Whenever you’re in the market for a new credit card, one of the most important considerations is to size up the card’s welcome offer.
After all, welcome bonuses are a one-time opportunity to quickly boost your balance, and ideally, you can time your application for when there’s a great offer available.
If you’re looking for a new credit card, we’ve put together a list of our top picks for the best credit card offers in Canada for April 2025.
What Makes a Credit Card Welcome Offer Appealing?
Prior to diving into the offers, let’s first go over the factors we’ve taken into consideration when compiling the below list.
First and foremost, we take into consideration the size and value of a card’s welcome bonus, including ones that provide the most sizable boost to your points balance with a minimum threshold of $500 in First-Year Value (see below).
Next, we also take into consideration cards that have a relatively low threshold to meet the full welcome bonus. While some offers are high, you have to put in an extraordinary amount of work to get there, and your spending may be better targeted elsewhere.
Lastly, we’ve included some honourable mentions for cards that offer outsized value in any other way that we think warrants your attention.
How We Determine the Value of a Credit Card Welcome Offer
On our credit card comparison tool and our individual credit card pages, you’ll notice that we list a First-Year Value figure. This is an in-house calculation that me make that’s often quite different than what you might find on a financial institution’s website.
Here’s how we determine the value of a welcome bonus:
- Add the total amount of points earned from the welcome offer in the first year
- Add the total amount of points earned by completing the minimum spending requirement in the first year, assuming the card’s baseline earning rate
- Convert the total amount of points earned into a dollar figure using our Points Valuations
- Add any annual credits that the card offers
- Subtract the card’s first-year annual fee (if any)
We believe that this calculation gives an indication of the minimum value anyone can expect to get from a card in the first year. Sure, you can certainly get greater value in the first year (and subsequent years) by leveraging category earning rates, lounge access, insurance, and other card features; however, this is unique to each individual and difficult to quantify with certainty.
By contrast, many financial institutions use a calculation of the maximum amount of value you can expect to get from a card in the first year, since they’ll often include value from lounge visits, spending in various categories throughout the year, supplementary cardholder annual fee rebates, NEXUS application fee rebates, checked baggage fee equivalents, and more.
Canada’s Best Credit Card Offers for April 2025
Here’s our list of the best credit card offers available in Canada for April 2025.
Business Platinum Card from American Express
For quite some time, the Business Platinum Card from American Express has reigned supreme in offering the biggest and best overall welcome bonus in Canada.
Right now, you can earn up to 130,000 Membership Rewards points, with 90,000 available in the first year as a cardholder.
Membership Rewards points are the best points available to Canadians, since they can be transferred to six airline and two hotel partners, or redeemed flexibly for travel or statement credits.
There’s also value in keeping this card for the long-term, with its unlimited lounge access, comprehensive travel insurance, $200 annual travel credit, generous refer-a-friend bonuses, and more.
If you can justify the card’s $799 annual fee and meet the beefy minimum spending requirement, you’ll be rewarded handsomely for your efforts.
Business Platinum Card from American Express
- Earn 90,000 MR points upon spending $15,000 in the first three months
- Plus, earn 40,000 MR points upon making a purchase in months 14–17 as a cardholder
- And, earn 1.25x MR points on all purchases
- Also, receive a $200 annual travel credit
- Transfer MR points to Aeroplan and other frequent flyer programs for premium flights
- Unlimited airport lounge access for you and one guest at Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, Centurion, and other lounges
- Credits and rebates for business expenses throughout the year with Amex Offers
- Bonus MR points for referring family and friends
- Qualify for the card as a sole proprietor
- Annual fee: $799
American Express Platinum Card
The American Express Platinum Card also has a great welcome offer available at the moment with up to 100,000 Membership Rewards points up for grabs (70,000 MR points in the first year with a $10,000 minimum spending requirement in the first three months).
