Selection of the Best First-Year-Free Credit Card Offers – December 2024

Updated Dec 3, 2024
Fact checked by
Alexandrine Bertrand
Alexandrine Bertrand

Alexandrine Bertrand

Alexandrine Bertrand
A passionate solo traveler, Alexandrine is an expert on loyalty programs such as Aeroplan, Avios, AIR MILES, Flying Blue and Marriott Bonvoy. With a budget-conscious approach, she helps travelers maximize their points and miles for low-cost, off-the-beaten-path getaways. A food lover, she enjoys discovering the local flavors and culinary traditions that enrich her adventures.
All posts by Alexandrine Bertrand
Credit cards - First-Year Free
To the point Are you looking for the best credit cards with no annual fee in the first year? Here is our selection of the best credit card offers.

The credit cards on this page offer travel points or cash back. And right now, they all have a welcome offer that includes a first-year annual fee rebate!

These are often the best offers on the market as they are credit cards that usually charge an annual fee.

These credit cards offer:

  • Elevated points or cash back earning rates
  • Premium insurance for your travels or purchases
  • Benefits such as travel credits and access to airport lounges
With or without annual fee

These first-year free credit cards should not be confused with no-annual fee credit cards.

These cards have no annual fee, year after year, but are generally less rewarding than the credit cards on this page!

Best Credit Cards With A First-Year Annual Fee Rebate - Summary

Two tables summarize the different offers (travel or cash back). For more details, read on or click on the name of a card.

Here are the best travel credit card offers with a first-year annual fee rebate:

Here are the best cash back credit card offers with a first-year annual fee rebate:

Best Credit Cards With A First-Year Annual Fee Rebate - Travel Points

National Bank World Elite Mastercard

National Bank World Elite Mastercard is the best Mastercard credit card on NBC. With the current welcome offer exclusive to the Milesopedia Network, receive up to 35,000 bonus points, distributed as follows:

  • 10,000 points if you make at least $5,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
  • 10,000 points if you make at least $10,000 in purchases in the first 6 months
  • 15,000 points if you make at least $20,000 in purchases in the first 14 months

What’s more, you pay no annual fee for the first year.

With this card, you earn up to 5 points per dollar on your purchases:

  • 5 points per dollar on grocery and restaurant purchases
  • 2 points per dollar on gas and electric recharge purchases
  • 2 points per dollar on recurring bills
  • 2 points per dollar on À la carte Travel
  • 1 point per dollar on all other purchases

And since it’s a National Bank Mastercard credit card, you can use it at Costco.

With this card, you have access to a $150 annual travel credit that you can use in any of these categories:

  • Airport parking
  • Baggage fees
  • Seat selection
  • Access to airport lounges
  • Flight upgrades

In addition, you can enjoy access to DragonPass airport lounges and free Wi-Fi with Boingo. And unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at Montreal-Trudeau.

Finally, in 2023 and 2024, Milesopedia voted National Bank World Elite Mastercard as the Best Credit Card for Travel and the Best Credit Card for Insurance.

TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card

With the TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card, you can get up to 135,000 TD Rewards points and a rebate on the annual fee for the first year:

  • 20,000 TD Rewards points for the first purchase made with your Card
  • 115,000 TD Rewards points if you spend $5,000 within 180 days of opening
  • A birthday bonus equal to 10% of the TD Rewards points you’ve earned in the past year, up to a maximum of 10,000 TD Rewards points.

Get an Annual Fee Rebate for the first year

With the TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card, you get:

  • 8 TD Rewards Points for every $1 you spend when you book travel through Expedia® For TD
  • 6 TD Rewards Points for every $1 you spend on Groceries and Restaurants
  • 4 TD Rewards Points for every $1 you spend on regularly recurring bill payments set up on your Account
  • 2 TD Rewards Points For every $1 you spend on other Purchases

This TD credit card is one of the best TD travel rewards cards.

Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card

The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card only requires a minimum income of $12,000, making it accessible to the broadest possible audience.

Until December 31, 2024, you can earn up to 45,000 Scene+ points in the first year, representing a value of $450 for travel (including Airbnb). Plus, there is an annual fee rebate for the first year!

With the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card, you earn 6 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.

