How these scores work
Every fit score is computed from this site's card data by a fixed formula, so it can be reproduced. Four weighted components add up to 100: the card's earn rate in that category (45), its welcome bonus value (20), its annual fee (20), and how easy it is to qualify for (15). Earn is converted to an effective return using estimated point values, for example Aeroplan at 1.5¢ and BMO Rewards at 0.67¢ per point, so a 5x card and a 1.5x card can be compared on the same scale. Where a welcome offer is variable or unpublished, that component is scored neutral, and the annual fee component uses the listed fee before any credits. Click any score to open its full breakdown. Scores compare cards within a category, not across them: a premium lounge card and a no-fee everyday card are measured against different ideals, so a 60 in one table is not worse than an 85 in another.
Best for everyday spending
Maximize points on groceries, dining, gas, and recurring bills. These earn the most on the categories you spend on every week.
| # | Card | Fit score | Annual fee | Why it ranks here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scotiabank Gold American ExpressNo income gate |
86mathEarn+45 / 45 6x sobeys × 1¢ = 6% effectiveWelcome+10 / 20 Variable or unpublished offer, scored neutralFee+16 / 20 $120 annual feeAccess+15 / 15 No income requirementScore86 / 100 |
$120 | 6x at Sobeys-family grocery, 5x dining and entertainment, no FX fee. Amex acceptance is patchier. |
| 2 | BMO eclipse Visa Infinite$60K income |
61mathEarn+25.1 / 45 5x grocery × 0.67¢ = 3.4% effectiveWelcome+8.9 / 20 80,000 pts ≈ $536Fee+16 / 20 $120 annual feeAccess+10.5 / 15 $60K personal incomeScore61 / 100 |
$120 yr 1 free | 5x on groceries, dining, gas, drugstore, and travel. A $50 credit cuts the effective fee to $70. |
| 3 | TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite$60K income |
58mathEarn+22.5 / 45 6x grocery × 0.5¢ = 3% effectiveWelcome+10 / 20 Variable or unpublished offer, scored neutralFee+15.4 / 20 $139 annual feeAccess+10.5 / 15 $60K personal incomeScore58 / 100 |
$139 | 6x on groceries, dining, and transit, a $100 travel credit, and four lounge visits. |
| 4 | CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite$60K income |
53mathEarn+16.9 / 45 1.5x grocery × 1.5¢ = 2.3% effectiveWelcome+10 / 20 Variable or unpublished offer, scored neutralFee+15.4 / 20 $139 annual feeAccess+10.5 / 15 $60K personal incomeScore53 / 100 |
$139 waivable | For those who want airline points: 1.5x Aeroplan on gas, groceries, and Air Canada. |
Best for premium travel and lounges
Unlimited or generous lounge access, the highest travel earn, and concierge-level perks. These earn their keep if you fly several times a year.
| # | Card | Fit score | Annual fee | Why it ranks here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | American Express Aeroplan ReserveNo income gate |
59mathEarn+33.8 / 45 3x air canada × 1.5¢ = 4.5% effectiveWelcome+10 / 20 Variable or unpublished offer, scored neutralFee+0 / 20 $599 annual feeAccess+15 / 15 No income requirementScore59 / 100 |
$599 | Unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access when flying AC, a Priority Pass, and 3x Aeroplan on Air Canada. |
| 2 | BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege$150K income |
50mathEarn+25.1 / 45 5x travel × 0.67¢ = 3.4% effectiveWelcome+20 / 20 200,000 pts ≈ $1,340Fee+0 / 20 $599 annual feeAccess+4.5 / 15 $150K personal incomeScore50 / 100 |
$599 | Six lounge passes and a $200 credit on top of the same 5x everyday earn as the base eclipse. |
| 3 | TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege$150K income |
37mathEarn+22.5 / 45 2x air canada × 1.5¢ = 3% effectiveWelcome+10 / 20 Variable or unpublished offer, scored neutralFee+0 / 20 $599 annual feeAccess+4.5 / 15 $150K personal incomeScore37 / 100 |
$599 | Unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge with a guest, an annual companion pass, a Nexus credit, 2x on AC. |
| 4 | RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege$200K income |
35mathEarn+9.4 / 45 1.25x other × 1¢ = 1.3% effectiveWelcome+16.7 / 20 100,000 pts ≈ $1,000Fee+6.7 / 20 $399 annual feeAccess+2.3 / 15 $200K personal incomeScore35 / 100 |
$399 | Six DragonPass visits and a flat 1.25x, with transfers to Avios and Asia Miles. Lower fee, high income bar. |
Best for sticking with one airline
Co-branded cards that earn directly in an airline's program, with free bags, companion fares, or status. One pick per airline.
