Top credit card offers and welcome bonus deals in Canada

Taking advantage of one of these top credit card promotions can give you bulk bonus points, sky-high cash back levels, or accelerated rewards earning rates—because missing one of these Canadian credit card offers means leaving money and rewards on the table.

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This month's top credit card promotions and welcome bonus deals in Canada, updated February 2025.

Before you apply for a new credit card, make sure there isn’t a better opportunity on our list of top 3 credit card deals below, or on our full list of the best welcome bonus credit card deals in alphabetical order. To compare all cards by category, check out our expert-curated best credit cards Canada list of all awards winners across 11 different categories.

Top 3 welcome bonus credit card offers this month

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card

Apply Now

Earn up to $3,000 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points†. Conditions Apply. Offer effective as of January 7, 2025.

$599 Annual Fee

Excellent Recommended Credit Score

$150,000 Required Annual Personal Income

Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card

Apply Now

Earn up to $2,500* in value in the first 14 months, including up to 80,000 bonus Scene+ points.

$399 Annual Fee

Good Recommended Credit Score

$12,000 Required Annual Personal Income

The Platinum Card®

Apply Now

Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $1,000 in value.

$799 Annual Fee

Excellent Recommended Credit Score

  • Why you can trust Money.ca's top credit card deals 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 welcome bonus credit card Canada deals for February 2025 (in alphabetical order)

Card

Welcome Offer

Disclosures:

  • Rates, fees and other information are effective as of January 3, 2025. Subject to change.

    Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card to learn more.

    *See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.

  • To receive the first-year annual fee rebate for the Primary Cardholder, you must activate your Card and make your first Purchase on the Account within the first 3 months after Account opening. To receive the Additional Cardholder(s) first-year annual fee rebate, you must add your Additional Cardholder(s) while the offer is in effect.

Best welcome bonus credit card overall

up to $3000 in value

Welcome Bonus

$3,067

First Year Value

$67

Annual Value

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.

Learn More Apply Now On TD's Secure Site

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.

Top welcome bonus credit card in Canada for travel

up to 30,000 points

Welcome Bonus

$842

First Year Value

$0

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: 30,000 Aeroplan®* points* after spending $3,000 on your Card within the first 3 months as a new Cardmember.*

Learn More Apply Now On American Express' Secure Site

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 sign-up bonus for a Canadian credit card

up to $1,000

Welcome Bonus

$468

First Year Value

$0

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Earn up to $1,000 in value†, including up to 135,000 TD Rewards Points† and no Annual Fee for the first year†. Conditions Apply.

Learn More Apply Now On TD's Secure Site

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 welcome bonus for credit card balance transfers

0% intro rate

Welcome Bonus

$0

First Year Value

$0

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Get 0% APR for 12 months on transfers

Learn More Apply Now On MBNA Credit Cards' Secure Site

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 BMO credit card offers

up to 10%

Welcome Bonus

$950

First Year Value

$690

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Get up to 10% cash back in your first 3 months and the $120 annual fee waived in the first anniversary* Expires Jun 01, 2025

Learn More Apply Now On BMO's Secure Site

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.

Top credit card offers from CIBC for cash back

10% back†

Welcome Bonus

$758

First Year Value

$558

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Earn 10% cash back for the first 4 statements on net purchases of up to $2,000†.

Learn More Apply Now On CIBC's Secure Site

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.

CIBC credit card offers for Travel

up to $1,750

Welcome Bonus

$1,492

First Year Value

$0

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Get a total of up to 60,000 Aventura Points (up to $1,200 in value†) during your first year

Learn More Apply Now On CIBC's Secure Site

Disclosures:

  • †Terms and Conditions Apply. This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
  • The information for the CIBC Aventura® 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.

Top credit card offers from American Express

up to 15,000 points

Welcome Bonus

$679.02

First Year Value

$529.02

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards® points* by earning 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 on your Card in your first year as a new Cardmember. This could add up to 15,000 points in a year.*

Learn More Apply Now On American Express' Secure Site

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 Amex offer with no annual fee

earn 10,000 pts

Welcome Bonus

$460

First Year Value

$360

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: 10,000 Membership Rewards® points* when you spend $1,000 on your Card within the first 3 months as a new Cardmember.*

Learn More Apply Now On American Express' Secure Site

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.

