"What is the best credit card for newcomers to Canada?"

"The best credit card for newcomers to Canada is typically from the same bank where you open your first Canadian bank account. The Scotiabank StartRight Visa (no annual fee, Scene+ rewards, no Canadian history required) and the TD New to Canada Visa (no annual fee, TD Rewards, no Canadian history) are the most popular options. Both accept applicants within 3 years of arriving in Canada. If you want cash back instead of points, the BMO NewStart Mastercard earns cash back with no Canadian history requirement."

"Can I get a credit card when I first arrive in Canada?"

"Yes — Canada's major banks offer newcomer credit cards specifically for people who have just arrived with no Canadian credit history. You typically need a valid Canadian address, a Social Insurance Number (SIN), proof of identity (passport or PR card), and to have arrived within the past 3–5 years (the window varies by issuer). You do not need employment or prior Canadian credit history. The best first step is opening a chequing account at a major bank and asking about their newcomer credit card package at the same appointment."

"Does my credit history from my home country count in Canada?"

"No — Canadian credit histories are maintained by Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada, which are separate from their US and international counterparts. A strong credit score from India, the UK, the Philippines, Nigeria, or any country other than the US will not transfer. Even US credit history generally does not transfer to Canada, though Capital One and some US banks with Canadian operations may have informal processes for US arrivals. You effectively start fresh upon arriving in Canada, regardless of your credit history at home."

"How quickly can a newcomer build credit in Canada?"

"Most newcomers see their first Canadian credit score appear within 3–6 months of opening their first credit card. Credit scores typically reach the \"good\" range (660–724) within 12–18 months of responsible card use — paying the full balance monthly and keeping utilisation below 30%. Within 24–36 months, many newcomers qualify for premium travel cards like the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite or Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite. Opening a bank account the day you arrive, applying for a newcomer credit card within 1–2 months, and using it consistently are the fastest paths to building Canadian credit."

"What documents do I need to apply for a newcomer credit card?"

"To apply for a newcomer credit card in Canada you typically need: (1) Valid Canadian address proof (lease, utility bill, or bank letter); (2) Social Insurance Number (SIN); (3) Proof of identity — passport, Permanent Resident card, or Work Permit; (4) Proof of arrival date — some issuers ask for immigration documents to confirm your recent arrival. Employment is typically not required for starter newcomer cards. Some banks (Scotiabank, TD, RBC) have dedicated newcomer banking programs — applying for the card as part of the newcomer package at a branch often streamlines the process."

Best Newcomer Credit Cards in Canada 2026

When you arrive in Canada, you have no Canadian credit history — even with an excellent score in your home country. Credit histories do not transfer between countries. The good news: Canada’s major banks offer credit cards specifically for newcomers that require no prior Canadian credit history.

Best Credit Cards for Newcomers at a Glance

Card	Annual Fee	Rewards	No Canadian History?
Scotiabank StartRight Visa	$0	Scene+	✓ Yes
TD New to Canada Visa	$0	TD Rewards	✓ Yes
RBC Newcomer Advantage Visa	$0	Avion Points	✓ Yes
CIBC Welcome to Canada Visa	$0	Points	✓ Yes
BMO NewStart Mastercard	$0	Cash back	✓ Yes
Home Trust Secured Visa	$0	None	✓ Yes — secured
Neo Financial Secured Mastercard	$0	Up to 5% CB	✓ Yes — secured
Capital One Platinum Mastercard	$0	Cash back	✓ Yes

Top Newcomer Card Options

Scotiabank StartRight Visa — Most Popular

The Scotiabank StartRight programme is Canada’s most widely promoted newcomer package, combining a chequing account, savings account, and this credit card.

No annual fee, no Canadian credit history required
Earns Scene+ points (redeemable for Cineplex movies, groceries at Sobeys-family stores, travel)
Eligible within 3 years of arriving in Canada
International students with a valid study permit also eligible

Best for: New immigrants and international students banking with Scotiabank.

TD New to Canada Visa — Best for TD Banking Clients

TD’s newcomer credit card earns TD Rewards points, which can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, and statement credits.

No annual fee, no Canadian history required
Part of TD’s New to Canada Banking package (chequing + savings + credit card)
Available to permanent residents, workers, and students within 5 years of arrival

Best for: Newcomers who open their primary bank account at TD.

