Top Quebec credit cards
Best credit card for cash back in Quebec
10% cash back
Welcome Bonus
$484
First Year Value
$384
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn 10% cash back for 2 months† (up to $100). Expires Jan 30, 2026
Get this card if you...
- want flexible cash back categories
- want unlimited cash back
- want to avoid paying an annual fee
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$0
Annual Fee
19.95% - 24.95%
Purchase
19.95%
Cash Advance
1.95% - 19.95%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card is a no-annual-fee cash back card that allows cardholders to earn a higher cash back rate in two spending categories of their choice, such as groceries, gas, or restaurants, and a lower rate on all other purchases. By opening a Tangerine Savings Account and directing cash back earnings there, a third higher rate cash back category can be added. Additional benefits include purchase assurance and extended warranty protection, with cash back rewards automatically applied monthly.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$12,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Pros
- No annual fee
- Choose the spending categories where you want to earn the most cash back
- Unlimited cash back—no maximum spending limit for any purchase category
- Cash back is paid out monthly rather than annually
- Periodically includes a special welcome offer where you can get extra cash back
- 1.95% interest on balance transfers for the first 6 months (1% transfer fee applies)*
Cons
- Regular cash back rates are still lower than what you can get from a card with an annual fee
- Limited extra perks or benefits beyond the cash back and balance transfer promotion
- Generally not a good fit for shopping at warehouse clubs or wholesale grocers like Costco or Walmart
- Tangerine does not have any physical bank branches
Annual Interest Rates
19.95% - 24.95%
Purchase
19.95%
Cash Advance
1.95% - 19.95%
Balance Transfer
1.95%
Balance Transfer (Introductory)
24.95%
Penalty
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
3.00%
Balance Transfer
$3.5
Cash Advance
$25
Over The Limit Penalty
$25
Return Penalty
Rewards cash back
2%
Earn 2% cash back on 2 categories of your choice (e.g. groceries, recurring bills, gas, drug stores, etc.)
3
Get a Tangerine Savings account and add a 3rd 2% cash back category.
0.5%
Earn 0.50% on all your other everyday purchases.
Earn 10% cash back for 2 months† (up to $100).
Our Take
The Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card is a no-annual-fee cash back card that allows cardholders to earn a higher cash back rate in two spending categories of their choice, such as groceries, gas, or restaurants, and a lower rate on all other purchases. By opening a Tangerine Savings Account and directing cash back earnings there, a third higher rate cash back category can be added. Additional benefits include purchase assurance and extended warranty protection, with cash back rewards automatically applied monthly.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$12,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Pros
- No annual fee
- Choose the spending categories where you want to earn the most cash back
- Unlimited cash back—no maximum spending limit for any purchase category
- Cash back is paid out monthly rather than annually
- Periodically includes a special welcome offer where you can get extra cash back
- 1.95% interest on balance transfers for the first 6 months (1% transfer fee applies)*
Cons
- Regular cash back rates are still lower than what you can get from a card with an annual fee
- Limited extra perks or benefits beyond the cash back and balance transfer promotion
- Generally not a good fit for shopping at warehouse clubs or wholesale grocers like Costco or Walmart
- Tangerine does not have any physical bank branches
Annual Interest Rates
19.95% - 24.95%
Purchase
19.95%
Cash Advance
1.95% - 19.95%
Balance Transfer
1.95%
Balance Transfer (Introductory)
24.95%
Penalty
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
3.00%
Balance Transfer
$3.5
Cash Advance
$25
Over The Limit Penalty
$25
Return Penalty
Rewards cash back
2%
Earn 2% cash back on 2 categories of your choice (e.g. groceries, recurring bills, gas, drug stores, etc.)
3
Get a Tangerine Savings account and add a 3rd 2% cash back category.
0.5%
Earn 0.50% on all your other everyday purchases.
Earn 10% cash back for 2 months† (up to $100).
Yes, that’s right! The top cash back credit card in Canada comes with $0 annual fee. The Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card consistently rewards you with 2% cash back on purchases within three categories of your preference, chosen from a selection of 10 categories. Additionally, you earn 0.5% cash back on all other purchases. Cash back rewards are issued monthly, and there's no cap on spending within any category, ensuring your earnings remain limitless. Moreover, the card provides purchase insurance and extended warranty coverage.
Runner up for cash back: SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express
bonus 10% cash back
Welcome Bonus
$742
First Year Value
$492
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn a bonus 10% cash back on purchases in your first 3 months (up to $2,000 in purchases).
Get this card if you...
