If you’re in the market for a new credit card, it’s important to consider the welcome bonus that the credit card is offering. This is a one-time incentive to encourage you to apply for the card, only available in your first year with the card.
The signup bonus is a big part of the value you’ll get from a new credit card, above and beyond its core features, at least in the first year. Often the signup bonus will influence your decision to apply, perhaps even more strongly than the card’s other qualities.
Here are the best credit card offers in Canada for June 2023.
What’s Happening This Month?
Summer is just around the corner, and some banks have released red-hot welcome bonuses to help fuel the busy travel months. We’ve seen the appearance of new all-time-high offers on some of Canada’s most popular credit cards, as well as extensions of other competitive offers.
Here’s a summary of some of this month’s highlights, including elevated bonuses and key deadlines to be aware of:
- There’s a new all-time high bonus on the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card, and TD has also updated the offers on its other Aeroplan and TD Rewards cards.
- CIBC adjusted the offers on its suite of Aventura credit cards, and also on some of its Aeroplan cards
- HSBC extended the offers on its series of HSBC Rewards credit cards through to August 31, 2023.
- The all-time high welcome bonus on the National Bank World Elite Mastercard is due to expire on June 30, 2023.
- After a brief appearance on this list, the best-ever offer on the Laurentian Bank Visa Infinite Card expired, and now comes without any welcome bonus whatsoever.
Methodology
This list is an opinionated ranking of the best credit card offers in Canada, based on a few key factors that we use to evaluate the appeal of a signup bonus.
First and foremost, we look at the net value you can expect to earn when you apply for the card. This is the value of any first-year bonuses, rebates, and deals, minus annual fees. Rewards points are adjusted to a cash value based on our Points Valuations.
Next, we consider how easy it is to earn the welcome bonus. Cards may get a boost for a low spending requirement, or a long timeline to meet the spending threshold to qualify for the bonus. Meanwhile, they may get dinged for a high spending requirement, merchant category spending requirements, or drawn-out recurring monthly requirements.
All else being equal, we prefer cards with low annual fees. Any card with a first-year annual fee waiver, offering a bonus above a certain value, is a candidate for this list. However, the total first-year value of the offer is a bigger factor, as you can earn points faster and still come out ahead by paying high annual fees for cards with larger signup bonuses.
Finally, we may give a card a slight boost if its offer is significantly better than usual, or if we like the long-term features of the card. However, this list is mostly determined by what you can gain in the first year with a new credit card, compared to other deals available now.
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card (Extended)
TD’s premium Aeroplan card is offering the strongest overall bonus in Canada right now.
As a plus, there’s no monthly requirement to keep track of. Instead, the total required spending is quite high, at $12,000, but this is mitigated by the fact that you have a full year to meet this threshold. Furthermore, because of the way the spending requirement is structured, you’ll receive a big batch of points before you’ve hit the full $12,000.
Between an all-time high points total and a relatively straightforward spending requirement, now would be an excellent time to apply for this card. Since the offer has been extended, you now have until September 5, 2023 to take advantage of the best-ever offer.
- Earn 20,000 Aeroplan points upon first purchase
- Plus, earn an additional 60,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $7,500 in the first 180 days
- Plus, earn an additional 35,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $12,000 in the first year
- Earn 2x Aeroplan points on Air Canada purchases
- Earn 1.5x Aeroplan points on gas, groceries, dining, food delivery, and other travel purchases
- Aeroplan preferred pricing, free checked bag, priority check-in and boarding on Air Canada flights
- Unlimited Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge access
- DragonPass membership with six free lounge visits per year
- Minimum income: $200,000 personal or household
- Annual fee: $599
Business Platinum Card from American Express
Not surprisingly, the Business Platinum Card from American Express is among the cream of the crop.
While this premium Amex card comes with a high annual fee, it’s well worth it, as it will easily be offset by the value of the large signup bonus. Plus, you may even find long-term value in keeping the card thanks to its best-in-class perks, including extensive lounge access, comprehensive travel insurance, and generous refer-a-friend bonuses.
The offer is less than the all-time high we saw in Summer 2022, but is better than what we’ve seen since. If you’re looking to rack up points quickly, it’s without a doubt a great place to start.
