In Canada, there are lots of loyalty programs to choose from, each one letting you earn points that can save you money on travel, groceries, your credit card bill, and more!
This guide gives you our picks for the best loyalty programs for newcomers to Canada to help you navigate your options and set you on a money-saving loyalty program path.
What Are the Best Loyalty Programs for Newcomers to Canada
The best loyalty programs for newcomers to Canada are:
American Express Membership Rewards
Aeroplan
Marriott Bonvoy
Scene+
TD Rewards
Avion
NBC Rewards
BMO Rewards
CIBC Aventura
PC Optimum
Of course, choosing which loyalty programs to sign up for will depend on your personal priorities and desires in terms of what type of rewards are most helpful and valuable to you.
To help you choose a loyalty program or two that fit your financial and travel goals, we give you an overview of each program in the sections below and connect you with additional guides for more in-depth details.
How to Choose the Best Loyalty Program as a Newcomer to Canada
When choosing your first loyalty program or two, you’ll want to consider the following:
what rewards does the program earn?
what rewards do you prefer to earn?
how does the program work? (i.e., how do you earn points?)
do you need to earn with a credit card or can you just scan a membership card?
In our list of the best loyalty programs for newcomers to Canada, we’ve included a range of programs, some focusing on free/discount flights, some on free hotel stays, and many offering flexible rewards that can be redeemed in lots of different ways.
With all of the programs, the fastest way to earn points is usually with a co-branded credit card. In fact, in many cases, spending on a credit card is the only way to earn points.
However, there are programs like Scene+ and PC Optimum that let you earn points through eligible purchases by simply signing up for a free membership and scanning your card.
Additionally, with Aeroplan and Marriott Bonvoy, you can earn points when you purchase eligible flights and hotel stays, respectively.
This means that you’ll want to consider your loyalty program preferences when selecting your first credit card so that you can earn a loyalty currency that’s valuable to you.
Luckily, though, you don’t have to only pick one loyalty program — you’re very welcome to earn points with multiple programs by having multiple credit cards and by using the right combination of credit cards and program membership cards.
With all this in mind, every loyalty program is a little bit different, so let’s take a look at each of the 10 on our list:
As a member, you earn membership rewards (MR) points, which are accumulated by making purchases on a handful of American Express credit cards. The number of points you earn is based on the specific card’s earning rate and the type of purchase you made.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$170Total$170Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
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”).
Do you want a cash back credit card with no annual fee that earns travel points? Here’s an option for you: American Express® Green Card.
By signing up for the American Express® Green Card, you can earn 10,000 Membership Rewards Welcome Bonus Points when you charge $1,000 in purchases to your Card in the first 3 months of Cardmembership. This is a $100 value for travel or any purchase on the Card.
You can also transfer your points to airline partners (Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, Flying Blue, etc.) and hotel partners (Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors).
For example, with this welcome offer, if you decide to transfer your Membership Rewards points to a partner loyalty program, you would have the choice of earning:
10,000 Aeroplan points
10,000 Avios points
10,000 Flying Blue Miles
12,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
That’s a nice welcome bonus for a credit card with no annual fee.
You’ll also have access to online promotional offers to earn points or rebates on your purchases with this no annual fee credit card.
Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.
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American Express is not responsible for maintaining or controlling the accuracy of the information published on this website. For full and up-to-date product information, click on the Apply now link. Terms and conditions apply.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$255Total$255Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
$255
Welcome offerGet 1,250 points after $750 in purchases per month for 12 months
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:
Here is what the card gives you, starting with the benefits cardholders use most.
5X points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada: groceries, restaurants and bars, home food delivery and convenience stores. A spend cap applies.
3X points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada.
2X points on eligible gas, public transit and ride sharing purchases in Canada.
1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings made through American Express Travel Online.
1X point per dollar on everything else, with no category restrictions.
Points that hold the same value either way: 1,000 points = $10 as a statement credit, or a 1:1 transfer to several airline and hotel loyalty programs.
No minimum income requirement, as with every American Express Canada card.
Additional cards at no extra cost: the first and every other supplementary card is $0.
The Hotel Collection: a room upgrade when available, 12pm check-in and late check-out when available, and up to $100 USD in hotel credit on amenities charged to the room for a stay of two or more consecutive nights, booked through American Express Travel.
Front Of The Line® presale and reserved tickets for concerts and theatre performances, plus offers and events curated for cardmembers through Amex Experiences.
A soft credit check before you apply: you can see whether you will be approved with no impact to your credit score. This applies to American Express personal card applications.
The 5X rate is the reason most people carry this card. In Canada it covers four kinds of merchants:
Groceries: Metro, IGA, Sobeys, Super C, Safeway, Whole Foods.
Restaurants and bars: sit-down meals, takeout and drinks.
Home food delivery.
Convenience stores: Couche-Tard, 7-Eleven.
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.
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
Emergency medical: up to $5,000,000 for the first 15 days of a trip.
Travel accident: accidental death and dismemberment of up to $250,000 for you, your spouse and dependent children under age 23 when travelling on a common carrier (plane, train, bus or ship) and the tickets are charged to your card. Supplementary cardholders and their families are covered too.
Flight delay: up to $500 for necessary hotel, meal and sundry expenses bought within 48 hours when you are delayed or denied boarding for four hours or more and no other transportation is available. This $500 is an aggregate limit per occurrence, shared with missed connection and delayed baggage coverage.
Delayed baggage: up to $500 for essential clothing and sundries bought within four days when your outbound luggage is delayed six hours or more. This $500 is an aggregate limit per occurrence, shared with missed connection and flight delay coverage.
Lost or stolen baggage: up to $500 per occurrence for all insured persons combined, for checked or carry-on baggage and personal effects in transit, when the airline tickets are charged to your card. Within that limit, jewellery is capped at $300 per occurrence and golf clubs, including golf bags, at $250 per occurrence.
Hotel and motel burglary: up to $500 against the loss of most personal items if your hotel or motel is burglarized, when the stay is charged to your card.
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
Card fee: $15.99 per month, which equals $191.88 per year, for residents outside Quebec. Quebec residents are billed $191.88 per year.
Additional cards: $0.
Purchase interest rate: 21.99%.
Cash advance interest rate: 21.99%.
Foreign transaction fee: 2.5%.
Minimum income required: none.
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.
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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.