We’ve also noticed some Preferred Offers available on the card which match the 130,000 MR points available on the Business Platinum Card from American Express with a lower minimum spending requirement.
As a cardholder, you’ll get a $200 dining credit and a $200 annual travel credit to use each year which help to offset the card’s $799 annual fee, in addition to the regular rotation of Amex Offers, unlimited lounge access, and other valuable features for travellers.
This is a great offer, so be sure to capitalize on the opportunity if it’s a good fit for you.
American Express Platinum Card
- Earn 70,000 MR points upon spending $10,000 in the first three months
- Plus, earn 30,000 MR points upon making a purchase in months 14–17 as a cardholder
- Earn 2x MR points on all dining and travel purchases
- Receive an annual $200 travel credit
- Receive an annual $200 dining credit
- Transfer MR points to Aeroplan and other frequent flyer programs for premium flights
- Unlimited airport lounge access for you and one guest at Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, Centurion, and other lounges
- Credits and rebates for daily expenses throughout the year with Amex Offers
- Bonus MR points for referring family and friends
- Annual fee: $799
RBC® Avion Visa Infinite†
The current round of offers on the RBC® Avion Visa Infinite† and the RBC® Avion Visa Platinum† (see below) match their all-time high, with up to 55,000 RBC Avion points up for grabs.†
These cards offer an excellent value proposition at the moment, combining a relatively low annual fee ($120†), an attainable welcome bonus structure (35,000 points upon approval and 20,000 points upon spending $5,000 in the first six months†), and excellent, flexible points.
You can use your Avion points to supplement your British Airways Club or Cathay Pacific Asia Miles balances, or for the unique ability to convert them to American Airlines AAdvantage miles – one of the most valuable loyalty programs around. You can also find value in the Air Travel Redemption Schedule, especially for travel in economy.
The only downside to this card is it’s rather low earning rates on everyday spending; however, consider pairing it with an RBC® ION+ Visa to build the optimized RBC credit card portfolio.
RBC® Avion Visa Infinite†
- Earn 35,000 RBC Avion points† upon approval†
- Earn an additional 20,000 RBC Avion points† when you spend $5,000 in your first 6 months†
- Earn 1.25x RBC Avion points† on qualifying travel purchases
- Transfer RBC Avion points to British Airways Executive Club and other frequent flyer programs for premium flights†
- Redeem Avion points for flights with the RBC Air Travel Redemption Schedule†
- Minimum income: $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
- Annual fee: $120†
- Supplementary card fee: $50
RBC® Avion Visa Platinum†
If your personal or household income doesn’t qualify for the RBC® Avion Visa Infinite†, you can apply for the RBC® Avion Visa Platinum† instead, with the same offer and available perks.
RBC® Avion Visa Platinum†
- Earn 35,000 RBC Avion points† upon approval†
- Earn an additional 20,000 RBC Avion points† when you spend $5,000 in your first 6 months†
- Earn 1 RBC Avion point per dollar spent† on travel purchases
- Transfer RBC Avion points to British Airways Executive Club and other frequent flyer programs for premium flights†
- Redeem RBC Avion points with the RBC Air Travel Redemption Schedule†
- No minimum income requirement
- Annual fee: $120†
American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card
If you’re a business owner and an Air Canada frequent flyer, be sure to consider the American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card.
This latest offer on the business variant of Amex’s premium Aeroplan card has a high minimum spending requirement ($10,500 in the first three months) to unlock the first batch of 70,000 Aeroplan points, and then a second swath of 25,000 points upon spending $3,500 in month 13 as a cardholder.
This means that you’ll have to pay the $599 annual fee twice before you receive the full welcome bonus, and you’ll also have to remember to put the spend through in month 13 so you don’t miss out on any points.
On the other hand, this card features a number of great Air Canada perks, including unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access, rollover benefits, and the ability to fast track qualifying for and maintaining Aeroplan Elite Status.
