Best credit cards with no income requirement in Canada for 2026
Verified Oct 16, 2026CAD
Cards with no published income minimum, ranked by 3-year value on a couple's spending. Each card shows Year 1 against every year after, so a card that's mostly its welcome bonus is easy to spot.
Advertiser disclosure: we may earn a commission when you apply through some links on this page. It never affects rank: cards are ordered by the value worked out from your spending. How we make money · Methodology
Spending: Couple · $2,555/moRank these on my own spending
- #1
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$1,000Year 2+$7003 years $2,401 after fees· pays for itself in month 1
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$1,000Year 2+$700Welcome or anniversary bonus$300 / $0Rewards on spending$820 / $820Fees (taken off the end)−$120 / −$120 Pays for itself in month 1 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
5xGrocGroceries5xDineDining and takeout3xGasGas and EV charging1xAirFlights1xHotelHotels and car rentals3xTransitTransit and rideshare3xStreamStreaming1xDrugDrugstores1xOnlineOnline shopping1xBillsPhone, internet and utilities1xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #1 of 21. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $2,401 after fees.
- Year 1. $1,000 = welcome bonus $300 + rewards $820 − fee $120.
- Each year after. $700 = rewards $820 − fee $120.
- Against #2. Beats American Express SimplyCash Preferred by $131 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (+$100).
Points valued at 1.00¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #2
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$873Year 2+$6733 years $2,270 after fees· pays for itself in month 1
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$873Year 2+$673Welcome or anniversary bonus$200 / $0Rewards on spending$793 / $793Fees (taken off the end)−$120 / −$120 Pays for itself in month 1 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
4%GrocGroceries2%DineDining and takeout4%GasGas and EV charging2%AirFlights2%HotelHotels and car rentals2%TransitTransit and rideshare2%StreamStreaming2%DrugDrugstores2%OnlineOnline shopping2%BillsPhone, internet and utilities2%OtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #2 of 21. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $2,270 after fees.
- Year 1. $873 = welcome bonus $200 + rewards $793 − fee $120.
- Each year after. $673 = rewards $793 − fee $120.
- Against #1. Trails Scotiabank Gold American Express by $131 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (−$100).
- Against #3. Beats BMO eclipse Visa Infinite by $132 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$741).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #3
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$1,185Year 2+$4763 years $2,138 after fees· pays for itself in month 1
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$1,185Year 2+$476Welcome or anniversary bonus$469 / $0Rewards on spending$546 / $546Credits$170 / $50Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / −$120 Pays for itself in month 1 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
5xGrocGroceries5xDineDining and takeout5xGasGas and EV charging1xAirFlights1xHotelHotels and car rentals5xTransitTransit and rideshare1xStreamStreaming1xDrugDrugstores1xOnlineOnline shopping1xBillsPhone, internet and utilities1xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #3 of 21. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $2,138 after fees.
- Year 1. $1,185 = welcome bonus $469 + rewards $546 + credits $170.
- Each year after. $476 = rewards $546 + credits $50 − fee $120.
- Against #2. Trails American Express SimplyCash Preferred by $132 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$741).
- Against #4. Beats PC Financial PC World Elite Mastercard by $686 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (+$419).
Points valued at 0.67¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #4
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$517Year 2+$4673 years $1,452 after fees· no fee to cover
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$517Year 2+$467Welcome or anniversary bonus$50 / $0Rewards on spending$467 / $467Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0 No annual fee Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
30xGrocGroceries10xDineDining and takeout10xGasGas and EV charging10xAirFlights10xHotelHotels and car rentals10xTransitTransit and rideshare10xStreamStreaming45xDrugDrugstores10xOnlineOnline shopping10xBillsPhone, internet and utilities10xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #4 of 21. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $1,452 after fees.
- Year 1. $517 = welcome bonus $50 + rewards $467.
- Each year after. $467 = rewards $467.
- Against #3. Trails BMO eclipse Visa Infinite by $686 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (−$419).
- Against #5. Beats TD Platinum Travel Visa by $56 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (−$200).
