Beginner Level : Which Credit Card(s) Should I Apply For?

Updated Feb 4, 2026
Fact checked by
Marie-Ève Leclerc
Marie-Ève Leclerc Marie-Ève Leclerc
Marie-Ève, Web Director at Milesopedia, is an expert in budget travel and a slow travel enthusiast. Specializing in Aeroplan, Scene+, and Marriott Bonvoy programs, she spends nearly six months a year abroad, making travel her way of life. Constantly seeking the best waves to surf, excellent coffee, and strategies to extend her travels, she is often found in coworking spaces with fellow digital nomads or by the sea, watching the sunset.
All posts by Marie-Ève Leclerc
Credit Card - Beginner Level
To the point Just starting out with reward points? Here are the best cards to start with and the ones we most often recommend.

First of all, the perfect credit card does not exist. You need to have one or two additional cards in your wallet to properly optimize your spending and points earning.

So? Which of the 200 credit cards available in Canada should you choose?

Based on our analysis and personal experiences, Milesopedia readers and our community, the best credit cards for beginners have been chosen according to:

  • their ability to earn points quickly
  • their ease of use for beginners
  • to become familiar with this new way of managing monthly expenses
  • and to slowly learn how to manage a few credit card accounts

In summary, here are our picks for the best credit cards to start with:

Card Reason
American Express Cobalt® Card For its very fast point accumulation and great point redemption flexibility
National Bank World Elite Mastercard For its travel insurance, warranties, and benefits
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card For its easily redeemable points and avoiding the 2.5% foreign currency conversion fee.

And if you have some experience with points, check out our article dedicated to the intermediate level! If you are an expert and accustomed to points, see the article on the Expert Level and its credit cards.

Get started with this American Express credit card

It’s the perfect credit card for those who hesitate between travel points and cash back.

Here are 8 reasons why you should have the American Express CobaltMD Card in your wallet:

  1. Earn 5X the points at grocery stores, restaurants and Couche-Tard/Circle K
  2. Flexibility to use points as you wish: cash back for all your expenses (including travel), transfer to other rewards programs such as Marriott Bonvoy or Aeroplan, use American Express fixed chart for flights
  3. Perfect for learning how reward points work
  4. Welcome bonus of 1,250 additional points per month
  5. Regular online promotional offers to recoup a large part of the monthly card fee
  6. Excellent customer service from American Express
  7. No minimum income required
  8. Monthly fee: you can better spread your card fees over your annual budget or cancel your card if it doesn’t suit you without being charged a full annual fee

A few months ago, we surveyed to find out the community’s favourite fast-earning credit card (5X).

Out of 247 votes, 236 chose the American Express Cobalt® Card!

Amex Cobalt Community Survey

Here is an example of using points to pay off your credit card. Every purchase counts!

  • Grocery
  • Public transportation ticket
  • All travel expenses
  • Drugstore, etc.
Cobalt points usage max rate

The myth that American Express credit cards are not accepted by merchants is very persistent. This is incorrect; verify on this site where these cards are accepted. Do not miss out on significant savings because of an urban legend!

Get started with this National Bank Mastercard credit card

As a complementary credit card, there is this great Mastercard credit card.

Here are 7 reasons why you should subscribe to the National Bank World Elite Mastercard:

  1. 5 X the points for groceries and restaurants ;
  2. Great simplicity in the process of obtaining the refund of $150 of travel credit each year;
  3. Among the best travel insurances in the industry, offering you peace of mind;
  4. Extended warranty on items purchased with the card for up to 2 additional years;
  5. Unlimited access to the National Bank VIP Lounge at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport;
  6. A Mastercard: perfect to use at Costco;
  7. Take advantage of one of its rare welcome offers of the year.

Here is how I used my NBC points to make my hotel room at Château Frontenac cost less.

This card requires a minimum individual income of $80,000 or a $150,000 household income.

If you don’t meet this criterion, here’s another great option: the National Bank Platinum Mastercard®.

Get started with this Scotiabank Visa credit card

Here are 6 reasons why you should subscribe to the Scotia Passport Visa Infinite Card:

  1. Excellent travel insurance;
  2. Points can be redeemed as you wish, to pay for the trip of your choice or via Scene+ Travel by Expedia, or to pay for groceries at IGA, Sobeys, Foodland and others;
  3. No foreign currency conversion charges (savings of 2.5%) ;
  4. 6 free VIP airport lounge passes;
  5. 3 Scene+ points/$1 purchase at grocery stores (IGA, Les Marchés Tradition, Rachelle-Béry and others);
  6. 2 Scene+ points/$1 purchase for other grocery stores, restaurants, entertainment and public transport.

With 35,000 Scene+ points (a value of $350), you could pay off your hotel bill, a plane ticket, or a TGV reservation as in this example:

SNCF travel points France FR

This card requires a minimum income of $60,000.

Another great option is available to anyone with a personal income of $12,000 or more for a card with no annual fee: the Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* Card.

Bottom Line

At first, choosing the best credit cards for your needs can be confusing and disorienting. First of all, it is a good idea to read the Beginner’s Guide. Want to find a credit card to build your credit score instead? Check out our guide to the best cards for building a credit history.

But most importantly, whatever you choose, it is crucial to pay your credit card balances in full every month! Otherwise, all your profits will be wiped out by interest charges.

Also, take screenshots of your application, so you can note the terms of the card offer.

Happy points hunting!

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Jean-Maximilien Voisine is the President and Founder of Milesopedia and a leading expert in rewards programs, credit cards, and travel across Canada, France, and the U.S.A. Now 40 years old and a father of two, he has explored more than 100 countries—many of them alongside his wife Audrey and their children. Specializing in loyalty programs such as Aeroplan, Flying Blue, American Express Membership Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy, Jean-Maximilien helps travellers unlock the full potential of their points and benefits. His mission: empower others to travel better and smarter across North America and Europe.
All posts by Jean-Maximilien Voisine

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