Top credit card offers from Scotiabank

up to $1,300* value

Welcome Bonus

$926

First Year Value

$0

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Earn up to $1,300* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points* Expires Jul 01, 2025

Learn More Apply Now On Scotiabank's Secure Site

Disclosures:

  • Rates, fees and other information are effective as of January 3, 2025. Subject to change.

    Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card to learn more.

    *See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.

Expert tip: How to compare the best credit card offers, sign up bonuses and welcome offers

Welcome bonuses are a huge draw when it comes to getting a new credit card. However, they aren’t always offered and can frequently change. Some of the top tier cards have pretty hefty spending requirements in order to earn the full bonus, so it’s worth keeping an eye out on current credit card welcome bonuses when you know you have a big spend coming up. That being said, don’t get caught up on the sign-up bonus alone. You want to choose a credit card that, yes, has a decent welcome bonus but one that you can use regularly and benefit from in terms of perks, benefits, and rewards throughout the duration of your time with the credit card.

Hannah Logan, Money.ca credit card, saving and travel expert

What are credit card welcome offers and how do they work?

Credit card welcome offers are bonuses and perks that entice new cardholders to choose one card over another. For example, a welcome offer for a cashback card will often increase the rate you’ll earn during the promotional period. Card promotions might also award travel or rewards points in bulk, free vouchers for airport lounge entry or vouchers for companion flights — and most waive the cardholder’s annual fee for the first year.

Many promotions provide these bonuses with no questions asked, but the most lucrative ones require the cardholder to fulfill specific criteria (like spending a certain amount or making an initial purchase) before receiving the bonus. Others may cap their rewards once a milestone has been reached. Some card issuers make a ‘welcome bonus’ part of their offering permanently, but the best package deals tend to be limited-time offers, with the clock ticking before the extra perks are off the table.

Sometimes a limited-time offer will be extended, but prospective cardholders shouldn’t bank on it. In the past, some promotions have ended due to relationship instabilities between rewards programs and card issuers, which was the case in 2017 when TD opted not to extend its Aeroplan credit card promotions. So if you see an amazing deal, jump on it!

Welcome offers are sometimes also referred to as "sign-up bonuses," but that term is misleading because it implies that you receive a bonus just for signing up. In reality, you typically earn the bonus by meeting a certain spending requirement within the first few months of card ownership. This is why some issuers prefer to use terms like "welcome offer" or "new cardholder offer" instead of "sign-up bonus."

Methodology: Top credit cards offers Canada-wide

The best welcome bonus offers here are determined by the Money.ca editorial team and based features that everyday users care about most. We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. The products featured in this article were independently selected, but please be aware that some products and services linked in this article are from our sponsors.

We collect data from providers’ websites by researching the offerings, using their services and watching demonstrations as required. Our goal is to provide an independent review, and give you the information you need to make a decision on which product or service is best for you.

How much is your credit card signup bonus in Canada really worth?

Read the credit card’s conditions and fine print to understand if you first need to meet a spending goal before earning the bonus, if the bonus rate only applies to a certain type of spending, or if there’s a maximum amount you can earn at the accelerated rate. Chances are that multiple conditions apply at once, and these will all factor into how worthwhile the sign-up bonus is really worth.

For example, say a promotional credit card deal in Canada requires new cardholders to spend $3,000 in three months to earn 35,000 points and a $150 annual fee waiver, together worth $400. This is a 13.33% extra return on your money assuming you spend that much normally (about $1,000 per month).

The type of spending that the bonus rate applies to is relevant as well. If you’re comparing two hypothetical cards, the first of which offers 10% back on spending but only in its primary category (such as groceries) and the second of which offers 6% back on all spending, you might actually collect more cash back with the latter card, despite its seemingly low rate. For some, the decision may come down to the size of their monthly grocery bill.

The final component to consider is the maximum cashback you can earn at the bonus rate, if applicable. If you earn 10% on spending up to $2,500, for instance, the maximum cashback you’ll get during the bonus period is $250. You’ll need to compare that to the benefits of the card once the promotional period is over.

Types of credit card offers in Canada

Not all credit card offers are equal. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of credit card promotions in Canada:

Cashback bonus offers

Cashback bonuses often provide a boosted earning rate on the card’s primary eligible spending category, but to a maximum amount of spending (and therefore accruable cashback) before the card’s regular cashback rate resumes. The annual fee may also be waived in the first year.

