The best low interest credit cards in Canada for 2023

Ratehub.ca's take

The MBNA True Line Mastercard is a solid choice for consumers who want to save on interest charges. With this card, you'll enjoy a low, fixed interest rate on purchases (12.99%), balance transfers, and cash advances. This can be a great way to manage your credit card debt and save money on interest charges.

In addition to the low interest rate, the MBNA True Line Mastercard also offers a few other useful features. For example, the card has no annual fee, so you can use it without worrying about added costs. 

Pros

• The low interest rate of 12.99% is fixed and won’t change regardless of your credit rating, income, or the bank’s prime lending rate
• No annual fee and no income requirements to qualify making it very accessible
• Promotional balance transfer of 0% is available for a full year helping pay down or eliminate credit card debt

Cons

• Does not include insurance or other benefits
• This offer is not available to residents of Quebec

Ratehub.ca's take

The CIBC Select Visa is a great choice for those looking for a credit card with competitive interest rates. The below-average APR of 13.99% across the board on purchases, balance transfers, and even cash advances can help you save money on interest charges and make it easier to manage your credit card debt.

The CIBC Select Visa also comes with a number of additional benefits. These include extended warranty and purchase protection, as well as access to CIBC's 24/7 customer service team.

Pros

• Below-average APR of 13.99% across the board on purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances
• Low $29 annual fee (which is rebated for the first year) and has a minimum household income requirement of just $15000, making it easily within reach of most Canadians
• Welcome offer - Transfer your credit card balance. Get 0% interest for up to 10 months with a 1% transfer fee and a first year annual fee rebate.
• Up to three free secondary cards
• One of the few low interest cards to offer additional travel coverage in the form of up to $100,000 in common carrier accident insurance
• Additional benefits include extended warranty, purchase protection, access to CIBC's 24/7 customer service team

Cons

• As a low interest credit card, the CIBC Select Visa doesn’t offer much in the form of perks

Ratehub.ca's take

The BMO Preferred Rate Mastercard is another great credit card option for those looking for a credit card with a low interest rate and additional benefits. The card has a $29 annual fee, but it offers a competitive interest rate on purchases and balance transfers (13.99%). Additionally, the card comes with extended warranty and purchase protection, which can provide peace of mind when making purchases.

One of the standout features of the BMO Preferred Rate Mastercard is its special welcome offer, which can provide additional value for new cardholders. The card also offers Zero Dollar Liability, which protects you from unauthorized purchases made with the credit card.

Overall, the BMO Preferred Rate Mastercard is a good option for those looking for a credit card with a low interest rate and additional benefits.

Pros

• Welcome offer - earn a 0.99% introductory interest rate on Balance Transfers for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee and we'll waive the $29 annual fee for the first year* 
• Includes Zero Dollar Liability, protecting cardholders against unauthorized purchases
• Purchase interest rate of 13.99% is among the lowest in Canada and also applied to balance transfers as well
• The balance transfer promotional period is also longer than those offered by most other credit cards (nine months versus the typical six months), giving you more time to pay down any outstanding debt
• Includes free extended warranty which doubles the manufacturer’s warranty up to one year and purchase protection

Cons

• Has a higher promotional rate for balance transfers, but the offer lasts for a longer period of time

Ratehub.ca's take

The National Bank Syncro Mastercard is another great choice for those looking for a low interest credit card . This card operates a little differently from the other low interest credit cards mentioned higher on this list.

As opposed to having a fixed interest rate, this card has a variable APR that is determined based on the following calculation: prime rate + 4% (minimum of 10.95%) for purchases, and prime rate + 8% (or a minimum of 14.95%) for balance transfers and cash advance. Based on National Bank’s current prime rate of 6.95%, the card’s interest rate is now set at 10.95% for purchases and 14.95% for balance transfers and cash advance – though your credit score may play a role in what rate you get.

Pros

• Includes extended warranty and purchase protection which can provide added peace of mind when making purchases
• Provides access to the Priceless Cities program that allows cardholders to take advantage of curated dining and travel experiences
• Interest rate is based on your credit score, making this a great option for those who are looking to rebuild their credit
• Low annual fee

Cons

• Does not have much to offer in terms of credit card perks

What to know about credit card interest rates - glossary of terms

• APR: Stands for “Annual Percentage Rate” and it used by banks to calculate the amount of interest you owe on a credit card. Interest is expressed as an annual measurement similar to how kilometres per hour is used to calculate a car’s speed. The actual interest owed varies depending on the duration of the balanced owed. For example, if your card has a 19.99% APR and you carry a balance for just one month, your effective interest rate would be approximately 1.67% (19.99% ÷ 12 months). Most cards will have different APRs for different types of transactions (i.e. purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances).
  
