"Can newcomers to Canada get a credit card with no credit history?"

"Yes — major Canadian banks offer credit cards specifically designed for newcomers without any Canadian credit history. TD, RBC, Scotiabank, BMO, and CIBC all have newcomer banking packages that include a credit card, often with no income proof required within the first year of arrival. Secured credit cards (which require a deposit) are another option with guaranteed approval. American Express Canada also has a global card transfer programme that allows existing Amex holders from other countries to transfer their account relationship to Canada."

"What documents do I need to get a credit card as a newcomer to Canada?"

"To apply for a newcomer credit card in Canada, you typically need: a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) or Individual Tax Number (ITN), government-issued photo ID (passport, provincial driver's licence, or PR card), proof of Canadian address (utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement), and documentation of your immigration status (PR card, work permit, study permit, or other status document). Income proof may be waived in the first year of arrival for bank newcomer programmes."

"Which bank is best for newcomers to Canada?"

"All major Canadian banks — TD, RBC, Scotiabank, BMO, and CIBC — offer newcomer banking programs. TD's newcomer banking package is often cited as particularly accessible, including a credit card and chequing account with fees waived for the first year. Scotiabank's StartRight programme is designed for international students and immigrants. RBC's Newcomer Advantage programme offers similar benefits. The best bank depends on which has branches conveniently located for you and which card fits your spending habits."

"Can international students get a credit card in Canada?"

"Yes — international students can get a credit card in Canada. You need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) or Study Permit, Canadian address, and proof of enrolment at a Canadian post-secondary institution. Most major banks offer student credit cards to international students as part of student banking packages. If denied for an unsecured card due to no Canadian credit history, a secured credit card (Home Trust Secured Visa, Neo Financial Secured Mastercard) provides guaranteed approval with a deposit."

"Does American Express have a program for newcomers to Canada?"

"Yes — American Express offers a Global Card Transfer programme that allows existing Amex cardholders from select countries (including the US, UK, Australia, India, and others) to apply for a Canadian Amex card using their existing foreign account history. This is a significant advantage for newcomers who had premium Amex cards in their home country and want to transfer their credit relationship to Canada without starting from zero. Not all countries are eligible — check the Amex Canada website for the current list."

Credit Cards for Newcomers to Canada 2026: Best Options to Build Credit

Starting a Canadian credit history from scratch is one of the first financial challenges newcomers to Canada face. Without a Canadian credit history, many products — from apartments to car loans — are harder to access. But several banks and card issuers have designed specific pathways for new immigrants, international students, and temporary residents to get their first Canadian credit card quickly.

Why Building Credit Early Matters for Newcomers

A Canadian credit history takes time to build. The sooner you start, the stronger your credit file when you need it most:

Apartment rental: Landlords routinely check credit. A strong score (660+) can mean the difference between getting an apartment or needing a large deposit.
Car loan: Most Canadian auto lenders want at least 12 months of positive Canadian credit history
Mortgage: Minimum 2+ years of Canadian credit history is typically required; a stronger history means better rates
Future credit cards: Premium travel and cash back cards require 720+ scores and established history

Best Newcomer Credit Card Options in Canada

1. TD Newcomer Visa Credit Card — Best Bank Newcomer Programme

Annual fee: $0 | Network: Visa | Income requirement: Waived for newcomers in first year

TD’s newcomer banking package includes a credit card available to new permanent residents and newcomers without any Canadian credit history or proof of income in the first year of arrival.

Key features:

No Canadian credit history required
No income proof required for the first year of arrival
Reports to both Equifax and TransUnion to build your credit file
TD banking accounts (no-fee or discounted chequing) available in the same package
Available to permanent residents, work permit holders, and international students

How to apply: Visit any TD branch with your SIN, immigration documents (PR card or work permit), passport, and Canadian address proof. TD is one of the most accessible banks for newcomer credit cards.

2. Scotiabank StartRight Programme — Best for International Students

Annual fee: Varies by card | Network: Visa | Income: Waived for eligible newcomers

Scotiabank’s StartRight programme is specifically designed for:

Permanent residents (first 5 years in Canada)
International students (enrolled at Canadian post-secondary institutions)

Benefits:

Credit card available with no Canadian credit history
Unlimited free international money transfers
Free chequing account (with conditions)
Can access the Scotiabank Scene+ Visa or Gold American Express depending on eligibility

The Scotiabank Scene+ Visa in particular is accessible to international students and earns Scene+ points for movies and entertainment — popular with students.