Annual fee
Primary card$191.88
Additional card$0
Annual income required
Individual$0
Household$0
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
5xConvenience
5xRestaurants
5xGroceries
3xStreaming
2xTransit
2xGas & EV
1xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$1,828
2nd Year Value$799
Transfer partners
AeroplanAirline
British Airways ClubAirline
Cathay Asia MilesAirline
Etihad GuestAirline
Flying BlueAirline
Hilton HonorsHotel
Marriott BonvoyHotel
Travel insurance
Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $250,000
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionUp to $1,000 / 90 days
Extended Warranty+1 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 2 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days
Aeroplan
Aeroplan is the loyalty program for Air Canada, and as a member of the program, you earn Aeroplan points.
The best ways to earn Aeroplan points are by flying with Air Canada and partner airlines, transferring American Express MR points, and by spending on co-branded credit cards like TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum* Card and the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card.
This loyalty program can be quite valuable when you redeem your Aeroplan points for free or discounted flights with Air Canada or their airline partners. These flights can also potentially include a bonus city thanks to Aeroplan’s generous stopover rules.
Aeroplan points can also be redeemed for car rentals, hotel stays, gift cards, merchandise, and more — though the best value is almost always going to be found in award flight redemptions.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$400Annual fee rebated$89Total$489Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
With the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum* Card, you can earn up to 20,000 Aeroplan points and get a Annual Fee rebate for the first year:
10,000 Aeroplan points for the first purchase made with your card†
10,000 additional Aeroplan points when you spend $1,500 within the first 90 days of opening your account†
First-year Annual Fee waived for primary cardholder (instead of $89)†.
To receive the first-year Annual Fee rebate for the Primary Cardholder, you must activate your Card and make your first Purchase on the Account within the first 3 months after Account opening. To receive the Additional Cardholder(s) first-year Annual Fee rebate, you must add your Additional Cardholder(s) while the offer is in effect.
With the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum* Credit Card, you earn 1 point per dollar spent on eligible purchases for:
Grocery stores
Eligible purchases of gas or electric vehicle charging
Air Canada purchases, including Air Canada Vacations
This TD Aeroplan credit card requires no minimum income.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$200Total$200Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
With the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card, earn up to 10,000 Aeroplan points:
2,500 points on first purchase
2,500 Aeroplan points when you spend $1,500 or more during the first 4 monthly statements periods
5,000 anniversary bonus points after $10,000 in purchases over 12 months
With the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card, you earn 1 point per dollar on gas, electric vehicle recharges, groceries and Air Canada purchases. For all other purchases, you’ll earn 1 point for every $1.5 spent.
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† Conditions apply.
Annual fee
Primary card$0
Additional card$0
Annual income required
Individual$15,000
Household$15,000
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
1xGas & EV
1xGroceries
1xAir Canada flights
0.67xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$677
2nd Year Value$377
Travel insurance
Travel AccidentUp to $100,000
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $65,000 / 48 days
Marriott Bonvoy
The next loyalty program that may be of interest for newcomers to Canada is Marriott Bonvoy.
With this program, you earn Marriott Bonvoy points when you stay at any of Marriott’s 9,000+ properties around the world and by spending on a co-branded credit card, like the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card, or by transferring points from your American Express Membership Rewards account.
Marriott Bonvoy is unique on this list because it’s the only program with its redemptions focused specifically on getting free nights at hotels.
What’s also great about this program is that you can earn and redeem points without having to get a credit card.
Although you’ll earn points faster with a Scene+ credit card, you can easily add this program to your loyalty points wallet by simply signing up for free and scanning your membership card at participating grocery stores, restaurants, and merchants.
Another big part of what makes this program great is that Scene+ points are quite flexible, giving you lots of choice in how and when you redeem them. The best ways to use your Scene+ points include redeeming to save on travel, groceries, restaurants meals, gift cards, entertainment, and more.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$100Total$100Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
The Scotiabank American Express® Card is one of the best no-annual-fee credit cards in Canada.
For a limited time, you can earn up to 10,000 Scene+ points in the first three months, a value of up to $100 in travel (including Airbnb):
2,500 Scene+ points after $250 spent in the first three months
7,500 Scene+ points after $1,000 spent in the first three months
With the Scotiabank American Express® Card, you earn 3 points per dollar spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà by IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Chalo! FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés Tradition, Rachelle Béry and Co-Op.
You also earn 2 points per dollar on:
Grocery stores
Restaurants
Entertainment
Gas stations
Local transportation
Streaming services
And 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb) or with Scene+ partners.
Legal
1 Offer Descriptions and Conditions: The 10,000 bonus Scene+ points offer (the « Offer ») applies only to new Scotiabank American Express credit card accounts (the « Account ») opened between May 1, 2026, and November 1, 2026 (regardless of the date 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 make eligible purchases totaling at least $250 within three months of the Account opening date. To be eligible for the additional 7,500 bonus Scene+ points (the « 7,500 Additional Bonus Points Offer »), you must make $1,000 in eligible purchases on 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 fees.
Fulfillment of the Annual Bonus: Bonus points will be credited to the Scene+ Account 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 7,500 additional bonus points will be credited to the Scene+ Account linked to the account of the borrower who completed the transaction to reach the eligible purchase threshold ($250 or $1,000) within the appropriate timeframe (the first three months). If an additional cardholder completes the transaction to reach the eligible purchase threshold for the 2,500 bonus points or the 7,500 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 additional cardholder by contacting Scene+. An account is in good standing if it is not overdue, does not exceed the credit limit, and the cardholder(s) have complied with the terms of the Revolving Credit Agreement applicable to the account. All other program terms 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 holder of a Scotiabank personal credit card or have been within the last 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 are currently no annual fees for the primary card and supplementary cards (including those issued for 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). All rates, fees, features, and benefits, as described in the application statement, 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 4 cents per litre in Scene+ points value with a Scotiabank American Express Card linked to a Shell Go+ Account:
Instant 3 cents per Litre Discount on Fuel Purchases (All Grades): Receive an instant 3 cents per litre discount on purchases of fuel (all grades) (“Fuel Purchases (All Grades)”) at participating Shell locations in Canada when you use any eligible Scotiabank debit card or credit card linked to a Shell Go+ Account, up to a maximum of 1,000 litres per month per Scotiabank debit card and per Scotiabank credit card account. This total limit resets at the start of each new month per payment card account. This discount is subject to the Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.
