Best Credit Card Welcome Offers for March 2021

A young woman buying something on her phone with her credit card

March will look a little different this year, without the usual March break. Although there will be no sand between your toes this spring break, there is always next time. That makes now the perfect time to start racking up the rewards for a future vacation or extended weekend.

A welcome bonus can help boost those efforts. The best credit card welcome offers for March are here, and they do not disappoint:

  • A top travel reward card offers a bonus of up to $800 in value.
  • Several cards boast offers as high as 10 % back on all purchases.
  • Apply for the HSBC +Rewards™ Mastercard® before the bonus ends on April 19, 2021.
  • RATESDOTCA has one of the best deals on the market for both Tangerine credit cards. For a limited time, get a $100 e-Gift Card upon approval and score a low promotional interest rate on balance transfers.

Check out the best credit card welcome offers for this month.

Our top picks

Credit card  

Welcome offer  

Annual fee 

1. CIBC Aventura®?Visa Infinite* Card 

  • Earn up to 35,000 Aventura®?Points (worth up to $800) 

$139 (Rebated year 1) 

2. CIBC Dividend®?Visa Infinite* Card 

  • Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first four months (up to $2,000 in purchases) 

$120 (Rebated year 1) 

3. BMO®?CashBack®?World Elite®*?Mastercard®

  • Earn 10% cash back for the first three months (up to $2,000 in purchases) 
  • October 31, 2021 

$120 (Waived year 1) 

4. HSBC +Rewards™ Mastercard® 

  • Earn 30,000 HSBC rewards points  
  • A rare low-interest card that also offers rewards 
  • April 19, 2021 

$25 (Rebated year 1) 

5. SimplyCashTM?Preferred Card from American?Express 

  • Earn 10% cash back on all eligible purchases for the first four months (up to $400 cash back) 

$99 

6. American Express® Aeroplan®* Card 

  • Earn up to 15,000 Aeroplan points plus a bonus Buddy Pass 

$120 

7. TD Cash Back Visa Infinite* Card 

  • Earn 6% Cash Back on all purchases for the first three months (up to $2,000 in purchases) 
  • May 30, 2021 

$120 (Rebated year 1) 

8. TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card 

  • Earn up to 20,000 Aeroplan points and a bonus Buddy Pass 
  • May 30, 2021 

$120 (Rebated year 1) 

9. BMO CashBack®?Mastercard®

  • Earn 5% cash back on all purchases for the first three months. Conditions apply.  
  • October 31, 2021 

$0 

10. MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus® Mastercard® 

  • Earn?up to?10,000?bonus points 

$0 

11. Tangerine World Mastercard® 

  • 1.95% interest rate on balance transfers for the first six months 
  • Earn a $100 e-Gift Card from RATESDOTCA upon approval until May 14, 2021 

$0 

1. CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card

The CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card currently offers up to 35,000 bonus Aventura Points. Get 20,000 points when you make your first purchase using the card. Get an additional 1,250 points each month you spend at least $1,000 in the first year (up to 15,000 points).

Regular features and benefits of this card include:

  • Annual fee: $139
  • Annual fee for additional cards (up to three): $50
  • Interest rate: Purchases: 20.99%. Cash Advance: 22.99% (21.99% for QB residents) Balance Transfer: 22.99%
  • Earn two Aventura Points for every $1 spent on travel through the CIBC Rewards Centre.
  • Earn 1.5 Aventura Points for every $1 spent at eligible gas stations, grocery stores and drugstores.
  • Earn one Aventura Point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Cardholders receive a full suite of travel insurance coverage on the card, a NEXUS application fee rebate and Priority Pass™ Membership with four free passes annually.

Offer expiry date: N/A subject to change without notice

Compare the best credit cards on RATESDOTCA

Find the best credit card for your lifestyle today!

2. CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card

The CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card offers cardholders 10% cash back on all purchases for the first four statement periods, up to $2,000 in total purchases. That is up to $200 cash back. Plus, pay no annual fee for the primary and additional cardholders for the first year.

Regular features and benefits of this card include:

  • Annual fee: $120
  • Annual fee for additional cards (up to three): $30
  • Interest rate: Purchases: 20.99%. Cash Advance: 22.99% (21.99% for QB residents) Balance Transfer: 22.99%
  • Earn 4% cash back on eligible gas and grocery purchases.
  • Earn 2% cash back on eligible dining, transportation and recurring bill payments.
  • Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases with no limit to how much you can earn.

Cardholders get basic travel insurance coverage with this card. They can also take advantage of the CIBC Global Money Transfer™ feature to send money abroad.

