Capital One isn’t a very popular card issuer in Canada, but it does have a few no fee credit cards that are easy to qualify for and are useful for building credit. As you’ll see, these Mastercards are almost identical, and they’re extremely basic in terms of what they offer.
If you’re looking for a flat rate cash back, travel, rewards, or secured card that’s easy to qualify for, we’ll show you your Capital One options – along with better alternatives from other credit card issuers.
Key Takeaways
- Capital One’s unsecured credit cards charge no annual fee, but offer limited rewards.
- The secured card from Capital One includes basic insurance, but no rewards.
- You can find similar types of credit cards from other issuers that have better rewards or perks.
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Capital One cards overview
You’ve got several choices when it comes to Capital One cards. Take a look at their features and how much you’ll pay to use the card.
| Card name | Card type | Annual fee | Redemption options | Features | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Aspire Cash Platinum Mastercard | Flat rate cash back | $0 | * Statement credits * Gift cards | * 1% cash back on all purchases * 6 types of insurance included | Apply Now |
| Capital One Aspire Travel Platinum Mastercard | Travel | $0 | * Statement credits * Travel * Gift cards | * 1% cash back on all purchases * 6 types of insurance included | Apply Now |
| Capital One Smart Rewards Mastercard | Rewards | $0 | * Gift cards | * Earn 5 points for every $1 paid towards your balance * Includes 6 types of insurance | Apply Now |
| Capital One Guaranteed Secured Mastercard | Secured | $0 | * No rewards | * Includes 6 types of insurance * Near guaranteed approval | Apply Now |
Best Capital One Mastercard for flat rate cash back
Pros:
- 1% cash back on all purchases
- 6 types of insurance
- No annual fee
- Cash rewards don’t expire
Cons:
- No welcome bonus
Best alternative flat rate card:
Best Capital One Mastercard for travel
Pros:
- 1% cash back on all purchases
- 6 types of insurance
- No annual fee
- Cash rewards don’t expire
Cons:
Best alternative travel card:
Best rewards Capital One Mastercard
Pros:
- Earn 5 points for every $1 paid towards your balance
- Includes 6 types of insurance
- No annual fee
Cons:
- Points only worth 0.125 cents each
- No welcome bonus
Best alternative rewards card:
×8 Award winner Transfer points to Aeroplan and 7 other travel partners with Canada's #1 credit card.*
8x Award winner Transfer points to Aeroplan and 7 other travel partners with Canada's #1 credit card.*
Best secured Capital One Mastercard
Pros:
- Has near guaranteed approval.
- Includes 6 types of insurance.
- No annual fee
- Establishes or repairs your credit score
Cons:
- No rewards on purchases
Best alternative secured card:
Reviewing the alternatives
While you can apply for a Capital One card, you certainly aren’t short of options when it comes to finding a new credit card. Check out some of these great alternatives.
| Card name | Card type | Annual fee | Features | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard | Flat rate cash back | $0 | * Earn 3% unlimited cash back on all eligible purchases made in U.S. dollars * Includes 6 types of insurance coverage * Earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on eligible non-U.S. dollar purchases | Apply Now |
| American Express Green Card | Travel | $0 | * Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all purchases * Points worth up to 2 cents * 4 ways to redeem points for high value | Apply Now |
| American Express Cobalt Card | Rewards | $155.88 | * Up to 15,000 welcome bonus points * Earn up to 5 points per $1 spent on purchases * Includes 10 types of insurance coverage | Apply Now |
| Neo Secured Credit | Secured | $95.88 | * Earn an average of 5% cash back with Neo retail partners * Guaranteed approval as a secured credit card * Only requires a minimum security deposit of $50 | Apply Now |
FAQ
Is the Capital One credit card good?
Capital One credit cards are a decent option if you’re looking for credit cards with no annual fee. That said, the cards are basic in terms of what they offer – limited insurance and few perks. You can likely find a better alternative.
What is the best Capital One credit card in Canada?
These cards are almost identical, but the Capital One Aspire Cash Platinum Mastercard earns slightly more cash rewards than the Capital One Aspire Travel Platinum Mastercard. They both include the same insurance coverage.
What are the differences between Capital One cards?
There aren’t many differences aside from one being a secured card. Of the three unsecured cards we looked at, the main difference is how you get your rewards: as statement credits, gift cards, or travel.
Which is the best credit card to have in Canada?
The best credit card in Canada, the American Express Cobalt Card, has been our top pick for 8 years running, largely due to its high earn rates, low income requirements, nice welcome bonus, and redemption flexibility.
What are the different types of Capital One cards?
Capital One offers one secured credit card and several unsecured cards tailored to earning rewards, cash back, and travel redemption. All are no fee credit cards that offer the same 6 types of insurance coverage.
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