Best joint credit card in Canada
Updated: November 13, 2024
A great joint credit card can help you manage shared expenses and streamline your family finances while building credit together.
Looking to fund the best joint credit card in Canada? Whether you want to build credit, finance a home upgrade project, or earn travel rewards towards your next dream vacation, we've carefully reviewed and hand-selected the best joint card options.
Best joint credit card in Canada
There are two types of people who want a joint credit card.
The first are people in looking to combine their finances with someone else to make high minimum spend requirements and fees to access juicy bonuses from premium cards.
The second are people averse to complicated finances and want to get the most out of the fewest possible products.
The joint card you pick will be different for each need, and will also change if you’re a married couple or just roommates. Here’s a few cards for your consideration:
The Platinum Card®
3.5
up to 140k pts
Welcome offerExcellent
Suggested credit scoreEarn up to 140,000 Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $1,400 in value.
Pros
-
Access to a wide range of luxury perks, including premium concierge service
-
Complimentary lounge membership providing access to over 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide
-
Annual statement credits: $200 annual travel credit, $200 annual dining credit
-
Special insurance coverages like trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, lost or stolen baggage and rental car theft & damage.
-
Provides extended warranty (2 years) and purchase protection (120 days).
Cons
-
High annual fee of $799, one of the heftiest among Canadian cards
-
The rewards system can be complicated, especially for users not familiar with maximizing credit card points
-
Requires good to excellent credit for eligibility
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
1x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1
additional point on Amex Travel Online for eligible hotel or car rental bookings
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
2x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1x
additional point on Amex Travel Online for eligible hotel or car rental bookings
1
21.99% - 28.99%
Variable APR Applies to your Flexible Payment Option balance. This charge card has both Due in Full and Flexible Payment Option balances.
$799
Annual Fee Supplementary Platinum Cards: $250 each
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Variable APR
21.99% - 28.99%
Annual Fee
$799
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Pros
-
Access to a wide range of luxury perks, including premium concierge service
-
Complimentary lounge membership providing access to over 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide
-
Annual statement credits: $200 annual travel credit, $200 annual dining credit
-
Special insurance coverages like trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, lost or stolen baggage and rental car theft & damage.
-
Provides extended warranty (2 years) and purchase protection (120 days).
Cons
-
High annual fee of $799, one of the heftiest among Canadian cards
-
The rewards system can be complicated, especially for users not familiar with maximizing credit card points
-
Requires good to excellent credit for eligibility
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
1x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1
additional point on Amex Travel Online for eligible hotel or car rental bookings
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
2x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1x
additional point on Amex Travel Online for eligible hotel or car rental bookings
1
21.99% - 28.99%
Variable APR Applies to your Flexible Payment Option balance. This charge card has both Due in Full and Flexible Payment Option balances.
$799
Annual Fee Supplementary Platinum Cards: $250 each
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Variable APR
21.99% - 28.99%
Annual Fee
$799
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Remember those two types of people I mentioned? Well, let’s start with talking about the first kind. The best joint credit card is also realistically one of the best credit cards – and the most expensive.
That would be The Platinum Card®. Towering high annual fee, huge minimum spend for the bonus – all ameliorated when the cost is split between two people. It’s $799 (Supplementary Platinum Cards: $250 each), but realistically you could get one and share it – the perks, bonuses and credits all make it worthwhile.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Runner up
CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card
4.1
10% back†
Welcome offerGood
Suggested credit scoreGet a first-year annual fee rebate for you and up to three Authorized Users† and earn 10% cash back for the first 4 statements on net purchases of up to $3,000†.
Pros
-
First-year annual fee rebate
-
10% cash back welcome bonus up to $3,000 spend
-
4% cash back on gas, electric vehicle charging and grocery stores
-
2% cash back on transportation, dining and recurring payments
-
High annual spending cap on benefits ($20,000 in bonus categories or $80,000 total)
Cons
-
High income requirement
-
Sparse travel insurance offering
Eligibility
Good
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000†
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000†
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000†
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000†
4%
cash back on eligible gas, EV charging, and grocery purchases.†
2%
cash back on eligible transportation, dining purchases and recurring payments†
1%
cash back on all other purchases†
10 cents
save up to 10 cents per litre† at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.†
cash back on eligible gas, EV charging, and grocery purchases.†
4%
cash back on eligible transportation, dining purchases and recurring payments†
2%
cash back on all other purchases†
1%
save up to 10 cents per litre† at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.†
10 cents
20.99%†
Purchase APR non-Quebec residents†
22.99%†
Balance Transfer Rate non-Quebec residents†
22.99%†
Cash Advance APR non-Quebec residents†
$120
Annual Fee First year rebated. Each additional card is $30 per year, max 3.