American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card
- Earn 70,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $10,500 in the first three months
- Plus, earn 25,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $3,500 in month 13
- Also, earn 3x Aeroplan points on Air Canada purchases
- Aeroplan preferred pricing, free checked bag, priority check-in and boarding on Air Canada flights
- Unlimited Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge access
- Bonus Aeroplan points for referring family and friends
- Qualify for the card as a sole proprietor
- Annual fee: $599
RBC® British Airways Visa Infinite†
RBC® has an ongoing boosted offer on its British Airways co-branded card, worth up to 60,000 Avios† (45,000 Avios available in the first year).
British Airways Avios are a great currency to have for access to oneworld airlines, especially since you can convert them into different flavours of Avios (since it’s a points currency shared by The British Airways Club, Aer Lingus AerClub, Finnair Plus, Iberia Plus, and Qatar Airways Privilege Club).
If you value non-stop flights to or from London, you can also benefit from the card’s Companion Award eVoucher, awarded upon spending $30,000 in a year.
RBC® British Airways Visa Infinite†
- Earn 15,000 Avios† when you get approved for the card
- Then, earn 35,000 Avios† when you spend $6,000 in the first three months
- Also, earn 10,000 Avios† after 12 months of account opening
- Plus, earn 3 Avios per $1 (CAD) spent† on British Airways purchases
- And, earn 2 Avios per $1 (CAD) spent† on dining and food delivery purchases
- Get a Companion Award eVoucher for an Avios redemption on British Airways flights upon spending $30,000 in a calendar year†
- Annual fee: $165†
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
TD’s premium Aeroplan co-branded credit card is currently offering a welcome bonus for up to 85,000 Aeroplan points.†
Fortunately, there’s no monthly requirement to keep track of. Instead, the total required spending is quite high, at $12,000 in the first 180 days† and $24,000† in the first year, but you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with a healthy Aeroplan balance.
This is an excellent credit card for Air Canada frequent flyers, given its long list of benefits, including unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access in Canada and the US,† earning Status Qualifying Miles and Status Qualifying Dollars through everyday spending,† and much more.
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
- Earn 20,000 Aeroplan points† upon first purchase
- Plus, earn an additional 35,000 Aeroplan points† upon spending $12,000 in the first 180 days
- Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 30,000 Aeroplan points† upon spending $24,000 within 12 months of account opening†
- Earn 2x Aeroplan points† on eligible Air Canada® purchases, including Air Canada Vacations®†
- Earn 1.5x Aeroplan points† on eligible gas, groceries, dining, food delivery, and other travel purchases†
- Aeroplan preferred pricing, free checked bag, priority check-in and boarding on Air Canada flights†
- Unlimited Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge† access
- Visa Airport Companion Program membership with six free lounge visits per year
- Minimum income: $150,000 personal or $200,000 household
- Annual fee: $599
- Offer available for applications approved on or after January 7, 2025.
American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
The structure of the current offer for the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card features lower total bonus than its business variant above.
On the plus side, the spending requirements are also lower in years one and two, which you may find more appealing. Just make sure you keep track of the spending threshold in month 13 to achieve the full potential of the offer.
American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
- Earn 60,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $7,500 in the first three months
- Plus, earn 25,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $2,500 in month 13
- Always earn 3x Aeroplan points on Air Canada purchases
- Aeroplan preferred pricing, free checked bag, priority check-in and boarding on Air Canada flights
- Unlimited Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge access in North America
- Bonus Aeroplan points for referring family and friends
- No minimum income requirement
- Annual fee: $599
TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card
TD’s flagship credit card that earns its proprietary TD Rewards Points offers great travel value outside of the usual airline or hotel loyalty program ecosystem.
The current offer on the TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card has been bumped back up to match its record high, with up to 135,000 TD Rewards Points up for grabs.†
That’s worth a fixed value of up to $675 towards any travel booking via Expedia® for TD†, and with a very reasonable minimum spending requirement spread out over six months and a first-year annual fee rebate†, this offer is certainly worth considering.
TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card
- Earn 20,000 TD Rewards Points upon making your first purchase†
- Earn 115,000 TD Rewards Points upon spending $5,000 within 180 days of account opening†
- Plus, earn up to 10,000 TD Rewards Points back on your birthday†
- Plus, earn 8x TD Rewards Points† on eligible travel purchases when you book through Expedia® for TD†
- Get an annual TD Travel Credit† of $100 when you book through Expedia® for TD†
- Use your rewards for any travel bookings available on Expedia® for TD†
- Minimum income: $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
- Annual fee: $139, rebated for the first year†
- Application must be approved on or after January 7, 2025 to receive this offer
RBC® Avion Visa Infinite Privilege†
RBC’s premium card in the Avion lineup is currently offering a record-high welcome bonus for up to 70,000 Avion points.†
Its structure is very similar to its Visa Infinite† and Visa Platinum† counterparts; however, you’ll get an additional boost of points in year two.
With a great earning rate for non-categorized spending (1.25 Avion points per dollar spent†) and with the unique ability to redeem points for business class flights using the RBC Air Travel Redemption Schedule, consider this premium option in the Avion lineup if you meet the income requirements.
RBC® Avion Visa Infinite Privilege†
- Earn up to 35,000 Avion points upon approval†
- Then, earn 15,000 Avion points upon spending $5,000 in the first six months†
- Then, earn 20,000 Avion points as a one-time anniversary bonus upon renewal†
- Plus, earn 1.25x RBC Avion points† on all qualifying purchases
- Use your rewards for any business class flight with no restrictions on dates, seats, or airlines†
- Transfer points to one of four airline partners†
- DragonPass membership with six free lounge visits per year†
- Minimum income: $200,000 personal or household†
- Annual fee: $399†
BMO VIPorter World Elite®* Mastercard®*
Porter Airlines hit the ground running when it recently launched its first-ever co-branded credit card, in conjunction with BMO.
The structure of the welcome offer has three tiers, with the final allotment of points arriving in year two. While the spending requirements are relatively high, consider shifting your Costco spend to the card to enjoy a number of award flights with Porter across Canada and the United States at a steep discount.
If you travel with Porter Airlines with any frequency, this is a great card to hold due to its automatic Venture Avid Traveller Status,† which affords you a range of benefits with the airline.
We like this offer due to its sheer size paired with a first-year annual fee rebate,† and with the opportunity to score outsized value in the VIPorter loyalty program.
BMO VIPorter World Elite®* Mastercard®*
- Earn 20,000 VIPorter points upon spending $5,000 in the first 110 days
- Plus, earn an additional 20,000 VIPorter points upon spending $9,000 in the first 180 days
- Plus, earn an additional 30,000 VIPorter points upon spending $18,000 in the first 365 days
- Then, earn 3x VIPorter points per dollar spent on Porter purchases
- And, earn 2x VIPorter points per dollar spent on gas, transportation, dining, groceries, and hotels
- Get one free checked bag and one free carry-on bag for yourself and up to eight guests on the same booking
- Priority airport services & priority rebooking in the event of delays
- Earn Qualifying Spend towards Avid Traveller status
- Annual fee: $199 (rebated in the first year)
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card has long remained one of our favourite Canadian credit cards, and indeed it’s one that we recommend for every Canadian traveller.
As it stands, the welcome offer on the card is the highest amongst its counterparts in Canada. The total spending requirement is spread out over a full year, and the first-year annual fee rebate† means you won’t incur any costs while you try out the card.