- Earn
75,000100,000 MR points upon spending $10,000 in the first three months - Plus, earn 1.25x MR points on all purchases
- Transfer MR points to Aeroplan and other frequent flyer programs for premium flights
- Unlimited airport lounge access for you and one guest at Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, Centurion, and other lounges
- Credits and rebates for business expenses throughout the year with Amex Offers
- Bonus MR points for referring family and friends
- Qualify for the card as a sole proprietor
- Annual fee: $499
American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card
The business variant of Amex’s premium Aeroplan card has a slightly lower first-year value than the Business Platinum Card.
However, the up-front chunk of points is smaller, and the total spending requirement is higher. You’ll also have to sustain monthly spending for six months and pay the annual fee for the second year to unlock the full value of the welcome bonus.
If that suits your needs, this card would be an excellent choice, especially if you use Aeroplan as your main currency and plan to keep the card around. If not, though, a premium personal card might be a better fit.
- Earn 55,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $9,000 in the first three months
- Plus, earn a further 7,500 Aeroplan points upon spending $3,000 in each of the first six months, up to 45,000 Aeroplan points
- Plus, earn a further 25,000 Aeroplan points upon making a purchase in months 14–17
- Also, earn 3x Aeroplan points on Air Canada purchases
- Aeroplan preferred pricing, free checked bag, priority check-in and boarding on Air Canada flights
- Unlimited Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge access
- Bonus Aeroplan points for referring family and friends
- Qualify for the card as a sole proprietor
- Annual fee: $599
American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card offers a slightly lower total bonus than the Business variant above.
However, the spending requirements are lower, which you may find more appealing. Still, with a monthly spending requirement, you do have to make sure you hit the threshold in each of the first six months to achieve the full bonus.
With the welcome bonuses separated by a hair, the choice between a premium Aeroplan card or a Platinum card will likely come down to your preference for all-around travel benefits or staunch Air Canada loyalty.
- Earn 50,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $6,000 in the first three months
- Plus, earn a further 45,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $2,000 in each of the first six months
- Plus, earn 25,000 Aeroplan points upon making a purchase in months 14–17
- Always earn 3x Aeroplan points on Air Canada purchases
- Aeroplan preferred pricing, free checked bag, priority check-in and boarding on Air Canada flights
- Unlimited Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge access
- Bonus Aeroplan points for referring family and friends
- Annual fee: $599
American Express Platinum Card
The personal Platinum Card is offering a solid welcome bonus of 90,000 Membership Rewards points in one fell swoop.
However, there is a fairly hefty spending requirement of $7,500 in the first three months. If that doesn’t pose a barrier, then now could be a good time to add a chunk of metal to your wallet.
The offer isn’t the highest we’ve ever seen, but a the range of ongoing benefits on this card, you may also find value in keeping it around for a while.
- Earn
60,00090,000 MR points upon spending $7,500 in the first three months - Also, earn 3x MR points on all dining purchases at restaurants, bars, and food delivery services
- Also, earn 2x MR points on all travel purchases
- Also, receive an annual $200 travel credit
- Transfer MR points to Aeroplan and other frequent flyer programs for premium flights
- Unlimited airport lounge access for you and one guest at Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, Centurion, and other lounges
- Credits and rebates for daily expenses throughout the year with Amex Offers
- Bonus MR points for referring family and friends
- Annual fee: $699
American Express Business Gold Rewards Card
The American Express Business Gold Rewards Card is also offering a very strong bonus, and it comes with a smaller $199 annual fee. At 75,000 Membership Rewards points, this offer is the standard high-water mark for this card.
It’s simple to earn the bonus, with a spending requirement of $5,000 in three months on any category of purchases. With the offers on other Amex cards coming down while the Business Gold stays high, now would be a good time to add this one to your collection.
- Earn
70,00075,000 MR points upon spending $5,000 in the first three months - Plus, earn 10,000 MR points in each calendar quarter you spend $20,000
- Transfer MR points to Aeroplan and other frequent flyer programs for premium flights
- Enjoy the exclusive benefits of being an American Express cardholder
- Bonus MR points for referring family and friends
- Annual fee: $199
American Express Gold Rewards Card
Similar to the earning structure on the Cobalt card, earning the full welcome bonus on the Gold Card now requires you to spend $1,000 each month, for the first 12 months. The 10,000 points upon spending $4,000 in the first three months isn’t great, but the total welcome bonus over the course of the year is attractive.
