The Best No-Annual-Fee Credit Cards for the First Year – March 2026

Q: What is the best no-annual-fee card for the first year for groceries?

The BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®* offers 5% cash back on grocery purchases (on the first $500 monthly). The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card offers 4% on groceries. For travel points, the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Card awards 5 points per dollar on groceries. Compare these options on our page for the best credit cards for groceries.

The Best No-Annual-Fee Credit Cards for the First Year – March 2026

Here are the best no-annual-fee credit card offers for the first year:

TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card

With the TD First Class Travel^® Visa Infinite* Card, you can get up to 165,000 TD Rewards points^†and a rebate on the annual fee for the first year:

20,000 TD Rewards points for the first purchase made with your Card^†
145,000 TD Rewards points if you spend $7,500 within 180 days of opening^†
A birthday bonus of up to 10,000 TD Rewards points^†

Plus, get an Annual Fee Rebate for the first year.^† This is the highest offer we have ever seen!

With the TD First Class Travel^® Visa Infinite* Card, you earn:

8 TD Rewards Points^† for every $1 you spend when you book travel through Expedia^® For TD^†
6 TD Rewards Points for every $1 you spend on Groceries, Dining, and Public Transit^†
4 TD Rewards Points for every $1 you spend on Recurring Bill Payments and Streaming, Digital Gaming & Media^†
2 TD Rewards Points for every $1 you spend on other Purchases made using your Card^†

This TD credit card is one of the best TD travel rewards cards. As of April 30, 2025, it now offers access to airport lounges with 4 free visits per year.

BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®*

The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard is one of the best World Elite Mastercard credit cards with travel points in Canada. With our exclusive welcome offer, you can get up to 115,000 points:

60,000 points after $5,000 in purchases within the first 110 days of account opening
20,000 points after $10,000 in purchases within the first 180 days of account opening
35,000 points after $20,000 in purchases within the first 365 days of account opening

115,000 BMO Rewards points have a value of approximately $770, which you can apply to any travel charged to your card.

And there are no annual fees for the first year for the primary cardholder and additional cardholders! This exclusive offer ends on March 31, 2026.

Plus, enjoy a 0% welcome interest rate on balance transfers for 12 months, as well as a 2% balance transfer fee.

With the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard, a premium credit card from BMO, you get:

5 points per dollar on travel purchases
3 points per dollar on dining purchases
3 points per dollar for entertainment purchases
3 points per dollar on recurring bill payments

And 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else, including at Costco. You can use BMO Rewards points for all travel purchases made through the agency or website of your choice (plane tickets, hotels, rental cars, all-inclusive packages, Airbnb, etc.) or for rewards and gift cards on the BMO Rewards platform.

The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard also offers:

4 complimentary visits to airport VIP lounges
Excellent premium insurance for your travels or purchases
Premium concierge service

Finally, enjoy six months of Instacart+ membership and a monthly $10 Instacart credit when you sign up with your eligible BMO credit card.

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card

With this offer for the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite* Card, you can earn up to 45,000 Aeroplan points^† and no annual fee for the first year :

Get a Welcome Bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase with your new card^†.
Earn 15,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $3,000 within 90 days of Account opening^†.
Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 12 months of account opening^†.
Apply for the NEXUS program and, every 48 months, receive a rebate (up to C$100) on the application fee^†.
Plus, share free first checked bags with up to 8 travel companions^†
Get an annual fee rebate for the first year^†.
To receive the first-year annual fee rebate, you must activate your Card and make your first Purchase on the Account within the first 3 months after Account opening and you must add your Additional Cardholders while the offer is in effect.

It’s the best TD credit card for occasional Air Canada travellers. With the TD^® Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite* Card, you earn 1.5 points^† per eligible dollar spent on:

Grocery stores
Gas stations, including gasoline and EV charging
Air Canada purchases, including Air Canada Vacations

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum* Credit Card

With the TD^® Aeroplan^® Visa Platinum* Card, you can earn up to 20,000 Aeroplan points and get a first-year annual fee rebate:

10,000 Aeroplan points for the first purchase made with your card^†
10,000 additional Aeroplan points when you spend $1,500 within the first 90 days of opening your account^†
First-year annual fee waived for primary cardholder (instead of $89)^†.
To receive the first-year annual fee rebate, you must activate your Card and make your first Purchase on the Account within the first 3 months after Account opening and you must add your Additional Cardholders while the offer is in effect.

With the TD^® Aeroplan^® Visa Platinum* Credit Card, you earn 1 point per dollar spent on eligible purchases for:

Grocery stores
Eligible purchases of gas or electric vehicle charging
Air Canada purchases, including Air Canada Vacations

This TD Aeroplan credit card requires no minimum income.

CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card

The CIBC Aventura^® Visa Infinite* Card is one of the best Visa credit cards with travel rewards.

CIBC has an offer with which you can earn up to 45,000 Aventura points:

15,000 Aventura Points when you make your first purchase^†
30,000 Aventura Points if you spend $3,000 or more in the first 4 monthly statement periods^†

In addition, you can benefit from a rebate on the first year’s annual fee for the primary card holder ($139 value) and up to three authorized users ($50 each).