Points valued at 0.10¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #5
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$691Year 2+$3523 years $1,396 after fees· pays for itself in month 1
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$691Year 2+$352Welcome or anniversary bonus$250 / $0Rewards on spending$441 / $441Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / −$89 Pays for itself in month 1 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
4.5xGrocGroceries4.5xDineDining and takeout1.5xGasGas and EV charging1.5xAirFlights1.5xHotelHotels and car rentals4.5xTransitTransit and rideshare3xStreamStreaming1.5xDrugDrugstores1.5xOnlineOnline shopping3xBillsPhone, internet and utilities1.5xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #5 of 21. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $1,396 after fees.
- Year 1. $691 = welcome bonus $250 + rewards $441.
- Each year after. $352 = rewards $441 − fee $89.
- Against #4. Trails PC Financial PC World Elite Mastercard by $56 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (+$200).
- Against #6. Beats Rogers Bank Red World Elite Mastercard by $17 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (+$250).
Points valued at 0.50¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #6
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$460Year 2+$4603 years $1,380 after fees· no fee to cover
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$460Year 2+$460Rewards on spending$460 / $460Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0 No annual fee Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
1.5%GrocGroceries1.5%DineDining and takeout1.5%GasGas and EV charging1.5%AirFlights1.5%HotelHotels and car rentals1.5%TransitTransit and rideshare1.5%StreamStreaming1.5%DrugDrugstores1.5%OnlineOnline shopping1.5%BillsPhone, internet and utilities1.5%OtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #6 of 21. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $1,380 after fees.
- Year 1. $460 = rewards $460.
- Each year after. $460 = rewards $460.
- Against #5. Trails TD Platinum Travel Visa by $17 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (−$250).
- Against #7. Beats American Express Gold Rewards Card by $23 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (+$750).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #7
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$852Year 2+$2523 years $1,357 after fees· pays for itself in month 2Mostly first-year value
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$852Year 2+$252Welcome or anniversary bonus$600 / $0Rewards on spending$422 / $422Credits$80 / $80Fees (taken off the end)−$250 / −$250 Pays for itself in month 2 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
2xGrocGroceries1xDineDining and takeout2xGasGas and EV charging2xAirFlights2xHotelHotels and car rentals1xTransitTransit and rideshare1xStreamStreaming2xDrugDrugstores1xOnlineOnline shopping1xBillsPhone, internet and utilities1xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #7 of 21. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $1,357 after fees.
- Year 1. $852 = welcome bonus $600 + rewards $422 + credits $80 − fee $250.
- Each year after. $252 = rewards $422 + credits $80 − fee $250.
- Against #6. Trails Rogers Bank Red World Elite Mastercard by $23 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (−$750).
- Against #8. Beats Scotiabank Momentum Visa by $160 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (−$603).
Points valued at 1.00¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #8
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$399Year 2+$3993 years $1,198 after fees· pays for itself in month 2
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$399Year 2+$399Rewards on spending$448 / $448Fees (taken off the end)−$49 / −$49 Pays for itself in month 2 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
2%GrocGroceries1%DineDining and takeout2%GasGas and EV charging1%AirFlights1%HotelHotels and car rentals2%TransitTransit and rideshare2%StreamStreaming2%DrugDrugstores1%OnlineOnline shopping2%BillsPhone, internet and utilities1%OtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #8 of 21. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $1,198 after fees.
- Year 1. $399 = rewards $448 − fee $49.
- Each year after. $399 = rewards $448 − fee $49.
- Against #7. Trails American Express Gold Rewards Card by $160 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (+$603).
- Against #9. Beats American Express Cobalt Card by $48 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (+$429).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #9
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$483Year 2+$3333 years $1,149 after fees· pays for itself in month 3
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$483Year 2+$333Welcome or anniversary bonus$150 / $0Rewards on spending$507 / $507Credits$18 / $18Fees (taken off the end)−$192 / −$192 Pays for itself in month 3 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
1xGrocGroceries5xDineDining and takeout2xGasGas and EV charging1xAirFlights1xHotelHotels and car rentals2xTransitTransit and rideshare3xStreamStreaming1xDrugDrugstores1xOnlineOnline shopping1xBillsPhone, internet and utilities1xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #9 of 21. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $1,149 after fees.
- Year 1. $483 = welcome bonus $150 + rewards $507 + credits $18 − fee $192.
- Each year after. $333 = rewards $507 + credits $18 − fee $192.
- Against #8. Trails Scotiabank Momentum Visa by $48 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (−$429).
- Against #10. Beats Scotiabank Scene+ Visa by $72 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (−$576).