Offer expiry date: N/A subject to change without notice

3. BMO® CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®*

The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$211
+ Annual rewards
$594
- Annual fee (First Year Waived)
$0
Total first year value
$805
BMO CashBack World Elite* Mastercard*

card image
Welcome bonus
$211
BMO Cash Back Rewards
Annual rewards
$594
BMO Cash Back Rewards
Annual fees:
$120 (First Year Waived)
Interest rates:
21.99% on purchases • 23.99% on cash advances
Generous cash back rewards in a number of key categories
Details at a glance Collapse details
Welcome bonus
$211
Annual rewards
$594
The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$211
+ Annual rewards
$594
- Annual fee (First Year Waived)
$0
Total first year value
$805
Annual fees:
$120 (First Year Waived)
Interest rates:
21.99% on purchases
23.99 on cash advances
Generous cash back rewards in a number of key categories
Details at a glance Collapse details

Apply for the BMO® CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®* to earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first three months, up to $2,000 in total purchases. That is up to $200 cash back. Plus, pay no annual fee for the first year.

Regular features and benefits of this card include:

  • Annual fee: $120
  • Annual fee for additional cards: $50
  • Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases made on the card.

Cardholders can also enjoy complimentary membership to the Dominion Automobile Association (DAA) and their BMO Roadside Assistance Program. Also, feel peace of mind with BMO CashBack World Elite Travel and Medical Protection.

Offer expiry date: October 31, 2021

4. HSBC +Rewards™ Mastercard®

*Best of Finance Winner: Best Credit Card for Paying Down Your Balance in Canada for 2020

New cardholders of the HSBC +Rewards™ Mastercard® can earn up to 30,000 points when they spend at least $2,000 in the first 180 days of opening the account. That is a $150 travel value. Plus, pay no annual fee for the primary cardholder for the first year.

Regular features and benefits of this card include:

  • Annual fee: $25
  • Annual fee for additional cards: $10
  • Earn two points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases.
  • Earn one point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Cardholders can enjoy a low annual interest rate on purchases, balance transfers and cash advances (11.9%), as well as the HSBC Plus Rewards program. Not only that, but this card also features price protection so that cardholders can shop with confidence.

This offer is not available for residents of Quebec. For Quebec residents, please click here.

Offer expiry date: April 19, 2021

5. SimplyCashTM Preferred Card from American Express

The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$250
+ Annual rewards
$660
- Annual fee
$120
Total first year value
$790
SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express

card image
Welcome bonus
$250
AMEX Cashback Rewards
Annual rewards
$660
AMEX Cashback Rewards
Annual fees:
$120
Interest rates:
21.99% on purchases • 21.99% on cash advances
Earn accelerated earn rates on eligible gas and grocery purchases
Enjoy complimentary insurance and access perks
Details at a glance Collapse details
Welcome bonus
$250
Annual rewards
$660
The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$250
+ Annual rewards
$660
- Annual fee
$120
Total first year value
$790
Annual fees:
$120
Interest rates:
21.99% on purchases
21.99 on cash advances
Earn accelerated earn rates on eligible gas and grocery purchases
Enjoy complimentary insurance and access perks
Details at a glance Collapse details

New cardholders of the SimplyCashTM Preferred Card from American Express can earn 10% cash back for the first four months, up to $4,000 in purchases. That is up to $400 cash back.

Regular features and benefits of this card include:

  • Annual fee: $99
  • Annual fee for additional cards: $0
  • Earn 2% cash back on all purchases with no limit to how much you can earn.

Cardholders can enjoy a selection of shopping and travel coverages on this card. Also, access priority lanes at events and exclusive presale tickets with the American Express Invites® program.

Offer expiry date: N/A subject to change without notice

6. American Express® Aeroplan®* Card

The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$600
+ Annual rewards
$558
- Annual fee
$120
Total first year value
$1038
American Express® Aeroplan®* Card

card image
Welcome bonus
$600
Aeroplan Points
Annual rewards
$558
Aeroplan Points
Annual fees:
$120
Interest rates:
N/A on purchases • N/A on cash advances
A rewards program that lets you redeem on all things travel!
Includes travel insurance coverage and access to exciting entertainment experiences.
Details at a glance Collapse details
Welcome bonus
$600
Annual rewards
$558
The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$600
+ Annual rewards
$558
- Annual fee
$120
Total first year value
$1038
Annual fees:
$120
Interest rates:
30% on purchases
30 on cash advances
A rewards program that lets you redeem on all things travel!
Includes travel insurance coverage and access to exciting entertainment experiences.
Details at a glance Collapse details

Apply for the American Express® Aeroplan®* Card to earn up to 15,000 Aeroplan points and a bonus Buddy Pass. Earn 9,000 Aeroplan points and a bonus Buddy Pass after spending at least $1,500 in purchases in the first three months. Earn an additional 1,000 points each month you spend at least $500 for the first six months (up to 6,000 Aeroplan points). Conditions apply.

