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Top No Fee Rewards Credit Cards in Canada
I’ve written about top cash back credit cards in Canada before, and even modified my top pick. However, there are an abundance of other rewards based credit cards out there that deserve a look. My selections are based on the value of the rewards and the extra perks given. Also, all the cards chosen have no annual fee as I don’t believe in paying to use a credit card.
Note that I don’t even look at the interest rate on the card as I don’t carry a balance. I’m only interested in the rewards and the 30 day interest free loan is a bonus. MDJ is not affiliated with the picks below.
1. MBNA SPG Mastercard
I wrote a post about the MBNA SPG Mastercard a little over a year ago, and it’s still the exclusive credit card in my wallet today. I still consider this to be the best rewards credit card in Canada as it provides travelers with extremely high return on your everyday spending along with a ton of extra perks. All for the cost of $0 / year.
Rewards:
1 point for every $2 spent, 5000 bonus points for every $10,000 spent towards Starwood hotels (Sheraton, Westin etc) and flights. Works out to be, after bonus points, around 1 point for every $1 spent if you spend up to $30k. If you surf around the Starwood site, you’ll see that hotel stays are fairly expensive, and the conversion ranges from 2%-6% return on your money.
Extras:
- Car Rental Insurance
- Theft Insurance, Extended Warranty
- Travel Accident Insurance
2. Citibank Drivers Edge Mastercard
This card is really only for a select bunch of people who will be in the market for a new/used car within 5 years of initial use. This card will give you 2% of all your purchases towards ANY car that you purchase within 5 years. Gold and Platinum cards will offer up to $1000 cash back per year for a maximum of $5,000 off your next vehicle purchase.
What I really like about this card is the price protection feature. This insurance will refund the card holder the difference if the item purchased goes on sale within 60 days.
Rewards:
As mentioned, 2% of all your purchases go towards any car of your choice (up to $5,000). How does it work? After purchasing the car, you submit your proof of purchase along with application form to Citi Mastercard, and they will mail you a cheque.
Extras:
- Theft Insurance/Extended Warranty (gold/platinum)
- Price Protection (gold/platinum)
- Baggage Delay Insurance (platinum)
- Travel Accident Insurance (platinum)
- Car Rental Insurance (platinum)
3. Blue Sky American Express
Out of the no fee travel rewards credit cards available in Canada, this is among the top choices due to it’s flexibility. The beauty of this card is that the point system gives you credit towards any travel that is charged to the credit card.
Rewards:
Earn 1.25 points for every $1 spent on the card. Redeem points for any travel (hotels, flights, car rentals) charged to the card with no blackout dates. 10,000 points = $100 which works out to be a 1.25% return on your spending.
There are obvious drawbacks of course. First, it’s an American Express which isn’t as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard. Second, it lacks the free extras that the other cards on the list offer.
Extras:
- Travel Accident Insurance
4. PC Financial Mastercard
I like this no fee Mastercard as it is simple and the user gets points towards an everyday expense… groceries! This card return on spending is about equivalent to a 1% cash back card except when they give away bonus points when purchasing in store products. Great card for those who get groceries at Loblaws.
Rewards:
10 points for every $1 spent on the card towards grocery dollars. They have promotions at various times of the year to earn extra points, but for the most part the conversion is a 1% return on your money.
Extras:
- Theft Insurance/Extended Warranty
5. American Express Air Miles
This is only Air Miles credit card in Canada to offer 1 air mile for every $20 in spending. This card is a great way for Air Miles collectors to accumulate their points with no annual fee. The biggest complaint about this card though is the lack of extra perks.
Rewards:
$30 cash back via Great Canadian Rebates when signing up. They offer 1 air mile for every $20 spent on the card along with 100 bonus miles upon sign up. The return on this card can vary as the redemption list is long. From my limited experience though, the return on spending ranges from 0.5% - 1.5%.