- want to earn cash back faster
- need comprehensive insurance benefits
- want a generous welcome offer to maximize rewards
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$119.88
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
Our Take
The SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express is a cash back credit card offering elevated earn rates on eligible gas and grocery purchases in Canada, with a standard rate on all other purchases. Cardholders benefit from a welcome bonus, as well as additional perks such as rental car insurance and travel accident coverage; however, the card carries a monthly fee, and cash back is redeemed annually each September.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- Competitive cash back rates: Up to 4% on gas and groceries, and more
- Refer-a-friend bonus up to $750 annually
- Extra benefits like rental car insurance and travel accident coverage
- Manufacturer's warranty doubled on purchases
Cons
- $9.99/month fee ($119.88 annually)
- Cash back redeemed annually in September
- Not all benefits may be relevant to all users
- Limited to American Express acceptance
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
29.99%
Penalty
Fees
$119.88
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
Rewards cash back
4%
cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada
4%
cash back on eligible grocery store purchases in Canada (up to $1,200 cash back annually)
2%
cash back on all other purchases
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$100,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn a bonus 10% cash back on purchases in your first 3 months (up to $2,000 in purchases). That’s on top of your everyday cash back earn rates.
Plus, earn a $50 statement credit* when you make a purchase in month 13.*
This could add up to $250 in bonus value in your first 13 months.
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for this offer. Other terms apply.
Our Take
The SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express is a cash back credit card offering elevated earn rates on eligible gas and grocery purchases in Canada, with a standard rate on all other purchases. Cardholders benefit from a welcome bonus, as well as additional perks such as rental car insurance and travel accident coverage; however, the card carries a monthly fee, and cash back is redeemed annually each September.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- Competitive cash back rates: Up to 4% on gas and groceries, and more
- Refer-a-friend bonus up to $750 annually
- Extra benefits like rental car insurance and travel accident coverage
- Manufacturer's warranty doubled on purchases
Cons
- $9.99/month fee ($119.88 annually)
- Cash back redeemed annually in September
- Not all benefits may be relevant to all users
- Limited to American Express acceptance
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
29.99%
Penalty
Fees
$119.88
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
Rewards cash back
4%
cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada
4%
cash back on eligible grocery store purchases in Canada (up to $1,200 cash back annually)
2%
cash back on all other purchases
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$100,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn a bonus 10% cash back on purchases in your first 3 months (up to $2,000 in purchases). That’s on top of your everyday cash back earn rates.
Plus, earn a $50 statement credit* when you make a purchase in month 13.*
This could add up to $250 in bonus value in your first 13 months.
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for this offer. Other terms apply.
The SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express is a contender for best cash back card because of its super bonus offer:
-
Earn a bonus 10% cash back on purchases in your first 3 months (up to $2,000 in purchases). That’s on top of your everyday cash back earn rates.
Plus, earn a $50 statement credit* when you make a purchase in month 13.*
This could add up to $250 in bonus value in your first 13 months.
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for this offer. Other terms apply.
And if you dig the Tangerine card’s 2% cash back offered in a few categories, it might be worth it to pay a fee of $119.88 annual fee ($9.99/month (Equals $119.88 annually) for non-Quebec residents. $119/annual for Quebec residents.) for the SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express, which gives you 4% cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada, 4% cash back on eligible grocery store purchases in Canada (up to $1,200 cash back) and 2% cash back on all other purchases. You’ll earn enough cash back to cover the annual fee and then some if you charge about $5,000 or more to the card each year, which is very realistic for the average Quebecer.
Disclosures:
-
Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Best credit card for travel
up to 60,000 pts*
Welcome Bonus
$1,812
First Year Value
$312
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to $1,500 in first year welcome offers, rewards and savings, including up to 60,000 bonus Scene+ points* Expires Jul 01, 2026
Get this card if you...