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 currency transaction fees, excellent travel and purchase insurance, concierge service and exclusive American Express benefits (Front of the Line Program).

CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card

The CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card is one of the best Visa credit cards with travel rewards.

CIBC has an offer with which you can earn up to 45,000 Aventura points:

  • 15,000 Aventura Points when you make your first purchase
  • 30,000 Aventura Points if you spend $3,000 or more in the first 4 monthly statement periods

In addition, you can benefit from a rebate on the first year’s annual fee for the primary card holder ($139 value) and up to three authorized users ($50 each).

With this CIBC Aventura Credit Card, you get:

  • 2 points for every $1 spent on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre
  • 1.5 points for every $1 spent at eligible gas stations, EV charging, grocery stores and drug stores
  • 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases

The CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card also offers:

  • Airport lounges access: Visa Airport Companion Program membership with 4 complimentary visits per year
  • Reimbursement of NEXUS membership fees ($100 value)

The minimum annual income required for this card is $60,000 (personal) or $100,000 (household).

CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card

If you don’t meet the income requirements for the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card, you can apply for the CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card. The minimum annual income required for this card is $15,000 (household).

CIBC has a digital offer with which you can earn up to 45,000 Aventura points :

  • 15,000 Aventura Points when you make your first purchase
  • 30,000 Aventura Points when you spend $3,000 or more in the first 4 monthly statement periods

In addition, you can benefit from a rebate on the first year’s annual fee for the primary card holder ($139 value) and up to three authorized users ($50 each).

With this CIBC Aventura Credit Card, you get:

  • 2 points for every $1 spent on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre
  • 1.5 points for every $1 spent at eligible gas stations, EV charging, grocery stores and drug stores
  • 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases

The CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card also offers:

  • Access to airport lounges: one Visa Airport Companion Program membership and 4 free visits per year
  • Reimbursement of NEXUS membership fees ($100 value)

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card

Thanks to this enhanced welcome offer for the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, reserved for those who apply via this Milesopedia link, you can earn 10,000 more Aeroplan points than the current public offer!

With this offer for the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, you can earn up to 50,000 Aeroplan points and a first-year annual fee rebate:

  • Get a Welcome Bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase with your new card.
  • Earn 15,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $7,500 within 180 days of account opening
  • Plus, earn a one-time Anniversary Bonus of 25,000 Aeroplan Points when you spend $12,000 within 12 months of account opening.
  • Join NEXUS and get a rebate on membership fees every 48 months
  • Plus, share free first checked bags with up to 8 travel companions
  • Get an annual fee rebate for the first year. To get the rebate, you must make a purchase within the first three months and add your authorized cardholders before January 6, 2025.

It’s the best TD credit card for occasional Air Canada travellers.

With the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, you earn 1.5 points per dollar of eligible purchases for:

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum* Card

With the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum* Credit Card, you can earn up to 20,000 Aeroplan points and a first-year annual fee rebate:

  • A welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase with your new card
  • an additional 10,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $1,000 within 90 days of Account opening
  • An annual fee rebate for the primary cardholder (instead of $89)

With the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum* Card, you earn 1 point per dollar of eligible purchases for:

There is no minimum income requirement for this TD Aeroplan credit card.

BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card

When you sign up for our exclusive offer on the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card, you can earn up to 70,000 BMO Rewards points as well as a $120 annual fee waiver for the first year:

  • 40,000 points after $3,000 in purchases in the first three months
  • 2,500 points each month after $2,000 in purchases, from month 4 to month 15 (for a total of 30,000 points)

What’s more, you’ll receive a $50 anniversary credit to use as you wish!

With the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card, you can earn 5 BMO Rewards points per dollar spent on:

  • Groceries
  • Dining
  • Food delivery
  • Gas
  • Transit

And 1 BMO Rewards point for every $1 spent on everything else. Plus, if you add an authorized user to your account, you’ll earn 10% more points.

You can use BMO Rewards points for all travel purchases made through the agency or website of your choice (flights, hotels, car rentals, all-inclusive resorts, Airbnb, etc.) or for rewards and gift cards on the BMO Rewards platform.

BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard

The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard is one of the best World Elite Mastercard credit cards with travel points in Canada. With our exclusive offer, you can get up to 100,000 bonus points:

  • 55,000 points after $4,500 in Card purchases in the first 3 months
  • 3,750 points per month after $2,500 in monthly purchases from the 4th to the 15th month (up to 45,000 points)

Plus, the annual fee is waived in the first year for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.

With the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard, a premium credit card from BMO, you get:

  • 5 points per dollar on travel purchases
  • 3 points per dollar on dining purchases
  • 3 points per dollar for entertainment purchases
  • 3 points per dollar on recurring bill payments

And 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else, including at Costco. You can use BMO Rewards points for all travel purchases made through the agency or website of your choice (flights, hotels, car rentals, all-inclusive resorts, Airbnb, etc.) or for rewards and gift cards on the BMO Rewards platform.

The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard also offers:

  • Four annual complimentary passes to airport VIP lounges
  • Excellent Premium insurance for your travels or purchases
  • a premium concierge service

Best Credit Cards With A First-Year Annual Fee Rebate - Cash Back

CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card

The CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card is one of the best Visa credit cards with cash back in Canada.

Right now, with this welcome offer, get a 10% welcome bonus in the form of up to $300 cash back (period covered by your first 4 statements) and a first-year annual fee rebate!

With this CIBC Cash Back Credit Card, you get:

  • 4% cash back on gas, EV charging, and grocery purchases
  • 2% cash back on eligible transportation, dining purchases and recurring payments
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases

For example, if you spend $1,000 per month on groceries and/or gas and/or electric vehicle charging, you’ll earn $40 cash back per month or $480 cash back per year with this card for this category of purchases!

And that’s not counting the other purchases you’ll make with this card and the advantages it offers (particularly in terms of insurance).

And this CIBC Cash Back Credit Card offers many insurance coverages:

  • Auto Rental Collision/Loss Damage Insurance
  • $500,000 Common Carrier Accident Insurance
  • Out-of-Province Emergency Travel Medical Insurance
  • Purchase Security and Extended Protection Insurance

CIBC Dividend Platinum® Visa* Card

If you don’t meet the income requirements for the CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card, you could apply for the CIBC Dividend® Platinum Visa* Card. The minimum annual income required for this card is $15,000 (household).

With this offer, get a 10% welcome bonus in the form of up to $300 cash back (period covered by your first 4 statements) and a first-year annual fee rebate!

With the CIBC Dividend® Platinum Visa* Card, you get:

  • 3% cash back on eligible gas, EV charging, and grocery purchases.
  • 2% cash back on eligible transportation, dining purchases and recurring payments
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases

And this CIBC Cash Back Credit Card offers some insurance coverage:

  • Auto Rental Collision/Loss Damage Insurance
  • $500,000 Common Carrier Accident Insurance
  • Purchase Security and Extended Protection Insurance

Scotia Momentum® VISA Infinite* Card

The Scotia Momentum® VISA Infinite* card is recognized year after year as one of the best cash-back credit cards in Canada.

Currently, there is no annual fee in the first year, including on additional cards. And you can earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first three months (up to $2,000 in total purchases).

With the Scotia Momentum® VISA Infinite* card, you get:

  • 4% on groceries and recurring payments
  • 2% on gas and daily transit
  • 1% on all other purchases

For example, if you spend $1,000 per month on groceries and/or recurring payments, you’ll earn $40 cash back per month, or $480 cash back per year with this card for this category of purchases! And that’s not counting the other purchases you’ll make with this card and the advantages it offers (particularly in terms of insurance).

If you rent, for example, you could use the Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card on the Chexy website to pay your rent and get 4% cash back!

The Scotia Momentum® VISA Infinite* card is an excellent Visa credit card for cash back.

And its insurance benefits are excellent!

TD Cash Back Visa Infinite* Card

With the TD Cash Back Visa Infinite* Card, you earn 3% cash back on:

  • Grocery stores
  • Gas stations
  • Recurring bill payments

And 1% cash back on all other purchases.

It’s the best TD cash back credit card, especially for gas purchases.

With this new welcome offer, you could earn 10% cash back on gas and grocery purchases and pre-authorized payments for the first three months (up to $3,500 in purchases). So you can earn up to $350 cash back!

