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Recommendation flowchart

Which Credit Card Should I Get?

Follow the decision tree. Each answer narrows you toward the best card for your situation. All cards sourced and ranked as of 2026-07-29.

Start here

What is your main goal?

Cash backSimple everyday earningsTravel rewardsPoints & miles for tripsLow interestCarrying a balance

Cash back → Do you want a fee or no fee?

No fee cash backBest no-annual-fee cash back cardsAny cash backAll cash back cards ranked

Travel → Where do you want to go?

Aeroplan (Air Canada)Best Aeroplan-earning cardsRBC AvionBest Avion-earning cardsAmex Membership RewardsTransferable pointsScene+Scene+ earning cardsNo FX feeCards for spending abroadU.S. dollarUSD-billed cards

What credit tier?

Excellent ($100k+)Good ($60-100k)Fair ($40-60k)Building / secured

What annual fee?

No feeUnder $50Under $100Premium $150+

Spend by merchant

CostcoMastercard only in warehouseWalmartGrocery + everydayLoblaws / No FrillsGroceries categoryAmazon.caOnline spendingGas stationsFuel rewardsStreamingNetflix, Spotify, billsUber / ridesTransit + food deliveryRestaurantsDining outTravelFlights, hotels, car rentalPharmacyDrugstore spendingHome improvementHardware + DIYElectronicsTech + gadgets

Cards by perk

Travel medicalEmergency coverage abroadRental carCollision damage waiverPhone insuranceCell phone protectionFlight delayTrip interruptionLounge accessPriority Pass / Plaza PremiumNo FX feeNo 2.5% surcharge

By network

VisaMost widely acceptedMastercardAccepted at CostcoAmerican ExpressBest rewards, fewer merchants

By issuer

Amex cash backSimplyCash cardsAmex travelMembership Rewards cardsRBC cash backCash Back MastercardRBC travelAvion + WestJet cardsTD cash backCash Back VisaTD travelAeroplan + First Class TravelScotiabank cash backMomentum cardsScotiabank travelPassport + Gold AmexCIBC cash backDividend cardsCIBC travelAventura + AeroplanBMO cash backCashBack MastercardBMO travelAir Miles + Ascend

Business cards

All business cardsAeroplan businessAmex businessRBC businessTD businessCIBC businessScotiabank businessBMO business

Dig deeper

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Frequently asked

How do I use this flowchart?
Start at the top and follow the questions. Each answer takes you to a more specific recommendation. Every card mentioned links to its full review with sourced fees and rates.
What is the best all-around credit card in Canada?
The American Express Cobalt Card is widely considered the best everyday earner with 5x on groceries and dining. See the flowchart for personalized picks based on your spending.
Is there a single best card for everyone?
No — the right card depends on your spending categories, whether you want travel perks or cash back, your credit score, and what annual fee you are willing to pay. This flowchart helps you find yours.

Still undecided?

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Answer a few questions and we will match you to the cards built for how you actually spend.

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