Instant 4 cents per Litre Discount on Premium Fuel: Between May 26, 2026 and June 1, 2027 (“Promotional Period”), receive an instant 4 cents per litre discount on purchases of V-Power® gasoline, or V-Power® diesel (“Premium Fuel Purchases”) at participating Shell locations in Canada when you use any eligible Scotiabank credit card that earns Scene+ points linked to a Shell Go+ Account, up to a maximum of 1,000 litres per month per credit card account. This total limit resets at the start of each new month per credit card account. This promotional offer, including the Promotional Period, may be changed, extended, or withdrawn at any time without notice. These promotional offer terms are in addition to the Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.
Earn up to 4 cents per Litre in Scene+ points Value (Equivalent) on Fuel Purchases: Each time you use your linked Scotiabank credit card that earns Scene+ points on Fuel Purchases (All Grades) at participating Shell locations in Canada, you will earn at least 2 Scene+ points per $1 spent. Plus, as a Scene+ Member you will also automatically earn 1 Scene+ point for each litre in Fuel Purchases (All Grades), and as a Shell Go+ member, automatically earn 1 additional Scene+ point for each litre in Premium Fuel Purchases, made with your linked Scotiabank credit card. This means that for every litre in fuel purchased with your linked credit card, you can earn the equivalent of up to 4 cents of redeemable Scene+ points value based on a redemption value of $10 for every 1,000 Scene+ points redeemed for fuel purchases at participating Shell locations. Actual value may be lower depending on how you choose to redeem your Scene+ points. Earn and redemption limits may apply. See the Scene+ Program Terms and Conditions available at sceneplus.ca/terms-and-conditions for full details including redemption options and additional terms.
Note: Highest value of 11 cents per litre assumes a Premium Fuel Purchase made with a Scotiabank American Express 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.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$50Total$50Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
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.
Legal
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:
Instant 3 cents per Litre Discount on Fuel Purchases (All Grades): Receive an instant 3 cents per litre discount on purchases of fuel (all grades) (“Fuel Purchases (All Grades)”) at participating Shell locations in Canada when you use any eligible Scotiabank debit card or credit card linked to a Shell Go+ Account, up to a maximum of 1,000 litres per month per Scotiabank debit card and per Scotiabank credit card account. This total limit resets at the start of each new month per payment card account. This discount is subject to the Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.
Instant 4 cents per Litre Discount on Premium Fuel: Between May 26, 2026 and June 1, 2027 (“Promotional Period”), receive an instant 4 cents per litre discount on purchases of V-Power® gasoline, or V-Power® diesel (“Premium Fuel Purchases”) at participating Shell locations in Canada when you use any eligible Scotiabank credit card that earns Scene+ points linked to a Shell Go+ Account, up to a maximum of 1,000 litres per month per credit card account. This total limit resets at the start of each new month per credit card account. This promotional offer, including the Promotional Period, may be changed, extended, or withdrawn at any time without notice. These promotional offer terms are in addition to the Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.
Earn up to 3 cents per Litre in Scene+ points Value (Equivalent) on Fuel Purchases: Each time you use your linked Scotiabank credit card that earns Scene+ points on Fuel Purchases (All Grades) at participating Shell locations in Canada, you will earn at least 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent. Plus, as a Scene+ Member you will also automatically earn 1 Scene+ point for each litre in Fuel Purchases (All Grades), and as a Shell Go+ member, automatically earn 1 additional Scene+ point for each litre in Premium Fuel Purchases, made with your linked Scotiabank credit card. This means that for every litre in fuel purchased with your linked credit card, you can earn the equivalent of up to 3 cents of redeemable Scene+ points value based on a redemption value of $10 for every 1,000 Scene+ points redeemed for fuel purchases at participating Shell locations. Actual value may be lower depending on how you choose to redeem your Scene+ points. Earn and redemption limits may apply. See the Scene+ Program Terms and Conditions available at sceneplus.ca/terms-and-conditions for full details including redemption options and additional terms.
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.
Annual fee
Primary card$0
Additional card$0
Annual income required
Individual$12,000
Household$12,000
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
2xGroceries
1xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$404
2nd Year Value$240
TD Rewards
When talking about the best loyalty programs for newcomers to Canada, it would be impossible not to mention all the options offered by Canada’s biggest banks.
With this loyalty program, cardholders can earn up to 8 TD Rewards Points per $1 spent, and these points can then be redeemed for travel, Amazon.ca purchases, merchandise, gift cards, and more.
The value of TD Rewards Points varies depending on how you choose to redeem them, but if you’re interested in maximizing your earned points, we highly recommend checking out our guide to travel redemptions with Expedia for TD.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$76Total$76Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
With the TD Rewards Visa* Card, you can earn TD Rewards points on your everyday purchases, such as groceries, dining out, bill payments, public transit, streaming services, or travel bookings.
You can earn 15,152 TD Rewards points†, a value of $50 on Amazon.ca†, when you spend $500 within 90 days of account opening†.
Earn 4 TD Rewards Points for every $1 you spend when you book travel through Expedia® For TD†
Earn 3 TD Rewards points per dollar spent on grocery, restaurant and public transit purchases†
Earn 2 TD Rewards points per dollar on recurring bill payments and purchases of streaming services as well as games and digital media†
Earn 1 TD Rewards Points For every $1 you spend on other Purchases made using your Card†
Your card also allows you to redeem your TD Rewards points for a wide variety of rewards, including through ExpediaMD for TD, at Starbucks®, and on Amazon.ca with the Amazon Shop with Points program. Conditions Apply.
Mobile Device Insurance of up to $1,000 if you lose or damage your phone†
No blackout dates†, no seat restrictions†, and your TD Rewards points never expire† as long as your account remains open and in good standing.
Earn 50% more TD Rewards Points and 50% more Stars at participating Starbucks® locations. Conditions Apply.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$250Annual fee rebated$89Total$339Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
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:
15,000 TD Rewards points for the first purchase made with your card†
35,000 additional TD Rewards points when you spend $3,000 within 180 days of account opening†
This TD travel rewards credit card requires no minimum income.
Legal
†Terms and conditions apply.
Annual fee
Primary card$89
Additional card$35
Annual income required
Individual$0
Household$0
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
4.5xTransit
4.5xGroceries
4.5xRestaurants
3xBills & recurring payments
3xStreaming
1.5xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$723
2nd Year Value$219
Travel insurance
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $2,500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days
RBC Avion
RBC Avion is yet another of the best loyalty programs for newcomers to Canada thanks to its ease of earning, solid value, and ability to transfer to other programs.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$476Total$476Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
With the RBC ION+ Visa Card, get up to 28,000 Avion points^, which is a value of up to $200 in gift cards†. Apply by November 4, 2026.
