Looking for a credit card that delivers value without draining your wallet? Whether you’re a student managing your first card, a newcomer building credit in Canada, or simply someone who wants to save more, a no-fee credit card can be a smart choice. In this guide, ScoopRate Canada compares the best no-fee credit cards in Canada, evaluating them on rewards potential, interest rates, welcome offers, and everyday perks.
Our research is based on publicly available information from credit card providers as of August 2025. Because offers and terms can change quickly, always confirm the latest details directly with the provider before applying.
What Is a No-Fee Credit Card?
A no-fee credit card is exactly what it sounds like, a credit card with no annual fee to maintain. These cards are ideal for:
- Building or improving credit without added costs
- Earning modest rewards like cashback, points, or store credits
- Accessing perks such as purchase protection or travel insurance
- Keeping a credit line open without paying for it
No-fee credit cards are a solid fit for budget-conscious cardholders, students, and anyone looking to keep costs low while still benefiting from rewards and benefits.
ScoopRate’s Top Pick: PC® World Elite Mastercard
If you shop for groceries or fuel in Canada, the PC® World Elite Mastercard is tough to beat for a no-fee card. It’s a rewards powerhouse, especially for households that frequent Loblaw-owned stores (like Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, No Frills) or affiliated gas stations (Esso, Mobil).
Why It Wins:
- Strong everyday rewards: Earn 3–4.5% in PC Optimum points at Loblaw-owned grocery stores, Shoppers Drug Mart, Joe Fresh, and Esso/Mobil gas stations, plus 1% on dining, transit, and other purchases.
- Generous welcome bonus: Get 20,000 PC Optimum points ($20) when you sign up for a new card.
- No annual fee: None, allowing you to keep your costs low while earning rewards.
- Extra perks included: Travel medical insurance and car rental collision coverage add value and protection.
- Flexible redemption: Redeem points in-store, online, or directly on your credit card balance.
Best For: Frequent Loblaw, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Esso customers who want maximum value from everyday spending, without paying an annual fee.
ScoopRate’s No-Fee Credit Card Comparison
Individual Credit Card Reviews
1. PC World Elite Mastercard
If you shop for groceries or fuel in Canada, the PC® World Elite Mastercard is hard to beat. It delivers some of the highest everyday rewards among no-fee cards, especially at Loblaw-owned grocery stores, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Esso/Mobil gas stations.
Welcome Offer: Get 20,000 bonus PC Optimum points ($20) with a new card
Annual Fee: $0
Highlights:
- 3–4.5% in PC points at Loblaw-owned grocery stores, Shoppers Drug Mart, Joe Fresh & Esso/Mobil gas stations
- 1% in PC points on dining, transit, and other purchases
- Travel medical and car rental collision insurance included
- Redeem points in-store, online, or on your credit card balance
Interest Rates:
- Purchases interest rate: 21.99%
- Cash Advance interest rate: 22.97%
Minimum Income: Personal $80,000 or household $150,000 annual income required
Best For: Households that shop at Loblaw-owned grocery stores, pharmacies, or Esso/Mobil stations regularly.
Visit PC® World Elite Mastercard website
2. Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
The Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card is one of the few no-fee cards that lets you choose your own bonus categories, making it highly adaptable to your spending habits.
Welcome Offer: Earn 10% cash back, up to $100 when you join
Annual Fee: $0
Highlights:
- 2% cashback in up to 2 categories of your choice (groceries, gas, restaurants, etc.), 0.5% cashback on all other purchases
- Deposit cash back into a Tangerine Savings Account to unlock a third 2% Money-Back Category
- Add up to 5 users with no extra card fees
- Track & categorize spending with Tangerine Left to Spend
Interest Rates:
- Purchases interest rate: 20.95%
- Cash Advance interest rate: 22.95%
Minimum Income: $12,000 annual personal income required
Best For: People who want to customize their rewards categories and get cashback on the purchases that matter most to them.
3. MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus® Mastercard
The MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus Mastercard offers one of the most generous welcome bonuses for a no-fee card, with flexible points that can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or cashback.
Welcome Offer: Earn 4 points per $1 on dining, grocery, digital media, memberships & utilities (up to $10K/year) + up to 10,000 bonus points.
Annual Fee: $0
Highlights:
- Birthday Bonus Points every year
- Flexible redemption for cash back, merchandise, gift cards, charity, and travel
- Points never expire while account is open and in good standing
- MBNA Payment Plan: Pay eligible purchases ($100+) over 6, 12, or 18 months
Interest Rates:
- Purchases interest rate: 19.99%
- Cash Advance interest rate: 24.99%
Minimum Income: None
Best For: New cardholders looking for a big welcome bonus without the burden of an annual fee.
4. Simplii Financial™ Cash Back Visa Card
The Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa delivers strong cashback on daily essentials, making it a solid choice for households looking to save on groceries, gas, and recurring bills—all without paying an annual fee.
Welcome Offer: Earn up to 8% cash back (up to $80) when you join
Annual Fee: $0
Highlights:
- 4% cashback on eligible restaurant, bar and coffee shop purchases
- 1.5% cashback on eligible gas, groceries, drugstore purchases and recurring bill payments
- 0.5% cashback on all other purchases
- Add up to 3 cardholders to earn cash back faster
Interest Rates:
- Purchases interest rate: 20.99%
- Cash Advance interest rate: 22.99%
Minimum Income: $15,000 annual personal income required
Best For: Everyday spenders who want consistent cashback on dining, groceries, and recurring household expenses without paying an annual fee.
5. Scotiabank® Scene+® Visa Card
The Scotiabank Scene+ Visa is perfect for movie lovers and foodies, offering strong rewards on dining, entertainment, and groceries, all in the widely accepted Scene+ points currency.
Welcome Offer: Earn up to 5,000 bonus Scene+ points within 3 months
Annual Fee: $0
Highlights:
- 2 Scene+ points per $1 spent at Sobeys, Safeway, Foodland & Participating Co-ops, FreshCo, and more
- 2 Scene+ points for every $1 spent at Home Hardware or Cineplex theatres or at cineplex.com
- 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on other everyday purchases
- Redeem for movie tickets, dining, travel, or merchandise
Interest Rates:
- Purchases interest rate: 20.99%
- Cash Advance interest rate: 22.95%
Minimum Income: None
Best For: People who want to earn rewards on dining out, going to the movies, or grocery shopping.
Final Thoughts
No-fee credit cards are a smart way to earn rewards, build credit, and manage everyday spending without paying an annual fee. Each card has its own strengths, whether it’s maximizing grocery and gas rewards with the PC® World Elite Mastercard, enjoying flexible cashback with the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card, or earning consistent rewards on essentials with the Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa.
When choosing a card, consider your spending habits, preferred rewards type, and any additional perks that matter most to you. Always check the latest rates, terms, and eligibility requirements directly with the provider before applying.
At ScoopRate Canada, our goal is to help you make informed decisions by comparing the features that matter most. With the right no-fee credit card, you can enjoy valuable rewards and benefits without the cost of an annual fee, making your everyday spending work harder for you.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or professional advice. Rates, terms, and product details may change at any time. Please confirm all information directly with the relevant provider before making a decision. ScoopRate Canada may receive compensation from partners when you apply through certain links. This does not influence our editorial opinions or product rankings.