Best Visa Credit Cards in Canada for 2025
The best credit cards that Visa offers across Canadian banks.
The best Visa credit card is the RBC Avion Visa Infinite, offering users valuable Avion points, extensive insurance coverage, travel perks, and much more.
Still, Visa lovers should consider a few other highly-rated credit cards before committing to just one. The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card has excellent cash back rates, and the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege comes with some impressive premium perks.
Before you settle on just one card, consider the following reviews of the top Visa cards available.
Key Takeaways
- The best Visa credit card in Canada is the RBC Avion Visa Infinite, followed by the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Card.
- Visas earn whatever rewards points are set by their issuing bank, but they tend to make strong travel credit cards.
- Seven of the overall best credit cards in Canada are Visa cards.
- The five types of Visas are Classic, Gold, Platinum, Infinite, and Infinite Privilege – each has its own eligibility requirements and unique features and perks.
The 12 best Visa credit cards in Canada
Visa is the #1 payment network in the world, helping companies and consumers conduct nearly $6.5 trillion worth of transactions in 2024. It owns the digital network that transfers money between banks and merchants, but it’s your bank or credit union that issues your credit card.
Credit card issuers also decide most of the perks, insurance, and rewards associated with your card, leading to a huge variety of Visa credit cards in Canada.
Since not every Canadian spends money the same way, we don’t expect our readers to agree on what makes the best credit card. We hunted for the top-ranking Visa credit cards in a dozen categories – including best overall, best rewards, best for travel, and best for students – and examined them in detail.
| Category | Credit card | Annual fee | Current offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | RBC Avion Visa Infinite | $120 | 55,000 bonus points (terms) |
| Best rewards | BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Card | $120 |  $150 GeniusCash + Up to 70,000 bonus points, first year free (terms) |
| Best travel | TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card | $139 | $20 GeniusCash + Up to 165,000 bonus points (terms) |
| Best cash back | Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card | $120 | $20 GeniusCash + 10% cash back for the first 3 months, first year free (terms) |
| Best premium | RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege | $399 | Up to 70,000 bonus points (terms) |
| Best no fee | Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card | $0 | $50 GeniusCash + 5,000 bonus points (terms) |
| Best no fee cash back | Home Trust Preferred Visa | $0 | None |
| Best with no foreign transaction fees | Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card | $150 | $100 GeniusCash + 35,000 bonus points (terms) |
| Best for groceries | CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card | $120 | 10% cash back for the first 4 months, first year annual fee rebate (terms) |
| Best low interest | Scotiabank Value Visa Card | $29 | 0.99% interest on balance transfers for 9 months (terms) |
| Best for students | Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card for Students | $0 | 5,000 bonus points (terms) |
| Best for gamers | RBC ION+ Visa | $48 | $60 GeniusCash + 14,000 Avion points (terms) |
Here’s a comparison of the average earn rates of some of Canada’s top Visa credit cards:
1. Best Visa credit card overall
Rewards program: RBC Avion Rewards
Rewards:
- 1.25 points per $1 spent on travel
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite earns 1.25 Avion Points per $1 spent on travel and 1 point per $1 spent on everything else. While it may not seem like much, redeeming Avion points on travel yields up to 2.33 cents per point, giving you an average return of 2.91% – that’s $2.91 in rewards for every $100 you spend!
Don’t forget the value of having 12 types of insurance, automatic Avion Elite membership, and the Visa Infinite program with its wealth of luxury travel benefits. You’ll enjoy 24/7 complimentary concierge services, access to exclusive events, and complimentary upgrades and credits at a range of hotels for a fraction of the price of a super-premium card.
Pros:
- 50 Be Well Points per $1 spent at Rexall
- 20% off, 3x the points, and automatic Five Star status at Hertz
- 12-month complimentary DoorDash subscription
- 12 types of insurance included
- 3 cents off per litre and 20% more points at Petro-Canada
- Two-for-one Friday ski lift passes
- Points worth up to 2.33 cents each
- Automatic Avion Elite membership
- No blackout dates or seat restrictions on travel rewards
- Visa Infinite benefits
Cons:
- $60,000 personal or $100,000 household income required
- Low points value for non-travel rewards
2. Best rewards Visa credit card
GC: $150
Rewards program: BMO Rewards
Rewards:
- 5 BMO Rewards points for every $1 spent on dining, groceries, gas, and transit
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
We named the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Card the most rewarding Visa credit card because it earns 5 points per $1 spent in four categories (gas, groceries, restaurants, and transit) and 1 point per $1 spent everywhere else. While BMO Rewards points don’t carry a high value, they’re fairly flexible – you can use them to reduce your credit card statement, increase your investment account, or order gift cards and merch.
