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CashSurgeCashSurge increases the value of credit cards by introducing an additional cash bonus. We’ll pay you up to $150 every time you are approved for a CashSurge credit card.
Get a $100 Cash Bonus
You could get a 0% promotional annual interest rate ("AIR")† for 12 months on balance transfers✪ completed within 90 days of account opening, with a 3% transfer fee.
Get a $150 Cash Bonus
Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases)1. Plus, no annual fee in the first year, including on supplementary cards1. Offer ends June 30, 2025.
Get a $150 Cash Bonus
Earn up to $1,300* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points¹. Offer ends July 1, 2025.
Looking to get more out of your credit card? Rewards credit cards help you earn back valuable cash rewards, point rewards, travel rewards, or a combination on every purchase you make through your credit card. Find out which of these credit card rewards match your lifestyle and compare the best Canadian rewards credit cards on RATESDOTCA.
Many credit cards offer travel points, cash back or low interest rates for making day-to-day purchases. However, some rewards programs stand out for their extensive redemption options and more ways for cardholders to potentially save money through exclusive offers and deals.
Our top picks feature flexible reward programs to help cardholders get more in return for their daily spending. Additionally, extra perks and benefits provide users access to comprehensive travel insurance coverage, exclusive deals and, most importantly, high earn rates for everyday purchases like gas and groceries.
We compared the leading rewards credit cards and ranked the cards with the highest first-year value, the most flexible rewards and robust benefits.
| First-year value* | Credit score required | Winner | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,257 | Fair | American Express Cobalt® Credit Card | ||
| $1,024 | Good | Scotiabank®* Gold American Express® Card | ||
| $476 | Fair | President’s Choice Financial® World Elite Mastercard® | ||
| $996 | Good | BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card |
*The RATESDOTCA Best of Finance methodology assumes the cardholder spends an average of $2,000 a month on their card to determine the first-year value. The calculation includes all welcome bonuses and promotional offers at the time of publishing.
Many credit cards offer travel points, cash back or low-interest rates for making day-to-day purchases. However, some rewards programs stand out for their extensive redemption options and more ways for cardholders to potentially save money through exclusive offers and deals.
Our top picks feature flexible reward programs to help cardholders get more in return for their daily spending. Additionally, extra perks and benefits provide users access to comprehensive travel insurance coverage, exclusive deals and, most importantly, high earn rates for everyday purchases like gas and groceries.
We compared the leading rewards credit cards using our Best of Finance methodology and ranked the cards with the highest first-year value, the most flexible rewards and robust benefits.
| First-year value* | Credit score required | Top features | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,257 | Fair | Flexible Membership Rewards® program and travel insurance. | ||
| $1,536 | Excellent | Enjoy a Priority Pass Membership with four free lounge passes annually. Get a NEXUS application fee rebate and travel insurance. | ||
| $1,024 | Good | Enjoy the flexible Scotia Scene+ rewards program, no foreign transaction fees and travel insurance coverage. | ||
| $1,451 | Good | Enjoy great travel benefits and insurance. You can redeem points for travel, statement credit and more. | ||
| $924 | Good | One of the best cards out there for earning rewards on groceries and restaurants purchases. |
For a monthly fee of $12.99, you can access the cards with one the best rewards programs in the market: The American Express Cobalt® Credit Card.
Points can be put towards flights (through the Fixed Points Travel Program Travel), streaming services, movie tickets, events, statement credits and other purchases.
According to our Best of Finance methodology, the average Canadian would earn $1,257 in rewards in the first year. Many other rewards credit cards have jacked-up welcome bonuses, but Cobalt® Card rewards are structured to keep delivering value, and you don’t need an exceptional income or credit score to qualify for it.
