7 Best Store Credit Cards in Canada for 2024
Jun 24, 2024Compare the top store credit cards in Canada and access exclusive rewards and perks for shopping at your favourite retailers.Store credit cards reward brand enthusiasts and devoted shoppers. While you can usually use these co-branded cards anywhere, the highest rewards rates are often reserved for dollars spent at the retailer affiliated with the card.
Best store credit cards in Canada
Rewards breakdown
NerdWallet's take
Card details
Rewards breakdown
NerdWallet's take
Card details
Rewards breakdown
NerdWallet's take
Card details
Rewards breakdown
NerdWallet's take
Card details
Rewards breakdown
NerdWallet's take
Card details
Rewards breakdown
NerdWallet's take
Card details
Rewards breakdown
NerdWallet's take
Card details
Methodology
BACK TO TOPNerdWallet Canada selects the best store credit cards based on their overall consumer value as well as their suitability for specific kinds of consumers. Our evaluation methodology is weighted by the following factors: 50% rewards value, 25% intro offer, and 25% fees and interest. Rewards value considers earning rates, rewards structure, promotional rates and spending categories. The intro offer considers the welcome bonus value, promotional interest rates, and any waived fees. Fees and interest consider interest rates for purchases, balance transfers and cash advances, and additional costs such as foreign transaction fees. Other noteworthy features, such as insurance, special perks and extra benefits, earn unofficial bonus points. Only store credit cards were considered.
Guide to store credit cards in Canada
Numerous retailers in Canada have co-branded store credit cards with brand-specific rewards. You can shop elsewhere with these cards, but expect the most attractive rewards rates on dollars spent with the co-branded retailer.
What is a store credit card?
Store credit cards have an affiliation with a specific company. These co-branded cards are designed to reward brand enthusiasts by earning points associated with an in-house rewards program, like Tims Reward Points or Canadian Tire Money. Or, they may offer a more generic reward, like cash back, with higher earn rates reserved for dollars spent at their respective establishments.
Which stores have credit cards in Canada?
Whether they earn in-house points or offer programs designed to reward loyal shoppers, there are numerous retailers in Canada with credit cards, including:
Amazon.
Canadian Tire.
Costco.
Home Depot.
Hudson’s Bay.
Loblaw.
Tim Hortons.
Walmart.
Benefits of store credit cards
Some of the perks associated with store credit cards include:
No annual fees. Many store credit cards in Canada are available without an annual fee.
Exclusive offers. You can take advantage of cardholder-exclusive store discounts and personalized special offers.
Store rewards. Co-branded credit cards earn points for in-house rewards programs on each eligible dollar spent.
Drawbacks of store credit cards
Be wary of these potential store credit card drawbacks:
Higher interest rates. Some co-branded credit cards carry higher interest rates than cards from traditional financial institutions.
Less insurance coverage. Extended warranty and purchase protection come standard on many store cards but rental car, mobile device and travel insurance are less common.
Frequently asked questions
If I shop at multiple stores, should I get multiple store credit cards?
If I shop at multiple stores, should I get multiple store credit cards?
In general, opening new lines of credit too frequently can have a negative affect on your credit score. So while there’s nothing wrong with holding multiple store cards — especially if they have no annual fee — it’s best to space out your applications.
If you’re trying to decide between two store credit cards, like, say, the Amazon card versus Costco card, you’ll want to carefully consider the perks for each one, as well as how frequently you shop at the stores.
Do store credit cards hurt your credit?
Do store credit cards hurt your credit?
Any type of credit card has the potential to impact your credit. Practicing responsible credit card habits, like intentional spending, paying your card balance in full and keeping your credit utilization ratio below 30%, can help improve your credit score over time.
What’s the most popular store credit card?
What’s the most popular store credit card?
The most popular store credit cards in Canada tend to be for the country’s most visited retailers. Loblaws, Costco and Walmart, for instance, are among some of the most popular big-box stores, and Amazon is an extremely popular online retailer. The Apple Card has also been coveted by many Canadians but is unfortunately only available in the U.S. currently.
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