Most Canadians - about 85% - rely on rewards credit cards as their go-to payment method. The appeal goes beyond simple convenience to smart money management.
The average household puts $2,200 on credit cards monthly, which creates opportunities to earn rewards on regular purchases. American Express Cobalt offers 5 points per dollar on dining and groceries, while CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite gives 4% cash back on gas and groceries. These rewards can substantially increase your savings.
Our analysis of the 15 best rewards credit cards for 2025 helps you maximize these benefits. The right card matches your lifestyle - from premium travel perks with unlimited airport lounge access to everyday cash back rewards that put money back in your pocket.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Image Source: Chase Credit Cards - Chase Bank
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a top rewards credit card that costs CAD 132.37 annually.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Features
New members can earn 60,000 bonus points by spending CAD 5,573.44 in their first three months. The card gives you a CAD 69.67 annual credit for hotel stays booked through Chase Travel. You'll also get complete travel protection benefits, with trip cancelation coverage up to CAD 13,933.60 per person and CAD 27,867.20 per trip.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Rewards Structure
You can earn points quickly with this reward structure:
Category | Points Earned |
|---|---|
Travel through Chase | 5x points |
|
Dining and Delivery | 3x points |
Online Groceries | 3x points |
Other Travel | 2x points |
All Other Purchases | 1x point |
Your points are worth 25% more if you redeem them for travel through Chase Travel.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Annual Savings
This card creates value in several ways. Cardholders get a 10% bonus on their total points from last year's purchases every anniversary. The card also has primary rental car insurance that saves you CAD 20.90 or more daily on rental agency insurance. Frequent travelers will find great value in the CAD 69.67 hotel credit and increased point redemption rates.
American Express Gold Card
Image Source: American Express
The American Express Gold Card stands out in the rewards credit card space with its CAD 452.84 annual fee. This card packs impressive value through dining and travel perks.
Amex Gold Card Benefits
You'll get several dining credits that add up quickly. The card gives you CAD 167.20 in Uber Cash at CAD 13.93 monthly for U.S. rides and Uber Eats. There's also CAD 167.20 in dining credits with select partners. The perks don't stop there - cardholders receive CAD 139.34 in Resy credits for restaurant bookings. The Hotel Collection sweetens the deal with a CAD 139.34 credit for eligible stays.
Amex Gold Rewards Categories
Here's how you can rack up points fast:
Category | Points Earned | Spending Cap |
|---|---|---|
Restaurants Worldwide | 4X | CAD 69,668.01/year |
U.S. Supermarkets | 4X | CAD 34,834.01/year |
Flights Booked Direct | 3X | No cap |
Prepaid Hotels | 2X | No cap |
Amex Gold Value Calculation
This is a big deal as it means that the card's annual benefits can exceed CAD 696.68 in value. New cardholders can earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending CAD 8,360.16 in the first 6 months. The card's real value comes from flexible redemption options. You can transfer points to 19 airline and hotel partners, making this card a top choice for reward enthusiasts.
Capital One Venture X
Image Source: Capital One
Capital One Venture X leads the premium travel cards market with a CAD 550.38 annual fee.
Venture X Premium Benefits
Cardholders and two guests can access Capital One Lounges and over 1,300 Priority Pass locations worldwide freely. The card provides up to CAD 418.01 in annual travel credits for bookings through Capital One Travel. The card also includes detailed cell phone protection up to CAD 1,114.69 if you pay monthly bills with it.
Venture X Miles Program
You can earn travel rewards at these rates:
Category | Earning Rate |
|---|---|
Hotels & Rental Cars via Capital One Travel | 10X miles |
Flights via Capital One Travel | 5X miles |
All Other Purchases | 2X miles |
We partnered with 18 transfer programs, including Air Canada Aeroplan and British Airways Executive Club. Most partners accept miles at a 1:1 ratio, which makes your rewards more valuable.
Venture X Travel Savings
New cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending CAD 5,573.44 in the first three months. In spite of that, the card's real value shows in the 10,000 anniversary bonus miles, worth CAD 139.34. Cardholders can add up to four authorized users without extra costs. Each user gets their own Priority Pass membership and lounge access perks.
Citi Double Cash Card
Image Source: Citi.com
The Citi Double Cash Card stands out among no-annual-fee rewards credit cards with its simple way to earn rewards on every purchase.
Citi Double Cash Features
You can earn CAD 278.67 cash back by spending CAD 2090.04 in your first six months. We rolled out a special travel benefit that gives 5% total cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel portal through December 31, 2025. The card also comes with a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months.