Annual fee
$155.88 ($12.99 per month)
Annual fee for additional cardholders: $0
Welcome bonus
Offer expiry date: Ongoing offer
Rewards
5x AMEX Membership Rewards (spend caps apply):
3x AMEX Membership Rewards:
2x AMEX Membership Rewards:
1 additional AMEX Membership Reward:
1x AMEX Membership Rewards:
Earning potential
How does this card stack up to other rewards credit cards? We crunched the numbers using our Best of Finance methodology to see how much an average Canadian could earn over a 12-month period.
Rewards earned over a 12-month period = 80,742 Membership Rewards® points
Monetary value= $1,413
Annual fee = $156*
Total earned over the first year (rewards minus annual fee) = $1,257
* The American Express Cobalt® Credit Card has a $12.99 monthly fee ($155.88 per year).
You can redeem your points for:
Insurance
For a limited time, new CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card cardholders can earn 45,000 Aventura Points when they sign up, a value of about $900. Cardholders regularly earn two points for every $1 spent on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre, 1.5 points for every $1 spent at eligible gas stations, grocery stores and drugstores, and one point for every $1 spent everywhere else.
Cardholders also get a complimentary visit to one of the 1,200+ lounges available globally through the Visa Airport Companion Program, a NEXUS application fee rebate every four years, and comprehensive travel insurance coverage.
According to our Best of Finance methodology, the average Canadian would earn around $1,536 in rewards in the first year.
Annual fee
$139 (First year rebated)
Interest rate
Purchase – 20.99%
Cash advance – 22.99% (21.99% for QC residents)
Balance transfer – 22.99%
Welcome bonus
Offer expiry date: Ongoing offer
Rewards
The Scotiabank®* Gold American Express® Card offers accelerated rewards categories that are similar to the American Express CobaltTM Credit Card but with its own twist. If you have the Scotiabank Gold American Express, you can redeem points for movie tickets: earn five Scotia Scene+ points for every $1 spent on groceries, restaurants, food delivery, food subscriptions, and entertainment purchases. Get three Scotia Scene+ points for every $1 spent on gas, daily transit, and streaming services, and one Scotia Scene+ point for every $1 spent anywhere else.
This card also features excellent travel benefits. Get the Best Price Guarantee on airfare through the Scotia Rewards Travel Service. Access a full line of travel insurance coverage. Plus, pay no foreign transaction fees, usually around 2.5% of foreign currency purchases. Only the exchange rate applies.
According to our Best of Finance methodology, the average Canadian would earn around $1,024 in rewards in the first year.
Annual fee
$120
Limited time offer/bonus
Offer expiry date: July 1, 2025
Rewards
6x Scotia Scene+ points:
5x Scotia Scene+ points:
3x Scotia Scene+ points:
1x Scotia Scene+ point:
The American Express® Gold Rewards Card is a great rewards card with a generous bonus offer, complimentary airport lounge access, a NEXUS discount and travel insurance benefits. If you’re an avid traveller, this Amex will help you rack up points you can later redeem for travel discounts, air tickets and much more.
According to our Best of Finance methodology, the average Canadian would earn around $1,451 in rewards in the first year.
Annual fee
$250
Welcome bonus
Offer expiry date: Ongoing offer
Rewards
2 AMEX Membership Rewards points per $1 spent on:
1 AMEX Membership Rewards point per $1 spent on:
The MBNA Rewards World Elite® Mastercard® offers five points for every $1 spent on groceries, restaurants, streaming services and utilities. Earn one point for every $1 spent on everything else. You also get great insurance perks, such as mobile device insurance and travel accident insurance.
According to our Best of Finance methodology, you can earn up to $924 during the first year of using this card.
Annual fee
$120
Welcome bonus
Receive up to 30,000 MBNA Rewards bonus points:
This offer is not available for residents of Quebec. For residents of Quebec, please click here.
Offer expiry date: Ongoing offer
Rewards
5 points for every $1 spent on
1 point for every $1 spent on
Other perks
As we move deeper into a subscription–based economy, you may have found yourself attached to several accounts – whether on a streaming platform, food delivery app or something else. Either way, all the accompanying expenses are likely taking a toll on your reward balance.
