There are quite a few good prepaid credit cards in Canada, but some stand out above the rest for their cash back rewards, low-to-no foreign exchange fees, and even the option to earn cash back on purchases abroad. I constantly keep up with the latest promo rates and make my recommendations below based on years of experience.
I recommend the KOHO Mastercard Prepaid Card as the #1 virtual credit card in Canada due to its no annual fees, complimentary financial advice, and bonus cash back on online purchases when you refer friends. It is one of the most flexible cards, even abroad, offering cash back on all purchases and zero foreign exchange fees.
What Is A Prepaid Credit Card?
Prepaid credit cards are a type of credit card that allows you to make purchases using funds you loaded into the card, instead of using a line of credit. In a way, they’re similar to debit cards, but prepaid cards offer benefits like cash back, no foreign exchange fees on online and in-person purchases, and some unique perks like free financial coaching and early access to your payroll.
Most prepaid credit cards in Canada have very low fees and there are plenty of no-fee options. Keep in mind that, unlike traditional credit cards, prepaid card users don’t borrow money from credit card companies – instead, you have a credit limit equal to the amount of your security deposit. These cards don’t have a credit score requirement, because technically they’re not lending you any money. This type of card will not help you build your credit score – or affect it in any way.
Without further ado, here are the best prepaid credit cards Canada has to offer:
The Best Prepaid Credit Cards In Canada
- KOHO Mastercard Prepaid Card: Best for promotional cash back rates and no annual fees
- STACK Prepaid Mastercard: Best for travel rewards and insurance
- KOHO Premium Reloadable Prepaid Mastercard: Best for no foreign exchange fees and saving tools
KOHO Mastercard Prepaid Card
Great for automatic RoundUps and no annual fees
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Annual Fee$0
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Interest RateWelcome BonusN/ARec. Credit Score300+
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Features & Benefits
- No foreign exchange fee
- Price protection
- Complimentary personalized financial coaching
- Receive both a physical and virtual card
- Load funds via e-transfer or direct deposits
- Sync your KOHO card with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay and receive real-time spending notifications
- 10% cash back for 90 days after referring a friend
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Pros & Cons
Why we like it
Great for automatic RoundUps and no annual feesPros
- 0.5% cash back on all purchases
- No annual fee
- Refer friends and earn 10% cash back on all purchases for 90 days
- Set up automatic RoundUps to grow your savings
- Track your spending habits in real-time
- Access your payroll 3 days early
Cons
- Low cash back rate plus no bonus points on any category
- 1.5% forex exchange fees
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More Details
Bonuses and fees
The KOHO Reloadable Prepaid Mastercard doesn’t require a high credit score or a good credit history. This card has no annual fees and is compatible with most other KOHO services: you can manage it from your KOHO mobile app, build your credit, and link it with your KOHO Savings account. Anybody can apply for the card and approve it in just a few minutes.
Perks and Benefits
Some of the perks and benefits of this card are a base back on all purchases, a promotional cash back rate at partner stores, and low foreign exchange fees. Here’s the breakdown:
- 10% cash back at partner stores (online and in-person)
- 0.5% cash back on all purchases
Additional benefits include:
- No hard credit checks
- No foreign fees when purchasing abroad or online
- Create a KOHO Save account and start to earn interests on your balance (1.2% APR)
- Set up automatic RoundUps to grow your savings
- Reload your card through e-transfers or direct deposits
STACK Prepaid Mastercard
Great for instant approval, no annual fees, and CDIC insurance
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Annual Fee$0
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Interest RateWelcome Bonus$5Rec. Credit Score300+
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Features & Benefits
- 20% cash back on select hotels with STACK Travel
- Discounts on a variety of merchants
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Pros & Cons
Why we like it
Great for instant approval, no annual fees, and CDIC insurancePros
- $5 bonus
- Instant approval (no credit or credit history checks)
- Load money with e-transfers, visa debit, through payroll deposits, or at select merchants
- Access to a Virtual Card and a digital wallet
- Redeem rewards at over 150 partner stores
- Insured directly by the CDIC for up to $100,000
Cons
- No welcome bonus
- Doesn't help you build your credit score
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More Details
Bonuses and fees
The STACK Prepaid Mastercard is a no-fee reloadable card that doesn’t have a credit score requirement. It doesn’t have a minimum deposit either, but you will need to deposit before you can start using your card.
This card doesn’t charge foreign fees on purchases abroad, online, or ATM fees (keep in mind the ATM network may charge a fee).
Rewards
Has a unique rewards system: it doesn’t use points or rewards but instead offers discounts on purchases up. Here are some of the offers available:
- $1 off grocery purchases (up to 4 times every month)
- $1 off gas purchases (up to 4 times every month)
- $5 every time you refer a friend
Make sure to check STACKS' site; they’re always partnering up with different stores and offering deals and discounts on purchases.
Perks and benefits
- Instant cash back on everyday purchases
- Supported at over 140 retailers
- Earn cash back on FX and ATM withdrawals
- Special offers every week
- Set up payroll payments and get paid 2 days earlier
Insurance
This card is insured by the CDIC for up to $100,000 per insured category per user.
