Milesopedia 2026 Awards: Best Programs, Credit Cards, and Bank Accounts in Canada
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We present the Milesopedia 2026 Awards for:
- Best Credit Cards in Canada
- Best Bank Accounts in Canada
- Best Loyalty Programs in Canada
You can find our methodology here.
As last year, our Ranking also includes the vote of the Milesopedia community members for specific awards.
2026 Awards Summary
The best credit cards in 2026 for everyday life:
The best credit cards in 2026 for travel:
The best credit cards in 2026 by client profile:
The best credit cards in 2026 according to the Milesopedia Community and Milesopedia network statistics (Milesopedia.com and partners):
The best loyalty programs in 2026 according to the Milesopedia Community:
| Award | Loyalty Program |
|---|---|
| Best Airline Program | Aeroplan |
| Best Hotel Program | Marriott Bonvoy |
| Best Banking Program | American Express Membership Rewards |
| Best Cash Back Program | Scene+ |
The best bank accounts in 2026 according to Milesopedia:
Best Credit Cards in 2026
For this 2026 edition, we have divided credit cards into 4 main categories:
Best Credit Cards For Everyday Life
In 2025-2026, the economic context profoundly changed consumer habits. In an inflationary environment, exacerbated by the tariff war led by the United States, Canadians are looking for products that allow them to save on many spending categories, such as groceries, gas, recurring bills, or pharmacy purchases.
The credit cards below all distinguished themselves in 2025 in their respective categories by offering more to their cardholders than their competitors. These are therefore the ones we have selected as the best credit cards in Canada in 2026 for everyday life.
Best Cash Back Credit Card
The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite +* Card is the best Cash Back credit card in Canada in 2026 for these reasons:
- High cash back for everyday purchases: 4% on groceries, subscriptions, and bill payments (including with Chexy), 2% on gas and transit, and 1% everywhere else
- Statement credit available for as little as $25 cash back
- Accepted at almost every retailer
Here are 3 other credit card choices in this category:
- CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card
- SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express
- BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®*
Best No-Fee Cash Back Credit Card
The CIBC Dividend® Visa* Card is the best cash back credit card with no annual fee in Canada in 2026 for these reasons:
- 2% cash back on grocery purchases
- 1% cash back on gas, electric vehicle charging, transportation, restaurant purchases and recurring payments
- Statement credit available for as little as $25 cash back
- Accepted at almost every retailer
Here are 3 other credit card choices in this category:
Best No-Fee Travel Credit Card
The American Express® Green Card is the best no-fee travel credit card in Canada for 2026 for these reasons:
- 1 point per dollar for all purchases
- Flexible Rewards
- Travel Partners (American Express Membership Rewards program)
- No minimum income required
Here are 3 other credit card choices in this category:
Best Credit Card For Groceries
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is the best credit card for groceries in Canada in 2026 for these reasons:
- 6 points per dollar at IGA or Sobeys and 5 points per dollar at other grocery stores
- Flexible rewards
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- Full travel insurance
Here are 3 other credit card choices in this category:
Best Credit Card For Dining
The American Express Cobalt® Card is the best credit card for restaurants in Canada in 2026 for these reasons:
- 5% cash back for restaurants, bars and home food delivery
- Cash back as Statement Credit from 1,000 points accumulated ($10)
- No minimum income required
Here are 3 other credit card choices in this category:
- Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card
- National Bank World Elite Mastercard
- BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card
Best Balance Transfer Credit Card
The CIBC Select Visa* Card is the best credit card for balance transfers in Canada in 2026:
- Recurring offer of 0% interest on balance transfers for up to 10 months, subject to a 1% transfer fee.
Here are 3 other credit card choices in this category:
Best Low-Interest Credit Card
The Scotiabank Value Visa Card is the best low interest rate credit card in Canada in 2026 for these reasons:
- Low annual interest rate of 13.99% on purchases, cash advances and balance transfers
- Accepted at almost every retailer worldwide
Here are 3 other credit card choices in this category:
Best Travel Credit Cards
Following the pandemic, we have observed that travelers are looking for more comfort, insurance, and savings.
Thus, credit cards offering airport lounge access, travel credits to enhance comfort, insurance to guard against any unforeseen events, or the absence of foreign currency conversion fees stood out in this ranking.
Here are the best travel rewards credit cards in Canada in 2026.
