Are you looking for a credit card with no minimum income required in Canada? You are not alone. Many consumers do not meet the thresholds required by some financial institutions.
Whether you are a student, self-employed, or in a career transition, access to credit remains essential. This is particularly true for building your credit file and taking advantage of certain financial benefits.
Fortunately, several credit cards with no minimum income required exist on the Canadian market. They offer an interesting entry point, even with variable or limited income.
In this guide, you will discover which cards are truly accessible without specific salary requirements. You will also learn about the differences between card types, their limits, and the points to consider before applying.
Finally, you will understand how to increase your chances of approval while protecting your credit score.
Credit Cards with No Minimum Income Required
First, several credit cards in Canada are available with no minimum income required. However, approval criteria and benefits vary by card network. It is therefore useful to distinguish between American Express cards and Mastercard and Visa cards.
American Express Credit Cards with No Minimum Income
$500ⓘMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$500Total$500Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Milesopedia first-year estimateⓘFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$500Total$500Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card offers an excellent welcome bonus.
Until November 1, 2026, you can earn up to 50,000 bonus Scene+ points, broken down as follows:
30,000 Scene+ points by charging $2,000 in purchases to the card within the first 3 months
20,000 Scene+ points by making $7,500 in purchases on the card in the first year
This represents a value of up to $500 for travel (including Airbnb).
With the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card, you earn 6 points per dollar spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà par IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Chalo! grocery stores. FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés Tradition, Rachelle Béry and Co-Op.
Also, you earn 5 points per dollar for:
Grocery stores
Restaurants
Entertainment centers
And 3 points per dollar on gas, transit and streaming services purchases.
You can redeem your points on travel purchases (flights, hotels, all-inclusive and even Airbnb). You can also use your points as cash back rewards with Scene+.
The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card also offers no foreign transaction fees, excellent insurance for your travel or purchases, concierge service, exclusive American Express benefits like the Front of the Line program.
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* 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 and the value of foreign transaction fee savings as of May 22, 2026:
$300 in travel rewards (30,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Gold American Express Cardholders who make purchases totaling $2,000 in the first 3 months
$200 in travel rewards (20,000 bonus Scene+ points) for making purchases totaling $7,500 in the first 12 months
$59 in foreign transaction fee savings based on the average annual amount of foreign currency purchases made per account over the last 24 months (saving on the 2.5% foreign transaction fee typically charged by other credit card issuers);
$398 corresponding to the potential value of points earned in the first year (38,500 Scene+ points) based on the average amount of purchases made, per account, over the last 24 months, assuming an average spend of 28% of purchases in categories eligible for accelerated earn rates of 6X, 5X and 3X points.
Maximum potential value after the first year = $957 (rounded to $950)
The actual value of offers, savings realized and rewards earned will vary depending on card usage and eligibility for offers. Conditions apply.
1 Offer Description and Conditions: The 50,000 Scene+ points offer (the « Offer ») applies only to new Scotiabank Gold American Express credit card accounts (the « Accounts ») opened between July 2, 2026, and November 1, 2026 (regardless of the date you apply for the account), subject to the conditions below. All other program terms and conditions continue to apply during the Offer period. The Offer may be changed, cancelled or extended at any time without notice and cannot be combined with any other offer.
To qualify for the 30,000 bonus Scene+ points (the « 30,000 Bonus Points Offer »), you must make eligible purchases totaling at least $2,000 within three months of the account opening date. To qualify for the 20,000 additional bonus Scene+ points (the « 20,000 Additional Bonus Points Offer »), you must make $7,500 in eligible purchases on your new account during the first year (twelve 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 fees.
Fulfillment of the Annual Bonus: Bonus points will be credited to the Scene+ account within approximately eight weeks after you qualify 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 30,000 bonus points and the 20,000 additional 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 ($2,000 or $7,500) within the appropriate timeframe (the first three months or the first 12 months). If a supplementary cardholder makes the transaction that reaches the eligible purchase threshold for the 30,000 bonus points or the 20,000 additional 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 supplementary cardholder by contacting Scene+. An account is in good standing if it is not delinquent, the credit limit is not exceeded, and the holder(s) have complied with the terms of the Revolving Credit Agreement applicable to the account. All other program terms and conditions continue to apply during the Offer period. The Offer may be changed, 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: The current annual fee is $120 for the primary card and $29 for each additional card (including those issued to joint account holders and additional cardholders). The preferred annual interest rates currently applicable to the account are: 21.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions). Rates, fees, features and benefits, which are described in the application statement, are subject to change.
Annual fee
Primary card$120
Additional card$29
Annual income required
Individual$12,000
Household$12,000
Conversion fees
0%
Earning rate
6xWith the partner brand
5xGroceries
5xEntertainment
5xRestaurants
3xStreaming
3xTransit
3xGas & EV
1xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$1,460
2nd Year Value$461
Card benefits
Concierge service24/7
Travel insurance
Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $1,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $65,000 / 48 days
The most popular cards with no minimum income allow you to earn cash back, Aeroplan points, Marriott Bonvoy points, AIR MILES, or Membership Rewards points.
