CreditUpdated May 2026 · 8 min read
Best Credit Cards for Newcomers in Canada (No Canadian Credit Required) (2026)
You can get a Canadian credit card from day one — even with zero Canadian credit history.
Affiliate disclosure: Some card links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you apply. See our full disclosure.
Why you need a credit card as a newcomer
A credit card is your primary tool for building a Canadian credit score. Unlike a debit card, every on-time credit card payment is reported to Equifax and TransUnion and builds your credit file. A good credit score unlocks lower interest rates on car loans, better mortgage terms, lower insurance premiums, and even job applications in some industries.
The best part: you do not need any Canadian credit history to get your first credit card in Canada. Multiple products are designed specifically for newcomers.
Best credit cards for newcomers with no Canadian credit
Scotiabank Scene+ Visa (via StartRight Program)
Unsecured — no deposit$0 annual fee
Best newcomer bank card overall
Scotiabank's StartRight program offers an unsecured Visa card to newcomers without requiring Canadian credit history. Earn Scene+ points on every purchase. Apply when you open your Scotiabank account.
RBC Visa Classic Low Rate (via Newcomer Advantage)
Unsecured — no deposit$20/year
Best for low interest rate newcomers
RBC offers newcomers a Visa card through its Newcomer Advantage program. Low interest rate if you carry a balance. Apply at any RBC branch with your immigration documents.
TD Cash Back Visa (via New to Canada Package)
Unsecured — no deposit$0 annual fee (first year)
Best for cash back earning from day one
TD's newcomer package includes a cash back Visa that does not require Canadian credit history. Earn cash back on groceries, gas, and recurring bills.
Capital One Guaranteed Secured Mastercard
Secured — $75 deposit$59/year
Best for newcomers who don't qualify for bank newcomer programs
Guaranteed approval with a $75 deposit. Reports to both Equifax and TransUnion. No credit check required. A reliable fallback if you cannot access a Big Six newcomer program.
KOHO Prepaid Visa + Credit Building
Prepaid with credit reporting$0 card + $7/month credit building
Best for immediate credit building with no bank approval needed
Not a traditional credit card but functions similarly. The Credit Building subscription causes KOHO to report positive payment history to Equifax monthly. No credit check, no deposit. Fastest path to a credit file.
Secured vs unsecured cards: which is right for you?
Unsecured newcomer bank card
Pro: No deposit required, instant credit building, often includes rewards
Con: Must apply through a Big Six bank newcomer program; some require a branch visit
Secured card (deposit required)
Pro: Guaranteed approval, reports to both bureaus, builds credit identically to an unsecured card
Con: Ties up $75–$500 as a deposit, some have annual fees
KOHO / prepaid + credit reporting
Pro: No bank approval needed, no deposit, instant setup online
Con: Only reports to Equifax (not TransUnion), not a true credit card
Rules to follow with your first Canadian credit card
- ✓Pay your statement balance in full every month — never carry a balance if you can avoid it
- ✓Keep your balance below 30% of your credit limit at all times
- ✓Set up autopay for at least the minimum payment to avoid missed payments
- ✓Do not apply for multiple cards in a short period — each application is a hard inquiry
- ✓Keep your first card open forever — credit history length matters