If you’re running a small business in Canada, every dollar you spend is a chance to earn something back. Travel points, cashback, lounge access, insurance. The right business credit card does all of that while keeping your personal and business expenses separate. The problem is there are dozens of options, and the “best” card depends entirely on how your business spends. I went through the top business credit cards available in Canada in 2026 and compared them side by side. Here’s what I found.
What to Look For in a Business Credit Card
Before jumping into the cards, here’s what actually matters when picking one.
Annual fee vs. rewards value. A $199 annual fee sounds steep, but if the welcome bonus alone is worth $400 to $700, you come out ahead in year one. Run the math on your actual spending, not hypothetical numbers.
Cashback vs. points. Cashback is simple. You spend, you get money back. Points are more flexible but harder to value. If you travel frequently, points cards can deliver outsized value. If you don’t, cashback is almost always the better deal.
Welcome bonus requirements. Most cards require you to spend a minimum amount in the first 3 to 6 months to unlock the bonus. Make sure that threshold is realistic for your business. Don’t force spending just to hit a target.
Foreign transaction fees. If your business pays for SaaS tools, ads, or supplies from outside Canada, a card with no FX fees saves you 2.5% on every transaction. That adds up fast.
Employee cards. If you have team members who make purchases, check how many additional cards are included and what they cost.
Quick-Pick: Which Card Is Right for You?
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| Your Situation | Best Pick |
|---|---|
| No-fee, simple cashback | BMO CashBack Business Mastercard |
| Travel rewards + no FX fees | Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Business |
| RBC customer, Avion points | RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business |
| Flexible rewards, Amex perks | Amex Business Gold Rewards |
| Premium travel, lounge access | Amex Business Platinum |
| TD banking customer | TD Business Travel Visa |
| Air Canada flyer, Aeroplan | CIBC Aeroplan Visa Business |
| Hotel stays, Marriott loyalty | Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex |
BMO CashBack Business Mastercard: Best No-Fee Card
If you want a business credit card that costs nothing and still earns you something, this is the starting point.
The BMO CashBack Business Mastercard has no annual fee. You earn 1.5% cashback on gas, office supplies, and cell/internet bills (up to $1,000 per category per billing cycle), and 0.75% on everything else. There’s also a Shell bonus at 1.75% for purchases at Shell stations.
The welcome offer gives you 10% cashback for the first 3 billing cycles, up to $150. It’s not life-changing, but it’s free money on spending you’re already doing.
The main trade-off is the lower base rate of 0.75% on general purchases. If most of your spending falls outside gas and office supplies, the return is modest. But for a card with zero annual fee, it’s hard to complain.
Pros:
- No annual fee at all
- 1.5% on gas, office supplies, cell/internet
- 10% welcome cashback for first 3 months
- Simple and straightforward
Cons:
- 0.75% base rate on general spending is low
- No travel perks or lounge access
- Category caps at $1,000/month
Best for: Sole proprietors and small businesses that want cashback without paying annual fees.
See more below
BMO CashBack Business Mastercard: https://www.bmo.com/main/business/credit-cards/bmo-cashback-no-fee-business-mastercard/
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Business: Best for Travel and No FX Fees
If your business involves any international spending, this card stands out immediately because of one feature: no foreign transaction fees. Most Canadian credit cards charge 2.5% on every foreign currency purchase. This one charges zero.
The annual fee is $199, but the first year is waived for new accounts opened before April 30, 2026. You earn 1.5 Scene+ points per dollar on all eligible business purchases, and the welcome bonus is up to 40,000 Scene+ points (30,000 after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months, plus 10,000 more after $60,000 in the first year).
You also get 6 complimentary airport lounge visits per year through the Visa Airport Companion program, covering 1,200+ lounges globally.
For a business that pays for cloud tools, digital ads, or suppliers in USD, the FX savings alone can justify the annual fee.
Pros:
- No foreign transaction fees (saves 2.5% per foreign purchase)
- 1.5 Scene+ points per $1 on all business spending
- 6 free airport lounge visits per year
- First year annual fee waived (limited time)
Cons:
- $199 annual fee after first year
- Scene+ points are less flexible than some alternatives
- Second-year welcome bonus ($60K spend) is aggressive
Best for: Businesses with international suppliers, SaaS subscriptions in USD, or owners who travel frequently.
See more below
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Business: https://www.scotiabank.com/ca/en/business-banking/banking-solutions/credit-cards/scotiabank-passport-visa-infinite-business-card.html
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business: Best for Avion Travel Rewards
If you already bank with RBC, the Avion Visa Infinite Business is a natural fit. The $175 annual fee is waived for the first year, and you earn 1.25 Avion points per dollar on the first $75,000 in annual spending.
