| | | | |

Best Current First Year Fee Waived Cards for March 2023

ByMatt

We are back this month with the top first year fee waived promotions. See the commentary under each credit card for more thoughts on each offer.

Limited Time First Year Fee Waived Offers

We have listed the cards based on their promotional expiry dates, categorised by month. If there is a tie-break, it is ranked by annual fee (lowest to highest), after which it will go alphabetically.

April 2023

Scotiabank Gold American Express

  • $120 annual fee (first year fee waived) (apply before April 30, 2023)
  • $29 annual fee for a supplementary cardholder
  • Earn 45,000 sign up bonus Scene+ points (earn 25,000 after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months and an additional 20,000 points after spending $7,500 in the first year) (apply before April 30, 2023)
  • Earn 6 points for every $1 spent at Chalo! FreshCo, Co-Op, Foodland, FreshCo, IGA, IGA West, Les Marchés Tradition, Rachelle Béry, Safeway, Sobeys, Thrifty Foods, Voilà par IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Voilà by Sobeys
  • Earn 5 points for every $1 spent on grocery, dining, entertainment and daily transit
  • Earn 3 points for every $1 spent on gas, transit, and select streaming services
  • Earn these 6, 5 and 3 multiplier bonus points on the first $50,000 in annual spending cumulative of the above mentioned categories
  • Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases and thereafter
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Have at least $12,000 in personal annual income

Since the revamp of its program, and full integration with Scotiabank, it has become much easier to earn Scene+ points. So historically speaking, this is an ultra high sign up bonus for Scene+ points.

Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card

  • $120 annual fee (first year fee waived) (apply before April 30, 2023)
  • $50 annual fee for a supplementary cardholder
  • Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases) (apply before April 30, 2023)
  • Earn 4% cash back for every $1 spent on grocery purchases and recurring bill payments
  • Earn 2% cash back for every $1 spent on gas and daily transit
  • Earn 1% cash back for every $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Have at least $60,000 in personal annual income, $100,000 in annual household income or $250,000 in assets under management

If you went back just 2 or more years ago, a 10% cash back bonus and first year fee waived offer would seem out of this world. But now it has become quite standard to see such an offer as you will notice as you go down today’s list (see BMO, TD below).

May 2023

Laurentian Bank Visa Cashback

  • $65 annual fee (first year fee waived) (apply by May 15, 2023)
  • No annual fee for a supplementary cardholder
  • Earn $100 cash back for setting up pre-authorized payment within the first 3 months
  • Earn $50 cash back for adding an authorized user
  • Earn $50 cash back for setting up an installment plan for an eligible purchase within the first 3 months
  • Earn $20 cash back for referring a friend or family member to this card
  • Earn 6% cash back for every $1 spent on gas, grocery and recurring payments (on the first $5,000 in overall spending) (apply by May 15, 2023)
  • Earn 2% for every $1 spent on all other purchases (on the first $5,000 in overall spending) (apply by May 15, 2023)
  • Earn 2% cash back for every $1 spent on gas, groceries and recurring bills (after the first $5,000 in overall spending)
  • Earn 1% cash back for every $1 spent on all other purchases (after the first $5,000 in overall spending)

Laurentian Bank has revamped its credit card portfolio this month (February 2023) and this is one of its latest additions! They are kicking things off with quite a bang, considering the first year fee is waived. There is also the card right below that is new from Laurentian Bank.

Laurentian Bank Visa Infinite

  • $130 annual fee (first year fee waived) (apply by May 15, 2023)
  • $50 annual fee for supplementary cardholders (first year fee waived on the first 2 cards) (apply by May 15, 2023)
  • Earn 10,000 bonus points for setting up pre-authorized payment within the first 3 months
  • Earn 5,000 bonus points for setting up an installment plan for an eligible purchase within the first 3 months
  • Earn 2,000 bonus points for referring a friend or family member to this card
  • Earn 12 points for every $1 spent on gas, grocery, travel, transportation and recurring payments (on the first $5,000 in overall spending) (apply by May 15, 2023)
  • Earn 6 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases (on the first $5,000 in overall spending) (apply by May 15, 2023)
  • Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on gas, groceries, travel, transportation and recurring bills (after the first $5,000 in overall spending)
  • Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases (after the first $5,000 in overall spending)

Laurentian Bank has revamped its credit card portfolio this month (February 2023) and this is one of its latest additions! They are kicking things off with quite a bang, considering the first year fee is waived. There is also the card right above that is new from Laurentian Bank.

TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum Card

  • $89 annual fee (first year fee waived) (apply by May 28, 2023)
  • $35 annual fee for supplementary cardholders
  • Earn 20,000 sign up Aeroplan bonus points (earn 10,000 points after the first purchase and another 10,000 points after spending a $1,000 in the first 90 days) (apply by May 28, 2023)
  • Earn 1 point per $1 spent on Air Canada, gas and grocery purchases
  • Earn 1 point per $1.50 spent on all other purchases

First year fee waived offers are a great way to rack up sign up bonuses at no cost. This card is a great way for people who are new to the miles and points world to jump start their Aeroplan account because it has a lower qualification threshold.

TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card

  • $139 annual fee (first year fee waived for applying by May 28, 2023)
  • $75 annual fee for supplementary cardholders
  • Earn 55,000 sign up Aeroplan bonus points (earn 10,000 points after the first purchase within the first 3 months, earn 30,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first 180 days and earn 15,000 points after spending $7,500 in the first 12 months) (for applying by May 28, 2023)
  • Earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on Air Canada, gas and grocery purchases
  • Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Have at least $60,000 in personal annual income or $100,000 household income

In addition to the first year fee waived, this is the highest Aeroplan sign up bonus offer by this TD card that we have ever seen. This is as great a time as any to get this card.

TD Cash Back Visa Infinite Card

  • $139 annual fee (first year fee waived if you apply by May 28, 2023)
  • $50 annual fee for supplementary cardholders
  • Earn 10% cash back on all purchases (for the first 3 months, up to $2,000 in spending) (apply by May 28, 2023)
  • Earn 3% cash back on gas, grocery and recurring bill payments thereafter (on first $15,000 in annual spending per category, including the 3 month bonus promotion)
  • Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • Have at least $60,000 in personal annual income or $100,000 in annual household income

As mentioned earlier when we highlighted the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card, a 10% cash back and first year fee waived offer is fairly standard these days, so don’t settle for less!

TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card

  • $139 annual fee (first year fee waived) (apply by May 28, 2023)
  • $50 annual fee for supplementary cardholder
  • Earn 145,000 sign up bonus TD Rewards Points after the first purchase (earn 20,000 TD Rewards Points after the first purchase and earn 115,000 TD Rewards Points after spending $5,000 within 180 days, earn a Birthday Bonus of up to 10,000 TD Rewards Points) (apply by May 28, 2023)
  • Earn 8 TD Rewards Points for every $1 spent when booking travel online through Expedia for TD
  • Earn 2 TD Rewards Points for every $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Have at least $60,000 in personal annual income or $100,000 household income

In addition to the first year fee waived, this is the highest ever TD Rewards sign up bonus offer by this card that we have ever seen. This is as great a time as any to get this card.

TD Aeroplan Visa Business Card

  • $149 annual fee (first year fee waived for applying by May 28, 2023)
  • $49 annual fee for supplementary cardholder
  • Earn 60,000 sign up Aeroplan bonus points (earn 10,000 points after the first purchase, earn 20,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months and earn 2,500 points for spending $2,500 each month in the first 12 months, up to 30,000 points) (apply by May 28, 2023)
  • Earn 2 points per $1 spent on Air Canada purchases
  • Earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on shipping, internet, cable, phone services, travel and dining purchases
  • Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Receive 4 Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge passes
  • Receive free first checked bag (up to 8 additional companions)
  • Receive $100 NEXUS application credit once every 48 months (applies to supplementary cardholders too)

In addition to the first year fee waived, this is the highest Aeroplan sign up bonus offer by this card that we have ever seen. This is as great a time as any to get this card.