As you’ll have to spend at least $13,000 spread out over the first year, you’d probably be better off looking elsewhere. If you’re somebody who tends to max out the 5x earning rate on your Cobalt every year, then this could serve as a decent backup.
- Earn 10,000 MR points upon spending $4,000 in the first three months
- Plus, earn an additional 5,000 MR points upon spending $1,000 in each of the first 12 months, up to 60,000 MR points
- Also, receive an annual $100 travel credit and a $50 NEXUS credit
- Transfer MR points to Aeroplan and other frequent flyer programs for premium flights
- Plaza Premium membership with four annual lounge passes
- Credits and rebates for daily expenses throughout the year with Amex Offers
- Bonus MR points for referring family and friends
- Annual fee: $250
American Express Business Edge Card
With a low annual fee of $99, this card is a good option if you’re looking to rack up points at a low cost.
Still, you’ll face the same $5,000 spending requirement as the Business Gold Rewards Card, but with a smaller welcome bonus.
Note that you’ll need to sustain spending of $3,000 per month to earn the final 12,000 MR points, a prospect which I’d recommend forgoing in favour of better ways to earn points on other cards.
- Earn
45,00055,000 MR points upon spending $5,000 in the first three months - Plus, earn an additional 1,000 MR points for each of the first 12 months in which you spend $3,000, for an additional 12,000 MR points
- Also, earn
3x10x MR points on food and drinks, ridesharing, gas, office equipment, and electronics, up to an additional 10,000 MR points - Transfer MR points to Aeroplan, Avios, or Marriott Bonvoy
- Enjoy the exclusive benefits of being an American Express cardholder
- Bonus MR points for referring family and friends
- Annual fee: $99
TD Aeroplan Visa Business Card (New Offer)
The offer on the TD Aeroplan Visa Business Card received quite a bump in the rankings this month, thanks in part to the removal of a pesky monthly spending requirement.
Now, you can receive the full swath of points in as little as three months. With a bit of legwork, you can score up to 50,000 Aeroplan points, and you won’t have to pay the annual fee for the first year.
If you don’t have this card yet, now is as good of a time as it’s ever been to add it to the rotation.
- Earn 10,000 Aeroplan points upon first purchase
- Plus, earn 30,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $5,000 in the first three months
- Plus, earn 5,000 Aeroplan points upon setting up a new recurring bill payment, up to a maximum of two
- Earn 1.5x Aeroplan points on travel, dining, shipping, and telecommunications purchases
- Preferred pricing and free checked bags on Air Canada flights
- Qualify for the card with a registered business
- Annual fee: $0 for the first year, then $149
American Express Aeroplan Card
The American Express Aeroplan Card is yet another mid-tier Amex with a respectable welcome bonus.
Despite its lower annual fee, there is a modest monthly spending requirement, which may be a minor hassle to track for limited gain. While the value of the offer is quite strong, I’d sooner choose an MR card to earn points in a more straightforward manner, or a premium Aeroplan card for better benefits.
- Earn 40,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $3,000 in the first six months
- Plus, earn a further 2,500 Aeroplan points upon spending $500 in each of the first six months
- Always earn 2x Aeroplan points on Air Canada purchases
- Aeroplan preferred pricing, free checked bag on Air Canada flights
- Bonus Aeroplan points for referring family and friends
- Annual fee: $120
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card (New Offer)
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card is routinely one of our favourite mid-tier Aeroplan cards.
The latest offer is for an all-time-high welcome bonus of up to 70,000 Aeroplan points. While the spending requirement is high, it’s also spread out over a full year, so you should have no trouble reaching it.
In order to receive the third dose of points, you’ll need to pay the annual fee again for the second year. The new offer comes without an annual fee rebate for the first year, but the boost in points should make it worthwhile.
Luckily, you have until September 5, 2023 to take advantage of the offer, so there’s plenty of time to add this card to your portfolio.
- Earn 10,000 Aeroplan points upon first purchase.
- Plus, earn
10,00040,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $5,000 in the first six months - Plus, earn an additional 20,000 Aeroplan points on renewal when you spend $7,500 within 12 months of account opening
- Earn 1.5x Aeroplan points on gas, groceries, and Air Canada purchases
- Preferred Aeroplan pricing and free checked bags on Air Canada flights
- Minimum income: $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
- Annual fee: $0 for the first year, then $139
RBC British Airways Visa Infinite Card
RBC has a boosted offer on its British Airways co-branded card. While the value is quite strong, the spending requirement is higher and on a shorter timeframe than the Avion cards.