This offer includes:
7,000 Avion points upon approval^
14,000 additional Avion points when you charge at least $1,500 in eligible purchases to your account within the first 6 months^
7,000 anniversary Avion points^
This RBC credit card allows you to earn 3X the Avion points per dollar on the following categories1:
Groceries, restaurants and meal delivery
Transportation, gas and electric vehicle charging
Streaming, digital games, and subscriptions
You also earn 1 Avion point per dollar on all other eligible purchases1.
Plus, save 3¢ per litre on fuel at Petro-Canada and earn 20% more Petro-Points and Avion points when you pay with an eligible linked RBC card4.
Finally, benefit from mobile device insurance3 providing two years of protection, up to $1,000, in the event of loss, theft, accidental damage, or breakdown of your mobile device purchased with the card.
Legal
Refer to RBC page for up to date offer terms and conditions
®/™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. ‡ All other trademarks are the property of their respective owner.
^ This offer is only available for new RBC ION+ Visa credit card applications received between June 16, 2026, and November 4, 2026 (“offer period”) and approved by Royal Bank of Canada (“Royal Bank”), subject to the conditions below. Additional cardholders (co-applicants and authorized users) of the RBC ION+ Visa card account, as well as current holders of any personal RBC Royal Bank credit card who switch to the RBC ION+ Visa card during the offer period, are not eligible for this offer.
7,000 Avion points (“Welcome Points”) will appear on your monthly credit card statement within sixty (60) days after your application has been approved, provided that your RBC ION+ Visa credit card account (“Credit Card Account”) remains open and in good standing at the time the Welcome points are credited to your account, “good standing” meaning that your Credit Card Account must not be past due for more than two (2) consecutive credit card account statement periods, closed, charged off or in credit revoked status.
14,000 additional Avion points (“additional points”) will be awarded to you if a total amount of at least $1,500 (“eligible transaction amount”) in net eligible purchases or eligible pre-authorized bill payment transactions (“eligible transactions”) is charged to your RBC ION Visa credit card account within the first six months following your credit card account opening date (“period”), provided your account is open and in good standing at the time the additional points are credited to your credit card account. The additional points will be credited approximately 60 days after you have reached the eligible transaction amount. Eligible transactions exclude cash advances (including balance transfers, cash-like transactions, and bill payments that are not pre-authorized payments set up with a merchant), interest, and other fees. Credits for returns or adjustments that reduce the eligible transaction amount below the $1,500 threshold will cancel your additional Avion points.
The Qualifying Transaction Amount is based on the transaction posting date of each Qualifying Transaction, not the transaction date. This means that transactions that take place prior to the last day of the Period will not be considered for the Qualifying Transaction Amount if they have not yet been posted or processed by the merchant, the payment network (Visa) or Royal Bank by the last day of the Period.
A total of 7,000 additional Avion points (“anniversary points”) will appear on your monthly credit card statement within twelve (12) to sixteen (16) weeks following the first anniversary of your credit card account opening, provided that the account is open and in good standing at the time the anniversary points are credited to the account.
If you close your RBC ION Visa credit card account or switch to another type of RBC Royal Bank credit card before the welcome bonus points, additional points, or anniversary points have been credited to your account, you may no longer be eligible for this offer. This offer may not be combined or used in conjunction with any other offer. Royal Bank reserves the right to cancel, modify, or withdraw this offer at any time without notice, even if your application has already been approved, including if we have reason to believe that you are manipulating or abusing the process, or engaging in suspicious or fraudulent activity, as determined by Royal Bank in its sole discretion. For full terms and conditions applicable to the Avion Rewards program, visit www.avionrewards.com or call 1-800-769-2512.
† To obtain gift cards or gift certificates with a value of $200, you need 28,000 Avion points. A minimum of 1,400 Avion points must be redeemed for most $10 gift cards or gift certificates. Some exceptions apply. Point redemption values may vary. For full terms and conditions and restrictions applicable to the redemption of points from the Avion Rewards program, as well as current point redemption values, visit https://www.avionrewards.com/terms or call 1-800-769-2512.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$238Total$238Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
With the RBC ION Visa card, earn up to 14,000 Avion points^, a value of up to $100 in gift cards†.
This RBC credit card with no annual fee lets you earn 1.5X Avion points per dollar in the following categories1:
Groceries
Transit, gas, and electric vehicle charging
Streaming, digital games, and subscriptions
You also earn 1 Avion point per dollar on all other eligible purchases1.
Plus, save 3¢ per litre on fuel at Petro-Canada and earn 20% more Petro-Points and Avion points when you pay with an eligible linked RBC card4.
Legal
Refer to RBC page for up to date offer terms and conditions
^ This offer is only available for new RBC ION Visa credit card applications received between June 16 and November 4, 2026 (“Offer Period”) and approved by Royal Bank of Canada (“Royal Bank”), subject to the conditions below. Co-applicants (co-applicant and authorized user[s]) on an RBC ION Visa credit card account, as well as existing RBC Royal Bank personal credit cardholders who switch to an RBC ION Visa credit card during the Offer Period, are not eligible for this offer.
7,000 Avion points (“Welcome Points”) will appear on your monthly credit card statement within sixty (60) days after your application has been approved, provided that your RBC ION Visa credit card account (“Credit Card Account”) remains open and in good standing at the time the Welcome Points are credited to your account, “good standing” meaning that your Credit Card Account must not be past due for more than two (2) consecutive credit card account statement periods, closed, charged off or in credit revoked status.
An additional 7,000 Avion points (“Additional Points”) will be awarded to you if a total of at least $500 (the “eligible transaction amount”) in eligible net purchases or eligible pre-authorized bill payment transactions (“eligible transactions”) is charged to your RBC ION Visa credit card account within the first three months from your credit card account opening date (the “Period”), provided your account is open and in good standing at the time the Additional Points are credited to your credit card account. The Additional Points will be credited approximately 60 days after you have reached the eligible transaction amount. Eligible transactions exclude cash advances (including balance transfers, cash-like transactions, and bill payments that are not pre-authorized payments set up with a merchant), interest, and other fees. Credits for returns or adjustments that reduce the amount of eligible transactions below the $500 threshold will result in the cancellation of your Additional Points.