Pros:
- $50 annual lifestyle credit
- 10% bonus points for adding an authorized user
- Up to 7 cents off per litre at Shell
- Visa Infinite benefits
Cons:
- $60,000 personal or $100,000 household income required or $15,000 minimum annual spend
- Only 6 types of insurance included
- Points only worth up to 0.67 cents each
Premium Pick: For a $200 annual lifestyle credit, six airport lounge passes, and even more rewards, check out the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card – but be prepared to pay a higher annual fee of $599.
3. Best travel Visa credit card
GC: $20
Rewards program: TD Rewards
Rewards:
- 8 points per $1 spent on travel booked online through Expedia For TD
- 6 points per $1 spent on groceries, restaurants, and public transit
- 4 points per $1 spent on recurring bill payments, streaming, digital gaming, and media
- 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
The TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card is focused on one thing: travel. With premium travel perks including exclusive offers on events and restaurants, hotel discounts, and a 24/7 concierge service, you’ll never be left wanting abroad. It also features a valuable rewards program.
Redeeming your TD Rewards points on Expedia For TD produces an average return rate of 1.98%. Combine your rewards with a $100 annual travel credit towards hotels or vacation packages, 12 types of credit card insurance, and Visa Infinite perks, and you’ve got the best travel Visa credit card on the market.
Pros:
- $100 annual travel credit on Expedia For TD
- 10% bonus points on your birthday
- 50% bonus points and Stars at Starbucks
- 12 types of insurance included
- Up to 10% off AVIS and Budget car rentals
- Visa Infinite benefits
Cons:
- $60,000 personal or $100,000 household income required
- Points worth as little as 0.5 cents each
- Low points value for non-travel rewards
4. Best cash back Visa credit card
GC: $20
Rewards program: Cash back
Rewards:
- 4% cash back on groceries and recurring bill payments
- 2% cash back on gas and transit
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
It’s easy to earn and spend the rewards you get from the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card. You’ll earn up to 4% back on everyday expenses, with an average return of 2.08%.
Sit tight, though – your rewards will be returned in the form of a single statement credit once per year.
Pros:
- 25% off AVIS and Budget car rentals
- 11 types of insurance included
- Visa Infinite benefits
Cons:
- $60,000 personal or $100,000 household income required
- No cash back on demand
5. Best premium Visa credit card
Rewards program: RBC Avion Rewards
Rewards:
- 1.25 points per $1 spent on all purchases
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege earns at a steady rate of 1.25 Avion points per $1 spent on everything. While you’re saving up points, you can also discover this card’s biggest advantage: the Visa Infinite Privilege program.
VIP perks and benefits include even more exclusive events, hotel benefits, and priority airport services than the Visa Infinite program, plus the complimentary Visa Airport Companion. You’ll get six free lounge visits per year – and beyond that, you can access 1,200+ airport lounges in the Dragonpass network for $35 USD per visit and enjoy complimentary food and drink before the flight you booked using the RBC Air Travel Redemption Schedule.
This premium card comes with a premium annual fee, though – $399 per year isn't nothing. Though it's at least offset by a welcome bonus worth an incredible $1,631.
Pros:
- Six free lounge visits per year
- 50 Be Well Points per $1 spent at Rexall
- 20% off, 3x the points, and automatic Five Star status at Hertz
- 12-month complimentary DoorDash subscription
- 12 types of insurance included
- 3 cents off per litre and 20% more points at Petro-Canada
- Points worth up to 2.33 cents each
- Two-for-one Friday ski lift passes
- Automatic Avion Elite membership
- Complimentary Dragonpass membership
- Visa Infinite Privilege benefits
Cons:
- $200,000 personal or household income required
- Low points value for non-travel rewards
6. Best no fee Visa credit card
GC: $50
Rewards program: Scene+
Rewards:
- 2 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, Safeway, Home Hardware, and Cineplex
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Visa doesn’t offer as many no fee credit cards as Mastercard, but the Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card kind of makes up for it. You’ll get 2 Scene+ points per $1 spent at partners like Cineplex, Sobeys, Safeway, and Home Hardware and 1 point per $1 spent everywhere else.
Cardholders can redeem Scene+ points on four types of rewards, including groceries, restaurants, and movies. If you’re a cinephile on a budget, there’s no better Scene+ credit card with no annual fees.
