Best credit cards in Canada for March 2025

Cory Santos Credit card expert
Lisa Jackson Author

Fact checked by Scott Birke

Updated Mar 12, 2025

Find your best credit card from over 140 expert-reviewed cards, using our unique credit card comparison tool's filters and over 100 data points—or choose from our Best Credit Cards Canada Award winners, selected by our data, not our partnerships.

While we adhere to strict editorial guidelines, partners on this page may provide us earnings.

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Our methodology

Methodology: Why you can trust our Best Credit Cards Canada list

At Money.ca we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all best credit card in Canada. Our proprietary scoring system used 155 different metrics to analyze over 17,500 data points covering all aspects of a credit card— from welcome bonuses and rewards to travel insurance, airport perks to interest rates and hidden fees— to identify the very best credit cards in the most important categories.

For more, watch our video below and check our credit card review methodology. For each category below, the Star Rating (out of 5) for each card is an overall score, not how it performed for that specific category. Some cards won multiple categories. You can also compare cards by reading all of Money.ca's credit card reviews.

Finally, Money.ca's partnerships have no impact on our ratings, which are solely determined by the strengths of each card alone by our team of credit card experts. 

Best credit cards overall

Best credit cards in Canada overall

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How we picked the gold, silver and bronze overall credit cards

For the best overall credit card in Canada, our on-staff credit card experts compared all of the major details of over 120 credit cards—across all categories. We rewarded high overall scores across every category, as well as high earn rates combined with low annual fees, and overall accessibility.

Card

Welcome Offer

Compared to over 120 cards using over 17,500 metrics, Money.ca's proprietary system scores the Amex Cobalt for:

  • Well-above-average scores on most metrics
  • Good points earn rates in a variety of categories
  • High versatility of points

The Amex Cobalt is perfect for those with varied spending habits; in other words, most people. Here’s how the Amex Cobalt card breaks down across key credit card components: The Cobalt offers a very achievable welcome bonus for new accounts:

  • Earn up to 15,000 Welcome Bonus Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $150 in value.

Amex Cobalt disclosures:

  • Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.

    American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Best rewards cards

Best credit cards for rewards

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How we picked the gold, silver and bronze rewards credit cards

We researched all major rewards credit cards in the Canadian market, using our proprietary algorithm to compare them by earn rates and the relative quality of rewards programs. For more rewards cards, read Money.ca's full list of best rewards credit cards.

Card

Welcome Offer

The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* wins the best rewards card overall thanks to its impressive Aeroplan bonus categories on purchases, luxurious Air Canada perks and robust travel and purchase protection insurance benefits. Add a massive welcome bonus to that, and you have the makings of an exceptional rewards credit card. Read more in our TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege review.

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* disclosures:

  • This offer is not available for residents of Quebec. For Quebec residents, please click here.

    The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button. Sponsored Content.

    †Terms and conditions apply.

Best cash back cards

Top credit cards for cash back

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How we picked the gold, silver and bronze cash back credit cards

We analyzed all major Canadian cash back credit cards, using our proprietary algorithm to compare them by cash back rates and annual fees. For more cash back cards, read Money.ca's full list of best cash back credit cards.

Card

Welcome Offer

If we could build the ideal premium cash back rewards card, it would pretty much look like this. As far as rewards credit cards go, the CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card makes earning and redeeming cash back almost effortless. Here's why it's our best cash back credit card:

  • High earn rate: Earn 4% cash back on eligible gas, EV charging, and grocery purchases†
  • Cash back on everyday spend: Earn 2% cash back on eligible transportation, dining purchases and recurring payments†
  • Comprehensive Insurance:  Includes travel and purchase protection, out-of-province medical insurance, and auto rental collision/loss damage coverage

CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite* disclosures:

  • †Terms and Conditions Apply. This offer is not available for the residents of Quebec.
  • The information for the CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card has been collected independently by Money.ca. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Best balance transfer

Best credit cards for balance transfers

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How we picked our gold, silver and bronze balance transfer credit cards

We used our proprietary algorithm to compare all major Canadian balance transfer credit cards by balance transfer fees, rates and welcome offers. For more balance transfer cards, read Money.ca's full list of best balance transfer credit cards.