Also, Avios are harder to use and more restrictive than Avion points. As Avion can be transferred 1:1 to Avios, I’d always opt for flexibility first, and only apply for the more limited card after exhausting other options.
- Earn 15,000 Avios when you get approved for the card
- Then, earn
25,00035,000 Avios when you spend $6,000 in the first three months - Also, earn 10,000 Avios when you renew the card for a second year
- Plus, earn 1x Avios on all purchases
- Get a Companion Award eVoucher for an Avios redemption on British Airways flights upon spending $30,000 in a calendar year
- Annual fee: $165
TD Business Travel Visa Card (New Offer)
As you continue to amass TD Rewards points, the TD Business Travel Visa Card is a good choice when the offer is relatively strong.
Right now, the offer is broken down into three parts: the first bonus upon making a purchase, the second bonus upon spending $5,000 in the first three months, and a third component upon setting up two recurring bill payments.
Assuming you can meet all requirements, you can score up to $750 worth of points in the first year, which is a worthwhile endeavour for the spend if you’re out of better options.
- Earn 30,000 TD Rewards points upon first purchase
- Plus, earn 70,000 TD Rewards points upon spending $5,000 in the first 3 months
- Earn an additional 20,000 TD Rewards points upon setting up a new recurring bill payment, up to a maximum of two
- Earn 9x TD Rewards points on travel purchases when you book through Expedia for TD
- And, earn 6x TD Rewards points on restaurants, recurring bill payments, and foreign transactions
- Use your rewards for any travel bookings available on Expedia for TD
- Qualify for the card as a sole proprietor (business registration may be necessary)
- Annual fee: $149 ($0 in the first year)
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
CIBC’s top-tier Aeroplan card is offering an appealing bonus, with 60,000 points achievable for spending a reasonable $3,000 in the first four months.
This alone is quite good value for the annual fee, and a high one at that. If you do decide to keep the card long-term for its premium benefits, there’s a second-year points bonus which is enough to offset your second annual fee.
- Earn 20,000 Aeroplan points upon first purchase
- Earn
25,00040,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $3,000 in the first four months - Plus, earn an anniversary bonus of 30,000 Aeroplan points upon renewing the card for a second year
- Earn 2x Aeroplan points on Air Canada purchases
- Earn 1.5x Aeroplan points on gas, groceries, dining, food delivery, and other travel purchases
- Aeroplan preferred pricing, free checked bag, priority check-in and boarding on Air Canada flights
- Unlimited Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge access
- DragonPass membership with six free lounge visits per year
- NEXUS application credit
- Minimum income: $200,000 personal or household
- Annual fee: $599
HSBC World Elite Mastercard (Extended)
The HSBC World Elite Mastercard is always a good option, even when its welcome bonus is lower than its all-time high.
Currently you can earn up to 80,000 points, and in an improvement to previous offers, all are awarded in the first year. Toss in no annual fee for year one, the $100 annual travel credit, and earning 6 HSBC Rewards points per dollar spent on travel, and the overall value proposition from this card becomes quite strong.
Indeed, it’s one of our favourite keeper cards. It’s one of the few credit cards in Canada with no foreign transaction fees, features the aforementioned annual travel credit, and HSBC Rewards are the only Canadian bank program to transfer to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles.
The current offer has been extended through to August 31, 2023.
- Earn
20,000up to 80,000 HSBC Rewards points - Plus, earn 6 HSBC Rewards points per dollar spent on travel purchases
- Plus, receive an annual $100 travel enhancement credit
- Transfer HSBC Rewards points to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer and other frequent flyer programs for premium flights, or redeem points for statement credit for any travel expense
- No foreign transaction fees
- Minimum income: $80,000 personal or $150,000 household
- Annual fee: $0 for the first year, then $149
- Offer valid for non-Quebec residents only. Quebec residents are eligible for a different offer
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card (New Offer)
After a solid run higher up on this list, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card has dropped down into third place amongst the core Aeroplan co-branded credit cards.
The new offer has a higher minimum spending requirement than before, and you have to renew the card for a second year to receive the full welcome bonus. You’ll also have to spend at least $10,000 in the first year, which is higher than its TD counterpart.
On the plus side, the card is offering a first-year annual fee waiver, which is a common and popular feature of its welcome bonus.
