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


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:
In summary, here are our picks for the best credit cards to start with:
| Card | Why |
|---|---|
| American Express Cobalt® Card | For its very fast earning of points and its great flexibility of redemption |
| National Bank World Elite Mastercard | For its travel insurance, guarantees and benefits |
| Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card | It’s easy to redeem points and avoid 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.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fee$191.88 | Welcome offerGet 1,250 points after $750 in purchases per month for 12 months Up to 15,000 points Get 1,250 points after $750 in purchases per month for 12 months | ||
| Annual feeFirst Year Annual Fee Rebate$150 $0First Year Annual Fee Rebate | Welcome offer$150 annual fee rebated First Year Annual Fee RebateEnds Nov 4, 2026 $150 annual fee rebated | ||
| Annual fee$150 | Welcome offerAfter $2,000 in 3 months Up to 35,000 pointsEnds Nov 1, 2026 After $2,000 in 3 months |
This is the perfect credit card for those torn between travel points and cash back.
Here are 8 reasons why you should have the American Express CobaltMD Card in your wallet:
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!

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

The myth that American Express credit cards are not accepted in stores is persistent. However, this is not true, and you can check on this site where these cards are accepted. Don’t miss out on significant savings because of an urban legend!
on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
The American Express Cobalt® Card is the best credit card from American Express, whether you want points for travel or cash back.
American Express Cobalt® Card welcome offer
The welcome bonus is paid out monthly over your first 12 months. You earn 1,250 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you charge $750 in net purchases to your card, in any category (1X, 2X, 3X or 5X). That adds up to 15,000 Membership Rewards points over the year, a welcome offer we value at $255.
Earning the full bonus means $9,000 in net purchases spread across 12 monthly billing periods. This offer rewards steady monthly spending rather than one large purchase.
You can use these points as statement credits on everyday or travel purchases, at the same rate either way: 1,000 points = $10.
You can also transfer them to Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways and Qatar Airways), Flying Blue, Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors. With the full welcome bonus, that is a choice between:
If hotel points are what you are after, our ultimate guide to Marriott Bonvoy and our complete map of Marriott Bonvoy hotels by category show what those points can actually buy.
American Express Cobalt® Card benefits
Here is what the card gives you, starting with the benefits cardholders use most.
To see how it compares with the rest of the line-up, read our round-up of the best credit cards from American Express in Canada.
The 5X categories and where they apply
The 5X rate is the reason most people carry this card. In Canada it covers four kinds of merchants:
The 2X rate covers gas stations such as Esso, Shell and Petro-Canada, along with public transit and ride sharing.
With the American Express Cobalt® Card, you earn between 1 and 5 points per dollar:
| Category | Points per dollar |
| Grocery (Metro, IGA, Sobeys, Super C, etc.) | 5 |
| Home food delivery | 5 |
| Restaurants and bars | 5 |
| Convenience stores | 5 |
| Streaming services | 3 |
| Service station | 2 |
| Transport | 2 |
| Travel | 1 |
| Other | 1 |
That works out to a 1 to 5% return on those purchases. For example, if you spend $1,000 per month across groceries, restaurants and food delivery, you earn $50 back per month, or $600 per year from that category alone. Transfer the points to a program such as Aeroplan instead and the return can be higher.
You can also stack these categories with the hundreds of stores that offer 5x points.
American Express Cobalt® Card insurance coverage
The card comes with a broad insurance package. The amounts below are the coverage limits; conditions, age limits and exclusions are set out in the certificate of insurance linked in the Insurance section above.
Travel insurance
Rental car insurance
Theft and damage coverage is included for a rental car with an MSRP, for its model year, of up to $85,000 excluding all taxes, for rentals of up to 48 days. To use it, decline the Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or any similar option from the rental company and charge the full rental to your card. There is no cost for this coverage, and it replaces the daily insurance the rental company charges, usually $16 to $23 per day.
Mobile device insurance
Your device is covered for up to $1,000 per occurrence when it is charged to the card, for up to two years from the date of purchase. The payout is based on the depreciated value of the device, which falls by 2% of the purchase price for every completed month, less a 10% deductible. Theft and accidental damage coverage starts on the 91st day after purchase, because the first 90 days are covered by purchase protection.
Purchase protection and extended warranty
Eligible items charged to your card are insured against accidental physical damage or theft for 90 days from the purchase date, up to $1,000 per occurrence for all items combined. The card also extends the original manufacturer’s warranty by up to one additional year on eligible items, with indemnification limited to $10,000 per insured item and $25,000 per Cardmember per policy year for all items combined.