Best Travel Credit Card
The National Bank World Elite Mastercard is the best Travel credit card in Canada in 2026 for these reasons:
- Generous insurance coverage for travel and everyday purchases
- Award-winning customer service
- Up to $150 in annual travel credits
- Accepted at almost every retailer worldwide
Here are 3 other credit card choices in this category:
- CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card
- American Express® Gold Rewards Card
- Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite +* Card
Best Travel Rewards Credit Card
The TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card is the best credit card for travel rewards in Canada in 2026 for these reasons:
- 8 points per dollar for travel purchases via Expedia for TD
- $100 TD Annual Travel Credit
- Travel and purchase insurance
- Accepted at almost every retailer worldwide
Here are 3 other credit card choices in this category:
- CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card
- National Bank World Elite Mastercard
- Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite +* Card
Best No-FX Fee Credit Card
The Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite +* Card is the best no-FX fee credit card in Canada in 2026 for these reasons:
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- 6 annual airport lounge visits
- Travel and purchase insurance
- Accepted at almost every retailer worldwide
Here are 3 other credit card choices in this category:
- Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card
- Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card
- KOHO Premium Mastercard Prepaid Card
Best Airline Credit Card
The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card is the best airline credit card in Canada in 2026 for these reasons:
- Air Canada Benefits for Cardholders
- Rewards earned with everyday purchases
- Insurance when using Aeroplan points
- Accepted at almost every retailer
Here are 3 other credit card choices in this category:
- Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard®
- BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard
- WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard‡
Best Premium Credit Card
The American Express Platinum Card® is the best premium credit card in Canada in 2026 for these reasons:
- Access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide
- Status offered by several hotel loyalty programs
- Reserved benefits at renowned hotels and restaurants
- Flexible Rewards
- Travel Partners (American Express Membership Rewards program)
- Full travel insurance
- No minimum income required
Here are 3 other credit card choices in this category:
- Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Privilege Card
- American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card
- TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card
Best Credit Card For Frequent Flyers
The American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card is the best credit card for frequent travelers in Canada in 2026 for these reasons:
- Air Canada benefits such as access to Maple Leaf lounges
- Benefits for Aeroplan Status
- Highest point earning rate for Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations purchases
- Travel insurance
Here are 3 other credit card choices in this category:
- TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card
- BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard
- WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard‡
Best Credit Cards By Customer Profile
Every consumer profile is different, and evolves from year to year as needs change.
This year, thanks to the feedback we’ve received from members of the Milesopedia community, we’ve decided to refine our ranking to better suit each type of profile.
For example:
- Students will need a card that saves them money on their day-to-day expenses and offers them benefits designed specifically for them;
- Young professionals who do not yet have a high enough income to qualify for certain credit cards but are still looking to benefit more will be offered certain types of attractive products;
- Families will have special needs for groceries, entertainment and travel (for example cards offering points applicable to Airbnb spending);
- Snowbirds will need credit cards with no currency conversion fees;
- etc.
This ranking also lists the best cards for entrepreneurs.
Here are the best credit cards in Canada in 2026 by client profile.
Best Credit Card For Students
The CIBC Dividend® Visa* Card for Students is the best credit card for students in Canada in 2026 for these reasons:
- Cash back earning categories for everyday purchases
- Free registration in the SPC program with student discounts
- Insurance coverage
- Accepted at almost every retailer
- No minimum income required
- No annual fee
Here are 3 other credit card choices in this category:
- BMO® CashBack® Mastercard®* for students
- CIBC Aventura® Visa* Card for Students
- BMO AIR MILES® Mastercard® for Students
Best Credit Card For Young Professionals
The National Bank Platinum Mastercard is the best credit card for young professionals in Canada in 2026 for these reasons:
- Up to 2 points per dollar for groceries and restaurants
- Good insurance for travel and shopping
- Accepted in all stores
- No minimum income required
Here are 3 other credit card choices in this category:
Best Business Credit Card
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is the best business credit card in Canada in 2026 for these reasons:
- Access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide
- Travel Partners (American Express Membership Rewards program)
- Cardholder benefits at renowned hotels and restaurants
- Full travel insurance
Here are 3 other credit card choices in this category:
- BMO World Elite®* Business Mastercard®*
- American Express® Business Gold Rewards Card®
- American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card
Best Credit Cards According to the Milesopedia Community and Network
Milesopedia has significant monthly traffic both on its website (Milesopedia.com) and on its subdomains, which are used by our affiliate partners through our white-label credit card comparison tool. Thanks to this highly qualified traffic – since we’re talking about consumers looking for a financial product – we’re able to determine which credit cards are the most frequently consulted and, ultimately, the most subscribed to throughout our « Milesopedia network ».
We have decided to divide this part of the ranking according to the three main credit card networks.
We also surveyed members of the Milesopedia community to determine, according to them, the best credit cards in the two main categories: Cash Back and Travel. This year, a third category was added: Business.
