Best Credit Cards for Newcomers to Canada
Compare credit cards designed for newcomers to Canada. Get approved without a Canadian credit history and start building your credit file from day one.
Complete Guide
Best Credit Cards for Newcomers to Canada
Compare credit cards designed for newcomers to Canada. Get approved without a Canadian credit history and start building your credit file from day one.
Arriving in Canada without a credit history? You're not stuck. Most major banks (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC, National Bank) offer newcomer programs that approve you on the strength of your immigration status — Permanent Resident, work permit, study permit, or refugee — instead of a Canadian credit file.
How Newcomer Cards Work
Newcomer programs typically waive the credit-history requirement for the first 12 months. You may need to provide proof of arrival (PR card, work/study permit), proof of address, and ID. Once approved, you receive a regular credit card with a starter limit ($500–$5,000) that grows as you build credit.
What to Look For
Prioritize cards that: (1) report to both Equifax and TransUnion from day one, (2) waive the first-year annual fee, (3) include cell phone insurance and travel coverage useful for new arrivals, and (4) come from a bank where you can also open a chequing account to bundle services.
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Cards analyzed
Jun 2026
Last updated
100%
Independent
Methodology
Our team evaluates credit cards based on overall consumer value: rewards earning rates, annual fees, welcome bonuses, insurance coverage, and additional perks. Cards are ranked by estimated first-year value. We update our picks monthly.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
1Can I get a credit card without a Canadian credit history?
Yes. RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC, and National Bank all offer newcomer programs that approve you based on your immigration status (PR, work permit, study permit) instead of credit history. You typically need to apply within 5 years of arrival.
2What documents do I need to apply?
Most banks require: proof of arrival (PR card, COPR, work or study permit), valid passport or driver's licence, proof of Canadian address, and proof of income or employment. Some let you apply online; others require an in-branch appointment.
3Should I get a secured card or a newcomer card?
If you qualify for a newcomer program (most PRs and work-permit holders do), choose that — it's a regular credit card with a real limit and no deposit. Secured cards are a fallback when newcomer programs reject you.
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