Breaking: Best Credit Cards in Canada for 2025 – Expert Picks and Tips
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Top Picks for Every Need
Looking for the best credit cards in Canada for 2025? Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a savvy shopper, or someone who prefers cash back, Money.CA has just published the definitive list of the top credit cards in Canada. This year’s “Gold Standard” awards have analyzed over 200 credit cards and 27,000 data points to identify the best offers on the market.
Best Credit Card Overall: American Express Cobalt
The American Express Cobalt card is the top choice for 2025, earning a perfect score of 5 out of 5 from Money.CA. With versatile rewards, improved points on groceries, restaurants, and streaming services, and flexible travel benefits, this card is perfect for those with varied spending habits.
- Annual Cost: $150
- Welcome Bonus: Up to 15,000 points (approx. $150)
- Interest Rate: 21.99% on purchases and advances
- Eligibility: Good to excellent credit score
Best Card for Welcome Bonus: TD Infinite Visa Privilege Aéroplan
The TD Infinite Visa Privilege Aéroplan card is a top choice for travelers, offering a welcome bonus of up to 85,000 Aeroplan points. With free airport lounge access, NEXUS fee reimbursement, and priority privileges, this high-end card is perfect for frequent flyers.
- Annual Cost: $599 (primary card) + $199 (additional cards)
- Welcome Bonus: Up to 85,000 Aeroplan points ($3,000 value)
- Interest Rate: 21.99% on purchases and advances
- Eligibility: Excellent credit score, $150,000+ annual income
Best Card for Groceries: BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard
The BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard is a standout choice for grocery shoppers, offering 5% cash back on groceries and other impressive rewards. With no annual fee in the first year, this card is perfect for high-income individuals looking to maximize their daily expenses.
- Annual Cost: $120 (waived first year)
- Welcome Bonus: Up to 10% cash back
- Interest Rate: 21.99% on purchases and advances
- Eligibility: Excellent credit score, $80,000+ annual income
Best Card for Restaurants: American Express Optima from Scotiabank
The American Express Optima card from Scotiabank is ideal for foodies, offering 5x Scene+ points on restaurants, meal delivery, and more. With no foreign transaction fees, this card is perfect for those who love to dine out.
- Annual Cost: $120 + $29 per additional card
- Welcome Bonus: Up to 40,000 Scene+ points ($780 value)
- Interest Rate: 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on advances
- Eligibility: Very good credit score
Best Card for Travel: CIBC Infinite Aeroplan Visa
The CIBC Infinite Aeroplan Visa is a top choice for Air Canada travelers, offering high-end Aeroplan benefits and excellent rewards on everyday purchases. With free checked luggage and Maple Leaf Lounge access, this card makes travel more comfortable and rewarding.
- Annual Cost: $139
- Welcome Bonus: Up to 40,000 Aeroplan points ($1,100 value)
- Interest Rate: 21.99% on purchases and advances
- Eligibility: Very good credit score, $60,000+ annual income
Best Free Card: BMO eclipse Visa
The BMO eclipse Visa is an excellent choice for those looking for a free card with good rewards on everyday expenses. With no annual fee and valuable perks like mobile device insurance, this card is perfect for budget-conscious consumers.
- Annual Cost: $0
- Welcome Bonus: Up to 20,000 BMO Rewards ($133 value)
- Interest Rate: 21.99% on purchases and advances
- Eligibility: Fair to excellent credit score
Best Card for Students: RBC ION+ Visa
The RBC ION+ Visa is a top choice for students, offering a mix of rewards, protections, and savings. With a monthly payment structure, this card is easy to manage and perfect for students looking to build their credit.
- Annual Cost: $48
- Welcome Bonus: Up to 7,000 Avion points ($50 value)
- Interest Rate: 20.99% on purchases, 21.99% on advances
- Eligibility: Good to excellent credit score
Best Card for Low Interest: MBNA Rewards Gold
The MBNA Rewards Gold card is an ideal choice for those looking to minimize interest costs. With one of the lowest purchase interest rates in Canada, this card helps consumers save on interest when carrying a balance.
- Annual Cost: $39
- Interest Rate: 10.99% on purchases, 13.99% on balance transfers, 20.99% on advances
- Eligibility: Good to excellent credit score
Best Gas Card: BMO SPC CashBack Mastercard
The BMO SPC CashBack Mastercard is perfect for frequent drivers, offering 3% cash back on gas, electric vehicle charging, and groceries. With no annual fee and flexible redemptions, this card is a great choice for budget-conscious consumers.
- Annual Cost: $0
- Welcome Bonus: Up to 5% cash back for the first three months
- Interest Rate: 21.99% on purchases, 23.99% on balance transfers and advances
- Eligibility: Good credit score, $15,000+ annual income
Best Guaranteed Approval Card: Capital One Guaranteed Mastercard
The Capital One Guaranteed Mastercard is an excellent choice for those looking to build or rebuild their credit. With guaranteed approval and valuable benefits like purchase protection and extended warranties, this card helps consumers improve their credit standing.
- Annual Cost: $0
- Interest Rate: 21.9% – 29.9% on purchases and advances
- Eligibility: Guaranteed approval
Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Card
When choosing a credit card, it’s essential to consider your spending habits, credit score, and financial goals. Here are some pro tips to help you make the right choice:
- Assess your spending habits to identify your top priorities, whether it’s cash back, travel rewards, or discounts.
- Check your credit score to determine your eligibility for the best cards.
- Consider the annual fee and welcome bonus to ensure the card offers good value.
- Read the fine print to understand the interest rates, rewards structure, and any additional fees.
For more information on the best credit cards in Canada for 2025, visit Money.CA and stay tuned for the latest updates and expert insights. Whether you’re a seasoned credit card user or just starting, there’s a perfect card out there for you.
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