As before, there’s no published expiry date for this offer. It could be worth looking elsewhere for now, perhaps to the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card, as this isn’t the strongest offer we’ve seen.
- Earn 10,000 Aeroplan points upon first purchase
- Earn 20,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $4,000 in the first four months
- Earn 15,000 Aeroplan points as an anniversary bonus upon spending $10,000 in the first year
- Earn 1.5x Aeroplan points on gas, groceries, and Air Canada purchases
- Preferred pricing and free checked bags on Air Canada flights
- Minimum income: $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
- Annual fee: $0 for the first year, then $139
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Business Card (New Offer)
CIBC’s Aeroplan business card is a tale of two offers: an achievable portion up-front for good value, followed by an excessive spending requirement for a meagre prize.
For the first part alone, the card has a first-year annual fee waiver and a reasonable spending requirement. Even without considering the long-term spending threshold, you could do a lot worse for a new business credit card.
For what it’s worth, the only changes to the offer this time around were reducing the total spending threshold from $65,000 to $35,000, and adding an annual fee rebate for the first year.
- Earn
10,00030,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $3,000 in the first four months - Plus, earn an additional 30,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $35,000 in the first year
- Earn 1.5x Aeroplan points on gas and travel purchases
- Preferred pricing and free checked bags on Air Canada flights
- Qualify for the card with a registered business
- Annual fee: $0 for the first year, then $180
TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card (New Offer)
TD’s in-house rewards cards make for a great stat-padder when you’re looking for general travel value, outside of airline or hotel loyalty programs.
After a recent refresh which also brought a record welcome bonus, the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card has dropped its offer down to 100,000 TD Rewards points in the first year.
That’s worth a fixed value of up to $500 towards any travel booking via Expedia for TD. Bear in mind that the spending requirement is quite a bit higher than before, at $5,000 spent in the first six months.
However, you’ll get a $100 annual travel credit, which goes a long way to improving the value proposition on the card, whether in the first year or long-term.
The current offer expires on September 5, 2023, so you’ve got plenty of time to work this card into your roster.
- Earn 20,000 TD Rewards points after making your first purchase
- Earn 80,000 TD Rewards points upon spending $5,000 in the first 180 days
- And, earn up to 10,000 TD Rewards points back on your birthday
- Plus, earn 8x TD Rewards points on travel purchases when you book through Expedia for TD
- Use your rewards for any travel bookings available on Expedia for TD
- Minimum income: $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
- Annual fee: $0 for the first year, then $139
American Express Cobalt Card
The American Express Cobalt Card is a favourite for everyday earning, with an unbeatable 5x rate on groceries and restaurants. The card is arguably more attractive for its keeper appeal than it is for its signup bonus.
Still, the value of the welcome offer is worth applying for, even with a baseline welcome bonus. There’s never a bad time to add a Cobalt Card to your rotation.
- Earn a total of 30,000 MR points upon spending $500 in each of the first 12 months
- Earn 5x MR points on groceries, restaurants, bars, and food delivery
- Earn 3x MR points on eligible streaming services
- Earn 2x MR points on gas, transit, and travel purchases
- Transfer MR points to Aeroplan, Avios, or Marriott Bonvoy
- Enjoy the exclusive benefits of being an American Express cardholder
- Bonus MR points for referring family and friends
- Monthly fee: $12.99
RBC Avion Visa Infinite
After a long period of all-time-high welcome bonuses, the offers on the suite of RBC Avion cards dropped down to 35,000 points across the board in May 2023. Fortunately, the points are awarded upon approval, which means that you won’t have to meet any minimum spending requirements to unlock the full bonus.
While you’ll earn more points more quickly with Amex cards and Aeroplan points, RBC Avion cards are a great way to expand into the Oneworld airline alliance.
You can use your Avion points to supplement your Amex MR transfer to British Airways Avios or Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, or for the unique ability to convert to American Airlines AAdvantage miles.
- Earn
15,00035,000 RBC Avion points when you get approved for the card - Earn
1x1.25x RBC Avion points on travel purchases - Transfer RBC Avion points to British Airways Avios and other frequent flyer programs for premium flights
- Minimum income: $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
- Annual fee: $120
RBC Avion Visa Platinum
If your income doesn’t qualify for the RBC Avion Visa Infinite, you can also apply for the RBC Avion Visa Platinum, with the same offer and perks.
