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Desjardins credit card comparison and alternatives

To the point Here's a comparison of the different Desjardins Visa and Mastercard credit cards. Discover the characteristics of each and the alternatives we suggest.

Flexi Visa Desjardins credit card

The Flexi Visa card is very simple and easy to understand.

It has no annual fee and an interest rate of 10.9%. It does not offer BONUSDOLLARS, cashback or points.

It’s a Desjardins card that’s well suited to people looking for a lower interest rate.

Credit cards Cash Back Visa, Bonus Visa and Cash Back Mastercard Desjardins

The Visa and Mastercard credit cards Boni Visa, Remises Visa and Remises Mastercard are almost identical!

It’s up to you to decide whether you want to receive your rewards in BONUSDOLLARS or in cash.

Annual fee Interest rate Bonusdollars Rewards
Visa Bonus $0 19,9 % Yes

2% in BONUSDOLLARS for restaurants, entertainment, alternative transport and direct debits

0.5% in BONIDOLLARS for all other purchases

Cash Back Visa

and

Cash Back Mastercard

$0 19,9 % No (Cash back)

2% cash back for restaurants, entertainment, alternative transportation and pre-authorized payments

0.5% cash back on all other purchases

If you’re going to Costco, the Cash Back Mastercard is the one to take, as Costco warehouses only accept cards from the Mastercard network.

Alternatives to Cash Back Visa, Bonus Visa and Cash Back Mastercard Desjardins credit cards

If you want to accumulate even more, have more flexibility and decide for yourself which 2% in cash back category to choose without paying an annual fee, there’s the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card.

Unlike a Cash Back or Bonus Visa Desjardins credit card, the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card has a welcome offer. This allows you to get ahead of the game and earn much more cash back right from the start.

For example, if you’re planning a renovation or a major furniture purchase next month, simply change the category in your Tangerine profile to get 2% on those purchases. Then make another category change the following month, according to your needs.

In other words, for a $1,000 purchase at a home improvement or hardware store, the discount with the Tangerine card would be $20 (2% X $1,000). With the Cash Back Mastercard, for example, it would have been only $5 (0.5% X $1,000).

After the accumulation of several expenses over the course of a year, this makes a huge difference.

You don ‘t have to open a bank account at another financial institution to get a credit card!

From your bank account, simply pay the card balance as if it were a supplier or bill.

Cash Back World Elite Mastercard credit card

The Cash Back World Elite Mastercard Desjardins is another cash-back card with an annual fee of $100. It is not part of the BONUSDOLLARS program.

Here are the cash rebates it gives cardholders for everyday purchases:

  • 4% for grocery purchases
  • 3% for restaurants, entertainment and alternative transportation
  • 1% cash back on everything else

The Desjardins Cash Back World Elite Mastercard is the Desjardins credit card that offers the most grocery rebates!

Alternatives to the Cash Back World Elite Mastercard Desjardins

For a family with growing children or for those with a large grocery budget, there are five other credit cards on the market that offer 5% cash back or 5 points back for every dollar spent at the grocery store:

Take the time to compare these cards with our credit card comparator, as well as our articles on the best grocery savings.

Combine a $150 weekly grocery purchase at Super C with a 5% American Express Cobalt® Card, and the rebate is $7.50 (or 7,500 points).

At the end of one year, this represents $390 in accumulated rewards. And that’s not counting the bonus of 2,500 points for every month you spend over $500 on the card in the first year. We therefore add $25 per month (or $300 per year), for a total of $690.

For the same example, the Desjardins World Elite Mastercard would give you $6 a week, or $312 a year.

So, here’s the summary for a $150 weekly purchase at Super C:

Rewards Bonus Total for the year (X 52)
Cash Back World Elite Mastercard Desjardins 6,00 $ (4 % X 150 $) 312 $
American Express Cobalt® Card

$ 7.50 or 750 points

(5 % X 150 $)

2,500 points per month ($25) or 30,000($300) points per year 390 + $300 bonus = $ 690

The American Express Cobalt® Card charges approximately $56 more than the Cash Back World Elite Mastercard. However, this is quickly offset by the cost savings and flexibility of using its points.

Odyssey Gold Visa credit card

The rewards offered by the Odyssey Gold Visa Card are very similar to those of the free Bonus Visa Desjardins Card. It gives 1% for all other purchases, instead of 0.5%.

  • 2% in BONUSDOLLARS for restaurants, entertainment, alternative transport and direct pre-authorized payments
  • 1% in BONIDOLLARS for all other purchases

What’s more, for an annual fee of $110, it offers excellent travel insurance and access to the Desjardins Odyssey lounge at Montreal-Trudeau airport at a 50% discount. Admission is then $ 22 + tax per adult and $ 13 per child.

