Best Vancity Credit Cards in Canada
Vancity is a well-known credit union throughout Canada, offering membership to residents of British Columbia. The best Vancity credit card is the Vancity enviro™ Visa Infinite* Card, which includes Visa Infinite benefits and community-focused discounts and offers.
If you’re considering a credit card from Vancity, be aware that it only issues Visa – there aren't any Mastercard or American Express options.
This article explores the best Vancity cards and explains what sets this credit union apart from the competition, so you can decide if Vancity issues the best card for you.
Key Takeaways
- Vancity offers 8 personal credit cards and 2 credit card options.
- The best Vancity credit card is the Vancity enviro Visa Infinite Card, one that earns Vancity Rewards, comes with premium Visa Infinite perks, and includes a solid insurance package.
- Vancity is a regional credit union that offers membership to British Columbians.
The best Vancity credit cards in Canada
Vancity might not offer an extensive lineup of credit cards, but there are solid options in popular categories – take a look:
| Category | Credit card | Annual fee | Rewards | Average earn rate | Current offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall rewards card | Vancity enviro Visa Infinite Card | $120 | * 10 points per $1 spent at select local businesses * 5 points per $1 spent on public transit and ferries◊ * 2.5 points per $1 spent on groceries.◊ * 1.25 points per $1 spent on all other purchases * 2x the points when booking travel through Vancity Rewards | 1.91% | None |
| Best no-fee card | Vancity enviro Visa Classic card with Vancity Rewards | $0 | * 1 point per $1 spent on travel booked through Vancity Rewards * 1 point per $2 spent on all purchases | 0.53% | None |
| Best for low interest | Vancity enviro Gold Visa | $99 | * 1 point per $1 spent on all purchases | 0% | |
| Best premium card | Vancity enviro Visa Infinite Privilege | $395 | * 10 points per $1 spent at select stores * 5 points per $1 spent on public transit and ferries * 3 points per $1 spent on groceries and travel booked through Vancity Rewards * 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases | 0% | None |
| Best for business | Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card | $120 | * 4% cash back on groceries and recurring bill payments * 2% cash back on gas, transit, and food delivery * 1% cash back on all other purchases | 2.08% |  $20 GeniusCash + 10% cash back for the first 3 months, first year free (terms) |
1. Best overall rewards card: Vancity enviro™ Visa Infinite* Card
Rewards:
- 10 points per $1 spent at select local businesses
- 5 points per $1 spent on public transit and ferries◊
- 2.5 points per $1 spent on groceries.◊
- 1.25 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
- 2x the points when booking travel through Vancity Rewards
Average return rate: 1.91%
The Vancity enviro™ Visa Infinite* Card combines the best aspects of Vancity credit cards: it’s relatively easy to qualify for, earns generous rewards (up to 10 points per $1), and comes with a few sweet perks. For instance, the card’s $120 annual fee is waived if you have a Vancity Total Chequing account. You’ll also enjoy a solid travel insurance package, complete with 9 types of coverage.
And, as a Visa Infinite card, you’ll get additional benefits like a Visa Airport Companion membership, concierge service, luxury hotel access, and Visa dining opportunities.
Pros:
- 5,000 reward points after your first $50+ purchase
- 13,000 reward points after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months
- First supplemental card for free
- Local discounts and benefits
Cons:
- High income requirements
- Only available for B.C. residents
2. Best no-fee card: Vancity enviro™ Visa* Classic card with Vancity Rewards
Rewards:
- 1 point per $1 spent on travel booked through Vancity Rewards
- 1 point per $2 spent on all purchases
Average return rate: 0.53%
Of Vancity’s credit cards, the Vancity enviro™ Visa* Classic card with Vancity Rewards is the only no-fee option offered. It’s also the most basic Vancity card, but it's still a solid option, especially for those new to using credit cards. With a low credit score requirement and no income requirements, this card is also a valuable choice for people looking to build credit.