KOHO Premium Reloadable Prepaid Mastercard
Great for no foreign fees and customizable cash back categories
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Annual Fee$84
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Interest RateWelcome BonusN/ARec. Credit Score300+
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Features & Benefits
- No foreign exchange fee
- Price protection
- Complimentary personalized financial coaching
- Receive both a physical and virtual card
- Load funds via e-transfer or direct deposits
- Sync your KOHO card with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay and receive real-time spending notifications
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Pros & Cons
Why we like it
Great for no foreign fees and customizable cash back categoriesPros
- Earn 2% cash back on up to 3 categories (0.5% on all other purchases)
- No foreign exchange fees when purchasing abroad or online
- Free financial coaching with a professional
- Earn up to 1.2% on your balance by signing up to KOHO Save
- Set up automatic RoundUps to grow your savings
- Access your payroll 3 days early
Cons
- High annual fee for a reloadable card ($84)
- No welcome bonus
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More Details
Bonuses and fees
The KOHO Premium Reloadable Prepaid Mastercard doesn’t require a high credit score or a good credit history; anybody can apply for the card and have it approved in just a couple of minutes. This card has an annual fee of $84 and is compatible with most other KOHO services, including the KOHO mobile app, KOHO Credit Building, and KOHO Saving.
Through KOHO Saving, you can earn interest on your balance (up to 1.2% APR), something that is very rare in credit cards. It’s worth noting that KOHO reports to TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian, making this card a great option for rebuilding your credit.
Perks and Benefits
The KOHO Premium Reloadable Card's primary benefit is its cash back rewards. KOHO offers bonus cash back on the 3 biggest spending categories: groceries, eat & drinks, and transportation. All other categories earn a base rate of 0.5% cash back. Here’s the breakdown:
- 2% cash back on 3 spending categories (Groceries, eat & drinks, transportation)
- 0.5% on all other purchases
Additional benefits include:
- No foreign fees when purchasing abroad or online
- Create a KOHO Save account and start to earn interests on your balance (1.2% APR)
- Set up automatic RoundUps to grow your savings
- Reload your card through e-transfers or direct deposits
How Do Prepaid Credit Cards Work?
Prepaid credit cards are an alternative form of payment where you deposit funds which can then be used to make purchases. The amount you can spend using these cards is limited by how much you deposit.
Credit card companies make money off these types of cards through several means. For starters, these cards don’t pay interest on balances – that means you’re trading off the (albeit low) interest from bank accounts for a card that doesn’t require a bank account. Some prepaid cards also charge annual fees, reload fees (applicable whenever you top up your card), and transaction fees.
Like regular debit and credit cards, prepaid cards are accepted wherever the card network provider is accepted. In Canada, both Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted networks.
Pros & Cons Of Prepaid Credit Cards
Pros: Why A Prepaid Credit Card May Be Worth It
- You don’t need a high credit score to apply for a prepaid card – any score will do
- Make transactions and never incur any debt or pay any interest
- Can be used as travel cards when traveling abroad
- Avoid overdraft fees and help you budget
- You don’t need a bank account to use a prepaid card
Cons: Why A Prepaid Credit Card May Not Be Worth It
- Prepaid credit cards will not help build your credit
- Prepaid card users have a strict daily limit
- No interests on your balance
Types Of Prepaid Credit Cards In Canada
#1 General Purpose Reloadable Prepaid Cards
Also known as open-loop prepaid cards, general-purpose prepaid cards can be used like debit cards to make purchases. They can be used wherever the network, usually Mastercard or Visa, is accepted. These can be easily reloaded at any time, either with direct payments or transfers from another bank account or even with cash at select retail stores. Keep in mind you may have to pay a reload fee. These cards usually don’t have any extra perks and have no annual fee.
#2 Travel Prepaid Cards
This type of prepaid card is specially tailored for traveling abroad. These cards usually have lower foreign transaction fees and allow users to instantly exchange their money loaded on the card for local money. One thing to keep in mind is the exchange rates; card issuers set their own rates, so it's worth looking around for the best deals. One of the main benefits of these cards is that you won’t need to get the local currency or carry lots of cash on you.
#3 Cash Back Prepaid Cards
Cash back prepaid cards usually have the highest annual fees among prepaid cards. These cards come with decent cash back rewards when purchasing at select retailers or particular categories, and you can expect a cash back rate from 0.5% to 2% on most everyday purchases. Annual fees for these cards range from $50 to $90 per year.
How To Choose A Prepaid Credit Card In Canada
Network Used
One of the first things you should look at is the network it uses. In Canada, Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere, but If you are shopping for a prepaid card, you need to make sure it is accepted at your favorite stores. For example, stores like Costco and Walmart Canada don’t accept Visa.
Monthly Fee
In general prepaid credit cards don’t charge monthly fees, but there are a couple, like the Refresh Financial Secured Card and the KOHO Prepaid Visa Card, which charge from $49 to $84 per year but include benefits that are seldom seen in prepaid cards, like cash back. Some prepaid cards waive this fee entirely if you set up direct payments or create a bank account with them.
