Best VISA Credit Cards in Canada for 2024


 

Whether you’re a current Visa Cardholder hoping to understand its offerings or a potential Visa user hoping to decide if it’s the right choice for them,  this article covers everything you need to know about Visa Credit Cards.

Visa is one of the most recognized brands worldwide, and as a transaction network, it operates in over 200 countries. Their services include debit and credit cards. This article explores the important features and benefits of Visa Credit Cards.


Quick article guide:

  •       Visa Credit Cards’ main features.
  •       Visa Credit Cards Ts & Cs
  •        Best Visa Credit Cards in Canada
  •       Tips to Manage your Visa Credit Card.
  •       How to Apply for a Visa Credit Card.
  •       Where to get a Visa Credit Card in Canada.


A Brief Overview of Visa Credit Cards And Their Features

Visa Credit Cards are issued by banks and financial institutions that use the Visa network to process transactions. They are widely accepted and offer a varied range of benefits. Because of their widespread use, they are extremely versatile and appeal to students and business owners alike.

Perks that make Visa an attractive choice:

  •       Their worldwide acceptance makes them ideal for international travel (but beware of foreign transaction fees).
  •       They Offer Various Rewards programs, such as earning points for every dollar spent to redeem on travel, dining, gifts, or cash back.
  •       Insurance perks. Some Visa Credit Cards come with travel insurance, car rental insurance, or extended warranty protection.
  •       There are many levels of Visa Credit Card, so even users with lower credit scores and lower annual income can find a Visa Credit Card to suit their lifestyle and needs.

 

Understanding Visa Credit Card Ts & Cs.

Like any financial product, Visa credit cards come with terms and conditions. These include the interest rate, the grace period, the minimum payment requirement, the annual fee, and penalties for late payment.

Each card differs, so it’s difficult to generalize what these fees and interest rates may be. It’s vital to do your research and ensure that when you sign up for a card you read all the fine print. For a rough idea regarding these Ts&Cs, the features of the Visa Classic Credit Card are outlined below:

Visa Classic Credit Card details:

  •       Interest rate: 20.99% annual interest rate. Low-interest rate options are also available, ranging closer to 11.99%.
  •       Grace Period: 21 days for new purchases and fees, after which you pay interest on all purchases shown on the monthly statement.
  •       Minimum payment requirements: $10 plus interest and fees.
  •       Annual Fees: $20 for the primary card.

An important term to understand is your card's Annual Percentage Rate (APR). This is the interest rate you'll be charged if you carry a balance from month to month. Keep in mind that many Visa credit cards offer a low introductory APR, which can increase after the introductory period is over.


Best Visa Credit Cards in Canada

L'earn™  Visa* Card
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Annual Fee: $0
Purchases Interest Rate: Not Available
Cash Advance Interest Rate: Not Available
Min Income Requirement: Not Available
Why Apply:

 

  • No annual fee
  • Increased cash back rewards with each spend
  • Faster payment
  • Car rental savings
Recommended Credit Score:
670 900
Average to Excellent
Apply Nowlock On Scotiabank's Secure Website

Students who are serious in building their credit history may find the L'earn Visa Card to their liking. It has no annual fee, gives 1% cash back and has easy-approval requirements. While this student credit card has no bells and whistles in terms of rewards, the straightforward cash back structure offers enough rebates for you to save cash when you shop and delivers the advantages of a credit card minus the high-income requirement.

 

Why We Like It:

  • No annual fee - Get started in building your credit history at no cost.
  • Increased cash back rewards with each spend ? The tiered cash back structure lets you earn more rebates with more spending. Cash is automatically applied to your next upcoming bill and there is no limit to the amount of cash back you earn.
  • Faster payment - Perfect for on-the-go shopping, this credit card delivers Visa payWave convenience. Simply wave your card or use the app on the counter to pay for your purchase. This credit card is also compatible with Apple Pay, Android Pay, and My Mobile Wallet.
  • Car rental savings -Similar to the Scotia Value Visa, this credit card gives 20% discount on Avis rental cars.

Students who are serious in building their credit history may find the L?earn Visa Card to their liking. It has no annual fee, gives 1% cash back and has easy-approval requirements. While this student credit card has no bells and whistles in terms of rewards, the straightforward cash back structure offers enough rebates for you to save cash when you shop and delivers the advantages of a credit card minus the high-income requirement.

 
RBC  Visa Signature Black
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Annual Fee: $0
Purchases Interest Rate: Not Available
Cash Advance Interest Rate: Not Available
Min Income Requirement: Not Available
Why Apply:
  • No annual fee 
  • No U.S. credit score or address required
  • Flexible redemption 
  • Various benefits 
Recommended Credit Score:
670 900
Average to Excellent

The RBC Visa Signature Black is a good card for people who regularly purchase in USD and who shop across the border. It transacts using U.S. dollar so you can avoid daily fluctuations. Because this is also an American credit card and not just a USD currency card, it does not charge the typical 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases in the US.