If your current rewards card isn’t specifically designed for online subscriptions and other expenses, you may be receiving a lower number of rewards or cash back than you would’ve if your lifestyle was more ‘old-school.’ Luckily, our top picks reward cardholders for their subscriptions as well as takeout and delivery purchases, while offering some great perks for maintaining your favourite subscriptions.
We compared the best credit cards for delivery and takeout purchases using our Best of Finance methodology and ranked the cards that provided the highest first-year value.
| First-year value* | Credit score required | Top features | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,024 | Good | Earn five Scotia Rewards points for every $1 spent on fast food, food delivery and food subscriptions. Earn three Scotia Rewards points for every $1 spent on eligible subscription purchases like Netflix. | |
|
Runner-up |
$1,572 | Good | Make use of flexible redemption on points, plus generous welcome bonuses of up to $1,100 in travel. |
|
Runner-up |
$434 | Good | For no annual fee, earn 2 Scene+ points on select streaming services, in addition to discounts at participating rental car agencies. |
The Scotiabank®* Gold American Express® Card rewards cardholders for their everyday purchases, from takeout and delivery to streaming services. Get five Scotia Scene+ points for every $1 spent on eligible groceries, takeout, food subscription boxes, and entertainment purchases. Earn three Scotia Scene+ points for every $1 spent on gas, transit and select streaming services, like Netflix. Get one Scotia Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
Rack up rewards quickly and redeem them for thousands of options, including travel, merchandise, gift cards and statement credits. Plus, pay no foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad or online in foreign currency. Only the exchange rate applies.
According to our Best of Finance methodology, the average Canadian would earn around $1,024 in rewards in the first year.
Annual fee
$120
Welcome bonus
Earn up to $780* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points.¹ Offer ends July 1, 2025.
Rewards
6x Scotia Scene+ points:
5x Scotia Scene+ points:
3x Scotia Scene+ points:
1x Scotia Scene+ point:
Earning potential
How does this card stack up to other rewards credit cards? We crunched the numbers using our Best of Finance methodology to see how much an average Canadian could earn over a 12-month period.
Rewards earned over a 12-month period + Welcome Bonus = $744 + $400 = $1,144
Annual fee = $120
Total earned over a 12-month period (rewards minus annual fee) = $1,024
Benefits
Insurance coverage
With the RBC Avion® Visa Infinite Card, you can earn reward points and redeem them for a variety of great rewards such as travel tickets, gift cards, merchandise or cash back. Thanks to this card, you will have no blackouts or seat restrictions. And if you find an open seat, you can use your rewards to book it – even during peak seasons. Best of all, flights start as low as 15,000 RBC rewards points.
According to our Best of Finance methodology, the average Canadian would earn around $1,572 in rewards in the first year.
Annual fee
$120
Welcome bonus
Get up to 55,000 Avion points* (a value of up to $1,100), that’s enough to fly anywhere in North America or the Caribbean! Get 35,000 Welcome Points on approval and 20,000 bonus points when you spend $5,000 in your first 6 months*
Offer Expiry Date: June 3, 2025
Rewards
Earning potential
How does this card stack up to other rewards credit cards? We crunched the numbers using our Best of Finance methodology to see how much an average Canadian could earn over a 12-month period.
Rewards earned over a 12-month period + Welcome Bonus = $1,178 + $514 = $1,692
Annual fee = $120
Total earned over a 12-month period (rewards minus annual fee) = $1,572
Benefits
With Scotiabank American Express® Card, for a limited time only, you can earn up to 7,000 bonus Scene+ points within your first year (which is up to $70 towards travel).
This card is a good fit for people who want a convenient and secure payment method for all their everyday purchases that also helps them build their credit history – as long minimum payments are made on time each month. In addition, Scotiabank American Express® Card allows you to earn numerous rewards and benefits – while charging $0 in annual fees.
According to our Best of Finance methodology, the average Canadian would earn around $434 in rewards in the first year.
