Recommended Credit Cards for the United States and Canada in 2025
Navigating the world of credit cards can be overwhelming, especially when you’re looking for options that work seamlessly in both the United States and Canada. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a cross-border shopper, or someone who splits time between the two countries, choosing a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, strong rewards, and travel perks is essential. Below, I’ve curated a list of top credit cards for 2025 that cater to these needs, based on the latest information and tailored to offer maximum value. Let’s dive into the best options with specific details to help you make an informed choice.
Top Credit Cards for Use in the United States and Canada
1. Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card (Canada)
- Why It’s Great: This card is a favorite for Canadians who frequently travel to the U.S. or make purchases in USD. It has no foreign transaction fees, saving you the typical 2.5% fee on non-CAD transactions. In 2025, it offers up to $1,300 in value in the first 12 months, including 40,000 bonus Scene+ points (worth approximately $400 in travel rewards).
Key Benefits:
- Earn 3 Scene+ points per $1 spent at participating grocery stores (e.g., Sobey’s, IGA, FreshCo) and 2 points per $1 on dining, entertainment, and daily transit.
- Six complimentary airport lounge visits annually to over 1,200 lounges worldwide.
- Comprehensive travel insurance, including up to 21 days of out-of-province medical coverage, flight delay, and lost baggage insurance.
- $100 NEXUS application fee rebate every four years for smoother cross-border travel.
- Annual Fee: $150 CAD
- Best For: Canadians who want to avoid foreign transaction fees and enjoy robust travel perks for U.S. trips.
Considerations: Requires a minimum individual income of $60,000 or household income of $100,000.
2. American Express Cobalt Card (Canada)
- Why It’s Great: Known for its versatility, the Cobalt Card is a powerhouse for earning rewards on everyday spending, with an estimated $593.80 in net rewards yearly after the annual fee. It’s perfect for those who shop and dine in both Canada and the U.S., offering flexible redemption options for travel.
Key Benefits:
- Earn 5x points on dining and food delivery, 3x on streaming services, 2x on travel, transit, and gas, and 1x on everything else.
- Redeem points at 1:1 with loyalty programs like Aeroplan or use for statement credits (1,000 points = $10 CAD).
- $100 USD hotel credit for dining, spa, or leisure at select hotels.
- Comprehensive travel insurance, including mobile device coverage and hotel/motel burglary insurance.
- Annual Fee: $155.88 CAD ($12.99/month)
- Best For: Canadians seeking high rewards on dining and travel, with flexible points for cross-border purchases.
Considerations: American Express isn’t accepted everywhere (e.g., some Loblaws stores and Costco).
3. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (United States)
- Why It’s Great: A top pick for U.S. residents, this card offers robust travel rewards and no foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for purchases in Canada. In 2025, it provides a 60,000-point welcome bonus after spending $4,000 in the first three months (worth $750 in travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards).
Key Benefits:
- Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x on dining, and 2x on other travel purchases.
- Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase’s portal.
- Comprehensive travel insurance, including trip cancellation and auto rental collision damage waiver.
- No foreign transaction fees, saving 2.5–3% on CAD purchases.
- Annual Fee: $95 USD
- Best For: Americans who travel to Canada or shop internationally and want strong travel rewards.
Considerations: Requires a U.S. address and credit history, which may be a barrier for Canadians without a U.S. presence.
4. CIBC U.S. Dollar Aventura® Gold Visa* Card (Canada)
- Why It’s Great: Designed for Canadians who frequently spend in USD, this card eliminates currency conversion fees on U.S. purchases, making it ideal for cross-border shoppers or snowbirds. It charges transactions directly in USD, avoiding the 2.5% foreign transaction fee.
Key Benefits:
- Earn 1 Aventura point per $1 USD spent, redeemable for travel, gift cards, or merchandise.
- $100,000 Common Carrier Accident Insurance for the primary cardholder, spouse, and dependent children.
- No currency conversion fees on USD purchases, saving approximately $25 per $1,000 spent.
- Annual Fee: $35 USD
- Best For: Canadians who maintain a USD bank account and want to avoid conversion fees on U.S. purchases.
Considerations: Requires a USD bank account to pay the bill, which may involve additional fees if not already set up. Limited insurance compared to premium cards.
5. RBC Bank Visa‡ Signature Black Card (United States)
- Why It’s Great: This no-annual-fee card is tailored for Canadians with cross-border banking needs through RBC’s U.S. arm. It eliminates foreign transaction fees and integrates seamlessly with RBC’s cross-border banking solutions.
Key Benefits:
- No foreign transaction fees, saving 2.5% on CAD purchases.
- Earn 1 Avion point per $1 USD spent, redeemable for travel, gift cards, or 1% cash back.
- Built-in travel insurance, including trip cancellation, lost luggage, and auto collision damage waiver.
- Access to over 50,000 no-fee ATMs for cash withdrawals with a linked RBC U.S. bank account.
- Annual Fee: $0 USD
- Best For: Canadians with U.S. banking relationships or snowbirds who want a cost-effective card for U.S. spending.
Considerations: Must be paired with a U.S. bank account to maximize savings. Limited rewards compared to premium cards.
Key Considerations for Cross-Border Credit Card Use
Foreign Transaction Fees: Most credit cards charge a 2.5–3% fee on transactions in a foreign currency. Cards like the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite and Chase Sapphire Preferred eliminate these fees, saving you $25–$30 per $1,000 spent.
Tips for Choosing the Right Card
- Assess Your Spending Habits: If you spend heavily on dining and groceries, the American Express Cobalt offers unmatched rewards. For travel-focused users, the Scotiabank Passport or Chase Sapphire Preferred provides superior perks.
- Consider Cross-Border Needs: Canadians spending in USD should prioritize U.S. dollar cards or no-foreign-transaction-fee cards to avoid extra costs. Americans traveling to Canada benefit from cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Check Acceptance: Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted than American Express, especially in Canada. If you opt for an Amex card, have a backup Visa or Mastercard.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right credit card for cross-border use between the U.S. and Canada depends on your lifestyle and financial goals. The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite and American Express Cobalt are excellent for Canadians, offering no foreign transaction fees and versatile rewards. For Americans, the Chase Sapphire Preferred stands out for its travel benefits and lack of foreign fees. Canadians with U.S. banking needs can benefit from the CIBC U.S. Dollar Aventura Gold Visa or RBC Bank Visa Signature Black for seamless USD transactions.
Before applying, compare your spending patterns and travel frequency to ensure you maximize rewards and minimize fees. For the latest details, check directly with issuers like Scotiabank (scotiabank.com), American Express (americanexpress.com), Chase (chase.com), CIBC (cibc.com), or RBC Bank (rbcbank.com).
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