Citi Double Cash Earning Structure
Your rewards come from a two-step earning process:
Earning Phase | Cash Back Rate |
|---|---|
At the time You Buy | 1% |
At the time You Pay | 1% |
This setup rewards you for paying on time and gives a solid 2% earning rate on all purchases. The card makes tracking rewards easy with no category restrictions or signup requirements.
Citi Double Cash Maximum Value
Rewards convert to Citi ThankYou points at a 1:1 ratio if you want more flexibility. This feature lets you redeem rewards in several ways:
Statement credits or direct deposits
Travel bookings through Citi's portal
Gift cards and merchandise
Point transfers to select travel partners including JetBlue and Wyndham
Credit limits range from CAD 696.68 to CAD 69,668.01, based on your credit score. The 3% foreign transaction fee needs attention if you travel internationally.
American Express Platinum
Image Source: American Express
The American Express Platinum card stands out as a premium travel companion that comes with extensive benefits and a CAD 1,113.29 annual fee.
Amex Platinum Luxury Benefits
Cardholders enjoy access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection's network of more than 1,400 airport lounges in 140 countries. The original benefits include entry to Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass locations, and Delta Sky Clubs for Delta flights. The Fine Hotels + Resorts program provides an average value of CAD 836.02 per stay. Members get daily breakfast for two, guaranteed 4 PM late checkout, and room upgrades based on availability.
Amex Platinum Points System
You can maximize your rewards through travel spending:
Category | Points Earned | Annual Cap |
|---|---|---|
Flights via AmexTravel.com | 5X | CAD 696,680 |
Prepaid Hotels via AmexTravel.com | 5X | None |
Other Purchases | 1X | None |
Statement credits worth CAD 13.93 can be redeemed for every 1,000 points.
Amex Platinum Annual Credits
The card comes packed with yearly credits:
CAD 278.67 Annual Travel Credit
CAD 278.67 Annual Dining Credit at select restaurants
CAD 139.34 NEXUS Card Statement Credit every four years
CAD 278.67 Airline Fee Credit for incidentals
Members also receive complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite and Hilton Honors Gold status. Additional perks include premium car rental benefits through Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Five Star and Avis Preferred.
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Image Source: Business Insider
The Chase Freedom Unlimited offers premium rewards for everyday spending without charging an annual fee.
Freedom Unlimited Features
New members can earn CAD 278.67 after spending CAD 696.68 in their first three months. We noticed cardholders enjoy a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. The card's protection benefits include purchase coverage up to CAD 696.68 per item for 120 days. Travelers receive trip cancelation insurance up to CAD 2,090.04 per covered person.
Freedom Unlimited Categories
The rewards structure gives you attractive earning rates:
Category | Cash Back Rate |
|---|---|
Chase Travel Purchases | 5% |
Dining and Delivery | 3% |
Drugstore Purchases | 3% |
All Other Purchases | 1.5% |
Cardholders earn unlimited matched cash back during their first year. The base rate stays at 1.5% on non-bonus purchases afterward.
Freedom Unlimited Optimization
The card's value increases significantly when combined with premium Chase cards. Transferring points to Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve helps realize the full potential of travel partners and increases redemption values by 25-50%. This card works best as part of the Chase trifecta strategy to maximize rewards in multiple spending categories.
Capital One Savor
Image Source: Capital One
The Capital One Savor card combines excellent dining and entertainment rewards with a detailed rewards structure. This card comes with a CAD 132.37 annual fee.
Savor Card Dining Benefits
Food lovers earn 3% cash back at grocery stores and on dining purchases. These dining rewards work at establishments of all types:
Restaurants and cafes
Bars and lounges
Fast-food chains
Bakeries
Capital One Dining gives cardholders special access to prime-time reservations at award-winning restaurants.
Savor Entertainment Rewards
Entertainment rewards are versatile with 3% cash back at:
Entertainment Venue | Cash Back Rate |
|---|---|
Movie theaters | 3% |
Tourist attractions | 3% |
Amusement parks | 3% |
Sports events | 3% |
Record stores | 3% |
Capital One Entertainment | 8% |
Cardholders can access exclusive curated events through Capital One Entertainment and earn 8% cash back on ticket purchases.
Savor Cash Back Value
New cardholders can get a CAD 278.67 welcome bonus after spending CAD 696.68 in the first three months. The card rewards include:
5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
3% back on popular streaming services like Netflix and Disney+
1% cash back on everything else
Until November 14, 2024, cardholders get 10% back on Uber and Uber Eats purchases and a free Uber One membership.