RBC Newcomer Advantage Visa — Best for RBC Clients

Earns Avion points (RBC’s proprietary programme), redeemable for travel, gift cards, and statement credits.

No annual fee, no Canadian history required
RBC Avion points can be transferred to British Airways Avios and WestJet Rewards
Part of RBC’s Newcomer Advantage banking package

Best for: RBC banking newcomers interested in travel rewards.

BMO NewStart Mastercard — Best Cash Back Newcomer Card

Earns cash back with no Canadian credit history required — the simplest, most flexible reward type.

No annual fee
Part of BMO’s NewStart Banking package
Cash back deposited as a statement credit

Best for: Newcomers who prefer simple cash back over points programmes.

Home Trust Secured Visa — Best Fallback Option

If you are denied for an unsecured card, the Home Trust Secured Visa accepts anyone with a security deposit of $500–$10,000 (your deposit becomes your credit limit). No annual fee, no income requirement, no Canadian credit history.

The card reports to Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada — so you build real credit history just like with an unsecured card.

Best for: Newcomers who cannot get approved for an unsecured card, or who want to build credit with very low risk (since you control the spending limit via your deposit).

Eligibility Requirements

Most newcomer cards require:

Requirement	Details
Valid Canadian address	Lease, utility bill, or bank letter with your address
Social Insurance Number (SIN)	Temporary or permanent SIN both accepted
Proof of identity	Passport + PR card, Work Permit, or Study Permit
Recency	Must have arrived within 3–5 years (varies by issuer)
Employment	Not required for most newcomer starter cards
Canadian credit history	Not required — that’s the whole point

Which Bank Should You Choose?

Your best starting point is typically your primary Canadian bank — the one where you open your first chequing account. Newcomer credit cards are designed to complement the same bank’s newcomer banking package:

Bank	Newcomer Package	Credit Card
Scotiabank	StartRight Banking Programme	StartRight Visa
TD	New to Canada Banking	New to Canada Visa
RBC	Newcomer Advantage	Newcomer Advantage Visa
CIBC	CIBC Smart for Newcomers	Welcome to Canada Visa
BMO	NewStart Programme	NewStart Mastercard

Open your bank account first — ideally before or immediately after arriving — and apply for the credit card as part of the newcomer package at the same appointment.

Building Credit: Your First 2 Years

Timeline	Action	Result
Month 1	Open bank account + apply for newcomer card	Credit file created
Months 1–6	Use card monthly; pay full balance	Score appears (300–580 range)
Months 6–12	Continue payments; keep utilisation below 30%	Score climbs (580–660)
Months 12–18	Request credit limit increase	Utilisation ratio improves
Months 18–24	Score reaches “good” range (660–700)	Eligible for standard rewards cards
Months 24–36	Score 700+	Eligible for premium cards (Visa Infinite, World Elite)

After 24 Months: Upgrade Your Card

Once you have 24 months of clean credit history and full-time income, you qualify for premium rewards cards:

Card	Annual Fee	Why Upgrade
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite	$150	No FX fee; Scene+; 6 lounge visits
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite	$139	Best Aeroplan card; Air Canada bag
Scotiabank Gold American Express	$120	6x dining/grocery Scene+; no FX
American Express Cobalt	$155	5x MR on dining/grocery
Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card	$0	2% in chosen categories; no fee

Newcomer Credit Cards FAQ

Best first credit card for newcomers Canada? The newcomer card at your primary bank — Scotiabank StartRight, TD New to Canada, or RBC Newcomer Advantage.

Can international students get a credit card in Canada? Yes — Scotiabank StartRight and some other newcomer cards accept international students with a valid study permit and SIN.

Does my foreign credit score transfer to Canada? No. Canadian credit bureaus (Equifax Canada, TransUnion Canada) maintain independent files. You start fresh.

How long until I qualify for a premium travel card? Typically 24–36 months of responsible card use and employment income. Some issuers approve premium Visa Infinite cards after 18 months if your income and score are strong.

What is a secured credit card and should I get one? A secured card requires a deposit (which becomes your credit limit) and is guaranteed approval. It builds real credit history. The Home Trust Secured Visa and Neo Financial Secured Mastercard are the best options if you are denied for an unsecured newcomer card.

Card availability and eligibility terms vary by issuer and province. Not all cards are available in Quebec. Verify with the issuer before applying. See our Advertiser Disclosure.