Credit card approval in Canada depends on your credit score, income, and overall credit profile. Different card tiers have different thresholds — here’s what you generally need for each level.
Credit Score Requirements by Card Tier
| Card Tier | Typical Minimum Score | Card Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Secured credit card | 300+ (any score) | Home Trust Secured Visa, Capital One Secured |
| No-fee entry cards | 560–620 | Tangerine, PC Mastercard (basic), Capital One Aspire |
| Standard cash back cards | 650–680 | CIBC Dividend Visa, Scotiabank Momentum Visa |
| Visa Infinite / World Mastercard | 680–720 | Amex Cobalt, TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite, Scotia Gold Amex |
| World Elite Mastercard | 720–750 | BMO CashBack World Elite, Rogers Red World Elite, National Bank World Elite |
| Ultra-premium cards | 750–780+ | Amex Platinum, TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege |
These are general estimates — issuers do not publicly publish minimum score requirements. Approval is also influenced by income, employment status, debt load, and credit history length.
Score Ranges Used in Canada
Canadian credit scores run from 300 to 900. Here’s how they map to credit card eligibility:
| Score | Rating | Card Access |
|---|---|---|
| 760–900 | Excellent | All cards including ultra-premium; best rates on mortgages and loans |
| 725–759 | Very Good | Virtually all credit cards; strong approval odds for World Elite |
| 660–724 | Good | Most standard rewards cards; Visa Infinite typically accessible |
| 560–659 | Fair | Entry-level and no-fee cards; secured cards for credit building |
| 300–559 | Poor | Secured cards; credit-building products only |
By Card Category
Secured Cards (Any Score)
Secured cards require a refundable security deposit instead of a credit check-based credit limit. Even a score of 300 qualifies. Best options: Home Trust Secured Visa, Capital One Guaranteed Secured Mastercard.
No Annual Fee Rewards Cards (620+)
The Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card and PC Financial Mastercard are among the more accessible no-fee rewards cards. Income requirements are typically nil or low. Approval at 620–650 with decent payment history is realistic.
Amex Cobalt (660–680+)
American Express does not publish minimum scores but the Cobalt is often approved at 660+ with solid income. No stated income requirement, though having $40,000+ helps.
Visa Infinite (680–720)
Cards like the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite, Scotiabank Gold Amex (660+ realistic), and CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite are broadly accessible to applicants with good credit and $60,000 personal / $100,000 household income.
Mastercard World Elite (720–750)
Cards like the BMO CashBack World Elite, National Bank World Elite, and Rogers Red World Elite sit at the World Elite tier with stricter income thresholds ($80,000 personal / $150,000 household). Strong credit of 720+ significantly improves approval odds.
Ultra-Premium (750+)
The Amex Platinum Card (annual fee ~$799) and TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege target high-income cardholders. Approval at 750+ credit score with income typically $100,000+ is a reasonable baseline.
Income Requirements Matter Alongside Score
Credit score alone does not guarantee approval. Most premium cards have stated minimum income:
| Card Tier | Typical Income Requirement |
|---|---|
| Standard no-fee cards | None stated |
| Visa Infinite | $60,000 personal / $100,000 household |
| World Elite Mastercard | $80,000 personal / $150,000 household |
| Visa Infinite Privilege | $150,000 personal |
If you meet the income threshold but have a lower score, you may still qualify — and vice versa. Issuers weigh multiple factors.
How to Improve Your Chances of Approval
- Check your score before applying — Free at Equifax.ca and TransUnion.ca
- Pay all bills on time — Payment history is the largest scoring factor
- Keep credit utilisation below 30% — Ideal is under 10%
- Avoid multiple applications at once — Each application is a hard inquiry
- Build credit history length — Don’t close old accounts unnecessarily
- Meet income thresholds — Confirm the stated income requirement before applying
What Happens if You’re Declined?
Issuers are required by FCAC regulations to provide reasons for decline. Common reasons:
- Score below issuer’s internal threshold
- Insufficient income
- Too many recent inquiries
- Debt-to-income ratio too high
- Limited credit history
After a decline, wait 3–6 months before reapplying. Consider a lower-tier card or secured card to build your profile.
Related Articles
- How Credit Scores Work in Canada
- How to Improve Your Credit Score in Canada
- How Hard Inquiries Affect Your Credit Score
- Best Secured Credit Cards in Canada
- How to Apply for a Credit Card in Canada
Issuers do not publish minimum credit score thresholds. All figures are estimates based on industry experience and should not be taken as guaranteed approval requirements. See our Advertiser Disclosure.