Annual fee
$0
Welcome bonus
Earn up to 5.000 bonus Scene+ points within your first year (that’s up to $50 towards travel)1. Offer ends July 1, 2025
Rewards
Earning potential
How does this card stack up to other rewards credit cards? We crunched the numbers using our Best of Finance methodology to see how much an average Canadian could earn over a 12-month period.
Rewards earned over a 12-month period + Welcome Bonus = $384 + $50 = $434
Annual fee = $0
Total earned over a 12-month period (rewards minus annual fee) = $434
Benefits
The right credit card can benefit the entire family. Whether it’s redeeming points for groceries at your favourite store or putting them towards streaming services, Canada’s top credit cards can save you money where you least expect it.
We compared the leading credit cards for grocery and gas purchases using our Best of Finance methodology and ranked the cards that provided the highest first-year value.
However, sometimes, there are other, more important, characteristics that make a credit card great. That’s why our top pick for the best family credit card may surprise you.
Despite not having the best value by our own standards, we feel that the President’s Choice Financial® World Elite Mastercard® is the best credit card for families. Why? This no-fee offers families the ability to combine their PC Optimum points into a household pool, meaning families can earn and spend their rewards together. Plus, you can get supplementary cards for free.
With that in mind, your total for rewards earned on the President’s Choice Financial® World Elite Mastercard® could eclipse the earning potential of the other cards on the list.
Keep reading to see the full ranking.
| First year value* | Credit score required | Top features | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $476 | Fair | The card has no annual fee, allowing customers get it as a secondary card to shop for groceries and gas and save money in the process. | |
| $1,024 | Good | Earn points on groceries, dining, entertainment, gas, streaming services and public transportation purchases. | |
|
Runner-up |
$1,257 | Fair | Earn 5 AMEX Membership Rewards for every $1 spent on food and groceries. |
Cardholders of the President’s Choice Financial® World Elite Mastercard® can earn and redeem points on their purchases at President’s Choice banner brands including, Loblaws, No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore and Zehrs, as well as their drugstore purchases at Shoppers Drug Mart. Earn at least 30 points per litre at Esso and Mobil gas stations. You can now also redeem your points at Esso.
Cardholders also have two ways to earn rewards faster. The first way is to present their PC Optimum card at the checkout and double dip on points. The second is by creating a “household” within the PC Optimum app and pooling points to earn and redeem rewards as a family.
According to our Best of Finance methodology, the average Canadian would earn around $476 in rewards in the first year.
Annual fee
$0
Welcome bonus
20,000 PC Optimum™ points after your first purchase
Rewards
Earn:
Earning potential
How does this card stack up to other rewards credit cards? We crunched the numbers using our Best of Finance methodology to see how much an average Canadian could earn over a 12-month period.
Rewards earned over a 12-month period + Welcome Bonus = $456 + $20 = $476
Annual fee = $0
Total earned over a 12-month period (rewards minus annual fee) = $476
Benefits
Insurance coverage
The Scotiabank®* Gold American Express® Card offers rewards and benefits that are well-suited for families. Get rewarded with bonus points for meal kits like HelloFresh and Chefs Plate or streaming services like Netflix. Earn five Scotia Scene+ points for every $1 spent on grocery, fast food, food delivery, food subscription and entertainment purchases.
Earn three Scotia Scene+ points for every $1 spent on gas, transit purchases and select streaming services. Get one Scotia Scene+ point for all other purchases.
This card also features travel insurance and no foreign transaction fees — both fantastic perks for a family on vacation.
According to our Best of Finance methodology, the average Canadian would earn around $1,024 in rewards in the first year.
Annual fee
$120
Welcome bonus
Earn up to $780* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points.¹ Offer ends July 1, 2025.
Rewards
Earning potential
How does this card stack up to other rewards credit cards? We crunched the numbers using our Best of Finance methodology to see how much an average Canadian could earn over a 12-month period.