Extras:
- Travel Accident Insurance
Other notables include the Ultramar Mastercard, the Citibank Staples and Petro Canada Mastercards.
That completes my list of favorite rewards based no fee credit cards, do you have a preference?
37 Comments, Comment or Ping
1. Joshua
I am quite fond of the PC Financial Mastercard, mostly because its “rewards” are something I’d be buying anyway.
It’s worth noting that they recently added a double points feature for anything you buy at a store that sells PC products (Loblaws, No Frills, valu-mart, etc). Which means you are getting a bit above 1% on average.
Jul 9th, 2008 @ 10:10 am
2. Ramona
Similar to the Blue Sky American Express (never heard of it!), although there is a $99 fee for it, is the new TD Travel Platinum Visa card. You earn 3 points per $1 charged. 20,000 points equals $100 in travel rewards which can be used against any travel.
Jul 9th, 2008 @ 10:15 am
3. FrugalTrader
Jul 9th, 2008 @ 10:16 am
4. Nicolas
Notice no Visa in the list above…
Jul 9th, 2008 @ 10:22 am
5. Icarus
FYI, BMO has an AirMiles Mastercard Gold that gives 1pt for every 15$. Comes with a 90$ annual fee tho.
I’ve personally dropped it because i have issue with “points”.
Jul 9th, 2008 @ 10:58 am
6. JM
Here’s a good comparison article for no-fee credit cards:
http://www.redflagdeals.com/deals/main.php/articles/credit1/
My card is an American Express Gold with 2% tiered cash back rebate (no fee as well). I do use it for my bills, gas, and groceries so I’ll be able to reach the $5K top tier quickly and there is no limit on the rebate. The downside is that AE isn’t not accepted that widely so a backup mastercard or cash is necessary.
When I was an university student signing up for a credit card, they signed me up for BMO Moasiak First Home buyers plan. I didn’t really care because I just wanted a free mug and t-shirt. Little did I know that it was a 5% return towards my first home mortgage and years later, my wife and I would have close to $5000 from the rewards to pay off on our downpayment. Unfortunately, they don’t offer it anymore and they took it off after I redeemed my reward.
Jul 9th, 2008 @ 11:11 am
7. davidm
Is there analysis of the distortion the effect these points cards have on the economy? After all, when someone buys toothpaste, it does not magically create more airplane fuel (the opposite, in fact). I believe it is mostly the merchants who get to pay for all this, but there must be other effects.
Jul 9th, 2008 @ 11:13 am
8. Cannon_fodder
I had the SPG MasterCard for a brief period (they had a great promo that offered a lot of points). The problem I have with hotel-related benefits is that I use hotwire and priceline a lot and they save me far more $ than these points would.
My credit cards are not no fee - CIBC Aeroplan Visa and American Express Air Miles (because I need it to shop at Costco). I must get 60k of Aeroplan points with my Visa per year (it is great to double dip when I book business travel using my CC - the net cost is $0 to me but I get the benefit of thousands of points).
We have yet to use our Airmiles for anything expensive - one of the best redemption values is probably Shell car washes. It only takes 75 Airmiles to get 2 car washes.
Jul 9th, 2008 @ 11:18 am
9. Madfish
I have the CIBC Shopper’s Optimum VISA. 5 shoppers’ points per $1 spent. The reward rate is around 1%…
It’s not that great, but since I don’t really travel, Air Miles aren’t of much use to me. I also don’t really spend enough $ to get to the top tier rate of most cash rewards cards.
And I have a question… Pardon my ignorance, but what’s the “real” difference between VISA and Mastercard?
Jul 9th, 2008 @ 11:53 am
10. Darryl
JM: The problem with the 2% tiered Amex Gold cashback is that it’s no longer available to new members.
Jul 9th, 2008 @ 12:07 pm
11. MikeG
@davidm et al.