Plus, a first-year annual fee rebate for the Primary and Additional Cardholders.

Finally, you have good insurance coverage, such as travel medical insurance, delayed or lost baggage insurance, collision/loss damage insurance for car rentals and mobile device insurance.

BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®*

BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®* is one of Canada’s best cash back Mastercard credit cards.

For a limited time, you will earn up to 10% cash back on select purchases for the first 3 months (that’s up to $260 cash back). Besides, the annual fee is waived in the first year!

With BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®*, you get between 2% and 5% cash back on many categories of purchases:

  • 5% on grocery purchases (on the first $500 you spend monthly)
  • 4% on transit (on the first $300 you spend monthly)
  • 3% on gas and electric vehicle charging (on the first $300 you spend monthly)
  • 2% on recurring bill payments (on the first $500 you spend monthly)

Everywhere else, you’ll earn 1% cash back, including at Costco.

Finally, it is one of the only credit cards in its category to offer an extended warranty of 2 additional years.

BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard

With this exclusive offer for the BMO AIR MILES® World Elite Mastercard®*, you earn 3,000 miles after $3,000 in purchases in the first three months. Plus, earn an additional 1,500 miles when you spend at least $700 at eligible wholesale clubs and alcohol retailers.

Besides, the annual fee is waived in the first year!

With this card, you earn 3 miles for every $12 spent at participating AIR MILES Partners. Then, earn 2 miles for every $12 in purchases at any eligible grocery store and wholesale club (warehouse like Costco) or alcohol retailer (SAQ, LCBO, etc.). Everywhere else, you’ll earn 1 AIR MILES mile for every $12 in purchases, including Walmart.

What’s more, it’s the only AIR MILES credit card in Canada to offer a 25% discount on AIR MILES flights to any destination during the calendar year.

The BMO® AIR MILES® World Elite®* Mastercard®* card also offers:

  • 7 ¢/L discount on Shell V-Power fuel and 2 ¢/L discount on all other Shell fuels
  • Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
  • 2X miles for car rentals with National or Alamo

BMO AIR MILES World Elite Business Mastercard

The BMO AIR MILES® World Elite Business Mastercard particularly rewards AIR MILES collectors who wish to separate their personal and business spending.

You can earn 3,000 AIR MILES Bonus Miles in your first year! In addition, there is no annual fee for the first year.

You earn 4x the Miles when you use your card at participating AIR MILES Partners. And 1 Mile for every $12 you spend everywhere else, including Costco.

With the BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Business Mastercard, you benefit from various travel protections:

  • Collision Damage Waiver
  • Car Rental Personal Effects & Business Property
  • Car Rental Accidental Death & Dismemberment
  • Baggage & Personal Effects
  • Baggage insurance in case of delay
  • Flight Cancellation
  • Trip Interruption/Trip Delay
  • Flight delay
  • Common Carrier Insurance

And for your purchases:

  • Extended Warranty
  • Purchase Protection

Best Credit Cards With A First-Year Annual Fee Rebate - Conclusion

These first-year free credit cards are great for getting started with rewards points or taking advantage of elevated welcome offers.

But be aware that some credit cards on the market charge a first-year annual fee and have outstanding welcome offers! This is the case, for example, with the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card or all American Express credit cards.

Check out the best credit card offers available in Canada this month.

Best Credit Cards With A First-Year Annual Fee Rebate - Frequently Asked Questions

Here are frequently asked questions in the milesopedia community about credit cards in Canada.

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Marie-Ève Leclerc

Marie-Ève Leclerc

Marie-Ève Leclerc
Marie-Ève, Web Director at Milesopedia, is an expert in budget travel and a slow travel enthusiast. Specializing in Aeroplan, Scene+, and Marriott Bonvoy programs, she spends nearly six months a year abroad, making travel her way of life. Constantly seeking the best waves to surf, excellent coffee, and strategies to extend her travels, she is often found in coworking spaces with fellow digital nomads or by the sea, watching the sunset.
All posts by Marie-Ève Leclerc

Suggested Reading

Receive our newsletter every week!

Savings are here:

Milesopedia