Best Capital One credit cards in Canada

Fact checked by Cory Santos

Updated Jan 14, 2025

Capital One is a financial services provider that offers a range of credit cards for Canadians, including subprime options for establishing credit for the first time.

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

"What's in your wallet?" If it's a Capital One credit card, you're in for exceptional support and simplified rewards.

All Capital One credit cards are Mastercards, which are accepted almost everywhere worldwide, and yes, still in Canada.

Capital One is a financial services provider that offers a range of credit cards. Capital One credit cards include guaranteed options for borrowers who need to rebuild their credit and cards that earn rewards points on purchases. No matter which Capital One card you get, you can access standard Mastercard benefits and global assistance. Still can't find what you're looking for? Then check out our comprehensive best credit cards Canada list for all our top picks.  

  • Why you can trust Money.ca's best Capital One credit cards Canada list

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    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.

3 best Capital One cards

Capital One Guaranteed Mastercard®

Apply Now

$59 Annual Fee

Poor Recommended Credit Score

$0 Required Annual Personal Income

Capital One Aspire Travel® Platinum Mastercard®

Apply Now

$0 Annual Fee

Fair Recommended Credit Score

Capital One Smart Rewards™ Mastercard®

Apply Now

$0 Annual Fee

Fair Recommended Credit Score

$0 Required Annual Personal Income

  • Why you can trust Money.ca's best Capital One cards picks

    +

    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.

    And don't forget to check out our Best Credit Cards Canada list when you're done, too.

Best overall 🏆

Best Capital One credit card overall

$0

First Year Value

$0

Annual Value

Learn More Apply Now On Capital One's Secure Site

The Capital One Guaranteed Mastercard® is aimed at anyone with bad or no credit history. The annual fee is lower at $59 per year, and in exchange cardholders pay the regular Capital One interest rate of 21.9% on new purchases. The Guaranteed Mastercard® is unsecured and those who are approved for it will receive benefits not available to those that receive the Secured version of the card (see below).

The Guaranteed Mastercard’s benefits include common carrier travel accident coverage of up to $250,000 for the cardholder, their accompanying spouse and dependent children; up to $300 total if baggage is delayed for 3 days; emergency travel assistance; and car rental collision or loss damage waiver. Cardholders also enjoy extended warranty, purchase assurance and price protection. *Please note that these benefits are available only to those that are approved for this Guaranteed card, not for the Secured Mastercard below.

Best travel

Best Capital One credit card for travel

$216

First Year Value

$0

Annual Value

Learn More Apply Now On Capital One's Secure Site

Credit cards can be more than just a way of making purchases; they can be a gateway to seeing more of the world. The Capital One Aspire Travel™ Platinum Mastercard® earns 1 Reward mile for every $1 spent on the card, and for no annual fee. That means not only are cardholders earning their next vacation every time they use the card; they’re earning it completely free of charge.  

The Capital One Aspire Travel™ Platinum Mastercard® is relatively easy to qualify for. Cardholders need to have ‘Good’ credit scores, which generally means at least three years of credit history in Canada, no/few overdue bill payments for the past 12 months, and being below the maximum credit limit on any other credit cards. The card has no minimum income requirements and additional cardholders can be added.

On top of the strong miles earn rate, the card offers account holders an impressive suite of travel benefits. This includes emergency travel assistance, common carrier travel accident coverage up to $250,000, delayed baggage coverage, and car rental collision or damage waiver. There’s also price protection and extended warranty, as well as access to the Mastercard Global Service program.

Best cash rewards

Best Capital One credit card for cash rewards

Capital One® Aspire Cash® Platinum Mastercard®

3.2

$216

First Year Value

$0

Annual Value

The Capital One Aspire Cash Platinum Mastercard is a no annual fee credit card that allows you to enjoy both cash rewards and great insurance benefits. You can earn 1 Reward mile for every $1 spent.

The Capital One Aspire cash back card comes with the following insurance benefits:

  • Purchase assurance: Your purchases are insured against theft, loss or damage for up to 120 days after purchase.
  • Extended warranty: When you charge the full cost of an item to your Capital One credit card, the Extended Warranty coverage automatically extends the original manufacturer's warranty for up to 2 years.
  • Car rental collision/Loss damage waiver: Receive insurance coverage on a rental car for up to 31 days.
  • Price protection: If an item purchased with your Capital One credit card drops in price within 60 days of purchase, the Price Protection service refunds you the difference.
  • Common carrier accident insurance: Get up to $250,000 in insurance coverage in case of accidental loss of life or dismemberment while on a common carrier.
  • Baggage delay: Get up to $300 in coverage for lost or delayed luggage when you pay for your trip with your Capital one card.