With this CIBC Aventura Credit Card, you get:

2 points for every $1 spent on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre^†
1.5 points for every $1 spent at eligible gas stations, EV charging, grocery stores and drug stores^†
1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases^†

The CIBC Aventura^® Visa Infinite* Card also offers:

Airport lounges access: Visa Airport Companion Program membership with 4 complimentary visits per year
Reimbursement of NEXUS membership fees ( $160 value)

The minimum annual income required for this card is $60,000 (personal) or $100,000 (household).

CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card

If you do not meet the income requirements of CIBC Aventura^® Visa Infinite* Card, you can apply for CIBC Aventura^® Gold Visa* Card. The minimum annual income required for this card is $15,000 (household).

CIBC has a digital offer with which you can earn up to 45,000 Aventura points :

15,000 Aventura Points when you make your first purchase^†
30,000 Aventura Points when you spend $3,000 or more in the first 4 monthly statement periods^†

In addition, you can benefit from a rebate on the first year’s annual fee for the primary card holder ($139 value) and up to three authorized users ($50 each).

With this CIBC Aventura Credit Card, you get:

2 points for every $1 spent on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre^†
1.5 points for every $1 spent at eligible gas stations, EV charging, grocery stores and drug stores^†
1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases^†

The CIBC Aventura^® Gold Visa* Card also offers:

Access to airport lounges: one Visa Airport Companion Program membership and 4 free visits per year
Reimbursement of NEXUS membership fees ( $160 value)

BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card

By applying for our offer for the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card, you can obtain up to 70,000 BMO Rewards points as well as the first-year annual fee waiver of $120:

30,000 points after $4,000 in purchases within the first 110 days of account opening
20,000 points after $7,000 in purchases within the first 180 days of account opening
20,000 points after $12,000 in purchases within the first 365 days of account opening

What’s more, you’ll receive a $50 anniversary credit that you can use as you please. You also receive a $20 monthly credit for streaming service subscriptions for the first year.

With the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card, you can earn 5 BMO Rewards points per dollar spent on:

Groceries
restaurants, bars
Food delivery
Gas
local transport

And 1 BMO Rewards point per dollar spent everywhere else. Plus, if you add an authorized user to your account, you’ll earn 10% more points.

You can use BMO Rewards points for all travel purchases made through the agency or website of your choice (plane tickets, hotels, rental cars, all-inclusive packages, Airbnb, etc.) or for rewards and gift cards on the BMO Rewards platform.

Finally, enjoy six months of Instacart+ membership and a monthly $10 Instacart credit when you sign up with your eligible BMO credit card.

BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* World Eliteᴹᴰ*

BMO CashBack^® World Elite^®* Mastercard^®* is one of Canada’s best cash back Mastercard credit cards.

Currently, for a limited time, you could earn up to $480 cash back in the first year. Specifically, you will earn $40 cash back for each monthly period in which you make $2,000 in purchases on your card.

Plus, there is no annual fee for the first year!

Additionally, you benefit from a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 12 months, as well as a 2% balance transfer fee.

With BMO CashBack^® World Elite^®* Mastercard^®*, you get between 2% and 5% cash back on many categories of purchases:

5% on grocery purchases (on the first $500 you spend monthly)
4% on transit (on the first $300 you spend monthly)
3% on gas and electric vehicle charging (on the first $300 you spend monthly)
2% on recurring bill payments (on the first $500 you spend monthly)

Everywhere else, you’ll earn 1% cash back, including at Costco. It is also one of the only credit cards in its category to offer a 2 additional years extended warranty.

Finally, enjoy six months of Instacart+ membership and a monthly $10 Instacart credit when you sign up with your eligible BMO credit card.

Scotia Momentum® VISA Infinite* card

The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card is recognized, year after year, as one of the best cash back credit cards in Canada. Milesopedia has even named it best cash back credit card in 2026.

Currently, thanks to this promotional offer, the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card has no annual fee for the first year, including on supplementary cards. And you can earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first three months (up to $2,000 in total purchases).

With the Scotia Momentum^® VISA Infinite* card, you get:

4% cash back on grocery purchases, recurring payments, and subscriptions
2% cash back on gas purchases, electric vehicle charging and public transit passes, including bus, taxi and ridesharing, as well as food delivery
1% cash back on all other purchases

For example, if you spend $1,000 per month on grocery purchases and/or recurring payments, you will earn $40 in cash back per month, or $480 per year, with this card, for this purchase category! And that’s not counting the other purchases you will make with this card and the benefits it offers (including its excellent insurance coverage).

If you are a renter, you could for example use the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card on the Chexy site to pay your rent and earn 4% cash back!

Also note that you can use your cash back at any time (the cash back balance must be at least $25).

TD Cash Back Visa Infinite* Card

With the TD Cash Back Visa Infinite* Card, you earn 3% in Cash Back Dollars on:

Grocery stores
Gas, EV charging and public transit
Recurring bills, streaming services, digital media and games

And 1% cash back on all other purchases.

It’s the best TD cash back credit card, especially for gas purchases.

