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Introduction to Standard Credit Cards in Canada

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*** NOTE: Before deciding to apply for a standard credit card, make certain that you can make the payments necessary to keep the new standard card at a zero balance each month. We strongly urge you to only apply for a standard card if you are looking for the convenience of owning one. If you are like many Canadians, relying on credit cards to fund a lifestyle beyond their means we ask that you be responsible and hold off on applying for a standard credit card until your financial situation turns around!

Selecting a credit card company in Canada has never been more difficult. When selecting the credit card company you would like to deal with, you really have to be cognisant of the various options, interest rates and benefits each credit card issuer has to offer.

Some credit cards offer extended credit period terms while others offer better interest rates. Before applying for a credit card, make sure that you need the features / benefits offered, the interest rate is reasonable and ensure that you know about all the hidden or extra fees associated with the card on a monthly and yearly basis.

If you do your homework on which credit card best suits your needs now, you will avoid nasty surprises when you review your statements.

Canadian Standard Credit Card Selection Sheet

The information contained in this table is updated periodically by FCAC. Financial institutions can change the costs as well as the terms and conditions of their products at any time. Contact the financial institutions directly if you wish to obtain the latest information on their products.


| Standard Credit Cards | Reward Program | Travel Insurance and Benefits |

Low-Rate Standard Credit Cards In Canada

Issuer /
Name of Card

Minimum Personal Income Required
($)
Minimum
Credit
Limit
($)
Annual Interest Rate Grace Period on New Purchases1 Minimum Payment
 