Plus, you can help a friend or family member build credit and earn even more Capital One Rewards. Add an authorized user for $0 and rack up even more cash back with their purchases. More spending power equals more travel opportunities!

Best secured

Best secured Capital One credit cards

$0

First Year Value

$0

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Be 100% sure you’ll be approved* before you apply. Try Quick Check®

Learn More Apply Now On Capital One's Secure Site

Like the Capital One Guaranteed Mastercard®, the Capital One Guaranteed Secured Mastercard® is a good fit for applicants with bad credit. Even those with bankruptcies or defaults within seven years prior to application, or those who don’t have any Canadian credit history at all, are eligible for this Mastercard.  

To get the Capital One Guaranteed Secured Mastercard®, cardholders must provide minimum security funds $75, though they could be higher depending on their financial profile. Using the Capital One Guaranteed Secured Mastercard® and paying its bills on time can help cardholders rebuild their credit history and become eligible for even more valuable Capital One credit cards.  

The Capital One Guaranteed Secured Mastercard® comes with an annual fee of $59 and a standard interest rate of 21.9%. Cardholders also get access to standard Mastercard benefits such as Mastercard Global Service, 24/7 customer service support and zero liability in the event of identity fraud.

Read more: Check out our best secured credit cards Canada list

Secured credit tip: Keep your credit use below 30%

Overall credit use is one of the biggest factors on your credit score. Aim to use only 20-30% of your available credit limit. Banks and lenders prefer borrowers with credit utilization rates below this figure, as they are seen as safer customers. It's like the credit utilization limbo – how low can you go?

About Capital One Canada
How to get a card

Thinking about applying for a Capital One Card in Canada? Here's a quick rundown of the process of applying for (and getting) a Cap1 credit card:

Online preapproval

Capital One  offers pre-selection for its proprietary credit cards, though it calls the process “pre-approval.”  Despite this terminology, Capital One does not offer pre-approval without a credit check.

  1. 1.

    Head to Capital One Canada's website

  2. 2.

    Look for the "Quick Check®" or "Get Pre-Approved" option

  3. 3.

    Fill in some basic info (things like your full name, residence, contact information, income and things like that)

From there you'll see which cards you're likely to qualify for

Capital One Canada provides a free, simple-to-use online pre-qualification tool to see if a Capital One credit card is right for you.

Capital One Canada provides a free, simple-to-use online pre-qualification tool to see if a Capital One credit card is right for you. Image courtesy of Capital One

Applying for a card

Found a card that you like? The next step is applying:

  1. 1.

    Choose your card and click "Apply Now"

  2. 2.

    Complete the application, providing your personal info, employment info and relevent financial information like income

  3. 3.

    Double-check everything (typos are not your friend here)

  4. 4.

    Hit submit and cross your fingers!

The best part? You'll often get a decision almost instantly If not, hang tight - they'll let you know within 7-10 business days.

Capital One card basics

Types of Capital One cards

Capital One's Canadian credit card lineup has something for almost everyone. Capital One credit cards have your plastic needs covered, whether you're looking to earn some sweet rewards or build your credit from the ground up. Here's the lowdown:

  • Rewards cards: For those with a taste for the finer things in life (or just a love for cash back), Capital One's rewards cards are where it's at. Earn points on your everyday purchases and watch those rewards stack up faster than pancakes at a lumberjack breakfast.
  • Build or rebuild credit: Life happens, and sometimes your credit score takes a hit. No worries! Capital One Canada's got your back with cards designed to help you build or rebuild your credit. It's like financial physiotherapy for your credit score.
  • Guaranteed and secured Cards: Worried about approval? Capital One's got options that'll have you saying "approved, eh?" faster than you can pour maple syrup on your morning waffles.

Quick Check®: Know before you go

Capital One Canada's not about wasting your time. Their Quick Check® tool lets you see if you're pre-approved without dinging your credit score. It's like trying on financial shoes before you buy 'em!

Online banking keeps you informed on the go

Capital One Canada's bringing the bank to your fingertips with their online banking services. Pay bills, check your balance, and manage your account faster than you can say "double-double." Their mobile app is so user-friendly, even your tech-phobic Uncle Bob could figure it out.

