Credit cards don’t exist solely to help you spend money. If you choose the right one for your lifestyle, you can earn just by doing your regular shopping. The key is to choose a credit card with a solid and worthwhile rewards program that suits you. First, let’s clarify what a rewards credit card is.

What Are Rewards Credit Cards, Credit card rewards programs come in different formats, but the basic idea is the same; you earn a fixed number of points for every dollar that you spend. Once you’ve earned enough points, you can redeem them for different types of rewards, depending on the specific card.

When trying to determine the best rewards card for you, consider your spending patterns. Your card should allow you to earn points when buying the items you would be purchasing anyway. For example, if you are a frequent business traveler, then a hotel rewards credit card that earns extra points on hotel stays would be a smart choice. A large family would do best with a rewards card that earns points at the grocery store they shop at most frequently, while anyone who covers a lot of miles would benefit from an auto rewards credit card.

We’ve put together the below list to allow you to compare the different options available in Canada with greater ease (click the card names for a super-fast scroll to their respective reviews). The American Express Cobalt is the best rewards credit card in Canada for foodies and bon vivants. 1 spent on eating out in restaurants or bars, as well as on food delivery, and even on your grocery bills. 1 spent on travel—which includes hotel stays, gas, and ground transportation—make it a diverse card as well. 1. Receiving up to 30,000 points as a welcome bonus is obviously another major plus. 500 per month on the card for the rest of the first year.

500 annual fee is deducted - a 3% return on spending. If lower American Express acceptance doesn’t work for you, go with the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite. It gives you a nice balance of rewards earned, perks and insurance, plus a lower annual fee. 399 respectively, but you get a whole range of perks that you won't get with other cards. 200 annual travel credit.

For the CIBC Aerogold Visa Infinite Privilege: 1 free checked bag, free airport lounge access, priority check in and boarding, plus insurance that covers you for flights booked with your points (not just flights paid for with your card). The American Express Gold Rewards Card is also great for getting a big sign up bonus, you’ll need to first transfer your credit card points to some type of airline mile (Aeroplan, for example). 625 worth of flight rewards just for signing up.

If your gas, groceries, drugstores, travel, restaurants, or entertainment purchases make up the majority of your spending - then there are several cards that give you extra rewards on those things. The American Express Cobalt Card gives you the highest return on food of any credit card in Canada right now.

So, whether you’re making home-cooked meals every night, or you’re a take-out kind of person - you’ll be earn 5 points at grocery stores, restaurants and bars. Not to mention the 2 points you can earn on any travel purchases you make - gas and transit included. The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite and Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege are two other great options. If you're looking for a bonus on restaurant and entertainment spending, then the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card (rank 19) can't be beat.

You won't get miles, but you will get travel points that are worth 1 cent each giving you a 1% return on spending. When it comes to travel credit cards, you really do get what you pay for. Premium travel credit cards and annual fees go hand in hand, because fees are needed to help pay for all those increased perks and travel insurance coverage. However, there are still a few travel credit cards without annual fees to choose from. For example, the MBNA Rewards Mastercard (rank 46) would be our number one choice for no fee travel.

This card has lesser rewards, insurance, and perks than its bigger, higher fee, World Elite brothers, but it offers a great starting point if you are looking to get your feet wet in the travel rewards game. Every card from American Express has surprisingly no minimum income requirements - even their premier card, The Platinum Card.