American Express Cobalt® Card fees
Because the fee is billed monthly rather than in one annual charge, you can stop and restart the cost in step with how much you are actually using the card.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
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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:
Here is how I used my NBC points to make my hotel room at Château Frontenac cost less.
on National Bank's website
With Milesopedia, take advantage of an exclusive offer: your first-year annual fees are refunded with the National Bank World Elite Mastercard. This offer is exclusively available on the Milesopedia network, from June 30 to November 4, 2026.
The National Bank World Elite Mastercard is the best Mastercard credit card offered by NBC.
With this card, you earn up to 5 points per dollar on your purchases:
And since it’s an NBC mycredit Mastercard, you can use it at Costco.
With this card, you have access to a $150 annual travel credit that you can use in any of these categories:
What’s more, you can enjoy access to DragonPass airport lounges and unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at Montreal-Trudeau.
Finally, Milesopedia has named the National Bank World Elite Mastercard as the Best Travel Credit Card in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026.
® Mastercard and World Elite are registered trademarks, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. National Bank is an authorized user.
® The À LA CARTE REWARDS logo is a registered trademark of National Bank of Canada.
® NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA LOUNGE is a registered trademark of National Bank of Canada.
® À LA CARTE REWARDS PLAN is a registered trademark of National Bank of Canada.
® Apple Pay is a registered trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Apple Inc. is not a sponsor of or participant in National Bank Mobile Banking Solutions.
® Google Pay is a registered trademark of Google LLC. Use of this trademark is subject to Google Inc. Permissions.
TM À LA CARTE TRAVEL is a trademark of National Bank of Canada. The À la carte Travel agency is owned by Transat Distribution Canada Inc. and holds a Quebec permit (No. 753141).
TM À LA CARTE REWARDS is a trademark of National Bank of Canada.
® THE TOTAL, THE CONNECTED and NATIONAL BANK are registered trademarks of National Bank of Canada.
* Mastercard® World Elite®
The National Bank® World Elite® Mastercard® credit card was voted best Mastercard credit card by Milesopedia in 2026, 2025 and 2024.
The National Bank® World Elite® Mastercard® credit card was voted best travel credit card by Milesopedia in 2026, 2025 and 2024.
Every year, Milesopedia reviews credit card offers from major financial institutions and establishes its Ranking based on over 150 criteria such as fees, welcome offer, minimum income required, number of points per category, account credits, insurance, airport lounge access, etc.
Table of examples of credit fees calculated over a 30-day period
| Annual interest rate | $500 | $3,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 22.49% | $9.24 | $55.45 |
| 20.99% | $8.63 | $51.76 |
| 13.2% | $5.53 | $33.16 |
| 9.2% | $3.78 | $22.68 |
*Variable interest rate in effect as of September 1, 2021.
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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®.
Here are 6 reasons why you should apply for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card:
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:

on Scotiabank's website
With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card +* CardMC, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.
Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.
With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.
These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:
We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.
* The potential value of savings and rewards during the first 12 months includes the value of the welcome offer, the potential value of points earned in the first year, the value of savings on foreign currency transaction fees and the cost of airport lounge access as of May 22, 2026:
$250 in travel rewards (25,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite +* Cardholders who charge $2,000 in purchases to their account within the first three (3) months;
$100 in travel rewards (10,000 bonus Scene+ points) for cardholders who charge $40,000 in purchases to their account;
$50 in savings from the annual fee waiver on the first additional card for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit card account holders;
$132 in savings on foreign currency transaction fees based on the average amount of foreign currency purchases made per active account over the past 24 months (by saving on the 2.5% foreign currency transaction fees typically charged by other credit card issuers);
$364 representing the potential value of points earned in the first year (36,400 Scene+ points) based on the average amount of purchases made per active account over the past 24 months, assuming an average spend of 21% of purchases in categories eligible for accelerated earn rates of 2X and 3X points;
$358 representing the value of complimentary membership in the Visa Airport Companion program which includes 6 airport lounge passes (based on « Preferred » membership valued at approximately $357 CAD/$259 USD). Based on the exchange rate in effect on May 22, 2026.
Maximum potential value after the first year = $1,254 (rounded to $1,250)
The actual value of offers, savings realized and points earned will vary depending on card usage and eligibility for applicable offers. Conditions apply.
1 Offer description and conditions: The 25,000 Scene+ points offer (the « offer ») applies only to new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit card accounts (the « accounts ») opened between August 4, 2026 and November 1, 2026 (regardless of the date you apply for the account) subject to the conditions below. The offer may be modified, cancelled or extended at any time without notice, and it cannot be combined with any other offer.
In addition, as a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Cardholder, you are eligible for an annual bonus of 10,000 Scene+ points if you charge at least $40,000 in eligible everyday purchases to your Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card account over the course of one year. Conditions apply; see below for more details.