No annual fee – This is a good deal for a card that helps you avoid fluctuating exchange rates and a foreign transaction fee.
  • No U.S. credit score or address required – the company will use your Canadian credit history and any RBC relationship to qualify you for your card.
  • Flexible redemption – This credit card lets you earn 1 RBC Rewards point for every $1 spent. Points earned can be redeemed for cash back, travel, gift cards, merchandise, and more.
  • Various benefits – This credit card protects what’s valuable to you with trip cancellation or interruption insurance, travel accident insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, cell phone insurance, and purchase security.

This credit card will help to eliminate the need for currency conversion when you pay in USD. U.S. dollar credit cards are good for those who Regularly make purchases in the U.S. (either online or in person), who regularly travel to the U.S and who live in the U.S for few month each year(Snowbirds).

A U.S. dollar Visa card for the frequent traveller/shopper. Avoid exchange rates while earning 1 RBC Rewards point for every $1 spent. The points are flexible, but cash back is the simplest redemption option (1 point = $0.01). This no-annual fee card also comes with a travel insurance package, auto rental collision damage waiver, mobile phone insurance, and purchase security. Right now there’s a 0% introductory APR offer for the first 6 months.

Home Trust Secured Visa Card
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Annual Fee: $59
Purchases Interest Rate: Not Available
Cash Advance Interest Rate: Not Available
Min Income Requirement: Not Available
Why Apply:
  • Easy application
  • No annual fee
  • Flexible credit limit
  • Low minimum payments
  • Monthly reporting
Recommended Credit Score:
0 669
Poor or No Credit
Apply Nowlock On Home Trust's Secure Website

The Home Trust Secured Visa is designed for individuals who need to rebuild or reestablish their credit. It offers easy approval for anyone and gives you a flexible credit limit, ranging from $500 to $10,000, depending on your security deposit. Of course, it also comes with other benefits such as a 21-day no-interest grace period and no annual fee.

Why We Like It:

  • Easy application – Start rebuilding your credit score immediately. Almost everyone is approved for this secured credit card.
  • No annual fee – You pay absolutely nothing to get and use this credit card.
  • Flexible credit limit – From a minimum deposit of $500, you can get a credit limit scaling at 1:1 all the way up to $10,000. The security deposit will also be reimbursed in full (minus the outstanding balance) should the credit card be cancelled in the future.
  • Low minimum payments – If you want to pay the minimum, you can pay whichever is higher: $10 or 3% of the monthly balance.
  • Monthly reporting – Home Trust reports your progress to major credit agencies each month – jumpstarting your credit repair.

The Home Trust secured credit card is an excellent credit card that enables those who do not have a good credit score to rebuild and reestablish it.The card has an interest rate of 14.90% on purchases.

Almost everyone is approved(No credit, poor credit, bankruptcy and  consumer proposal).

To be approved for this secured credit card, the applicants need to provide a security deposit of $500 minimum and be of the age of majority in the province of residence.

This credit card does not offer any rewards but provides purchase protection to insure eligible items against theft or damage for 90 days from the date of purchase.

Each month Home Trust reports to Equifax and Transunion. This will ensure that your payment and credit history related to your Home Trust Secured credit card is updated with the major Canadians credit bureaus accordingly. You will need to make your payments on time each month to rebuild your credit.

Home Trust will give you back your deposit when you close your account.

The Home Trust secured credit card is one of the best cards in the market that can help you build your credit.

CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card
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Annual Fee: $120
Purchases Interest Rate: Not Available
Cash Advance Interest Rate: Not Available
Min Income Requirement: Not Available
Why Apply:
  • Generous earnings on the first months
  • Perfect for families
  • Unlimited cash back at the 1% rate
  • Valuable insurance
  • Travel in style
Recommended Credit Score:
670 900
Average to Excellent

With the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card, the cash back rewards are endless – especially if you use your credit card mostly for gas and groceries. You can earn up to 4% cash back with no limit on the amount you can earn. It’s the best credit card for gas, groceries and family spending.

 

 

  • Generous earnings on the first months – For the first 4 months, this credit card gives you a 4% cash back on all spend. It’s the perfect way to test if this card suits your lifestyle and spending habits.
  • Perfect for families – With 4% regular cash back on gas and grocery purchases, it’s the right credit card for growing families who spend a lot on these key areas.
  • Unlimited cash back at the 1% rate – Fill your pockets with rewards with no limits on the 1% cash back range. And with the cap set at $80,000 for the 4% cash back, this credit card still gives you the best return for your purchases.
  • Valuable insurance – It comes with purchase protection, emergency medical and trip interruption insurance, accident insurance, and more.
  • Travel in style – Experience luxury worldwide travel and hotel benefits when using this credit card.

The CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card is the perfect card for people who want to get the best possible dividends from their purchases and gas. With this card, you'll get a whopping 4% back on grocery and gas purchases. You'll also get 1% back on everything else.

 

In order to qualify for this card, you need to have a $60k individual income or $100k as a household. You also need to be willing to invest $120 in the annual fee. However, you can quickly recoup your investment by getting the first year for free, plus an astounding 4% cashback on purchases.

 

The 4% cashback is the highest in the Canadian market. You'll never find a card that gives you more than that. What's even better is that there is no limit at how much you can make. Get free medical travel coverage, common accident insurance and loss damage insurance.

 

The CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card also offers you 24/7 concierge services, exclusive hotel deals and luxury travel benefits. With this card, you can also get personalized discounts and cheques at car rentals and enjoy superior dining experiences anywhere VISA is accepted as a payment method.

TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card
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Annual Fee: $120
Purchases Interest Rate: Not Available
Cash Advance Interest Rate: Not Available
Min Income Requirement: Not Available
Why Apply:

 

  • Generous sign-up bonus
  • Rich travel rewards
  • Flexible travel options
  • Full range of travel insurance benefits
Recommended Credit Score:
670 900
Average to Excellent

 

The product of TD's partnership with Expedia, the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card is a great card for travelers. It comes with a host of travel benefits including a flexible points program, generous sign-up bonus and impressive travel insurance coverage.

 

  • Generous sign-up bonus - For a limited time, new applicants can receive up to 100,000 TD bonus points ($800 value when redeemed for travel) 
  • Rich travel rewards- Book your flights or any form of travel on ExpediaforTD.com and get back an equivalent of 4.5% for every dollar spent. This is a lot compared to the 2% reward offered by most travel credit cards in Canada. Plus, ExpediaforTD offers the same access to flights and hotels offered by Expedia.com, giving you a lot of options for flights and hotel packages at your fingertips.
  • Flexible travel options - You can redeem your points for almost everything travel-related such as flights on any airline, hotel stays, car rentals and vacation packages. Points can also be used to cover the cost of taxes and fees as well as be used to redeem merchandise and gift cards from TD's e-store.
  • Full range of travel insurance benefits - Get fully covered and protected with a comprehensive travel insurance that includes $1,000,000 in travel medical coverage and rental car insurance.

The TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card is a great travel and reward credit card with extensive insurance coverage and benefits.

The product of TD's partnership with Expedia, the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card is a great card for travelers. It comes with a host of travel benefits including a flexible points program, generous sign-up bonus and impressive travel insurance coverage.


This credit card taps into one of the largest travel tools out there - Expedia. Not only can card holders use their points to purchase travel products on Expedia for TD, when they make a purchase they earn nine points per dollar spent. That’s one of the quickest ways to earn travel points in Canada! Keep in mind that Expedia for TD has all of the flights, hotels and travel packages that the regular Expedia site has. Fortunately, there are no black out dates or other limitations when booking. Points never expire and can go towards taxes and other fees. If travel isn’t for you, you can also redeem points for merchandise and gift cards through TD. However, this way, you won’t get as much value for your purchase.

 

When you obtain the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite, you will receive a welcome offer of 20,000 points after your first purchase and 80,000 TD Points when you spend $5,000 within 180 days of Account opening. 

 

While enjoying your travels abroad, you will benefit from travel insurance as well with the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite. The main travel insurance coverage includes medical emergency, travel accidents, trip cancellation, car rental insurance, delayed or lost baggage and trip interruption. During your flights, you also can access lounges at a discounted price.

 

All of these features are great, but the card requires a $120 annual fee and income of $60,000 individually or $100,000 among the household(Annual fee waived at this time). Additional users also come with a $50 fee. The good news is that if you have a TD All Inclusive Banking Plan with $5,000 in it at all times, the annual fee will be waived. The bad news is if you dip below $5,000 in that account, you will be charged $30 per month which works out to be more than the annual fee.

 

The TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite is an excellent choice for individuals who travel once a year or more because card holders will earn points quickly on regular purchases. In addition, there are an array of benefits that the card holder can benefit from. So long as you can afford the annual fee and meet the income requirements, consider getting this credit card today!