Card

Welcome Offer

You just can't beat a 0% balance transfer offer (even with a 3% fee) because it gives you a whole year, 365 days to pay down that balance. And there's no annual fee, so it's a credit card that really helps you pay down debt without costing you a big upfront payment. If you're looking for a new balance transfer card, the MBNA True Line is a great bet with its:

  • No annual fee
  • 0% promotional annual interest rate (“AIR”)† on transfers

MBNA True Line Mastercard disclosures:

  • †, ✪, Terms and Conditions apply.

    This offer is not available for residents of Quebec. For residents of Quebec, please click here.

    Sponsored advertising. MBNA is a division of The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) and TD is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete information on this MBNA credit card, please click on the “Apply Now” button.

    The Toronto-Dominion Bank is the issuer of this credit card. MBNA is a division of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. ®MBNA and other-trademarks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.

Best no annual fee cards

Top credit cards with no annual fee

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How we picked our gold, silver and bronze no annual fee credit cards

We used Money.ca's proprietary algorithm to compare all major Canadian no annual fee credit cards by earn rates, welcome offers and any other perks. For more no annual fee cards, read Money.ca's full list of best no annual fee credit cards.

Card

Welcome Offer

What's better than a credit card with no annual fee? One that rewards you with an impressive up to 3% (up to a monthly max of $500) cash back on groceries. Here are a few more reasons we like the BMO CashBack® MasterCard®*.

  • Generous cash back
  • Lucrative welcome bonus
  • Balance transfer offer
  • No annual fee

BMO CashBack Mastercard disclosures:

  • *Terms and conditions apply.
  • BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
Best low APR cards

Best low interest credit cards

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How we picked our gold, silver and bronze low interest credit cards

Our credit card experts used Money.ca's proprietary algorithm to compare all major low interest rate credit cards by annual percentage rate (APR), welcome offer rates and any other perks. For more low APR cards, read Money.ca's full list of best low interest credit cards.

Card

Welcome Offer

Well, if you're looking for a low interest rate credit card in Canada, it's not subjective, it's fact. So, if you're in credit card debt now, you can snap up the balance transfer offer with the MBNA True Line to pay off the debt and use the MBNA True Line Gold as your go-to card for new expenses.  The MBNA annual percentage rate (APR) is a low 12.99% for purchases. 

MBNA True Line Gold Mastercard disclosures:

  • †, ✪, Terms and Conditions apply.

    This offer is not available for residents of Quebec. For residents of Quebec, please click here.

    Sponsored advertising. MBNA is a division of The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) and TD is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete information on this MBNA credit card, please click on the “Apply Now” button.

    The Toronto-Dominion Bank is the issuer of this credit card. MBNA is a division of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. ®MBNA and other-trademarks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.

Best grocery cards

Best credit cards for groceries

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How we picked our gold, silver and bronze grocery credit cards

Our credit card experts used Money.ca's proprietary algorithm to compare all major grocery credit cards by earn rates, welcome offers and any other perks. For more cards with high earn rates on grocery purchases, read Money.ca's full list of best grocery credit cards.

Card

Welcome Offer

While you might expect the PC World Elite Mastercard (great for Loblaws, No Frills, Shoppers Drug Mart) or the Scotiabank Scene+ Visa card with rewards at FreshCo and Sobeys, the fact is, it's hard to beat the right 5% cash back on groceries with the premium BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®* .

  • High cash back rates on groceries: Earn 5% cash back on groceries
  • Lucrative sign-up bonus: Get up to 10% cash back in your first 3 months and the $120 annual fee waived in the first anniversary*.

BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®* disclosures:

  • *Terms and conditions apply.
  • BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
Best gas cards

Best credit cards in Canada for gas

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How we picked our gold, silver and bronze gas credit cards

We used our proprietary algorithm to compare all major gas credit cards by earn rates, welcome offers and perks like rental car insurance and CAA benefits. For more cards with high earn rates on grocery purchases, read Money.ca's full list of best gas credit cards.

Card

Welcome Offer

Again?! Yup, the BMO CashBack World Elite credit card is our top pick for gas and EV charging rewards, too. Ok, so the CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card or Amex Simply Cash Preferred credit cards have a higher cash back rate on gas compared to BMO card. However, if you're on the road enough where you value gas, you can save even more with roadside assistance with a free membership in the Dominion Automobile Association (DAA).

BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®* disclosures:

  • *Terms and conditions apply.
  • BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
Best travel cards

Top credit cards for travel

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How we picked our gold, silver and bronze travel credit cards

We compared all major travel credit cards by earn rates, insurance offerings, annual fee, welcome offers and any other associated perks. For more travel cards, read Money.ca's full list best travel credit cards.

Card

Welcome Offer

Among all the best travel credit cards in Canada, we like the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card for its exceptional welcome bonus, massive array of Air Canada travel perks and airport lounge access passes. Here's why it's our best credit card for travel.

  • Great for Air Canada flyers: Maximize points on Air Canada purchases and frequent travel categories.
  • Generous welcome bonus: Get up to 40,000 Aeroplan points† in your first year.
  • Travel insurance: Extensive coverage for flight delays, baggage, medical emergencies, trip cancellations, auto rentals, and more.

CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card disclosures:

  • The information for the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card has been collected independently by Money.ca. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
  • †Terms and Conditions Apply. This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
Best welcome offers

Best credit cards for welcome bonus

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How we picked our gold, silver and bronze credit cards for welcome offers

We compared all major credit cards by the quality of their welcome offers in the context of their annual fees. For more on sign-up offers and welcome bonuses, read Money.ca's full list of best credit card offers, updated every month.

Card

Welcome Offer

It's the welcome bonus: Earn up to $3,000 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points†. Conditions Apply. Offer effective as of January 7, 2025. and how the  TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* earns its points: 

  • Earn 2 points† for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®)
  • Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery, travel and dining purchases
  • Earn 1.25 points† for every $1 spent on all other purchases made with your Card
  • Earn points twice when you pay with your Card and provide your Aeroplan number at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and at 170+ online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore (www.aeroplan.com/estore)

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* disclosures:

  • This offer is not available for residents of Quebec. For Quebec residents, please click here.

    The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button. Sponsored Content.

    †Terms and conditions apply.

Best student cards

Best credit cards in Canada for students

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How we picked our gold, silver and bronze credit cards for students

We compared all major student credit cards by annual fees, interest rates, welcome offers and perks for students. For more on student credit cards, read Money.ca's full list of best student credit cards.

Card

Welcome Offer

The RBC ION+ Visa understands what students need. Here's why it's our best student card:

The welcome bonus is particularly generous and easy to reach for most Canadians: Get 14,000 Avion points upon approval - that’s $100 of value in gift cards! Apply by May 7, 2025.

RBC ION+ Visa disclosures:

  • Refer to RBC page for up to date offer terms and conditions.

    This post contains affiliate links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

    Disclaimer: Money.ca may engage in affiliate marketing, which is done by embedding tracking links into Money.ca. If you click on a link for an affiliate partnership, a cookie will be placed on your browser to track any sales for purposes of commissions.

Best card networks

What are the best credit cards networks in Canada by popularity?

The best credit cards by popularity vary depending on the type, such as travel rewards, cash back offers, or low-fee options. Recent insights from YouGov categorize the top cards by their payment networks, including Visa and Mastercard, with an additional analysis by age group to assist you in choosing the most suitable option for those within your age bracket.

Ages 18-24:

  • Visa: 33% market share
  • Mastercard: 16% market share

Ages 25-35:

  • Visa: 41% market share
  • Mastercard: 27% market share

Ages 55 and over:

  • Mastercard: 37% market share (leads in this group)
  • Visa: 33% market share

All age groups combined:

  • Visa: 34.4% market share
  • Mastercard: 33.44% market share (nearly equal to Visa).
Best customer service

What's the best credit card company for customer service?

Choosing the right credit card isn't just about rewards and fees—it’s also about customer service. This includes how easy it is to get help and the options for contacting support. At Money.ca, we know firsthand how important good customer service and short hold times can be. When we talk to our writers about their best and worst experiences, long wait times often come up as a common frustration.

To shore up our best credit card rankings, we charted J.D. Power’s Canada Credit Card Satisfaction Studies from 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. In addition to some credit card issuers consistently performing better than others, like Tangerine, 2023 highlights a declining trend in customer satisfaction across Canadian issuers.

If customer satisfaction was the only determining factor, the best credit card issuers in Canada would continually be Tangerine, Canadian Tire Financial, and PC Financial. Traditional issuers like RBC credit cards and BMO credit cards consistently rank in the middle or the bottom with MBNA bringing up the rear.