- Earn
15,00035,000 RBC Rewards points when you get approved for the card - Earn 1 RBC Rewards point per dollar spent on travel purchases
- Transfer RBC Avion points to British Airways Avios and other frequent flyer programs for premium flights
- No minimum income requirement
- Annual fee: $120
Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card
The Marriott Bonvoy personal card is currently offering an elevated welcome bonus of up to 80,000 Bonvoy points. This is a fairly significant jump from the bonus of up to 55,000 points which we’ve become accustomed to in the recent past, even if you’ll have to wait until the second year to maximize the offer.
Even with a high welcome bonus, the card struggles to rank higher due to the middling value of the Bonvoy program. It’s getting harder to extract the full value of the points unless you have a specific redemption in mind.
Your best bet is to maximize the welcome bonus and then burn the points on a valuable redemption as quickly as possible. Then, keep it in the sock drawer for the 35,000-point Free Night Award each year.
- Earn 70,000 Bonvoy points upon spending $3,000 in the first three months
- Plus, earn 10,000 Marriott Bonvoy points upon making a purchase in months 14–17 as a cardholder
- Also, receive an annual Free Night Award worth 35,000 Bonvoy points starting in your second year with the card
- Also, receive 15 elite-qualifying nights every year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status
- Bonus Bonvoy points for referring family and friends
- Annual fee: $120
Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
The business variant of Amex’s Bonvoy cards takes a bit of a hit compared to the personal card. Even with a higher signup bonus, its annual fee and minimum spending requirement are higher than those of the personal card.
At the same time, it’s worth having two of these cards as keeper cards, due to the Free Night Award you can earn with both.
- Earn 80,000 Bonvoy points, upon spending $5,000 in the first three months
- Plus, earn 10,000 Bonvoy points upon making a purchase in months 14–17 as a cardholder
- Always earn 5x Bonvoy points on purchases at Marriott properties
- Also, receive an annual Free Night Award worth 35,000 Bonvoy points starting in your second year with the card
- Also, receive 15 elite-qualifying nights every year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status
- Bonus Bonvoy points for referring family and friends
- Qualify for the card as a sole proprietor
- Annual fee: $150
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card (New Offer)
The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card is offering a decent bonus right now, with 40,000 points available upon spending $1,000 in the first four months. This is down from the previous offer of 45,000 points.
While Aventura points aren’t the most tantalizing currency, there’s currently a promotion to redeem against any travel expense at an elevated valuation of 1.25 cents per point, which has been extended through to March 31, 2024.
Get this card and redeem the bonus against travel expenses that are otherwise difficult to use points for, such as independent hotels, cruises, and car rentals.
- Earn
15,00020,000 CIBC Aventura points after making your first purchase - And, earn 20,000 CIBC Aventura points after spending $1,000 in the first 4 months
- Plus, earn 2x CIBC Aventura points on all purchases through the CIBC Rewards Travel Centre
- Plus, earn 1.5x CIBC Aventura points on gas, groceries, and drugstore purchases
- DragonPass membership with four free lounge visits per year
- NEXUS application credit
- Minimum income: $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
- Annual fee: $0 for the first year, then $139
CIBC Aventura Gold Visa Card (New Offer)
The Gold version is identical to the above, with a lower income requirement. You should have no trouble capitalizing on either offer, if not both.
- Earn
15,00020,000 CIBC Aventura points after making your first purchase - And, earn 20,000 CIBC Aventura points after spending $1,000 in the first 4 months
- Plus, earn 2x CIBC Aventura points on all purchases through the CIBC Rewards Travel Centre
- Plus, earn 1.5x CIBC Aventura points on gas, groceries, and drugstore purchases
- DragonPass membership with four free lounge visits per year
- NEXUS application credit
- Minimum income: $15,000 household
- Annual fee: $0 for the first year, then $139
Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
Like the Cobalt Card, the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is known more for its keeper prowess than for its signup offers. You’ll earn 5x points on groceries and restaurants, or 6x points at Empire grocery stores.
The welcome bonus is solid, currently offering 20,000 Scene+ points with a low spending threshold, or a total of 40,000 points with higher spending. The first year annual fee waiver is also a nice perk, and the offer only dropped by 5,000 points from its previous iteration.
As these points are not transferable to loyalty programs and are only good for general travel expenses at fixed value, the Cobalt Card is a much better first choice. Likewise, though, there’s never a bad time to get this card.