The Qualifying Transaction Amount is based on the transaction posting date of each Qualifying Transaction, not the transaction date. This means that transactions that take place prior to the last day of the Period will not be considered for the Qualifying Transaction Amount if they have not yet been posted or processed by the merchant, the payment network (Visa) or Royal Bank by the last day of the Period.
If you close your eligible credit card or switch to another type of RBC ION Visa credit card before the Welcome Points or Additional Points have been credited to your account, you may no longer be eligible for this offer. This offer may not be combined or used in conjunction with any other offer. Royal Bank reserves the right to cancel, modify, or withdraw this offer at any time without notice, even if your application has already been approved, including if we have reason to believe that you are manipulating or abusing the process, or engaging in suspicious or fraudulent activity, as determined by Royal Bank in its sole discretion. For full terms and conditions applicable to the Avion Rewards program, visit www.avionrewards.com or call 1-800-769-2512.
† To obtain gift cards or gift certificates with a value of $100, you need 14,000 Avion points. A minimum of 1,400 Avion points must be redeemed for most $10 gift cards or gift certificates. Some exceptions apply. Point redemption values may vary. For full terms and conditions and restrictions applicable to the redemption of Avion Rewards points, as well as current point redemption values, visit https://www.avionrewards.com/terms or call 1-800-769-2512.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,190Total$1,190Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
With this limited-time welcome offer, you can earn up to 70,000 Avion points as a welcome bonus with the RBC Avion Visa Platinum Card!
Receive 35,000 points upon approval
20,000 additional points when you spend $5,000 within the first six months of account opening
15,000 additional points on the first anniversary of your account opening
You have until November 25, 2026 to apply.
You can use your Avion points for travel or convert them to other loyalty programs such as:
American Airlines AAdvantage
British Airways Executive Club (and Qatar Airways Privilege Club)
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
WestJet Rewards
The current welcome offer lets you get the equivalent of 70,000 Avios or 70,000 WestJet points.
With the RBC Avion Visa Platinum Card, you earn 1 point for every dollar spent.
Legal
Refer to RBC page for up to date offer terms and conditions
† Based on the Air Travel Reward redemptions from the Air Travel Redemption Schedule starting at 35,000 Avion points for one round-trip long-haul flight to almost anywhere in Canada or the United States with a maximum ticket price of $750, you will need a minimum of 70,000 Avion Points for two round-trips long-haul flights to almost anywhere in Canada or the United States, exclusive of Hawaii and Alaska. All applicable taxes, service fees and surcharges are the responsibility of the traveler. For more details, including information on redeeming for first class and business class seats, visit: www.avionrewards.com/travel/index.html. For general redemption terms, conditions and restrictions that apply to the Avion Rewards program, please visit: www.avionrewards.com or call 1-800 ROYAL 1-2 (1-800-769-2512).
^ Based on the Air Travel Reward redemptions from the Air Travel Redemption Schedule starting at 15,000 Avion points for a round trip within or to an adjacent Canadian province/territory or U.S State with a maximum ticket price of $350. You will need a minimum of 60,000 Avion Points for four round-trips within or to an adjacent Canadian province/territory or U.S State. All applicable taxes, service fees and surcharges are the responsibility of the traveller. For more details, including information on redeeming for first class and business class seats, please visit: www.avionrewards.com/travel/index.html. For general redemption terms, conditions and restrictions that apply to the Avion Rewards program, please visit: www.avionrewards.com or call 1-800 ROYAL 1-2 (1-800-769-2512).
1 This offer only applies to new applications for an RBC Avion Visa Infinite or RBC Avion Visa Platinum credit card (each, an “Eligible Credit Card”) received between “August 13, 2026” and “November 25, 2026” (“Offer Period”) and approved by Royal Bank of Canada (“Royal Bank”) subject to the conditions below. Additional cardholders(s) (co-applicant and authorized user(s)) on the Eligible Credit Card account, as well as existing cardholders on any RBC Royal Bank personal credit card account transferring to an Eligible Credit Card account during the Offer Period, are not eligible for the offer.
35,000 welcome Avion points (“Welcome Points”) will appear on your monthly credit card statement within sixty (60) days after your application has been approved, provided that your Eligible Credit Card account remains open and in good standing at the time the Welcome points are credited to your account, “good standing” meaning that your Eligible Credit Card account must not be past due for more than two (2) consecutive credit card account statement periods, closed, charged off or in credit revoked status.
You will receive 20,000 bonus Avion points (“Bonus Points”) if a total of $5,000 or more (“Qualifying Transaction Amount”) in qualifying net purchases and/or pre-authorized bill payment transactions (“Qualifying Transactions”) are posted to your Eligible Credit Card account within the first six (6) months from your Eligible Credit Card account opening date (“Period”). The Bonus Points will appear on your monthly credit card statement within sixty days (60) after you reach $5,000 in Qualifying Transactions, provided your Eligible Credit Card account remains open and in good standing at the time the Bonus Points are credited to your account.
Qualifying Transactions exclude cash advances (including balance transfers, cash-like transactions and bill payments that are not pre-authorized charges that you set up with a merchant), interest charges and fees. Credits for returns and adjustments posted to your Eligible Credit Card account during the Period will reduce the amount of your Qualifying Transactions. The Qualifying Transaction Amount is based on the transaction posting date of each Qualifying Transaction, not the transaction date. This means that transactions that take place prior to the last day of the Period will not be considered for the Qualifying Transaction Amount if they have not yet been posted or processed by the merchant, the payment network (Visa) or Royal Bank by the last day of the Period.
15,000 additional Avion points (“Anniversary Points”) will appear on your monthly credit card statement within twelve (12) to sixteen (16) weeks after the one- year anniversary of your account opening, provided that your Eligible Credit Card account remains open and in good standing at the time the Anniversary Points are credited to your account.
If you close or change your Eligible Credit Card Account for another type of RBC Royal Bank credit card before the Welcome Points, the Bonus Points and/or the Anniversary Points have been credited to your account, you may lose the benefit of this offer. This offer may not be combined or used in conjunction with any other offer. Royal Bank reserves the right to cancel, modify or withdraw this offer at any time without notice, even after your application has been approved, including if we suspect that you may be manipulating or abusing it, or engaging in any suspicious or fraudulent activity, as determined by Royal Bank in its sole discretion. For complete terms and conditions that apply to the Avion Rewards Program, please visit www.avionrewards.com or call 1-800-769-2512.
