RRSP season runs from January 1 through the first 60 days of the year — in 2026, the RRSP contribution deadline is March 2, 2026. While you can’t directly pay RRSP contributions by credit card, you can use your rewards and cash back earned throughout the year to offset everyday spending and free up money for your RRSP contribution.
The RRSP Season Credit Card Strategy
Credit cards don’t directly integrate with RRSPs, but high-earners use their cards strategically:
- Maximize cash back on everyday spending throughout the year — treat cash back as a “savings accelerator”
- Redeem cash back in January–February and redirect freed-up cash to your RRSP
- Use a rewards card for January spending (gym memberships, dining out in January) to earn points before the deadline
Best Cash Back Cards to Fund Your RRSP
| Card | Annual Fee | Best Rate | Annual Cash Back Estimate* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amex SimplyCash Preferred | $119.88/yr | 2% everywhere | ~$300/yr on $15,000 spending |
| BMO CashBack World Elite | $120 | 5% grocery | ~$250–$400/yr on mixed spending |
| Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite | $120 | 4% grocery/gas | ~$300/yr |
| Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard | $0 | 2% in 2–3 categories | ~$150–$200/yr |
| PC Financial World Elite | $0 | 4.5% at Loblaws/Shoppers | ~$150–$250/yr (Loblaws shopper) |
*Estimates based on typical Canadian household spending. Actual results vary.
RRSP Contribution Limit and Deadline
| Year | RRSP Deadline | Contribution Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 tax year | March 2, 2026 | $32,490 |
| 2026 tax year | March 2, 2027 | TBD (announced in fall 2026) |
Your personal RRSP contribution room = 18% of prior year earned income, minus any pension adjustment, plus unused room carried forward. Check your MyAccount at CRA or your most recent Notice of Assessment.
Can You Pay Your RRSP Contribution By Credit Card?
No — financial institutions do not accept credit cards for RRSP contributions directly. RRSP deposits are made by:
- Online banking transfer (most common)
- Pre-authorized contribution (PAC)
- Cheque
- Wire transfer
However, you can use services like Plastiq to pay some bills by credit card, freeing up cash flow for your RRSP. This works best if you have large recurring bills (rent, mortgage, insurance) that Plastiq accepts.
Using Credit Card Points for RRSP Season
Some Canadians redeem travel points for January/February travel (think: a warm-weather escape while waiting for the RRSP deadline). This frees up cash that would have been spent on travel for an RRSP top-up instead.
Best redemption for this strategy:
- Aeroplan points for a winter flight south (Cancun, Cuba, Phoenix)
- Scene+ points for hotel stays
- Amex MR points transferred to Aeroplan or hotel programs
RRSP vs. TFSA: Which to Prioritize?
If you have limited room in both:
- RRSP first if: your income is over $60,000 (higher tax refund value)
- TFSA first if: your income is low or in a low tax bracket, or you’ll need the money before retirement
Note: This is general information, not tax advice. Consult a financial advisor for your specific situation.
Related Articles
- Best Credit Cards for Tax Season
- Best Cash Back Credit Cards in Canada
- Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard Review
- Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards
Details current as of June 2026. RRSP deadlines and limits sourced from CRA. See our Advertiser Disclosure.