Pros:
- Only $12,000 of personal income required
- 25% off AVIS and Budget car rentals
- No additional card fee
Cons:
- No insurance included
- Points worth as little as 1 cent each
7. Best no fee, cash back Visa credit card
Rewards program: Cash back
Rewards:
- 1% cash back on all purchases
With the Home Trust Preferred Visa in your wallet, you won’t have to pay annual fees or currency exchange fees. Throw in 1% cash back on everything (except foreign transactions) and you’ve got more money to spend on your favourite international stores.
Pros:
- Only $15,000 of personal income required
- No foreign transaction fee
- Guaranteed hotel reservations, even if you arrive late
Cons:
- Only 1 type of insurance included
- No cash back on demand
- No rewards on foreign transactions
8. Best Visa credit card with no foreign transaction fees
GC: $100
Rewards program: Scene+
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
Globe trotters, look no further than the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card. You can get complimentary airport lounge access with your credit card up to six times per year and earn up to 3 points per $1 spent on your everyday purchases.
Scene points yield up to 1 cent each when you spend them on travel – plus, this card can save you 2.5% on every souvenir with no foreign exchange fees.
It also offers one of the most valuable insurance packages available from a Visa card. Its collection of 11 different types of coverage is worth more than $500.
Pros:
- Six complimentary airport lounge visits per year
- 11 types of insurance coverage, including emergency medical over 65 years of age
- Points worth up to 1 cent each
- No foreign exchange fee
- Automatic Avis Preferred Plus membership status
- Visa Infinite benefits
Cons:
- $60,000 personal or $100,000 household income required
- Lower rewards than other Visa Infinite cards
9. Best Visa credit card for groceries
×1 Award winner Join and earn up to $400 in value including a first-year annual fee rebate.†
1x Award winner Join and earn up to $400 in value including a first-year annual fee rebate.†
Rewards program: Cash back
Rewards:
- 4%† cash back on eligible gas, EV charging, and groceries
- 2%† cash back on eligible restaurants, transportation, and recurring bills/payments
- 1%† cash back on all other purchases
It doesn’t quite match the earning rates of the best American Express credit cards, but the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card comes close with up to 4% back on your purchases.
To make the most of it, make sure to stop at a Journie Rewards gas station like Chevron, Pioneer, or Ultramar. Once you’ve saved at least $10, you can redeem it on your next credit card statement through the CIBC app or website.
Pros:
- 25% AVIS and Budget car rentals
- Up to 10 cents off per litre at Journie gas stations
- No CIBC Global Money Transfer fees
- Cash back on demand
- First-year fees waived for up to three additional cards
- Visa Infinite benefits
Cons:
- $60,000 personal or $100,000 household income required
- Only 6 types of insurance included
10. Best low interest Visa credit card
Rewards program: None
Forget perks, rewards, or insurance – the Scotiabank Value Visa Card is for Canadians who want low interest and balance transfer rates. With a 0% balance transfer rate for the first 10 months – and a 13.99% interest rate forever – it’s the best Visa for consumers looking to consolidate their debt.
Pros:
- Only $12,000 of personal income required
- 25% off AVIS and Budget car rentals
- 13.99% interest rate
- 0% balance transfers for the first ten months
Cons:
- No rewards
- Only 12 types of insurance included
11. Best Visa credit card for students
Rewards program: Scene+
Rewards:
- 2 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, Safeway, Home Hardware, and Cineplex
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Student credit cards are modest earners and the Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card for Students is no exception, earning 2 points per $1 spent at select partners and 1 point per $1 spent everywhere else. Its rewards are more exciting, returning up to 1 cent per point on 5 options: travel, groceries, restaurants, movie tickets, and Home Hardware discounts.
Pros:
- 25% AVIS and Budget car rentals
- Points worth up to 1 cent each
- No income requirements
Cons:
- No insurance included
12. Best Visa credit card for gamers
GC: $60
Rewards program: RBC Avion Rewards
Rewards:
- 3 points per $1 spent on groceries, dining, food delivery, daily transit, rideshares, EV charging, streaming, digital gaming, and subscriptions
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
The RBC ION+ Visa makes cash back rewards even more affordable by charging its annual fee as $4 per month and waiving it for students. This credit card earns you up to 3 points per $1 spent, with a value of up to 1 cent per point. Don’t forget to link a DoorDash account so you can enjoy takeout with free delivery!
Pros:
- $1,000 of mobile device insurance included
- 50 Be Well Points per $1 spent at Rexall
- 3 cents off per litre and 20% bonus points at Petro-Canada
- Three-month complimentary DoorDash subscription
- Points worth up to 1 cents each
- Automatic Avion Premium membership
- No income requirements
Cons:
- Only 3 types of insurance included
- Low points value for non-travel rewards
Compare all Visa credit cards
Our Genius Rating system is a refined algorithm that takes more than 126 data points to produce a score out of 5 for every credit card we review.