Regular features and benefits of this card include:

  • Annual fee: $120
  • Annual fee for additional cards:
  • $50 for authorized users to share some of the card benefits
  • $0 for authorized users without shared benefits
  • Earn two points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made directly through Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®.
  • Earn 1.5 points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada.
  • Earn one point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Cardholders can enjoy exclusive Air Canada benefits, including their first checked bag for free (up to 23kg/50lbs) and preferred pricing. Plus, access American Express Invites® for advanced and reserved ticket sales and unique offers.

Offer expiry date: N/A subject to change without notice

7. TD Cash Back Visa Infinite* Card

The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$284
+ Annual rewards
$504
- Annual fee (First Year Rebated)
$0
Total first year value
$788
TD Cash Back Visa Infinite* Card

card image
Welcome bonus
$284
TD Cash Back Dollars
Annual rewards
$504
TD Cash Back Dollars
Annual fees:
$139 (First Year Rebate)
Interest rates:
21.99% on purchases • 22.99% on cash advances
Cash back rewards will never expire
Includes complimentary travel perks and benefits
Details at a glance Collapse details
Welcome bonus
$284
Annual rewards
$504
The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$284
+ Annual rewards
$504
- Annual fee (First Year Rebated)
$0
Total first year value
$788
Annual fees:
$139 (First Year Rebate)
Interest rates:
21.99% on purchases
22.99 on cash advances
Cash back rewards will never expire
Includes complimentary travel perks and benefits
Details at a glance Collapse details

*Best of Finance Winner: Best Cash Back Credit Card in Canada for 2020

For a limited time, new cardholders of the TD Cash Back Visa Infinite* Card can earn 6% cash back on all purchases for the first three months, up to $2,000 in total purchases. Plus, pay no annual fee for the primary and one additional cardholder for the first year.

Regular features and benefits of this card include:

  • Annual fee: $120
  • Annual fee for additional cards: $50
  • Earn 3% in Cash Back Dollars on eligible grocery and gas purchases and recurring bill payments on the account.
  • Earn 1% in Cash Back Dollars on all other purchases.

Cardholders can enjoy a complimentary Deluxe TD Auto Club Membership (a $79 value) and basic travel insurance.

This offer is not available for residents of Quebec. For Quebec residents, please click here.

Offer expiry date: May 30, 2021

8. TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card

The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$800
+ Annual rewards
$570
- Annual fee (First Year Rebated)
$0
Total first year value
$1370
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card

card image
Welcome bonus
$800
In Aeroplan Points
Annual rewards
$570
In Aeroplan Points
Annual fees:
$139 (First Year Rebate)
Interest rates:
21.99% on purchases • 22.99% on cash advances
2025 Winner – Best Aeroplan Credit Card
VIP benefits when travelling on Air Canada flights, plus great travel insurance
Details at a glance Collapse details
Welcome bonus
$800
Annual rewards
$570
The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$800
+ Annual rewards
$570
- Annual fee (First Year Rebated)
$0
Total first year value
$1370
Annual fees:
$139 (First Year Rebate)
Interest rates:
21.99% on purchases
22.99 on cash advances
2025 Winner – Best Aeroplan Credit Card
VIP benefits when travelling on Air Canada flights, plus great travel insurance
Details at a glance Collapse details

The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card offers cardholders up to 20,000 Aeroplan points and a bonus Buddy Pass. Earn 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase on the card. Earn another 10,000 points and a bonus Buddy Pass when you spend at least $1,000 in purchases within 90 days of opening the account. Plus, pay no annual fee for the primary and up to three additional cardholders for the first year. Conditions apply.

For a limited time, earn 1.5 bonus Aeroplan points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases at Starbucks locations until November 7, 2021.

Regular features and benefits of this card include:

  • Annual fee: $139
  • Annual fee for additional cards: $75
  • Earn 1.5 points for every $1 spent on gas and grocery purchases and direct through Air Canada purchases made with the card.
  • Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Cardholders can enjoy exclusive Air Canada and Visa Infinite benefits, including their first checked bag for free (up to 23kg/50lbs) and access to events. Plus, travel with peace of mind knowing you have a full suite of travel insurance coverage.

This offer is not available for residents of Quebec. For Quebec residents, please click here.

