The best credit cards in Canada — compared and verified for 2026
We analyze rates, real costs and eligibility for immigrants.
In Canada, the best way to start building credit as a newcomer is with a secured credit card. You deposit an amount as collateral and the bank gives you a card with that limit. Pay your full balance every month and in 6-12 months you'll have Canadian credit history.
Metodología y transparencia
Cómo calificamos las tarjetas
El FinMaple Score evalúa cada tarjeta en 5 pilares con los siguientes pesos:
Costos reales (30%) - cuota anual, tasas de interés y penalidades
Para recién llegados (25%) - accesibilidad sin historial crediticio canadiense
Experiencia digital (15%) - calidad de la app, banca en línea y soporte digital
Beneficios reales (15%) - cash back, puntos, millas y seguros incluidos
Soporte en español (15%) - atención y materiales disponibles en español
La calificación final es un promedio ponderado de 1.0 a 5.0.
Fuentes de datos
Los datos de cada tarjeta provienen de los sitios web oficiales de los bancos canadienses, hojas de tasas públicas y documentos de términos y condiciones. Actualizamos la información mensualmente para reflejar cambios en cuotas, tasas y beneficios. Última actualización: febrero 2026.
Divulgación de afiliados
FinMaple es un servicio gratuito. Recibimos compensación cuando solicitas productos financieros a través de nuestros enlaces de afiliados. Esta compensación no afecta nuestras calificaciones ni el orden de las recomendaciones - el FinMaple Score es una evaluación editorial independiente. Conoce más sobre cómo monetizamos.
Preguntas frecuentes
Can I get a credit card in Canada without credit history?
Yes. Several Canadian banks offer secured credit cards designed for people without credit history. You just need to deposit an amount as collateral (e.g., $300-500 CAD) and the bank gives you a card with that limit. Banks like Scotiabank, BMO and CIBC have newcomer programs.
What is the best credit card for newcomers in Canada?
It depends on your priorities. If you want no annual fee and to build credit, the Neo Secured Credit Card or the BMO CashBack Mastercard for newcomers are great options. If you prefer travel rewards, the Scotiabank Gold American Express for newcomers offers good benefits. Use our comparison tool to find the best one for your profile.
How does the credit score work in Canada?
The credit score in Canada ranges from 300 to 900 points. It's calculated based on your payment history (35%), credit utilization (30%), account age (15%), credit mix (10%) and recent inquiries (10%). A score of 680+ is considered good. You can check your score for free with Borrowell or Credit Karma.
How long does it take to get approved for a credit card?
Approval typically takes 1 to 10 business days. Secured cards for newcomers are usually approved faster (1-3 days) since the deposit reduces the bank's risk. Once approved, you'll receive the physical card by mail in 7-14 days.
Is a secured or prepaid card better for building credit?
A secured card is much better for building credit. Prepaid cards do NOT report to credit bureaus, so they don't help build credit history. A secured card works like a regular card and reports your payments to Equifax and TransUnion, helping you raise your score.
🍁 Newsletter gratuito
Consejos financieros en español, cada semana.
Guías de crédito y ahorro
Alertas de deadlines del CRA
Herramientas exclusivas
+2,400 latinos en Canadá · Sin spam · Gratis · Privacidad