If you are not redirected within 30 seconds, please click here to continue.
Samedi: 10h – 16h HAE
If you are not redirected within 30 seconds, please click here to continue.
If you are not redirected within 30 seconds, please click here to continue.
We are now transferring you to LowestRates.ca to complete your quote.
Best Credit Card Welcome Offers for November 2021
Table of Contents
While for some people, it may be too soon to put up holiday décor, now is the time to start writing your holiday gift and grocery lists. Toy companies and other suppliers are facing supply chain issues, affecting the availability of many products and increasing prices.
Last-minute shoppers will face more challenging shopping conditions this year and tighter budgets. So, it’s best to make a plan, stick to the list, and consider your payment options wisely. Depending on how you shop, some credit cards can be more rewarding than others.
A flat-rate reward credit card offers one reward rate for every dollar spent on the card. For example, the SimplyCash™ Card from American Express offers 1.25% cash back on all purchases, including décor, gift wrap, and festive outfits — you name it. In contrast, category credit cards reward cardholders at an accelerated rate for specific purchases like groceries, gas, and travel. Often category cards offer higher reward rates than flat-rate cards; however, only for certain items. A flat-rate card can be more rewarding for miscellaneous items like the holiday buys noted above.
Compare the best credit cards in Canada using our comprehensive list of welcome offers to find a card that matches your unique spending habits. You may be able to earn more rewards this holiday season as you cross items off your checklist.
| Our top picks | ||
|---|---|---|
| Credit card | Welcome offer | Annual fee |
| $599 | |
| $156 ($12.99 per month) | |
| $139 (First year rebated) | |
| $120 (First year waived) | |
| $120 | |
| $150 (First year waived) | |
| $120 (First year waived) | |
| $119 | |
| $149 | |
| $0 | |
| $0 | |
| $0 | |
| $0 | |
1. American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card
The American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card offers up to 90,000 Aeroplan points and a bonus Buddy Pass. Earn 30,000 Aeroplan points and a bonus Buddy Pass when you spend at least $3,000 in the first three months. Plus, earn 5,000 Aeroplan points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $1,000 on your card for the first year. That could add up to 60,000 Aeroplan points.
Regular features and benefits of this card include:
- Annual fee: $599
- Annual fee for additional cards:
- $199 to share in some of the Reserve Card benefits
- $0 to get the no-fee card benefits
- Earn three Aeroplan points for every $1 spent on eligible Air Canada® and Air Canada Vacations® purchases.
- Earn two Aeroplan points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and food delivery purchases in Canada.
- Earn 1.25 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
If you’re itching to travel, this card will ensure you do so with VIP treatment. Get Priority Airport Check-In, Priority Boarding, and Priority Baggage Handling when you fly with Air Canada. Plus, access Maple Leaf Lounges in North America and other Air Canada benefits.
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. American Express CobaltTM Credit Card
Apply for the American Express CobaltTM Credit Card to earn up to 50,000 Membership Rewards® points in the first year. Earn 2,500 points for each monthly billing period in which you spend at least $500 on your card for 12 months. This could add up to 30,000 points. Plus, earn a Welcome Bonus of 20,000 points when you spend at least $3,000 on your card in the first three months.
Regular features and benefits of this card include:
- Monthly fee: $12.99 ($156 per year)
- Annual fee for additional cards: $0
- Earn 5X the points for every $1 spent on eligible restaurant and food delivery purchases in Canada.
- Earn 3X the points for every $1 spent on eligible streaming subscriptions.
- Earn 2X the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel and transit purchases.
- Earn 1X the points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
On top of travel and shopping insurance, this card now features mobile device insurance, too, as well as access to exclusive events and deals through the American Express® Experiences and Cobalt Perks programs.
Offer expiry date: N/A (Subject to change without notice)
3. TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
New members of the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card can earn up to 25,000 Aeroplan points and a bonus Buddy Pass. Earn 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase on the card. Get an additional 15,000 Aeroplan points and a bonus Buddy Pass when you spend at least $1,000 in the first 90 days of opening the account. Plus, TD will rebate the $139 annual fee for the first year.
Regular features and benefits of this card include:
- Annual fee: $139
- Annual fee for additional cards: $75
- Earn 1.5 Aeroplan points for every $1 spent on eligible Air Canada® and Air Canada Vacations® purchases made with your card.
