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 December 2023.
What’s Happening This Month?
November was an interesting month in the Canadian credit card landscape. There weren’t any profound movements in a positive or negative direction, but there were also some unexpected twists and turns.
Here’s a summary of some of this month’s highlights, including elevated bonuses and key deadlines to be aware of:
- After a few months back at record-high levels, the offers on RBC’s suite of Avion cards have dropped.
- CIBC lowered the offers on its Aeroplan cards at the beginning of the month, only to ramp them back up a couple of weeks later.
- Brim has extended the offer on the Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard a second time, through December 18, 2023.
- Scotiabank also extended the offers on many of its Scene+ cards
- The Amex Cobalt’s offer saw an unfortunate decrease
- We saw the debut of the Cathay World Elite® Mastercard® –powered by Neo, with mixed results
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.
Business Platinum Card from American Express
Not surprisingly, the Business Platinum Card from American Express remains among the cream of the crop.
Currently, the card offers Canada’s most sizeable total welcome bonus: 80,000 points upon spending $15,000 in the first three months, and another 40,000 in the second year.
While this premium Amex card comes with a high annual fee of $799, it’s offset by the value of the large signup bonus alone.
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, $200 annual travel credit, and generous refer-a-friend bonuses.
In fact, you’ll need to keep it into the second year to earn the second portion of the welcome bonus, which is sizeable enough to warrant consideration.
The current total offer is less than the all-time high we saw in Summer 2022, but it’s also better than what we’ve seen since.
If you’re looking to rack up points quickly, the Business Platinum Card from American Express is without a doubt a great place to start, as long as you can meet the beefy minimum spending requirement.
- Earn 80,000 MR points upon spending $15,000 in the first three months
- Plus, earn 40,000 MR points upon making a purchase in months 14–17 as a cardholder
- And, earn 1.25x MR points on all purchases
- Also, receive a $200 annual 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 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: $799
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 to boot.
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 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
Earning the full welcome bonus of 70,000 MR points on the Gold Rewards Card requires you to spend $1,000 each month, for the first 12 months. The total amount you need to spend is less than on the Business Platinum and more than the Business Gold, and you’ll need to keep track of it every month.
The 10,000 points earned upon spending $4,000 in the first three months isn’t great, but the total welcome bonus over the year adds up, and is undoubtedly attractive.
On the other hand, since you’ll have to spend at least $13,000 spread out over the first year, you’d probably be better off looking elsewhere, especially if you can get more points sooner with a smaller spend with the Business Gold.
However, 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
American Express Platinum Card
The personal Platinum Card is currently offering a solid welcome bonus of 100,000 Membership Rewards points.
As we saw with the Business Platinum, you’ll earn the lion’s share in the first year, with the second batch awarded after you’ve paid the $799 annual fee once more.
However, there’s a fairly hefty spending requirement of $10,000 in the first three months to earn 70,000 points. 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.
If you apply before the end of 2023, you’ll benefit from a $200 dining credit to use before the end of 2023, another $200 dining credit to use in 2024, and the $200 annual travel credit to use in your first year.
Now would be an excellent time to add this card to your wallet, for the welcome bonus and a double-dipped dining credit in the first year as a cardholder.
- Earn 70,000 MR points upon spending $10,000 in the first three months
- Plus, earn 30,000 MR points upon making a purchase in months 14–17 as a cardholder
- Also, earn 2x MR points on all dining and travel purchases
- Also, receive an annual $200 travel credit
- Also, receive an annual $200 dining 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: $799
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
After a long run at the top of this list with a record-high offer, TD’s premium Aeroplan card has dropped a few positions with a lower welcome bonus of up to 100,000 points†, down from 115,000 points.
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 70,000 points† well before you’ve hit the full $12,000.
This offer is set to expire on January 3, 2024,† which leaves just over a month to consider its merits.
- Earn 20,000 Aeroplan points† upon first purchase†
- Plus, earn an additional 50,000 Aeroplan points† upon spending $7,500 in the first 180 days†
- Plus, earn an anniversary bonus of 30,000 Aeroplan points† upon renewing the card for a second year, after having spent at least $12,000 in the first year†
- Earn 2x Aeroplan points† on eligible direct Air Canada® purchases, including Air Canada Vacations®†
- Earn 1.5x Aeroplan points† on eligible 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: $150,000 personal or $200,000 household
- Annual fee: $599
RBC® British Airways Visa Infinite†
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® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card is routinely one of our favourite mid-tier Aeroplan cards.