TD Business Travel Visa Card

  • $149 annual fee (first year fee waived for applying by May 28, 2023)
  • $49 annual fee for a supplementary cardholder
  • Earn 150,000 sign up bonus TD Rewards points (earn 30,000 TD Rewards Points after the first purchase, earn 60,000 TD Rewards Points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months and earn 5,000 TD Rewards points for spending $2,500 each month in the first 12 months) (apply by May 28, 2023)
  • Earn 9 TD Rewards Points for every $1 spent when booking travel online through ExpediaforTD.com
  • Earn 6 TD Rewards Points for every $1 spent on foreign currency purchases, restaurant and regularly recurring bill payments
  • Earn 2 TD Rewards Points for every $1 spent on all other purchases

TD is really pumping out the sign up bonus and first year fee waived offers. Again, this is the highest ever TD Rewards sign up bonus offer by this card that we have ever seen. This is as great a time as any to get this card.

HSBC World Elite® MasterCard (non-QC residents only)*

  • $149 annual fee (a full annual fee rebate for the primary cardholder for the first year* for applying before May 31, 2023)
  • Authorized User Annual Fee: $50 Per Card
  • Earn up to 80,000 points (earn 20,000 Welcome Bonus points, earn 1,000 points for spending $1,000 each month, within the first 6 months of account opening, to a maximum of 60,000 points) (apply before May 31, 2023)
  • Earn 6 HSBC points for every $1 spent on travel purchases
    Earn 4 HSBC points for every $1 spent on drugstore, gas and grocery purchases
    Earn 2 HBSC points for every $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Receive $100 annual travel enhancement credit*
  • Receive a Boingo membership
  • No foreign transaction fees (only the exchange rate will apply)
  • Have at least $80,000 in personal annual income, $150,000 household income or have $400,000 asset under management in Canada

*Terms and Conditions apply

®/TM Mastercard and World Elite are registered trademarks, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Used pursuant to licence.

HSBC’s card is the only first year fee waived offer that is expiring this month. Note that this offer is for non-Quebec residents only. Unfortunately, the Quebec only offer does not have a first year fee waived promotion.

June 2023

National Bank World Elite Mastercard

  • $150 annual fee (first year fee reimbursed) (apply before June 30, 2023)
  • Earn 70,000 sign up bonus points (earn 30,000 after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months, earn 10,000 for signing up for the insurance for a minimum of 3 months, earn 30,000 after the first year anniversary and spending $12,000 within the first 12 months) (apply before June 30, 2023 and must not currently hold a personal National Bank Mastercard credit card or have held one in the last 24 months)
  • Earn 1.5 points per dollar in purchases (on the first $0 to $40,000 in purchases in an anniversary year)
  • Earn 2 points per dollar in purchases (on the next $40,001 to $80,000 in an anniversary year)
  • Earn 1.5 points per dollar in purchases (on $80,001 and more in purchases in an anniversary year)
  • Unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at the Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
  • Received $250 on seat selection, airport parking and baggage fees (annually)
  • Have at least $80,000 in personal annual income, $150,000 household income or have $400,000 asset under management. Or $25,000 in minimum purchases per year (existing client only)

If you are able to frequently use the National Bank Lounge at the YUL airport, this is as good a time as any to get the card, especially considering its first year fee reimbursed.

Credit terms

Grace period: No interest will be charged on purchases made during the month, provided the client pays the balance in full within twenty-one (21) days of the statement date. This grace period does not apply to cash advances or balance transfers. Minimum payment: If your account balance is lower than $10, you must pay the entire balance. If you reside in the province of Quebec, your minimum payment will correspond to 5% of the credit card account balance plus any overdue payment or $10, whichever amount is higher. If you reside outside of Quebec, your minimum payment represents 2.5% of the credit card account balance plus any overdue payment or $10, whichever amount is higher. Account statement: A statement is sent monthly. 

Example of credit charges over a 30-day period 

Annual interest rate Average balance 
 $500 $3,000 
22.49% $9.24 $55.45 
20.99% $8.63 $51.76 
12.90% $5.30 $31.81 
8.9% $3.66 $21.95 

*Variable interest rate in effect on September 1, 2021 

Balance transfer and cash advance are subject to credit approval by National Bank. Each balance transfer must be at least $250. 

Details of eligible rewards points

Certain restrictions apply. For more information, consult the Rewards plan section or the Plan rules regarding how to earn points. 

