Enter your average monthly spending below and see which Canadian credit card earns you the most — ranked by estimated net annual value after the annual fee.
Step 1: Enter your monthly spending
Use round estimates — the exact figures don't matter as much as the relative split between categories.
<div class="cf-field">
<label for="cf-grocery">Groceries</label>
<div class="cf-input-wrap">
<span class="cf-dollar">$</span>
<input type="number" id="cf-grocery" value="800" min="0" step="50" aria-label="Monthly grocery spending in dollars">
</div>
<div class="cf-sublabel">Supermarkets, No Frills, Loblaws, Sobeys</div>
</div>
<div class="cf-field">
<label for="cf-gas">Gas & Fuel</label>
<div class="cf-input-wrap">
<span class="cf-dollar">$</span>
<input type="number" id="cf-gas" value="200" min="0" step="25" aria-label="Monthly gas spending in dollars">
</div>
<div class="cf-sublabel">Gas stations, EV charging</div>
</div>
<div class="cf-field">
<label for="cf-dining">Dining & Restaurants</label>
<div class="cf-input-wrap">
<span class="cf-dollar">$</span>
<input type="number" id="cf-dining" value="150" min="0" step="25" aria-label="Monthly dining spending in dollars">
</div>
<div class="cf-sublabel">Restaurants, fast food, food delivery</div>
</div>
<div class="cf-field">
<label for="cf-travel">Travel</label>
<div class="cf-input-wrap">
<span class="cf-dollar">$</span>
<input type="number" id="cf-travel" value="200" min="0" step="25" aria-label="Monthly travel spending in dollars">
</div>
<div class="cf-sublabel">Flights, hotels — enter monthly average</div>
</div>
<div class="cf-field">
<label for="cf-drug">Drug Stores</label>
<div class="cf-input-wrap">
<span class="cf-dollar">$</span>
<input type="number" id="cf-drug" value="75" min="0" step="25" aria-label="Monthly drug store spending in dollars">
</div>
<div class="cf-sublabel">Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, Jean Coutu</div>
</div>
<div class="cf-field">
<label for="cf-transit">Transit & Rideshare</label>
<div class="cf-input-wrap">
<span class="cf-dollar">$</span>
<input type="number" id="cf-transit" value="100" min="0" step="25" aria-label="Monthly transit spending in dollars">
</div>
<div class="cf-sublabel">TTC, Presto, Uber, taxis</div>
</div>
<div class="cf-field">
<label for="cf-entertainment">Entertainment & Streaming</label>
<div class="cf-input-wrap">
<span class="cf-dollar">$</span>
<input type="number" id="cf-entertainment" value="75" min="0" step="25" aria-label="Monthly entertainment spending in dollars">
</div>
<div class="cf-sublabel">Netflix, Crave, Spotify, movies, events</div>
</div>
<div class="cf-field">
<label for="cf-recurring">Recurring Bills</label>
<div class="cf-input-wrap">
<span class="cf-dollar">$</span>
<input type="number" id="cf-recurring" value="200" min="0" step="25" aria-label="Monthly recurring bill spending in dollars">
</div>
<div class="cf-sublabel">Phone, utilities, insurance on card</div>
</div>
<div class="cf-field">
<label for="cf-other">Everything Else</label>
<div class="cf-input-wrap">
<span class="cf-dollar">$</span>
<input type="number" id="cf-other" value="400" min="0" step="50" aria-label="Monthly other spending in dollars">
</div>
<div class="cf-sublabel">All other card purchases</div>
</div>
</div>
<div><span class="cf-total-bar">Total monthly spend: <strong id="cf-total-display">$2,200</strong></span></div>
Step 2: Preferences (optional)
<div class="cf-filter-group">
<div class="cf-filter-label">Annual Fee</div>
<div class="cf-pills">
<span><input type="radio" name="cf-fee" id="cf-fee-any" value="9999" checked><label for="cf-fee-any">Any</label></span>
<span><input type="radio" name="cf-fee" id="cf-fee-0" value="0"><label for="cf-fee-0">$0 only</label></span>
<span><input type="radio" name="cf-fee" id="cf-fee-125" value="125"><label for="cf-fee-125">Up to $125</label></span>
<span><input type="radio" name="cf-fee" id="cf-fee-160" value="160"><label for="cf-fee-160">Up to $160</label></span>
</div>
</div>
<div class="cf-filter-group">
<div class="cf-filter-label">Network</div>
<div class="cf-pills">
<span><input type="radio" name="cf-network" id="cf-net-any" value="any" checked><label for="cf-net-any">Any</label></span>
<span><input type="radio" name="cf-network" id="cf-net-visa" value="visa"><label for="cf-net-visa">Visa</label></span>
<span><input type="radio" name="cf-network" id="cf-net-mc" value="mastercard"><label for="cf-net-mc">Mastercard</label></span>
<span><input type="radio" name="cf-network" id="cf-net-amex" value="amex"><label for="cf-net-amex">Amex</label></span>
</div>
</div>
<div class="cf-filter-group">
<div class="cf-filter-label">Reward Type</div>
<div class="cf-pills">
<span><input type="radio" name="cf-type" id="cf-type-any" value="any" checked><label for="cf-type-any">Any</label></span>
<span><input type="radio" name="cf-type" id="cf-type-cash" value="cashback"><label for="cf-type-cash">Cash Back</label></span>
<span><input type="radio" name="cf-type" id="cf-type-travel" value="travel"><label for="cf-type-travel">Travel Points</label></span>
</div>
</div>
<div class="cf-filter-group">
<label class="cf-checkbox-wrap" for="cf-nofx">
<input type="checkbox" id="cf-nofx">
<span>No foreign transaction fee only</span>
</label>
</div>
</div>
How the Credit Card Finder Works
The finder uses a straightforward rewards-first model:
- You enter your monthly spending across nine categories — groceries, gas, dining, travel, drug stores, transit, entertainment, recurring bills, and everything else.