The latest offer for up to 50,000 Aeroplan points† is down from the all-time-high welcome bonus of up to 70,000 Aeroplan points for Summer 2023. 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 for the second year†. However, this new offer comes with an annual fee rebate for the first year,† and even then, the boost in points should make it worthwhile for the second year, too.
You have until January 3, 2024† to consider the offer, which is currently the best for mid-tier Aeroplan cards available in Canada.
- Earn 10,000 Aeroplan points† upon first purchase†
- Plus, earn 25,000 Aeroplan points† upon spending $5,000 in the first 180 days of account opening†
- Plus, earn an additional 15,000 Aeroplan points† on renewal when you spend $7,500 within 12 months of account opening†
- Earn 1.5x Aeroplan points† on eligible gas, groceries, and direct Air Canada® purchases, including Air Canada Vacations®†
- Preferred Aeroplan pricing and free checked bags on Air Canada® flights†
- Minimum income: $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
- Annual fee: $139, rebated for the first year†
American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card
The latest offer on the business variant of Amex’s premium Aeroplan card has a high monthly spending requirement to unlock the first batch of points, and you’ll have to pay for supplementary cardholders to get a further boost.
You’ll also have to pay the annual fee twice, and spend an additional $9,000 in three months during the second year, to unlock the full value of the welcome bonus.
Overall, you’re presented with a rather onerous task of extracting value from the card with this offer. It’s a lot of work for 55,000 Aeroplan points in the first year, so your efforts are likely better spent elsewhere for the time being.
- Earn 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 5,000 Aeroplan points upon adding a supplementary card with an annual fee at the time of application, up to 10,000 Aeroplan points
- Plus, earn a further 45,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $9,000 in months 13–16
- 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
Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard (Ending Soon)
In September, we saw the first-ever welcome bonus in the form of Flying Blue miles appear on Brim’s Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard.
The structure of the offer is interesting, too, as you get 10,000 Flying Blue miles upon first purchase, and then again at the $5,000 and $10,000 thresholds in the first year.
The last part of the welcome bonus comes in year two, which is certainly worth paying the $132 annual fee for.
If you’re in pursuit of status with Air France or KLM, the welcome bonus also includes 60XP, which you can use to leapfrog towards elite status.
Flying Blue has been adding features, and recently reduced business class award prices on many routes. It’s rare to see a program adding so much value, and this card would be a great addition to your wallet while the welcome bonus is still available.
Be sure to apply before December 18, 2023, which is when the offer is set to expire.
- Earn 10,000 Flying Blue miles upon first purchase
- Plus, earn 10,000 Flying Blue miles upon spending $5,000 in the first year
- Plus, earn 10,000 Flying Blue miles upon spending an additional $10,000 in the first year
- And, earn 30,000 Flying Blue miles upon renewing the card for a second year
- Get 60 XP towards Flying Blue Elite status in the first year, and 30 XP in subsequent years
- Earn up to 30x Flying Blue miles per dollar spent with select merchants
- Earn 5x Flying Blue miles per euro spent on Air France/KLM flights
- Earn 2x Flying Blue miles per dollar spent on food and drink
- Minimum income: $80,000 personal or $150,000 household
- Annual fee: $132
American Express Aeroplan Card
The American Express Aeroplan Card is yet another mid-tier Amex card with a respectable welcome bonus.
Despite its lower annual fee, there’s 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 flexible points in a more straightforward manner, or another Aeroplan card with a simpler structure.
- Earn 3,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $1,000 in the each of the first ten months, up to 30,000 points
- Plus, earn a further 15,000 Aeroplan points upon making a purchase in months 14–17
- 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
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Business Card
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 total spending threshold was reduced from $65,000 to $35,000 for the latest offer.
- Earn 10,000 Aeroplan points upon first first purchase†
- Plus, earn
10,00020,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $4,000 in the first four months† - Plus, earn an additional 30,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $35,000 in the first year†
- Earn 2x Aeroplan points on Air Canada purchases†
- Earn 1.5x Aeroplan points on gas, travel, and business expenses†
- Preferred pricing and free checked bags on Air Canada flights†
- Qualify for the card with a registered business†
- Annual fee: $180 (rebated in the first year)†
TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card
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.