($ or % of outstanding balance)
Annual Fees
Purchases
(%)2
Cash Advances
(%)3
Balance Transfers
(%)3
Number of Days Method First Card
($)
Extra Cards
($)
Alterna Bank
Preferred MasterCard
Not specified 500 9.99 11.99 11.99 21 2 $10 + fees + interest or 2.25%, whichever is less Free Free
Alterna Savings
Preferred MasterCard
Not specified 500 9.99 11.99 11.99 21 2 $10 + fees + interest or 2.25%, whichever is less Free Free
ATB Financial
Preferred Fixed Rate MasterCard
Not specified 500 9.90 9.90 4.90 21 1 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater 29 Free
ATB Financial
Preferred Variable Rate MasterCard4
Not specified 500 Prime + 0 to Prime + 75 Prime + 0 to Prime + 75 4.90 0 14 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater 29 Free
BMO Bank of Montreal
Air Miles MasterCard with Low Rate Option
Not specified 500 11.90 11.90 11.90 21 2 2% 35 Free
BMO Bank of Montreal
CashBack MasterCard with Low Rate Option
Not specified 500 11.90 11.90 11.90 21 2 2% 35 Free
BMO Bank of Montreal
Preferred Rate MasterCard with Low Rate Option
Not specified 500 11.90 11.90 11.90 21 2 2% 25 Free
CIBC
Select VISA Card (Low Rate)
15,000 500 11.50 11.50 11.50 21 26 $10 or 2.1%, whichever is greater 29 Free
Citizens Bank of Canada
Shared Interest Classic My VISA Reward Plus with Low Interest Rate option
15,000 500 11.25 11.25 11.25 21 2 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater 50 Free
Citizens Bank of Canada
Shared Interest Classic VISA with Low Interest Rate option
1,500 500 11.25 11.25 11.25 21 2 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater 25 Free
Coast Capital Savings
Low Interest Rate Coast VISA Desjardins Classic
Not specified 500 11.80 11.80 4.90 for the first 5 statements; 11.80 thereafter 21 1 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater 30 Free
Desjardins
Low Interest Rate VISA Desjardins Classic
Not specified 500 11.80 11.80 4.90 for the first 5 statements; 11.80 thereafter 21 1 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater 30 Free
HSBC Bank Canada
Low Rate HSBC MasterCard7
Not specified 500 12.90 12.90 12.90 23 1 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater 25 (options extra) Free
HSBC Bank Canada
Low Rate HSBC MasterCard (with rewards)7
Not specified 500 12.90 12.90 12.90 23 1 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater 60 (options extra) 35
Laurentian Bank
VISA Black (reduced rate option)
12,000 1,000 12.49 12.49 12.49 21 1 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater 25 Free
Laurentian Bank
VISA Complicité (reduced rate)8
12,000 1,000 12.49 12.49 12.49 21 1 $ 10 or 3% whichever is greater $2.50 per month Free
National Bank
Reduced Rate Allure MasterCard
Not specified 1,000 14.50 11.50 11.50 21 1 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater 45 10
National Bank
Reduced Rate Edition MasterCard
Not specified 500 14.50 11.50 11.50 21 1 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater 15 Free
National Bank
Reduced Rate Escapade MasterCard
Not specified 1,000 14.50 11.50 11.50 21 1 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater 35 10
National Bank
Reduced Rate Sunoco MasterCard
Not specified 500 14.50 9.50 9.50 21 1 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater 15 Free
National Bank
Reduced Rate Ultramar MasterCard
Not specified 500 14.50 11.50 11.50 21 1 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater 15 Free
National Bank
Syncro MasterCard
Not specified 1,000 Prime + 4.00 (min 8.9) or +6.00 (min 10.9)5 Prime + 4.00 (min 8.9) or +6.00 (min 10.9)5 Prime + 4.00 (min 8.9) or +6.00 (min 10.9)5 21 1 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater 35 10
RBC Royal Bank
VISA Classic Low Rate
Not specified 1,000 11.90 11.90 11.90 21 2 $10 + fees + interest or outstanding balance, whichever is less 20 Free
Scotiabank
No-Fee Scotiabank Value VISA
Not specified 1,000 14.99 14.99 14.99 21 2 2% Free Free
Scotiabank
Scotiabank Value VISA
Not specified 1,000 11.49 11.49 11.49 21 2 2% 29 Free
Scotiabank
ScotiaLine VISA Account
Not specified 20,000 Secured Prime + 1.00; Unsecured Prime + 4.995 Secured Prime + 1.00; Unsecured Prime + 4.995 Secured Prime + 1.00; Unsecured Prime + 4.995 21 2 Up to 3% Free Free
TD Canada Trust
TD Emerald VISA
Not specified 1,000 Prime + 1.90 to 6.905 Prime + 1.90 to 6.905 Prime + 1.90 to 6.905 21 2 $10 plus interest and fees 25 Free
Vancity Credit Union
Enviro Classic VISA Low Interest Rate option
15,000 500 11.25 11.25 11.25 21 2 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater 25 Free
Vancity Credit Union
Enviro Classic VISA My VISA Rewards Plus with Low Interest Rate option
15,000 500 11.25 11.25 11.25 21 2 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater 50 Free
Westminster Savings Credit Union
Low Interest Rate VISA Desjardins Classic
Not specified 500 11.80 11.80 4.90 for the first 5 statements; 11.80 thereafter 21 1 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater 309 Free



Canadian Regular-Rate Standard Credit Cards
Issuer /
Name of Card

Minimum Personal Income Required
($)
Minimum
Credit
Limit
($)
Annual Interest Rate Grace Period on New Purchases1 Minimum Payment
 
