Beginner level : Which credit card(s) should I apply for?

Updated Oct 3, 2024
Carte de crédit - Niveau Débutant
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, there is no such thing as the best default-free credit card. You need one or two extra in your wallet to optimize your spending and points earning.

So? Which credit card(s) should I choose from the 200 credit cards available in Canada?

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

  • their ability to get the points quickly
  • their ease of use for beginners
  • to learn how to manage your 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 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 a little experience with points, see our article dedicated to the Intermediate Level! If you’re an expert and used to points, see our 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 CobaltMD Card!

Amex Cobalt Community Survey

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

  • Groceries
  • Public transportation ticket
  • All travel expenses
  • Drugstore, etc.
use cobalt points max rate

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!

Get started with this National Bank Mastercard credit card

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

Here are 6 reasons why you should sign up for 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 for use at Costco ;

Here’s how I used my NBC points so that my hotel room at the Château Frontenac didn’t cost me much.

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 8 reasons why you should sign up for the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card:

  1. Higher-than-usual welcome bonus ;
  2. Rare offer of a refund of the annual fee for the first year via this welcome offer;
  3. Excellent travel insurance;
  4. 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;
  5. No foreign currency conversion charges (savings of 2.5%) ;
  6. 6 free VIP airport lounges;
  7. 3 Scene+ points/$1 purchase at grocery stores (IGA, Les Marchés Tradition, Rachelle-Béry and others) ;
  8. 2 Scene+ points/$1 purchase for other grocery stores, restaurants, entertainment and public transport.

With 40,000 Scene+ points (a value of $400), you could reimburse your hotel bill, a plane ticket or a TGV reservation as in this example:

scene sncf points voyage 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+MD 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.

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 hunting for points!

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Caroline Tremblay

Caroline Tremblay

Caroline Tremblay
Caroline, a loyalty program specialist, helps families maximize their points to travel more frequently and affordably. With expertise in Disney, AIR MILES, and Costco, she travels the world with her partner and two children through rewards. Passionate about the latest in loyalty programs, Caroline shares tips to help you earn more points and turn your travel dreams into reality.
All posts by Caroline Tremblay

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