Credit cards for temporary residents in Canada

Can a non-resident get a credit card in Canada? Yes, there are Canadian credit cards for work permit holders, non-residents and new immigrants, including unsecured, secured and prepaid credit cards.

Compare options to find the best credit card for temporary residents in Canada. Learn how to get a credit card for work permit holders in Canada, a credit card for non-residents in Canada and a credit card for non-permanent residents in Canada.

3 ways to get a credit card for temporary residents in Canada

Immigrating to Canada or planning to visit the country soon? Here are your options for Canadian credit cards for work permit holders and non-permanent residents.

1. Sign up for a newcomer to Canada credit card for temporary residents

Many big banks and some smaller financial institutions might allow you to sign up for a newcomer credit card for temporary residents as part of a “welcome to Canada” banking package. These credit cards are unsecured and can help you build credit.

Example: RBC Cash Back Mastercard

Compare newcomer banking programs and eligible credit cards for temporary residents.

	Eligibility requirements	Credit card examples
	Must have arrived in Canada within the last 5 years Deposit required (for a secured credit card) if you have no credit history Proof of your status like your Canadian Permanent Resident Card, confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688), or your work or study permit (IMM 1442) 2 pieces of ID SIN number Learn more: BMO NewStart Program	BMO CashBack Mastercard BMO eclipse rise Visa Card BMO AIR MILES Mastercard
	Must live in Canada Valid (non-expired) Canadian work permit (IMM 1442) for at least a 12-month term Government-issued photo ID Must be the age of majority in your province or territory Learn more: CIBC newcomer banking offers	CIBC Aventura Gold Visa Card CIBC Aventura Visa Card CIBC Dividend Visa Card CIBC Dividend Platinum Visa Card
	Available to permanent residents, temporary workers and international students Be 18+ years old Can open an account from 90 days before arrival up to 5 years after arrival in Canada Learn more: National Bank’s newcomer offers	National Bank mycredit Mastercard National Bank MC1 Mastercard National Bank Allure Mastercard National Bank Syncro Mastercard National Bank Platinum Mastercard National Bank ECHO Cashback Mastercard
	Proof of your status Must have arrived in Canada within the past 12 months (for permanent residents and international students) or 48 months (for temporary resident workers) If you don’t qualify for an unsecured credit card, you might still qualify for a secured credit card (requires a deposit) Learn more: RBC Newcomer Advantage	RBC Cash Back Mastercard RBC ION Visa RBC Avion Visa Platinum Card RBC US Dollar Visa Gold
	Proof of your status. Must be an international student, foreign worker or permanent resident from 0–5 years in Canada Other government-issued photo ID Foreign worker must provide a letter from their Canadian employer stating their annual income Must reside in Canada Be the age of majority in your province or territory Learn more: Scotiabank Newcomers Banking Package	Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Card Scotiabank American Express Card Scotiabank Value Visa Card
	Be a permanent or temporary resident of Canada for 5 years or less Proof of your status Other government-issued ID Be the age of majority in your province or territory Have never had a TD chequing account Learn more: TD’s newcomer banking options	TD Cash Back Visa Card TD Rewards Visa Card TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum Card

Compare credit cards for temporary residents

1 - 5 of 5

Product CACCF	Welcome Offer	Rewards	Purchase Interest Rate	Annual Fee	Min. Credit Score	Description
RBC Cash Back Mastercard	N/A	Up to 2% cash back	20.99%	$0	Min. recommended credit score: 650	Get up to 2% unlimited cash back on grocery store purchases, and up to 1% cash back on all other qualifying purchases and pre-authorized payments.	Go to siteMore Info Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Scotiabank Value Visa Card	0% on balance transfers for 10 months	N/A	13.99%	$0 annual fee for the first year ($29 thereafter)	Min. recommended credit score: 670	Get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first 10 months. Plus, pay no annual fee in the first year. Apply by January 2, 2025.	Go to siteMore Info Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card	10% cash back	Up to 2% cash back	20.95%	$0	Min. recommended credit score: 600	Earn 10% cash back (up to $100) when you spend $1,000 in the first 2 months. Valid until January 31, 2025. Plus, get a 1.95% interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months.	Go to siteMore Info Compare	loading Fetching your data...
BMO CashBack Mastercard	5% cash back	Up to 3% cash back	20.99%	$0	Min. recommended credit score: 660	Get 5% cash back on all eligible purchases in the first three months of card membership (up to max. spend of $2,500). Plus, get a rate of 0.99% on balance transfers for 9 months. A 2% fee applies to transferred balances.	Go to siteMore Info Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Card	Up to 5% cash back	1% cash back	19.99%	$0	Min. recommended credit score: 650	Earn 5% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 spend). Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months with no balance transfer fee. Apply by October 31, 2025.	Go to siteMore Info Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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2. Purchase a prepaid credit card for non-residents in Canada

You need to load money onto a prepaid credit card for temporary residents to use it. Buy these cards from grocery stores, or apply at your bank or financial institution. Prepaid cards come with a 0% interest rate and don’t affect your credit score.

Example: Neo Money Account Prepaid Card

3. Sign up for a secured credit card for temporary residents

Secured credit cards for temporary residents require you to put money down in advance as collateral to secure the money you borrow. This deposit can be used by your provider to pay off your balance if you default on your payments. You’ll pay interest on any money you borrow with a secured card and your credit score can go up or down depending on how often you make regular payments.

Examples: Capital One Secured Credit Card

Use a Visa Debit or Debit Mastercard

If you need a credit card to shop online or pay bills, you may be able to get by with a Visa Debit or Debit Mastercard. These are debit cards that are affiliated with a credit card but only allow you to spend money out of your bank account.