Points valued at 1.00¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #10
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$393Year 2+$3433 years $1,078 after fees· no fee to cover
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$393Year 2+$343Welcome or anniversary bonus$50 / $0Rewards on spending$343 / $343Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0 No annual fee Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
2xGrocGroceries1xDineDining and takeout1xGasGas and EV charging1xAirFlights1xHotelHotels and car rentals1xTransitTransit and rideshare1xStreamStreaming1xDrugDrugstores1xOnlineOnline shopping1xBillsPhone, internet and utilities1xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #10 of 21. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $1,078 after fees.
- Year 1. $393 = welcome bonus $50 + rewards $343.
- Each year after. $343 = rewards $343.
- Against #9. Trails American Express Cobalt Card by $72 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (+$576).
- Against #11. Beats RBC ION+ Visa by $29 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (+$144).
Points valued at 1.00¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #11
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$417Year 2+$2953 years $1,049 after fees· pays for itself in month 1
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$417Year 2+$295Welcome or anniversary bonus$122 / $0Rewards on spending$343 / $343Fees (taken off the end)−$48 / −$48 Pays for itself in month 1 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
3xGrocGroceries3xDineDining and takeout3xGasGas and EV charging1xAirFlights1xHotelHotels and car rentals3xTransitTransit and rideshare3xStreamStreaming1xDrugDrugstores1xOnlineOnline shopping1xBillsPhone, internet and utilities1xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #11 of 21. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $1,049 after fees.
- Year 1. $417 = welcome bonus $122 + rewards $343 − fee $48.
- Each year after. $295 = rewards $343 − fee $48.
- Against #10. Trails Scotiabank Scene+ Visa by $29 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (−$144).
- Against #12. Beats RBC Cash Back Mastercard by $127 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$209).
Points valued at 0.58¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #12
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$374Year 2+$2743 years $922 after fees· no fee to cover
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$374Year 2+$274Welcome or anniversary bonus$100 / $0Rewards on spending$274 / $274Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0 No annual fee Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
2%GrocGroceries0.5%DineDining and takeout1%GasGas and EV charging0.5%AirFlights0.5%HotelHotels and car rentals1%TransitTransit and rideshare0.5%StreamStreaming0.5%DrugDrugstores0.5%OnlineOnline shopping0.5%BillsPhone, internet and utilities0.5%OtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #12 of 21. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $922 after fees.
- Year 1. $374 = welcome bonus $100 + rewards $274.
- Each year after. $274 = rewards $274.
- Against #11. Trails RBC ION+ Visa by $127 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$209).
- Against #13. Beats TD Rewards Visa by $29 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (+$24).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #13
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$348Year 2+$2723 years $893 after fees· no fee to cover
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$348Year 2+$272Welcome or anniversary bonus$76 / $0Rewards on spending$272 / $272Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0 No annual fee Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
3xGrocGroceries3xDineDining and takeout1xGasGas and EV charging1xAirFlights1xHotelHotels and car rentals3xTransitTransit and rideshare2xStreamStreaming1xDrugDrugstores1xOnlineOnline shopping2xBillsPhone, internet and utilities1xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #13 of 21. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $893 after fees.
- Year 1. $348 = welcome bonus $76 + rewards $272.
- Each year after. $272 = rewards $272.
- Against #12. Trails RBC Cash Back Mastercard by $29 over 3 years, mostly on welcome bonus (−$24).
- Against #14. Beats Scotiabank Momentum No-Fee Visa by $120 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$145).
Points valued at 0.50¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #14
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$324Year 2+$2243 years $772 after fees· no fee to cover
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$324Year 2+$224Welcome or anniversary bonus$100 / $0Rewards on spending$224 / $224Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0 No annual fee Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
1%GrocGroceries0.5%DineDining and takeout1%GasGas and EV charging0.5%AirFlights0.5%HotelHotels and car rentals1%TransitTransit and rideshare1%StreamStreaming1%DrugDrugstores0.5%OnlineOnline shopping1%BillsPhone, internet and utilities0.5%OtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #14 of 21. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $772 after fees.
- Year 1. $324 = welcome bonus $100 + rewards $224.
- Each year after. $224 = rewards $224.
- Against #13. Trails TD Rewards Visa by $120 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$145).