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
- Earn 10,000 Aeroplan points† upon first purchase†
- Plus, earn 15,000 Aeroplan points† upon spending $7,500 in the first 180 days of account opening†
- Plus, earn an additional 15,000 Aeroplan points† on renewal when you spend $12,000 within 12 months of account opening†
- Earn 1.5x Aeroplan points† on eligible gas, groceries, and Air Canada® purchases, including Air Canada Vacations®†
- Preferred Aeroplan pricing and free checked bag on Air Canada® flights†
- Minimum income: $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
- Annual fee: $139 (rebated for the first year)
- Offer available for applications approved on or after January 7, 2025.
BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Mastercard®*
If you’re entrenched in the AIR MILES world, then consider padding your balance with the current high offer on the BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Mastercard®*, with up to 7,000 AIR MILES®† up for grabs.†
BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®*Mastercard®*
- Earn 3,000 AIR MILES®† upon spending $4,500 in the 110 days†
- Earn 2,000 AIR MILES®† upon spending $10,000 in the first 180 days†
- Earn 2,000 AIR MILES®† upon spending $20,000 in the first 365 days†
- Earn
1x3x AIR MILES®† per $12 spent at AIR MILES®† partners† - Earn
1x2x AIR MILES®†per $12 spent at grocery stores, wholesale clubs, and alcohol retailers† - Earn 1 AIR MILES®†per $12 spent when you spend with your credit card everywhere els†
- Use AIR MILES®† for Cash Rewards or Dream Rewards†
- Minimum income: $80,000 personal or $150,000 household†
- Annual fee: $120 (rebated in the first year)†
Cathay World Elite® Mastercard® – powered by Neo
If you have your eyes set on an award flight with Cathay Pacific, the Cathay World Elite® Mastercard® – powered by Neo is the only card in Canada that directly earns Asia Miles.
There’s currently an elevated welcome offer available for up to 40,000 Asia Miles: 20,000 miles are awarded upon activating your card, while the other 20,000 come after a reasonable minimum spending requirement of $5,000 in the first three months.
Cathay World Elite® Mastercard® – powered by Neo
- Earn 20,000 Asia Miles upon card activation†
- Plus, earn 20,000 Asia Miles upon spending $5,000 in the first three months†
- Then, earn 2 Asia Miles per dollar spent on Cathay Pacific flights† and foreign transactions†.
- And, earn more Asia Miles at Neo’s partners†
- Up to 15% discount on Cathay Pacific flights†
- Minimum income: $80,000 (personal), $150,000 (household)
- Annual fee: $180
Honourable Mentions
In this section, we’ll list some offers that are worthy of some extra attention, either due to their size, easily attainable thresholds, or other reasons listed below.
American Express Gold Rewards Card
The overall size and value of the welcome bonus on the American Express Gold Rewards Card is high; however, it requires keeping track of a monthly minimum spending requirement that winds up being higher than its Platinum counterpart’s when all is said and done.
American Express Gold Rewards Card
- Earn 10,000 MR points upon spending $4,000 in the first three months
- Plus, earn an additional 5,000 MR points upon spending $1,000 in each of the first 12 months, up to 60,000 MR points
- Also, receive an annual $100 travel credit and a $50 NEXUS credit
- Transfer MR points to Aeroplan and other frequent flyer programs for premium flights
- Plaza Premium membership with four annual lounge passes
- Credits and rebates for daily expenses throughout the year with Amex Offers
- Bonus MR points for referring family and friends
- Annual fee: $250
RBC® Avion Visa Infinite* Business
The RBC® Avion Visa Infinite* Business has a great welcome bonus available for business owners: 35,000 Avion points awarded upon approval.†
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business
- Earn 35,000 RBC Avion points when you get approved for the card
- Plus, earn 1.25x RBC Avion points on all purchases
- Use your rewards for any business class or First Class flight with no restrictions on dates, seats, or airlines
- Transfer points to one of four airline partners
- Qualify for the card with a registered business
- Annual fee: $175
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card
Routinely our top pick for Canada’s best credit card with no foreign transaction fees, the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card combines a valuable welcome bonus of up to 30,000 Scene+ points with a low minimum spending requirement ($2,000 in three month)†.