- Earn one Aeroplan point for every $1 spent on everything else.
Access Air Canada travel and Visa Infinite benefits like concierge services and exclusive discounts. Not only that, but you also get travel, mobile device, and shopping insurance on this card.
This offer is not available for residents of Quebec. For Quebec residents, please click here.
Offer expiry date: December 5, 2021
4. Scotiabank®* Gold American Express® Card
The Scotiabank®* Gold American Express® Card offers up to 50,000 Scotia Rewards points in the first year. That is a travel value of up to $500. Earn 30,000 Scotia Rewards points when you spend at least $1,000 in the first three months. Get an additional 20,000 Scotia Rewards points when you spend at least $7,500 in the first 12 months. Plus, Scotiabank will waive the $120 annual fee for the first year.
Regular features and benefits of this card include:
- Annual fee: $120
- Annual fee for additional cards: $29
- Earn five Scotia Rewards points for every $1 spent on eligible grocery, restaurant, food delivery, food subscription, and entertainment purchases.
- Earn three Scotia Rewards points for every $1 spent on eligible gas and daily transit purchases and select streaming services.
- Earn one Scotia Rewards point on all other purchases.
This card is perfect for everyday use and travel. Pay no foreign transaction fees with this card and get eight types of insurance coverage.
Offer expiry date: Scotiabank offer: November 21, 2021
5. RBC Avion® Visa Infinite Card
The RBC Avion® Visa Infinite offers 35,000 welcome points upon enrollment. That is a travel value of up to $750.
Regular features and benefits of this card include:
- Annual fee: $120
- Annual fee for additional cards: $50
- Earn one RBC Rewards point for every $1 spent on the card.
- Earn 25% more (1.25 points) for every $1 spent on eligible travel-related purchases.
Get instant savings on fuel at Petro-Canada and earn 20% more RBC Rewards. Plus, you can get a free 12-month DashPass subscription when you pay with your eligible card.
Offer expiry date: April 18, 2022
6. World Elite™ Mastercard® from National Bank
The World Elite™ Mastercard® from National Bank offers 15,000 rewards points when you spend at least $3,000 on the card in the first three months. That is up to a $125 travel value.
Regular features and benefits of this card include:
- Annual fee: $150
- Annual fee for additional cards: $50
- Earn 1.5 points for every $1 spent on your card, up to $40,000 in purchases annually.
- Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on your card, between $40,001 and $80,000 annually.
- Earn 1.5 points for every $1 on your card above $80,000 annually.
Get comprehensive travel insurance coverage and up to $250 back on your travel expenses. Plus, access the National Bank Lounge at Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport.
Offer expiry date: December 20, 2021
7. BMO CashBack World Elite* Mastercard*
.png)
Apply for the BMO CashBack World Elite* Mastercard* to earn up to 10% cash back for the first three months. 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 5% cash back on your first $500 in grocery purchases monthly.
- Earn 4% cash back on your first $300 in ground transportation purchases monthly.
- Earn 3% cash back on your first $300 in automobile and vehicle fuel purchases monthly.
- Earn 2% cash back on your first $500 in recurring bill payments monthly.
- Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases.
Access travel perks, including a complimentary membership in Mastercard Airport Experiences provided by LoungeKey and travel insurance. Plus, get everyday benefits like roadside assistance and concierge services.
Offer expiry date: December 6, 2022
8. WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard‡
New members of the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard‡ can get up to 450 welcome WestJet dollars. Get 250 welcome WestJet dollars upon approval and an additional 200 welcome WestJet dollars when you spend at least $5,000 on your card within the first three months.
Regular features and benefits of this card include:
- Annual fee: $119
- Annual fee for additional cards: $59
- Earn 2% in WestJet dollars for every $1 spent on WestJet flights or WestJet Vacations packages.
- Earn 1.5% in WestJet dollars for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
Get instant savings on fuel at Petro-Canada when you link your card and earn 20% more Petro-Points.
Offer expiry date: January 5, 2022
9. HSBC World Elite® Mastercard®
The HSBC World Elite® Mastercard® offers up to 100,000 bonus points. That is up to $500 travel value. Plus, HSBC will rebate the annual fee for the primary cardholder for the first year.
Get 20,000 Welcome Bonus points when your application is approved and another 50,000 points when you spend at least $6,000 in the first 180 days (about six months). Earn an additional 10,000 points when you add an authorized user to your account and get 20,000 points as an Anniversary Bonus.