($ or % of outstanding balance)
Annual Fees
Purchases
(%)2
Cash Advances
(%)3
Balance Transfers
(%)3
Number of Days Method First Card
($)
Extra Cards
($)
Alterna Bank
TravelRewards MasterCard
Not specified 500 18.99 19.99 19.99 21 2 $10 + fees + interest or 2.25%, whichever is less 89 Free
Alterna Bank
WorldPoints Low Fee MasterCard
Not specified 500 19.99 19.99 19.99 21 2 $10 + fees + interest or 2.25%, whichever is less 29 Free
Alterna Bank
WorldPoints No Fee MasterCard
Not specified 500 14.99 16.99 16.99 21 2 $10 + fees + interest or 2.25%, whichever is less free free
Alterna Savings
TravelRewards MasterCard
Not specified 500 18.99 19.99 19.99 21 2 $10 + fees + interest or 2.25%, whichever is less 89 Free
Alterna Savings
WorldPoints Low Fee MasterCard
Not specified 500 12.99 16.99 16.99 21 2 $10 + fees + interest or 2.25%, whichever is less 29 Free
Alterna Savings
WorldPoints No Fee MasterCard
Not specified 500 14.99 16.99 16.99 21 2 $10 + fees + interest or 2.25%, whichever is less Free Free
Amex Bank of Canada
American Express AIR MILES Credit Card
15,000 1,000 19.9910 19.9910 N/A 21 2 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater Free Free
Amex Bank of Canada
Blue Sky(TM) Credit Card
15,000 1,000 19.9910 19.9910 N/A 21 2 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater Free Free
Amex Bank of Canada
Holt Renfrew Card from American Express
15,000 1,000 19.9910 19.9910 N/A 21 2 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater Free Free
ATB Financial
Alberta MasterCard
Not specified 500 18.90 18.90 4.90 21 1 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater Free Free
ATB Financial
Alberta My Rewards MasterCard
Not specified 500 19.90 19.90 4.90 21 1 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater Free Free
ATB Financial
Calgary Co-op MasterCard
Not specified 500 19.90 19.90 19.90 21 1 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater Free Free
ATB Financial
myHusky Rewards Mastercard
Not specified 500 19.99 19.99 19.99 21 1 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater Free Free
BMO Bank of Montreal
Air Miles MasterCard
Not specified 500 19.50 19.50 19.50 21 2 2% Free Free
BMO Bank of Montreal
CashBack MasterCard
Not specified 500 19.50 19.50 19.50 21 2 2% Free Free
BMO Bank of Montreal
Preferred Rate MasterCard
Not specified 500 17.50 17.50 17.50 21 2 2% Free Free
BMO Bank of Montreal
Premium CashBack MasterCard
Not specified 500 19.50 19.50 19.50 21 2 2% 49 Free
BMO Bank of Montreal
Premium CashBack MasterCard with Low Rate Option
Not specified 500 11.90 11.90 11.90 21 2 2% 84 Free
Canadian Tire
Canadian Tire Gas Advantage MasterCard
12,000 300 19.50 to 25.99 19.50 to 25.99 19.50 to 25.99 21 to 26 1 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater Free Free
Canadian Tire
Canadian Tire Options MasterCard
12,000 300 19.50 to 25.99 19.50 to 25.99 19.50 to 25.99 21 to 26 1 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater Free Free
CIBC
Aero Classic VISA Card
15,000 500 19.50 19.50 19.50 21 26 $10 or 2.1%, whichever is greater 29 Free
CIBC
Classic VISA Card
15,000 500 18.50 18.50 18.50 21 26 $10 or 2.1%, whichever is greater Free Free
CIBC
Dividend Card
15,000 500 19.50 19.50 19.50 21 26 $10 or 2.1%, whichever is greater Free Free
Citibank Canada
Citi Enrich MasterCard
15,000 per household 750 19.90 19.90 5.90 for 6 months 19 to 25 2 $20 or 2.1%, whichever is greater Free Free
Citibank Canada
Citi MasterCard
15,000 per household 750 19.90 19.90 5.90 for 6 months 19 to 25 2 $20 or 2.1%, whichever is greater Free Free
Citibank Canada
Citi Petro-Points MasterCard
15,000 per household 750 19.90 19.90 4.90 for
6 months
21 to 25 2 $20 or 2.1%, whichever is greater Free Free
Citizens Bank of Canada
Amnesty International VISA
15,000 500 19.50 19.50 19.50 21 2 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater Free Free
Citizens Bank of Canada
Oxfam Canada VISA
15,000 500 19.50 19.50 19.50 21 2 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater Free Free
Citizens Bank of Canada
Save-on-More VISA
15,000 500 19.75 19.75 19.75 21 2 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater Free Free
Citizens Bank of Canada
Shared Interest Classic My VISA Reward Plus option
15,000 500 19.50 19.50 19.50 21 2 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater Free Free
Coast Capital Savings
Coast VISA Desjardins Classic
Not specified 500 19.40 19.40 4.90 for the first 5 statements; 19.40 thereafter 21 1 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater Free Free
CUETS Financial
Low Fee CHOICE REWARDS MasterCard
Not specified 1,000 19.4911 19.49 19.49 21 2 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater 24 Free
CUETS Financial
Low Fee MasterCard
Not specified 1,000 19.4911 19.49 19.49 21 2 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater 12 Free
CUETS Financial
No Fee CHOICE REWARDS MasterCard
Not specified 1,000 19.9912 19.99 19.99 19 2 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater Free Free
Desjardins
VISA Desjardins Classic
