Top credit card sign-up bonuses in Canada for 2025

With the holiday shopping season approaching and with grocery and gas bills piling up, signing up for credit cards for the welcome bonuses can provide Canadians with extra value. Credit card sign-up bonuses or welcome offers, which can be worth hundreds or even over $1,000, allow Canadians to turn their regular spending into travel rewards, points, or cash back. Some of the best bonuses are expiring soon, while others extend into the next few months. Using data from reliable sources like Ratehub.ca and Rewards Canada, we’ve compiled the top travel and cash back rewards, worth up to $2400. For more on maximizing everyday spending, check out our guide to the best cashback credit cards in Canada. Read on to explore the best picks and how they work for you.

How Sign-Up Bonuses Work

Sign-up bonuses are incentives issued by banks and credit card providers designed to attract qualifying applicants. The process is straightforward: spend a specified amount of money within a specified amount of time—typically somewhere between $3,000 and $10,000 within 90 to 180 days—and you will earn points, cash back or travel credits. These bonuses can frequently be redeemed for flights (for example, with Aeroplan) and for statement credits, or can even be deposited directly into your account.

There are usually a few requirements to receive a sign-up bonus. You will typically need a good credit score (around 660 or higher) and be a Canadian resident. Bonus offers are also usually limited to applicants who have not held the card in the past 12 to 24 months—ensuring a fair process for all applicants.

Pro tip: If you have any upcoming large purchases—like seasonal holiday shopping, or large bills—look to time these so that you satisfy the spend requirement (without going overboard in expenditure). Additionally, look for new card options with “first year annual fee waiver” offers that will add to your net rewards.

At the end of October 2025, some of the larger offers listed will expire on October 31, as others will run through November and December. Acting now will give you the best options for the best offers, and be flexible in taking advantage before the year ends.  To explore other low-cost options, see our top Canadian credit cards.

Top Travel Rewards Bonuses

Travel bonuses shine for Canadians planning getaways, turning points into flights or hotels. Below is a selective list of four of them, with values calculated based on real-world redemptions (e.g., 1 cent per point). Each contains eligibility tips and why it works in fall travel planning. For a deeper dive into travel-focused cards, visit our guide on the top travel credit cards for Canadians.

TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card

This powerhouse rewards up to 165,000 TD Rewards Points, which are approximately worth $825 to $1,400+ in travel. The bonus is tiered: 20,000 points upon first purchase, 145,000 after spending $7,500 in 180 days, and a birthday bonus. The $139 annual fee is waived the first year, and it includes a $100 annual TD Travel Credit and 4 complimentary lounge visits per year. It’s ideal for mid-tier spenders (score 725+ recommended), offering flexible redemption options. Apply here.

Scotiabank Gold American Express Card

Earn up to 50,000 Scene+ points (equivalent to $500 in travel) in a tiered offer: 30,000 points when you spend $2,000 in 3 months, and an additional 20,000 points when you spend a total of $7,500 in the first year. First-year fee waived ($120 after). It’s a standout for foodies with 6x points at select grocery stores (Sobeys, IGA, etc.). Offer ends October 31. Note: Amex acceptance varies. A strong everyday option. Apply now.

American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card

Frequent flyers can earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points (worth up to $1,700) in a tiered offer: 60,000 points upon spending $7,500 in 3 months, plus 25,000 points in month 13 after an additional spend of $2,500. Benefits include unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access (not passes) for the cardholder and a guest, and priority boarding. The $599 annual fee is high. Best for high spenders (score 725+), available through December. Not available in Quebec. Get Started.

CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card

Earn up to 45,000 Aventura points (equivalent to $900 in travel) in a tiered offer: 15,000 points with your first purchase, plus an additional 30,000 points when you spend $3,000 in 4 months. The $139 fee is rebated for the first year. Extras include 4 complimentary airport lounge visits per year, and a NEXUS rebate. Flexible for hotels or car rentals, it’s accessible (score 660+), and runs through December. Apply today.  

How to Choose the Right One for You

The first step to the appropriate credit card sign-up bonus begins with the knowledge of your spending patterns and financial objectives. Frequent travellers can enjoy flexible points which can be redeemed with different airlines, whereas everyday shoppers can enjoy cash back cards which can reward their daily purchases, such as groceries or gas. Check your credit score- most cards will need a minimum of 660, and some of the premium cards will need 725 or higher.

Take into account the simplicity of redeeming the rewards—whether for travel, merchandise, or direct cash back—and make sure the spending requirement fits comfortably within your budget.

If you’re a resident of Quebec, you should find out whether the card is widely accepted, especially with American Express. By matching the offer with your lifestyle, you are guaranteed to maximize on your new card without overdoing it. For cross-border travellers, explore U.S. travel rewards credit cards for Canadians to complement your strategy.  

Conclusion

Credit card sign-up bonuses can offer meaningful value—whether you’re covering holiday travel, reducing everyday costs, or earning rewards on planned spending. However, choosing the right card takes a bit of planning. Assess your credit rating, typical expenditure patterns, and the kind of rewards you will utilise. With some of the best offers expiring by October 31, 2025, and others continuing into December, reviewing your options now can help you take advantage of top deals while they’re still available. Compare options and implement strategically using reliable sources such as Rewards Canada or Ratehub.ca. Timely application can help you earn rewards without added costs or stress.