Compare by category

Types of credit cards in Canada

How to choose the right credit card category for your needs

Your friends may want a travel credit card to book an upcoming vacation, while you'd rather earn cash back. Not to worry, there are hundreds of Canadian credit cards to serve each unique purpose. Here's what to look for in credit card categories. 

Type
What to look for
0% APR
Pay attention to the introductory APR period and whether it applies to purchases, balance transfers or both. Most 0% APR credit cards offer between 3 and 12 months of no interest for new accounts.
Low interest
A low-interest credit card offers a very low standard interest rate on new purchases (typically between 8.49% and 12.99%). The rate is not promotional and doesn’t expire. If you tend to carry a balance or need to spread out your payments over several months, a low-interest credit card is a smart way to minimize the amount of interest you’ll pay.
No fee
A great no fee credit card, well, lacks an annual fee. When comparing no fee cards look at things like the ongoing purchase APR, hidden fees on transfers or foreign transactions and rewards.
Balance transfer
Like a 0% intro APR credit card, the best balance transfer credit cards should have a lengthy balance transfer promotional APR, sometimes with a low (or waived) balance transfer fee. Although a balance transfer can potentially save you a massive amount in interest payments, it’s not always a financially shrewd step in every circumstance, and you should weigh a number of important considerations before determining if a balance transfer is the right move for you.
No foreign transaction fees
Cards with no foreign transaction fees can save you big money when travelling or purchasing items abroad. Make sure you focus on things like travel insurance, rewards and premium options like airport lounge access, free bags and more.
Cash back rewards
Carefully weigh the annual fee, interest rates, and rewards earn rates when comparing cash back credit cards. The best cash back options may charge an annual fee but these cards offer huge cash back potential and robust spending caps.
Lifestyle rewards
The best rewards credit cards allows you to earn incentives for eligible purchases charged onto the card. Some cards are tied to one loyalty program (e.g. AIR MILES, Aeroplan, PC Optimum Points, Scotia Rewards, etc.), while others offer cash back, flight rewards, merchandise discounts, statement credits, free hotel stays, or other benefits. Some are even designed to remunerate specific spending categories – like groceries, gas, dining out, or travel. The pay-off is plenty! 
Travel rewards
The best travel credit cards often feature perks that would especially appeal to globetrotters, such as premium travel insurance packages, airport lounge access and discounts on rental cars. The amount of the rewards generated by the card (the ‘earn rate’) can be a flat rate based on your overall spending or can vary depending on specific spending categories.
Student
A wonderful way to establish a credit score, student credit cards are designed specifically for university/college students who have no credit history and no regular income. They tend to have a low credit limit, less (but still attractive) reward-earning potential, an easy application process and no annual fee.
Bad credit
While lacking all the frills of a premium card, you’ll get the convenience and security of using a credit card. Unlike regular credit cards (AKA unsecured cards), secured credit cards require that cardholders provide a cash deposit—of an equal or greater amount than their credit limit—to guarantee repayment of their balance. 
Secured
Secured cards are often issued to people with poor credit histories or have no credit whatsoever. Secured credit cards are backed by a cash deposit from the cardholder. But just like the regular credit cards, you have a monthly minimum payment and once you pay, your viable credit goes up again.
Business
Business credit cards focus on the specific needs of cardholders who run a company. Rather than offering rewards for spending on things like groceries or ride-share programs, they typically feature perks and up the earn rate of categories business owners can really use, like travel expenses, group cell phone plans, office supplies and internet use. Many have nice extras like zero-liability employee cards, longer interest-free grace periods and generous insurance packages.
Prepaid/debit
Prepaid cards are best when you don’t want to risk going into debt. You preload the card with the amount you wish to spend. The drawback is that a prepaid card does not have any impact on your credit score.

Realistically, you probably won’t find one credit card that ranks #1 in every spending category, but you can cover all your bases by reading our guide: How many credit cards should I have?


Compare by network

Compare credit cards by network

In Canada, we have three major credit card networks: Amex, Mastercard, and Visa. Each network has its own requirements from income to credit score and offer a variety of perks to match your dreams and desires. 

Compare by issuer

Compare credit cards by bank

FAQs

Best credit card in Canada FAQs

  • How do I compare Canadian credit card interest rates?

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    When comparing credit card interest rates, consider the Annual Percentage Rate (APR), which determines how much it will cost you if you don't pay it off each month. Look for cards with a lower APR if you plan to carry a balance. Compare introductory rates and make sure you consider how they might change after the introductory welcome offer period has expired.