- travel often and want premium travel perks like lounge access
- want to avoid paying foreign exchange fees
- appreciate a good welcome offer
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$150
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card is a travel rewards credit card offering elevated Scene+ points on eligible grocery store purchases, dining, entertainment, and daily transit, with a standard earn rate on all other purchases. Cardholders benefit from no foreign transaction fees, six complimentary airport lounge visits per year through the Visa Airport Companion Program, and comprehensive travel insurance.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
- No FX fees means the card saves you significant expenses on foreign transaction fees
- Earn up to 3x Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
- Flexible and straightforward redemption program
- Visa acceptance globally compared to American Express, especially outside major cities
- Enjoy six annual visits to airport lounges
- Robust insurance offerings, including extended travel emergency medical coverage
- Access to Visa Infinite Program benefits, with added advantages like a free supplementary card
Cons
- High annual fee
- Limited rewards categories for earning reward max rate on purchases
- Primarily best for travel within Canada
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$150
Annual Fee
0.00%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
Rewards Scene+
3x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
2x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
4x
Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
Insurance Benefits
$2,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $1,500 in first year welcome offers, rewards and savings, including up to 60,000 bonus Scene+ points*. Here's how:
$400 in travel rewards (40,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card clients who spend $2,000 within the first 3 months
$100 in travel rewards (10,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card clients who spend $10,000 within the first 6 months
$100 in travel rewards (10,000 bonus Scene+ points) when you spend $40,000 annually on your Account each year (12-months: annual points bonus).
$50 supplementary card annual fee waiver on the first supplementary card for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card clients
$134 in foreign transaction fee savings based on average annual foreign spend per account over the last 24 months (save the 2.5% foreign transaction fee markup typically charged by other card issuers);
$369 in first year point earn potential (36,900 bonus Scene+ points) on everyday purchases based on average annual spend per account over the last 24 months with an average spend of 21% in 3X and 2X accelerator categories.
$364 value with a complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program Membership that includes 6 lounge passes (based on a ‘Preferential’ membership valued at approx. CAD$364/USD$259). Currency conversion as at November 3, 2025.
To qualify for this offer, make sure to apply for and open a new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite credit card account (“Account”) between January 2, 2026 and July 1, 2026.
*Savings and reward potential in first 12 months includes welcome offer value, first year point earn potential, foreign transaction fee and airport lounge savings as of November 4, 2025. Terms and Conditions Apply.
Rates, fees and other information are effective as of Jan 2,2026. Subject to change.
Our Take
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card is a travel rewards credit card offering elevated Scene+ points on eligible grocery store purchases, dining, entertainment, and daily transit, with a standard earn rate on all other purchases. Cardholders benefit from no foreign transaction fees, six complimentary airport lounge visits per year through the Visa Airport Companion Program, and comprehensive travel insurance.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
- No FX fees means the card saves you significant expenses on foreign transaction fees
- Earn up to 3x Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
- Flexible and straightforward redemption program
- Visa acceptance globally compared to American Express, especially outside major cities
- Enjoy six annual visits to airport lounges
- Robust insurance offerings, including extended travel emergency medical coverage
- Access to Visa Infinite Program benefits, with added advantages like a free supplementary card
Cons
- High annual fee
- Limited rewards categories for earning reward max rate on purchases
- Primarily best for travel within Canada
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$150
Annual Fee
0.00%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
Rewards Scene+
3x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
2x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
4x
Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
Insurance Benefits
$2,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $1,500 in first year welcome offers, rewards and savings, including up to 60,000 bonus Scene+ points*. Here's how:
$400 in travel rewards (40,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card clients who spend $2,000 within the first 3 months
$100 in travel rewards (10,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card clients who spend $10,000 within the first 6 months
$100 in travel rewards (10,000 bonus Scene+ points) when you spend $40,000 annually on your Account each year (12-months: annual points bonus).
$50 supplementary card annual fee waiver on the first supplementary card for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card clients
$134 in foreign transaction fee savings based on average annual foreign spend per account over the last 24 months (save the 2.5% foreign transaction fee markup typically charged by other card issuers);
$369 in first year point earn potential (36,900 bonus Scene+ points) on everyday purchases based on average annual spend per account over the last 24 months with an average spend of 21% in 3X and 2X accelerator categories.
$364 value with a complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program Membership that includes 6 lounge passes (based on a ‘Preferential’ membership valued at approx. CAD$364/USD$259). Currency conversion as at November 3, 2025.
To qualify for this offer, make sure to apply for and open a new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite credit card account (“Account”) between January 2, 2026 and July 1, 2026.
*Savings and reward potential in first 12 months includes welcome offer value, first year point earn potential, foreign transaction fee and airport lounge savings as of November 4, 2025. Terms and Conditions Apply.
Rates, fees and other information are effective as of Jan 2,2026. Subject to change.
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card has a very different set of benefits compared to the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, starting first and foremost with its basic rewards system. The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* earns Scene+ points, which may be less widely known than Aeroplan points, though they’re just as valuable.
The Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card is also distinct from the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card in that it offers 6 free annual airport lounge visits (the most of any credit card in Canada with an annual fee of under $200) and it’s one of the few Canadian credit cards that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. Finally, it has high earning potential, at 3X Scene+™ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and Participating Co-ops, and more eligible grocers. Earn 2 Scene+™ points on every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, entertainment purchases, and daily transit purchases (including buses, subways, taxis and more), and earn 1 Scene+™ point on every $1 you spend on all other eligible purchases. The annual fee is $150.
Disclosures:
-
Rates, fees and other information are effective as of January 3, 2025. Subject to change.
Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card to learn more.
*See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.
Best credit card with no foreign transaction fees in Quebec
up to 45,000 points†
Welcome Bonus
$1,582
First Year Value
$732
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to $850 in welcome offers, first year rewards and savings value, including up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points.† Expires Jul 01, 2026
Get this card if you...
- want exclusive travel benefits like no foreign exchange fees
- need comprehensive travel insurance benefits
- want to access exclusive Amex offers
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$120
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is a rewards credit card that offers accelerated earn rates on categories such as groceries, dining, and entertainment. It also provides benefits like no foreign transaction fees and comprehensive travel insurance, making it suitable for both everyday spending and international use.
Eligibility
Very Good (671 - 739)
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- Lots of daily spend options to earn multiplied point bonuses
- Swanky Amex perks like Front of the Line presale concert tickets
- Save on foreign transaction fees when abroad
- Fantastic insurance coverage, especially for travel
Cons
- Relatively low-value welcome bonus
- $120 annual fee that chews into your point value substantially
- Scene points redeem poorly for travel
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
0.00%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards Scene+
6x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
4x
Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$1,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $850* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points. Here's how:
$450 in travel rewards (45,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Gold American Express Card clients who spend $2,000 within the first 3 months (to earn 25,000 points) and who spend $7,500 within the first 12 months (to earn an additional 20,000 points);
$58 in foreign transaction fee savings based on average annual foreign spend per account over the last 24 months (save the 2.5% foreign transaction fee markup typically charged by other card issuers);
$386 in first year point earn potential (38,500 Scene+ points) on everyday purchases based on average annual spend per account over the last 24 months with an average spend of 30% in 6X, 5X and 3X accelerator categories.
Potential First Year Value = up to $894 (rounded down to $850)
To qualify for these offers make sure to apply for and open a new Scotiabank Gold American Express credit card account (“Account”) between January 2, 2026 and July 1, 2026.
*Savings and reward potential in first 12 months includes welcome offer value, first year point earn potential and foreign transaction fee savings as of November 4, 2025.
See terms and conditions for full details.
Rates, fees and other information are effective as of October 31, 2025. Subject to change.
Our Take
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is a rewards credit card that offers accelerated earn rates on categories such as groceries, dining, and entertainment. It also provides benefits like no foreign transaction fees and comprehensive travel insurance, making it suitable for both everyday spending and international use.
Eligibility
Very Good (671 - 739)
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- Lots of daily spend options to earn multiplied point bonuses
- Swanky Amex perks like Front of the Line presale concert tickets
- Save on foreign transaction fees when abroad
- Fantastic insurance coverage, especially for travel
Cons
- Relatively low-value welcome bonus
- $120 annual fee that chews into your point value substantially
- Scene points redeem poorly for travel
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
0.00%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards Scene+
6x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
4x
Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$1,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $850* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points. Here's how:
$450 in travel rewards (45,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Gold American Express Card clients who spend $2,000 within the first 3 months (to earn 25,000 points) and who spend $7,500 within the first 12 months (to earn an additional 20,000 points);
$58 in foreign transaction fee savings based on average annual foreign spend per account over the last 24 months (save the 2.5% foreign transaction fee markup typically charged by other card issuers);
$386 in first year point earn potential (38,500 Scene+ points) on everyday purchases based on average annual spend per account over the last 24 months with an average spend of 30% in 6X, 5X and 3X accelerator categories.
Potential First Year Value = up to $894 (rounded down to $850)
To qualify for these offers make sure to apply for and open a new Scotiabank Gold American Express credit card account (“Account”) between January 2, 2026 and July 1, 2026.
*Savings and reward potential in first 12 months includes welcome offer value, first year point earn potential and foreign transaction fee savings as of November 4, 2025.
See terms and conditions for full details.
Rates, fees and other information are effective as of October 31, 2025. Subject to change.
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is one of the few credit cards in Canada that doesn’t charge a foreign exchange fee when you make purchases in foreign dollars, which can save you money when you travel outside Canada or shop online at non-Canadian sites.