At 0.53%, the earn rate is comparatively low compared, but the slightly lower-than-average interest rates balance things out a bit. If you choose to pay a very reasonable $50 annual fee, you'll get an incredibly low standard interest rate of just 11.25%. All in all, this Vancity product makes for a very good first credit card.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Low credit score requirements
- Some travel insurance
- Low interest rate alternative available
Cons:
- Low earn rate
- Only available for B.C. residents
3. Best for low interest: Vancity enviro Gold Visa (low interest rate + Vancity Rewards)
Rewards:
- 1 point per $1 spent
Average return rate: 1%
There are two typical Vancity cards that have low interest alternatives, but the Vancity enviro Visa Gold (low interest rate + Vancity Rewards) has the edge. Both cards feature the same 11.25% interest rate, but the Visa Gold earns twice as many annual rewards points as the Visa Classic.
For a reasonable $145 annual fee, this card earns a flat rate of 1 point per $1 spent. It has a bit of travel insurance too (and the Visa Classic doesn't), including rental car coverage.
Pros:
- Very low standard interest rate
- 3,500 point annual anniversary bonus
- Low interest rates across the board
- Up to 4 supplemental cards for free
Cons:
- Low earn rate
- Only available for B.C. residents
4. Best premium card: Vancity enviro Visa Infinite Privilege
Rewards:
- 10 points per $1 spent at select stores
- 5 points per $1 spent on public transit and ferries
- 3 points per $1 spent on groceries and travel booked through Vancity Rewards
- 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases
Average return rate: 0%
This credit union's most premium card, the Vancity enviro Visa Infinite Privilege card, does have a fairly high annual fee, but the rewards and benefits add value fast. New cardholders receive a generous welcome bonus of up to 45,000 points (worth $450) and can earn a $150 annual fee discount with a Vancity Total Chequing account.
What sets this premium card apart is its premium travel perks, compliments of the Visa Infinite Privilege program. Users enjoy a free Visa Airport Companion membership with 6 free passes per year, hotel perks and privileges, concierge service, elevated Diamond status at Sandman hotels, and exclusive dining and entertainment offers.
Pros:
- Extensive insurance package
- First supplemental card for free
- Premium travel perks via Visa Infinite Privilege
- 2x points for travel booked through Vancity Rewards
Cons:
- High income requirements
- High annual fee
5. Best for business: Vancity enviro Visa Infinite Business
Rewards:
- 10 points per $1 spent at local businesses
- 5 points per $1 spent on public transit
- 2.5 points per $1 spent on office supplies, hardware supplies, electronics, etc.
- 1.25 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
Average return rate: 0.05%
The Vancity enviro Visa Infinite Business card has the community-oriented features of Vancity personal credit cards, with the business tools and perks you’re looking for. Cardholders enjoy an amazing rewards rate for spending at local businesses. There are a few sweet bonus offers from these local businesses, including Modo careshare discounts, free meals from Fresh Prep meal kits, and discounted on-demand delivery with Shift Delivery.
If you travel for work, you’ll enjoy the premium travel benefits like airport lounge access and hotel room upgrades. Plus, users earn double the points when they book travel through Vancity Rewards.
Pros:
- First-year annual fee waived
- Visa Airport Companions membership
- Bonus offers from local businesses
- 2x points for travel booked through Vancity Rewards
Cons:
- Steep eligibility requirements
- Only available for B.C. residents
Compare all Vancity credit cards
This table displays our default Genius Rating, which applies a standard weight to all 7 scoring categories (rewards, fees, insurance, interest, perks, approval, and acceptance).
Learn more about the Genius Rating methodology
Pros and cons of Vancity credit cards
There are a variety of Vancity credit cards available, and they all come with the personal touch and community focus of a local credit union. Still, there are still a few drawbacks, including the most obvious one: these cards are only available to B.C. residents.
Here's a general overview of the pros and cons of Vancity credit cards:
Pros:
- Issued by one of Canada's largest and best credit unions
- Various card types available (no fee, low interest, premium, etc.)
- Valuable welcome offers
- Flexible Vancity Rewards program
- Access to the Carbon Counter tool to estimate your carbon footprint
- Supports the Vancity enviroFund program
- Heavy focus on community efforts and social programs
Cons:
- Only available to residents of British Columbia
- Requires membership to the Vancity credit union
- Poorly rated app (for non-Apple users)
- No Mastercard or American Express card options
All about Vancity Rewards
It’s true that Vancity Rewards isn’t as well-known as other reward programs, like Aeroplan or Air Miles, but that doesn’t mean it’s not valuable.