Yeah, I though I heard that credit card transactions cost the seller upto 4%, meaning they’re just giving you a 25% cut. And if everyone does it, then prices (in theory atleast) should go up 4% or more. I’m not sure of the sellers cost for debit.
Nonetheless, I’m guessing that the 4% has already been priced into the products, assuming that people will use credit card alot (cause people already do…) and hence the situation seems to be this; I’m paying 4% more already, if I dont use my 1% back card, then I’m leaving 1% worth of my money on the table for the seller.
At my favorite local/small businesses I avoid the credit card like the plague, I’d even goto cash if I knew it helped keep more of my money in their pockets, rather than in some big card company’s.
-MikeG
Jul 9th, 2008 @ 12:08 pm
12. davidm
MikeG, it is my understanding that using a debit card only costs the merchant .25c, so it makes more sense to use it when possible. Personally I would like to see costs be as realistic and direct as possible; I do not want to subsidize other people when making my purchase, especially since I am a strong believer in “vote with your dollar” and these scheme (what else can you call them?) interfere with that.
I’ve read that merchants are suffering due to the extra costs they have to add to their products because of the credit card company’s take. I think the best solution would be to encourage reduced “cash prices,” personally I’d rather pocket the 4% and use it how I see fit rather than a limited catalogue. A directory of stores that offer cash prices would be very useful.
Jul 9th, 2008 @ 12:14 pm
13. 45free
Mike G…you will not find many visa/MC discount rates at merchants at 4% today (Even Amex is not usually that high). Most would be in the 2.25-2.75% range. You would have to be a risky low volume web merchant to get 4%. Rewards are funded through interest not merchant fees.
Icarus…BMO also has a 1/20 card for $35 and a 1/40 card for free.
Jul 9th, 2008 @ 12:17 pm
14. Cannon_fodder
Madfish, Visa and MasterCard are competing credit card companies. In Canada, unlike other countries, a financial institution can only issue one brand. Most of the big banks have gone with Visa while most of the credit unions go with MasterCard.
Now, of course, we are seeing the influx of US-branded MasterCards (Citi, MBNA, etc.).
Both Visa and MasterCard are now publicly traded companies - MasterCard has done very well for those that bought in early. Visa only recently went public.
MikeG and davidm - it is not uncommon to see independent computer stores to price goods at ‘cash prices’ and ‘credit card transactions incur an additional 4% charge’. While it is the only type of retailer I can remember that puts that policy in print, I’ve bargained with independent men clothiers or labour contractors on a ‘cash discount’ for goods. Typically you ask if they can do better on the price, and they state if you are willing to pay in cash they can knock a certain percent off.
Jul 9th, 2008 @ 12:48 pm
15. davidm
Cannon_fodder, you are right, and I shop at the stores, and sometimes get a “cash price” discount, but it would be nice to see a bit more organization behind this to counter the whole artificial points thing, which I’m sure has some negative effects on the general economy, and to basically pass on the savings to customers. I thought I had heard in the past that merchants were forbidden (by the credit card companies) from offering cash prices, but I guess not. I sincerely doubt points clubs are a good deal for the average consumer, but they would certainly be good for those who exploit them.
Jul 9th, 2008 @ 1:09 pm
16. Chuck
Under the Visa merchant agreement, merchants are specifically excluded from charging a premium for use of a visa card. There’s nothing to stop them from offering a cash discount, but Visa doesn’t want customers paying a premium for credit card usage.
Jul 9th, 2008 @ 1:15 pm
17. davidm
Ahh, that’s it then. I was just reading about a new practise at gas stations in the US, where they advertise the cash price and tack on a charge for using credit cards. Seems reasonable to me, if it’s clearly stated; why should I subsidize someone else’s method of payment?