RBC Avion Visa Business
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Annual Fee: $120
Purchases Interest Rate: Not Available
Cash Advance Interest Rate: Not Available
Min Income Requirement: Not Available
Why Apply:
  • Tempting bonus offer
  • Best travel companion
  • Convenient redemption
  • Simplified business processes
Recommended Credit Score:
670 900
Average to Excellent

With a premium rewards program that gives you the flexibility to redeem points and rewards, we consider the RBC Visa Business Platinum Avion the best business credit card in Canada. It?s great for businesses that spend more than $800 a month and want a comprehensive insurance program for overseas travel and a lucrative welcome bonus on top of the flexibility in redeeming points.

Tempting bonus offer ? You get 15,000 bonus RBC reward points simply by signing up and getting approved, plus a low introductory rate of 1.90% on the first 10 months for balance transfers and advances.
  • Best travel companion ? The perfect card for business owners who constantly travel, it provides 25% more points on travel related purchases and as the ability to transfer points to other travel rewards programs. It also comes with a comprehensive travel insurance package that covers medical, trip interruption and cancellation, and rental car collision and damage protection.
  • Convenient redemption ? Points can be used to redeem flights, vacation packages, merchandise, rentals, balance payment, gift cards for employees, and more.
  • Simplified business processes ? This credit card helps simplify employee reimbursement, accounting, and help identify tax-deductible expenses.

Here are additional advantages that a small business credit card can offer your business to help it grow and be profitable.?

Manage business expenses
Earn rewards for your business spend
Build credit for your business
Simplicity of recordkeeping and reporting, especially around tax time
Maintain control over spending
Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card
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Annual Fee: $120
Purchases Interest Rate: Not Available
Cash Advance Interest Rate: Not Available
Min Income Requirement: Not Available
Why Apply:
  • Welcome bonus
  • No-nonsense rewards
  • Enhanced insurance package
Recommended Credit Score:
670 900
Average to Excellent
Apply Nowlock On Scotiabank's Secure Website

For people who love to eat and drive, the Scotia Momentum VISA Infinite Card is the best rewards credit card with a fee. It provides an unrivaled 4% cash back on food and gas along with 2% on recurring payments and drugstore purchases, and 1% on the rest. On top of that, this card also comes with comprehensive insurance benefits and concierge benefits.

  • Welcome bonus:Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases). No annual fee in the first year, including on supplementary cards.
  • No-nonsense rewards Rewards are clear, transparent, easy to earn and easy to redeem. Cash back rewards are paid out annually either as a deposit to eligible chequing or savings account or credited to your credit card statement.
  • Enhanced insurance package The improved insurance package is comparable with other more premium cards. It provides comprehensive coverage on travel, including rental car collision loss or damage as well as purchase security and extended warranty protection.
  • Additional Perks. Obtain exclusive offers from Scotiabank including concierge service, competitive hotel rates and upgrades, and access to dining and wine country programs.
  • Annual Fee. Gain access to all of the above perks at the cost of $120 after the first year.

Excellent credit card with outstanding benefits and full insurance coverage.

The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite card was the winner of the MoneySense best cashback card with a fee in 2020 - and for good reasons! Card holders earn cash back on all purchases at varying rates. There are also other perks of card ownership including access to exclusive Scotiabank events and offers, plus ample insurance coverage.

  • Special Welcome Offer. Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases). No annual fee in the first year, including on supplementary cards.
  • Tiered Cash Back Rates. Earn 4% cash back for every dollar spent on groceries and recurring bill payments. Earn 2% cash back for every dollar spent on gas and daily transit. Finally, earn 1% cash back for every dollar spent elsewhere.
  • Additional Perks. Obtain exclusive offers from Scotiabank including concierge service, competitive hotel rates and upgrades, and access to dining and wine country programs.
  • Insurance Coverage. Ample coverage comes with this credit card, such as new mobile device, trip cancellation, trip interruption, purchase protection insurance and much more.
  • Annual Fee. Gain access to all of the above perks at the cost of $120 after the first year.
Scotiabank Value® Visa* Card
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Annual Fee: $29
Purchases Interest Rate: Not Available
Cash Advance Interest Rate: Not Available
Min Income Requirement: Not Available
Why Apply:
  • Save on car rentals
  • Optional insurance coverage
  • Faster checkout
  • Free supplement card
Recommended Credit Score:
0 669
Poor or No Credit
Apply Nowlock On Scotiabank's Secure Website

0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first 10 months 

The Scotia Value Visa is aimed at individuals looking for a good balance transfer credit that offers decent privileges and a lower interest rate beyond the introductory promo period. Although it comes with a minimal fee, customers who cannot pay their balance in full can take advantage of the low post-promotional rate of 12.99%. Plus, if you regularly rent cars from Avis, then you might get the best value out of this card.