Travel bonuses

 Travel card bonuses typically offer bulk travel or rewards points for reaching a spending milestone within a certain number of months; they might have an annual fee waiver attached to the milestone as well.

Balance transfer bonuses

 These types of promotions will, for a set amount of time, reduce the interest rate charged to balances you’ve transferred onto the card. Sign up before the promotion expires and you’ll consolidate your balances to save a bundle on interest fees.

Credit card welcome bonus conditions

You should always read the fine print when it comes to credit cards, including Canadian credit card promotions. For example, a credit card issuer might offer a sign-up bonus of 50,000 points, but the fine print will explain that you need to meet various spending goals throughout the year to achieve those points. Here are some credit card bonus conditions to be aware of when choosing a card:

Spending goal: Many bonuses will require the cardholder to spend a certain amount before they receive their bulk points or annual fee waiver.

2-year problem: Many credit cards (👀 Amex) make you wait until the 12th-14th month of spending to unlock all the possible rewards which means you're paying the annual fee twice (because they're essentially locking you in for 2 years).  

Account in good standing: Bonuses may only apply to accounts that maintain their good standing with the bank (such as accounts that don’t have delinquent balances).

Spending caps: Accelerated cashback or higher earning rates typically have a spending cap — on overall spending or category spending — so you can’t game the system.

Bonus time windows: This means that credit card promotions are only available for a limited time, and once the deadline has passed you’re out of luck. Also, cashback at an elevated rate or balance transfers at a low rate usually only applies for the first few months after an account is set up.

Purchase categories: A promotional cashback offer may apply to overall spending, but it may apply only to specific purchase categories, such as groceries or gas.

Bank promotions in Canada: While most credit card promotions are at the credit card level, there are banks that "stack" rewards together when you have multiple products with them. These financial bundles can unlock even more rewards (just be careful when you start unbundling and your bank account fees jump to $16.95 per month). 

How to compare the best welcome bonus deals for cashback credit cards

With a cashback credit card, you get cash back on eligible purchases, based on a percentage of what you’ve spent. Eligible purchases could include spending categories such as groceries, gas, travel and even bill payments.

Some of the best card bonuses for cashback credit cards include:

  • An elevated cashback rate or statement credit during the promotional period
  • An accelerated rewards earning rate
  • An annual fee waiver for the first year

How to compare credit card offers for rewards credit cards

Rewards credit cards commonly offer bulk travel or rewards points for reaching a spending milestone within a certain period of time after opening an account.

Some of the best credit card promotional offers for rewards credit cards include:

  •  Bulk bonus travel or rewards points when you join and/or when you reach a spending milestone
  • Additional travel or rewards points when you make a qualified spend with a partner (such as an airline or retailer) during the promotion period
  • An accelerated rewards earning rate
  • An annual fee waiver for the first year
  • Additional perks, such as a travel enhancement credit or companion voucher

How to compare credit card promos for balance transfer credit cards

A balance transfer credit card allows you to use one credit card to pay off another credit card, which you might consider if you’re looking to move an existing balance to a card with a lower interest rate.

Some of the best credit card promos on balance transfer credit cards include:

  • A low introductory rate on transfers, sometimes as low as 0% (often for 12 to 24 months)
  • A low introductory rate on purchases (during the promotion period)

How to compare credit card deals for premium credit cards

Premium credit cards come with a higher annual fee, but they also come with premium perks — but when choosing a card, make sure it will still meet your needs after the promotional period is over. For example, if a promotional offer on a travel rewards card waives the annual fee of $500 for the first year, you’ll need to consider if you travel enough to justify paying $500 every year thereafter.

Some of the top credit card promotional offers for premium credit cards include:

  • Bulk travel or rewards points for joining and/or when you reach spending milestones — sometimes enough to cover a roundtrip flight
  • Additional travel or rewards points when you make a qualified spend with a partner (such as an airline or retailer) during the promotion period
  • Additional perks, such as a travel enhancement credit or companion voucher
  • An accelerated rewards earning rate
  • An annual fee waiver for the first year

What's the purpose of a credit card signup bonus in Canada?