^Point redemptions for flights under the Air Travel Redemption Schedule start at 7,500 points for a short-haul one-way Economy Class flight priced at no more than $175 (and start at 15,000 points for a short-haul round-trip Economy Class flight priced at no more than $350). The traveller is responsible for all applicable taxes, administration fees and surcharges. To learn more, including guidelines regarding redeeming points for a Business Class flight, visit www.avionrewards.com/fr/travel/.
2 Avion points are earned on qualifying net purchases only; they are not earned on cash advances (including balance transfers, cash-like transactions and bill payments that are not pre-authorized charges that you set up with a merchant) interest charges or fees, and credits for returns and adjustments will reduce or cancel the points earned by the amounts originally charged.
Annual fee
Primary card$120
Additional card$50
Annual income required
Individual$15,000
Household$15,000
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
1xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$1,529
2nd Year Value$264
Transfer partners
American Airlines AAdvantageAirline
British Airways ClubAirline
Cathay Asia MilesAirline
WestJet RewardsAirline
Travel insurance
Trip CancellationUp to $1,000
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $2,500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days
NBC Rewards
As a newcomer to Canada, if you’re considering taking advantage of National Bank’s chequing account for newcomers offer, you may also want to look at the NBC Rewards loyalty program.
With this program, you earn NBC À la carte Rewards points by spending on one of the bank’s credit cards, like the National Bank Platinum Mastercard®.
Your accumulated points can then be redeemed for products from the NBC Boutique and financial rewards like investments in your TFSA or statement credits to cover your expenses.
Our valuationMilesopedia 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.
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.
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.
®Mastercard and Platinum Mastercard are registered trademarks, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Authorized user: National Bank.
®À LA CARTE EXTRAS, À LA CARTE REWARDS PLAN, NATIONAL BANK and the NATIONAL BANK logo are registered trademarks of National Bank of Canada.
®THE TOTAL, THE CONNECTED, AND NATIONAL BANK are registered trademarks of National Bank of Canada.
*Platinum Mastercard®
National Bank of Canada® Platinum Mastercard® credit card was named the best credit card for young professionals by Milesopedia in 2025 and 2026. Each year, Milesopedia examines the credit card offers of the largest financial institutions and establishes its ranking according to more than 150 criteria such as fees, welcome offers, minimum income required, number of points per category, account credits, insurance, airport lounge access, etc.
1. Certain restrictions apply. For more information, consult the Rewards plan section or the Plan rules regarding how to earn points.
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.
4. This coverage applies to purchases and rentals charged in part to the card, except out-of-province medical/hospital insurance for which the travel arrangements need not be charged to the card, and lost or delayed luggage insurance where all transportation costs must be charged to the card. This coverage applies to the primary cardholder, their spouse and/or dependent children when they (spouse and/or dependent children) travel with the primary cardholder. Extended warranty coverage applies to most new items purchased with the card, in Canada or abroad, as long as the manufacturer’s warranty is valid in Canada. Certain conditions and restrictions apply. For more information and for details of your insurance coverage, please consult the insurance certificate associated with your card.
5. Certain conditions apply. Visit mastercard.ca for more information. Refer to the credit card terms and conditions.
6. Subject to credit approval by National Bank.
7. The amount of points earned on grocery and restaurant purchases depends on the total gross monthly amount charged to the credit card account, regardless of the purchase category. You will earn 2 points for every dollar in eligible grocery and restaurant purchases until a total of $1,000 in gross monthly purchases is charged to the account. After that, you will earn 1.5 points per dollar in eligible grocery and restaurant purchases. The total gross monthly amount is calculated based on your monthly billing period. Grocery purchases include any purchase made at a store that primarily sells food, i.e., grocery store, delicatessen, supermarket, greengrocer or specialty food store. Ready-to-eat meal services and meal delivery services are eligible. This definition excludes purchases made at retail stores and big box stores whose core business is the sale of non-food items. Certain merchants may sell products and services that appear identical or similar to those sold by eligible merchants, or may be separate merchants located on the same premises as eligible merchants, but are classified in different categories by Mastercard. For purchases at other merchants, you will only earn regular rewards points. Restaurant purchases include purchases at a restaurant, fast food restaurant, bar, nightclub or pub. For a full list of Mastercard codes associated with eligible merchants, download the terms and conditions of the À la carte Rewards Plan®.
8. To earn 1.5 points per dollar in purchases, you will need to purchase gas or an electrical vehicle charge from a service station or from certain big box stores. Certain merchants may sell products and services that appear identical or similar to those sold by eligible merchants, or may be separate merchants located on the same premises as eligible merchants, but are classified in different categories by Mastercard. For purchases at other merchants, you will only earn regular rewards points. For a full list of Mastercard codes associated with eligible merchants, download the terms and conditions of the À la carte Rewards Plan®.
9. Recurring bill payments are defined as monthly or regular payments automatically charged by a merchant to your National Bank Platinum Mastercard credit card. Not all merchants offer recurring bill payments, and not all recurring payments are considered recurring bill payments. Certain payments therefore may not entitle you to earn more points.
11. The device must have been purchased using your National Bank Platinum Mastercard credit card, or your phone plan must be paid via recurring payments charged to your National Bank Platinum credit card starting September 1, 2022. For complete terms and conditions, please consult the insurance certificate associated with your card.
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
BMO Rewards
With the BMO Rewards loyalty program, you earn BMO Rewards points by making purchases with one of the program’s credit cards, like the BMO eclipse rise Visa* Card.
Similarly to the other bank loyalty programs, BMO Rewards points can be redeemed a variety of ways.
For example, your points can not only be redeemed for travel, merchandise, gift cards, and statement credits, but you can even use them to invest in your BMO accounts, essentially turning them into cash.
With so many options, it’s easy to use your BMO Rewards points in a way that suits your financial style, whether your goal is to save a bit of money or to get yourself a little treat.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$168Total$168Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
The new BMO eclipse rise Visa* Card is a no-annual-fee credit card with travel points, requiring no minimum income.
With this offer, you can earn up to 25,000 points as a welcome bonus:
20,000 points after $1,500 in purchases in the first 3 months
2,500 points when you redeem 12,000 points with the Pay with Points option over a 12-month period
2,500 points when you pay the balance on time for 12 months
What’s more, you can benefit from an interest rate of 0.99% on balance transfers for nine months (a 2% balance transfer fee applies).