These cards also allow you to earn rewards or cash back from the start, while offering good flexibility to manage your expenses.
Cards with a Low Minimum Income Required
If you have a personal income of $15,000 or more, a wider range of credit cards becomes accessible. These cards generally offer better insurance, enhanced rewards, and sometimes higher credit limits.
They often represent an intermediate step before premium cards, such as Mastercard World Elite or Visa Infinite, which require higher incomes.
First, several cards focused on travel rewards become accessible at this income threshold. They allow you to accumulate points for flights, hotels, or packages.
Next, some cards offer more generous cash back starting at an income of $15,000. They are suitable for individuals who prefer a simple and direct reward.
First, some credit cards offer higher limits and more generous benefits. Financial institutions then require a minimum income to better manage their risk level.
Furthermore, these requirements do not solely originate from banks. Card networks, such as American Express, Mastercard, and Visa, also impose specific criteria.
The Role of Card Networks
For example, Mastercard World Elite and Visa Infinite cards must adhere to standards set by their network. These criteria often include a minimum personal or household income.
Thus, even if an institution wished to, it could not always relax these conditions. The minimum income then becomes a structural requirement, not merely a business choice.
Specifically, a Mastercard World Elite card generally requires a personal income of approximately $80,000 or a household income of $150,000.
For their part, Visa Infinite credit cards typically require a personal income of $60,000 or a household income of $100,000.
Premium Benefits and Interchange Fees
Furthermore, these cards generally offer extensive insurance and additional services. These include, among other things, more comprehensive travel protection and exclusive benefits.
These benefits result in higher interchange fees for merchants. Financial institutions must therefore target profiles deemed capable of using these cards responsibly.
What This Means for You
However, this requirement does not reflect your worth as a borrower. It primarily serves to regulate access to premium credit cards.
Fortunately, many credit cards with no minimum income required remain accessible. They allow you to build your credit file and access rewards, even with a variable income.
How to Improve Your Chances of Approval Without Minimum Income
First, even without a required minimum income, financial institutions evaluate your overall profile. Your credit history, payment habits, and financial situation remain crucial.
Next, limit the number of credit card applications within a short period. Each application results in an inquiry that can temporarily lower your score.
Furthermore, maintaining a low credit utilization rate improves your chances. Ideally, use less than 30% of your available limit.
In addition, having an active bank account with the issuing institution can help. This demonstrates a certain financial stability, even with a variable income. This reality is also discussed in our guides on BMO and Scotiabank.
Finally, prioritize a standard-level card before aiming for a premium card. More accessible cards often serve as a stepping stone to better offers.
What Impact on Your Credit Score
First, the absence of a minimum income does not directly affect your credit score. Rather, it is your financial behaviors that influence your score.
However, each card application results in a credit inquiry. In the short term, this can slightly lower your score.
Next, a card with a lower limit requires more discipline. A high balance relative to the limit can harm your credit file.
Finally, paying your balance on time and in full remains essential. These good practices promote a gradual improvement of your score.
What Options if You Have No Credit History
First, student credit cards are a common option. They are designed for individuals with no history and no high income.
Next, secured credit cards represent an interesting alternative. They require a deposit but facilitate building a credit file. This type of card is notably offered by Neo.
Furthermore, some digital institutions offer more accessible cards. Their analysis is sometimes based on different criteria than traditional banks. This is the case, among others, with Tangerine, a well-established online bank in Canada.
Finally, starting with a simple card allows for gradual progression. A good history then opens the door to better credit cards.
Capital One Guaranteed Mastercard®
The Capital One Guaranteed Mastercard® is among the most accessible options when no minimum income is required. Approval is guaranteed as long as the basic conditions are met: being the age of majority in your province, not already holding a Capital One account, and having no account currently in collections.
The annual fee is $0. The annual interest rate is 21.9% in Quebec and 29.9% in the rest of Canada. Depending on your profile, Capital One may require a security funds deposit, namely a refundable deposit of $75 or $300. This card earns no rewards: to avoid any interest, pay your balance in full every month.
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.
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* You’re guaranteed to be approved for a Capital One Mastercard as long as you:
Are at least the age of majority in your province or territory of residence;
Don’t have a frozen credit profile and your eligibility for credit is not prohibited for legal or regulatory reasons;
Don’t have an existing Capital One account or a pending application for one; and
Haven’t applied for a Capital One account more than once in the last 30 days, haven’t had a Capital One account that was not in good standing in the last year, and aren’t in legal recoveries with Capital One.
Capital One is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply Now link for the most up to date information.
Annual fee
Primary card$0
Additional card$0
Annual income required
Individual$0
Household$0
Conversion fees
2.5%
Value
2nd Year Value$0
Travel insurance
Delayed BaggageUp to $300
Travel AccidentUp to $250,000
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+2 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 31 days
Price protectionIncluded
Bottom Line
In summary, credit cards with no minimum income required represent an accessible solution for various profiles. They allow you to obtain credit without meeting traditional financial requirements.
However, not all these cards are equal. It remains important to evaluate the fees, interest rates, and benefits offered.
Before applying, take the time to compare the available options based on your situation. Our credit card comparison tool can help you quickly identify relevant offers.