Jul 9th, 2008 @ 1:18 pm
18. guinness416
We’re been using the SPG cards for many years now (although I think the Amex when we lived in NY gave us 1 point per $1 spent, so we’re not making out as well up here). It’s a great programme. Maybe dollar for dollar we’d save/earn more with a different one, but all those SPG points have been used on weekends away we might not otherwise have taken, so that’s a bonus over Costco discounts or something as far as I’m concerned. I’ve also found the SPG booking people to be extremely smart, thorough and flexible; certainly they helped me a lot in a trip to Italy last year.
The bad news is that I’m thoroughly conditioned to adore the sweet sleeper mattresses, or whatever they’re called, in the Sheraton hotels. I can see myself dropping several thousand on one of those some day soon because I badly want one.
Jul 9th, 2008 @ 1:57 pm
19. FrugalTrader
Jul 9th, 2008 @ 2:06 pm
20. Max Power
My top choice is the Canadian Tire Options Mastercard. It’s a no-fee card that lets you earn Canadian Tire Money on any purchases you make, and extra “money” for purchases made at Canadian Tire stores or gas bars.
I’ve used this as my primary credit card since 2005 and we’ve seen a very nice return- as of last count, we’ve redeemed over $600 in Canadian Tire Money on a ceiling fan, lawnmower, canoe, snow tires, and various power tools, and we’ve still got close to $200 on the card. I shop at Canadian Tire a fair bit, and we purchase almost all gas at Canadian Tire gas bars, so the rewards add up pretty quick.
Jul 9th, 2008 @ 2:07 pm
21. guinness416
FT, the lushest Sheratons we’ve used are the Maria Isabel in Mex City (which had indoor tennis courts!) and the Westin in Dublin. Very luxurious, so quite special. I also liked the W in mexico city, mainly because of the several-head shower, which is gigantic, has a hammock in it, and full height windows but my husband disagrees, doesn’t like the W style. The Sheraton Centre in Toronto is lovely too, it has a fab indoor/outdoor pool, great views over Nathan Phillips Square and is just a cool hotel in many ways. We stayed there after getting married across the street in City Hall. If you make it there I’ll buy you a pint with my SPG card :)
We’re staying in the Westin in Halifax in a couple of weeks!
Jul 9th, 2008 @ 2:24 pm
22. Spudman
I too use the Amex 2% cash back, and very happy with it. Switching to Rogers this weekend and will be adding that monthly fee to the Amex, if only Enbridge and Hydro would take credit cards!
As many of the best no fee cards are Amex it would make an interesting read making a list of all the Canadian retailers/companies that do accept it, maybe one could change our spending habits to get more points?
Cheers
Jul 9th, 2008 @ 2:31 pm
23. FrugalTrader
Most, if not all, big box stores accept AMEX. Costco only accepts AMEX as a credit card and I know for sure that Esso accepts it also. The one store that I shop at a lot that does not take AMEX is Loblaws. It’s the smaller retail outlets that are resistant to AMEX as their merchant fees are higher than Visa/Mastercard.
Jul 9th, 2008 @ 2:37 pm
24. Chuck
I don’t have the SPG credit card, but I stay at a lot of SPG hotels since I travel a lot for work. SPGs rewards program that really lets me stay at hotels that I’d never stay at if I was paying the bill.
The Sheraton in Fredericton, NB was one of the nicest hotels I’ve stayed in. They gave us a riverside suite with balcony towards the top. The view of the sunset over the Saint John river was amazing.
The Fallsview sheraton (Niagara Falls) also has some really good vistas. Our second trip there my then 2-yr old was in awe.
Only problem I find with Starwood is when paying for a room with money you can get different prices from each of the SPG website, SPG phone line, and calling the hotel itself.
Jul 9th, 2008 @ 3:00 pm
25. Personal Money Tips
In my mind no fee + rewards = Good card!
Jul 9th, 2008 @ 5:18 pm
26. Linda Rocco
I find it funny to read about people paying cash “subsidizing” people paying with credit cards ! Handling, sorting, counting cash takes time and in business, time equals money.
At the end of the day, who pays for the 30min that a cashier takes to close her register ? All buyers (including those who paid with a CC).