**Please note that the accumulation on restaurant purchases and pre-authorized payments will change from January 1, 2024. From now on, there will be a $6,000 cap on annual expenses in these categories. Read the full article on the devaluation of BONIDOLLARS here.

Alternatives to the Desjardins Odyssey Gold Visa credit card for travel

There’s nothing to stop you from having a second card to complement your card and gain free access to airport lounges!

The Desjardins Odyssey Lounge is for travelers in the International Zone of Montréal-Trudeau Airport only. Other cards offer free entry to a wider choice of airport lounges worldwide.

Depending on your card purchases, some cards offer as many or more rewards than the Odyssey Gold Visa Card.

What’s more, each has an attractive welcome offer that speeds up the accumulation of points:

Odyssey Gold Visa card Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard

2% in BONUSDOLLARS for restaurants, entertainment, alternative transport and pre-authorized payments

1% in BONUSDOLLARS for all other purchases

50% discount on admission to Desjardins Odyssey Lounge

3 points in grocery stores IGA, Rachelle Béry, Les Marchés Traditions, Sobeys, etc.
2 points in other grocery stores, restaurants, entertainment and public transport
1 point for all other purchases
6 free airport lounges access, worldwide
5 points for travel
3 points for restaurants, entertainment and pre-authorized payments
1 point for all other purchases
4 free airport lounges access, worldwide

Odyssey World Elite Mastercard credit card

For $130 per year, the Odyssey World Elite Mastercard earns rewards according to the following scale:

  • 3 % in BONUSDOLLARS at the grocery store
  • 2% in BONUSDOLLARS for restaurants, entertainment and alternative transportation
  • 1.5% in BONIDOLLARS for all other purchases

Its travel insurance coverage is excellent, allowing you to travel with peace of mind. In fact, it provides 8 free accesses per year to the Desjardins Odyssey Lounge at Montréal-Trudeau airport. From the 9th access, there’s a 50% discount on the cost of admission.

**Please note that the accumulation on grocery purchases will change as of January 1, 2024. From now on, there will be a $10,000 cap on annual spending in these categories. Read the full article on the devaluation of BONIDOLLARS here.

Alternatives to The Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard credit card

The Odyssée World Elite Mastercard has excellent travel insurance, including trip cancellation. However, the entire trip must be paid for with the card in order to benefit. Other credit cards are less demanding, and offer bonus travel privileges:

  • BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard:
    • 4 free admissions to airport lounges
    • Advantageous travel insurance with coverage even if the trip was only partially paid for with the card
  • National Bank World Elite Mastercard:
    • Unlimited admission to the National Bank Lounge at Montréal-Trudeau Airport
    • $ 150 annual travel credit to reimburse airport parking, baggage fees, seat selection, airport lounge access and ticket upgrades
    • Attractive travel insurance policies with coverage even if the trip was only partially paid for with the card
    • Triple extended warranty on items paid for with the card

Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege

The Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege card is the best credit card at Desjardins!

It has an interest rate of 10.9% and gives 12 free accesses per year to the Salon Odyssée Desjardins. This Odyssey card offers a full range of travel insurance and many privileges.

  • 4% in BONUSDOLLARS for restaurants, entertainment and alternative transportation
  • 3% in BONUSDOLLARS for groceries and travel expenses
  • 1.75% in BONIDOLLARS for all other purchases

**Note that the accumulation on travel purchases will change from January 1, 2024. From now on, there will be a $25,000 cap on annual spending in these categories. Read the full article on the devaluation of BONIDOLLARS here.

Alternatives to the Desjardins Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege credit card

The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card is very similar in name. Both credit cards offer the same Visa Infinite Privilege benefits:

  • 6 free airport lounge visits with Visa Airport Companion
  • Priority lanes at airport security checkpoints
  • Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection
  • Concierge service

Because it is linked to the Aeroplan program, the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card offers these additional benefits for Air Canada and Aeroplan:

  • Free first checked bag for you and up to 8 companions
  • Priority check-in, priority boarding and priority baggage handling for you and up to 8 companions
  • $ 100 discount on NEXUS program application fee every 4 years
  • Round-trip companion airfare from $99

The American Express Aeroplan®* Reserve Card is similar.

For someone who travels a lot and wants to elevate their experience to the Elite level, the Platinum Card® from American Express is the best.

Bottom Line

Don’t forget to take into account the devaluation of BONUSDOLLARS and the increase in interest rates on Desjardins Odyssey cards as of January 1, 2024.

The main categories of Desjardins credit card accumulation are spending on restaurants, entertainment and alternative transportation (including public transit). One of their great advantages is that they also offer excellent travel insurance.

Their only drawback is that they don’t offer welcome offers like most credit cards. This is a real shame. An equivalent card with a bonus points offer increases the value faster than a Desjardins credit card.