Wells Fargo Active Cash
Image Source: Wells Fargo Credit Cards
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card combines simplicity with great rewards and helps you maximize credit card benefits without annual fees.
Active Cash Features
New members can earn a CAD 278.67 cash rewards bonus by spending CAD 696.68 in the first three months. We received a 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. The card has cell phone protection up to CAD 836.02 twice per year if you pay monthly bills with the card.
Active Cash Rewards Rate
You can earn rewards through a simple yet valuable structure:
Transaction Type | Cash Rewards Rate |
|---|---|
All Purchases | 2% |
Category Restrictions | None |
Rewards Expiration | None |
The card provides flexible redemption options through:
Statement credits (minimum CAD 1.39)
Wells Fargo ATM withdrawals (CAD 27.87 increments)
Gift cards
PayPal purchases
Active Cash Savings Potential
A consistent earning rate and protection benefits create long-term value for cardholders. The cell phone protection benefit adds extra savings with just a CAD 34.83 deductible. The card's Visa Signature benefits give you access to the Luxury Hotel Collection and concierge services. Balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate with a 3% transfer fee.
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
Image Source: Frequent Miler
The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve revolutionizes digital payments with its innovative mobile wallet rewards and a CAD 557.34 annual fee.
Altitude Reserve Benefits
Cardholders receive up to CAD 452.84 in annual statement credits for travel and dining purchases. The card offers eight complimentary Priority Pass lounge visits each year. Members also get CAD 139.34 in statement credits every four years that they can use for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck applications. The card has complete travel protection with trip cancelation coverage, emergency evacuation benefits up to CAD 13,933.60, and primary rental car insurance.
Altitude Reserve Points
The rewards structure offers exceptional value:
Category | Points Earned |
|---|---|
Prepaid Hotels/Cars via Rewards Center | 5X |
Travel Purchases | 3X |
Mobile Wallet Spending | 3X |
Other Purchases | 1X |
Points are worth 1.5 cents each when redeemed for travel through the Altitude Rewards Center. Cardholders can also use Real-Time Mobile Rewards to redeem points for travel purchases instantly at the same 1.5 cents value.
Altitude Reserve Mobile Wallet Rewards
The card stands out with its 3X points earning on mobile wallet transactions through Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. The card stopped accepting new applications in November 2024, though existing cardholders keep their benefits. Cardholders who face mobile wallet reward problems should remove and re-add their card to digital wallets to ensure they earn 3X points correctly.
Discover it Cash Back
Image Source: Discover
The Discover it Cash Back card ranks among the most versatile rewards credit cards with its rotating bonus categories and unique first-year match program.
Discover it Features
This card rewards you with 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories up to CAD 2090.04 in combined purchases after activation. We earned unlimited 1% back on all other purchases. You won't pay an annual fee and can redeem rewards through statement credits, direct deposits, or gift cards.
Discover it Rotating Categories
The card gives 5% cash back from January through March 2025 at:
Category | Spending Cap |
|---|---|
Restaurants | CAD 2090.04 combined |
Home Improvement Stores | CAD 2090.04 combined |
Select Streaming Services | CAD 2090.04 combined |
You need to activate these rewards each quarter to earn bonus rewards. The category bonuses apply only to purchases made with U.S. merchants.
Discover it First Year Match
This card's best feature doubles all cash back earned in your first year. You could earn CAD 418.01 in your first year and Discover matches it automatically for a total of CAD 836.02. Maximizing quarterly categories could give you CAD 104.50 per quarter. The match happens automatically without minimum spending requirements or reward caps.
Bank of America Premium Rewards
Image Source: Bank of America
The Bank of America Premium Rewards card pairs everyday earning potential with a modest CAD 132.37 annual fee.
Premium Rewards Features
New cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points by spending CAD 5,573.44 in their first 90 days. Cardholders also get up to CAD 139.34 in airline incidental credits each year. These credits work great for seat upgrades, baggage fees, and lounge access. The card's earning structure is simple:
Category | Points Rate |
|---|---|
Travel & Dining | 2X points |
All Other Purchases | 1.5X points |
Premium Rewards Preferred Rewards
The card's value gets even better through Bank of America's Preferred Rewards program. Your earnings increase based on qualifying balance tiers:
Gold (CAD 27,867.20): 25% bonus
Platinum (CAD 69,668.01): 50% bonus
Platinum Honors (CAD 139,336.02): 75% bonus
Premium Rewards Value
Platinum Honors members earn up to 3.5X points on travel and dining purchases and 2.62X points on everything else. The card has complete travel insurance that covers trip delays up to CAD 696.68 when delays exceed 12 hours. Points are flexible and you can redeem them for statement credits, direct deposits into Bank of America accounts, or travel bookings.