The previous offer on the TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card was for 100,000 TD Rewards Points in the first year; however, the Fall 2023 offer has boosted that to up to 115,000 TD Rewards Points,† with an annual fee rebate in the first year.
That’s worth a fixed value of up to $575 towards any travel booking via Expedia® for TD†. Bear in mind that the spending requirement is a bit higher than what we’ve seen before, at $5,000 spent in the first six months.
However, you’ll also 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 offer for this card ends on January 3, 2024.
- Earn 20,000 TD Rewards Points upon making your first purchase†
- Earn 95,000 TD Rewards Points upon spending $5,000 in the first 180 days†
- Plus, earn up to 10,000 TD Rewards Points back on your birthday†
- Plus, earn 8x TD Rewards Points† on eligible travel purchases when you book through Expedia® for TD†
- Get an annual TD Travel Credit† of $100 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: $139, rebated for the first year†
American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
The current offer for the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card has a lower total bonus than its business variant above.
However, spending requirements are also 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 potential in the first year.
Keep in mind that you’ll also have to pay to add two supplementary cardholders to maximize the offer, which isn’t a good deal.
For the time being, you’re likely better off looking to another premium Amex card, such as the American Express Platinum Card, for a similar boost of points with a more straightforward structure.
- Earn 7,500 Aeroplan points upon spending $2,000 in each of the first six months, up to 45,000 points
- Plus, earn a further 5,000 Aeroplan points upon adding up to two additional cardholders with an annual fee at the time of application
- Plus, earn 35,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $6,000 in months 13–17
- 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 in North America
- Bonus Aeroplan points for referring family and friends
- Annual fee: $599
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
After a solid run higher up on this list, the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card remains in third place amongst the core Aeroplan co-branded credit cards in terms of first-year value.
Even with a new offer, half of the welcome bonus is awarded in the first year, and the other half comes in the second year.
On the plus side, the card is offering a first-year annual fee rebate, which is a common and popular feature of its welcome bonus.
The total amount of the welcome bonus is also attractive, and certainly worth the annual fee in year two, as long as you’ve spent at least $15,000 in the first year.
As before, there’s no published expiry date for this offer.
- Earn 10,000 Aeroplan points upon first purchase†
- Earn 15,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $4,000 in the first four months†
- Earn 25,000 Aeroplan points as an anniversary bonus upon spending $15,000 in the first year†
- Earn 1.5x Aeroplan points on gas, EV charging, 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: $139 (rebated in the first year)†
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
CIBC’s top-tier Aeroplan card is offering the most appealing bonus from the bank’s personal Aeroplan cards, with up to 110,000 points up for grabs.
The catch is that up to 50,000 points come in the first year, and then the remaining batch of 60,000 points come in the second year, as long as you’ve spent at least $25,000 in year one.
That’s certainly a high spending threshold to meet, but at least you’ll be rewarded for your efforts.
With $25,000 spent in the first year, you’ll also have an Annual Worldwide Companion Pass in your Aeroplan account, which can be valuable if used strategically.
- Earn 20,000 Aeroplan points upon first purchase†
- Earn
25,00030,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $6,000 in the first four months† - Plus, earn an anniversary bonus of 60,000 Aeroplan points upon renewing the card for a second year, after having spent at least $25,000 in the first year†
- Earn 2x Aeroplan points on Air Canada purchases†
- Earn 1.5x Aeroplan points on gas, groceries, dining, food delivery, electric vehicle charging, 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: $150,000 personal or $200,000 household
- Annual fee: $599
RBC® Avion Visa Infinite†
After a few months back at its record-high welcome bonus, the current offer has dropped, at least until January 21, 2024.
Fortunately, the entire allotment of points is awarded upon approval – it doesn’t get any easier than that.
While you’ll earn more points more quickly on day-to-day spending 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 transfers to British Airways Avios or Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, or for the unique ability to convert to American Airlines AAdvantage miles. You can also find value in the Air Travel Redemption Schedule.
- Earn 35,000 RBC Avion points† when you get approved for the card
- Earn
1x1.25x RBC Avion points† on qualifying travel purchases - Transfer RBC Avion points to British Airways Executive Club 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.