  
• Purchase interest rate: This is the rate that typically comes to mind when you think of credit card interest. It is the rate charged on regular everyday purchases made with your credit card, such as groceries or clothes. The purchase interest rate is only applied if you carry a balance. If you pay off your credit card bill in full and on time every month by the due date shown on your statement, the purchase interest rate is not a factor. This is because there is a 21-day interest-free grace period between monthly billing cycles. However, if you don’t pay off your balance in full, you will lose this grace period and interest will be applied to your purchases as you make them.
  
  
• Balance transfer interest rate: This is the rate you would owe on a balance you move from one credit card to another. Unlike the purchase interest rate, this rate does not come with the benefit of an interest-free grace period. Interest starts accumulating immediately on the transferred balance. The balance transfer rate on a credit card is usually the same as its purchase interest rate (e.g., 19.99% APR on rewards credit cards), but sometimes it can be higher.
  
  
• Balance transfer offer / introductory rate: Balance transfer offers an are an important aspect to consider when discussing balance transfers. Many credit cards come with special offers that significantly reduce the balance transfer interest rate for a limited time. These offers can have APRs as low as 1.99% or 0% and last anywhere from six to twelve months. Taking advantage of these offers can help you pay off old credit card balances at a much lower cost and transition from one credit card to another. Once a balance transfer offer ends, the card will revert back to its regular balance transfer rate.
  
  
• Cash Advance Interest Rate: This is the rate you’d owe if you use your credit card at an ATM to withdraw paper bills. Unlike the previous rates mentioned, there is no grace period for cash advances. Interest is charged daily from the moment of withdrawal until you completely repay what is owed. Sometimes the cash advance rate on a credit card will be the same as its purchase and balance transfer rates, but in many cases, it’s much higher. For example, the MBNA TrueLine Mastercard has an annual purchase interest rate of just 12.99% but a cash advance rate of 24.99%.

Read more: Credit card cash advances – Everything you need to know

How much you can save with a low interest card?

When a credit card has a low APR, it may not immediately show you how much you could save. After all, credit card bills deal with real dollars, not just percentages. 

To illustrate this, let's consider a real-world scenario using two different credit cards: a typical rewards credit card and the MBNA True Line Gold Mastercard, which we’ve ranked as one of the best low interest credit cards in Canada.

Here’s the scenario:

• You owe a $3,000 balance on your credit card
• Every month, you diligently pay $200 towards your credit card balance to clear your debt

This scenario makes it abundantly clear just how much a low interest credit card can benefit your finances. Compared to a typical rewards credit card, with the MBNA True Line Gold, you would save $286 in interest and pay off your balance two months faster.  

Even if we assume the rewards credit card in this example has no annual fee, you would still save a whole lot more on interest with the MBNA True Line Gold, even after considering its $39 annual. This clearly demonstrates that you shouldn't dismiss a credit card simply because it has an upfront annual fee. The cost of admission can be well worth it and help you save in the long run.

How is credit card interest calculated?

As mentioned, APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate and is used by banks to calculate the interest you owe on a credit card if you carry a balance. 

You might read the word “annual” in Annual Percentage Rate, and think that interest is owed once a year. However, in reality, even though interest is expressed annually, it’s actually calculated daily and charged monthly. Let's break it down to clear up any confusion. 

• Consider Credit Card X with an APR of 15.99%. The daily interest rate would be 0.0438% (15.99% ÷ 365)
• To find the daily interest rate of a credit card, simply divide its APR by the number of days in the year.

Now, let's say you have a $3,000 balance on Credit Card X:

• Your daily interest rate would be 0.0438% (15.99% APR ÷ 365 days in the year).
• After one day, you would owe $1.3142 in interest (0.0438% x $3,000).
• Your total balance would increase to $3,001.3142 after one day ($1.3142 in daily interest + your original $3,000 balance).
• On the next day, your new balance of $3,001.3142 would also be charged 0.0438%, resulting in a balance of $3,002.69 on day two. 

There are two important things to remember. First, it’s calculated daily. Second, interest compounds, meaning you’ll be charged interest on top of interest (although, this can vary depending on the card issuer). While a few extra dollars in interest from one day to the next might not seem like much, over time, it can quickly balloon, especially if you continue making new purchases on your credit card.

However, it is essential to note that if you pay off your card’s balance in full every month, you won’t owe any interest at all.

*This is a simplified example assuming no changes in day-to-day credit card activity. Many banks also charge interest based on your average daily balance over a monthly billing period.

What is the difference between a fixed and variable interest rate credit card?

Low interest credit cards come in two varieties: fixed rate credit cards and variable rate credit cards.

The difference between them is quite simple. Fixed rate remains the same, while a variable rate can change based on two key factors: 1) the bank’s current prime rate and 2) your credit score. When it comes to low interest cards, most banks offer either fixed rate or variable rate options but not both.

Each card type has its own advantages.

