Are you looking to apply for your first credit card in Canada? This guide covers some of the best first credit cards for beginners, credit card requirements and types in Canada, and how to apply for a credit card

A credit card can be a great addition to your wallet. They facilitate convenient payments, help you earn rewards, and offer one of the easiest ways to build a credit history

On the flip side, credit cards can also amplify bad money management skills and get you into debt

Read on to learn about some of the best entry-level credit cards in 2022

## Best First Credit Cards in Canada
Credit Card Best For Annual Fee
|Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card||Cash back rewards (no-annual-fee and balance transfer0|
|Neo Financial Mastercard||Cash back rewards0|
|SimplyCash Card from Amex||Flat-rate cash back rewards0|
|Tangerine World Mastercard||Cash back rewards + some premium perks0|
|Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa Card||Student credit card0|
|KOHO Mastercard||Best prepaid card + savings account0|
|SCENE Visa Card||Student credit card0|
|PC Financial Mastercard||Grocery rewards0|
|NBC mycredit Mastercard||Cash back rewards0|
|BMO Cash Back Mastercard||Student credit card0|
|MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus Mastercard||No-fee travel credit card0|
|Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite||Best cash back card + premium perks120|
|American Express Cobalt Card||Premium travel card155.58|
|Scotiabank Gold American Express||Premium travel card + No FX fees120|
|TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card||Travel card120|
## Credit Card Requirements in Canada
The following factors will determine whether your application for a credit card is approved

**Age You must be at least the age of the majority in your province or territory. That is at least 18 years of age in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Quebec, and Prince Edward Island

The age of the majority is 19 in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Yukon, and Nunavut

**Credit Score Your credit score is a reflection of your credit history and how you have managed debt so far. It is a 3-digit number ranging from 300 to 900

Most credit card companies require a 660+ credit score, and some premium cards are in the 760+ credit score range


If you are applying for your first credit product, it may be easier to qualify for an entry-level credit card like the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card, which accepts credit scores as low as 600. You could also consider getting a secured credit card like the Neo Secured Mastercard

Credit card and loan options are also available for 400 and 500 credit scores

**Income Some credit cards have no income requirement (including most American Express Cards), while others have a minimum income threshold you must meet. **Residency To qualify for a credit card in Canada, you will need to show you are a permanent resident or citizen of Canada. There are also credit cards for foreign workers and international students. **Social insurance number You will need to provide your social insurance number during the application process. **Bankruptcy If you have an undischarged bankruptcy on your credit report, your application for an unsecured credit card will be denied

Other negative information that can impact your application includes court judgements, liens, consumer proposals, collections, etc

## Best Credit Cards For Beginners
There are some of the best credit cards for first-timers. We have divided them into two categories: no-annual-fee credit cards and premium cards with an annual fee

 1. Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
The Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card is one of the best cash back credit cards in Canada

With a 600+ credit score requirement and an income threshold of just $12,000, this card is super easy to qualify for

It is also competitive on the cash back front, with unlimited 2% cash back on purchases in two categories of spending (or three if you deposit your rewards in a free Tangerine savings account) and 0.50% unlimited cash back on everything else

If you have a balance on other credit cards, you can transfer them over and get a low 1.95% balance transfer rate for 6 months (a 1% balance transfer fee applies)

This card also offers purchase protection and extended warranty coverage on your purchases

Learn more about it in this review or take advantage of the welcome offer below

 Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
**Rewards Earn up to 2% unlimited cash back in up to 3 spending categories and 0.50% on all other purchases. **Welcome offer Get an extra 15% cash back on up to $1,000 in spending in the first 2 months ($150 value). **Interest rates 19.95% for purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances. **Annual fee $0
 2. Neo Financial Mastercard
The Neo Mastercard
When you apply for the

**standard **card, you earn an average 4% instant cash back when you shop at more than 7,000 partner brands and retailers. Across all purchases, you earn at least 1% cash back and receive a top-up if your cash back earn rate falls below this level (on up to $5,000 spend per month)

New cardholders also get a 15% cash back welcome bonus when they make their first purchase at most partners

The one downside to note for this card is that it does not offer purchase security or extended warranty insurance

Learn more in this review or sign up below

 Neo Mastercard (Standard)
**Rewards Average of 5% cash back at 7,000+ partners and a minimum of 0.50% cash back across all purchases **Welcome offer Get 15% cash back on your first purchases, plus a $25 welcome cash bonus. **Interest rates 19.99% – 24.99% on purchases; 21.99% – 26.99% for cash advances. **Annual fee $0
 3. SimplyCash Card From American Express
The SimplyCash Card from Amex simplifies cash back rewards like no other

You earn 1.25% to 2.00% cash back on purchases and don’t have to worry much about spending categories