Regular features and benefits of this card include:
- Annual fee: $149
- Annual fee for additional cards: $50
- Earn six points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases.
- Earn three points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
This card also features a $100 annual travel enhancement credit, no foreign transaction fees, and travel insurance coverage.
Offer expiry date: January 31, 2022
10. MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus® Mastercard®
The MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus® Mastercard® offers four points for every $1 spent on eligible restaurant, grocery, digital media, membership, and household utility purchases for 90 days (about three months), up to the $10,000 annual spend cap.
Plus, earn 5,000 bonus points after you spend at least $500 in eligible purchases during the first 90 days and another 5,000 bonus points for signing up for paperless e-statements within the same period. That is up to 10,000 bonus points.
Regular features and benefits of this card include:
- Annual fee: $0
- Annual fee for additional cards: $0
- Earn two points for every $1 spent on eligible restaurant, grocery, digital media, membership, and household utility purchases until $10,000 is spent annually.
- Earn one point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
This card now features mobile device insurance and an annual birthday bonus.
Offer expiry date: N/A (Subject to change without notice)
11. SimplyCash™ Card from American Express
Earn up to 4% cash back for the first six months with the SimplyCash™ Card from American Express. That is up to $200 back ($5,000 in total purchases).
Regular features and benefits of this card include:
- Annual fee: $0
- Annual fee for additional cards: $0
- Earn 1.25% cash back on all purchases.
Get travel accident insurance, extended warranty, and purchase protection on this card.
Offer expiry date: N/A (Subject to change without notice)
12. Tangerine World Mastercard®
.png)
With the Tangerine World Mastercard®, you can get 15% cash back when you spend up to $1,000 in purchases within the first two months. That is up to $150 cash back.
Plus, for a limited time, you can earn a $125 Amazon e-Gift Card from RATESDOTCA upon approval until December 15, 2021.
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 Money-Back Categories of your choice. Start with two categories and earn the third when depositing your rewards into a Tangerine Savings Account. Choose from the following 10 Money-Back Categories: grocery, furniture, restaurants, hotel-motel, gas, recurring bill payments, drugstore, home improvement, entertainment, and public transportation and parking.
- Earn 0.50% cash back on all other purchases.
Get free additional cards for authorized users and basic car rental insurance.
Offer expiry date: November 30, 2021
13. BMO CashBack Mastercard®*
New members of the BMO* CashBack® Mastercard®* can earn 5% cash back on up to $2,500 in total purchases in the qualified categories ($500 groceries, $500 recurring bill payments, $1,500 on all other purchases) for the first three months.
This card also offers a 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 your first $500 in monthly grocery purchases.
- Earn 1% cash back on your first $500 in recurring monthly bill payments.
- Earn 0.5% unlimited cash back on all other purchases.
Save up to 25% off rental cars at participating National Car Rental and Alamo Rent a Car locations.
Offer expiry date: December 6, 2022
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, November 8, 2021. Read our full disclaimer.
This article was originally published on November 1, 2021, and has since been updated.
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.
Latest Articles
There are different stages of the approval process when you apply for a mortgage and it’s important to know what they are and what they really mean.
This month, our mortgage expert offers his take on the Liberal's new plan to build 500,000 homes a year, and when to go for a variable rate in today's real estate market.
How much your car insurance premium may rise as a result of two convictions can vary between insurers, and it depends on what those convictions are.
The Bank of Canada held rates at 2.75% for the second time, balancing a weakened labour market with April's mixed inflation data. For now, it chooses caution, avoiding premature cuts that could reignite inflation.
What’s needed to insure your summer food venture? At least: general liability for accidents, commercial property for equipment, and product liability for food-related issues.
Canadians tend to apologize a lot, but when it comes to getting travel insurance in Canada, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
The first rule of driving in Canada is to get insured. The second rule of driving in Canada? Stay insured.
Mortgage amortization will determine your monthly payments and the total interest you’ll end up paying on your mortgage. So, should you go long or short?
Buying a car out of province requires extra effort, like vetting options, ensuring compliance with home regulations, and budgeting for travel, but it offers access to better deals, unique models, and a wider selection.
Get money-saving tips in your inbox.
Stay on top of personal finance tips from our money experts!