Here’s a comparison of the top Visa credit cards in Canada, arranged by Genius Rating
GC: $20How we get our rankings
To find the best Visa credit cards in the most important categories in Canada, we evaluated over 126 features in seven categories:
- Rewards (31%)
- Fees (20%)
- Approval (15%)
- Insurance (11%)
- Perks (11%)
- Interest (8%)
- Acceptance (4%)
Most credit cardholders choose their card based on rewards, so we gave more weight to Visas with high earn rates. Our creditcardGenius algorithm calculated each card’s rewards based on a typical monthly spend of $2,000 and scored them out of five, producing our Genius Rating.
Learn more about the Genius Rating methodology
Pros and cons of Visa credit cards
Although there’s a wide variety of Visa credit cards available in Canada, they have many advantages in common, including:
- 24/7 worldwide lost/stolen card reporting, emergency card replacement services, and emergency cash services
- A variety of rewards programs like Aeroplan, CIBC Aventura, and DesJardins BONUSDOLLARS
- Excellent travel rewards and perks
- Hundreds of promotional partnerships offering exclusive events, preferential pricing, and special benefits to Visa cardholders
- Top-tier security and zero liability for unauthorized transactions
- Worldwide acceptance in over 200 countries and territories, and at 2.5 million ATMs
As ubiquitous as they are, Visa credit cards aren’t entirely free of disadvantages. After surveying the top credit cards in the country, we found they shared:
- Higher-than-average annual fees and few no fee options
- High interest fees ranging from 20% – 23% for the top cards
- Inconsistent credit card benefits values, even among expensive cards
- Higher income requirements, up to $200,000
Visa credit cards excel in travel credit cards, particularly at the Infinite and Infinite Privilege levels, which makes them less suitable for homebodies, moderate spenders, and people who prefer cash back credit cards.
Types of Visa credit cards
Visa credit cards derive many of their best features from the issuing bank or store, but the Visa name carries its own unique advantages – at certain levels, anyway.
There are five types of Visa credit cards: Classic, Gold, Platinum, Infinite, and Infinite Privilege. Classic, Gold, and Platinum cards have limited benefits and income requirements that become more exciting once you reach the Visa Infinite and Visa Infinite Privilege levels.
Visa Infinite credit cards
Like the World Mastercard program, Visa Infinite gives cardholders a taste of the good life with luxury hotel, travel, and entertainment benefits. You must have at least $60,000 of personal income or $100,000 of household income to apply.
In exchange, you can use your card to enjoy:
- 24/7 assistance with tickets, reservations, party planning, and more via the Visa Infinite Complimentary Concierge
- Seven luxury benefits (including a $25 daily dining credit, complimentary room upgrades, and preferential rates) at properties in the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection
- Access to exclusive dinners and wine tastings in British Columbia and Ontario through the Visa Infinite Wine Country Program
- Access to exclusive, multi-course dining events with top culinary talent through the Visa Infinite Dining Series
- Automatic Platinum membership and accompanying perks at 60+ Sandman, Sandman Signature, and Sutton Place Hotels with the Visa RSVP Rewards Benefit
- Automatic Troon Rewards Silver Status and 10% off green fees, lessons, and merchandise at 95+ golf courses
- Exclusive access to tickets to curated events (including the Toronto International Film Festival) with Visa Infinite Entertainment Access
Visa Infinite credit cards carry annual fees of $100 or more. On the plus side, you’ll also enjoy better travel insurance and rewards.
Visa Infinite Privilege credit cards
The highest tier of Visa credit card carries equally high requirements: at least $150,000 of personal income or $200,000 of household income. It exceeds the requirements (and luxury) set by its closest competitor, the World Elite Mastercard program.
The Visa Infinite Privilege program includes everything from the previous level, plus:
- One additional benefit (such as a spa or dining credit) at properties within the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection
- Access to private movie events and at-home streaming offers with Visa Infinite Screening Series
- Automatic Diamond membership status and extra perks with the Visa RSVP Rewards Benefit
- Automatic Troon Rewards Platinum Status and 20% off green fees, lessons, and merchandise at 150+ golf courses
- Complimentary airport lounge membership and/or lounge passes with the Visa Airport Companion
- Discount valets, dedicated parking spots, and priority security and taxi/limo lanes at major Canadian airports, including Toronto-Billy Bishop, Ottawa, Vancouver, and Montreal
To justify their high fees (which range from $200 – $400), credit card issuers stuff VIP cards with extra benefits, insurance, and rewards. If the affordability of your travels concerns you less than style, you’d probably be interested in a Visa Infinite Privilege credit card.