With one of the top earn rates in the country for these categories, the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card earns 5X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend on eligible grocery, dining and entertainment purchases. Get 3X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent on gas, eligible daily transit and select streaming services. You’ll earn 6X Scene+ points for each $1 CAD charged to your account on all eligible purchases¹ at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà by IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Chalo! FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés Tradition, Rachelle Béry and Co-Op. All other purchases earn a single point per dollar. The card also comes with strong travel insurance, a discounted Priority Pass membership and concierge service.
Disclosures:
-
Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card to learn more.
*See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.
Best credit card for students in Quebec
5% cash back
Welcome Bonus
$401
First Year Value
$276
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get 5% cash back in your first 3 months.* Expires Jan 31, 2026
Get this card if you...
- are a student who wants to earn rewards on everyday spending
- want to avoid paying an annual fee
- value purchase protection and extended warranty coverage
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$0
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* for Students is a no-annual-fee credit card tailored for students, offering cash back on everyday purchases, with elevated rates for categories such as groceries and recurring bill payments. It also includes benefits like purchase protection and extended warranty.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
- No annual fee: this makes it cost-effective for students looking to build credit without incurring additional expenses.
- Earn cash back on everyday purchases, including up to 5% cash back on every purchase in your first three months.
- Credit building: If you’re responsible, you can build a positive credit history, which helps you get better credit cards and more
Cons
- Higher interest rates: If you can’t pay off your balance in full, opt for a low interest credit card
- Limited additional benefits: While there are some benefits, it’s not the full suite of perks, but then again, there’s no annual fee.
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
Rewards cash back
3%
Earn 3% cash back on groceries
1%
Earn 1% cash back on recurring bill payments like your mobile phone, streaming and subscription services
0.5%
Earn 0.5% cash back on all other purchases
Earn up to 5% cash back on every purchase for the first three months. On a qualified spend of up to $2,500, you can earn a maximum $125 cash back.
Plus, enjoy three months of Instacart+ and a $5 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
Our Take
The BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* for Students is a no-annual-fee credit card tailored for students, offering cash back on everyday purchases, with elevated rates for categories such as groceries and recurring bill payments. It also includes benefits like purchase protection and extended warranty.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
- No annual fee: this makes it cost-effective for students looking to build credit without incurring additional expenses.
- Earn cash back on everyday purchases, including up to 5% cash back on every purchase in your first three months.
- Credit building: If you’re responsible, you can build a positive credit history, which helps you get better credit cards and more
Cons
- Higher interest rates: If you can’t pay off your balance in full, opt for a low interest credit card
- Limited additional benefits: While there are some benefits, it’s not the full suite of perks, but then again, there’s no annual fee.
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
Rewards cash back
3%
Earn 3% cash back on groceries
1%
Earn 1% cash back on recurring bill payments like your mobile phone, streaming and subscription services
0.5%
Earn 0.5% cash back on all other purchases
Earn up to 5% cash back on every purchase for the first three months. On a qualified spend of up to $2,500, you can earn a maximum $125 cash back.
Plus, enjoy three months of Instacart+ and a $5 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
The student version of the BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* has $0 annual fee and a welcome offer of 5% cash back. The card earns you 3% cash back on groceries (up to a monthly max of $500 on grocery spending; the max resets each month) and 1% (to $500 per month)* on recurring bill payments like streaming services or subscriptions. You net 0.5% (no max) on all other purchases*.
The BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* has a flexible redemption policy whereby you can deposit your cash back into a BMO account (chequing, savings or InvestorLine) or put it toward a statement credit. The card comes with lots of student-focused benefits like getting a free credit score via CreditView, as well as extended warranty* and purchase protection*. Save up to 20% on National Car Rental®†† and Alamo Rent A Car®†† and up to 5% on Enterprise Rent-A-Car®†† at locations worldwide using BMO's Car Rental Booking tool.* You will also get 15% off admission to Cirque du Soleil shows in Canada and 20% off resident shows in Las Vegas*.
Disclosures:
- *Terms and conditions apply.
-
BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
Runner up for students: KOHO
$20 sign-up bonus
Welcome Bonus
$68
First Year Value
$48
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get a 30-day free trial for any KOHO plan. Get a $20 sign-up bonus on your first $20 transaction.
Get this card if you...
- prefer earning cash back with the flexibility of a prepaid card
- want to build out your credit history
- want to track your spending
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$48
Annual Fee
0%
Purchase
0%
Cash Advance
Our Take
The KOHO Prepaid Mastercard® is a reloadable card paired with a mobile app, offering features such as cash back on purchases, interest on account balances, and budgeting tools to help users manage their finances effectively. It provides options for credit building and has tiered plans to cater to different financial needs, making it a versatile alternative to traditional credit cards.
