Best credit cards for online shopping in Canada

Fact checked by Tyler Wade

Updated Jan 22, 2025

Here's our best credit cards for online shopping - from cash back, no foreign-exchange fees to extended warranties, we cover it all the perks you'll get.

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

Online shopping credit cards give you the power to save money and earn rewards on the items you'd normally buy anyway, just from the comfort of your home.

Are you paying more than you need to for your online purchases? Take advantage of all the features and benefits offered by a shopping credit card to save you money.

From cash back to no foreign-exchange fees and extended warranties, you have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to picking a credit card to match your online spending habits. Here are our online shopping picks from our best credit cards Canada list, designed to save you money and protect your purchases online.

3 best online shopping credit cards

SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express

Apply Now

Earn a bonus 10% cash back on purchases in your first 3 months (up to $2,000 in purchases)

$119.88 Annual Fee

Excellent Recommended Credit Score

MBNA Rewards World Elite® Mastercard®

Apply Now

Earn up to 30,000 bonus MBNA Rewards Points†† for cash back, gift cards and more.

$120 Annual Fee

Good Recommended Credit Score

$80,000 Required Annual Personal Income

Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard®

Apply Now

Get 5% back at Amazon.ca, Whole Foods Market stores in Canada, grocery stores and restaurants. Valid for the first 6 months, on your first $3,000 in eligible purchases††.

$0 Annual Fee

Fair Recommended Credit Score

$0 Required Annual Personal Income

  • Why you can trust Money.ca's best online shopping credit cards in Canada list

    +

    Money.ca rates all credit cards on a numeric scale of 1 to 5 stars, with 1 being the lowest and 5 the highest rating, respectively. Money.ca’s proprietary scoring formulas break down the confusing language, complex points, rewards and earn rates to give you the real data that caters to your needs first, not ours.

    Our partnerships have no impact on our ratings, which are solely determined by the merits of each card. To learn more about how we researched and ranked these cards, read our full credit card review methodology.

Best for cash back

Best online shopping card with unlimited cash back

bonus 10% cash back

Welcome Bonus

$892.12

First Year Value

$642.12

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Earn a bonus 10% cash back on purchases in your first 3 months (up to $2,000 in purchases).

Learn More Apply Now On American Express' Secure Site

The SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express offers one of the highest cash back rates on the market. If you’re making lots of online purchases, you can’t do much better.

Once the promotional period ends, you’ll still enjoy a stellar earn rate of 4% cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada, 4%  cash back on eligible grocery store purchases in Canada (up to $1,200 cash back annually) and 2% cash back on all other purchases. This incredible cash back rate combined with the Buyer’s Assurance and Purchase Protection insurance for purchases made with the card make it the best credit card for online shopping. The only downside is that Amex isn’t accepted everywhere (though there is no shortage of partnering retailers).

Key features of the Amex SimplyCash Preferred:

  • Welcome bonus: Earn bonus 10% cash back.
  • Additional perks: Buyer’s Assurance extends manufacturer’s warranty by up to one additional year; Purchase Protection insurance in the event of damage or theft within 90 days of purchase.

Disclosures:

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

Read more: Where is Amex accepted in Canada

Best for protection

Best credit card for online shopping with price protection

up to 30,000 points

Welcome Bonus

$900

First Year Value

$600

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 30,000 bonus MBNA Rewards Points†† for cash back, gift cards and more. Conditions Apply.

Learn More Apply Now On MBNA Credit Cards' Secure Site

The MBNA Rewards World Elite® Mastercard® is one of the few credit cards that offer Price Protection. If you buy something with your card and then find the same item advertised elsewhere at a lower price within 60 days of making your purchase, you can get a refund for the difference, up to $500 per item and up to $1,000 per year. If you’ve ever agonized about getting the best deal when online shopping, you can rest easy with Price Protection knowing you’ll have it no matter what.

Key features:

  • Welcome bonus: Earn up to 30,000 bonus MBNA Rewards Points†† for cash back, gift cards and more.
  • Additional perks: Get an extra 10% of all the points you accumulate annually; Price Protection; Mobile Device Insurance; Purchase Assurance and Extended Warranty.
  • Price protection: If you purchase an eligible item with your card and find the same product advertised in Canada at a lower price within 60 days of the purchase, the difference will be refunded subject to a maximum of $500 per item and a calendar year maximum of $1,000 per account. Certain conditions and exclusions apply.