| # | Card | Fit score | Annual fee | Why it ranks here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cathay World Elite Mastercard (Neo)Asia Miles · not in QC |
82mathEarn+45 / 45 4x cathay × 1.5¢ = 6% effectiveWelcome+15 / 20 60,000 pts ≈ $900Fee+14 / 20 $180 annual feeAccess+8.3 / 15 $80K personal incomeScore82 / 100 |
$180 | The only Canadian card earning Asia Miles directly: 4x on Cathay, 2x on foreign currency. |
| 2 | BMO VIPorter World Elite MastercardPorter |
57mathEarn+22.5 / 45 3x porter × 1¢ = 3% effectiveWelcome+11.7 / 20 70,000 pts ≈ $700Fee+15 / 20 $150 annual feeAccess+8.3 / 15 $80K personal incomeScore57 / 100 |
$150 yr 1 free | 3x VIPorter on Porter flights and Venture elite status day one. Best for Eastern flyers. |
| 3 | TD Aeroplan Visa InfiniteAir Canada |
53mathEarn+16.9 / 45 1.5x air canada × 1.5¢ = 2.3% effectiveWelcome+10 / 20 Variable or unpublished offer, scored neutralFee+15.4 / 20 $139 annual feeAccess+10.5 / 15 $60K personal incomeScore53 / 100 |
$139 | The default Air Canada card: 1.5x on groceries, gas, and AC, a free checked bag, and a Nexus credit. |
| 4 | WestJet RBC World Elite MastercardWestJet |
46mathEarn+15 / 45 2% on westjetWelcome+7.5 / 20 45,000 pts ≈ $450Fee+15.4 / 20 $139 annual feeAccess+8.3 / 15 $80K personal incomeScore46 / 100 |
$139 | 2% WestJet Dollars on WestJet, an annual companion voucher, a free bag, and travel insurance. |
| 5 | United MileagePlus Neo World EliteUnited |
44mathEarn+14.1 / 45 1.25x united × 1.5¢ = 1.9% effectiveWelcome+5 / 20 20,000 pts ≈ $300Fee+17 / 20 $89 annual feeAccess+8.3 / 15 $80K personal incomeScore44 / 100 |
$89 | Earns United miles directly, with a free first checked bag on United. A second Star Alliance program. |
Best with no annual fee
Real rewards without a recurring fee. A couple carry an income or eligibility requirement, which is noted under the card name.
| # | Card | Fit score | Annual fee | Why it ranks here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard$80K income |
61mathEarn+22.5 / 45 3% on usdWelcome+10 / 20 Variable or unpublished offer, scored neutralFee+20 / 20 $0 annual feeAccess+8.3 / 15 $80K personal incomeScore61 / 100 |
$0 | 1.5% on everything, 3% on US dollars, and World Elite insurance, all at no annual fee. |
| 2 | More Rewards RBC VisaNo income gate · West |
61mathEarn+16.1 / 45 5x pattison × 0.43¢ = 2.2% effectiveWelcome+10 / 20 Variable or unpublished offer, scored neutralFee+20 / 20 $0 annual feeAccess+15 / 15 No income requirementScore61 / 100 |
$0 | 3x on gas and dining, 5x at Save-On-Foods and other Pattison banners. Strong in BC and Alberta. |
| 3 | TD Rewards VisaNo income gate |
56mathEarn+11.3 / 45 3x grocery × 0.5¢ = 1.5% effectiveWelcome+10 / 20 Variable or unpublished offer, scored neutralFee+20 / 20 $0 annual feeAccess+15 / 15 No income requirementScore56 / 100 |
$0 | 3x on groceries, dining, and transit and 4x on Expedia For TD. The easiest no-fee TD entry. |
| 4 | Wealthsimple Card$100K invested |
46mathEarn+11.3 / 45 1.5% on generationWelcome+10 / 20 Variable or unpublished offer, scored neutralFee+20 / 20 $0 annual feeAccess+4.5 / 15 $100K invested with WealthsimpleScore46 / 100 |
$0 | Visa Infinite Privilege perks, no FX fee, and up to 1.5% back. The catch is the eligibility bar. |
Best for cash back
Straightforward money back rather than travel points. Spend, earn a percentage, no award charts to learn.
