Looking for rewards without paying an annual fee? Below are Canada’s strongest no-fee cards in 2025, organized by use-case. Features and promos change often, so always confirm details on the issuer’s site before you apply.
Top Picks (Credit Cards)
| Credit Cards | Best For | Why it stands out |
|---|---|---|
| Tangerine Money-Back | Custom everyday categories | 2% back in two categories you choose (unlock a third with savings deposit), 0.5% on other purchases; $0 annual fee. |
| BMO CashBack Mastercard | Groceries on a no-fee card | 3% on groceries, 1% on recurring bills, 0.5% everything else; $0 annual fee. |
| Simplii Cash Back Visa | Dining & coffee | Strong restaurant earn rates and frequent welcome offers (e.g., boosted dining cash back for first three months). $0 annual fee. |
| Neo Mastercard | Wide partner cash-back network | No annual fee; app-driven partner network, standard card has no monthly fee; limits up to $10k (on approval). |
| Rogers Red / World Elite | Everyday cash back for Rogers users | No annual fee; up to 3% cash back with eligible Rogers service; World Elite has a minimum income requirement. |
| CIBC Aeroplan Visa (no-fee) | Travel points without a fee | Entry Aeroplan Visa with no annual fee; earn Aeroplan points on daily spend. |
| MBNA True Line Mastercard | Low interest & balance transfers | No annual fee; 0% promotional interest on balance transfers for 12 months (within 90 days of opening) plus a low standard purchase rate. |
Card-by-Card Details
Tangerine Money-Back
Pick two 2% categories (e.g., groceries, gas, recurring bills); deposit rewards to a Tangerine Savings Account to unlock a third 2% category. Everything else earns 0.5%. $0 annual fee. Ideal if your spending shifts and you want flexibility.
BMO CashBack Mastercard
One of the strongest grocery earn rates on a fee-free card: 3% groceries, 1% on recurring bills, 0.5% on all other purchases. Good default pick for households that spend heavily at supermarkets.
Simplii Cash Back Visa
Frequently features boosted cash back on dining/coffee for new clients (promos vary by time). A solid no-fee choice if restaurants and cafés dominate your budget.
Neo Mastercard
A mobile-first card with no annual fee and a large partner cash-back network; standard card has no monthly fee (secured product differs). Good fit if you like discovering merchant offers in-app.
Rogers Red / World Elite Mastercard
Great everyday earner for Rogers customers with up to 3% cash back and no annual fee; note the minimum income requirement for the World Elite version.
CIBC Aeroplan Visa (No-Fee)
A straightforward way to collect Aeroplan points with no annual fee—useful entry into travel rewards if you don’t want to pay for a premium card.
MBNA True Line Mastercard
Focused on low interest and balance transfers: welcome offer of 0% promotional interest for 12 months on eligible balance transfers (completed within 90 days), and a low standard purchase APR—handy if you’re consolidating debt.
How to Choose the Right No-Fee Card
- Map your top two categories.
Heavy supermarket spenders → BMO CashBack; varied spend that changes → Tangerine (custom categories). - Dining often?
Consider Simplii for restaurant-centric earn and welcome boosts. - Want travel points without a fee?
Start with CIBC Aeroplan Visa (no-fee). - Prefer merchant offers and app-based rewards?
Neo’s partner network can shine if you shop where it partners. - Managing balances?
If you need time to pay down debt, MBNA True Line’s BT promo can reduce interest costs dramatically (always read BT fees/terms).
FAQs
Do no-fee cards still charge foreign transaction fees?
Many Canadian no-fee cards charge an FX fee (often ~2.5%). Check the card’s rates & fees page before travelling.
Will I qualify for World Elite with no fee?
Income requirements may apply (e.g., Rogers World Elite lists a minimum personal/household income).
Are welcome bonuses guaranteed?
Promotions change regularly; verify current offers on the issuer’s website when you apply (see links cited above).