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.

Read more: Best loyalty rewards programs in Canada

Best no annual fee

Best online shopping credit card with no annual fee

5% back

Welcome Bonus

$456

First Year Value

$306

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Get 5% back at Amazon.ca, Whole Foods Market stores in Canada, grocery stores and restaurants. Valid for the first 6 months, on your first $3,000 in eligible purchases††.

Learn More Apply Now On MBNA Credit Cards' Secure Site

The MBNA Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard is one of the few cards in Canada that specifically offers a special cash back rate for online purchases at Amazon.ca.

Get 5% back at Amazon.ca, Whole Foods Market stores in Canada, grocery stores and restaurants. Valid for the first 6 months, on your first $3,000 in eligible purchases††.

If you're a Prime Member, you can earn 2.5% cash back you can use towards purchases at Amazon.ca and Whole Foods, plus you'll save on foreign transaction fees. 

The Amazon credit card from MBNA also comes with Purchase Protection to the tune of $60,000 per year, ensuring you're protected no matter what life throws at you.

NOTE: This is not a typical cash back credit card, you'll get your cash back in Amazon.ca credits

Key features:

  • Impressive rewards at Amazon: Eligible Prime members get 2.5% back on eligible purchases at Amazon.ca and Whole Foods Market stores.
  • Additional perks: Extended warranty insurance, Purchase assurance

Disclosures:

  • *Terms and Conditions apply
  • ®/TM Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Used pursuant to license
Best international

Best credit card for online shopping abroad

$216

First Year Value

$0

Annual Value

Learn More Apply Now On Home Trust's Secure Site

The Home Trust Preferred Visa stands out as one of the few cards with no annual fee offering both cash back and no foreign transaction fees. It also has a low minimum personal income requirement, making it easier to get than some competitors on this list. Earn 1% back on all eligible purchases.

If you frequently make online purchases from US or other international retailers, the Home Trust Preferred Visa is the best card for you. No other no annual fee cash back card waives the transaction fee you would normally pay for purchases in foreign currencies.

Key features:

  • Cash back: Earn 1% back on all eligible purchases (foreign transactions are excluded).
  • Additional perks: No foreign transaction fees; Purchase Protection insurance in the event of damage or theft within 90 days of purchase.

Disclosures:

  • Not available for residents of Quebec
  • *Cash advances, balance transfers, interest, fees and foreign transactions (including online purchases in foreign currencies) are not eligible for CashBack Rewards 
Best prepaid

Best prepaid or debit card for online shopping

$20 sign-up bonus

Welcome Bonus

$0

First Year Value

$0

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Get a 30-day free trial for any KOHO plan. Get a $20 sign-up bonus on your first $20 transaction.

Learn More Apply Now On Koho's Secure Site

KOHO’s prepaid card offers all the perks of a luxury credit card, but is also an incredible budgeting and savings tool that can help you build credit with responsible use. 

If you’re looking for the convenience and ease of a credit card for online shopping, but don’t actually want to apply for credit, KOHO is your best bet. That's because you can’t actually spend more money than you’ve loaded to your KOHO card, you’ll never have to deal with a bill coming later.

Beyond the account and credit-building features, the KOHO debit card also earns impressive rewards:

  • Earn 1% cash back on groceries, eating & drinking, and transportation.
  • Earn 2.5% interest on both your spending and savings account.
  • Earn up to 50% extra cash back from select merchants.

Key features:

  • Additional perks: No foreign transaction fees and one free international ATM withdraw per month (both apply for Extra version only).
Best USD

Best online shopping card for USD

Rogers Red Mastercard®

$60 cash back

Welcome Bonus

$0

First Year Value

$0

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Earn $60 cash back when you make a mobile wallet purchase within the first 90 days and 6 automatic payments within the first 8 months.

Apply Now On Rogers Bank's Secure Site

The Rogers Red Mastercard is an interesting options thanks to its lack of an annual fee and ability to earn cash back on USD purchases. Earn 2% unlimited cash back on all eligible non-U.S. dollar purchases if you have 1 qualifying service with Rogers, Fido or Shaw. Earn 1% unlimited cash back on eligible non-U.S. dollar purchases.

Key features:

  • No annual fee: $0 annual fee
  • Roaming data: Get 5 Roam Like Home days at no cost every year for Rogers mobile plans (up to $75 value).
  • Additional perks: Get 5 Roam Like Home days at no cost every year for Rogers mobile plans (up to $75 value).

