Looking for the best Credit Cards for Bad Credit in Canada? The right choice depends on your spending, annual fees and the benefits you will actually use.
Compare the 10 cards in our selection below. Interested in a card? Click Read review to read our full analysis.
The Scotia minimum Visa Card is one of the best credit cards for balance transfers in Canada.
You can get an introductory interest rate of 0% on balance transfers for the first nine months (with a 1% transfer fee). You pay no annual fee for the first year with this Visa credit card.
What’s more, this Visa credit card offers a low interest rate: 13.99% on purchases, balance transfers and cash advances.
The CIBC Select Visa* Card is one of the best Visa credit cards in Canada for balance transfers.
With this exclusive digital offer for this CIBC balance transfer credit card, you get:
- a 0% interest rate on balance transfers of at least $100, for up to 10 months
- a refund of the annual fee for two years†
You only pay a 1% balance transfer fee when transferring a balance from another credit card (balance transfer fees do not apply to Quebec residents). Once the promotional period ends, the card’s standard interest rate of 13.99% applies to any remaining balance. This interest rate is lower than those charged by many other credit cards.
For example, you could make large purchases on another credit card (such as renovations or furniture and appliance purchases) and then transfer the balance to the CIBC Select Visa* Card to benefit from its 0% interest rate on balance transfers for 10 months.
CIBC Select Visa* Card cardholders can also save on gas through the card’s partnership with Journie Rewards, which allows them to save up to 10 cents per litre at participating gas stations.
The CIBC Select Visa* Card has a $29 annual fee (refunded for the first two years) and requires a minimum household income of $15,000 to qualify. With CIBC mobile banking and online banking services, you can easily track your credit limit and balance transfers from your phone or by signing in online.
Are you looking for a cash back credit card with no annual fee and an excellent cash back rate for your everyday purchases? Here is an option for you: the SimplyCash® Card from American Express.
With this no-annual-fee credit card, you earn:
- 2% cash back on gas purchases
- 2% cash back on grocery purchases
- 1.25% cash back on all other purchases
And with this welcome offer, you can earn 5% cash back on all your purchases (up to $2,000 in purchases) during the first 3 months (which is up to $100 in statement credits).
You benefit from several types of insurance : $100,000 travel accident, Purchase Protection, Purchase Security.
Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.
The MBNA True Line® Mastercard® credit card is one of Canada’s best options for a low-cost balance transfer. It’s ideal for reducing interest charges and consolidating your debts onto one card.
With this card, you benefit from a 0% interest rate for 12 months on balance transfers made within 90 days of account opening. Transfer fees are a competitive 3%.
This card offers fraud protection, guaranteeing the security of your transactions.
If you want to transfer balances from high-rate cards, the MBNA True Line® Mastercard® credit card allows you to benefit from a 0% rate and pay off your debts at your own pace without high-interest charges during the promotional period.
In short, the MBNA True Line® Mastercard® credit card is an excellent choice for reducing debt and optimizing balance transfers.
The MBNA True Line® Gold Mastercard® is MBNA’s lowest interest rate credit card.
With this card, you benefit from low rates at all times:
- 10.99% on purchases
- 13.99% on balance transfers
All for an annual fee of just $39.
It’s an ideal card for reducing interest charges if you carry a balance from month to month, while enjoying Mastercard protections like Purchase Assurance and Extended Warranty.
The National Bank Syncro Mastercard is a low-interest credit card from National Bank. It offers an interest rate of
Since it’s a Mastercard credit card, you can use National Bank Syncro Mastercard at Costco. Finally, it offers you insurance for your purchases.
With the TD Low Rate Visa* Card, you can enjoy great financial flexibility for your everyday purchases.
Save on interest with a low annual interest rate of 12.90%† for residents outside Quebec and 13.90%† in Quebec on purchases and cash advances.
- Option to purchase Travel Medical Insurance† and Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance†.
- Earn more Starbucks Stars at participating Starbucks® stores. Conditions Apply.
Enjoy all the benefits of your TD Low Rate Visa* Card when you use Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay†. These are easy and secure ways to pay.
The Secured Tims® Mastercard is a no-annual-fee credit card, perfect for Tim Hortons customers. What’s more, this credit card is ideal if you have no credit history.
Receive a $20 Tim Hortons digital gift card after your first purchase on the card.
With Secured Tims® Mastercard, you earn up to 2 points per dollar for:
- Groceries
- Gas and electric vehicle recharging
- Public transportation
Plus, you earn up to 12 points per dollar at Tim Hortons when you scan your Tims Rewards card.
You can convert your Tims Rewards points into a statement credit of up to $45 each week.
You can also redeem your points for a discount of up to 2% on essential products and up to 6% at Tim’s (when you scan your Tims Rewards card).
The Capital One Guaranteed Mastercard is designed for those looking to build or rebuild their credit score without paying annual fees. Approval is guaranteed if you meet the basic eligibility criteria, and you can check your pre-approval without affecting your credit score using the Quick Check tool.
By using your card responsibly and making your payments on time, you demonstrate your ability to manage credit to credit reporting agencies, which helps gradually improve your credit history. Capital One regularly reports your file to the credit bureaus.
You get a credit limit of $300 to $7,000 (security funds may be required) along with all Mastercard benefits: Zero Liability, Mastercard Global Services, and 24/7 customer service. The card also includes a range of everyday protections, such as purchase assurance, extended warranty, and price protection service, as well as some travel coverage.
You can add an authorized user for free. The annual interest rate is 29.9% (21.9% for Quebec residents) for purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances.
With the Neo Secured Credit, you can easily obtain a secured credit card:
- Guaranteed approval*
- No hard credit check
- Only $9.99 per month
Get unlimited cash back from thousands of partners. Earn up to 15% boosted cash back at thousands of Neo partners across Canada.
Compare the terms specific to this selection
For Bad Credit, compare fees, eligible transactions and the benefits you need. Where rewards points are offered, check redemption options, transfer possibilities and program conditions.
Assess costs beyond the welcome offer
When choosing a credit card in this category, distinguish temporary incentives from ongoing terms. Compare annual fees, transaction charges and benefit requirements.
Use the table for an initial comparison. Read the review of the card that interests you, then the issuer’s terms before applying.
Frequently asked questions — Bad Credit
How do I compare cards in Bad Credit?
Compare each offer using the same budget and spending needs. Then review detailed terms to check limits, exclusions and the benefits you can actually use.
How should I choose from the Bad Credit selection?
Start with your spending and priorities, then compare fees and benefits relevant to your situation. The ranking helps identify options; the best choice can differ from person to person.
Can terms change after publication?
Yes. Offers, fees and eligibility requirements can change. Before applying, check the issuer’s terms linked from the application button, including dates and exclusions.