Here is the ranking of the best credit cards in Canada in 2026 according to the Milesopedia community and network (Milesopedia.com and affiliated partners).
Best American Express Credit Card
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is the best American Express credit card in Canada in 2026 for these reasons:
- 6 points per dollar at IGA or Sobeys and 5 points per dollar at other grocery stores
- Flexible rewards
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- Full travel insurance
Here are 3 other credit card choices in this category:
- American Express Cobalt® Card
- SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express
- Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card
Best Mastercard Credit Card
The National Bank World Elite Mastercard is the best Mastercard credit card in Canada in 2026 for these reasons:
- Generous insurance coverage for travel and everyday purchases
- Up to 5 points per dollar for your purchases
- Up to $150 in annual travel credits
- Accepted at almost every retailer worldwide
Here are 3 other credit card choices in this category:
- MBNA Rewards World Elite® Mastercard®
- BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®*
- RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard
Best Visa Credit Card
The CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card is the Best Visa credit card in Canada in 2026 for these reasons:
- 4 annual accesses to airport lounges
- NEXUS Membership credit
- Up to 2 Aventura points per dollar
- Generous insurance coverage
- Accepted at almost every retailer worldwide
Here are 3 other credit card choices in this category:
- Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite +* Card
- RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card
- TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card
Best Cash Back Credit Card According to the Milesopedia Community
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is the best cash back credit card according to the Milesopedia community in 2026 for these reasons:
- 6 points per dollar at IGA or Sobeys and 5 points per dollar at other grocery stores
- Flexible Scene+ rewards program
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- Full travel insurance
Here are the other 2 cards completing the Milesopedia community vote in this category:
Best Travel Credit Card According to the Milesopedia Community
The American Express Cobalt® Card is the best travel credit card according to the Milesopedia Community in 2026 for these reasons:
- Earning categories
- 5 points per dollar for restaurants and food delivery (equivalent to 5%)
- Flexible Rewards
- Travel Partners (American Express Membership Rewards program)
- No minimum income required
Here are the other 2 cards completing the Milesopedia community vote in this category:
Best Business Credit Card according to the Milesopedia Community
The Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card is the best Business credit card according to the Milesopedia Community in 2026 for these reasons:
- 5 points per dollar on purchases at Marriott Bonvoy hotels
- 3 points per dollar on travel, gas, and dining purchases
- 2 points per dollar on all other purchases
- One free night per year worth up to 35,000 points
- Reasonable annual fee for a business card ($150)
Here are the other 2 cards completing the Milesopedia community vote in this category:
Best Loyalty Programs in 2026
For this 2026 edition, we asked Milesopedia Community members to vote for the best loyalty programs they use daily.
Best Airline Program according to the Milesopedia Community
The Aeroplan loyalty program was voted best airline program according to the Milesopedia Community in 2026 for these reasons, mentioned by voters:
- Variety of point accumulation methods (travel, credit cards, partners, online shopping portal)
- Easy redemption of points for flights with Air Canada, Star Alliance airlines and many other partner airlines
- Variety of other exchange options (hotels, car rentals, products, gift cards, etc.)
- Points value compared to other similar loyalty programs
Here are the 2 other loyalty programs completing the Milesopedia Community vote in this category:
Best Hotel Program According to the Milesopedia Community
The Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program was voted best hotel program according to the Milesopedia Community in 2026 for these reasons, mentioned by voters:
- Variety of point accumulation methods (hotel stays, credit cards, partners)
- Ease of redeeming points at one of Marriott Bonvoy’s 10,000 member hotels worldwide
- Availability in Canada of credit cards affiliated with the Marriott Bonvoy Program
Here are the 2 other loyalty programs completing the Milesopedia Community vote in this category:
Best Banking Program According to the Milesopedia Community
The American Express Membership Rewards loyalty program was voted best bank program according to the Milesopedia Community in 2026 for these reasons, mentioned by voters:
- Earn points with cards for individuals and SMEs
- Identical redemption value for travel and cash rebates(1,000 points = $10)
- A wide range of points transfer partners (Aeroplan, Flying Blue, British Airways Executive Club, Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, ALL Accor, etc.).
- American Express Customer Service
- High-performance mobile application
Here are the 2 other loyalty programs completing the Milesopedia Community vote in this category:
Best Cash Back Program According to the Milesopedia Community
The Scene+ loyalty program was voted best cash back program according to the Milesopedia Community in 2026 for these reasons, mentioned by voters:
- Easy, everyday accumulation of Scene+ points via Scene+ credit cards and partners such as IGA/Sobeys, Home Hardware, Cineplex
- Identical redemption value for travel or cash back at the grocery store checkout(1,000 points = $10)
- Recurring promotional offers
Here are the 2 other loyalty programs completing the Milesopedia Community vote in this category:
- AIR MILES
- MBNA Rewards
Best Bank Accounts in 2026
Another new feature of this 2026 edition is the addition of the best bank accounts based on our experience and that of our community members.