 

Why We Like It:

  • Save on car rentals -Save up to 25% when you use the Scotia Value Visa to book your rental cars with AVIS and other budget rental car locations in Canada.
  • Optional insurance coverage - For a small fee, depending on the remaining balance on your credit card, you can receive financial protection from a range of life events such as job loss, disability, critical illness, and loss of life.
  • Faster checkout -The payWave feature helps you save time by allowing you to simply wave the card or use the app on your mobile phone to pay for small purchases.
  • Free supplement card - Get an additional supplementary cardholder at no extra charge.

Coming with an annual fee of $29 and a very good interest rate of 12.99% for both purchases and cash advances, the Scotiabank Value® Visa* Card is one of the best credit cards you can find on the market if you're keen on paying a low interest.

 

This card from Scotiabank comes with an amazing introductory offer of 0% for cash advances. Basically, during the first 10 months, you can consolidate your debt and save hundreds of dollars on interest.

 

The only requirement to access this card is a minimum income of $12,000 a year, which is quite low. Most Canadians can get this card with ease. Once you get it, you'll be able to capitalize on certain perks.

 

First, you can pay an interest rate on cash advances of just 0% for the first 6 months. This means the rest of the year. This is one of the most attractive offers you can get this year. Second, you can get a free supplementary card for one of your family members or close friends.

 

Lastly, this card allows you to save 25% on car rentals, get optional protection and pay quickly at the checkout using the Visa app.



The Scotia Value Visa is aimed at individuals looking for a good balance transfer credit that offers decent privileges and a lower interest rate beyond the introductory promo period. Although it comes with a minimal fee, customers who cannot pay their balance in full can take advantage of the low post-promotional rate of 12.99%. Plus, if you regularly rent cars from Avis, then you might get the best value out of this card.
No Fee Home Trust Secured Visa Card
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Annual Fee: $0
Purchases Interest Rate: Not Available
Cash Advance Interest Rate: Not Available
Min Income Requirement: Not Available
Why Apply:
  • Easy application
  • No annual fee
  • Flexible credit limit
  • Low minimum payments
  • Monthly reporting
Recommended Credit Score:
0 669
Poor or No Credit
Apply Nowlock On Home Trust's Secure Website

The Home Trust Secured Visa is designed for individuals who need to rebuild or reestablish their credit. It offers easy approval for anyone and gives you a flexible credit limit, ranging from $500 to $10,000, depending on your security deposit. Of course, it also comes with other benefits such as a 21-day no-interest grace period and no annual fee.

Why We Like It:

  • Easy application – Start rebuilding your credit score immediately. Almost everyone is approved for this secured credit card.
  • No annual fee – You pay absolutely nothing to get and use this credit card.
  • Flexible credit limit – From a minimum deposit of $500, you can get a credit limit scaling at 1:1 all the way up to $10,000. The security deposit will also be reimbursed in full (minus the outstanding balance) should the credit card be cancelled in the future.
  • Low minimum payments – If you want to pay the minimum, you can pay whichever is higher: $10 or 3% of the monthly balance.
  • Monthly reporting – Home Trust reports your progress to major credit agencies each month – jumpstarting your credit repair.

The Home Trust secured credit card is an excellent credit card that enables those who do not have a good credit score to rebuild and reestablish it.

Almost everyone is approved(No credit, poor credit, bankruptcy and  consumer proposal).

To be approved for this secured credit card, the applicants need to provide a security deposit of $500 minimum and be of the age of majority in the province of residence.

This credit card does not offer any rewards but provides a 90 purchase protection to insure eligible items against theft or damage for 90 days from the date of purchase.

Each month Home Trust reports to Equifax and Transunion. This will ensure that your payment and credit history related to your Home Trust Secured credit card is updated with the major Canadians credit bureaus accordingly. You will need to make your payments on time each month to rebuild your credit.

Home Trust will give you back your deposit when you close your account.

The Home Trust secured credit card is one of the best cards in the market that can help you build your credit.

 

Scotiabank Passport®  Visa Infinite* Card
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Annual Fee: $150
Purchases Interest Rate: Not Available
Cash Advance Interest Rate: Not Available
Min Income Requirement: Not Available
Why Apply:
  • Amazing Welcome Offer
  • Bonus Earning Offers
  • Scotia Rewards Earnings
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees
  • Airport Lounge Access
Recommended Credit Score:
740 900
Excellent
Apply Nowlock On Scotiabank's Secure Website

 

For an annual fee of $139, card holders obtain an array of travel benefits including point travel redemption, travel insurance and airport lounge access. Scotiabank boasts about this credit card because it is the only major bank in Canada that offers a credit card with no foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

 

  • Amazing Welcome Offer. When you spend $1,100 on the credit card within the first 12 months of ownership, you’ll earn 40,000 bonus points
  • Bonus Earning Offers. If you spend $40,000 in a year with this credit card, you’ll earn an additional 10,000 points (worth about $100).
  • Scotia Rewards Earnings. Earn 2 Scotia points for every dollar you spend on groceries, dining, entertainment and daily transit. Earn 1 Scotia point for every dollar spent on other purchases.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees. While the exchange rate of your foreign purchases will still apply, you’ll save money on foreign transaction fees which would typically be 2.5%.
  • Airport Lounge Access. A complimentary Priority Pass membership is provided with this credit card along with six free lounge visits per year.

The Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite*Card offers 2 points for every $1 spent on grocery store, dining, entertainment, and transit purchases, and 1 point per $1 on everything else. That’s hardly best-in-class, so why does the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card tie for best Scotiabank travel credit card?

Two reasons: a very lucrative bonus point offer and no foreign transaction fees.

Let’s start with the bonus points. You earn 30,000 welcome points when you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months. That’s worth up to $300, is easy to obtain, and is a solid reason to try this card for a year.

But wait, there’s more. Every year you charge $40,000 to your Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card, you’ll get 10,000 bonus points. If you can hit the $40,000 minimum each year, the 10,000 bonus points will nearly cancel out the $139 annual fee.

If that wasn’t enough, the Scotiabank Passport® Visa*doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees. It comes with a suite of travel insurance benefits, Visa Infinite benefits, and includes six free airport lounge passes.

Home Trust Preferred Visa Card
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Annual Fee: $0
Purchases Interest Rate: Not Available
Cash Advance Interest Rate: Not Available
Min Income Requirement: Not Available
Why Apply:
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign exchange fees
  • 1% Cash back rewards on eligible purchases
Recommended Credit Score:
670 900
Average to Excellent
Apply Nowlock On Home Trust's Secure Website

With no foreign transaction fee and no annual fee in one credit card, what’s not to like about the Home Trust Preferred Visa? And because this is a no fee credit card, all benefits come free.

Why We Like It:

  • No annual fee – You can try it for free.
  • No foreign exchange fees – 0% foreign currency conversion charge when shopping abroad. It’s perfect for online and cross-border purchases – saving you 2.5% of the total cost.

  • 1% Cash back rewards – Regardless of the category, this credit card gives 1% cash back on all eligible purchases. The total cash back balance is credited to your account at the start of each year.
  • Car Rental Collision Insurance included
  • Purchase Security Insurance included


The Home Trust Preferred Visa Card is an excellent credit card for those who would like to save on foreign transactions fees.

This credit card provides 1% cash back rate along with its no foreign transaction fees which is excellent for travelers and online shoppers. In fact, cardholders will be saving 2.5% fees on purchases made outside Canada or in a foreign currency.

The combination of these 2 features make this card a great card to have, especially when there is no annual fee.

One of the most attractive features of the Home Trust Preferred Visa is the cash back rewards. Cash can be earned on all eligible purchases and there is no limit on how much cash you can earn. Your rewards are paid as a credit to your credit card statement annually (every January).

 

In addition to the lucrative cash back rewards, there is no annual fee for this card. There are also secondary benefits that card holders are eligible for including no foreign exchange fees.

 

The most notable of this list is the lack of foreign exchange fees. If you’re an avid traveler or do a lot of online shopping in foreign currencies, the Home Trust Preferred Visa is an excellent choice. Foreign transaction fees might seem like nothing, but they add up, especially when you factor in foreign exchange rates. 

 

Not only is the Home Trust Preferred Visa great from a financial aspect, the bank itself has stellar ideals and makes it their mission to cater to their customers. They aim to provide financial services to individuals who don’t have a typical credit background and can’t reach their financial goals with traditional banks. 

 

There are some drawbacks to using this credit card and working with Home Trust. For one, this card is not accessible in Quebec. In addition, the amount of transactions the cardholder can incur per day is ten. Most credit card users won’t exceed this limit, but it’s a hassle to always have it on your mind. The card also does not allow for tap payments and customer service is not available 24/7, only during business hours.

 

Overall, the Home Trust Preferred Visa is a phenomenal choice. If you’re an individual who travels a lot, this card is especially beneficial considering how rare no foreign transaction fees are in combination with no annual fee. Home Trust is a small, yet effective, bank that delivers to their customers. 

This credit card has a close cousin which is the Home Trust Secured Visa.To get more information read our review on the Home Trust Secured Visa.

TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
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Annual Fee: $139
Purchases Interest Rate: Not Available
Cash Advance Interest Rate: Not Available
Min Income Requirement: Not Available
Why Apply:
  • Earn Aeroplan points on your everyday Purchases.
  • Redeem your rewards any time – Every seat, every flight, no restrictions
    Use Aeroplan points for more than just flights 
  • Peace of mind when travelling
  • Assistance on the road
Recommended Credit Score:
670 900
Average to Excellent

The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card is a versatile credit card that allows you to earn Aeroplan miles, get a comprehensive travel insurance package, and earn rewards at a decent rate. With TD being the official partner of Aeroplan, we consider this one of the best Aeroplan credit card in Canada. It targets members and gives double miles when used together with the Aeroplan membership card.