With the new BMO eclipse rise Visa* Card, you earn :
5 points for every two dollars spent on recurring bill payments
5 points for every two dollars spent at the grocery store
5 points for every two dollars spent at restaurant and for takeaway
1 point per two dollars of purchases for all other purchase categories
You can use BMO Rewards points for all travel purchases made through the agency or website of your choice (plane tickets, hotels, rental cars, all-inclusive packages, Airbnb, etc.) or for rewards and gift cards on the BMO Rewards platform.
The new BMO eclipse rise Visa* Card also offers:
Mobile Device Insurance
Purchase Protection
Extended warranty insurance
Finally, enjoy three months of Instacart+ membership and a $5 monthly Instacart credit when you sign up with your eligible BMO credit card.
Legal
*Conditions apply.
BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. For the latest information, please click on the Apply Now link.
Annual fee
Primary card$0
Additional card$0
Annual income required
Individual$0
Household$0
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
2.5xBills & recurring payments
2.5xGroceries
2.5xRestaurants
0.5xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$475
2nd Year Value$218
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 1 years
CIBC Aventura
CIBC Aventura is another of the best loyalty programs for newcomers to Canada, and much like the programs from BMO, TD, and National Bank, it also gives you lots of ways to redeem.
By using a CIBC Aventura credit card like the CIBC Aventura® Visa* Card, you can earn the bank’s flexible Aventura points on all your purchases.
These points can be redeemed for things like gift cards, merchandise, statement credits, and investing; however, our favourite way to use Aventura points is for cheap travel by redeeming the points to cover travel expenses on your credit card or by using them to book a flight with the Aventura Airline Reward Chart.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$125Total$125Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
The CIBC Aventura® Visa* Card is one of the best no-fee Visa credit cards with travel rewards in Canada.
With this offer, get up to $200 in value, with no annual fee:
Get up to 12,500 Aventura points (a value of up to $125 toward travel†):
2,500 Aventura Points when you complete all five activities within 60 days of your CIBC Aventura® Visa* account approval.†
10,000 Aventura points after making your first purchase during the period covered by your first 4 monthly statements†
A free Skip+ membership as an eligible CIBC cardholder (a $110 first-year value)†
With this no annual fee CIBC Aventura Credit Card, you get:
1 point for every dollar spent at gas stations, electric vehicle charging stations, and eligible grocery and drug stores†
1 point for every $1 spent on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre
1 point for every $2 spent on all other purchases
And this no-annual-fee CIBC Credit Card offers some insurance coverage:
$100,000 Common Carrier Accident Insurance
Purchase Security and Extended Protection Insurance
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This is an exclusive digital offer†. To be eligible for this offer: 1) this offer must have been directly communicated to you from CIBC or from a partner or affiliate; 2) you must apply for the eligible card through the link provided in the CIBC or partner/affiliate communication to you†.
This offer is reserved for you. Please do not forward it to anyone else. CIBC may approve your application, but you are not eligible to receive this Offer if you have opened, transferred or cancelled another Aventura card within the last 12 months.†
† Conditions apply. To learn more, select the Apply Now option.
Annual fee
Primary card$0
Additional card$0
Annual income required
Individual$15,000
Household$15,000
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
1xPharmacy
1xGroceries
1xGas & EV
0.5xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$338
2nd Year Value$194
Travel insurance
Travel AccidentUp to $100,000
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
PC Optimum
The PC Optimum program is free to join, and stands out from most of the loyalty programs mentioned above because it doesn’t require a credit card to earn points.
In terms of how the PC Optimum loyalty program works, you can earn points at participating Loblaws-owned grocery stores (Loblaws, No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore, etc.), drug stores (Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix), gas stations (Esso and Mobil), and retailers.
PC Optimum points are best spent on free groceries and merchandise at grocery stores and drug stores, where you can redeem 10,000 points for $10 off your purchase. Additionally, if you’re patient, you can save your points for a bonus redemption event to get some extra value when you redeem.
You can also check out our best tips for earning and redeeming PC Optimum points to learn more about the ins and outs of this helpful program.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$50Total$50Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
The PC Mastercard offers a 50,000 PC Optimum™ welcome bonus after you spend $100 at participating stores within 60 days of approval, all with no annual fee. It’s an ideal entry-level card to start earning points within the Loblaw ecosystem.
1% back in points at Loblaw banner grocery stores, including LoblawsMD, No FrillsMD, Real Canadian SuperstoreMD, MaxiMD, and other locations3.
At least 3¢ per litre back in points on fuel at Esso and Mobil stations
2.5% back in points at Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix
1% back in points at Joe Fresh
1% back in points everywhere else
This way, you earn between 1% and 3% back on your purchases at PC Optimum stores. Your points can then be redeemed for discounts at checkout or a $7 credit per 10,000 points applied directly to your card balance.
With its 90-day purchase assurance, extended warranty, and Mastercard Global Service, this card offers valuable protections for a no-annual-fee card.
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All rates and fees for the PC® Mastercard®.
Offer valid for new President’s Choice Financial® Mastercard® cardholders who apply by December 31, 2026. Earn a one-time bonus of 20,000 PC Optimum™ points when you spend $50 CDN or more in total qualifying purchases at participating Loblaw banner grocery stores, The Mobile Shop™ stores, Joe Fresh® stores, Shoppers Drug Mart® stores, Pharmaprix® stores, Esso™ or Mobil™ stations in Canada within 60 days of account approval. Visit pcoptimum.ca for participating stores. Qualifying purchases must be made with your new PC Financial® Mastercard®. Date of account approval is the date of the PC Financial® email confirming that your PC Financial® Mastercard® is approved.
Qualifying purchases excludes refunds, cash advances, balance transfers, interest charges, fees, credit or debit adjustments. Any refunds or merchant credits received during the offer period will reduce your total purchase amount for the purposes of this offer. Cannot be used with any other promotions or offers. Offer has no cash value. Your President’s Choice Financial® Mastercard® account must be open and in good standing at the time points are awarded. Offer applies to new accounts only. This introductory offer is limited to one per new PC Financial® Mastercard® account and may be terminated or changed at any time without notice. Allow 4-6 weeks from qualifying purchase(s) for bonus PC Optimumᵀᴹ points to be awarded.
1 If you are approved for the Basic Rate PC Financial® Mastercard®, your rates will be as follows. Purchase interest rate: 26.99%, Cash Advance interest rate: 27.97%. The Basic Rate is not available in Quebec. For more information, please refer to the Application Disclosure Summary.
