Best Newcomer Credit Cards in Canada for 2025
Your first credit card is an important first step to a solid financial future.
Offering unique cash back opportunities for those who meet the very reasonable eligibility requirements, the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card is the best newcomer credit card in Canada. It's a solid choice for anyone, particularly for newcomers as they start navigating the Canadian financial system.
Newcomer credit cards are designed with easier qualifications, including low or no credit score requirements, lower income thresholds, no annual fees, and sometimes even the opportunity to earn rewards. While the Tangerine card isn't specifically designed for Canadian newcomers, it holds its own against those that are.
The reviews below offer details and information that can help newcomers choose the right credit card for their particular needs.
Key Takeaways
- Newcomers to Canada should look for credit cards with low credit score requirements.
- The Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card is relatively easy to qualify for, has no annual fee, and earns rewards.
- Using a credit card responsibly can help you build a great credit score over time.
Best credit cards for newcomers to Canada for November 2025
If you’ve recently moved to Canada and need a credit card, we’ve got options!
| Category | Credit card | Annual fee | Current offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best credit card for newcomers to Canada | Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card | $0 |  $120 GeniusCash + 10% extra cash back for the first 2 months (terms) |
| Best for rewards | BMO eclipse rise Visa Card | $0 | $125 GeniusCash + Up to 20,000 bonus points (terms) |
| Best for shopping | Neo Mastercard | $0 | $25 after your account is opened |
| Best for travel rewards | Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card | $150 | $100 GeniusCash + 35,000 bonus points (terms) |
| Best for foreign purchases | Home Trust Preferred Visa | $0 | None |
| Best secured card | Home Trust Secured Visa Card | $0 | None |
| Best prepaid card | KOHO Essential Mastercard | $48 | $100 GeniusCash + $20 after the first purchase |
Newcomer credit cards don’t have earn rates as high as premium credit cards, but there are still some high-value options.
1. Best credit card for newcomers to Canada
×1 Award winner 
GC: $120
1x Award winner Rewards:
- 2% cash back on purchases in up to 3 Money-Back Categories
- 0.5% cash back on all other purchases
The Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card tops our list for newcomers, largely due to its cash back system. It's one of the very, very few credit cards that allows you to decide the two spending categories that you'll earn 2% cash back for.
If you also hold a Tangerine savings account and choose to deposit your cash back there, you can choose a third earning category, too.
Especially relevant for newcomers is the fact that this card has relatively low credit score requirements: roughly between 600 and 725. It also doesn't charge an annual fee.
Pros:
- Choose up to three categories to earn 2% cash back
- Earn an extra 10% cash back for the first 2 months, up to $1,000 spent
- No annual fee
Cons:
- Only earns 0.5% cash back on other purchases
- Only includes 2 types of insurance
2. Best rewards credit card for newcomers to Canada
Rewards:
- 5 BMO Rewards points for every $2 spent on dining, groceries, and reccurring bills
- 1 point per $2 spent on all other purchases
Even if you’ve never had a credit product in Canada before, the BMO eclipse rise Visa Card is probably available to you. You can use the points you earn towards any travel booking for a value of 0.67. You’ll also enjoy a pair of annual bonuses: 2,500 points when you redeem 12,000 points towards statement credits and 2,500 points when you pay your full balance on time for 12 consecutive months. And it’s all for no annual fee.
Pros:
- Earn up to 5,000 bonus points annually
- No annual fee
Cons:
- Points only worth 0.67 cents each
- Poor base earn rate of 1 point per $2 spent
3. Best shopping credit card for newcomers to Canada
Rewards:
- Average of 5% cash back at partner retailers
- 1% cash back on gas, up to $500 spent monthly
- 1% cash back on groceries, up to $500 spent monthly
The Neo Mastercard is another cash back credit card with a low credit score requirement – but instead of earning bonus rewards on a few select categories, you’ll earn bonus rewards at participating Neo retailers.
The list of retailers changes frequently, but your diligence will pay off; you can earn up to 5% back when shopping with Neo partners. On all other purchases, you'll earn 1% cash back on your first $5,000 in monthly spend.
Pros:
- 5% average rewards when shopping with Neo retail partners
- No annual fee
- Ability to upgrade your card with Neo perks for varying monthly fees
Cons:
- No rewards outside of Neo partners
- No insurance included
4. Best travel rewards for newcomers to Canada
GC: $100
Rewards:
- 3 Scene+ points per $1 spent at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo and more
- 2 Scene+ points per $1 spent on groceries, restaurants, entertainment, and daily transit
- 1 Scene+ point per $1 on all other purchases
If you don’t mind paying an annual fee to get a premium credit card, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card might be the one for you. There are no foreign currency exchange fees, and you’ll enjoy a higher-than-average earn rate for your purchases, with the opportunity for bonuses if you spend over $40,000 per year.
Travellers will appreciate the Visa Airport Companion membership and six free airport lounge passes. You’ll also feel protected with the 11 types of insurance that come with this card.
Overall, the generous rewards, bonuses, and perks make up for the steep annual fee.