Not specified 500 19.40 19.40 4.90 for the first 5 statements; 19.40 thereafter 21 1 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater Free Free
Desjardins
VISA Desjardins Classic with BONUSDOLLARS Rewards Program
Not specified 500 19.40 19.40 4.90 for the first 5 statements; 19.40 thereafter 21 1 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater 30 Free
GE Money Canada
Hbc MasterCard
Not specified 1,000 Initial rate is 28.8, then the greater of 18.5 or prime + 14.55 Initial rate is 29.9, the the greater of 18.5 or prime + 14.55 N/A13 25 1 $5 or 3.3%, whichever is greater Free Free
HSBC Bank Canada
HSBC MasterCard
Not specified 500 19.90 19.90 19.90 21 1 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater Free (options extra) Free
HSBC Bank Canada
HSBC MasterCard (with rewards)
Not specified 500 19.90 19.90 19.90 21 1 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater 35 (options extra) 35
JPMorgan Chase Bank NA
Best Buy Reward Zone VISA Card
Not specified 500 19.99 19.99 N/A 21 1  $10 or 3%, whichever is greater, plus any past due amount Free Free
JPMorgan Chase Bank NA
Canadian Cancer Society MasterCard
Not specified 500 18.99 18.99 18.99 21 2 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater, plus any past due amount Free Free
JPMorgan Chase Bank NA
Sears MasterCard
Not specified 500 18.90 18.90 0 or 6.90 21 2 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater, plus any past due amount Free Free
Laurentian Bank
VISA Black
12,000 1,000 19.49 19.49 19.49 21 1 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater Free Free
Laurentian Bank
VISA Black Reward Me card
12,000 1,000 19.49 19.49 19.49 21 1 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater 1.66 per month14 Free
Laurentian Bank
VISA Complicité
12,000 1,000 19.99 19.99 19.99 21 1 $10 or 3 %, whichever is greater Free Free
MBNA Canada Bank
Preferred MasterCard
Not specified 500 17.99 19.99 1.90 for 6 months;
19.99 thereafter
21 2 $10 + fees + interest or 2.25%, whichever is less Free Free
National Bank
Allure MasterCard
Not specified 1,000 19.50 19.50 19.50 21 1 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater 30 10
National Bank
Edition MasterCard
Not specified 500 19.50 19.50 19.50 21 1 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater Free Free
National Bank
Escapade MasterCard
Not specified 1,000 19.50 19.50 19.50 21 1 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater 20 10
National Bank
MC1
Not specified 500 19.50 19.50 19.50 21 1 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater Free Free
National Bank
Sunoco MasterCard
Not specified 500 19.90 19.90 19.90 21 1 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater Free Free
National Bank
Ultramar MasterCard
Not specified 500 19.90 19.90 19.90 21 1 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater Free Free
President's Choice Bank
President's Choice Financial MasterCard
Not specified 1,000 19.97 or 23.97 19.97 or 23.97 Variable 21 1 $10 or 2.2%, whichever is greater Free Free
RBC Royal Bank
Esso VISA
Not specified 1,000 19.50 19.50 19.50 21 2 $10 + fees + interest or outstanding balance, whichever is less Free Free
RBC Royal Bank
RBC Rewards VISA Classic
Not specified 1,000 19.50 19.50 19.50 21 2 $10 + fees + interest or outstanding balance, whichever is less Free Free
RBC Royal Bank
Starbucks Duetto VISA Card
Not specified 1,000 19.50 19.50 19.50 21 2 $10 + fees + interest or outstanding balance, whichever is less Free Free
RBC Royal Bank
VISA Classic
Not specified 1,000 19.50 19.50 19.50 21 2 $10 + fees + interest or outstanding balance, whichever is less Free Free
RBC Royal Bank
VISA Classic II
12,000 1,000 19.50 19.50 19.50 21 2 $10 + fees + interest or outstanding balance, whichever is less 35 Free
Scotiabank
No-Fee Scotia Moneyback VISA
Not specified 1,000 19.50 19.50 19.50 21 2 2% Free Free
Scotiabank
SCENE VISA card
Not specified 1,000 19.50 19.50 19.50 21 2 Up to 3% Free Free
Scotiabank
Scotia Moneyback VISA
Not specified 1,000 18.59 18.59 18.59 21 2 2% 8 Free
Scotiabank
ScotiaHockey VISA
Not specified 1,000 19.50 21.50 21.50 21 2 2% 49 15
TD Canada Trust
TD Classic Travel VISA
Not specified 500 19.75 19.75 19.75 21 2 $10 plus interest and fees 19 Free
TD Canada Trust
TD Green VISA
Not specified 500 19.75 19.75 19.75 21 2 $10 plus interest and fees Free Free
TD Canada Trust
TD Rebate Rewards VISA
Not specified 500 19.75 19.75 19.75 21 2 $10 plus interest and fees Free Free
TD Canada Trust
The GM Card
Not specified 500 19.75 19.75 19.75 21 2 $10 plus interest and fees Free Free
Vancity Credit Union
Enviro Classic VISA My VISA Rewards Plus
15,000 500 19.50 19.50 19.50 21 2 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater Free Free
Vancity Credit Union
Save-on-More VISA
15,000 500 19.75 19.75 19.75 21 2 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater Free Free
Westminster Savings Credit Union
VISA Desjardins Classic
Not specified 500 18.40 18.40 4.90 for the first 5 statements; 18.40 thereafter 21 1 $10 or 3%, whichever is greater Free9 Free