How to earn rewards
It’s simple to earn Vancity Reward points – just use your Vancity Visa to make purchases. The amount you earn depends on your card’s specific earning rate for each category.
Note that some Vancity cards give you a small anniversary bonus each year, and the enviro Vancity Visa Business card gives cardholders 1,000 bonus points when at least $1,000 is charged to the card within one statement cycle.
How to redeem rewards
One of the things we love about the flexible Vancity Rewards is that all redemption options have the same value – no complicated reward structures or values to track. Instead, every option gives a value of 1 cent per point (CPP).
As a cardholder, you can redeem your Vancity Rewards points in a number of ways:
- Cash back: Every 100 points you redeem equals $1 you can put toward your credit card balance, mortgage, or personal loan. You can also pay for purchases with points, deposit them into your chequing or savings account, contribute to your retirement accounts, or redeem points for term investments.
- Travel: Book flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and vacation packages through the Vancity Rewards site. Best of all, you can pay with a combination of points and cash.
- Charitable donations: You can contribute to select charities with as few as 2,000 points, which is the equivalent of a $20 donation.
- Gift cards: 2,500 points get you a $25 gift card to popular merchants like Indigo, Tim Hortons, Canadian Tire, and more. At the time of writing, there are 22 gift card options available.
Vancity vs. big bank credit cards
It’s true that a credit union can’t necessarily compete with the extensive credit card offerings of a big bank. For instance, Vancity only issues Visa credit cards, so if you’re specifically looking for Mastercard or American Express, you’ll need to find a different credit union or turn to a big bank.
Vancity’s primary focus is on community connection. It prides itself on top-notch customer service, but users have complained about the credit union’s digital banking experience. Those with the Google Play app have complained specifically about connectivity issues.
Typically, big banks have slick, user-friendly interfaces for their sites and mobile apps. Vancity has acknowledged its digital challenges and plans to roll out a whole new experience in early 2026.
Why choose Vancity
Most people interested in a credit union credit card are looking for specific benefits or a mission that differs significantly from profit-based big banks. Here’s where Vancity really stands out:
- Affordable housing: The Vancity Affordable Community Housing Program has helped increase the number of affordable housing rentals in BC.
- Reconciliation: Vancity was the first banking institution to recognize a First Nation as a government for the purpose of lending. It continues to advance Indigenous-centred banking opportunities.
- Climate: Vancity is striving to be net-zero by 2040 across mortgages and loans. Plus, 5% of credit card profits go to the credit union’s enviroFund.
- Equity and racism: Vancity supports disadvantaged communities and extends banking products to new businesses.
- Financial inclusion: Getting started as an immigrant is difficult, and Vancity strives to offer banking products and financial education to diverse communities and newcomers.
FAQ
What are the benefits of a Vancity Visa?
Vancity Visa cards are backed by one of Canada's largest and best credit unions, with 585,000+ members throughout B.C. There are several card types to choose from, including no fee and low-interest options, and those that earn valuable Vancity Rewards. Cardholders also enjoy exclusive discounts at local businesses, such as Modo cardshare and Fresh Prep meal kit delivery.
Who did Vancity merge with?
Vancity merged with First Credit Union in late 2025. The business transaction officially closed on in early December, following receipt of all required legal and regulatory approvals. First Credit Union now operates as FCU Community Financial, a division of Vancity, with members continuing to use the same branches, accounts, and services.
What makes Vancity different?
In 1961, this credit union became the first financial institution in Canada to provide mortgages to women without a male co-signer. In 1986, it became the first full-service financial institution to offer its own socially-responsible mutual funds. Now, Vancity promotes environmentally and socially-focused missions, has plans to become carbon-neutral, works with Indigenous communities, and offers loans for climate-friendly renovations.
What is the largest credit union in Canada?
Vancity is the largest credit union in British Columbia by asset size ($39.7 billion, plus assets under administration). While Vancity held the honour for a while, Servus Credit Union in Alberta recently became the largest in the country. Servus' asset base is close to $30 billion.
What is the best credit union in B.C.?
Vancity is the largest credit union in British Columbia and arguably the best. Members appreciate the credit union’s focus on environmental and social issues in the region, and the wide range of financial products is all high-quality and low-cost. This includes the Vancity credit cards mentioned above.
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 228 Canadian credit cards.