Pros:
- Earn up to 25,000 bonus points
- Six complimentary lounge passes per year
- No foreign exchange fees
- Visa Infinite benefits
- 11 types of insurance included
Cons:
- $150 annual fee
- High income requirements of $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
5. Best credit card for newcomers with no foreign exchange fees
Rewards:
- 1% cash back on all purchases
If you travel abroad often, you’ll find savings with the Home Trust Preferred Visa thanks to its lack of foreign transaction fees. You’ll also earn 1% cash back on all purchases – though foreign purchases won’t earn you anything.
While this card doesn’t offer much else, it doesn’t charge an annual fee, and the 2.5% savings on purchases in currencies outside of CAD can add up in a hurry.
Pros:
- No foreign exchange fees
- No annual fees
Cons:
- No rewards on foreign exchange purchases
- Only includes 1 types of insurance
6. Best secured credit card in Canada
Rewards:
- None
If you’re having trouble getting approved for a standard credit card, a secured credit card might be your answer. Secured cards have near-guaranteed acceptance; they require you to provide a security deposit, which becomes your credit limit.
Our recommended option is the Home Trust Secured Visa Card, which has no annual fee. While you won’t earn any rewards, this card is designed to help you improve your credit score. Use the card responsibly by paying your bill in full every month, and over time, your score will improve. Then you can move on to a better card (and of course, get your deposit back).
Pros:
- Near-guaranteed approval and no credit checks
- Lower foreign exchange fee of 2%
- No annual fee
Cons:
- No rewards on purchases
- No insurance included
7. Best prepaid credit card for newcomers to Canada
Rewards:
- 1% cash back on groceries, restaurants, and transportation
It can be a challenge to qualify for a credit card as a newcomer, but prepaid cards are a good backup. Since they don’t require a credit check, all you have to do is deposit money into the account.
Use the KOHO Essential Mastercard to make purchases and get 1% cash back – plus earn interest on the balance in your account. Although the rewards aren’t as impressive as others on our list, the card can tide you over until you establish credit and qualify for a better card.
Pros:
- No credit check required
- Earns up to 5% interest on your balance
- Lower foreign exchange fee of 1.5%
- $20 welcome bonus
Cons:
- $48 annual fee
- Only earns 1% cash back on three categories
- Does not improve your credit score
Compare all newcomer credit cards
We take over 126 credit card features in seven categories and run them through our algorithm to get a score out of five – our Genius Rating. Since we’re looking for the best cards for newcomers, we focus on cards with a credit score requirement of less than 660 and no annual fees. Our rewards calculations are based on a typical monthly spend of $2,000.
Here's how the top newcomer cards compare when arranged by Genius Rating.
×1 Award winner GC: $120 1x Award winner Bank-specific newcomer programs
Many of the big banks offer free programs designed to help newcomers adapt their finances to life in Canada.
| Bank and program name | Cost | Limited-time offers | Program benefits | Credit card(s) to consider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotiabank StartRight Program | * Preferred Package is free for the first year and $16.95 per month after that | * Monthly fees waived for the first year * Earn up to $700 when you bundle an eligible banking package, savings account, and registered account | * No credit history required * Educational blog posts * Specialized mortgage offers * New vehicle loans with 0% down * Free unlimited international money transfers | * Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card
($12,000 personal income required) |
| CIBC Smart Account for Newcomers | * $6.95 per month for up to 12 transactions * $1.25 each for additional transactions over 12, up to a total monthly fee of $16.95 * Pay no monthly fee when you have a minimum end-of-day balance of $4,000 each day | * Apply for Smart Account and credit card at the same time * Get up to $450 if you open a CIBC Smart Account and complete qualifying actions | * Determine if you’re eligible for an account before you arrive * Tap to pay with your phone * Unlimited Interac transfers within Canada * $0 foreign transfer fees | * CIBC Dividend Platinum Visa Card ($15,000 household income required) * CIBC Adapta Mastercard ($15,000 household income required) |
| BMO NewStart Program | * Monthly fees waived for the first year * $17.95 per month thereafter | * Earn up to $2,200 in welcome offers | * Combines banking and credit-building products * Additional support for newcomers from Ukraine * Unlimited international transfers for $0 | * BMO CashBack Mastercard ($15,000 personal income required) * BMO eclipse rise Visa Card (no income requirements) |
| RBC Newcomer Advantage | * No-monthly-fee banking for a year with an eligible credit card | * Earn up to 12% back in the first three months with the RBC Cash Back Mastercard | * Customer service available in up to 200 languages * No credit history required * Send international money transfers for $0 | * RBC Cash Back Mastercard |
| National Bank Newcomer Package | * Up to three years of free or discounted personal chequing | * Open a bank account and earn up to $500 cash back | * Canadian Immigration guide on website * Free legal support service * Resource page for immigration, finances, education, housing, employment, and business | * National Bank mycredit Mastercard |
Why do you need a credit card?
One of the biggest benefits of a credit card for newcomers is the ability to build credit history in Canada. Banks and lenders look at your credit score to determine whether or not to issue you lines of credit or banking products – and without Canadian credit history, it can be difficult to secure a better credit card, personal loan, or mortgage. The better your score, the better rates you’ll receive when you do get approved for loans.