American Express Blue Cash Preferred
Image Source: American Express
The American Express Blue Cash Preferred rewards you generously for everyday purchases. You'll pay no annual fee in your first year, after which it costs CAD 132.37.
Blue Cash Preferred Categories
This card stands out with its impressive rewards for household expenses. You can earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets up to CAD 8,360.16 yearly, then 1%. We designed the card with entertainment in mind, offering 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions like Netflix, Hulu, and Spotify.
Blue Cash Preferred Rewards Rate
Here's a detailed breakdown of the rewards structure:
Category | Cash Back Rate | Annual Cap |
|---|---|---|
U.S. Supermarkets | 6% | CAD 8,360.16 |
U.S. Streaming Services | 6% | No limit |
Transit & U.S. Gas Stations | 3% | No limit |
Other Purchases | 1% | No limit |
The card welcomes new members with CAD 348.34 after they spend CAD 4,180.08 in their first six months.
Blue Cash Preferred Annual Value
The card's real value becomes clear through everyday spending. A family spending CAD 487.68 monthly on groceries, CAD 69.67 on streaming services, CAD 139.34 on transit, and CAD 139.34 at gas stations can earn CAD 501.61 yearly. The card's protection benefits cover up to CAD 1,393.36 per item and CAD 69,668.01 each calendar year. Members also get free ShopRunner membership worth CAD 110.08 annually.
Chase Ink Business Preferred
Image Source: Chase Credit Cards - Chase Bank
The Chase Ink Business Preferred credit card helps propel business development with strong earning potential at a reasonable CAD 132.37 annual fee.
Ink Business Features
New cardholders can earn 90,000 bonus points by spending CAD 11,146.88 in their first three months. The card's complete protection benefits give you up to CAD 836.02 per claim if your cell phone gets damaged while paying monthly bills with the card. The card protects your purchases up to CAD 13,933.60 per claim if items are damaged within 120 days.
Ink Business Points System
You can earn substantial rewards with this structure:
Category | Points Rate | Annual Cap |
|---|---|---|
Travel & Select Business | 3X | CAD 209,004.03 |
Shipping Purchases | 3X | Combined with above |
Internet & Phone Services | 3X | Combined with above |
Social Media Advertising | 3X | Combined with above |
Other Purchases | 1X | No limit |
Ink Business Maximum Value
Your points are worth 25% more through Chase Travel redemptions. The welcome bonus translates to CAD 1,567.53 in travel value. You can transfer your points to 14 airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio. The card also provides primary rental car coverage for business rentals, which saves you CAD 55.73 or more daily on rental agency insurance.
Citi Premier Card
Image Source: Citi.com
The Citi Premier Card delivers great value for everyday spending and balances a modest CAD 132.37 annual fee with significant rewards potential.
Citi Premier Benefits
New cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus ThankYou Points by spending CAD 5,573.44 in their first three months. The card gives members a CAD 139.34 annual hotel credit that applies to stays costing CAD 696.68 or more through Citi's booking platform. Cardholders get complete travel protection benefits that include trip cancelation coverage, trip delay protection, and lost baggage insurance.
Citi Premier ThankYou Points
Members earn rewards at impressive rates in several categories:
Category | Points Rate |
|---|---|
Hotels/Car Rentals via Citi Travel | 10X |
Restaurants | 3X |
Supermarkets | 3X |
Gas/EV Charging | 3X |
Air Travel | 3X |
Other Purchases | 1X |
Citi Premier Redemption Options
Members can redeem their points through multiple channels. The card's points transfer to 17 airline and hotel partners. ThankYou Points maintain a steady value of 1 cent per point when redeemed for:
Statement credits
Direct deposits
Gift cards
Travel bookings through Citi's portal
This card distinguishes itself with better transfer ratios, offering 1:2 points transfer to Choice Hotels and 1:1 to most other partners.
Capital One Quicksilver
Image Source: Capital One
The Capital One Quicksilver credit card gives you unlimited cash back and charges no annual fee, making it a great value.
Quicksilver Features
You'll get a CAD 278.67 cash bonus when you spend CAD 696.68 in your first three months as a cardholder. The card gives you 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. You also get free extended warranty protection on eligible items.