3. RBC Newcomer Advantage — Best for Flexible Access

Annual fee: $0 for RBC Classic Visa | Network: Visa | Income: Flexible for newcomers

RBC’s Newcomer Advantage programme offers:

Banking account and credit card for newcomers without Canadian credit history
Priority advice on building Canadian credit
Access to RBC’s mobile banking app
International student banking support

RBC offers credit cards starting with the RBC Classic Visa (no fee, no income requirement) scaling up to the RBC Avion Visa Infinite as credit history develops.

4. Home Trust Secured Visa — Best Guaranteed-Approval Option

Annual fee: $0 (non-rewards) or $59 (rewards version) | Security deposit: $500 to $10,000

A secured credit card requires you to deposit money equal to your credit limit. This deposit is held by the card issuer as security. You then use the card like any other — making purchases and paying monthly statements.

Why secured cards work for newcomers:

Guaranteed approval — no credit history required (in Canada or globally)
Reports to Equifax and TransUnion — builds Canadian credit history exactly the same as an unsecured card
Deposit is fully refundable when you close the account or upgrade to unsecured credit

How long until you can graduate to unsecured credit? Most newcomers with 12 to 18 months of on-time payments on a secured card will have a credit score in the 600 to 680 range, qualifying for most entry-level unsecured credit cards.

Full Home Trust Secured Visa Review

5. Neo Financial Secured Mastercard — Best Secured Card with Rewards

Annual fee: $0 | Security deposit: $50 minimum | Network: Mastercard

The Neo Financial Secured Mastercard requires only a $50 minimum deposit, making it the most accessible secured card in Canada. It also offers an average of 5% cash back at Neo partner retailers — unusual for a secured card.

Best for: Newcomers who want to start building credit immediately with minimal upfront commitment, and who shop at major Canadian retailers in the Neo network (Lululemon, Sport Chek, Boston Pizza, Tim Hortons, and many others).

Full Neo Financial Secured Mastercard Review

6. American Express Global Card Transfer — Best for Existing Amex Cardholders

Annual fee: Varies by card | Network: American Express

If you held an Amex card in another country, Amex’s Global Card Transfer programme may allow you to get a Canadian Amex card using your existing account history — bypassing the requirement for Canadian credit history.

How it works:

Contact Amex Canada and indicate you’re applying via Global Transfer
Provide your existing Amex account details and home country card number
Amex reviews your foreign account history in lieu of Canadian credit history
If approved, your new Canadian Amex card is issued

Countries currently included: United States, United Kingdom, Australia, India, Japan, and others. Check americanexpress.com/canada for the current eligibility list.

Best for: Professionals relocating to Canada who had premium Amex cards (Platinum, Gold, Cobalt equivalent) in their home country.

Building Your Canadian Credit History: What to Do First

Month 1: Get Your First Card

Apply for whichever card on this list is most accessible given your immigration status. If denied, go directly to a secured card — never leave your credit file blank while waiting.

Months 1 to 12: Use It Strategically

Use the card for groceries, gas, and regular purchases
Pay the full statement balance on or before the due date, every month
Keep your balance below 30% of your credit limit (ideally below 10%)
Set up autopay for at least the minimum to avoid missed payments if you forget

Month 12 to 18: Check Your Credit Score

Borrowell (borrowell.com) — free Equifax score and report
Credit Karma Canada (creditkarma.ca) — free TransUnion score and report

A target score after 18 months of on-time payments: 650 to 720 on the 300 to 900 Canadian scale.

Month 18 to 24: Upgrade or Add a Card

With a 650+ score and 18 months of history, you’ll qualify for most standard rewards cards (Amex Cobalt, Scotiabank Gold, TD Aeroplan Visa). Apply for one rewards card and continue building history.

Useful Canadian Financial Links for Newcomers

Social Insurance Number: canada.ca/en/employment-social-development
Credit score checker (free): borrowell.com and creditkarma.ca
Equifax Canada dispute centre: equifax.ca
FCAC (Financial Consumer Agency of Canada): canada.ca/fcac
IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada): canada.ca/ircc