With this new welcome offer, you could earn 10% cash back on gas and grocery purchases and pre-authorized payments for the first three months (up to $3,500 in purchases). So you can earn up to $350 cash back!

Plus, a first-year annual fee rebate for the Primary and Additional Cardholders.

Finally, you have good insurance coverage, such as travel medical insurance, delayed or lost baggage insurance, collision/loss damage insurance for car rentals and mobile device insurance.

Why choose a no-annual-fee card for the first year?

A no-annual-fee credit card for the first year allows you to test a premium card without financial commitment. You benefit from welcome bonuses, insurance, and high accumulation rates for 12 months, then decide if the benefits justify renewal.

Specifically, the first-year annual fee waiver reduces the entry cost to $0. This means that all points, miles, or cash back accumulated during this period represent a net gain. For example, a card with a $120 annual fee and a 50,000-point welcome bonus is worth considerably more in the first year than in subsequent years.

How to maximize the first year

To get the most out of a no-annual-fee card for the first year, adopt these three habits. First, activate your card and make your first purchase quickly—most welcome offers start upon account opening. Next, concentrate your spending on the card to reach bonus thresholds. Finally, evaluate the card two months before the renewal date to decide whether to keep it.

Travel points or cash back?

No-annual-fee cards for the first year fall into two main categories. On one hand, travel credit cards accumulate points convertible into flights, hotels, and stays. On the other, cash back cards offer a percentage return directly on your statement.

If you travel at least once or twice a year, travel points cards generally offer better value per dollar spent. However, if you prefer simplicity and cash, a cash back card remains the most practical choice. In both cases, the first year without fees gives you time to test the rewards program.

What to do at the end of the first year?

Two months before your card’s anniversary date, review your account. Calculate the total value of accumulated rewards, then compare it to the annual fees that will apply the following year. If the ratio is favorable, keep the card. Otherwise, you can cancel without penalty or request a downgrade to a no-annual-fee card from the same issuer.

Some issuers also offer retention offers at renewal time. Call customer service and mention that you are considering canceling—you might receive a credit or bonus points that offset a portion of the annual fees.

Cards with VIP lounge access

Several cards in this selection offer access to airport VIP lounges from the first year. This is the case for the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card, the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard, and the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card. These accesses, usually charged between $35 and $45 per visit, add significant value in the first year—especially if you travel multiple times.

To compare all available options in Canada, consult our selection of the best credit cards. Additionally, subscribe to our newsletter to receive our analyses and the latest offers every week.

No-Annual-Fee Credit Cards for the First Year – Frequently Asked Questions

What is a no-annual-fee credit card for the first year?

It is a credit card whose issuer reimburses or waives the annual fees for the first 12 months. You benefit from all the card’s advantages (welcome bonus, insurance, accumulation rates) without paying the usual fees. Fees apply from the second year if you keep the card.

What are the best no-annual-fee credit cards for the first year in Canada?

Among the best options are the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card, the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card, the BMO CashBack^® World Elite^®* Mastercard^®*, and the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card. The best choice depends on your spending profile and rewards goals.

Can a card be canceled before the end of the first year?

Yes, you can cancel a credit card at any time without penalty. However, canceling a card too quickly (within the first 3 to 6 months) after collecting the welcome bonus can harm your relationship with the issuer. It is preferable to keep the card for at least 6 months, then downgrade it to a no-annual-fee card from the same issuer if you do not wish to renew.

Are annual fees automatically charged in the second year?

Yes. If you keep the card beyond the first year, the regular annual fees are automatically applied to your statement on the anniversary date. The issuer does not always send a reminder. Note the renewal date in your calendar to avoid surprises.

Can a retention offer be requested at the end of the first year?

Yes, some issuers offer retention offers to keep their customers. Call customer service before the renewal date and mention that you are considering canceling. You might receive a credit on annual fees, bonus points, or other benefits. However, these offers vary depending on the issuer, your spending history, and the timing of the call.

Does applying for multiple no-annual-fee cards in the first year affect your credit score?

Each credit card application generates a credit inquiry that can temporarily lower your credit score by a few points. However, the impact is generally minor and resolves within a few months. If you space out your applications by 3 to 6 months, the effect on your credit file remains limited. Having multiple cards can even improve your credit utilization ratio in the long term.

Which no-annual-fee cards for the first year offer VIP lounge access?

Among the cards in this selection, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card, the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard, and the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card offer 4 complimentary visits per year to airport VIP lounges. This benefit adds $140 to $180 in value if you use all your visits.

What is the best no-annual-fee card for the first year for groceries?

The BMO CashBack^® World Elite^®* Mastercard^®* offers 5% cash back on grocery purchases (on the first $500 monthly). The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card offers 4% on groceries. For travel points, the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Card awards 5 points per dollar on groceries. Compare these options on our page for the best credit cards for groceries.

Are supplementary cards also no-annual-fee for the first year?

This depends on the issuer and the current offer. Some promotions, such as those for the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card and the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard, include a fee waiver for supplementary cards in the first year. Others only cover the primary cardholder. Check the terms of each offer before applying.