| # | Card | Fit score | Annual fee | Why it ranks here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard$80K income |
61mathEarn+22.5 / 45 3% on usdWelcome+10 / 20 Variable or unpublished offer, scored neutralFee+20 / 20 $0 annual feeAccess+8.3 / 15 $80K personal incomeScore61 / 100 |
$0 | A flat 1.5% on all spending and 3% on US dollars. The best all-round no-fee cash-back card. |
| 2 | Tangerine Money-BackNo income gate |
60mathEarn+15 / 45 2% on chosen categoriesWelcome+10 / 20 Variable or unpublished offer, scored neutralFee+20 / 20 $0 annual feeAccess+15 / 15 No income requirementScore60 / 100 |
$0 | 2% back in up to three categories you choose, 0.5% elsewhere, paid monthly. |
| 3 | KOHO EverythingPrepaid · no FX fee |
59mathEarn+15 / 45 2% on groceryWelcome+10 / 20 Variable or unpublished offer, scored neutralFee+19.4 / 20 $19 annual feeAccess+15 / 15 No income requirement (prepaid)Score59 / 100 |
$19 prepaid | 2% on groceries, dining, and transport, no FX fee, instant freeze. No travel insurance. |
| 4 | Wealthsimple Card$100K invested |
46mathEarn+11.3 / 45 1.5% on generationWelcome+10 / 20 Variable or unpublished offer, scored neutralFee+20 / 20 $0 annual feeAccess+4.5 / 15 $100K invested with WealthsimpleScore46 / 100 |
$0 | Flat 1% to 1.5% deposited to your Wealthsimple account, no FX fee. Best if you already invest there. |
Best for business owners
Business cards with high welcome bonuses, broad bonus categories, and expense tools. None carry a personal income requirement.
| # | Card | Fit score | Annual fee | Why it ranks here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TD Business Travel VisaNo income gate |
80mathEarn+33.8 / 45 9x expedia × 0.5¢ = 4.5% effectiveWelcome+16.7 / 20 200,000 pts ≈ $1,000Fee+15 / 20 $149 annual feeAccess+15 / 15 No income requirementScore80 / 100 |
$149 | Up to a 200,000-point welcome, 9x on Expedia For TD, and a 2x floor on all spending. Biggest opening value. |
| 2 | TD Aeroplan Visa BusinessAeroplan |
60mathEarn+22.5 / 45 2x air canada × 1.5¢ = 3% effectiveWelcome+7.5 / 20 30,000 pts ≈ $450Fee+15 / 20 $149 annual feeAccess+15 / 15 No income requirementScore60 / 100 |
$149 | 2x Aeroplan on AC and 1.5x on travel, dining, and business categories. A lower-fee Aeroplan option. |
| 3 | Amex Aeroplan Business ReserveAir Canada + lounge |
59mathEarn+33.8 / 45 3x air canada × 1.5¢ = 4.5% effectiveWelcome+10 / 20 Variable or unpublished offer, scored neutralFee+0 / 20 $599 annual feeAccess+15 / 15 No income requirementScore59 / 100 |
$599 | 3x Aeroplan on Air Canada, Maple Leaf Lounge access, a Priority Pass, and a companion pass. |
| 4 | WestJet RBC World Elite for BusinessWestJet |
59mathEarn+22.5 / 45 3% on westjetWelcome+7.5 / 20 45,000 pts ≈ $450Fee+14.2 / 20 $175 annual feeAccess+15 / 15 No income requirementScore59 / 100 |
$175 | 3% WestJet Dollars on WestJet and business categories, Silver status day one, and Status Lift. |
Best for getting started
Low or no fee, no income requirement, and easy to qualify for. The right place to begin building rewards.