Eligibility
Poor (up to 299)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
- A no-fee account option
- Accepted worldwide, wherever Mastercard is accepted
- Three account tiers, so there’s something for everyone
- Earn interest on your account
- RoundUps feature helps you save
- Financial coaching is available
- Features like Credit Building (to help you build your credit history) and Cover (to protect you from overdrawing your account)
- Compatible with Apple Pay, Samsung or Google Pay
- Joint account option for families and couples
Cons
- No physical branches or tellers
- No RRSP, TFSA or RESP accounts
- Customer service not on par with the big banks
- Missing some banking features, like wire transfers, currency exchanges and multiple lines of business like financial planning, mortgages and insurance
Annual Interest Rates
0%
Purchase
0%
Cash Advance
Fees
$48
Annual Fee
1.50%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards cash back
1%
cash back on groceries, eating & drinking, and transportation
50%
extra cash back from select merchants
2.5%
interest on both your spending and savings account (Your funds will also be eligible for CDIC insurance)
0%
Get access to a cash advance of up to $250 at 0% interest with Cover.
30-day trial
All KOHO plans come with a free 30-day trial so you can see if it suits you.
Get 30 days of free trial for any KOHO plan. Get a $20 sign-up bonus on your first $20 transaction.
Only the users who successfully register a new KOHO account and make their first $20 purchase using their KOHO card within 30 days of registration are eligible for the offer and may claim the one-time $20 bonus in their KOHO account. This offer is non-transferable and may only be used once per person. Offer is not applicable in conjunction with other KOHO offers or promotions. KOHO may, at its sole discretion, suspend, terminate or change the terms and requirements of the offer.
Our Take
The KOHO Prepaid Mastercard® is a reloadable card paired with a mobile app, offering features such as cash back on purchases, interest on account balances, and budgeting tools to help users manage their finances effectively. It provides options for credit building and has tiered plans to cater to different financial needs, making it a versatile alternative to traditional credit cards.
Eligibility
Poor (up to 299)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
- A no-fee account option
- Accepted worldwide, wherever Mastercard is accepted
- Three account tiers, so there’s something for everyone
- Earn interest on your account
- RoundUps feature helps you save
- Financial coaching is available
- Features like Credit Building (to help you build your credit history) and Cover (to protect you from overdrawing your account)
- Compatible with Apple Pay, Samsung or Google Pay
- Joint account option for families and couples
Cons
- No physical branches or tellers
- No RRSP, TFSA or RESP accounts
- Customer service not on par with the big banks
- Missing some banking features, like wire transfers, currency exchanges and multiple lines of business like financial planning, mortgages and insurance
Annual Interest Rates
0%
Purchase
0%
Cash Advance
Fees
$48
Annual Fee
1.50%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards cash back
1%
cash back on groceries, eating & drinking, and transportation
50%
extra cash back from select merchants
2.5%
interest on both your spending and savings account (Your funds will also be eligible for CDIC insurance)
0%
Get access to a cash advance of up to $250 at 0% interest with Cover.
30-day trial
All KOHO plans come with a free 30-day trial so you can see if it suits you.
Get 30 days of free trial for any KOHO plan. Get a $20 sign-up bonus on your first $20 transaction.
Only the users who successfully register a new KOHO account and make their first $20 purchase using their KOHO card within 30 days of registration are eligible for the offer and may claim the one-time $20 bonus in their KOHO account. This offer is non-transferable and may only be used once per person. Offer is not applicable in conjunction with other KOHO offers or promotions. KOHO may, at its sole discretion, suspend, terminate or change the terms and requirements of the offer.
Unlike the BMO CashBack® Mastercard®, the KOHO card is not a credit card, it’s a prepaid card. But that’s why it’s a good alternative student card, because with KOHO you don’t have to worry about getting into trouble with credit card debt. KOHO Essential offers a reloadable, prepaid card that’s connected to your KOHO no-fee spending account. The card works like a debit card in some ways, but you can also earn cash back. With KOHO Essential, earn 1% cash back on groceries, eating & drinking, and transportation; up to 50% extra cash back when shop with partnered merchants. Best of all, you can earn 2.5% interest on both your spending and savings account.
Best rewards credit card in Quebec
up to $1,600*
Welcome Bonus
$1,922
First Year Value
$322
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get up to $1,600 in value including up to 100,000 points, Mastercard Travel Pass & 4 Complimentary Lounge Passes, NEXUS Statement Credit and the annual fee waived in the first year for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.*
Get this card if you...