Need help? Capital One Canada's support centre is ready to assist. Whether you prefer to chat online, give them a ring, or communicate via carrier pigeon (okay, maybe not that last one), they've got you covered.

Capital One Rewards guide

How Capital One Rewards works in Canada

The program automatically enrolls eligible Canadian cardholders upon credit card account setup. Specifically, you earn points based on net purchases, which are calculated daily and credited to your rewards account. Furthermore, the program allows you to track your earnings through online banking or the Capital One mobile app 

Card Type
Earning Structure
Smart Rewards
5 points per CAD 1.39 paid towards balance
1 mile per dollar on net purchases
Aspire Cash Platinum
1% cash rewards on net purchases

How to earn Capital One Rewards points with Canadian credit cards

Earning points with Capital One cards in Canada follows these key principles:

  • Points are earned on net purchases (purchases minus credits or returns)
  • Cash advances and balance transfers do not qualify for points
  • Points begin accumulating immediately after enrollment

Additionally, your rewards account must remain in good standing to continue earning points. The program excludes earnings on security funds and payments made towards optional services 

Do points expire?

One significant advantage of Capital One Rewards is its longevity. Capital One Rewards points never expire if your rewards account remains open and in good standing. However, it's important to note that if your account is closed for any reason, you will forfeit any unredeemed points 

How to redeem points

Capital One provides multiple redemption options for Canadian cardholders:

  • Travel: Book travel through Capital One 
  • Gift cards
  • Statement credits
  • Online banking deposits

Capital One top tip: Meet Eno, your digital assistant

Capital One offers all customers access to Eno, your 24/7 digital assistant. This smart cookie keeps an eye on your accounts, sends alerts if anything looks fishy, and is always ready to answer your burning money questions.

Pros and cons

Pros and cons

Pros

Pros

  • Great options for no credit: Capital One provides great secured credit card options for those looking to rebuild or establish their credit for the first time.

  • No (or low) annual fees: Capital One cards often feature no annual fee. Even those with a fee have modest charges, however. This means you won't need to break the bank to hold a Capital One card.

  • Points don't expire: Capital One Rewards points don't expire.

Cons

Cons

  • Limited premium options: While it does offer rewards cards, Capital One Canada does not provide a suite of high-end travel options.

  • High APR: Capital One interest rates might be higher than you'll find elsewhere.

Summary of picks

Summary of out top Capital One credit card picks

How satisfied are Capital One credit card customers?

Just how satisfied are Capital One Canada customers? Here's how TD ranks in the J.D. Power 2024 Canada Credit Card Satisfaction Study:

FAQs

Capital One credit card FAQs

  • Does Capital One still exist in Canada?

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    Yes, Capital One continues to operate in Canada. They offer a range of credit cards designed for various needs, including rewards and rebuilding credit​.

  • What bank is Capital One owned by?

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    Capital One is not owned by any other bank. It operates independently and is itself a major bank and financial services company, listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "COF"​.

  • What credit score do you need for Capital One?

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    Capital One offers credit cards for a range of credit scores. Generally, to qualify for their credit cards, a fair credit score starting from 580 is needed. However, they also have options for those with limited or no credit history.

  • Is Capital One a good credit card?

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    Yes, Capital One is considered a good credit card provider with excellent customer service and an easy-to-manage online experience. They offer a wide range of credit cards catering to various needs from rewards and travel benefits to helping rebuild credit.

  • What is the credit limit of a Capital One card in Canada?

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    The credit limit of a Capital One card in Canada is determined when you apply, based on the information you provide and a review of your credit information from third-party credit reporting agencies. The specific limit is communicated to you in the welcome package that comes with your card. Credit limits can vary significantly based on individual creditworthiness and other factors.

  • Does Capital One offer business cards?

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    No. At the moment there are no Capital One business credit cards available in Canada. For more business card offers, check out our best business credit cards in Canada page for the leading offers from the Big 5 and beyond.

  • How can you contact Capital One customer service agents in Canada?

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    You can reach Capital One customer service representatives at 1-800-481-3239.

  • Can you pre-qualify for Capital One credit cards in Canada?

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    Yes. Capital One offers a quick and easy online pre-qualification portal that lets you check your suitability for a Capital One credit card before you apply. Even better, there is no credit check to see if you may qualify for a card.

Scott Birke Content editor, Money.ca

Scott Birke is a financial content editor at Money.ca.

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