Rewards earned over a 12-month period + Welcome Bonus = $744 + $400 = $1,144
Annual fee = $120
Total earned over a 12-month period (rewards minus annual fee) = $1,024
Benefits
The American Express Cobalt® Credit Card is a great option for families because you can earn five points for every $1 spent on eligible restaurant, grocery and food delivery purchases in Canada. If you use Instacart to order groceries, this is a great benefit to have. Entertainment-loving families can earn three points for every $1 spent on eligible streaming subscriptions such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. Best of all, there’s no fee for supplementary cards.
According to our Best of Finance methodology, the average Canadian would earn $1,361 in rewards in the first year.
Annual fee
$156
Welcome bonus
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.
Rewards
Earning potential
How does this card stack up to other rewards credit cards? We crunched the numbers using our Best of Finance methodology to see how much an average Canadian could earn over a 12-month period.
Rewards earned over a 12-month period + Welcome Bonus = $1,113 + $300 = $1,413
Annual fee = $156*
Total earned over a 12-month period (rewards minus annual fee) = $1,257
Benefits
Young professionals today are tech-savvy, ambitious individuals looking to make their mark on the world – working hard during the day and spending as much time as possible with friends in the evenings.
Our top picks for young professionals reward them with cash back or perks for everyday purchases like trips to the store, rideshares to meetings and interviews, takeout and even binge-watching movies or TV shows on Netflix.
We compared the best credit cards for dining, entertainment and transportation using our Best of Finance methodology and ranked the cards that provided the highest first-year value.
| First year value* | Credit score required | Top features | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $996 | Good | Designed for the lifestyle of the urban digital millennial. | |
|
Runner-up |
$1,257 | Fair | As a Cobalt card member, you earn points quickly in categories like groceries, restaurants, travel, gas and streaming services. |
| $1,024 | Good | Earn up to $780* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points. |
Apply for the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card and earn up to 60,000 bonus BMO Rewards points in the first year, which are worth $400 in travel rewards. Plus, BMO will waive the $120 annual fee for the primary account holder for the first year.
According to our Best of Finance methodology, the average Canadian will earn roughly $996 in the first year.
Annual fee
$120 (first year waived)
Welcome bonus
Offer expiry date: Ongoing offer
Rewards
With this card, you can earn:
Earning potential
How does this card stack up to other rewards credit cards? We crunched the numbers using our Best of Finance methodology to see how much an average Canadian could earn over a 12-month period.
Rewards earned over a 12-month period + Welcome Bonus = $546 + $450 = $996
Annual fee = $120 (first year waived)
Total earned over a 12-month period (rewards minus annual fee) = $996
Benefits
Insurance coverage
The American Express Cobalt® Credit Card is one of the best cards for amassing rewards, offering cardholders five points for every $1 spent on restaurants and food deliveries, three points for every $1 spent on eligible streaming subscriptions, two points for every $1 spent on eligible travel and transit and one point for every $1 spent anywhere else.
Not only that, but the Membership Rewards® program is incredibly flexible, allowing members to redeem points for almost anything — travel, merchandise and more. Eligible cards, including the American Express Cobalt® Credit Card, can access the Fixed Points Travel Program and American Express Travel Online for travel offers and special rates. Cardholders can even use Membership Rewards® to pay for taxes, fees and carrier surcharges.
According to our Best of Finance methodology, the average Canadian could earn around $1,361 in rewards in the first year.
Annual fee
$156
Welcome bonus
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.
Rewards
5x AMEX Membership Rewards (spend caps apply):
3x AMEX Membership Rewards:
2x AMEX Membership Rewards:
1 additional AMEX Membership Reward:
1x AMEX Membership Rewards:
Scotiabank® Gold American Express® Card provides a convenient and secure payment method for all your everyday purchases, while also allowing you to build your credit history – as long as you make your minimum payments on time each month.
The Card also provides an interest-free grace period on purchases, along with numerous rewards and benefits. To make use of it, you must be willing to pay an annual fee.
