The best store credit cards in Canada for 2024

MoneySense is an award-winning magazine, helping Canadians navigate money matters since 1999. Our editorial team of trained journalists works closely with leading personal finance experts in Canada. To help you find the best financial products, we compare the offerings from over 12 major institutions, including banks, credit unions and card issuers. Learn more about our advertising and trusted partners.

Pros

• Rack up the equivalent of 4.5% cash back in PC Optimum points at Shoppers Drug Mart and 3% on groceries from Loblaws banner stores.
• How to use PC Optimum points is easy to understand: 10,000 points is equivalent to $10 redeemable in merchandise. In other words, 10 points = $0.01 or 1%.
• Includes travel emergency medical insurance and rental car insurance.
• You can stack points on points by using your credit card to pay for personalized offers from the PC Optimum app, in-store points offers and/or flyers.

Cons

• Although you can earn points at Esso and Mobil gas stations, you cannot redeem points for free gas.
• The minimum annual income requirement of $80,000 (or $150,000) as a household may be inaccessible to some Canadians.
• You must spend a minimum of $15,000 annually to maintain this account. If you don’t, you will automatically be considered for a different PC card.

Pros

• In terms of rewards, Canadian Tire makes it simple: $1 in CT Money is equivalent to one redeemable dollar. You can use your CT Money with your credit card at the cashier register.
• In addition to the 4% in CT Money at Canadian Tire locations and partner stores, you’ll earn 1.5% on grocery purchases (excluding Walmart and Costco).
• Cardholders can take advantage of no-fee, no-interest financing on bigger purchases ($150 or more), and pay it off in 24 equal monthly payments.
• When you pay with a Triangle Mastercard, you’re covered for no-receipt returns at participating stores. 
• When you fill up at Gas+ or Petro-Canada locations, you’ll earn $0.05 per litre.

Cons

• There are limits on accelerated returns. You only earn the boosted rewards on the first $12,000 spent in each category. After you reach that cap at Canadian Tire and its partner stores, or on groceries, further purchases will net you the base rate of only 0.5%.
• You’ll only earn rewards on the pre-tax amount of your purchases. 
• Purchases at Walmart and Costco are not eligible for boosted rewards. 
• The base rate is only 0.5% back in CT Money.

Pros

• Earn bonus rewards with either 2.5% or 1.5% back on your Amazon purchases (depending on whether you’re a Prime Member).
• The loyalty system is straightforward. Rewards are automatically loaded into your Amazon account. Once you’ve earned 2,000 points ($20 value), you can redeem the pointsfor an Amazon gift card to use yourself or give to someone.
• Purchases in foreign currencies earn 1% back in points, or 2.5% for Prime members, which helps offset foreign transaction fees (2.5%). 
• This card comes with a few travel perks like rental car savings and trip assistance.

Cons

• The rewards for non-Prime members are fairly low quality, and the Prime membership costs $79 a year.
• There’s a minimum of $20 to redeem for a gift card.

Pros

• You’ll earn a hefty 3% when shopping online at Walmart.ca and 1.25% when shopping in-store at their brick-and-mortar locations. 
• The program is very simple with $1 Walmart = redeemable dollar at Walmart. 
• You can start redeeming when you collect as little as $5 in rewards.

Cons

• You’ll only earn rewards on the pre-tax amount of your purchases. 
• With a minimum household income requirement of $100,000 annually, this card may be out of reach for some shoppers, though many Canadians could qualify for the entry-level Walmart Rewards Mastercard. 
• The best way to get rewards comes from shopping at Walmart online, so those who prefer an in-store experience won’t receive the same benefits.

Pros

• The Rogers Red World Elite offers 1.5% cash back on all your Canadian purchases (including at Costco). In comparison, the CIBC Costco Mastercard only gives you 1% cash back at Costco (in-store) and 2% back at Costco.ca. 
• Cross-border shoppers will appreciate the accelerated 3% earn rate on U.S.-dollar purchases, which covers the forex fee (2.5%). 
• Cardholders get emergency medical insurance, trip cancellation and interruption protection, and rental car collision and damage coverage.

Cons

• The personal annual income requirement is $80,000 (or $150,000 household), which is high compared to other credit cards in Canada, but typical of other Mastercards with World Elite benefits. 
• Cardholders must spend at least $15,000 annually on this card or risk being downgraded.