- are a high-earning globetrotter, looking for travel perks
- value travel insurance, lounge access, and concierge services
- appreciate a great welcome offer
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$150
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®* is a premium travel rewards credit card with elevated earn rates on eligible travel, dining, entertainment, and recurring bill payments. Cardholders benefit from complimentary lounge membership, which includes complimentary passes, as well as comprehensive travel insurance coverage, making it a suitable option for frequent travelers seeking both rewards and travel-related perks.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
- High-value welcome offer
- Flexible airport lounge access
- BMO Rewards points can be used to cover flight taxes and fees
- Great for those who frequently rent cars
- Good for Costco and No Frills shoppers
Cons
- So-so earn rates relative to its annual fee
- Points have low redemption value compared to other travel rewards programs
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- Relatively high minimum income requirements
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$150
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
Rewards BMO Rewards
5x
Earn 5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases*
3x
Earn 3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments*
1x
Earn 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else*
4
Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass, with 4 annual complimentary passes
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to $1,600 in value including up to 100,000 points, Mastercard Travel Pass & 4 Complimentary Lounge Passes, NEXUS Statement Credit and the annual fee waived in the first year for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.*
Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on Balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% transfer fee.*
Also, enjoy six months of Instacart+ and a $10 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
*Terms and conditions apply.
Our Take
The BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®* is a premium travel rewards credit card with elevated earn rates on eligible travel, dining, entertainment, and recurring bill payments. Cardholders benefit from complimentary lounge membership, which includes complimentary passes, as well as comprehensive travel insurance coverage, making it a suitable option for frequent travelers seeking both rewards and travel-related perks.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
- High-value welcome offer
- Flexible airport lounge access
- BMO Rewards points can be used to cover flight taxes and fees
- Great for those who frequently rent cars
- Good for Costco and No Frills shoppers
Cons
- So-so earn rates relative to its annual fee
- Points have low redemption value compared to other travel rewards programs
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- Relatively high minimum income requirements
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$150
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
Rewards BMO Rewards
5x
Earn 5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases*
3x
Earn 3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments*
1x
Earn 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else*
4
Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass, with 4 annual complimentary passes
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to $1,600 in value including up to 100,000 points, Mastercard Travel Pass & 4 Complimentary Lounge Passes, NEXUS Statement Credit and the annual fee waived in the first year for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.*
Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on Balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% transfer fee.*
Also, enjoy six months of Instacart+ and a $10 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
*Terms and conditions apply.
The BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®* allows you to rev up your rewards points, starting with its lucrative sign-up bonus: Get up to $1,600 in value including up to 100,000 points, Mastercard Travel Pass & 4 Complimentary Lounge Passes, NEXUS Statement Credit and the annual fee waived in the first year for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.*.
The card earns rewards on spending at a respectable rate, with 5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases,* 3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments,* 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else.* The card’s flexible redemption program means you can redeem points for flights, hotels and vacation packages with no black-out periods. You can also apply points to pay for purchases or build up your savings by putting them towards a BMO savings or investment account.
But the standout feature of the BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®* is its lucrative lounge access package. The card gives you complimentary membership in Dragon Pass,* with 4 annual complimentary passes. And unlike most lounge access deals, BMO lets you use your four free annual passes for yourself or for a guest to accompany you.
Disclosures:
-
*Terms and conditions apply.
BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
"In Quebec? Your welcome bonuses play by different rules—often in your favor! While other Canadians might need to spend thousands to unlock bonuses, you'll typically get points just for making your first purchase, plus more for keeping your card active. For everyday spenders, this can actually mean more rewards. Always check the "Quebec Residents" fine print—it's worth it!"
Cory Santos, Money.ca credit card expert
What credit cards aren’t available to Quebec residents? (Updated 2025)
Not every Canadian credit card is available to Quebec residents (including some of Credit Card Awards finalists:
- CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card
- CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card
- CIBC Aventura® Visa for Students
- TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
- TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
- MBNA True Line® Mastercard®
- Home Trust Preferred Visa
⚜️ Quebec credit card rules explained
Quebec has unique and distinct credit card rules and regulations that differ significantly from what you’ll find in other provinces and territories across Canada. These discrepancies are due to Quebec’s Consumer Protection Act.
