Visa credit cards are among the most widely accepted payment cards in Canada and around the world. With a large variety of Visa products available from banks, credit unions and other issuers, you can find cards designed for cash back, travel rewards, low interest, balance transfers or credit building. This guide highlights top Visa credit cards in Canada, explains how we select them and outlines the features to consider when choosing one.
Best Visa credit cards in Canada
CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Card
Home Trust Secured Visa Card
MoneySense has been helping Canadians with personal finance decisions since 1999. Our editorial team of experienced journalists researches financial products, compares offerings from major banks and issuers, and consults experts to produce impartial recommendations. We evaluate cards based on fees, rewards value, interest rates, insurance coverage and other practical benefits to help readers find cards that suit different needs. For details about our editorial standards and any commercial relationships, consult the publisher’s disclosures.
Compare popular Visa credit cards
If you want to compare Visa cards side-by-side, consider the main factors: annual fee, rewards type and value, interest rates, welcome offers and eligibility requirements. Use comparison tools provided by reputable financial sites or the issuers themselves to filter by rewards, fees and income requirements. Continue below for our editorial top picks and detailed card breakdowns.
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Below are the pros and cons of our top Visa picks across categories such as cash back, travel rewards, low-interest and secured cards. Read each summary to decide which card type matches your spending habits and financial goals.
Best cash back Visa credit card
At a glance: The CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite is a strong choice for everyday spending. It offers up to 4% cash back on gas, EV charging and groceries, 2% on dining, transit and recurring payments, plus 1% on other purchases. Rewards can be redeemed at any time through online or mobile banking, and the card includes travel and rental car insurance benefits.
CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite
Annual fee: $120 (often rebated first year—check issuer terms)
- 4% on eligible gas, EV charging and groceries
- 2% on dining, daily transit and recurring payments
- 1% on other purchases
Welcome offer: Issuer varies; typical welcome values can include an annual fee rebate and bonus cash back—confirm current terms with the card provider.
Card details
| Interest rates | 21.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances, 22.99% on balance transfers |
| Income required | Personal income typically $60,000 or household $100,000 |
| Credit score | 725 or higher often recommended |
Pros
- High earning potential: Strong bonus rates across common spending categories.
- Flexible redemption: Redeem cash back any time through the issuer’s app or online banking.
- Gas savings: Options to link to fuel rewards programs at participating stations.
- Insurance and perks: Travel medical and rental car collision insurance, plus dining benefits.
Cons
- Limited travel coverage: Emergency medical coverage may be limited in duration and some travel protections are not included.
- Earning caps: Bonus-rate earning caps apply and may reduce rewards if you reach high spending thresholds.
Best travel Visa credit card
At a glance: The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite is geared to travellers and everyday spenders who want points. It offers generous points on food, groceries, gas and transit, includes a $50 lifestyle credit and provides bonus points for adding authorized users.
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite
Annual fee: $120 (often waived first year—confirm with issuer)
- 5 points per $1 on dining, groceries, gas and transit
- 1 point per $1 on other purchases
Welcome offer: Issuer promotions may include bonus points, statement credits or waived annual fee—check current terms with the card provider.
Card details
| Interest rates | 21.99% on purchases, 23.99% on cash advances, 23.99% on balance transfers |
| Income required | Personal income typically $60,000 or household $100,000 |
| Credit score | 725 or higher often recommended |
| Point value | Point value varies; check issuer for travel redemption rates |
Pros
- High earning on common categories: Strong points on dining, groceries and transit.
- Lifestyle credit: Annual statement credit adds flexibility to offset fees.
- Dining perks: Priority reservations and related benefits may apply.
Cons
- Point valuation: Points may deliver modest value when redeemed for travel compared with some premium travel cards.
- Insurance limits: Some travel protections such as baggage delay may be limited or not included.
Best low-interest Visa credit card
At a glance: The Desjardins Flexi Visa is aimed at cardholders who expect to carry a balance. With notably low interest rates for a no-fee card—typically around 10.90% on purchases and 12.90% on cash advances—it’s one of the most competitive low-interest options. It also includes limited travel insurance, mobile device coverage and select rental car discounts.
