Finder makes money from featured partners, but editorial opinions are our own.
Credit cards for temporary residents in Canada
Find out how you can get a credit card as a temporary resident, work permit holder or immigrant to 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.
What is a temporary resident or work permit holder in Canada?
A temporary resident is a non-citizen or non-permanent resident of Canada who is legally authorized to enter the country for work, study or tourism purposes. Most temporary residents have a work permit, visa or residency permit allowing them to stay in Canada for a specific time period ranging from one day to three years.
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 | |
|---|---|---|
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
|
|
 |
| |
 |
|
Compare credit cards for temporary residents
1 - 5 of 5
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
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.
Does your credit score follow you to another country?
Banks and credit card issuers in Canada only consider your Canadian credit history. Having an excellent (or bad) credit score overseas won’t impact your application for a credit card in Canada.
But if you don’t have many details on your Canadian credit file as a temporary resident, providing accurate details and additional documents will help support your application and your chance of approval. Learn more about the credit score you need to get a credit card.
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
Pros
- Build your credit. If you plan to become a permanent resident of Canada, getting a credit card as a temporary resident will help you build your Canadian credit history.
- Flexible payments. Credit cards for temporary residents allow you to make purchases in local stores using credit, which you can then pay off as you please.
- Increased borrowing power. It may be easier to get approval for loans or a mortgage if you already have a credit card issued by a Canadian bank and maintain a good credit history.
- Make bill payments. Getting a Canadian credit card for non-residents might make it easier for you to set up a mobile phone or utilities contract as you get settled in the country.
- Rewards. Some credit cards offer cash back, rewards points or special offers at specific retailers.
Cons
- Limited availability. Not all financial institutions offer credit cards to temporary residents, and those that do might only offer a limited selection of cards.
- Higher income requirements. You might need to meet high income requirements, since you don’t have a credit score to prove your creditworthiness.
- Credit history. Your credit score in Canada could go down if you apply for a credit card and you’re declined (since applying typically requires a hard credit check).
- Debt. If you don’t pay off your balance promptly, you’ll gain debt, pay interest and weaken your debt-to-income ratio, which could lower your credit score.
Why you can trust Finder's credit card experts
We're free
Our comparison tables are completely free to use. We link you directly to the lender's secure application page. Sometimes, we have exclusive offers that you won't find on any other site.
We're experts
We've researched 150+ cards and published hundreds of financial guides. Our work has been referenced in major media outlets like The Globe and Mail, BNN Bloomberg and the Financial Post.
We're independent
We're not owned by a bank or lender. That means our opinions are our own, and you can compare a wide selection of Canadian credit cards on Finder.
We're here to help
We've helped thousands of people compare offers and find a credit card. We'll never ask for your personal information. We're here to help you make a decision.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
More resources on Finder
More guides on Finder
-
Compare Rogers credit cards
Learn how you can compare Rogers credit cards to get the best card for your unique financial situation.
-
Credit cards with no credit check
Despite your credit history, it is possible to get a credit card without a credit check. Here’s how.
-
4 best credit cards for fair credit in Canada
Check out the best credit cards for fair credit, and learn how a fair credit score of 560-659 can impact your card options.
-
US dollar credit cards in Canada
Do you travel, work or spend money in the US frequently? Find out if a US dollar credit card is the right fit for you.
-
Compare Coast Capital Savings credit cards
Compare the pros and cons of no-fee, low-interest and travel rewards credit cards on offer from Coast Capital Savings.
-
Using a credit card internationally
Going abroad and wondering whether you can use your credit card while travelling? Here’s the lowdown on credit cards vs. cash, fees, and which cards to get.
-
Best credit cards for teens under 18 years old
Find out how old you have to be to get to get a credit card in Canada and learn how your child can qualify if they’re under 18.
-
Best instant approval credit cards
Find out how you can apply for a credit card and get a response within 60 seconds.
-
Credit card insurance
Why pay for insurance? Credit card insurance has you covered when you travel, for purchase protection, extended warranties and more.
-
Credit union credit cards
Our guide covers what a credit union credit card is, how it’s different from a bank’s credit card, the pros and cons of having one and more.