Description and conditions of the 25,000 bonus Scene+ points offer: To be eligible for the 25,000 bonus Scene+ points offer (« 25,000 bonus points »), you must charge at least $2,000 in total eligible purchases to your account within the first three months following the account opening date.
Conditions for the annual 10,000 Scene+ points bonus:
As a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit cardholder, you can earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points (the « annual points bonus ») if you charge at least $40,000 in eligible purchases to your account over the course of one year (12-month period). The annual period begins on the account opening date; a new period starts again every twelve months thereafter. If you replace another Scene+-eligible credit card with the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card (i.e., it is not a new card or an additional card), the opening date of your original account will be carried over to your new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card account and your annual period under this offer will begin on the next anniversary date of your original account opening. For example, if you originally opened a Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card account on January 15, 2022 and you switch to the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card on July 15, 2025, your annual period under the 10,000 Scene+ points annual bonus offer will begin on January 15, 2026 (your next anniversary date) and a new period will start again on January 15 each year thereafter. You will earn 2,000 bonus Scene+ points for each additional $10,000 in purchases made during the same year once you have reached the $40,000 annual purchase threshold.
Eligible purchases means purchases, less refunds, returns and any other similar credits, and excludes payments, cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions), interest charges, as well as card fees and other fees.
Fulfillment of the annual points bonus: Bonus points will be credited within approximately eight weeks after you become eligible for a bonus, provided the account is open and in good standing. In the case of a joint account with a primary borrower and a co-borrower, bonus points will be credited as follows: (i) the 25,000 bonus points and the annual points bonus will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the account of the borrower who made the transaction that reached the eligible purchase threshold ($2,000, or $40,000) within the appropriate timeframe (the first three months, or the first 12 months). If an additional cardholder makes the transaction that reaches the eligible purchase threshold for the 25,000 bonus points, or the annual points bonus, the bonus points will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the primary borrower’s account. It is possible to transfer points between the Scene+ accounts of a primary borrower, a co-borrower or an additional cardholder by contacting Scene+. An account is in good standing if it is not past due, there is no over-limit, and the cardholder(s) have complied with the terms of the Revolving Credit Agreement that applies to the account. All other program conditions continue to apply during the offer period.
Offer eligibility and exclusions: You cannot take advantage of the offer if you are currently a primary or secondary cardholder of a Scotiabank personal credit card or have been one in the past two years, including if you transfer your balance from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card account, and if you are a Scotiabank employee. Subject to the exclusions mentioned above, small business credit cardholders are eligible for this offer.
Rates and fees: The annual fees are $150 for the primary card, $0 for the first additional card and $50 for each additional card thereafter (including those issued to joint account holders and additional cardholders). The preferred annual interest rates applicable to the account are as follows: 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions). The rates, fees, and features and benefits, which are described in the disclosure statement accompanying the application, may be changed.
Savings at Shell
Get up to 7 cents per litre in instant fuel discounts for a limited time and earn up to 3 cents per litre in Scene+ points value with an eligible Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + card linked to a Shell Go+ Account:
Note: Highest value of 10 cents per litre assumes a Premium Fuel Purchase made with a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card linked to a Shell Go+ Account. Actual value will vary depending on payment card used and whether or not the card is linked, fuel grade purchased, and how you choose to redeem your Scene+ points.
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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.
on Scotiabank's website
Looking for a Scene+ credit card with no annual fee? The Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card is ideal for students or those who don’t want to pay annual fees.
For a limited time, you can earn up to 5,000 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months (2,500 points after $250 and an additional 2,500 points after $1,000 in spending). Enough to get you about $50 towards a trip or your grocery purchases.
With the Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card, you earn 2 points for every dollar spent at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, participating Co-ops, FreshCo and more.
You also earn 2 points for every dollar spent at Home Hardware and at Cineplex.
And you get 1 point Scene+ on all your other purchases.
It’s a great Visa credit card with no annual fee to get Scene+ points.
1 Offer Descriptions and Conditions: The 5,000 bonus Scene+ points offer (the « Offer ») applies only to new Scotiabank Scene+ Visa credit card accounts (the « Account ») opened between July 2, 2026 and November 1, 2026 (regardless of when you apply for the Account), subject to the conditions below.
To be eligible for the 2,500 bonus Scene+ points (the « 2,500 Bonus Points Offer »), you must charge eligible purchases totaling at least $250 within three months of the Account opening date. To be eligible for the additional 2,500 bonus Scene+ points (the « Additional 2,500 Bonus Points Offer »), you must charge $1,000 in eligible purchases to your new Account during the first three months. Eligible purchases mean purchases, less refunds, returns and any other similar credits, and exclude payments, cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions), interest charges, card fees and other charges.