Disclosures:

  • †Terms and conditions apply. Rogers Bank is not responsible for maintaining or controlling the accuracy of the information published on this website. For full and up-to-date product information, visit Rogersbank.com.
Honourable mention

Honourable mention: credit card for online shopping

$153

First Year Value

$0

Annual Value

Learn More Apply Now On Neo's Secure Site

The Neo Credit Card in Canada offers enticing benefits for online shoppers, with partners like Lululemon.
Earn up to 4% cashback on gas and groceries purchases. Earn up to 1% cash back on everything else.

Key features:

  • Additional perks: Incredible app to help you manage your money better.

Disclosures:

  • *Terms and Conditions apply.
  • ®/TM Mastercard and World Elite are registered trademarks, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Used pursuant to license.

Top tip: Let AI power your fraud protection

Opt for cards with advanced AI-powered fraud detection to protect your online transactions. Canadian credit card issuers are at the forefront of adopting AI-powered fraud detection to protect their customers' online transactions.

The following Canadian banks use machine learning and AI algorithms to help track for potential fraud:

Canada's top retailers

🏋️‍♀️Who are Canada's biggest online retailers?

Here are the biggest online retailers Canadians should be aware of:

Retailer Specialties
Amazon Department store, electronics, groceries, pharmacy, home goods, other services
Superstore Groceries, home goods, electronics
Canadian Tire Home goods, automotive, department store
Costco Wholesale, groceries, electronics, pharmacy
Walmart Department store, electronics, groceries, pharmacy, home goods, other services
ASOS Clothing, home goods

Choosing the right online store is like picking the perfect dance partner for your credit card. Each of these Canadian faves has its own rhythm:

  • 🎵 Amazon's got the beat for... well, everything!
  • 🥁 Superstore's drumming up grocery convenience
  • 🎸 Canadian Tire's rocking the home and auto scene
  • 🎷 Walmart's jazzing up everyday low prices
  • 🎺 Costco's blasting big savings on bulk buys
  • 🥁 ASOS is your one-stop-shop for the latest threads and trends
What to look for

When comparing and browsing the best Canadian credit cards for online shopping look out for the following key features:

Rewards

  • Cash back: Look for cards that shower you with extra cash back when you click that "Buy Now" button. It's like getting a discount on top of those sweet online deals!
  • Points & miles: Some cards are point-scoring machines for online purchases. You can save these points and redeem them later for credits, flights, gift cards and more.
  • Shop and save: Keep an eye out for cards with special partnerships. Your favorite online stores might be hiding some extra perks!

Welcome bonuses

  • New card, new perks: Many top-notch cards roll out the red carpet for newbies with jaw-dropping sign-up bonuses.
  • Free money alert: Want free money? Okay, not exactly free, but pretty close! These bonuses can put a nice chunk of change back in your wallet.

Purchase protection

  • Shop without stress: Look for cards that offer purchase protection. It's like a safety net for your online shopping trapeze act!
  • Oops-proof shopping: The best cards have your back with protection against damage, loss, or theft of your shiny new purchases.
  • Fraud? Not on my card: Zero liability policies mean you're not on the hook for any funny business. Shop with peace of mind, friend!

By choosing the right credit card, you're not just buying stuff; you're earning rewards, protecting your purchases, and maybe even scoring some sweet bonuses along the way. It's like turning your everyday spending into a treasure hunt!

Pros and cons

Pros and cons of online shopping credit cards

Pros

Pros

  • Rewards, rewards, rewards: Many credit cards offer cashback, points, or miles for your online purchases, making them ideal for maximizing rewards and saving money

  • Fraud and purchase protection: Credit cards are your financial bodyguard in the wild west of the internet. If someone gets their sticky virtual fingers on your card info, you're usually not on the hook for unauthorized charges

  • Convenience: No need to enter your bank details every time you shop. Just click, buy, and you're done. It's shopping at the speed of light (and on your terms)

Cons

Cons

  • Interest charges: If you don't pay off your balance in full each month, those interest rates can bite

  • Annual fees: Some rewards cards come with hefty annual fees. You've got to do the math to see if the perks outweigh the cost

  • Potential security risks: While credit cards offer protection, using them online still exposes you to potential fraud

Top tip: Price protection

Some cards offer price protection. If you find a lower price after purchase, you might be eligible for a refund of the difference.