Purchase APR
20.99%†
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%†
Cash Advance APR
22.99%†
Annual Fee
$120
Pros
-
First-year annual fee rebate
-
10% cash back welcome bonus up to $3,000 spend
-
4% cash back on gas, electric vehicle charging and grocery stores
-
2% cash back on transportation, dining and recurring payments
-
High annual spending cap on benefits ($20,000 in bonus categories or $80,000 total)
Cons
-
High income requirement
-
Sparse travel insurance offering
Eligibility
Good
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000†
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000†
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000†
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000†
4%
cash back on eligible gas, EV charging, and grocery purchases.†
2%
cash back on eligible transportation, dining purchases and recurring payments†
1%
cash back on all other purchases†
10 cents
save up to 10 cents per litre† at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.†
cash back on eligible gas, EV charging, and grocery purchases.†
4%
cash back on eligible transportation, dining purchases and recurring payments†
2%
cash back on all other purchases†
1%
save up to 10 cents per litre† at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.†
10 cents
20.99%†
Purchase APR non-Quebec residents†
22.99%†
Balance Transfer Rate non-Quebec residents†
22.99%†
Cash Advance APR non-Quebec residents†
$120
Annual Fee First year rebated. Each additional card is $30 per year, max 3.
Purchase APR
20.99%†
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%†
Cash Advance APR
22.99%†
Annual Fee
$120
For the more “set it and forget it” kind of pair, the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card is one of the better cash back options out there. First year rebated. Each additional card is $30 per year, max 3. After that, it’s $120 annually. There’s also a welcome bonus: Get a first-year annual fee rebate for you and up to three Authorized Users† and earn 10% cash back for the first 4 statements on net purchases of up to $3,000†. Then it’s 4% cash back on groceries and gas, 2% on dining and recurring payments and 1% on everything else.
For a daily driver, this one’s hard to beat.
- †Terms and Conditions Apply. This offer is not available for the residents of Quebec.
- The information for the CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card has been collected independently by Money.ca. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Best couples credit card: Dining out
American Express Cobalt® Card
4.9
up to 15k pts
Welcome offerFair
Suggested credit scoreEarn up to 15,000 Welcome Bonus Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $150 in value.
Pros
-
High earn rates (up to 5% return on spending!)
-
Flexible month-by-month fee structure
-
Free supplementary cards
-
1:1 points transfer with selected hotels, airlines and frequent flyer programs
Cons
-
Accelerated earn rates only apply to purchases in Canada (not to purchases made abroad)
-
Amex has a more limited merchant acceptance rate than Visa and Mastercard
-
Slightly higher than average annual fee
Eligibility
Fair
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Fair
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
$0
5x
the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada
3x
the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
2x
the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
1x
the points on everything else
1
additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
$100 USD
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room
the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada
5x
the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
3x
the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
2x
the points on everything else
1x
additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
1
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room
$100 USD
21.99%
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
$155.88
Annual Fee 12.99/month
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 2.5% of the transaction in CDN
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
21.99%
Annual Fee
$155.88
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Pros
-
High earn rates (up to 5% return on spending!)
-
Flexible month-by-month fee structure
-
Free supplementary cards
-
1:1 points transfer with selected hotels, airlines and frequent flyer programs
Cons
-
Accelerated earn rates only apply to purchases in Canada (not to purchases made abroad)
-
Amex has a more limited merchant acceptance rate than Visa and Mastercard
-
Slightly higher than average annual fee
Eligibility
Fair
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Fair
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
$0
5x
the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada
3x
the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
2x
the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
1x
the points on everything else
1
additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
$100 USD
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room
the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada
5x
the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
3x
the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
2x
the points on everything else
1x
additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
1
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room
$100 USD
21.99%
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
$155.88
Annual Fee 12.99/month
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 2.5% of the transaction in CDN
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
21.99%
Annual Fee
$155.88
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
You’re young, you’re hip, you’re definitely not married. But you are with someone special enough that you want to share a credit card, and you want to dine out together while reaping the rewards.
There’s exactly one card that shines here more than any other and that’s the Amex Cobalt.
You pay $12.99/month for it, but that gets you an additional card for free and 5x points on restaurants and food delivery. And that’s not including the bonus points you get for spending in the first year. For the food fans, this is the joint card for you.
Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Best couples credit card: Travelling
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card
4.3
up to 35K pts
Welcome offerExcellent
Suggested credit scoreEarn up to $1,100* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 35,000 bonus Scene+ points
Expires
Jan 3, 2025
Pros
-
No FX fees means the card saves you significant expenses on foreign transaction fees
-
Earn up to 3x Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
-
Flexible and straightforward redemption program
-
Visa acceptance globally compared to American Express, especially outside major cities.
-
Enjoy six annual visits to airport lounges
-
Robust insurance offerings, including extended travel emergency medical coverage
-
Access to Visa Infinite Program benefits, with added advantages like a free supplementary card
Cons
-
High annual fee
-
Limited rewards categories for earning reward max rate on purchases
-
Primarily best for travel within Canada
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000
3x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
2x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
3x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
2x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
1x
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$150
Annual Fee First supplementary Card is $0/year ($50/year on each additional Card)
0%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$150
Foreign Transaction Fee
0%
Pros
-
No FX fees means the card saves you significant expenses on foreign transaction fees
-
Earn up to 3x Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
-
Flexible and straightforward redemption program
-
Visa acceptance globally compared to American Express, especially outside major cities.
-
Enjoy six annual visits to airport lounges
-
Robust insurance offerings, including extended travel emergency medical coverage
-
Access to Visa Infinite Program benefits, with added advantages like a free supplementary card
Cons
-
High annual fee
-
Limited rewards categories for earning reward max rate on purchases
-
Primarily best for travel within Canada
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000
3x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
2x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
3x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
2x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
1x
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$150
Annual Fee First supplementary Card is $0/year ($50/year on each additional Card)
0%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$150
Foreign Transaction Fee
0%
For couples looking to travel, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite is worth considering.
First perk: it’s one of the few cards in Canada that doesn’t charge a fee for a supplementary card and you get the full range of perks (First supplementary Card is $0/year ($50/year on each additional Card)). For its $150 annual fee, you get a decent welcome bonus, and an ongoing Scene points bonus every year you spend enough on it (easier to do with two people, details in the box below). And as for the travel perks, it’s got comprehensive travel insurance, 0% FX fees and 6 lounge passes a year. Not too shabby!
- *See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.
Best card for married couples: Travel
American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card
5.0
up to 85k pts
Welcome offerGood
Suggested credit scoreEarn up to 85,000 Welcome Bonus Aeroplan®* points
Pros
-
Generous signup bonus where you can earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points
-
High earn rates on Air Canada, dining, and food delivery
-
Extensive travel perks like priority check-in, boarding, and free first eligible checked bag on Air Canada flights
-
Complimentary access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges within North America
-
Toronto Pearson Airport benefits including priority security, complimentary valet parking, and discounts on parking and car care services
-
Annual worldwide companion pass at a fixed base fare between $99 and $599 CAD (plus taxes and fees)
-
$100 NEXUS statement credit every 4 years
-
Robust insurance coverage including emergency medical
-
Access to Amex Experiences such as movie premieres
-
No minimum income requirement
Cons
-
High annual fee of $599
-
Lower acceptance when compared to Visa and Mastercard
-
High spending to unlock signup bonus
-
Limited high-earning categories
-
2.5% foreign transaction fee
-
Priority perks limited to Air Canada flights
Eligibility
Good
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
$0
3X
the points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®*
2X
the points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada
1.25X
the points on everything else
the points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®*
3X
the points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada
2X
the points on everything else
1.25X
21.99%
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR on funds advances
$599
Annual Fee $199 for each additional card
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
21.99%
Annual Fee
$599
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Pros
-
Generous signup bonus where you can earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points
-
High earn rates on Air Canada, dining, and food delivery
-
Extensive travel perks like priority check-in, boarding, and free first eligible checked bag on Air Canada flights
-
Complimentary access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges within North America
-
Toronto Pearson Airport benefits including priority security, complimentary valet parking, and discounts on parking and car care services
-
Annual worldwide companion pass at a fixed base fare between $99 and $599 CAD (plus taxes and fees)
-
$100 NEXUS statement credit every 4 years
-
Robust insurance coverage including emergency medical
-
Access to Amex Experiences such as movie premieres
-
No minimum income requirement
Cons
-
High annual fee of $599
-
Lower acceptance when compared to Visa and Mastercard
-
High spending to unlock signup bonus
-
Limited high-earning categories
-
2.5% foreign transaction fee
-
Priority perks limited to Air Canada flights
Eligibility
Good
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
$0
3X
the points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®*
2X
the points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada
1.25X
the points on everything else
the points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®*
3X
the points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada
2X
the points on everything else
1.25X
21.99%
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR on funds advances
$599
Annual Fee $199 for each additional card
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
21.99%
Annual Fee
$599
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Serious (married) couples deserve a serious travel card.