- Against #15. Beats TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum by $47 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (+$178).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #15
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1estimated value, about $434, based on 1 cents per pointYear 2+estimated value, about $145, based on 1 cents per point3 years estimated value, about $725, based on 1 cents per point after fees· pays for itself in month 1
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1estimated value, about $434, based on 1 cents per pointYear 2+estimated value, about $145, based on 1 cents per pointWelcome or anniversary bonus$200 / $0Rewards on spending$234 / $234Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / −$89 Pays for itself in month 1 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
1xGrocGroceries0.667xDineDining and takeout1xGasGas and EV charging0.667xAirFlights0.667xHotelHotels and car rentals0.667xTransitTransit and rideshare0.667xStreamStreaming0.667xDrugDrugstores0.667xOnlineOnline shopping0.667xBillsPhone, internet and utilities0.667xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #15 of 21. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth about $725 (estimated) after fees.
- Year 1. about $434 (estimated) = welcome bonus $200 + rewards $234.
- Each year after. about $145 (estimated) = rewards $234 − fee $89.
- Against #14. Trails Scotiabank Momentum No-Fee Visa by $47 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (−$178).
- Against #16. Beats RBC ION Visa by $23 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (−$178).
Points valued at 1.00¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #16
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$288Year 2+$2073 years $702 after fees· no fee to cover
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$288Year 2+$207Welcome or anniversary bonus$81 / $0Rewards on spending$207 / $207Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0 No annual fee Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
1.5xGrocGroceries1xDineDining and takeout1.5xGasGas and EV charging1xAirFlights1xHotelHotels and car rentals1.5xTransitTransit and rideshare1.5xStreamStreaming1xDrugDrugstores1xOnlineOnline shopping1xBillsPhone, internet and utilities1xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #16 of 21. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $702 after fees.
- Year 1. $288 = welcome bonus $81 + rewards $207.
- Each year after. $207 = rewards $207.
- Against #15. Trails TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum by $23 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (+$178).
- Against #17. Beats Brim Financial World Elite Mastercard by $50 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$299).
Points valued at 0.58¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #17
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$218Year 2+$2183 years $653 after fees· pays for itself in month 4
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$218Year 2+$218Rewards on spending$307 / $307Fees (taken off the end)−$89 / −$89 Pays for itself in month 4 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
1%GrocGroceries1%DineDining and takeout1%GasGas and EV charging1%AirFlights1%HotelHotels and car rentals1%TransitTransit and rideshare1%StreamStreaming1%DrugDrugstores1%OnlineOnline shopping1%BillsPhone, internet and utilities1%OtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #17 of 21. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $653 after fees.
- Year 1. $218 = rewards $307 − fee $89.
- Each year after. $218 = rewards $307 − fee $89.
- Against #16. Trails RBC ION Visa by $50 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$299).
- Against #18. Beats TD Cash Back Visa by $21 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$288).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #18
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$211Year 2+$2113 years $632 after fees· no fee to cover
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$211Year 2+$211Rewards on spending$211 / $211Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / -$0 No annual fee Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
1%GrocGroceries0.5%DineDining and takeout1%GasGas and EV charging0.5%AirFlights0.5%HotelHotels and car rentals1%TransitTransit and rideshare1%StreamStreaming0.5%DrugDrugstores0.5%OnlineOnline shopping1%BillsPhone, internet and utilities0.5%OtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #18 of 21. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $632 after fees.
- Year 1. $211 = rewards $211.
- Each year after. $211 = rewards $211.
- Against #17. Trails Brim Financial World Elite Mastercard by $21 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$288).
- Against #19. Beats RBC Avion Visa Platinum by $53 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (+$360).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #19
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$377Year 2+$583 years $579 after fees· pays for itself in month 1Mostly first-year value
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$377Year 2+$58Welcome or anniversary bonus$319 / $0Rewards on spending$178 / $178Fees (taken off the end)−$120 / −$120 Pays for itself in month 1 · value so far covers fees so far Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
1xGrocGroceries1xDineDining and takeout1xGasGas and EV charging1xAirFlights1xHotelHotels and car rentals1xTransitTransit and rideshare1xStreamStreaming1xDrugDrugstores1xOnlineOnline shopping1xBillsPhone, internet and utilities1xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #19 of 21. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth $579 after fees.
- Year 1. $377 = welcome bonus $319 + rewards $178 − fee $120.
- Each year after. $58 = rewards $178 − fee $120.
- Against #18. Trails TD Cash Back Visa by $53 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (−$360).