Just make sure you apply before January 21, 2024, to take advantage of the current offer.
- Earn 35,000 RBC Avion points† when you get approved for the card†
- Earn 1 RBC Avion point per dollar spent† on travel purchases
- Transfer RBC Avion points to British Airways Executive Club and other frequent flyer programs for premium flights†
- No minimum income requirement
- Annual fee: $120†
WestJet RBC®World Elite Mastercard
This month, the welcome offer on the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard jumped to an all-time high.
On the plus side, most of the bonus comes in the first year, and the second year allotment almost covers the card’s reasonable annual fee.
While you might not get the same sort of outsized value from WestJet Dollars as you would with other loyalty programs, if you fly with WestJet with any frequency, this card should be on your radar for its benefits.
If you’re eligible for the welcome bonus, there’s never been a better time.
- Earn 300 WestJet Dollars upon making your first purchase†
- Plus, earn 300 WestJet Dollars upon spending $5,000 in the first three months†
- Plus, earn 100 WestJet Dollars as a one-time anniversary bonus†
- Plus, receive an annual companion voucher for discounted travel on WestJet flights, with a co-pay starting at $119 plus taxes and fees†
- Minimum income: $80,000 personal or $150,000 household
- Annual fee: $119
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card
The CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card is offering a decent bonus right now, with up to 40,000 Aventura Points available upon spending $3,000 in the first four months. This is down from the previous offer of 45,000 points.
While Aventura Points aren’t necessarily 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, short-term rentals, 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$3,000 in the first four months† - Plus, earn 2x CIBC Aventura Points on all purchases through the CIBC Rewards Centre†
- Plus, earn 1.5x CIBC Aventura Points on eligible gas, groceries, EV charging, 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: $139 (rebated for the first year)†
RBC® Avion Visa Infinite* Business
The RBC® Avion Visa Infinite* Business card got a boost this month, as the new offer is 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, and worth keeping around for its 1.25x base earning rate.
You’ll likely need to have a registered business with documentation to be approved for an RBC business credit card.
- Earn 35,000 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
CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa Card
The offer on the CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa Card is nearly identical to the offer on its Visa Infinite counterpart, albeit with a lower income requirement and 5,000 fewer Aventura points available. You should have no trouble capitalizing on either offer, if not both.
- Earn 15,000 CIBC Aventura points after making your first purchase
- And, earn 20,000 CIBC Aventura points after spending $3,000 in the first four 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
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum* Card
With a signup bonus of up to 20,000 Aeroplan points†, an annual fee rebate for the first year†, and a low income requirement, this card is one of the best 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.
- Earn 20,000 Aeroplan points† upon spending $1,000 in the first three months
- Earn 1x Aeroplan points† on eligible gas, groceries, and Air Canada® purchases, including Air Canada Vacations®†
- Preferred pricing on Air Canada® flights through Aeroplan†
- Annual fee: $89, rebated in the first year†
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 outstanding signup offers. You’ll earn 5x Scene+ points on eligible grocery and restaurant purchases†, or 6x points at Empire grocery stores.†
On the other hand, the welcome bonus is solid, currently offering 20,000 Scene+ points† with a low spending threshold, or a total of up to 40,000 points† with higher spending, which is worth up to $400.
Scene+ points are great for general travel expenses at fixed value, and along with the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is a top contender for a no foreign transaction fee travel 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 at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, FreshCo, and more
- 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: $120
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, which saw a huge drop this month.
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 15,000 MR points upon spending $750 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, Flying Blue, 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
Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card
The Marriott Bonvoy personal card is currently offering its standard bonus of 55,000 Bonvoy points.
The card struggles to rank higher due to dynamic pricing in 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 55,000 Bonvoy points upon spending $1,500 in the first three months
- 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 the same welcome bonus, its annual fee is higher than that 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 55,000 Bonvoy points upon spending $3,000 in the first three months
- 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
RBC® Avion Visa Infinite Privilege†
Like its junior counterparts, RBC’s top-tier Avion card is offering 35,000 Avion points as a welcome bonus, awarded 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 despite the increased costs, but it wouldn’t be my first choice for an Avion card at this time.
- Earn 35,000 RBC Avion points† when you get approved for the card†
- Plus, earn 1.25x RBC Avion points† on all qualifying 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.
† Terms and conditions apply.
