% after). Must apply by May 1, 2022.
Earn rate:1% cash back at gas stations, grocery stores, drug stores and for recurring bills; 0.5% on everything else
Additional benefits:Free additional cards; up to 25% off on car rentals at Avis
Minimum income requirement:None specified
Overview: Canada’s best Visa credit cards
Visa card
Best for
Best feature explained
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite
Everyday spending
Huge points bonus on all food and transit spending
Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite
Cash back
A good return rate of 4% cash back on groceries and bills
CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite
Gas and groceries
Earn 4% cash back on gas and grocery spends, 2% on restaurants, daily transit and recurring bills, 1% back on everything else
TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite
Travel
Earn 9 TD points per $1 on Expedia For TD. Redeem TD Points on travel-related purchases and everyday perks like cash back, gift cards and more
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Visa
Airline credit card
Lucrative rewards and free first checked bags for you and guests
Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa
No fee
4% on dining (up to $5,000 annual spend)
Home Trust Preferred Visa
No foreign transaction fees
2.5% savings on all foreign purchases
RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option
Low interest
11.99% annual interest rate on purchases
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite
Airport lounge access
6 free annual passes to Priority Pass lounges
Meridian Visa Infinite Travel Rewards
Travel insurance
Up to $5 million in travel medical emergency coverage for 48 days. Up to 15 days coverage for seniors
TD Cash Back Visa Infinite Card
Roadside assistance
Get towing, winching, lock-out help, fuel delivery, and emergency service calls of up to 200 km
Scotiabank Scene Visa card*
Students
Earn Scene points on every purchase
Koho Visa
FIrst Visa
Improve credit rating, earn 0.5% cash back and financial literacy and savings tools
For the best Visa credit cards 2022 ranking, we categorized credit cards based on the best feature of each. Our rankings also took into account the annual fee; rewards earn rate, if applicable; and additional benefits, such as purchase protection, automobile roadside assistance and bonus opportunities to earn rewards. ‡MoneySense.ca and Ratehub.ca are both owned by parent company Ratehub Inc. We may be partnered with some financial institutions, but this does not influence the “Canada’s Best Credit Card” rankings. You can read more about this in our Editorial Code of Conduct.
What does the * mean?
If a link has an asterisk (*) at the end of it, that means it's an affiliate link and can sometimes result in a payment to MoneySense (owned by Ratehub Inc.) which helps our website stay free to our users. It's important to note that our editorial content will never be impacted by these links. We are committed to looking at all available products in the market, and where a product ranks in our article or whether or not it's included in the first place is never driven by compensation. For more details read our
MoneySense Monetization policy.