This card has no annual fee, and there is no minimum income requirement. That said, you will need a very good to excellent credit score to qualify (725+)

Cardholders also enjoy travel accident insurance with coverage up to $100,000, purchase protection, and extended warranty insurance

Learn more in this review
 SimplyCash Card from American Express
**Rewards and benefits Earn up to 2% cash back on gas and groceries; 1.25% cash back on all other purchases; travel accident insurance. **Welcome offer Earn a $10 statement credit each month you spend $300 in purchases on your Card in the first 10 months (up to $100 value). **Interest rates 20.99% on purchases and 21.99% on cash advances. **Annual fee $0
 4. Tangerine World Mastercard
If you have an annual income of $60,000 or higher (or $100,000 in household income), you will get more out of the Tangerine World Mastercard

This no-annual-fee credit card also offers unlimited 2% cash back in 2-3 categories of spending and 0.50% cash back on all other purchases

In addition, cardholders enjoy access to car rental, mobile device, purchase protection, and extended warranty insurance coverage

You also get complimentary membership in Mastercard Airport Experiences provided by LoungeKey with access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide (costs $32 USD per visit)

Learn more in this review
 Tangerine World Mastercard
**Rewards Earn up to 2% unlimited cash back in up to 3 spending categories and 0.50% on all other purchases; VIP perks. **Welcome offer Get an extra 15% cash back on up to $1,000 in spending in the first 2 months ($150 value). **Interest rates 19.95% for purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances. **Annual fee $0

 5. Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa Card
The Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa
This card has no annual fee and offers:
- 4% cash back on restaurant, bar, and coffee shop purchases (on up to $5,000 spent/year)
- 1.50% cash back on gas, groceries, drugstore, and recurring bill payments (on up to $15,000 spent/year)
- 0.50% unlimited cash back on all other purchases
Cardholders also get purchase security and extended protection insurance

Learn more about the Simplii Financial credit card in this review or take advantage of the welcome offer below

 Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa Card
**Rewards Earn 4% cash back at restaurants; 1.5% on gas & groceries, and 0.5% elsewhere. **Welcome offer 10% cash back at restaurants & bars for the first 4 months (valued at $50). **Interest rates 19.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances. **Annual fee $0
 6. KOHO Prepaid Mastercard
The KOHO Mastercard
That said, it offers many of the same benefits, including cash back rewards and an easy way to build or rebuild credit history if you subscribe to its credit building service

This
**free card **offers 0.50% cash back on all purchases and up to 10% cash back at select partners

KOHO users get unlimited debit transactions and Interac e-Transfers®

When you set up a direct deposit to your account, you earn a high interest savings rate (1.20%) on your balance, and can access part of your paycheque 3 days early

KOHO offers many other benefits and is one of Canada’s best virtual cards

Get a $20 cash bonus when you sign up here, use our referral code
**CASHBACK and make your first purchase

 KOHO Prepaid Mastercard (formerly KOHO Visa)
**Rewards Earn 1% cash back on groceries and bill payments; Up to 5% cashback at select partners; Earn interest on your balance*. **Welcome offer Get a $20 bonus when you load and make your first purchase (use promo code **CASHBACK** during sign-up). **Interest rates 0% **Annual fee $0
 7. Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card
The Scene+ Visa Card is one of Scotiabank’s student credit cards. It also works well for beginners

This card offers 2 Scene+ points per $1 spent on purchases at Cineplex theatres or Cineplex.com and specific grocery retailers; 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent on everything else

You can redeem Scene+ points for travel, food, entertainment, banking, and other rewards

Note that this card lacks free insurance coverage. Learn more in this review
 8. PC Financial Mastercard
If you are a regular shopper at the Real Canadian Superstore, Shoppers Drug Mart, and other Loblaw stores, this card may be for you

The PC Financial Mastercard
- 25 PC Optimum points per $1 spent at Shoppers Drug Mart
- 30 points per 1 litre of gas purchased at Esso/Mobil stations
- 20 points per $1 spent on purchases at PC Travel
- 10 points per $1 spent elsewhere
You can earn even more rewards if you meet the income eligibility requirements for the PC Financial World Mastercard
 9. National Bank mycredit Mastercard
The NBC mycredit Mastercard
This card also includes mobile device, purchase protection, and extended warranty insurance coverages

It has a 20.99% purchase interest rate, and for cash advances, the interest rate is 24.49%

Here are other National Bank credit cards

 10. BMO CashBack Mastercard
The BMO Cash Back Mastercard is another well-suited credit card for students

This card has no annual fee and offers:
- 3% cash back on groceries (on up to $500 spend/month)
- 1% cash back on recurring bills (on up to $500 spend/month)
- 0.50% cash back on all other purchases
Cardholders can also access purchase security and extended warranty coverage