For example, a BMO CashBack® World Elite® Mastercard earns up to $260 in bonus cash up at the beginning, and its $120 annual fee is refunded in the first year. Even over the years, it will always be more advantageous than its neighbor, the Cash Back World Elite Mastercard, with its $100 annual fee.

But whatever you choose, always remember to always pay your balance in full! Because if you don’t, the savings you’ve made with your discounts, points or BONUSDOLLARS will all be gone.

How do I order a Visa or Mastercard Desjardins credit card? How do I apply for a Desjardins credit card?

Desjardins offers eight credit cards to suit individual needs.

Caisses Desjardins offers 3 Mastercard credit cards and 5 Visa credit cards. You can compare them easily using this link to the Protégez-Vous credit card comparator.

How do I activate a Visa or Mastercard Desjardins credit card?

You’ve received your new Desjardins credit card in the mail! Congratulations ! It will usually be received about 2 weeks after your application has been approved.

Before activating the card, please take the time to read all the information. This may include conditions of use, safety tips and other important details.

Call the activation number: You’ll usually find a telephone number dedicated to activation in the accompanying letter or on the sticker on the card. Dial this number. For all other questions, please contact Customer Service at 514 397-1580 or 1 888 389-7823.

Once you are connected to the activation service, follow the voice instructions. You will probably need to provide personal information to confirm your identity, such as your card number, date of birth or social insurance number.

Choose a PIN (personal identification number) : After confirming your information, you may be asked to choose a PIN for your card, if you haven’t already done so. Be sure to choose a memorable and secure PIN.

Once all steps have been successfully completed, the system will confirm that your Desjardins credit card is activated and ready for use.

How do I increase my Desjardins credit card limit?

  • In AccèsD, select your Desjardins credit card.
  • Select the Manage Card option
  • Select the Manage limit option

An answer will then be given and the credit limit will be granted or not to the card account.

If you have any questions, call Customer Service at 1-800-224-7737 (1-800-CAISSES).

How can I see my Desjardins credit card?

Your Desjardins credit card is visible on AccèsD:

  • With a browser: It can be found in the section: Cards, loans and lines of credit
  • With the Desjardins Mobile Services application: It is located under My AccountsQuick Access.

If not, call Desjardins Customer Service at 514 397-4415 or 1 800 363-3380.

How do I cancel a Desjardins credit card?

Simply call Customer Service at 1-800-224-7737 (1-800-CAISSES).

My Desjardins credit card has been lost. What to do?

  • In AccèsD, select your Desjardins credit card.
  • Select the Manage Card option
  • Select the Report and replace a lost or stolen card option

You have two choices:

  • Suspend the card until you find it in every nook and cranny.
  • Cancel and replace it (a new card will be sent within 5 to 10 working days)

If you have any questions, call Customer Service at 1-800-224-7737 (1-800-CAISSES).

Simply call Customer Service at 1-800-224-7737 (1-800-CAISSES).

Where can I consult my Desjardins Odyssey card travel insurance?

The insurance policy can be found here. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Customer Service at 1-800-465-7822.

Is it better to collect BONUSDOLLARS or cash back?

If the Desjardins credit card is linked to cash back, the cash back is credited to the primary cardholder’s credit card account. As soon as the accumulated rebates reach $25, a credit is automatically added to the cardholder’s account. All this can be seen on the monthly statement.

Bonusdollars are part of the Desjardins rewards program. They can be used for a variety of purchases, including travel, electronics, gift cards and more. This offers flexibility in how you can spend your rewards. You can see all the possibilities on how to use your Desjardins BONUSDOLLARS here.

Rewards programs can offer additional benefits such as discounts on flights, travel insurance or gift cards from a variety of businesses.

Do Desjardins credit cards have conversion fees on foreign currency transactions?

Yes, all Desjardins credit cards have a 2.5% fee on foreign currency transactions.

To see the few credit cards in Canada that don’t, check out our article on the best credit cards without foreign currency conversion fees.

How much does it cost to enter the Desjardins Odyssey Lounge?

Admission to the Desjardins Odyssey Lounge is approximately $44 plus tax for adults and $26 for children.

With the Odyssey Gold Visa card, there’s a 50% discount on the cost of admission.

The Odyssey World Elite Mastercard gives you 8 free accesses per year. The Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege card gives you 12 free visits a year to the Desjardins Odyssey Lounge.

Once you’ve used up your free admission, you’ll receive a 50% discount on the regular admission price.

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
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Caroline Tremblay
I'm Caroline, a loyalty program specialist! I use my points to travel more often and at a lower price with my spouse and our two children. I'm passionate about writing about the latest rewards news and how to put more points in your pocket.

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