And if the Amex Platinum is a little steep for your comfort, consider the American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card. It’s got a BIG welcome bonus: Earn up to 85,000 Welcome Bonus Aeroplan®* points, plus Unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges, fourth night free on hotels when you redeem with Aeroplan points, priority airport check in, priority boarding – and let’s not forget the sweet metal card.
It comes at a cost though… $599 annually to be exact. And for an additional card you’ll be looking at a $199 for each additional card – but honestly, I’d consider just attaching the optional no-fee version of the additional card. You don’t get all the perks, but if you’re travelling as a couple and one of you has the Aeroplan Reserve you can enjoy the lounge access which allows for a guest from the main card anyway.
Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Best card for married couples: Cash back
Scotiabank Momentum® Visa Infinite*
5.0
10% back
Welcome offerExcellent
Suggested credit scoreEarn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases). No annual fee in the first year, including on additional cards.
Expires
Nov 1, 2025
Pros
-
High earn rate on everyday spending categories
-
Comprehensive travel and purchase insurance
-
Visa Infinite perks such as concierge, events, and special offers
-
25% Car rental discounts at Avis and Budget
-
Mobile device insurance
-
Up to $200 welcome bonus
Cons
-
Income requirements are higher: $60k personal or 100k household
-
Cash back can only be redeemed once a year
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000
4%
For every $1 you spend on grocery store purchases, recurring bill payments and subscription purchases
2%
For every $1 you spend on gas and daily transit purchases
1%
Cash back on all other purchases with no cash back limit
For every $1 you spend on grocery store purchases, recurring bill payments and subscription purchases
4%
For every $1 you spend on gas and daily transit purchases
2%
Cash back on all other purchases with no cash back limit
1%
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$120
Annual Fee $50 per supplementary card
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$120
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Pros
-
High earn rate on everyday spending categories
-
Comprehensive travel and purchase insurance
-
Visa Infinite perks such as concierge, events, and special offers
-
25% Car rental discounts at Avis and Budget
-
Mobile device insurance
-
Up to $200 welcome bonus
Cons
-
Income requirements are higher: $60k personal or 100k household
-
Cash back can only be redeemed once a year
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000
4%
For every $1 you spend on grocery store purchases, recurring bill payments and subscription purchases
2%
For every $1 you spend on gas and daily transit purchases
1%
Cash back on all other purchases with no cash back limit
For every $1 you spend on grocery store purchases, recurring bill payments and subscription purchases
4%
For every $1 you spend on gas and daily transit purchases
2%
Cash back on all other purchases with no cash back limit
1%
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$120
Annual Fee $50 per supplementary card
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$120
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Since I already mentioned the CIBC Dividend up top, I’ll give a shout out to the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite down here.
It’s nearly as good, and if you’re a Scotiabank diehard, it might be preferable.
You get 4% cashback on groceries and recurring payments, 2% on gas and transit and 1% on everything else. As for the welcome bonus: Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases).1 Plus, no annual fee in the first year, including on additional cards. After that you’ll be paying $120 annually. So far the same as the CIBC Dividend – but the one catch is that the Scotia Momentum charges $$50 per supplementary card (after the first year). Achilles heel? I’ll let you be the judge.
- Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card to learn more.
Best roommates card: Cash back on shared expenses
Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
4.0
Good
Suggested credit scoreto receive the latest news, tips and offers by email
Pros
-
No annual fee
-
Choose the spending categories where you want to earn the most cash back
-
Unlimited cash back—no maximum spending limit for any purchase category
-
Cash back is paid out monthly rather than annually
-
Periodically includes a special welcome offer where you can get extra cash back
-
1.95% interest on balance transfers for the first 6 months (1% transfer fee applies)*
Cons
-
Regular cash back rates are still lower than what you can get from a card with an annual fee
-
Limited extra perks or benefits beyond the cash back and balance transfer promotion
-
Generally not a good fit for shopping at warehouse clubs or wholesale grocers like Costco or Walmart
-
Tangerine does not have any physical bank branches
Eligibility
Good
Recommended Credit Score
$12,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Recommended Credit Score
Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$12,000
2%
Earn 2% cash back on 2 categories of your choice (e.g. groceries, recurring bills, gas, drug stores, etc.)
3
Get a Tangerine Savings account and add a 3rd 2% cash back category.
0.5%
Earn 0.50% on all your other everyday purchases.
Earn 2% cash back on 2 categories of your choice (e.g. groceries, recurring bills, gas, drug stores, etc.)
2%
Get a Tangerine Savings account and add a 3rd 2% cash back category.