  • How do balance transfer credit cards differ and how should I compare them?

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    Canadian balance transfer credit cards offer low or 0% introductory APRs on transferred balances for a set period of time — usually 6 months or less. To compare these offers, take a loot at the length of the introductory period, the balance transfer fee (typically 3-5% of the transferred amount), and the regular APR after the introductory period ends.

  • What should I look for when comparing credit card reward programs?

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    When comparing reward programs, consider the type of rewards (cash back, points, miles etc.), the earning rate, and any caps or expiration dates on rewards. If these are rewards points or miles, consider the redemption options and how they'd work for your personal situation and financial goals, plus any restrictions on how rewards can be used. To learn more, check out our best travel rewards programs guide,

  • How can I compare credit card fees and charges?

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    To compare credit card fees, look at the annual fee, late payment fees, foreign transaction fees, and balance transfer fees. Some cards may waive the annual fee for the first year or offer lower fees for certain transactions, but it's important to consider how you'll be using this card to find the best option for your spending habits.

  • What factors should I consider when comparing credit card benefits and perks?

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    Compare common credit card benefits like travel insurance, purchase protection, extended warranties, and concierge services. Evaluate the value of these perks based on your spending habits, lifestyle and how you'll be spending with your new credit card. Some cards also offer exclusive access to events, while others offer discounts with certain retailers.

  • How do I compare Canadian credit cards for international use?

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    For international use, compare foreign transaction fees, which can range from 0-3%. Look for Canadian credit cards that offer travel benefits such as no foreign transaction fees, chip-and-PIN capability, travel insurance, and emergency assistance. Also, consider the global acceptance of the card's network (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) to ensure it's accepted where you plan to use it.

  • How do I get the best Canadian credit card welcome offers?

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    Money.ca has a Canadian credit card offers page, which we update every month, and which features the best welcome bonus offers and top credit card deals available in Canada.

  • What are the different credit card companies in Canada?

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    You have the big 5 banks: TD, RBC, Scotiabank, CIBC, and BMO. Then you have subsidiary brands like Tangerine (Scotia) and MBNA (TD), store cards like Rogers Bank, Canadian Tire, and Walmart, and upstarts like KOHO, Brim, EQ, and NEO.

  • Is one credit card network better than the others?

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    Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted networks. These cards are accepted just about anywhere in the world you go and can be used online with most retailers. But there are several American Express credit cards that frequently sit at the top of best credit card lists.

  • What minimum income do you need to qualify for a credit card?

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    Credit cards may or may not have strict income requirements. Depending on the card you’re applying for, these requirements could be low – $15,000 is a fairly common minimum – or much higher – $100,000 or more. As a rule, the more premium the card, the higher the minimum accepted income.

  • What is the best credit card to establish credit?

    +

    For establishing credit in Canada, a great option is the Home Trust Secured Visa. It offers a choice between two interest rate and annual fee options, making it suitable for those building credit. This card requires a minimum credit score of 300, making it accessible to those with limited or no credit history. It's important to choose a card that reports to credit bureaus and to manage it responsibly to build a good credit history

  • Which bank is the best to get a credit card?

    +

    In Canada, top banks for credit cards include Scotiabank for high rewards, Tangerine for no-fee and customizable options, American Express for flexible rewards and cash back, and TD Bank for travel benefits. Other notable banks are CIBC, RBC, BMO, and National Bank, each offering diverse card options​

Last updated March 07, 2025
Cory Santos Credit card expert

Cory Santos is a finance writer, editor and credit card expert with nearly a decade of experience in personal finance. Cory joined Wise Publishing from BestCards, with bylines in numerous print and digital publications across North America, including the Miami Herald, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Debt.ca, AOL, MSN and Medium as well as financial podcasts like KOFE Talk.

Lisa Jackson Author

Lisa Jackson is a freelance personal finance and travel journalist, editor, and blogger who contributes to various online and print media outlets in Canada and abroad, including The Globe & Mail, Toronto Star, Islands Magazine, Fodors, BRIDES, Huffington Post Canada, CAA Magazine, The Food Network, West Jet Magazine, NUVO Magazine, and many others. When she's not writing from her home office, she's busy globe-trotting to new destinations in search of her next story.

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