Building a Canadian credit history is essential for securing housing, loans and a mortgage, but it can be challenging if you arrive without prior credit in Canada. One of the fastest and most practical ways to establish credit is to use a credit card responsibly. The cards below are well suited to newcomers: they help you build credit while offering rewards, low rates or practical perks tailored to different needs.
Featured credit cards
BMO CashBack Mastercard
Secured Neo Mastercard
Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite+ Card
Why trust this guide
Our editorial team evaluates cards based on features that matter most to newcomers: whether a card accepts applicants without a Canadian credit history, income and credit score requirements, annual fees, interest rates, rewards and newcomer-specific programs. We compare offers from major banks and card issuers to highlight options that balance credit-building, cost and useful benefits.
Best credit cards for newcomers to Canada
Below are cards organized by the needs they serve: cash back, low interest, secured credit building, rewards and travel. Each entry summarizes the card’s key features, fees and eligibility so you can match a card to your priorities.
| Category | Highlights | Details | Eligibility requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| FEATURED BMO CashBack Mastercard  |
Award: Best cash back card for newcomers | Annual fee: $0 Rewards: 0.5%–3% cash back Interest rates: 21.99% purchases, 23.99% cash advances and balance transfers |
Income: $15,000 (typical guideline) |
| FEATURED Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa  |
Award: Best no-fee rewards credit card for newcomers | Annual fee: $0 Rewards: 0.5%–4% cash back Interest rates: 20.99% purchases, 22.99% cash advances and balance transfers |
Income: $15,000 per year Credit score: 660 or higher (issuer guideline) |
Flexi Visa |
Award: Best low-interest credit card for newcomers | Annual fee: $0 Rewards: None Interest rates: 10.90% purchases, 12.90% cash advances |
Income: Not specified |
| FEATURED Home Trust Secured Visa  |
Award: Best credit-building secured card for newcomers | Annual fee: $0 Rewards: None Interest rates: 19.99% purchases and cash advances (option to pay a fee for lower APR) |
Credit score: 300 or higher; must meet issuer residency and income rules |
| FEATURED Secured Neo Mastercard  |
Award: Best rewards secured card for newcomers | Annual fee: $96 Rewards: 1% cashback on gas & groceries; bonus partner offers up to 15% back Interest rates: Varies by province and profile |
Credit score: None specified; typically accessible to residents of majority age |
| FEATURED Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card  |
Award: Best travel rewards card for newcomers | Annual fee: $150 Rewards: 1–3 points per $1 Interest rates: 20.99% purchases, 22.99% cash advances and balance transfers |
Income: Higher income requirement; issuer guidelines apply Credit score: 725 or higher |
| FEATURED RBC Cash Back Mastercard  |
Award: Best card with a newcomer bank account bundle | Annual fee: $0 Rewards: 1%–2% cash back Interest rates: 20.99% purchases, 22.99% cash advances and balance transfers |
Eligibility: Available through newcomer banking programs; terms vary by issuer |
Best cash back card for newcomers
At a glance: The BMO CashBack Mastercard is a popular no-fee option for newcomers. It offers elevated grocery rewards (3% on groceries up to a monthly cap) and a limited-time higher earn rate for new cardholders during the first months. The BMO NewStart or newcomer programs often allow approval without an existing Canadian credit history, and rewards are redeemable easily as statement credits.
Card details
| Interest rates | 21.99% on purchases, 23.99% on cash advances and balance transfers |
| Income required | n/a (issuer guidelines apply) |
| Credit score | None specified |
Best no-fee rewards credit card for newcomers
At a glance: The Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa is designed to be accessible to newcomers through its New to Canada program. It earns a high rate on dining and solid rates on essentials like groceries, gas and recurring bills. The card has no annual fee and typically low income requirements, which makes it a straightforward choice for new arrivals who want to earn rewards while building credit.
