Best Credit Cards for Newcomers to Canada 2025
If you’ve just arrived in Canada, building credit is probably near the top of your to-do list. The catch: you typically need an established credit history to get a card. That’s where newcomer-friendly cards — both secured and unsecured cards — come in.
NerdWallet Canada’s editorial team reviewed hundreds of credit cards to find the best newcomer-friendly options and select our top picks for 2025.
NerdWallet Canada's Top Picks for 2025
Best newcomer credit cards for 2025
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BACK TO TOPNewcomer’s guide to Canadian credit cards
What to know about newcomer credit cards
Credit history generally doesn’t transfer across borders. In Canada, a good credit score can help you rent a home, secure a loan (e.g., a mortgage), or qualify for premium credit cards with top-tier perks.
If you’re a newcomer, getting a credit card can help you build up a credit file from scratch — something that lenders, landlords and some employers may review.
Types of newcomer credit cards
Credit cards for newcomers typically come in a two forms:
Secured cards require a refundable cash deposit; your credit limit typically matches your deposit (subject to issuer minimums/maximums).
Unsecured newcomer cards are traditional credit cards tied to a newcomer program or marketed to newcomers. Eligibility may weigh factors like income, banking relationship and immigration status rather than deep Canadian credit history.
Prepaid cards can also be useful for everyday spending and budgeting, but they usually don’t help build credit.
Credit limits and deposits
Secured: Your deposit sets the limit, within the issuer’s range. The issuer may set a maximum deposit, such as $10,000.
Unsecured: Starting limits are often modest (such as $5,000) and can increase with on-time payments and income verification, depending on the issue,
Application timing and requirements
You typically need to be in Canada with a valid residential address before applying. When you’re ready, expect to provide ID and immigration documents (e.g., PR confirmation, work or study permit) and sometimes a Social Insurance Number to verify identity and report to credit bureaus.
Some banks may require you to open a newcomer chequing account before applying — especially for unsecured options tied to a newcomer banking package.
» MORE: How to apply for a Social Insurance Number
Other eligibility factors
You may need to prove newcomer status — for example, permanent resident status within the last five years. Foreign workers may need a work permit that’s valid for at least 12 months.
Issuers may also consider income, employment or offer letter, housing costs, age, and other factors.
How to build credit with a newcomers credit card
Here are a few quick tips for building your credit with a credit card:
Pay on time (ideally in full). Avoiding interest and missed payments drives the strongest signals.
Keep balances low. Aim to use ~30% or less of your limit (lower is better).
Apply thoughtfully. Too many applications in a short span can hurt approval odds; start with one card you can manage.
Automate what you can. Set up autopay to skip missed due dates.
Consider other reported bills. Some phone/internet providers report payment activity; on-time payments help, missed ones hurt.
Build your banking relationship. If a bank requires a chequing account for newcomers, use it responsibly — consistent history can support future credit-line increases or upgrades.
DIVE EVEN DEEPER
Shannon Terrell
Beth Buczynski