3
Earn 0.50% on all your other everyday purchases.
0.5%
19.95% - 24.95%
Variable APR
1.95%
Balance Transfer Rate 19.95%
19.95%
Cash Advance APR $3.50 within Canada, $5.00 outside Canada
$0
Annual Fee $0 for additional cardholders
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Variable APR
19.95% - 24.95%
Balance Transfer Rate
1.95%
Cash Advance APR
19.95%
Annual Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Pros
-
No annual fee
-
Choose the spending categories where you want to earn the most cash back
-
Unlimited cash back—no maximum spending limit for any purchase category
-
Cash back is paid out monthly rather than annually
-
Periodically includes a special welcome offer where you can get extra cash back
-
1.95% interest on balance transfers for the first 6 months (1% transfer fee applies)*
Cons
-
Regular cash back rates are still lower than what you can get from a card with an annual fee
-
Limited extra perks or benefits beyond the cash back and balance transfer promotion
-
Generally not a good fit for shopping at warehouse clubs or wholesale grocers like Costco or Walmart
-
Tangerine does not have any physical bank branches
Eligibility
Good
Recommended Credit Score
$12,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Recommended Credit Score
Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$12,000
2%
Earn 2% cash back on 2 categories of your choice (e.g. groceries, recurring bills, gas, drug stores, etc.)
3
Get a Tangerine Savings account and add a 3rd 2% cash back category.
0.5%
Earn 0.50% on all your other everyday purchases.
Earn 2% cash back on 2 categories of your choice (e.g. groceries, recurring bills, gas, drug stores, etc.)
2%
Get a Tangerine Savings account and add a 3rd 2% cash back category.
3
Earn 0.50% on all your other everyday purchases.
0.5%
19.95% - 24.95%
Variable APR
1.95%
Balance Transfer Rate 19.95%
19.95%
Cash Advance APR $3.50 within Canada, $5.00 outside Canada
$0
Annual Fee $0 for additional cardholders
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Variable APR
19.95% - 24.95%
Balance Transfer Rate
1.95%
Cash Advance APR
19.95%
Annual Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Tangerine wins this category by a landslide with their Money Back Mastercard. You’ve got roommates, cool – that means you’re prioritizing saving money. So you’re going to love the fact that the Money Back card has no fees – and that’s for up to FIVE additional card holders ($0 for additional cardholders).
It offers 2% cash back in two categories (choose groceries – you can buy beer at the grocery store now) and 0.5% on everything else. That money gets deposited as cash into your free Tangerine savings account, so you and the roomies can spring for something nice at the end of every month.
How does a joint credit card work?
I won’t blame you if you’re a bit confused by the “joint” in all this. In short, most (but not all) credit cards offer a “supplementary” or “additional” card which is attached to yours.
In the vast majority of cases, this additional card will have all the perks associated with the primary card. The exception to this (like with the Aeroplan Reserve) are the no-fee supplementary cards. These allow you to spend onto the main card (which is great for making minimum spend for bonuses) but doesn’t privilege you with the rest of the perks, insurance coverage, etc.
Finally, there’s a very small list of cards that offer no-fee supplementary cards that act just like the main card. These are few and far between, so make sure you read the fine print before signing up. In addition to the aforementioned CIBC and Amex Cobalt cards, which have free supplementary cards, there’s also the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard and the Vancity enviro Visa Infinite Card.
The benefits and drawbacks of a joint credit card
The benefits of a joint card are clear – two people spending on one card makes it easier to collect bonuses, earn cashback and track expenses. And if the supplementary card is cheaper (or even free) than applying for a separate card, it’s a win, win, win.
But from time to time the supplementary card is expensive, or doesn’t offer all the same perks. And some credit cards offer sweet deals, but no supplementary cards at all. Which means if you’re committed to the joint lifestyle, you might be depriving yourself of good deals.
And not to get, you know, overly intimate with the conversation on credit cards, but there is the hassle of dealing with a breakup and sorting out getting a new credit card. Not to mention sharing a card means you’re only contributing to the credit score of the person whose name it’s in (which gets potentially frightening if you’re sharing it with a roommate whose debt-management habits leave something to be desired).
Basically, adding another person or people to your card means more variables that are tied to your credit – something not everyone feels comfortable with.
Cam is a content marketer with a passion for saving, financial independence, and pulling off elaborate credit card point schemes. He has worked in Fintech and Finserve (specifically Group Retirement) and loves researching and writing about finance.
After years as a product manager at TD Bank and Ratehub.ca, Christine now expresses herself with words, especially in credit cards and personal finance.
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