Best Premium Bank Account
The Scotiabank Ultimate Package Chequing Account was voted best premium bank account according to Milesopedia in 2026 for these reasons:
- Permanent waiver of annual fees (up to $150) on certain credit cards
- No fees charged by Scotiabank for foreign ATM withdrawals
- Participation in the Scene+ Loyalty Program
- Most unlimited transactions
- Monthly fees waived by maintaining a minimum balance
Here are the 2 other high-end bank accounts completing the list of winners in this category:
Best Online Bank Account
The EQ Bank Personal Account was voted best online bank account according to Milesopedia in 2026 for these reasons:
- No monthly fees
- Unlimited transactions on everyday banking services
- Free withdrawals at any ATM in Canada
- No exchange fees for foreign currency transactions
- Earns interest (2.75% at the time of this ranking’s announcement on January 15, 2026)
Here are the 2 other online banking accounts that complete the list of winners in this category:
Best Bank Account for Savings
The Wealthsimple Chequing Account was named the best bank account for savers according to Milesopedia in 2026 for these reasons:
- No monthly fees
- Unlimited transactions on everyday banking services
- No exchange fees for foreign currency transactions
- Earns interest (from 1.25% to 2.25% at the time of this ranking’s announcement on January 15, 2026)
- Up to $1M in coverage on all eligible deposits
- Easy-to-use application
- Wealthsimple’s wide range of products for savings and investments
Here are the 2 other savings bank accounts completing the list of winners in this category:
Best Bank for Newcomers in Quebec
National Bank was voted best bank for newcomers in Quebec according to Milesopedia in 2026 for these reasons:
- No fixed monthly fees for up to 3 years
- A Mastercard credit card with no credit history
- Free legal support for 12 months
- A solid network of branches across the province of Quebec and in Canada (over 350 branches)
Here are the 2 other banks and caisses completing the list of winners in this category:
Best Bank for Newcomers to Canada
BMO – Bank of Montreal was voted best bank for newcomers in Canada according to Milesopedia in 2026 for these reasons:
- No fixed monthly fees for 12 months
- A Mastercard credit card with no credit history
- Free global fund transfers
- A solid branch network across Canada (850 branches)
Here are the 2 other banks completing the list of winners in this category:
- Scotiabank StartRight Program
- RBC offer for newcomers
Methodology
Since 2015, on Milesopedia, we analyze nearly 200 credit cards offered to Canadians. You can find them in our credit card comparison tool. This comparison tool has also been adopted and used by Protégez-Vous since 2021, which confirms the credibility of our data.
The Milesopedia network consists of the following partners (as of January 15, 2026):
- Protégez-Vous
- Journal de Montréal
- Francoischarron.com
- Educfinance
- NoovoMoi (Bell Media)
- Infobref
- RedFlagDeals
- The Canadian Jetsetter
- Retraite101
- Le Jeune Retraité
- RewardsMD
- Miles Beyond Borders
- ClicAssure
- Fatima Flying Free
- MileFlying
In addition to our analyses, we are also credit card users: we have – or have had – most of them in our wallets. This allows us to confirm or refute theoretical information through practical experience.
Finally, we analyze the various feedback from tens of thousands of these credit card holders who share their experiences with us within the Milesopedia community regarding each of these products.
Each month, we update our ranking of the best credit card offers, to allow Canadians to find the best current credit card offer that matches their needs.
A credit card offer can therefore be excellent at certain times of the year, but less so at others: this is why it is essential to stay constantly informed about current offers – particularly via our weekly newsletter.
On this page, we will not discuss offers, but rather an evaluation based on the overall characteristics of each credit card. Several factors are thus considered to choose the best credit card in Canada in 2026 by category, such as:
- Rewards earned on purchases (points, miles or cash back)
- Benefits offered (lounge access, concierge, annual credit, etc.)
- Insurance coverage (travel, purchases, etc.)
- Fees (annual fee, currency conversion fee, balance transfer fee, additional card fee, etc.)
- Travel Partners
- Card acceptance in Canada and abroad
- Income requirements
- Usage statistics of our sub-affiliated partners’ credit card comparison tools (over 1 million cumulative monthly visits)
- the opinions of thousands of readers and cardholders who share their experiences with us within the Milesopedia community
Regarding the Milesopedia Community awards, they were awarded following a vote conducted among Milesopedia readers and newsletter subscribers between November 14 and December 15, 2025.