Quicksilver Rewards Structure
The rewards program keeps things simple:
Category | Cash Back Rate |
|---|---|
All Purchases | 1.5% |
Hotels/Rental Cars via Capital One Travel | 5% |
Capital One Entertainment | 5% |
Your earning potential is unlimited, and your rewards never expire as long as you keep the account open.
Quicksilver Savings Analysis
The card's value goes beyond basic rewards. You can redeem your cash back in several ways:
Statement credits without minimum requirements
Direct check deposits
Gift cards from restaurants and retailers
Amazon.com purchases at checkout
The card comes with security features like instant purchase alerts and card lock options. Capital One Dining lets you book tables at award-winning restaurants. International travelers will love that this card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.
Comparison Table
|
Credit Card | Annual Fee (CAD) | Welcome Bonus | Key Rewards Rates | Notable Benefits | Redemption Value/Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chase Sapphire Preferred | 132.37 | 60,000 points after spending $5,573.44 in 3 months | • 5x on Chase Travel | • $69.67 annual hotel credit | Points worth 25% more on travel through Chase |
American Express Gold | 452.84 | 60,000 points after spending $8,360.16 in 6 months | • 4x at restaurants worldwide | • $167.20 Uber Cash | Transfer to 19 airline and hotel partners |
Capital One Venture X | 550.38 | 75,000 miles after spending $5,573.44 in 3 months | • 10x on hotels/rental cars via Capital One Travel |
• Priority Pass lounge access | 1:1 transfer to most travel partners |
Citi Double Cash | 0 | $278.67 after spending $2,090.04 in 6 months | • 1% when you buy | • 0% APR on balance transfers for 18 months | Convert to ThankYou points at 1:1 ratio |
American Express Platinum | 1,113.29 | Not mentioned | • 5x on flights via AmexTravel | • Global Lounge Collection access | 1,000 points = $13.93 in statement credits |
Chase Freedom Unlimited | 0 | $278.67 after spending $696.68 in 3 months | • 5% on Chase Travel | • 0% intro APR for 15 months | Points transfer to premium Chase cards |
Capital One Savor | 132.37 | $278.67 after spending $696.68 in 3 months | • 8% on Capital One Entertainment | • Capital One Dining access | Cash back redemption |
Wells Fargo Active Cash | 0 | $278.67 after spending $696.68 in 3 months | • 2% on all purchases | • Cell phone protection up to $836.02 | Statement credits, ATM withdrawals, gift cards |
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve | 557.34 | Not mentioned | • 5x on prepaid hotels/cars | • $452.84 annual travel/dining credits | 1.5 cents per point for travel |
Discover it Cash Back | 0 | Cash back match for first year | • 5% rotating quarterly categories | • First year cash back match | Cash back, statement credits, gift cards |
Bank of America Premium Rewards | 132.37 | 60,000 points after spending $5,573.44 in 90 days | • 2x on travel/dining | • $139.34 airline incidental credits | Statement credits, direct deposits, travel |
American Express Blue Cash Preferred | 132.37 (waived first year) | $348.34 after spending $4,180.08 in 6 months | • 6% at U.S. supermarkets | • Purchase protection | Cash back redemption |
Chase Ink Business Preferred | 132.37 | 90,000 points after spending $11,146.88 in 3 months | • 3x on travel/business categories | • Cell phone protection | 25% more value through Chase Travel |
Citi Premier | 132.37 | 75,000 points after spending $5,573.44 in 3 months | • 10x on hotels/car rentals via Citi | • $139.34 annual hotel credit | Transfer to 17 travel partners |
Capital One Quicksilver | 0 | $278.67 after spending $696.68 in 3 months | • 1.5% on all purchases | • 0% intro APR for 15 months | Cash back, statement credits, gift cards |
Conclusion
Your spending habits and lifestyle priorities should guide your choice of rewards credit card. The welcome bonuses look tempting, but the card's ongoing rewards need to match your regular expenses.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred works best for people who travel often. Grocery shoppers will get more value from the American Express Blue Cash Preferred. People who want to keep things simple might prefer the Citi Double Cash. The Chase Ink Business Preferred can be a great fit for business owners.
Annual fees are a significant part of the decision. Premium cards like the American Express Platinum ($1,113.29) and Capital One Venture X ($550.38) make up for their cost with travel perks and credits. The Capital One Quicksilver and Discover it Cash Back offer good rewards without annual fees.
Take time to review your monthly spending patterns and the benefits you want. You can read more about each card's features below and find the one that fits your needs best.