  • Earn Aeroplan points on your everyday Purchases. Whether you use your TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Card for gas, bills or groceries, you’re rewarded with Aeroplan points that can take you across the globe
  • Redeem your rewards any time – Every seat, every flight, no restrictions
    Every Air Canada seat available to buy for cash is also available for points – no restrictions, no blackout periods.
  • Use Aeroplan points for more than just flights - Redeem your points across your trip, from hotel rooms to car rentals.
  • Peace of mind when travelling – With a medical coverage that includes standard protection and up to $2 million coverage during the first 10 days of a trip, this card lets you travel in peace. In addition, it also offers access to emergency travel assistance as well as delayed and lost baggage insurance.
  • Assistance on the road – This credit card gives you complimentary membership to the company’s TD Auto Club and makes you eligible for free emergency roadside assistance anytime.

The most obvious feature of this credit card is in the name, it has a connection to Aeroplan. Aeroplan is Canada’s frequent flyer program and the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite allows card holders to earn Aeroplan points on daily expenditures. In addition, there is a welcoming bonus of 10,000 bonus Aeroplan points with your first purchase. It doesn’t take much to start earning!

 

Card holders earn 1.5 miles per dollar spent on groceries, pharmacies, gas and Air Canada purchases. One point per dollar spent is earned on all other purchases. A notable benefit of the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite credit card is you can earn points on everyday expenditures which means it’s not challenging to earn at all.

 

In addition to the ease of earning points, cardholders gain access to travel insurance. The insurance covers car rental insurance, delayed or lost baggage, trip cancellation or interruption, flight delay, travel accident and medical emergency expenses. However, insurance only applies when you charge the full cost to your TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite which can be inconvenient when you’re abroad. Finally, cardholders have special Air Canada benefits when you redeem your points for Air Canada flights. These include priority check-in, priority boarding, an annual visit to the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge and a complimentary first checked bag.

 

A pitfall of this credit card is the $139 annual fee. TD will waive the fee for the first year if you have an All-Inclusive Account and have $5,000 or more sitting in that account. Another disadvantage is that it's hard to peg the actual value of the points you earn. The amount of points you need for a flight depends on your desired travel class and destination. TD allows card holders to redeem their points on any Air Canada flight or any other Star Alliance partner airline which gives you ample choice. While the travel points aren’t the best on the market, it can be an extremely favourable card for those who like to travel with Air Canada.

 

All in all, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite card has a lot of advantages, but they’re not the best on the market. Also, the disadvantages can off put the advantages making it subpar. However, it is more attainable than other travel based credit cards on the market and is an excellent choice if you already bank with TD and work with Aeroplan.

Simplii Financial™ Cash Back Visa* Card
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Details
Annual Fee: $0
Purchases Interest Rate: Not Available
Cash Advance Interest Rate: Not Available
Min Income Requirement: Not Available
Why Apply:
Recommended Credit Score:
670 900
Average to Excellent
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If you love to get a lot of cash back on your purchases and you want to see those dollars pouring in, then you'll simply love the Simplii Financial® Cash Back Visa* Card. This "simple" cash back card offers some of the best rewards on the Canadian market, giving you cash back of up to 10%.

 

This amazing card comes with no annual fee and allows you to add up to 3 additional cardholders. It offers you a wide range of rewards, including unlimited cash back, payment app integration, extended protection insurance, purchase security, and extras.

 

In terms of cash back, you'll earn 4% on eligible restaurants and coffee shops, 1.5% on groceries, pre-authorized payments, gas & drugstore purchases, and 0.5% on all other credit card purchases. You can quickly calculate your cash back with the tool on their website.    

 

Optionally, you can add CIBC payment protector insurance and emergency travel medical insurance. To become eligible for this card, all you need to have is a minimum of $15k household income.


How To Maximize Rewards With Visa Credit Cards

Now that you have an overview of Visa Credit Cards and their basic features, it’s time to look at how you can maximize the value you get from them. A few tips on how to get the most out of your Visa Card include:

  •       Understand the reward structure. Does it offer a flat rate? Or do you earn points based on dollars spent? Are there specialized rewards based on certain categories?
  •       Spend money on specific bonus categories. If a card offers points for dining and travel, then use your card specifically for those things whenever possible.
  •       Take advantage of sign-up bonuses. In the first few months of signing up for a card, you may receive a special bonus for spending a certain amount within a given timeframe. Make sure to meet this spending requirement to earn these bonus points.
  •       Remember to redeem your points. Rewards are only valuable if you use them. Most Visa credit cards offer a variety of redemption options, so choose the one that offers the best value for you.