1.  The grace period represents the number of days between the statement date and the payment due date, during which new purchases are interest-free if you meet the conditions of the interest calculation method (Method 1 [M1] or Method 2 [M2]) used by the issuer. For more information on the interest-free period and the conditions set out by M1 and M2, see Getting the Most from Your Credit Card.

2.  If the grace period does not apply, the interest on purchases is calculated from the date of purchase of the item or, in some cases, the date the item is posted to your account.

3.  Unless otherwise specified, for cash advances or balance transfers, interest is calculated from the date funds are borrowed. There is no grace period.

4.  This card acts like a line of credit: interest is calculated daily and applied on every purchase.

5.  As of August 2009, the financial institutions' prime rate was 2.250%.

6.  M2 is used in all provinces except Quebec, where M1 is used.

7.  Low interest rate option is not available in Quebec.

8.  This product is reserved for FTQ members and their families.

9.  For an additional fee of $20/year, you can get 1% of your purchases credited as BONUSDOLLARS.

10.  If you have missed making a payment, the applicable rate is 21.99% and/or 25.99%.

11.  If you have missed making a payment, the applicable rate is 21.49%.

12.  If you have missed making a payment, the applicable rate is 21.99%.

13.  The service or fee is not applicable.

14.  There is no monthly fee if you make more than $200 in net purchases during your billing period. If not, there is a monthly fee of $1.66.





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