$430ⓘMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$360Annual fee rebated$70Total$430Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Milesopedia first-year estimateⓘFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$360Annual fee rebated$70Total$430Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Length of the welcome promotion
From June 30, 2026 to November 4, 2026.
Eligibility conditions
Sign up for a National Bank® Platinum Mastercard® credit card as a primary cardholder during the promotion period.
Have not held any National Bank personal Mastercard credit card as a primary cardholder during the past 12 months.
Keep the credit card account open and in good standing, in compliance with the Credit Card Agreement, until the annual fee refund and reward points are credited. For example, all minimum payments must be made on time.
Not be employed by National Bank of Canada or an entity in its group.
Description of the promotion
Up to 40,000 reward points upon enrollment, and a refund of the annual fee for the first year for the primary cardholder of a National Bank® Platinum Mastercard®.
Annual fees
The $70 annual fee for the primary cardholder will be refunded for the first year.
We will charge the annual fee to your new card account and then refund it. You will receive this refund within five months of opening your account, provided that your account remains open and in good standing. The refund will appear on your statement as a credit.
Annual fees related to authorized users’ cards are not eligible for this promotion.
Reward points
Points offered
Conditions
When points are awarded
10,000
Enrollment in credit card payment insurance* for at least the first three months
Within two months following the minimum enrollment period
15,000
$2,500 in purchases within the first three months**
By the end of the 6th month following enrollment**
15,000
$10,000 in purchases within the first 12 months**
By the end of the 15th month following enrollment**
* To apply for payment insurance, you must complete the sections related to the Credit Card Payment Protection Plan (CCPPP) included in the credit card application form.
** The purchase calculation period starts on the date you sign up for the card. For example, if you sign up on July 15, 2026, you have until October 15, 2026 to make the required $2,500 in purchases, and the 15000 points will be credited to your account by the end of January 2027.
How total purchases are calculated
The calculation is based on the total amount of purchases made using all cards linked to the account. Transactions not included in the calculation are set out in article 1.5 of the À la carte Rewards Plan™.
Other conditions
This promotion may only be used once per person.
Issuance of the card is subject to National Bank of Canada’s credit approval. Other conditions apply to the issuance of the card.
Unless otherwise indicated, this promotion cannot be combined with any other National Bank credit card promotion and is not retroactive.
This promotion may be modified or withdrawn without notice.
Credit terms
Grace period: No interest will be charged on purchases made during the month, provided the client pays the balance in full within twenty-one (21) days of the statement date. This grace period does not apply to cash advances or balance transfers.
Minimum payment: If your account balance is lower than $10, you must pay the entire balance.
If you reside in the province of Quebec, your minimum payment is the greater of 5% of your account balance, plus any overdue amounts, or $10.
If you live outside Quebec, your minimum payment is 2.5% of your credit card balance, plus any past-due amount or $10, whichever is greater.
Account statement: A statement is sent monthly.
Example of credit charges over a 30-day period
Annual interest rate
Average balance
$500
$3,000
22.49% (regular card)
$9.24
$55.45
20.99% (regular card)
$8.63
$51.76
13.2% (Syncro card)
$5.53
$33.16
9.2% (Syncro card)
$3.78
$22.68
Balance transfer and cash advance are subject to credit approval by National Bank. Each balance transfer must be at least $250.
The National Bank Platinum Mastercard® lets you earn up to 40,000 reward points, plus a refund of the $70 annual fee for the first year for the primary cardholder:
10,000 points when you sign up for credit card payment insurance and keep it for at least the first 3 months
15,000 points after $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months
15,000 points after $10,000 in purchases within the first 12 months
You have until November 4, 2026 to apply.
After that, you earn:
2 points per dollar on grocery and restaurant purchases
1.5 points per dollar on gas, EV charging, recurring bills and travel booked through the À la carte agency
Since it is a Mastercard, you can use it at Costco. Unlike the other two National Bank travel rewards cards, it does not require a minimum income.
The card includes mobile device insurance, an extended warranty on your purchases, and comprehensive travel insurance for trips of 10 days or less, with emergency medical coverage plus trip cancellation and interruption.
The annual fee is $70, plus $35 per additional card. The annual interest rate is 20.99% on purchases and 22.49% on cash advances.
Annual fee
Primary card$70
Additional card$35
Annual income required
Individual$0
Household$0
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
2xGroceries
2xRestaurants
1.5xBills & recurring payments
1.5xGas & EV
1.5xTravel
0.67xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$749
2nd Year Value$209
Travel insurance
Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 10 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 10 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $5,000,000 / 10 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,000
Trip InterruptionUp to $1,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+2 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 2 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $65,000 / 48 days
Can you get a credit card with no income in Canada?
Yes. Some cards do not require a minimum income but instead evaluate your credit history and overall financial situation.
Vincent reached financial independence and retired early (FIRE) at 35. After a career in financial technology for a large American investment bank, he founded Retraite101, a personal finance site that reaches more than 350,000 unique visitors a year and has over 40,000 followers on social media. Passionate about finance, reading, cycling, hiking and travel, he continues to write for several Quebec outlets to inspire and motivate those who want to take charge of their finances.
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