Desjardins Flexi Visa
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: Not a rewards card
Welcome offer: None at this time
Card details
| Interest rates | 10.90% on purchases, 12.90% on cash advances (typical) |
| Income required | Not specified by issuer |
| Credit score | Not specified by issuer |
Pros
- Lower interest: Much lower standard rates than many general-purpose cards.
- Travel and device coverage: Includes select insurance benefits uncommon on no-fee cards.
- Installment options: Ability to convert purchases into installments at select merchants.
Cons
- Shorter insurance coverage: Some travel protections apply only for short periods, so longer trips may require additional coverage.
Best balance transfer Visa credit card
At a glance: The CIBC Select Visa is a practical option for moving debt. It typically offers a long-term low interest rate on purchases and often runs a promotional balance transfer period at 0% for a set number of months, with a low transfer fee. These features can significantly reduce the cost of carrying or transferring balances.
CIBC Select Visa
Annual fee: $29 (promotional rebates sometimes available)
Balance transfer offer: Promotional 0% offer for a limited period on transfers of $100 or more; small transfer fee may apply—confirm current terms before applying.
Card details
| Interest rates | Typically lower APRs available for purchases and transfers; exact rates vary by promotion |
| Income required | Often modest, check issuer for current requirement |
| Credit score | Generally middle-tier score acceptable |
Best secured Visa credit card
At a glance: A secured Visa card can help you build or rebuild credit. The Home Trust Secured Visa offers flexible options: pay a modest annual fee to access a lower interest rate, or choose no fee with a higher rate. The issuer reports to major credit bureaus, which can help you establish credit when you make timely payments.
Home Trust Secured Visa
Annual fee: $0 (option to pay $59 for lower interest may be available)
Rewards: None
Welcome offer: None
Card details
| Interest rates | Typically around 19.99% (lower rate may be available with annual fee option) |
| Income required | None specified |
| Credit score | Accessible to lower scores; secured cards generally accept applicants with limited credit history |
What types of Visa cards are available?
Visa issues several card tiers that vary by perks and benefits. From basic to premium, the main Visa types are:
- Visa Classic
A basic entry-level card suitable for newcomers, students and those building credit. It offers worldwide acceptance and basic fraud protection. - Visa Gold
An upgrade from Classic, often including travel insurance and extended warranties, plus special offers from partners. - Visa Platinum
Offers greater perks such as enhanced travel protections, discounts with travel partners, some lounge access and stronger warranty benefits. - Visa Infinite
A premium tier with comprehensive travel insurance, concierge services, exclusive offers and enhanced purchase protections. - Visa Infinite Privilege
The top-tier product aimed at high spenders, with the most extensive insurance, priority services and premium travel benefits.
Perks and benefits vary by card issuer and product. Always review the cardholder agreement and issuer disclosures for current terms and coverage details.
How Visa Installments work
Visa Installments (also called Installments Enabled by Visa) allows eligible cardholders to split large purchases into a fixed repayment plan. This is offered through participating issuers and merchants and uses your existing credit limit—it’s not extra credit. Installment plans may feature 0% APR promotions or fixed rates depending on the issuer and merchant. To use the service, opt-in through your card provider’s online portal or app and select the installment option at checkout where available. Returns and cancellations require coordination with both the merchant and your card issuer.
How to apply for a Visa card
Apply through the card issuer (bank, credit union or other provider), not Visa itself. Before applying, confirm eligibility requirements such as minimum income and recommended credit score, and prepare the following:
- Legal name and date of birth
- Home address and contact information
- Employment and income details
- Information about existing credit accounts
- Government-issued ID (driver’s licence or passport) and a device for any required identity verification
Follow the issuer’s application steps. Some approvals are instant and may provide immediate virtual card access, while others take several days to process.
More on Canada’s best credit cards
- Canada’s best credit cards — curated lists and comparisons
- Best instant approval credit cards in Canada
- Best no-fee credit cards in Canada
- Best no foreign transaction fee credit cards in Canada