Best Credit Cards for Newcomers to Canada (No Credit History Needed)
As of October 16, 2026, 40 credit cards we track can be approved without Canadian credit history, through a big bank newcomer program or a deposit. RBC, Scotiabank, TD, BMO and CIBC run newcomer programs for permanent residents and most work and study permit holders, and secured cards accept almost anyone who leaves a deposit. Our top no-fee pick: BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard®*.
| Card | Annual fee | How newcomers qualify | Welcome bonus value | Purchase rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard®* (Bank of Montreal) | $0 | Newcomer program: BMO NewStart | $134 | 21.99% |
| BMO eclipse rise Visa Card* (Bank of Montreal) | $0 | Newcomer program: BMO NewStart | $134 | 21.99% |
| CIBC Aventura® Visa* Card (CIBC) | $0 | Newcomer program: CIBC Newcomer Offers | $125 | 21.99% |
| CIBC Dividend® Visa* Card for Students (CIBC) | $0 | Newcomer program: CIBC Newcomer Offers | $125 | 21.99% |
| CIBC Aventura® Visa* Card for Students (CIBC) | $0 | Newcomer program: CIBC Newcomer Offers | $125 | 21.99% |
| Scotiabank American Express® Card (Scotiabank) | $0 | Newcomer program: Scotiabank StartRight | $100 | 21.99% |
| RBC Cash Back Mastercard® (RBC Royal Bank) | $0 | Newcomer program: RBC Newcomer Advantage | $100 | 21.99% |
| Scotiabank Momentum® No-Fee VISA Card (Scotiabank) | $0 | Newcomer program: Scotiabank StartRight | $100 | 20.99% |
| Scotia Momentum® No-Fee Visa* Card for students (Scotiabank) | $0 | Newcomer program: Scotiabank StartRight | $100 | 20.99% |
| CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card (CIBC) | $0 | Newcomer program: CIBC Newcomer Offers | $100 | 21.99% |
| CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card for Students (CIBC) | $0 | Newcomer program: CIBC Newcomer Offers | $100 | 21.99% |
| RBC ION Visa (RBC Royal Bank) | $0 | Newcomer program: RBC Newcomer Advantage | $99 | 20.99% |
Can I get a credit card in Canada with no credit history?
Yes. RBC, Scotiabank, TD, BMO and CIBC approve newcomers without Canadian credit history through their newcomer programs, usually within your first 1 to 5 years in Canada depending on the bank and your status. If you don't qualify, a secured card works for almost anyone: your deposit becomes your credit limit.
Which banks give newcomers the highest limit?
RBC, Scotiabank, TD advertise limits of up to $15,000 for new permanent residents without credit history. International students are usually offered up to $2,000.
How do I know which card I can get?
Use our free eligibility check on the credit cards page: 4 questions about your status, time in Canada, credit history and income. It does not check your credit.
Check your eligibility · New to Canada guide · How we compare