The welcome bonus is 35,000 Avion points on approval, which translates to roughly $350 in travel value depending on how you redeem.
Avion points are flexible. You can transfer them to airline partners, book travel through the RBC portal, or use them for statement credits. The card also includes airport lounge access and travel insurance.
The downside is the cap at $75,000 per year for the accelerated earn rate. After that, the points-per-dollar rate drops. For businesses with higher spending, the Amex cards offer more room.
Pros:
- 35,000 Avion points on approval (no spend requirement)
- Flexible point transfers to airline partners
- First year annual fee waived
- Airport lounge access included
Cons:
- $75K annual cap on accelerated earn rate
- $175/year after first year
- Less competitive for non-travel redemptions
Best for: RBC banking customers who travel and want flexible rewards points.
See more below
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/business/credit-cards/small-business-credit-cards/avion-visa-infinite-business.html
American Express Business Gold Rewards: Best for Flexible Points
The Amex Business Gold is one of the most popular business cards in Canada for a reason. You earn 1 Membership Rewards (MR) point per dollar spent, and MR points are among the most flexible reward currencies in Canada.
The welcome bonus is substantial: up to 70,000 MR points, with 50,000 after spending $7,500 in the first 3 months. That’s easily worth $500 to $700 depending on how you redeem.
MR points can be transferred to Aeroplan, Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton, and other partners. Or you can use them as statement credits, gift cards, or travel bookings through Amex Travel.
The $199 annual fee is competitive for what you get. The biggest limitation is merchant acceptance. Not every Canadian business accepts Amex, so you may still need a Visa or Mastercard as a backup.
Pros:
- Up to 70,000 MR points welcome bonus
- Flexible point transfers (Aeroplan, Marriott, Hilton)
- Strong business expense management tools
- Purchase protection and travel insurance
Cons:
- $199 annual fee
- Amex not accepted everywhere in Canada
- 1 point per $1 is lower than some competitors
Best for: Business owners who want maximum flexibility in how they redeem rewards.
See more below
American Express Business Gold Rewards: https://www.americanexpress.com/en-ca/business/credit-cards/business-gold-rewards-card/
American Express Business Platinum: Best Premium Card
This is the premium tier. The $799 annual fee is serious, but the benefits are designed for business owners who spend and travel heavily.
You earn 1.25 MR points per dollar on all purchases. The real value comes from the perks: unlimited Plaza Premium lounge access through December 2026, a $200 annual travel credit, complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold and Hilton Honors Gold status, plus up to $860 in annual credits for Dell, Indeed, wireless, and Instacart.
If you stack the credits properly, the effective annual fee drops significantly. For a business owner who flies regularly and uses the travel and business credits, the card can pay for itself.
Important note: starting January 2027, Plaza Premium and Priority Pass lounge access will shift from unlimited to limited visits. So 2026 is the last full year of unlimited lounge access with this card.
Pros:
- Unlimited lounge access through 2026
- $200 annual travel credit
- Up to $860 in business credits (Dell, Indeed, wireless, Instacart)
- Marriott Gold + Hilton Gold status
Cons:
- $799 annual fee is steep
- Amex acceptance limitations
- Lounge access becoming limited in 2027
- Only worthwhile if you use the credits
Best for: High-spending business owners who travel frequently and can take advantage of the stacked credits.
See more below
American Express Business Platinum: https://www.americanexpress.com/en-ca/benefits/business-platinum-card/
TD Business Travel Visa: Best for TD Customers
If you bank with TD, this card keeps everything under one roof. The $149 annual fee is mid-range, and you earn TD Rewards points on every purchase.
The welcome bonus offers 30,000 TD Rewards points on your first purchase, with opportunities to earn up to 180,000 total points through spend milestones in the first year. TD Rewards can be redeemed for travel through the ExpediaForTD portal, for statement credits, or for gift cards.
The card also includes comprehensive travel insurance, car rental collision coverage, and purchase protection. For TD business banking customers, the integration with your existing accounts makes expense tracking straightforward.
Pros:
- 30,000 points on first purchase (no minimum spend)
- Up to 180,000 total first-year bonus points
- Solid travel insurance and purchase protection
- Seamless TD banking integration
Cons:
- $149 annual fee
- TD Rewards are less flexible than MR or Avion points
- ExpediaForTD portal can be limiting for travel bookings
Best for: TD banking customers who want a single ecosystem for business banking and rewards.
See more below
TD Business Travel Visa: https://www.td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/credit-cards/business-travel-visa-card
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Business: Best for Air Canada Flyers
If you fly Air Canada regularly for business, earning Aeroplan points directly on every purchase makes this card a natural choice. The annual fee is around $120, with the first year typically waived.
You earn Aeroplan points on all purchases, with accelerated earn rates on Air Canada bookings. Points go straight into your Aeroplan account, where they can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and partner airline tickets.