Offer expiry date: May 30, 2021

9. BMO CashBack® Mastercard®*

The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$100
+ Annual rewards
$288
- Annual fee
$0
Total first year value
$388
BMO CashBack Mastercard®*

card image
Welcome bonus
$100
BMO Cash Back Rewards
Annual rewards
$288
BMO Cash Back Rewards
Annual fees:
$0
Interest rates:
21.99% on purchases • 23.99% on cash advances
2025 Winner– Best Credit Card For Newcomers To Canada
Cash back rewards include the freedom to redeem anytime
Details at a glance Collapse details
Welcome bonus
$100
Annual rewards
$288
The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$100
+ Annual rewards
$288
- Annual fee
$0
Total first year value
$388
Annual fees:
$0
Interest rates:
21.99% on purchases
23.99 on cash advances
2025 Winner– Best Credit Card For Newcomers To Canada
Cash back rewards include the freedom to redeem anytime
Details at a glance Collapse details

*Best of Finance Winner: Best Credit Card for Newcomers to Canada for 2020

The BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* offers cardholders 5% cash back on all purchases for the first three months. Conditions apply.

Cardholders can also take advantage of the 1.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for nine months. A 1% balance transfer fee does apply.

Regular features and benefits of this card include:

  • Annual fee: $0
  • Annual fee for additional cards: $0
  • Earn 3% cash back on up to $500 in grocery purchases each month.
  • Earn 1% cash back on up to $500 in recurring bill payments set up on the account each month.
  • Earn 0.5% unlimited cash back on all other purchases.

Cardholders can save up to 25% off car rentals, and 15% off admission to Cirque du Soleil shows touring Canada.

Offer expiry date: October 31, 2021

10. MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus® Mastercard®

The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$205
+ Annual rewards
$340
- Annual fee
$0
Total first year value
$545
MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus® Mastercard®

card image
Welcome bonus
$205
MBNA Rewards points
Annual rewards
$340
MBNA Rewards points
Annual fees:
$0
Interest rates:
19.99% on purchases • 24.99% on cash advances
A top annual fee travel card
Details at a glance Collapse details
Welcome bonus
$205
Annual rewards
$340
The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$205
+ Annual rewards
$340
- Annual fee
$0
Total first year value
$545
Annual fees:
$0
Interest rates:
19.99% on purchases
24.99 on cash advances
A top annual fee travel card
Details at a glance Collapse details

*Best of Finance Winner: Best No-Fee Credit Card in Canada for 2020

The MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus® Mastercard® offers cardholders up to 10,000 bonus points and an accelerated earn rate on select purchases.

Earn 5,000 bonus points when you spend at least $500 on the card within 90 days. Earn another 5,000 points once you enroll in paperless e-statements within that same period.

Plus, earn four points for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery and restaurant purchases for the first 90 days after opening the account. Conditions apply.

Regular features and benefits of this card include:

  • Annual fee: $0
  • Annual fee for additional cards: $0
  • Earn two MBNA Rewards Points for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery and restaurant purchases, up to the $5,000 spending cap in each category annually.
  • Earn one MBNA Rewards Point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Cardholders can save on rental cars across the U.S. and Canada with this card.

This offer is not available for residents of Quebec. For residents of Quebec, please click here.

Offer expiry date: N/A subject to change without notice

11. Tangerine World Mastercard®

New cardholders of the Tangerine World Mastercard® can take advantage of the 1.95% promotional interest rate on balance transfers made within the first 30 days for six months.

Plus, earn a $100 bonus e-Gift Card from RATESDOTCA upon approval for a Tangerine World Mastercard® or Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card.

Regular features and benefits of this card include:

  • Annual fee: $0
  • Annual fee for additional cards: $0
  • Earn 2% cash back in up to three categories out of 10 options. Start with two categories and earn the third when you choose to deposit your rewards into a Tangerine Savings Account.
  • Earn 0.5% cash back on all other purchases with no limit to how much you can earn.

This card also features mobile device insurance and some travel features like access to over 1,000 Wi-Fi hotspots worldwide with Boingo Wi-Fi for Mastercard®* and Mastercard® Airport Experiences Provided by LoungeKey.

Offer expiry date: 

  • Tangerine: N/A subject to change without notice
  • RATESDOTCA: May 14, 2021

Rates, product information, and reward estimates are subject to change at any time and do not constitute financial advice. This post was not sponsored. The views and opinions expressed in this review are purely those of RATESDOTCA. Information in this article is accurate as of the date of this posting, March 2, 2021. Read our full disclaimer.

Hayley Osmond

Hayley Osmond, Freelance writer

Hayley Osmond is an editor and writer in the personal finance space, where she uses her eight years of media and marketing experience to bring content to life. She specializes in money products, including mortgages, home and auto insurance, and credit cards. Hayley holds a Broadcast Journalism diploma from Sheridan College and was awarded the Shaw Media Journalism and Media Award for graduating at the top of her class. Her work has appeared in Global News and diverse digital corporate training materials behind the scenes.

Hayley is passionate about making complex subjects, such as home buying and financial literacy, concise and intriguing. Her work has garnered media coverage from The Globe and Mail, blogTO, Yahoo! News, and CityNews 680 and has been syndicated across other publications.

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