Are the Visa Infinite benefits worth it?
Visa Infinite and Infinite Privilege benefits give you access to 900+ luxury hotels, mobile data plans in over 125 countries, exclusive dining opportunities, complimentary wine tastings and tours in BC and ON, golf perks with Troon Rewards, perks at the Toronto Film Festival, complimentary concierge service, and more.
If you have a zest for the finer things and enjoy partaking in unique experiences, you’ll probably find that the benefits included with your Visa Infinite card are worth it.
Other Visa perks
All Visa cards (Classic, Gold, and Platinum) are widely accepted around the world. Plus, they come with top security features like:
- Zero liability for unauthorized purchases
- 24/7 lost or stolen card reporting
- Emergency card replacement service
- Emergency cash delivery service
Visa installment plans
As a Visa cardholder, you have the option to break up large purchases into installments. You’ll be able to separate eligible purchases into small increments over a longer period of time.
Using one of these installment plans can be a good way to afford larger items without the concern of accruing tons of interest, though there’s usually a small installment fee upfront.
No additional setup is required to use Visa installments, since it uses your existing credit limit. Here are just a few of the retailers that are eligible to use Visa installment plans:
- Amazon
- Canada Computers
- Simons
- Pandora
Learn more: How buy now pay later plans work
Why choose a Visa credit card?
Visa is the largest credit card network in the world (by cards issued, not revenue), and there are some compelling reasons to choose a Visa card:
- Global reach: Visa is accepted in over 200 countries and territories, which means it’s a reliable choice for shopping at home and abroad.
- Convenience: Visa’s wide network means that it’s easy to access ATMs around the world to withdraw cash in local currencies.
- Security features: Visa cards come with ENV chip technology and 3D Secure to protect you against fraudulent transactions. Plus, you’ll have protection under Visa’s Zero Liability Policy.
- Currency conversion: Visa typically provides competitive exchange rates for foreign transactions, and a handful of Visa cards offer no foreign transaction fees.
Which Visa credit card is right for me?
Still debating? We don’t blame you! To help you cut through analysis paralysis, we’ve crafted six questions to help you find the Visa credit card for you:
- What is my personal and household income? If you don’t meet their requirements, you can eliminate all Visa Infinite and Visa Infinite Privilege credit cards immediately.
- What are my biggest expenses? Matching your existing spending habits to a credit card that rewards them is key to maximizing your earnings.
- What rewards do I want? Cash back cards offer the greatest flexibility. By contrast, most point rewards are most valuable when redeemed for travel.
- How much insurance do I need? It’s cheaper to buy a card that includes insurance than to pay for it separately. Consider the riskiness of your travels and whether your age or destinations exclude you from coverage.
- What perks do I want? Credit card perks often reward the adventurous and extroverted. If you prefer to stay in, you may not want to pay for them.
- How high of an annual fee can I afford to pay? If you want a lot of perks or insurance, you’ll have to pay for them, which can cut into your overall annual rewards.
If you need help, you can find these questions and more in an easy-to-complete format in the creditcardGenius quiz.
FAQ
Which type of Visa card is best?
Visa Infinite credit cards hit the sweet spot for luxury and value – they earn more than Classic, Gold, and Platinum Visas and carry many of the same perks as a Visa Infinite Privilege card for a lower price.
Is Visa or Mastercard better in Canada?
There’s not much of a difference in the acceptance rates for Visa and Mastercard in Canada. If you want cash back on modest spending, consider using a Mastercard. But if you love luxurious travel perks, a Visa is best.
Can you get a Visa credit card with a credit score of 600?
A credit score of 600 may be too low to get one of Visa’s ultra-premium cards, but secured and student cards fit this criteria, so consider the Home Trust Secured Visa Card and/or Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card for Students.
What is the highest rank of Visa card?
The highest rank is the Visa Infinite Privilege program, which requires at least $150,000 personal income. Benefits of the program include complimentary concierge service, complimentary wine tours across Ontario and BC, and access to the Visa Infinite Dining Series.
Is Mastercard or Visa more popular in Canada?
In Canada, both Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Both offer competitive perks like travel insurance, rewards, and airport lounge access. Ultimately, it comes down to individual needs, the card’s rewards program, and where you shop most frequently.
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 226 Canadian credit cards.