Cash Reload Fee
Another fee that is worth keeping in mind is the reload fee. The limit of prepaid cards is usually from $5,000 to $10,000; ideally, you will top up your card as few times as possible to save up on these fees. You can save up on some of these fees by setting up direct payments like the monthly fee.
ATM Withdrawal Fee
Prepaid cards are a great way to purchase at stores that don’t accept cash – but should you do when you need cash? Prepaid cards can also be used to withdraw cash from ATMs or select retail stores, but it comes with a fee. If the bank that issued the prepaid card and the ATM where you’re trying to withdraw from use different networks, you may be charged an ATM fee, depending on your card's terms. ATM fees are usually from $1.50 to $2.50 per transaction.
Foreign Transaction Fees
If you’re a frequent traveler and find yourself making a lot of purchases in foreign countries, you need to consider foreign transaction fees. Usually, these are a percentage that ranges from 2% to 2.5% of the total amount.
Inactivity Fees
Finally, inactivity fees. Prepaid credit cards like the Mogo Visa* Platinum Prepaid Card charges a fee of $1.99 that triggers after 365 days of inactivity.
Rewards
In general, prepaid cards are not great for earning rewards. There are some, like the KOHO Prepaid Visa Card that offer cash back, but they’re pretty rare, and they usually come with an annual fee, which defeats the purpose of budgeting – considering you may not spend enough to earn cash back and offset the fee.
Insurance
In Canada, prepaid credit card holders can opt-in to have their balances insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) for up to $100,000, including principal and interest. Keep in mind that this only applies to federally regulated fintech companies or banks; make sure the card you choose is eligible for this insurance.
How To Apply For A Prepaid Credit Card In Canada
Age
In Canada, the minimum age to request a credit card is the age of the majority. Teens under that age can’t get approved for credit cards but can be added as authorized users to one of their guardian’s or parent’s credit cards. For reference, the age of the majority in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan is 18 years old. In all other provinces, the age of the majority is 19.
Residency Status
Canadian prepaid credit cards are available to residents and non-permanent residents. You don’t need a credit history or a bank account for most prepaid cards. However, some prepaid cards with cash back benefits may require you to have at least a temporary resident status.
Credit score
Prepaid credit cards do not require a good credit score or, in most cases, a credit score at all. By design, credit card companies don’t take on any risk by issuing prepaid cards, and cards are approved instantly without credit score checks.
Income And Bank Account Requirements
Prepaid cards don’t have any income requirement, similar to secured credit cards. In fact, you don’t need even need a bank account; prepaid cards are a great option for the unbanked and people with low credit scores.
Prepaid Credit Card FAQs
Are Prepaid Credit Cards worth it?
When cash back cards might be worth it for you:
- If you don’t have a bank due to residency issues or otherwise but would like to receive payments directly to one of the major networks like Visa and Mastercard, you should consider a prepaid credit card
- If you have a poor credit score or no credit history, a prepaid card is a great option for you
- If you find yourself making a lot of purchases with merchants that don’t accept cash and don’t have a debit or regular credit card, a prepaid credit card is for you
- If you want to avoid overdraft fees, control your spending, and keep credit card debt under control, a prepaid credit card may be for you
When cash back cards might not be worth it for you
- If you’re looking to build your credit score
- If you’re looking for a card that can carry balances
- If you want to earn interest on your deposit; prepaid cards don’t pay interests
What Is The Best Free Prepaid Credit Card In Canada?
The best free Prepaid Credit Card in Canada is the KOHO Prepaid Visa Card. It comes with 0.5% cash back on all purchases with the option to increase it to 1% and has both a free and a premium plan.
Can The Government Track My Prepaid Credit Card
It depends. The government can only track your card if you had to provide your personal information during the signup process. Alternatively, some prepaid cards require only a valid Canadian address.
How Much Can You Put On A Prepaid Credit Card?
The limit of how much you can put in your prepaid card is usually around $15,000. This will depend on the particular card you choose, and, depending on the issuer, there may be some limitations. It’s very common for cards to have a $3,000 per transaction limit or a daily spending limit of $5,000.
Do Prepaid Cards Have A Fee?
It depends. Prepaid cards usually don’t have an annual fee, but some premium cards include perks like cash back on purchases, interest on your balance, and free credit monitoring – those cards tend to have an annual fee.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Prepaid Cards?
The main disadvantages of prepaid credit cards are:
- Prepaid cards will not help build your credit
- Prepaid cards usually have a spending limit
- Prepaid cards don’t have a lot of perks compared to other credit cards
Can Prepaid Cards Mess Up Your Credit
No. Prepaid cards will not affect your credit score. They will not lower it nor help you rebuild it.
Are Prepaid Cards Accepted Everywhere?
Not necessarily – it will depend on the network. For example, stores like Costco and Walmart Canada don’t accept Visa. In general, Mastercard and Visa are the most widely accepted networks in Canada.