The amount of points earned on grocery and restaurant purchases depends on the total gross monthly amount charged to the credit card account, regardless of the purchase category. You will earn 5 points for every dollar in eligible grocery and restaurant purchases until a total of $2,500 in gross monthly purchases is charged to the account. After that, you will earn 2 points per dollar in eligible grocery and restaurant purchases. The total gross monthly amount is calculated based on your monthly billing period. Grocery purchases include any purchase made at a store that primarily sells food, i.e., grocery store, delicatessen, supermarket, greengrocer or specialty food store. Ready-to-eat meal services and meal delivery services are eligible. This definition excludes purchases made at retail stores and big box stores whose core business is the sale of non-food items. Certain merchants may sell products and services that appear identical or similar to those sold by eligible merchants, or may be separate merchants located on the same premises as eligible merchants, but are classified in different categories by Mastercard. For purchases at other merchants, you will only earn regular rewards points. Restaurant purchases include purchases at a restaurant, fast food restaurant, bar, nightclub or pub. For a full list of Mastercard codes associated with eligible merchants, download the terms and conditions of the À la carte Rewards Plan®. 

 To earn 2 points per dollar in purchases, you will need to purchase gas or an electrical vehicle charge from a service station or from certain big-box stores. Certain merchants may sell products and services that appear identical or similar to those sold by eligible merchants, or may be separate merchants located on the same premises as eligible merchants, but are classified in different categories by Mastercard. For purchases at other merchants, you will only earn regular rewards points. For a full list of Mastercard codes associated with eligible merchants, download the terms and conditions of the À la carte Rewards Plan®. 

Recurring bill payments are defined as monthly or regular payments automatically charged by a merchant to your National Bank World Elite Mastercard credit card. Not all merchants offer recurring bill payments, and not all recurring payments are considered recurring bill payments. Certain payments therefore may not entitle you to earn more points. 

 To earn 2 points per dollar in purchases, you must make your eligible purchases via the À la carte TravelTM Agency section of our À la carte RewardsTM site. 

 For example, if each month you charge $400 in groceries, $200 in gas, $100 in recurring bill payments and $150 in other purchases to your card, your $850 in purchases will earn you 2,750 points, as follows: 2,000 points for grocery purchases (since the total gross monthly amount is $850, i.e., under $2,500), 400 points for gas purchases, 200 points for recurring bill payments and 150 points for other purchases.

National Bank Lounge conditions

 Exclusively available to World Elite Mastercard cardholders. Visitors must present their physical credit card and boarding pass to access the National Bank Lounge. The National Bank Lounge is only available to clients travelling to international destinations (excluding Canada and U.S. flights). Guests cannot spend more than three (3) hours in the Lounge. For National Bank clients who do not have free Lounge access and for additional guests, admission is around $37 for adults and $26 for children, plus tax. Admission is free for children under three years old. The entry price may change at any time without notice and at the discretion of the Lounge operator.

Travel and health insurance conditions

Clients must submit required documents within the given deadline. Certain conditions may apply. Only the primary cardholder (“Cardholder”) of National Bank World Elite Mastercard whose account is in good standing can request a refund of travel expenses. An account in good standing refers to an account linked to a credit card which complies with the Agreement governing the use of the credit card and which is not subject to any restrictions. For example, the annual fees related to the credit card must have been paid in full. The maximum amount that can be submitted for reimbursement between January 1 and December 31 of each year is $150.

Eligible expenses include: 

·   airport parking fees

·   baggage fees

·   seat selection fees

·   access to airport lounges worldwide 

·   airline ticket upgrades

The claim must be submitted within 60 days of the purchase date and accompanied by proof of purchase. The travel fees must be charged to the National Bank World Elite Mastercard credit card. The maximum reimbursement amount is $150 per account. The refund will be issued within 7 business days following the request approval date and after receiving all required information. An amount not claimed in a year cannot be carried over to the following year. For more information or to obtain the refund form, sign in to rewards.nbc.ca, click the Refund of travel expenses tab and complete the form, you can also contact us at 1-888-296-8881 (toll-free).  