According to our Best of Finance methodology, the average Canadian would earn around $1,024 in rewards in the first year.
Annual fee
$120
Welcome bonus
Earn up to $780* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points.
Offer expiry date: July 1, 2025
Rewards
Rates, product information and reward estimates are subject to change at any time and do not constitute financial advice. This post was not sponsored. RATESDOTCA may receive a referral fee from our partners or affiliate links featured on the site; however, our editorial choices are objective and free from bias. The opinions expressed in this article are purely those of RATESDOTCA; thus, the credit card issuers and partners are not responsible for any editorials or reviews that may appear. Please visit the associated brand’s website for complete and current terms and conditions on any product or service mentioned. The information in this article is accurate as of the date of this posting, January 31, 2025. Read our full disclaimer.
Both cashback and rewards/travel points have benefits. This table breaks down some of the pros and cons for both types of cards.
| Rewards Type | Cashback | Rewards/ Travel points |
|---|---|---|
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
Each rewards credit card comes with a unique rewards program. Depending on the card, the rewards points can be redeemed for travel rewards, instant cashback, gift cards and much more. The type of rewards credit card you choose greatly depends on the kind of rewards you want to ultimately redeem for.
Here are the most popular credit card rewards and perks:
In addition to rewards, you can also enjoy a variety of perks from most rewards credit cards.
Tip: You can also use a combination of rewards credit cards to take advantage of multiple rewards programs. For example, you can use a bonus cashback card and a travel rewards card to save money and at the same time earn travel rewards for your trips. This strategy will help you maximize your annual credit card rewards and perks.
Trying to figure out which rewards will work for you? These common questions about rewards credit cards can help you decide.
When choosing a rewards credit card, remember to look for rewards and perks that complement your lifestyle. There are many different types of rewards cards. Some offer travel rewards, while others cater to cashback, retail discounts, gift cards and much more. Look for cards that have rewards and ways to earn that better suit your financial and lifestyle goals.
Two things to consider when choosing a rewards card
1) How will I earn points/cash back (Or what / where do I spend money): Cards have different earn rates on different spend categories – get a card with a high rate on the thing you buy the most (if you are a big family, maybe this is groceries – if you are a young urbanite, maybe this is entertainment)
2) What do I want to spend (redeem) my points on: Some credit card users want cash back or statement credits because it’s the most flexible. However, cards that offer only cashback usually have lower reward rates than say their travel point counterparts. Even if the card has a flexible points rewards option (you can redeem earned points for cashback or travel) it is common for the redemption value of cash reward to be less than if the points were redeemed on travel.
To be eligible for most rewards credit cards, you must have good to excellent credit. If you need to work on your credit score, opting for a low interest credit card or a no-fee credit card can help you get there.
Rewards credit cards typically come with an annual fee ranging anywhere from $100-$200. Some credit card companies waive the first year fee. Choose your rewards card strategically so the advantages outweigh the annual fee.
Most rewards credit cards come with an annual fee due to the high-value benefits that come with the card. When choosing a rewards program, pick one that will help you get the most out of your credit card. For example, say you choose a cashback rewards credit card that has an annual fee of $100, comes with a 2% instant cashback on groceries and gas purchases, and 0.5% on other purchases. If you spend an average of $900 a month on groceries and gas alone, you’ll earn at least $216 in cashback by the end of the year, which offsets the annual credit card fee.
Similarly, most travel rewards credit cards come with bonuses. For example, say you choose a travel rewards card that comes with a welcome bonus of 2,000 Air Miles and a promise of an additional 4,000 Air Miles when you spend more than $10,000 in the next six months. You also can earn one Air Mile for every $10 spent. This offers you the potential to earn more than 6,000 Air Miles within six months of holding the card. These Air Miles are worth a few or more domestic trips, helping you save up on travel costs.
Looking for great offers on rewards credit cards? Check out the latest offers on credit cards.
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