- Against #20. Beats TD Low Rate Visa by $629 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (+$533).
Points valued at 0.58¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #20
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1$0Year 2+−$253 years −$50 after fees· never covers its fee
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1$0Year 2+−$25Fees (taken off the end)-$0 / −$25 Doesn't cover its fees within 3 years Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
0%GrocGroceries0%DineDining and takeout0%GasGas and EV charging0%AirFlights0%HotelHotels and car rentals0%TransitTransit and rideshare0%StreamStreaming0%DrugDrugstores0%OnlineOnline shopping0%BillsPhone, internet and utilities0%OtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #20 of 21. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth −$50 after fees.
- Year 1. $0 = nothing.
- Each year after. −$25 = fee $25.
- Against #19. Trails RBC Avion Visa Platinum by $629 over 3 years, mostly on rewards on spending (−$533).
- Against #21. Beats American Express Platinum Card by $458 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (+$2,347).
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption - #21
after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.Year 1−$269Year 2+−$2693 years −$508 after fees· never covers its fee
Breakdown, earn rates and why it's ranked here
Year 1−$269Year 2+−$269Rewards on spending$370 / $370Credits$160 / $160Fees (taken off the end)−$799 / −$799 Doesn't cover its fees within 3 years Year 1Year 2Year 3Earn rate by category
1xGrocGroceries2xDineDining and takeout1xGasGas and EV charging2xAirFlights2xHotelHotels and car rentals1xTransitTransit and rideshare1xStreamStreaming1xDrugDrugstores1xOnlineOnline shopping1xBillsPhone, internet and utilities1xOtherEverything elseWhy it's ranked here
- Ranked #21 of 21. By 3-year value on the couple preset's spending. Over 3 years it's worth −$508 after fees.
- Year 1. −$269 = rewards $370 + credits $160 − fee $799.
- Each year after. −$269 = rewards $370 + credits $160 − fee $799.
- Against #20. Trails TD Low Rate Visa by $458 over 3 years, mostly on annual fees (−$2,347).
Points valued at 1.00¢ each; move the "Value points as" slider above to see what they're worth transferred.
Verified Oct 16, 2026Every term and assumption
All values are after each card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees when you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime or Instacart+) aren't included.
Rates, fees and offers are set by the issuer and may change. Check the issuer's terms before you apply. We don't estimate approval odds.
Values for points and miles are estimates based on published redemption valuations; actual value depends on how you redeem.
More best-of lists
The ranking in numbers
Couple preset, $2,555 a month, after fees. "~" marks estimates.
| Card | Year 1 | Year 2+ | 3 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotiabank Gold American Express | $1,000 | $700 | $2,401 |
| American Express SimplyCash Preferred | $873 | $673 | $2,270 |
| BMO eclipse Visa Infinite | $1,185 | $476 | $2,138 |
| PC Financial PC World Elite Mastercard | $517 | $467 | $1,452 |
| TD Platinum Travel Visa | $691 | $352 | $1,396 |
| Rogers Bank Red World Elite Mastercard | $460 | $460 | $1,380 |
| American Express Gold Rewards Card | $852 | $252 | $1,357 |
| Scotiabank Momentum Visa | $399 | $399 | $1,198 |
| American Express Cobalt Card | $483 | $333 | $1,149 |
| Scotiabank Scene+ Visa | $393 | $343 | $1,078 |
Frequently asked questions
What are the best credit cards with no income requirement?
On couple spending ($2,555 a month), Scotiabank Gold American Express ranks first: $1,000 in year 1 and $700 a year after fees.
How were these cards picked?
Cards with no published income minimum, ranked by 3-year value on a couple's spending. The order comes from the same calculation as the comparison tool, with the same tie-breakers; commission never changes it.
Will the order be the same for me?
Only if you spend like the preset. Spending more in a card's bonus categories moves it up. Set your own numbers in the tool to see your order.
Sources
- Amex Cobalt card page
- Milesopedia points valuations, in effect since September 1, 2026
- Prince of Travel points valuations (cross-check, high end of range)
- CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite card page
- RBC Avion Visa Infinite card page
- PC World Elite Mastercard page
- WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard page (70,000 points = up to $700 off travel)
- National Bank World Elite Mastercard page (redemption examples)
Estimates for information only; not financial advice. See how cards are ranked.