Sadly, price protection is becoming as rare as a unicorn sighting in the Great White North, but some American Express cards (and select Mastercard credit cards) still offer price protection on some premium cards.

Summary of picks

Summary of the best credit cards for online shopping

Online shopping credit cards Annual fee + Shopping perk Get started
American Express SimplyCash® Preferred Card Annual fee: $$9.99 per month. Additional cards are free.
(Equals a total fee of $119.88 annually)

Shopping perk: Base earn rate of 2% cash back has no limit on the amount you can earn
Apply now
MBNA Rewards World Elite® Mastercard® Annual fee:
Shopping perk: Price protection
Apply now
Amazon Mastercard Annual fee: $0

Shopping perk: Unlimited cash back, or with Prime membership, get 2.5% back at Amazon.ca and no foreign currency exchange
Apply now
Home Trust Preferred Visa Annual fee: $0
Shopping perk: No foreign transaction fees and 1% back on all eligible purchases
Apply now
KOHO Annual fee: $48
Shopping perk: Earn extra cash back at partnered merchants like Altitude sports, Branch furniture and Well.ca
Apply now
Neo Credit card Annual fee: $0
Shopping perk: Earn extra cash back from retail partners like Amazon, Roots and Lululemon
Apply now
Rogers Red Mastercard Annual fee: $0
Shopping perk: 2% back on all eligible non-U.S. dollar purchases for eligible Rogers customers
Apply now
Conclusion

Final word

Though there are many ways to save when you shop online, finding the right credit card that will serve your personal spending habits is a big part of that! Where you shop online and what you buy will determine whether you need a card with no foreign transaction fees or an extended warranty benefit. Personal preferences, like whether you want cash back or rewards points, will also influence your decision. Don’t dismiss cards with annual fees if they provide enough additional benefits to make up for the cost.

FAQs

FAQs

  • Why should I look for a credit card with no foreign transaction fees for online shopping?

    +

    When shopping online from a retailer outside of Canada, you’re spending money in USD or another currency. Your cash will need to be converted from CAD to the foreign currency at the exchange rate. Furthermore, most credit cards also charge a foreign transaction fee of 2% to 3% on the purchase total. This can add to the expense of shopping online, especially if you regularly make large purchases with your credit card from foreign retailers. By choosing a credit card with no foreign transaction fees you can save money when shopping online.

  • Do I need a credit card to earn cash back on my online spending?

    +

    Many cards will provide you with cash back for your spending, or rewards points that can be converted to cash back or redeemed for merchandise. While it’s nice to earn cash back on all your spending, especially online, you don’t necessarily need a cash back card to do it. You could also use cash back apps or sites and earn there.

  • Do I need a credit card with extended warranty protection for my online purchases?

    +

    If you regularly buy electronics, home appliances, or other expensive purchases online, a credit card that offers an Extended Warranty feature is a must-have. This doubles the manufacturer's warranty by up to one additional year, extending the life of your purchase. However, if most of your online spending is for items like clothing or consumables, you might find you don't need this feature and can look for a credit card offering a more relevant perk to your spending.

  • How can I find out what the merchant category code is for a retailer?

    +

    A merchant category code (MCC) is a four-digit code assigned by credit card companies to classify merchants in Canada. Each merchant that accepts credit cards has an MCC, which groups retailers into general categories based on their primary line of business. For example, a grocery store that also sells ready-to-eat foods is still classified as a grocery store.

    MCCs are relevant for consumers with cash back or rewards credit cards, as they determine the earn rates for points or cash back. Understanding MCCs is important for choosing the right credit card for specific purchases, such as determining whether a Netflix subscription counts as entertainment or a recurring payment. Paying attention to MCCs helps maximize card benefits by shopping at the appropriate stores.

    Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to find the merchant category code for a specific store because they are normally not listed on your credit card statements. Credit card providers in Canada don’t publicly map merchant category codes and merchants.

    Find out more: Merchant category codes in Canada

Sources

Bridget Casey is the award-winning entrepreneur behind Money After Graduation, a Canadian financial literacy website aimed at 20 and 30-somethings. She holds a BSc. from the University of Alberta, and an MBA in Finance from the University of Calgary. She has been featured as a millennial financial expert by Yahoo! Finance, TIME Magazine, Business Insider, CBC and BNN. Bridget was recognized as one of Alberta's Top Young Innovators in 2016.

Disclaimer

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†Terms and Conditions apply.