Once you understand how to get the best benefits out of your Visa Credit Card, you also need to ensure you manage your card effectively to avoid unnecessary costs and pitfalls. A few things to keep in mind include:

  •       Pay your balance in full each month. This helps you avoid interest charges and maximize awards. If you’re unable to pay the full balance try to pay more than the minimum payment to reduce interest charges.
  •       Read the terms carefully to avoid additional costs. For example, knowing your grace period (the time between when your billing cycle ends and when your payment is due) can help you avoid interest charges by paying your balance in full each month.
  •       Monitor your account regularly. This can help you spot unusual charges and keep track of spending. Most Visa cards offer online and mobile banking, making it easy to check your account anytime, anywhere.

Safety Measures When Using Visa Credit Cards

Using a Visa credit card comes with certain risks, including fraud risk. Part of managing your account involves taking precautions to ensure you are not placing yourself at risk for fraud. These safety measures include:

  •       Keep your card information secure. Don't share your card number, expiry date, or CVV with anyone.
  •       Set up alerts. Most Visa cards allow you to set up alerts to notify you of any suspicious activity on your account.
  •       Use secure payment terminals. When paying in-store, use payment terminals that are chip-enabled for added security.
  •       Be careful when online shopping. If a website seems sketchy, don’t hand out your card information.


Comparing Visa Credit Cards: Which One Is Right For You?

Choosing the right Visa credit card depends on your lifestyle and spending habits. Here are a few things to consider:

  •       Reward structure: Do you prefer a flat-rate reward card that offers the same number of points for every dollar you spend, or a bonus category card that offers extra points for certain types of spending?
  •       Annual fee: Are you willing to pay an annual fee for a card with more benefits and higher rewards, or do you prefer a no-annual-fee card with fewer perks?
  •       Additional benefits: Would you travel frequently and benefit from travel insurance and airport lounge access, or would you prefer a card with cash-back rewards and extended warranty protection?

Ultimately, which Visa Credit Card you choose is a personal preference. If you need help choosing the right one do some online research or feel free to consult with your bank or a financial advisor.

How to Apply For A Visa Credit Card in Canada

Various Canadian Banks issue Visa Credit Cards, including RBC, TD, Scotiabank, and CIBC. Your current bank most likely issues Visa Credit Cards, so enquire online or via their helpline which options are available.

You can apply for these cards online, in-branch, or over the phone. Before applying, make sure to compare different cards to choose the one that offers the best rewards and benefits for your needs.

Once you receive your Visa Credit Card, you need to activate it to start using it. This is typically done by entering your new card details and personal information into your banking app or by calling the bank customer service number (usually on a sticker on the front of your card) and following the prompts.

Conclusion

Visa Credit Cards are one of the most widely used Credit Cards in the world and offer a wide range of benefits and features to suit consumers. You can use your Visa Credit Card to build up credit, save money, and earn perks and benefits ranging from travel points to insurance.

When you get a Visa Card, you join a large network of cardholders worldwide, and when used correctly this tool will help you reach your long-term financial goals.

Visa Credit Card FAQ's

Q: What is the difference between Visa and Mastercard?

A: Visa and Mastercard are both payment networks that process credit card transactions. The main difference between them is their acceptance. While both are widely accepted worldwide, some places may accept one and not the other.

Q: Can I use my Visa credit card abroad?

A: Yes, Visa credit cards are accepted in over 200 countries and territories worldwide. However, keep in mind that foreign transaction fees may apply.

Q: Can I get a Visa credit card with bad credit?

A: Yes, some banks and financial institutions offer Visa credit cards for people with bad credit. These cards often come with higher interest rates and lower credit limits.

Q: How do I check my Visa credit card balance?

A: You can check your Visa credit card balance by logging into your online banking account or calling your card issuer's customer service number.

Q: How do I pay my Visa credit card bill?

A: You can pay your Visa credit card bill online, by mail, or over the phone. Some issuers also allow you to set up automatic payments to ensure you never miss a payment.

Author Bio

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Mohamed Konate

Mohamed Konate is a personal finance expert, blogger, and marketing consultant based in Toronto. He is a former financial services professional who worked at major Canadian financial institutions for many years. He managed the marketing strategy around various financial products ranging from credit cards to lines of credit. Mohamed is passionate about personal finance and holds a Bachelor's in Business Administration from the University of Quebec (Montreal) and a Master's in International Business from the University of Sherbrooke (Quebec). He is also the author of the Canadian Credit Card Guidebook.