Examples: ScotiaCard Visa Debit (earn Scene+ rewards points on your purchases) and the BMO Debit Mastercard

How foreign workers and work permit holders can apply for a credit card as a non-permanent resident in Canada

• Eligibility requirements

  The eligibility criteria you’ll need to meet to get a credit card for non-residents in Canada depends on the type of card you get.

  • Newcomer to Canada credit card. You’ll usually need to provide proof of residency and a Canadian bank account to qualify for these cards. You’ll also need to be the age of majority in your province of residence.
  • Prepaid credit card. Prepaid cards don’t typically have eligibility requirements, since cardholders must provide a deposit that becomes your credit limit (you don’t use borrowed funds). If you need a credit card for work permit holders in Canada, this can be a great option.
  • Secured credit card. You typically need to show proof of residency and have a Canadian bank account to qualify. You also need enough money to secure your credit limit (usually between $500 and $10,000).
  • Visa Debit or Debit Mastercard. Most Canadian banks issue a Visa Debit or Debit Mastercard when you open a bank account. So, you need to be eligible for a Canadian bank account to qualify for this type of card.

• Required documents

  You may need some or all of the following documents to qualify for credit cards for temporary residents:

  • Visa or residency permit. Provide a copy of your valid temporary, student or work visa.
  • Passport. Supply your passport number and/or a digital copy of your passport photo page.
  • Address. You must have a valid Canadian address to apply for a credit card for temporary residents in Canada.
  • School or employment details. You may need to provide information about your employment or school, including your expected income.
  • Bank account information. Provide details of your Canadian bank account such as the transit (branch) number, institution number and account number.

Using a credit card to build your credit score in Canada

Using a credit card for temporary residents in Canada can help you build your credit score as an immigrant. This makes it easier to get approved for low interest rates on future loans and mortgages. Building your Canadian credit history is important since banks will only look at this score—not your credit score in your home country—to determine your eligibility for financing in Canada.

If you have bad credit in your home country, this means you get a fresh start in Canada. But it can be a bad thing if you had good credit before coming to Canada, since you’ll have to reestablish your credit score. If you have good credit at home, you may want to provide proof of this to your credit card issuer in case it increases your odds of approval.

How do I check my Canadian credit score?

You can request a free copy of your credit report each year from Canada’s main credit bureaus, Equifax and TransUnion. Requests can be submitted by phone, email, online or by visiting an Equifax or TransUnion office.

Be prepared to provide two pieces of ID, including Canadian government-issued ID like a Permanent Resident Card, Certificate of Indian Status, Citizenship and Immigration form or a provincial ID card. At least one piece of ID must show your Canadian address.

What to know about building credit as a new Canadian

If you don’t have permanent ties to Canada, you’ll likely be seen by credit card issuers as a high-risk borrower. Before you apply for credit cards for temporary residents, consider the following:

• You may be asked to provide reference checks. For some applications, you’ll be asked to supply names and contact information for Canadian residents who can confirm the details you provide on your application. This could include your landlord, employer or anyone else you have a financial relationship with.
• Your first Canadian card will likely have a low credit limit. As a temporary resident, you’ll probably be granted a much lower credit card limit than you might expect. Use the card regularly and make repayments on time to apply for a credit limit increase in the future.
• Pay your bills on time. Your payment history with Canadian phone, internet and electric companies might be reviewed for signs of late payments or defaults. If you want to qualify for other credit products in Canada as a temporary resident, aim to have excellent credit while you’re here.
• You might not find out why your application was denied. Card issuers might not explain why your application was rejected if you’re a temporary resident applying for a credit card. This can also be true for applicants who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Pros and cons of getting a card as a temporary resident, work permit holder or foreign worker in Canada

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Bottom line

If you’re looking to find the best credit card for temporary residents in Canada, you have several options. These include signing up for a newcomer to Canada banking program credit card or using your Visa Debit or Debit Mastercard instead of a credit card.

You might also be eligible for a secured or prepaid credit card. Compare Canadian credit cards for non-residents to find the best fit for your needs and budget.

Credit cards for temporary residents in Canada FAQs

• Can a non-resident get a credit card in Canada?

  Yes. Non-residents can get a credit card in Canada if they sign up for a newcomers banking package or put money down to get a secured or prepaid card.

• Can I get a Canadian credit card as an American?

  A US citizen can get a Canadian credit card if they are living temporarily in Canada and can show proof of a Canadian address. They won't typically be eligible to apply if they're trying to get a Canadian credit card while living in the US.

• What's the best card for international students in Canada?

  That depends on whether you want access to credit or you would prefer to prepay your card. If you want to keep your interest rates down, you might like to choose the Scotiabank Value Visa Card. To earn rewards, you could sign up for the TD Rewards Visa Card.

  If you would prefer a prepaid or secured credit card for international students in Canada, you may want to look into the KOHO Prepaid Mastercard or the Home Trust Secured Card.

• What's the best credit card for work permit holders in Canada?

  Similar to international students, the top credit card for work permit holders in Canada depends on the type of credit card you want. Your best bet is to compare credit cards and newcomer to Canada banking programs to find the best fit for you.

  You can also explore secured or prepaid credit cards if you're having trouble qualifying for an unsecured card. The market in Canada for prepaid cards is expanding and there are now great pre-paid cards that come with rewards perks like credit cards.

• What happens if I default on my credit card and leave the country?

  Collections proceedings will begin against you and will continue if you ever decide to return to Canada.

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Stacie Hurst as part of our fact-checking process.