Why is it difficult for newcomers to Canada to get credit?
Newcomers to Canada face difficulty obtaining credit for several reasons, including the lack of a credit history. In Canada, lenders rely heavily on credit scores to assess risk. Since newcomers typically don’t have a Canadian credit history, lenders cannot evaluate their creditworthiness, even if they have a strong credit history in another country. This perceived higher risk by lenders makes it difficult for newcomers to even get a start on making a good credit history.
It also limits newcomers to entry-level financial products, such as secured credit cards (which require a security deposit) or cards with low credit limits. These cards are designed for those with no or poor credit history but often come with higher fees or interest rates.
How to build credit with your credit card
Credit cards can be wonderful tools for improving your credit score – but only if you use them responsibly. Here are some strategies to make your card work for you:
- Choose the right credit card for you: Look for a card that’s tailored to students or newcomers. These usually have no or low income requirements, so they’re easier to qualify for.
- Make on-time payments (and in full): Missing a payment can cause your credit score to take a hit, so make a point of paying your bill by the due date on your statement every month. If you can, pay off the entire balance so you’re not charged interest.
- Keep your credit utilization low: Using your full credit limit can throw your credit utilization ratio off. This is the amount of debt you have compared to your income. Creditors start to worry when this ratio is over 30%.
- Monitor your credit reports: Sometimes, inaccurate information on your credit report can drag your credit score down. Make a point of regularly pulling up your credit report and checking for errors. If you spot an error, you can dispute it with the credit monitoring bureau, and they’ll investigate.
What to look for in a credit card for newcomers to Canada
To help you streamline the process of finding the right credit card for you, here are some things to consider:
- Credit score requirements: Don’t waste your time applying for a card that has a high credit score requirement since you’re still building credit. Look into cards that have a lower credit score and a higher acceptance rate, or ask your current credit card issuer if they can transfer your file to Canada.
- Annual fee: Most credit cards with low credit score requirements don’t charge an annual fee, which can make it easier to hold onto your money as you get settled.
- Rewards earned: The drawback of cards with low credit scores is that most don’t offer any rewards – or if they do, they’re pretty basic. Remember, the tradeoff is that you’re building credit so you can qualify for a better card later on.
How to apply for a newcomer credit card
There are several ways to apply for a new card, so choose the one that is most convenient for you.
Apply for an unsecured credit card
If you think you’ll meet income and credit score requirements for an unsecured card like the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card or BMO eclipse rise Visa Card, apply online or at a local branch.
The bank will review your eligibility requirements before issuing you a card.
Apply for a secured or prepaid credit card
You can open a KOHO Essential Mastercard and deposit money into the account. Then, you can use your KOHO card as you would a credit card to make purchases. Just top off the balance when it gets low.
If you prefer using a secured credit card, apply for the Home Trust Secured Visa Card. On the application page, specify if you want the no fee, $5 per month, or $59 annual fee secure card option. Fill out your personal information and make the $500 minimum deposit to get started.
Apply for a newcomer package with a bank
Scotiabank, RBC, CIBC, BMO, and National Bank all offer programs specifically designed for newcomers. Head to a local branch to sign up. You’ll typically need to pay a fee, but many banks waive it for the first month or if you have an eligible banking product.
For example, if you sign up for RBC Newcomer Advantage and get a qualifying credit card, the program membership is waived for the first year.
What users say
We always like to hear what actual users have to say about credit cards and programs, so we turned to Reddit.
Although Redditors didn’t have specific credit cards to recommend for newcomers, they did recommend applying for and using a secured credit card for a few months to build your score before applying for an unsecured credit card:
Also, several recommend asking about available credit cards when you open a chequing account with your bank of choice:
FAQ
What is the best credit card for newcomers in Canada?
The best newcomer credit card in Canada is the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card. The income and credit score requirements are relatively low, providing a low barrier to entry, and users can select their categories to earn valuable cash back.
Can new immigrants get a credit card in Canada?
Yes, newcomers can qualify for credit cards. If you’re struggling to find or choose one, consider a secured credit card or a prepaid card that allows you to deposit money into it before you begin using the card.
Does TD give credit cards to newcomers?
TD offers a New To Canada banking package that makes it simple for people to open a TD chequing or savings account and apply for a credit card. TD recommends its Cash Back Visa card (among others) for newcomers.
What is the credit card limit for newcomers in Canada?
Your credit card limit will vary and depend on many factors, including the issuing bank, type of credit card, and your personal details, like credit score and income. There is no set credit limit for newcomers to Canada.
Is RBC a good bank for newcomers?
Yes, RBC offers programs that allow you to open a free bank account, provide multilingual support, and have widespread availability throughout Canada. Overall, it’s a great bank to support newcomers as they transition to life in Canada.
Editorial Disclaimer: The content here reflects the author's opinion alone. No bank, credit card issuer, rewards program, or other entity has reviewed, approved, or endorsed this content. For complete and updated product information please visit the product issuer's website. Our credit card scores and rankings are based on our Rating Methodology that takes into account 126+ features for each of 227 Canadian credit cards.