Plus, the card offers great features for travellers (six complimentary lounge visits with the Visa Airport Companion Program† and strong insurance), and Scene+ points are our favourite fixed-value points program due to their flexibility.
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card
- Earn 30,000 Scene+ points upon spending $2,000 in the first three months
- Earn an additional 10,000 Scene+ points upon spending $40,000 in the first year
- Earn 2x Scene+ points on groceries, dining, entertainment, and transit
- Plus, earn 3x Scene+ points on grocery purchases at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, and FreshCo
- Visa Airport Companion membership with six free lounge visits per year
- Redeem points for statement credit for any travel expense
- Minimum income: $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
- Annual fee: $150
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card
If you’re looking for a card that earns Scene+ points at a higher rate on daily spending, consider the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card. You’ll earn 5x Scene+ points on eligible grocery and restaurant purchases†, or 6x points at Empire grocery stores.†
Plus, the current welcome offer is solid, currently offering 20,000 Scene+ points† with a low $2,000 spending threshold in the first three months, and an additional 20,000 points† upon spending of $7,500 in the first year.
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card
- Earn 20,000 Scene+ points upon spending $2,000 in the first three months
- Plus, earn an additional 20,000 Scene+ points upon spending $7,500 in the first year
- Earn 6x Scene+ points at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, FreshCo, and more
- Plus, earn 5x Scene+ points on groceries, dining, and entertainment
- Also, earn 3x Scene+ points on gas, transit, and select streaming services
- Redeem points for a statement credit for any travel expense
- No foreign transaction fees
- Enjoy the exclusive benefits of being an American Express cardholder
- Annual fee: $120
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card
CIBC Aventura Points are a great currency to hold to help offset other costs of travel, especially if your primary flight and accommodation costs are already covered.
As an added bonus, the current offer on the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card is both valuable and easy to attain. 45,000 Aventura Points is worth up to $450 when redeemed for travel,† and you’ll get the full allotment after spending $3,000 in the first four months.†
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card
- Earn 15,000 CIBC Aventura Points after making your first purchase†
- Earn 30,000 CIBC Aventura Points after spending $3,000 in the first four monthly statement periods†
- Earn 2x CIBC Aventura Points on all purchases through the CIBC Rewards Centre†
- Earn 1.5x CIBC Aventura Points on eligible gas, groceries, EV charging, and drugstore purchases†
- 12-month Skip+ free trial and other exclusive benefits when you link your CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card with Skip†
- Four complimentary lounge visits per year with the Visa Airport Companion Program†
- Partial NEXUS application fee credit†
- Minimum income: $60,000 personal or $100,000 household†
- Annual fee: $139 (rebated for the first year)†
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum* Card
With a signup bonus of up to 20,000 Aeroplan points†, an annual fee rebate for the first year†, and a low personal income requirement, this card is one of the best ways for beginners early in their credit journey to begin collecting meaningful sums of Aeroplan points.
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum* Card
- Earn 10,000 Aeroplan points† upon first purchase†
- Plus, earn 10,000 Aeroplan points† upon spending $1,000 in the first three months
- Earn 1x Aeroplan points† on eligible gas, groceries, and Air Canada® purchases, including Air Canada Vacations®†
- Preferred pricing on Air Canada® flights through Aeroplan†
- Annual fee: $89, rebated in the first year†
- Offer available for applications approved on or after January 7, 2025.
Conclusion
There you have it: our top picks for the best offers available on Canadian travel credit cards.
If you’re interested in learning more about the offers, follow the links above, or consult our credit card comparison tool.
If you’d like some more personalized information, consider joining the Prince of Travel community to connect with likeminded peers.
† Terms and conditions apply. Refer to the card issuer’s website for complete up-to-date information.
Card issuers are not responsible for the accuracy of the content on this website. Reasonable efforts are made to ensure accuracy with content.
This story originally appeared on princeoftravel