- Earn 20,000 Scene+ points upon spending $1,000 in the first three months
- Earn an additional 20,000 Scene+ points upon spending $7,500 in the first year
- Earn 6x Scene+ points on Sobeys, IGA, Safeway and FreshCo
- Plus, earn
1x5x Scene+ points on groceries, dining, and entertainment - Also, earn
1x3x Scene+ points on gas, transit, and select streaming services - Redeem points for statement credit for any travel expense
- No foreign transaction fees
- Enjoy the exclusive benefits of being an American Express cardholder
- Annual fee: $0 in the first year, then $120
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business card has an elevated bonus right now, good for 35,000 Avion points.
As a big plus, the card has no spending requirement. With a reasonable annual fee for a high-end business credit card, it’s a valuable way to boost your Avion balance.
You’ll likely need to have a registered business with documentation to be approved for an RBC business credit card.
- Earn 25,000 RBC Avion points when you get approved for the card
- Plus, earn 1.25x RBC Avion points on all purchases
- Use your rewards for any business class flight with no restrictions on dates, seats, or airlines
- Transfer points to one of four airline partners
- Qualify for the card with a registered business
- Annual fee: $175
RBC Cathay Pacific Visa Platinum
A secondary priority, the RBC Cathay Pacific Visa Platinum offers good value on paper. However, it’s more of a niche card, with a higher spending requirement than the RBC Avion cards, which would be a more efficient way to earn towards your Asia Miles goals.
- Earn 15,000 Asia Miles when you get approved for the card
- Plus, earn 25,000 Asia Miles when you spend $7,000 in three months
- Green Tier membership to the Cathay Pacific Marco Polo Club in your first year
- No minimum income requirement
- Annual fee: $120
TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum Card (Extended)
With a signup bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points, no first-year annual fee, and a low income requirement, this card is one of the better ways for beginners early in their credit journey to begin collecting meaningful sums of Aeroplan points.
If you’re just getting your feet wet with high annual fees, and can’t be approved for higher-income cards, this card is as good a starting point as they come.
The current offer has been extended through to September 5, 2023.
- Earn
10,00020,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $1,000 in the first three months - Earn 1x Aeroplan points on gas, groceries, and Air Canada purchases
- Preferred Aeroplan pricing
- Annual fee: $0 for the first year, then $89
National Bank World Elite Mastercard (Ending Soon)
National Bank is offering an elevated signup bonus on its flagship Mastercard, up to 70,000 points.
While almost half of the bonus requires high spending over the first year, the card’s 5x earn rate on groceries and restaurants should make it more appealing as a daily driver.
Plus, you may find value in keeping the card long-term, with flexible annual travel credit that offsets the annual fee and some of the best insurance available in Canada.
The current offer is set to expire on June 30, 2023. If you’ve had your eye on this card but have yet to act, now’s the time.
- Earn a welcome bonus of 30,000 rewards points upon spending $5,000 within the first three months
- Plus, 10,000 rewards points upon signing up for credit card payment insurance
- And, 30,000 rewards points upon spending $12,000 in the first 12 months
- Earn 5x rewards points on grocery and restaurant spend
- Get travel insurance on award travel, as well as medical coverage on longer trips and for seniors
- Receive $150 in annual credits for airport parking, baggage fees, seat selection fees, lounge access, and airline ticket upgrades
- Minimum income: $80,000 personal or $150,000 household
- Annual fee: $0 in the first year, then $150
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege
Like its junior counterparts, RBC’s top-tier Avion card is offering 35,000 Avion points upon approval.
This card is knocked down the list for offering the same number of points at a higher annual fee. It’s still an okay value proposition in spite of the increased costs, but it wouldn’t be my first choice for an Avion card at this time.
- Earn
25,00035,000 RBC Avion points when you get approved for the card - Plus, earn 1.25x RBC Avion points on all purchases
- Use your rewards for any business class flight with no restrictions on dates, seats, or airlines
- Transfer points to one of four airline partners
- DragonPass membership with six free lounge visits per year
- Minimum income: $200,000 personal or household
- Annual fee: $399
Conclusion
We hope that this list will help guide you as you select your next card application, with an emphasis on the value of the signup bonus.
Feel free to view all credit cards to sort and filter by your own criteria as you compare other options. You can also book a Points Consulting call with the Prince of Travel team if you’d like some personalized advice.