- The tool multiplies each category by the card’s earn rate for that category, then applies a conservative point valuation to convert points into estimated Canadian dollars.
- The annual fee is subtracted (net of any cash credits like BMO eclipse’s $50 lifestyle credit) to produce the estimated net annual value.
- Cards are ranked from highest to lowest net value — so the card at the top is the one that puts the most money back in your pocket given your specific spending.
Point valuations used: Aeroplan 1.5¢, Amex Membership Rewards 1.5¢ (via Aeroplan transfer), Scene+ 1¢, Avion Rewards 1¢, BMO Rewards 1¢, MBNA Rewards 1¢, National Bank À la carte 1¢, TD Rewards 0.5¢ (via Expedia for TD), PC Optimum 0.1¢, WestJet Dollars 1¢.
What the tool doesn’t model: Premium perks like airport lounge access, travel insurance, companion vouchers, NEXUS credits, and hotel/lounge memberships. Cards like the Amex Aeroplan Reserve ($599 annual fee) include a Maple Leaf Club membership valued at $699/year — that alone more than covers the fee, but it’s a perk you need to use to benefit from.
Some categories have caps: The BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard earns 5% on groceries up to $500/month (then 1%). The Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa earns 4% on dining up to $5,000 annually. These caps are noted in the card’s highlight text but are not fully accounted for in the calculation for simplicity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Canadian credit card gives the most cash back?
For most Canadians, the Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite (4% on groceries and recurring bills) or BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard (5% on groceries) delivers the highest cash back rate in their biggest spend categories. For travellers who prefer flexibility, the Scotiabank Gold American Express (5x Scene+ on groceries, dining, and entertainment with no FX fee) is consistently competitive. Enter your numbers — the answer genuinely depends on where you spend most.
Is a no-annual-fee card ever better than a card with a fee?
Yes. If your total monthly card spend is under roughly $1,200–$1,500, the rewards gap between a $0-fee card and a $120 premium card often doesn’t cover the annual cost. The Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard (2% in chosen categories, $0 fee) and Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa (4% dining, $0 fee) frequently outperform premium cards for lighter spenders. The finder accounts for this automatically — you’ll see a $0-fee card ranked above premium cards if your spend profile supports it.
What does the estimated annual value mean?
It’s the estimated dollar value of rewards you’d earn in a year based on your spending, after subtracting the card’s annual fee. A result of $450 means the card is estimated to put approximately $450 in rewards back in your pocket over 12 months. Point-based estimates assume conservative redemption values — using points for business class flights or premium hotel redemptions can significantly exceed these figures.
Are Aeroplan or cash back points worth more?
It depends on how you redeem. Aeroplan points are valued here at 1.5¢ each — the conservative economy flight average. For business class redemptions on Air Canada and Star Alliance partners, experienced travellers commonly achieve 3–5¢ per point, which can dramatically outperform any cash back card. If you plan to redeem points strategically for flights, Aeroplan cards typically win. If you prefer simplicity and want statement credits, cash back wins.
Can I use this tool if I’m new to Canada?
Yes, but income requirements apply to most cards on this list. Newcomers to Canada with limited credit history may not qualify for Visa Infinite or World Elite Mastercard products, which typically require $60,000–$80,000 in personal income or a minimum credit score. Look into newcomer-specific offers from TD, RBC, and BMO that waive credit history requirements for new permanent residents.
Card terms, earn rates, and annual fees are subject to change. Always verify current terms directly with the card issuer before applying. This tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. CardNorth may receive compensation if you apply for a card through links on this page.