This card has a 19.99% purchase interest rate and 22.99% for cash advances. Learn more in this review

 11. MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus Mastercard
The MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus Mastercard is a good travel credit card
Cardholders earn 2 points per $1 spent on grocery, digital media, restaurant, utilities, and membership purchases ($10,000 annual spend limit per category)

And on all other purchases, the cash back rate is 1 point per dollar spent

You can redeem MBNA points for cash back, gift cards, travel, and merchandise

This card has a 19.99% purchase interest rate and 24.99% interest rate for cash advances. Learn more in this MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus Mastercard review

## Premium First Credit Cards in Canada
The following credit cards have an annual fee in exchange for higher cash back rewards and VIP perks

 12. Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card
The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite
It has a $120 annual fee, and you will need a minimum annual income of $60,000 or $100,000 for a household to qualify

Its cash back benefits include 4% cash back on groceries, recurring bill payments, and subscription purchases; 2% cash back on gas and daily transit; and 1% cash back on everything else

This card provides comprehensive travel insurance coverage with travel emergency medical, rental car, travel accident, delayed baggage, and flight delay insurance to name a few

Cardholders also get access to Visa Infinite exclusive benefits

For a limited time, you also get a 10% cash back welcome bonus
 13. American Express Cobalt Card

The American Express Cobalt Card is an exceptional credit card with top-tier rewards spanning cash back, travel, and more

This card has a $155.58 annual fee (paid as $12.99 per month) and has no minimum income requirement

You earn 5 points per dollar spent on restaurants and food delivery; 3 points per $1 spent on streaming subscriptions; 2 points per $1 spent on travel and daily transit; and 1 point per $1 spent on everything else

On the insurance front, cardholders are covered with comprehensive travel coverage including a $5 million emergency medical insurance

There is also mobile device insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty coverage

Learn more about this card in this review
 14. Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
This card has a $120 annual fee, but you can apply with an annual income of $15,000

Cardholders get 5 points per $1 spent on groceries, restaurants, food delivery, fast food, and entertainment purchases

On gas, daily transit, and streaming services, you earn 3 points per $1 and 1 point per dollar spent on everything else

The Scotiabank Gold Amex offers a complimentary Priority Pass membership with access to more than 1,200 VIP airport lounges

You also get comprehensive travel insurance coverage (9 types) and access to other exclusive perks

New cardholders can take advantage of the welcome offer worth up to $450. Read our detailed review of the card

 15. TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card
The TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card is great for earning TD Points you can redeem for travel purchases via ExpediaForTD.com

It has a $120 annual fee and requires a minimum personal income of $60,000

This card offers 9 TD Points per $1 spent on travel booked through Expedia For TD and 3 TD Points per dollar spent on all other purchases

Cardholders can access travel insurance coverage benefits, a discounted Priority Pass membership, and discounts when renting a car atAvis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car locations

It has a 19.99% purchase interest rate and a 22.99% rate for cash advances

Learn more about the card in this detailed review

## How To Get a Credit Card in Canada
After deciding on the credit card that meets your needs, you can proceed to the bank’s website to apply

You will also need to meet their requirements which may include income and credit score minimum thresholds

Complete the online application form with your details and submit it

After reviewing your application, the bank will let you know if you are approved. In some cases, the decision is instant


Your physical credit card is sent to you by postal mail and can take 5-10 business days

## Types of Credit Cards in Canada
The common types of credit cards in Canada include:
**Cash back credit cards These credit cards offer cash back rewards when you spend. For example, a 1% cash back rate would mean that you get $1 back when you make a purchase for $100. **Rewards credit card Many Canadian credit cards fall into this category (including cash back cards). The rewards you earn may be in the form of loyalty points, cash, or miles. **Secured credit cards These credit cards are designed for people with bad or poor credit rating. You will need to provide security funds or collateral to qualify. Regular credit cards don’t require a security deposit and are also known as unsecured credit cards. **Balance transfer credit card You can use these cards to consolidate your credit card debt at a lower interest rate. This can save you money if you pay off the debt at a lower rate. **Low-interest credit card These credit cards have a purchase interest rate that is significantly lower than the 20% charged by most credit cards. **Student credit cards There are entry-level credit cards with low or no minimum income requirements and no annual fees. These credit cards also have limited perks. **Premium credit cards: **Premium credit cards charge annual fees and offer premium perks in return. They are best for people who spend large amounts per month or who need access to exclusive benefits. **Related
- Best Credit Cards in Canada
- Best Scotiabank Credit Cards
- Best RBC Credit Cards
- Best Credit Cards For Quebec
- Best Costco Credit Cards in Canada