This coverage applies to purchases and rentals charged in part to the card, except out-of-province medical/hospital insurance for which the travel arrangements need not be charged to the card and lost or delayed luggage insurance where all transportation costs must be charged to the card. This coverage applies to the primary cardholder, their spouse and/or dependent children when they (spouse and/or dependent children) travel with the primary cardholder. Extended warranty coverage applies to most new items purchased with the card, in Canada or abroad, as long as the manufacturer’s warranty is valid in Canada. Certain conditions and restrictions apply. For more information and for details of your insurance coverage, please consult the insurance certificate associated with your card. 

Mobile devices protection:

Up to $1,000 in the event of breakage, loss or theft for a maximum of 2 years after the purchase date. The device must have been purchased using your National Bank World Elite Mastercard credit card, or your phone plan must be paid via recurring payments charged to your National Bank World Elite credit card starting September 1, 2022. For complete terms and conditions, please consult the insurance certificate associated with your card. 

July 2023

BMO Air Miles World Elite MasterCard

  • $120 annual fee (first year fee waived) (apply before July 31, 2023)
  • $50 annual fee for a supplementary cardholder
  • Earn 2,000 sign up bonus Air Miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months (apply before July 31, 2023)
  • Earn 1 Air Mile for every $10 on all purchases
  • Have at least $80,000 in personal annual income or $150,000 in annual household income

The first year fee waiver has been a staple for this card. It continues to be extended year after year.

BMO CashBack World Elite MasterCard

  • $120 annual fee (first year fee waived) (apply before July 31, 2023)
  • Earn 10% cash back on all purchases (for the first 3 months, up to $2,000 in spending or $200 in cash back) (apply before July 31, 2023)
  • Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases
  • Receive cash back: (1) direct deposit into a BMO chequing, savings or InvestorLine account; or (2) a statement credit
  • Redeem: (1) annually; (2) when a recurring amount has accumulated a minimum of $50 and in increments of $10; or (3) a one-time lump sum with a minimum of $50 and in increments of $10

As mentioned when we highlighted the Scotiabank Momentum and TD Cash Bach, this is another 10% cash back and first year fee waived offer!

BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Card

  • $120 annual fee (first year fee waived) (apply before July 31, 2023)
  • Earn 10% more points for adding a supplementary cardholders
  • Earn 60,000 sign up bonus BMO Reward points (earn 30,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months, and 2,500 points for each subsequent month after spending $2,000 for up to 12 months) (apply before July 31, 2023)
  • Receive an annual $50 lifestyle credit
  • Earn 5 points for every $1 spent on groceries, dinning in and out, gas and transit purchases
  • Earn 1 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Have at least $60,000 in personal annual income or $100,000 household income

In addition to the first year fee waived, this is the highest ever BMO Rewards sign up bonus offer by this card that we have ever seen. This is as great a time as any to get this card.

BMO World Elite MasterCard

  • $150 annual fee (first year fee waived) (apply before July 31, 2023)
  • $50 annual fee for each supplementary card
  • Earn 60,000 sign up bonus BMO Reward points (earn 30,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months, and 2,500 points for each subsequent month after spending $2,000 for up to 12 months) (apply before July 31, 2023)
  • Earn 3 points for every $1 spent on travel, dining and entertainment purchases
  • Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Receive 4 free lounge passes with MasterCard Airport Experiences
  • Have at least $80,000 in personal annual income or $150,000 household income

In addition to the first year fee waived, this is the highest ever BMO Rewards sign up bonus offer by this card that we have ever seen. This is as great a time as any to get this card.

December 2023

BMO Rewards Business MasterCard

  • $120 annual fee (first year fee waived) (apply before December 31, 2023)
  • $50 annual fee for a supplementary cardholder
  • Earn 50,000 sign up bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months (apply before December 31, 2023)
  • Earn 3 BMO Reward points for every $1 spent on gas, office supplies, cell phone and internet recurring payments
  • Earn 1.5 BMO Reward points for every $1 spent on all purchases

If you can make use of multiplier bonuses to fast track your BMO Rewards balance, this is a decent business card to have considering the first year fee waiver offer.

Note that we have two other monthly lists:

If you would like to see other lists or see any missing offers in this post, please let us know in the comment section below!

2 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.