Credit card sign-up bonuses are designed to make a new credit card attractive to new potential credit card holders. In general, the more premium a credit card, the better the welcome offer usually is—but there are exceptions.

You may be tempted by a promotional offer such as a huge bonus of airline miles or rewards points if you reach a certain spending limit quickly on the new card. But you have to weigh whether you'll be able to pay off the balance quickly, without accruing interest charges. Other sign-up offers for balance transfer cards focus on low or zero-rate balance transfers, but could incur transfer fees as well.

Understand the terms of the credit card after its welcome bonus offer expires

To determine how much the card will cost and how generous its promo offer really is, you need to look at these four important terms of the credit card after the welcome bonus period ends: APR; cash advance APR; grace period; and annual fee.

The APR is essentially the interest rate. Most cards charge no interest if you pay off the balance each month by the due date. A lower APR means lower interest charges if you do have to revolve, or carry over, debt from one month to the next.

If you plan to use your credit card for cash advances (meaning you withdraw cash from the card at an ATM), you might face a higher APR for cash. That cash advance APR may kick in immediately — no matter how fast you pay off the withdrawal.

If you don't usually pay your bills promptly, you'll want to know about the card's grace period. It's the amount of time you have to pay off a new balance before finance charges are applied.

About a quarter of credit cards have an annual fee that must be paid no matter how often the card is used or how much interest is accrued. Rewards credit cards tend to come with annual fees, and you may decide the fee is worth the benefits.

Sign-up bonuses aside, look for credit cards with terms that will be acceptable if you do find yourself carrying over debt and incurring interest charges. The best strategy is to get a mix of cards with different terms for different goals: paying everyday bills, taking care of emergencies, collecting frequent-flyer miles, and so on.

Are you getting the top credit card welcome bonus in Canada?

Any of the cards listed above are fantastic for a credit card bonus. However, know that companies can change a credit card bonus at anytime. If you like a credit card sign up bonus, or any of the credit card promotions, we suggest jumping on these promotions now and you can always switch out to another card later. There are many people on Reddit who "churn" or "hack" their way to dream vacations by hopping onto some of the best credit credit card promotions in Canada, accumulate points, then ditch the card for a better offer later. Just be mindful of your credit score because amount of credit and credit history are critical factors. 

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. 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.

FAQs: Credit card welcome bonus and sign-up offers explained

  • How do I get a credit card welcome bonus?

    +

    You won’t necessarily get a credit card welcome bonus just for signing up. Often, there are conditions attached to that welcome bonus, such as spending a certain amount of money within a certain timeframe, or spending money in particular categories (such as groceries or gas).

  • How do I compare credit card offers in Canada?

    +

    While you could look for a card with a large sign-up bonus, you should also consider your priorities when comparing credit card offers, for example, if you want rewards or cash back. You should also read the fine print. Many credit card offers have conditions or limitations.

  • Do credit card welcome bonus points expire?

    +

    Welcome bonus points typically don’t expire, so long as your account is active and in good standing. However, in some cases, they could expire if your account is dormant for a specific period of time — usually from one to three years — so be sure to read the fine print.

  • What is a welcome bonus on a credit card?

    +

    A welcome bonus on a credit card is an incentive that credit card issuers offer to entice consumers to sign up for a new credit card and usually comes in the form of additional travel or rewards points, an elevated cashback rate, waiving of the annual fee or a combination of these offers. But, in most cases, welcome offers also come with minimum spend requirements, time limits and other conditions to earn those rewards.

  • What are the dangers of credit card promos or credit card offers?

    +

    One of the biggest dangers of credit card promos is racking up credit card debt by trying to maximize a promotional offer, such as overspending to meet your bonus requirement or buying products you don’t really need to get your cashback promotion. Overspending could lead to carrying a balance which, in turn, could hurt your credit score.

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

Vawn Himmelsbach Freelance Contributor

Vawn Himmelsbach is a journalist who has been covering tech, business and travel for more than two decades. Her work has been published in a variety of publications, including The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, National Post, CBC News, ITbusiness, CAA Magazine, Zoomer, BOLD Magazine and Travelweek, among others.

Tyler Wade Personal finance content strategist & writer

Tyler Wade has worked in personal finance for over 5 years writing for brands like Ratehub, Forbes, KOHO, and now Money.ca.

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