2 Earn a minimum of 10 PC OptimumTM points per dollar on all of your purchases charged to the credit card. Any bonus PC OptimumTM points offers available to all PC Financial® Mastercard® customers are calculated based on the regular earnings rate of 10 PC OptimumTM points per dollar spent. This offer may be terminated or changed at any time.
3 Our grocery stores means affiliated Loblaw banner grocery stores. Visit pcoptimum.ca for details on participating stores where the PC OptimumTM program is offered. Minimum redemption is 10,000 PC OptimumTM points (worth $10 in free rewards) and in increments of 10,000 PC OptimumTM points thereafter, at participating stores. You can redeem the PC OptimumTM points you earn for eligible purchases, or for any other purposes of which we may advise you from time to time. Some redemption restrictions apply. Visit pcoptimum.ca for details and full store list.
4 Points amount shown includes the 10 points per dollar for all purchases with the PC Financial® Mastercard®. In addition, earn at least 10 PC OptimumTM points per purchased litre of gasoline or diesel fuel at EssoTM and MobilTM stations in Canada when you pay with your PC Financial® Mastercard®. You will also earn at least 10 PC OptimumTM points per litre available to all PC OptimumTM loyalty members at EssoTM and MobilTM stations in Canada. Earn an additional 10 points per litre of premium gasoline (Octane 89, 91, 93) at EssoTM and select MobilTM Stations. You could earn even more points at Mobil™ stations located adjacent to a Loblaw banner grocery store. Exact earn rate is available at the station. Should fuel prices fall below $1/L, causing total points per litre awarded to fall below 30 points per litre, points will be topped up to ensure a minimum of 30 points per litre are awarded in all transactions paid with a PC Financial® Mastercard® at EssoTM and MobilTM locations. For full details including how points are awarded to your PC OptimumTM account and rounding rules, visit pcfinancial.ca/en/legal-stuff/pc-optimum-mastercard/.
5 All PC OptimumTM members earn 15 points per dollar on eligible purchases at Shoppers Drug Mart® and Pharmaprix® stores. When you use your PC Financial® Mastercard® you will earn additional points per dollar: 10 points per dollar for PC Financial® Mastercard® cardholders; 20 points per dollar for PC Financial® World Mastercard® cardholders; 30 points per dollar for PC Financial® World Elite® Mastercard® cardholders; and 35 points per dollar for PC InsidersTM World Elite® Mastercard® cardholders.
6 Purchase Assurance and Extended Warranty are underwritten by American Bankers Insurance Company of Florida. Details of coverage, including definitions, benefits, limitations, and exclusions, are outlined in the Certificate of Insurance delivered with your card or included with the Welcome Documents delivered to your online Notification Centre at pcfinancial.ca.
7 Cash advances are accessible only up to your available cash limit and your current cash advance interest rate applies from the date of the transaction.
8 Earn 40 PC OptimumTM points per dollar on qualifying purchases made with a PC InsidersTM World Elite® Mastercard® credit card at participating Loblaw banner stores. For these purchases you will earn the regular 10 PC OptimumTM points per dollar plus an extra 30 PC OptimumTM points per dollar charged on your card(s) for a total of 40 PC OptimumTM points per dollar. Any bonus PC OptimumTM points offers available to all PC Financial® Mastercard® customers are calculated based on the regular earnings rate of 10 PC OptimumTM points per dollar spent.
®/TM Trademarks of Loblaws Inc., used under license.
Mastercard® is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. President’s Choice Bank is a licensee of the marks.
Shoppers Drug Mart®, Pharmaprix® and logos are trademarks of 911979 Alberta Ltd., used under license.
®/TM Esso is a trademark of Imperial Oil Limited. Imperial Oil, licensee. Mobil is a trademark of Exxon Mobil Corporation or one of its subsidiaries. Imperial Oil, licensee.
President’s Choice Financial® Mastercard® is provided by President’s Choice Bank.
The PC OptimumTM loyalty program is provided by President’s Choice Services Inc.
Annual fee
Primary card$0
Additional card$0
Annual income required
Individual$0
Household$0
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
30xGas & EV
25xPharmacy
10xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$437
2nd Year Value$240
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Bottom Line
As you can see from above, the best loyalty programs for newcomers to Canada offer the chance to earn a variety of different types of points with a range of redemption options.
Choosing the ideal program for yourself depends on whether you’re most interested in saving on travel, lowering your grocery bill, or rewarding yourself with some free merchandise or gift cards, and how important flexibility and transferability is to you.
Given this, it’s important to give some thought to what type of redemption is most appealing to you, and you may also want to explore a few of our more general guides to gain even more insight into how these programs work.
That said, don’t worry too much about which program you start with since most people are members of multiple loyalty programs, letting them enjoy a diversity of rewards!
FAQs
Can I be a member of more than one loyalty program?
Yes, you can be a member of as many loyalty programs as you’d like!
Can I get a credit card if I don’t have a credit history in Canada?
Yes, you can get a credit card without having a credit history in Canada. Most of Canada’s big banks (BMO, CIBC, TD, Scotiabank, National Bank, and RBC) will help you find an appropriate credit card when you’re just starting out on your credit journey.
Do I need a credit card to earn loyalty points?
No, you don’t always need a credit card to earn loyalty points.
Loyalty programs like PC Optimum and Scene+ let you earn points by inputting your member number or by scanning your member card when you make a purchase at an eligible retailer.
Additionally, airline and hotel loyalty programs let you earn points when you book eligible flights and hotel stays without the need for the use of a specific type of credit card.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$469Annual fee rebated$120Total$589Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
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:
5x BMO Rewards points for every dollar spent on groceries, meal delivery or takeout, rideshare, public transit, and gas*
1 BMO Rewards point for every dollar spent on all other purchases*
10% more points when you add an authorized user to your account*
Mobile device insurance offering coverage up to $1,000*
The Pay with Points feature, which allows you to redeem your points on recent purchases starting at $1*
Six months of Instacart+ membership plus a monthly $10 Instacart credit with an eligible card*
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*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.
Annual fee
Primary card$120
Additional card$50
Annual income required
Individual$60,000
Household$100,000
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
5xTransit
5xGas & EV
5xRestaurants
5xGroceries
1xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$1,128
2nd Year Value$365
Travel insurance
Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 21 days
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days
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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.