The card is straightforward. It doesn’t have the lounge access or premium perks of the Amex Platinum, but if your goal is to accumulate Aeroplan points as fast as possible for business travel, it does exactly that.
Pros:
- Aeroplan points on every purchase
- Accelerated earn on Air Canada bookings
- First year annual fee waived
- Simple, focused rewards structure
Cons:
- ~$120 annual fee after first year
- No lounge access or premium travel perks
- Only valuable if you fly Air Canada or partners
Best for: Business owners who fly Air Canada regularly and want to maximize Aeroplan earnings.
See more below
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Business: https://www.cibc.com/en/business/credit-cards/aeroplan-visa-business.html
Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express: Best for Hotel Stays
If your business travel involves a lot of hotel stays, this card turns every purchase into Marriott Bonvoy points. The annual fee is around $150, and the welcome bonus is substantial: up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy points (80,000 after spending $10,000 in the first 6 months, plus 30,000 when you make a purchase in month 15).
110,000 Bonvoy points can cover multiple nights at mid-tier Marriott properties (Courtyard, Fairfield, Aloft) or a couple of nights at premium brands like Westin or Sheraton.
You earn accelerated points on Marriott stays and dining, and standard earn rates on all other purchases. The card also includes Silver Elite status with Marriott, which gives you priority late checkout and bonus points on stays.
Pros:
- Up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy points welcome bonus
- Accelerated earn on Marriott stays and dining
- Marriott Silver Elite status included
- ~$150 annual fee is reasonable for the bonus value
Cons:
- Amex acceptance limitations
- Bonvoy points are less flexible than MR or Aeroplan
- Silver Elite status is the lowest tier (limited perks)
Best for: Business owners who stay at Marriott properties regularly and want to earn free nights.
See more below
Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex: https://www.americanexpress.com/en-ca/credit-cards/marriott-bonvoy-business-card/
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Card | Annual Fee | Rewards Rate | Welcome Bonus | FX Fees | Lounge | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMO CashBack Business | $0 | 1.5% (category) / 0.75% | $150 cashback | Yes | No | No-fee cashback |
| Scotia Passport Business | $199 (yr 1 free) | 1.5 Scene+/$ | 40K Scene+ | No | 6 visits/yr | Travel, no FX |
| RBC Avion Business | $175 (yr 1 free) | 1.25 Avion/$ | 35K Avion | Yes | Yes | RBC customers |
| Amex Business Gold | $199 | 1 MR/$ | 70K MR | Yes | No | Flexible points |
| Amex Business Platinum | $799 | 1.25 MR/$ | Varies | Yes | Unlimited (2026) | Premium travel |
| TD Business Travel | $149 | TD Rewards | 30K+ TD | Yes | No | TD customers |
| CIBC Aeroplan Business | ~$120 (yr 1 free) | Aeroplan/$ | Varies | Yes | No | Air Canada flyers |
| Marriott Bonvoy Business | ~$150 | Bonvoy/$ | 110K Bonvoy | Yes | No | Hotel stays |
How to Pick the Right One
You want zero fees and simple cashback. Go with the BMO CashBack Business Mastercard. It costs nothing and gives you something back on every purchase.
You pay for things in USD or other currencies. The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Business saves you 2.5% on every foreign transaction. If you spend $2,000/month on international SaaS tools or suppliers, that’s $600/year saved on FX fees alone.
You already bank with a Big Five. Pick the card from your bank. RBC has Avion, TD has the Business Travel Visa. The integration with your existing accounts simplifies everything.
You want maximum rewards flexibility. The Amex Business Gold Rewards gives you MR points that transfer to Aeroplan, Marriott, Hilton, and more. The welcome bonus is one of the best available.
You travel heavily and want premium perks. The Amex Business Platinum is expensive, but the lounge access, travel credits, and hotel status make it worthwhile if you actually use them.
You fly Air Canada a lot. CIBC Aeroplan Visa Business earns you points directly in your Aeroplan account. Simple and effective.
You stay at Marriott hotels frequently. The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex has one of the biggest welcome bonuses in the market. 110,000 points is real value.
Final Thoughts
The best business credit card is the one that matches how your business actually spends. Not the one with the flashiest welcome bonus or the biggest name.
If you’re just starting out, the BMO CashBack Business Mastercard is a solid first card. Zero risk, zero fees. If your business is growing and you travel, look at the Scotiabank Passport or Amex Business Gold.
Start with one card, use it consistently for 6 months, and see what you earn. You can always switch later.
The best business credit card is the one that matches how your business actually spends. Not the one with the flashiest welcome bonus or the biggest name. Start with one card, use it consistently for 6 months, and see what you earn. You can always switch later.