Annual bonus achievement: Bonus points will be credited to the Scene+ account within approximately eight weeks after you become eligible for a bonus, provided the Account is open and in good standing. In the case of a joint Account with a primary borrower and a co-borrower, bonus points will be credited as follows: (i) the 2,500 bonus points and the additional 2,500 bonus points will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the Account of the borrower who made the transaction that reached the eligible purchase threshold ($250 or $1,000) within the appropriate timeframe (the first three months). If an additional cardholder makes the transaction that reaches the eligible purchase threshold for the 2,500 bonus points or the additional 2,500 bonus points, the bonus points will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the primary borrower’s Account. Points can be transferred between the Scene+ accounts of a primary borrower, co-borrower or additional cardholder by contacting Scene+. An Account is in good standing if it is not past due, there is no over-limit situation and the cardholder(s) have complied with the terms of the Revolving Credit Agreement that applies to the Account. All other program conditions continue to apply during the Offer period. The Offer may be modified, cancelled or extended at any time without notice and cannot be combined with any other offer.
Eligibility and exclusions: You are not eligible for the Offer if you are currently a primary or secondary cardholder of a Scotiabank personal credit card or if you have been within the past two years, including if you transfer your balance from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card account, and if you are a Scotiabank employee. Subject to the exclusions mentioned above, Scotiabank small business credit cardholders are eligible for this Offer.
Rates and fees: There is currently no annual fee for the primary card and additional cards (including those issued for joint account holders and additional cardholders).
The preferred annual interest rates currently applicable to the Account are as follows: 21.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions).
All rates, fees, features and benefits described in the disclosure statement relating to the application are subject to change.
Savings at Shell
Get up to 7 cents per litre in instant fuel discounts for a limited time and earn up to 3 cents per litre in Scene+ points value with an eligible Scotiabank Scene+ Visa card linked to a Shell Go+ Account:
Note: Highest value of 10 cents per litre assumes a Premium Fuel Purchase made with a Scotiabank® Scene+TM Visa* Card linked to a Shell Go+ Account. Actual value will vary depending on payment card used and whether or not the card is linked, fuel grade purchased, and how you choose to redeem your Scene+ points.
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Here are 8 reasons why you should subscribe to the TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card?
For example, with 100,000 TD points (a $500 value), you could book five free nights in Lisbon. This was during Spring Break 2023 and in an Accor hotel.

on TD's website
With the TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card, you can earn up to 160,000 TD Rewards Points† as well as an Annual Fee rebate for the first year†:
Get an annual TD Travel Credit† of $100 when you book at Expedia® For TD, and enjoy your time at the airport with global airport lounge access and 4 complimentary lounge visits with Visa Airport Companion Program (a value of up to $277)†.
With the TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card, you earn:
This card also allows you to enjoy a range of travel benefits, including an annual travel credit, complimentary airport lounge visits, and a birthday bonus that boosts your points each year†.
†Terms and conditions apply.
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This card requires a minimum income of $60,000.
If you don’t meet these criteria, here’s another option available to everyone: the TD Platinum Travel Visa* Card.
on TD's website
With this new welcome offer for the TD Platinum Travel Visa* Card, you can get up to 50,000 TD points and a Annual Fee rebate for the first year:
This TD travel rewards credit card requires no minimum income.
†Terms and conditions apply.
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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!
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fee$191.88 | Welcome offerGet 1,250 points after $750 in purchases per month for 12 months Up to 15,000 points Get 1,250 points after $750 in purchases per month for 12 months | ||
| Annual feeFirst Year Annual Fee Rebate$150 $0First Year Annual Fee Rebate | Welcome offer$150 annual fee rebated First Year Annual Fee RebateEnds Nov 4, 2026 $150 annual fee rebated | ||
| Annual fee$150 | Welcome offerAfter $2,000 in 3 months Up to 35,000 pointsEnds Nov 1, 2026 After $2,000 in 3 months |
on BMO's website
The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card is one of the best Visa Infinite rewards credit cards in Canada. Its welcome offer lets you earn up to 70,000 BMO Rewards points, for a total value of up to $1,150*.
It also includes a monthly statement credit for streaming services, an annual $50 lifestyle credit, and no annual fee for the first year (a $120 value)*.
With the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card, you also get:
*Terms and conditions apply
BMO is not responsible for updating the content of this site. For the most up-to-date information, please click on the Online Application link.
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Our reviews and rankings are based on an objective assessment. Advertisers do not influence our content. We may receive compensation through some links; our analysis and opinions remain independent.