| # | Card | Fit score | Annual fee | Why it ranks here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | American Express Aeroplan CardNo income gate |
63mathEarn+22.5 / 45 2x air canada × 1.5¢ = 3% effectiveWelcome+10 / 20 Variable or unpublished offer, scored neutralFee+16 / 20 $120 annual feeAccess+15 / 15 No income requirementScore63 / 100 |
$120 | Earn Aeroplan without the Visa Infinite income bar: 2x on AC, 1.5x dining, free checked bag. |
| 2 | TD Rewards VisaNo income gate |
56mathEarn+11.3 / 45 3x grocery × 0.5¢ = 1.5% effectiveWelcome+10 / 20 Variable or unpublished offer, scored neutralFee+20 / 20 $0 annual feeAccess+15 / 15 No income requirementScore56 / 100 |
$0 | No fee, no income test, and 3x on groceries, dining, and transit from day one. The simplest first card. |
| 3 | RBC Avion Visa PlatinumNo income gate |
50mathEarn+7.5 / 45 1x other × 1¢ = 1% effectiveWelcome+11.7 / 20 70,000 pts ≈ $700Fee+16 / 20 $120 annual feeAccess+15 / 15 No income requirementScore50 / 100 |
$120 | Avion transfer-network access and up to a 70,000-point welcome, with no income test. |
| 4 | Tangerine Money-BackNo income gate |
49mathEarn+3.8 / 45 0.5% on otherWelcome+10 / 20 Variable or unpublished offer, scored neutralFee+20 / 20 $0 annual feeAccess+15 / 15 No income requirementScore49 / 100 |
$0 | Pick your 2% categories, cash back paid monthly, no fee, no income test. Low-commitment first card. |
Best for spending abroad
Spending overseas is its own category, where the foreign transaction fee matters more than earn rate. We cover the no-FX picks, the prepaid-safety play, and the US-dollar card in a dedicated guide.
Best cards to use abroad
No-FX cards, prepaid safety, and the US-dollar card that comes out ahead, with net cost compared side by side.
Common questions
What is the best everyday credit card in Canada?
On our everyday ranking the Scotiabank Gold American Express scores highest: 6x Scene+ at Sobeys-family grocery, 5x on dining and entertainment, no foreign transaction fee, and no income requirement. The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite is close behind with 5x across groceries, dining, gas, drugstore, and travel. Both earn well above a flat-rate card on weekly spending.
What is the best no annual fee credit card in Canada?
The Rogers Red World Elite earns a flat 1.5% on everything and 3% on US dollars with no annual fee, though it requires $80,000 personal income. For no income requirement, the TD Rewards Visa and the More Rewards RBC Visa both charge no fee and earn well on everyday categories. The Wealthsimple Card has no fee and no FX fee but requires $100,000 invested with Wealthsimple.
How are the fit scores calculated?
Each score is computed from this site's card data by a fixed formula. Four weighted components add to 100: earn rate in the category converted to an effective return using estimated point values (45), welcome bonus value (20), annual fee (20), and how easy the card is to qualify for (15). Click any score in the tables to see the full breakdown. Scores are comparable within a category, not across categories.
Which credit card is best for airport lounge access?
The American Express Aeroplan Reserve includes unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access when flying Air Canada plus a Priority Pass, for $599, and tops our premium-travel ranking. The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege and the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege also include lounge access at the same fee. The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege includes six DragonPass visits a year for $399.