Jul 9th, 2008 @ 5:45 pm
27. davidm
Linda , what? I don’t think you’ve thought this through.
Jul 9th, 2008 @ 5:52 pm
28. MikeG
I highly doubt the 30 mins of wages, even at $30 an hour, come close to 4% of the sales… Atleast for my grocery store.
Nonetheless it does seem that debit would be the optimal situation, nothing to count, and low fees.
Maybe Canada should do away with cash money all together, and only have electronic transactions, it’d be hard to cheat on your taxes, and good luck buying drugs with your debit card, not to mention printing/maintaining the money supply costs money…
Just food for thought..
-mikeG
Jul 9th, 2008 @ 8:00 pm
29. Steve Heath
Although I also use the no longer available 2% Amex… my backup card is the Scotiabank 1% no fee cashback Visa. It has a small tier before you hit hit the full 1%, but I’ve had enough places that don’t take Amex to blast through the tier each year so far. I’d rather have 1% cash back than be forced to spend 1% at a specific store.
Jul 9th, 2008 @ 11:53 pm
30. WetCoast
FT, did you forget about the Citi Enrich Platinum Mastercard?
- no fee
- 1% cashback
- double warranty on purchases up to 1 year extra
- 60 day price protection (refund if cost of item drops)
- travel accident insurance
- car rental collision/loss/damage coverage
For my two cents, this offers a much better value than either PCF Mastercard or Amex Airmiles, and probably more than Amex Blue Sky.
Jul 10th, 2008 @ 12:09 am
31. Thomas
Madfish,
You know that CIBC id dropping the Shoppers Optimum VISA. You have to choose either an Aeroplan card or a Dividend one.
Jul 10th, 2008 @ 2:46 am
32. Sarlock
“Citibank Drivers Edge Mastercard”
Makes me remember my “CIBC Ford Visa” card many years ago that allowed me to rack up dollars to spend on a new Ford in the future.
Then, one day, a letter arrived that stated that they were discontinuing the reward program and that I had up to 18 months to buy a new Ford and use my accumulated points, which I believe at that point were around $1,800, off a new Ford. After that, the dollars vanished. Pardon? 10 years may have passed, but I still have a bitter taste in my mouth.
Jul 10th, 2008 @ 3:10 am
33. FrugalTrader
Sarlock, I went through the same ordeal with the Ford Visa with CIBC. Fortunately for me though, it was my first credit card while in University so I didn’t have too many points accumulated. The “drivers edge” though isn’t tied to any specific automobile company which mitigates the risk somewhat. The “points” can be used towards ATV’s, cars, trucks, RV’s etc.
Jul 10th, 2008 @ 7:26 am
34. Cannon_fodder
MikeG,
I recently read a presentation (couldn’t attend in person) that provided a plethora of statistics showing that the amount of money in circulation, even in countries like Canada, is actually increasing faster than inflation. I was quite surprised since I knew Canadians are world leaders in terms of debit/credit card use and we don’t use cheques on a per capita basis like Americans do. In fact we are seeing more use of credit cards for low dollar value transactions (without requiring a signature) and fobs (such as at gas stations, coffee shops, etc.).
Once we can work out a secure payment system between private individuals (possibly using our cellphones) then we should be at the beginning of eliminating cash in my opinion.
Jul 10th, 2008 @ 6:03 pm
35. Madfish
Re: 31. Thomas.
No I didn’t know about that. Do you know why they are discontinuing it…?
Maybe I’ll just jump ship and switch to a better (non-CIBC) card. I don’t like the Dividend card…
Jul 10th, 2008 @ 11:13 pm
36. paulette
HSBC is also a good credit card with no annual fee on the first year
Jul 19th, 2008 @ 3:20 pm
37. Michael
The double points on the PC Financial MasterCard are on *anything* in the store, not just PC Products.
Aug 20th, 2008 @ 4:13 pm
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