Here’s what you need to know about the Act and how it impacts credit cards:
Minimum payment requirements
The biggest difference is Quebec's minimum payment requirements:
- As of August 2020, Quebec requires credit card users to pay at least 2.5% of their balance each month
- This minimum payment percentage rose to 5% by 2025.
- New credit card accounts in Quebec require a 5% minimum payment
- At the same time, the rest of Canada requires only 2.5% minimum payments or $10, whichever is greater
Quebec’s minimum payment rules are designed to help prevent Canadians from accumulating too much debt. Repaying a $1,000 purchase with just the 2.5% minimum payment would take over 20 years and cost you thousands of dollars in interest charges. In comparison, the 5% minimum payment in Quebec would take just 6 years and cost you just $442 in interest charges.
If you want customized information on how long it would take to pay off your credit card debt, check out our credit card calculator.
Over-limit fees and notifications
- Quebec prohibits banks and card issuers from charging over-limit fees
- Lenders must notify customers when they exceed their credit limit
- Legislation requires issuers to send pre-transaction notices to consumers when their available credit falls below $100
Cooling-off periods
Quebec also requires stricter cancellation rights for residents vs. the rest of Canada:
- Quebec offers cancellation rights for credit contracts that vary from 2 to 10 days depending on the type of contract
- For high-cost credit contracts (where the interest rate is 22-percentage points above the Bank of Canada rate), consumers have a 10-day withdrawal right
Credit protections
- Quebec defines "high-cost credit contracts" as those with rates at least 22 percentage points higher than the Bank of Canada rate
- These contracts are presumed to be "excessive, harsh or unconscionable" if the consumer's debt ratio exceeds 45%
Quebec's stricter credit card regulations provide stronger consumer protections than the rest of Canada, particularly in preventing the risks of excessive debt through higher minimum payment requirements and prohibition of over-limit fees.
Regulation
Quebec
Rest of Canada
Minimum payment
5% of balance for contracts after August 1, 2019 (older contracts gradually increasing to 5% by August 1, 2025)
Typically 1-3% of balance, varies by issuer
Over-limit fees
Prohibited
Permitted (typically $25-$29 per occurrence)
Cancellation rights
2-10 days to cancel credit contracts after receiving signed copy
Generally no equivalent right to cancel after approval
Fraud liability
Capped at $50
Generally capped at $50 but varies by issuer and circumstances
Interest rate disclosures
Enhanced disclosure requirements with clearer presentation
Standard federal disclosure requirements
High-cost credit contracts
Special regulations for rates 22% higher than Bank of Canada rates
No equivalent specific regulations
Credit contract amendment notice
30 days’ notice of any changes
30 days’ notice for most changes (federal requirement)
Prepaid card regulations
Stricter regulations: no expiry dates and minimal fees allowed
Less restrictive, allows certain fees and expiration policies
Credit card insurance
Special cancellation rights; merchants must amend contracts within 10 days
No specific requirement to amend contracts upon insurance cancellation
Tip regulations on payment terminals
Tips must be calculated pre-tax, displayed consistently, and include custom option
No specific regulations on how tips are presented
Application requirements
May require Quebec-specific application forms
Standard federal application forms
Language requirements
Contracts must be available in French
No French language requirement outside of federally regulated institutions
Promotional offers
Stricter rules on advertising and promotional periods
More flexibility in promotional offers and advertising
Cooling-off period
10-day right to cancel many credit contracts
No standard cooling-off period
Default charges
Strictly regulated and limited
Fewer restrictions on late payment and default charges
Disclosure of credit limit decreases
Notification required when available credit drops below $100
No equivalent requirement
Tips for maximizing credit card rewards in Quebec
- Create a portfolio of complementary cards that maximize rewards in different spending categories
- Consider using gift card strategies to earn more points at stores you frequently shop at
- Take advantage of welcome bonuses available in Quebec
- Pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges (especially important with Quebec's minimum payment rules
Summary of picks
FAQs
Sandra MacGregor
Freelance Contributor
Sandra MacGregor has been writing about finance and travel for nearly a decade. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications like the New York Times, the UK Telegraph, the Washington Post, Forbes.com and the Toronto Star.
Cory Santos
Senior Reporter
Cory Santos is a finance writer, editor and credit card expert with nearly a decade of experience in personal finance. Cory joined Wise Publishing from BestCards, with bylines in numerous print and digital publications across North America, including the Miami Herald, BlogTO, Debt.ca, AOL, MSN and Medium as well as financial podcasts like KOFE Talk. He's also the creator and author of the annual Money.ca Credit Card Awards.
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Disclaimer
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†Terms and Conditions apply.