Card details
| Interest rates | 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances and balance transfers |
| Income required | $15,000 per year (typical guideline) |
| Credit score | 660 or higher (issuer guideline) |
Best low-interest card for newcomers
At a glance: The Desjardins Flexi Visa is a strong pick if you expect to carry a balance. It offers one of the lowest purchase interest rates among consumer cards and includes useful protections such as short-term travel insurance and mobile device coverage. There are no rewards, but the low APR and lack of an annual fee make it a practical, budget-focused option for building credit responsibly.
Card details
| Interest rates | 10.90% on purchases, 12.90% on cash advances |
| Income required | Not specified |
| Credit score | Not specified |
Best credit-building secured credit card for newcomers
At a glance: The Home Trust Secured Visa is built specifically to help newcomers and others without a credit history get started. With guaranteed approval for many applicants who meet residency and income requirements, it reports to both major credit bureaus. A refundable security deposit sets your credit limit and the card offers flexible rate options if you’re willing to pay a modest annual fee to lower the APR.
Card details
| Interest rates | 19.99% on purchases and cash advances (lower rate option available for a fee) |
| Income required | None specified |
| Credit score | 300 or higher (issuer guidelines apply) |
Best rewards secured credit card for newcomers
At a glance: The Secured Neo Mastercard stands out as a secured card that also offers rewards. It provides guaranteed approval to qualifying residents and offers partner-based cashback boosts, along with optional paid bundles that add perks like enhanced rewards or insurance. This card can help you build credit while earning on everyday spending—useful if you want rewards and credit-building in one account.
Card details
| Interest rates | Varies by profile and province; typically 19.99%–29.99% on purchases |
| Income required | None specified |
| Credit score | None specified |
Best travel rewards card for newcomers
At a glance: The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card is tailored for travellers. It waives foreign transaction fees, offers flexible Scene+ points that can be redeemed for travel and other rewards, and includes lounge access and comprehensive travel insurance. Newcomers may qualify through Scotiabank’s newcomer program without an existing Canadian credit score.
Card details
| Interest rates | 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances and balance transfers |
| Income required | Issuer income and household requirements apply |
| Credit score | 725 or higher (issuer guideline) |
| Point value | Scene+ points typically equal about $0.01 per point when redeemed for travel (value varies by redemption) |
Best credit card with a newcomer bank account bundle offer
At a glance: The RBC Cash Back Mastercard is a straightforward no-fee card often available through RBC’s newcomer program. It earns on groceries and everyday purchases and pairs with banking benefits for new arrivals, such as reduced fees and other welcome offers that simplify the transition to Canadian banking.
Card details
| Interest rates | 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances and balance transfers |
| Income required | None specified |
| Credit score | None specified |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best credit card for new immigrants to Canada?
The best card depends on your priorities. For cash back and low fees, look at no-fee cash back cards. For travel perks and no foreign transaction fees, a travel rewards card may suit you. If you have no credit history, secured cards or newcomer-specific programs provide a reliable path to build credit.
How can you get approved for a credit card in Canada?
Approval typically requires personal details, proof of income and residency. Many banks offer newcomer programs that let applicants apply without an existing Canadian credit file. Meeting income or residency criteria helps, and secured cards are a common option if you can provide a security deposit.
What should you look for in newcomer bank account offers?
Compare offers on annual fees, APRs, rewards, newcomer eligibility and additional services such as fee waivers, financial advice and bundled benefits. Choose the option that lets you build credit cost-effectively while providing useful banking features for life in Canada.
How we determine the best credit cards
Cards were evaluated for newcomer-friendly criteria: programs that accept applicants without a Canadian credit history, reasonable income and credit requirements, competitive interest rates, meaningful rewards or credit-building features, and useful travel or insurance benefits. Our recommendations are intended to help newcomers weigh affordability and the ability to build a positive Canadian credit history.
Read more about credit cards:
- Best low-interest credit cards
- Best no foreign transaction fee credit cards
- Best no-fee credit cards
- Best balance transfer credit cards