Fixed rate credit cards provide more straightforward terms. Once you’re approved for the credit card, you’ll know exactly what interest rate you’ll get and it won’t fluctuate regardless or changes in the bank’s prime rate or your creditworthiness. Fixed rate credit cards are also far more likely to come paired with limited-time balance transfer promotions, allowing you to consolidate debts on previous credit cards and pay them off at a lower interest rate.

Variable rate credit cards, on the other hand, have the potential to offer a rock-bottom interest rate (even lower than fixed rate cards), if you have excellent credit. However, the downside is that you might end up with a higher rate if your credit score is not great.

Regarding rewards, if you cannot consistently pay off your credit card in full, there is no point in pursuing points or cash back on a rewards credit card. Most have an APR 19.99%, and the interest you accumulate would devalue any rewards you earn. In simple terms: a rewards credit card is only worth it if you pay off your statement in full each and every month.

While most low interest credit cards don’t offer rewards, the fact that they charge a lower interest compared to rewards cards will put you in a better financial position when carrying a balance.

What is the minimum payment and when do you pay interest on a credit card? 

Like any credit card, you must make at least the minimum payment on a low interest credit card on time every month. Minimum payments are typically $10 or 3% of your balance owing (whichever is higher) and must be paid every 30 days by the date shown on your credit card statement. Failure to do so can results in temporarily losing the primary advantage of low interest cards – their low rates.

For example, if you miss two minimum payments on your credit card within a one-year time frame, your annual interest rate could increase significantly, ranging from 5% to 11%. Worse yet, you could get stuck with this higher rate for 6 to 12 months, during which you must make minimum payments each and every month. In addition to the interest rate hike, your credit score will be negatively impacted, and you may get hit with an additional late fee.

We cannot stress enough how important it is to always make your minimum payments on time. If you’re facing new financial difficulties and cannot afford to make your monthly minimum payments, you may want to consider not applying for a new card. Instead, reach out to your bank to inquire about deferring payments on your current credit card.

A deferral allows you to postpone minimum payments for at least one month and may also potentially include a temporary reduction in your interest rate. However, it is important to note that interest will still accrue and rates will return to normal after the deferral period ends. In simple terms, a payment deferral is a short-term solution to address credit card debt while using a low interest card is a long term strategy that can help you continuously save on unnecessary interest charges.

How to reduce credit card interest?

If you want to save on credit card interest but can't pay off your balance in full every month, consider adopting some of these strategies:

• The first step is obvious: avoid making purchases on credit cards with a high (19.99%) annual interest rate and use a low interest credit card as your primary payment method.
• Use your credit card selectively. While credit may be convenient, if you regularly carry a balance, consider using debit or cash for most of your purchases and only resort to credit when absolutely necessary. This way, you can avoid accumulating a larger balance and incurring more interest.
• Always pay more than the minimum payment. Typically, the minimum payment is around $10 or 3% of your outstanding balance. Paying just the minimum each statement period may seem easy, but it will hurt your finances in the long run. By paying just a few extra dollars each month on top of the minimum, you can save hundreds of dollars in interest over time and pay off your balance faster. 
• Automate your credit card payments. It’s one of the best ways to ensure you don't  accidentally miss a payment and helps establish a consistent debt repayment strategy with minimal effort. Better yet, consider scheduling these payments on the day you receive your paycheque so a portion of your income goes directly towards your balance before you have a chance to spend it elsewhere. Make sure to leave enough for essential fixed costs like rent.
• Use proven debt repayment strategies. If you have multiple debts besides from your credit card, consider using popular methods like the debt avalanche or debt snowball method. The debt avalanche approach focuses on paying off the debt with the highest interest rate first while making minimum payments on the rest. The debt snowball method, on the other hand, prioritizes paying off the smallest debt first, regardless of the interest rate, to keep you motivated as you tackle your next debt.
• Take advantage of balance transfer offers. If you have a substantial balance on your current credit card, you can transfer the debt over to a low interest card that comes with a balance transfer offer. For example, the MBNA TrueLine Mastercard has a balance transfer offer of 0% for 12 months, allowing you to pay off your balance without accruing any interest for a year. 
• Negotiate with your bank. Many people are unaware of this option, but it is worth contacting your bank directly to try negotiating for a lower interest rate. Banks want to retain you as a customers, even if you don't pay your bill in full every month. Mention your loyalty as a long-time customer, express your intention to pay off your debt, and politely inquire about any available options. If the person you speak to cannot authorize a lower interest rate, ask to speak to a manager or someone higher up. You may be denied in the end, but there's nothing to lose and everything to gain by asking.
  
  Keep in mind that depending on the card, you may have to pay an additional upfront transfer fee (usually 3% of your balance or less) but this small fee is insignificant comapred to the interest you would accumulate if you kept your balance on the old card. One final note: remember that balance transfer offers have a limited duration, and after the promotional period ends, the interest rate will revert back to its original rate.

Also read:

• The best credit cards in Canada
• The best balance transfer credit cards in Canada
• The best no fee credit cards in Canada
• How to pay off your credit card and reduce interest charges