Landing your first paycheque feels great. It also marks the moment you start building the credit history that will follow you for years. Your first credit card acts like a daily reference letter to lenders.
Use it well and you open doors to favourable mortgage rates, lower insurance premiums, and even some rental approvals. Use it badly and you lock those doors. This guide shows you how to select a card that matches your starter income, handle it responsibly, and multiply every dollar through Great Canadian Rebates (GCR) without paying extra fees or interest.
Starting Your First Job? It’s Time to Build Credit
Starting work in Canada is the first real opportunity to build your financial foundation. Whether you’re a newcomer or a recent graduate, this moment sets the tone for how lenders view your money habits. A smart way to start is by applying for your first credit card as a new Canadian. If used properly, it not only builds your credit score but also rewards your everyday purchases with cash back, discounts, and travel perks. Best of all, many of these rewards don’t come with an annual fee.
Building credit early is practical. You’ll need a good credit score for major milestones such as renting a home, buying a car, or applying for a mortgage. Lenders want to see how you handle credit. Your score depends on five main factors: payment history, credit usage, length of credit history, types of credit, and new credit activity. The earlier you start building that profile, the better your future options.
Why a Credit Card Helps Build Credit
When used properly, a credit card is one of the fastest tools to build credit in Canada. Every time you use it and pay your bill on time, your positive activity gets reported to the credit bureaus. This builds your score gradually.
Your first credit card should have the following features:
- No or low annual fee
- Simple rewards program
- A manageable credit limit
- Bonus cash back on daily purchases
What matters most is that the card reports to both Equifax and TransUnion. This is how your activity becomes part of your official credit history.
No-Fee Cards for Newcomers
A no-fee card removes the pressure to “earn back” an annual charge. These cards help you build history without added costs, and several strong options are currently available through Great Canadian Rebates:
- Tangerine Cash Back Credit Card – Earn 2% Money-Back Rewards on 2 spending categories of your choice and 0.5% on all other purchases. Choose a third 2% category when you deposit rewards into a Tangerine Savings Account. No annual fee.
- Simplii Cash Back Visa – Earn 4% on restaurants, bars, and coffee shops, 1.5% on gas, groceries, and pre-authorized payments, and 0.5% on everything else. No annual fee.
- Tangerine World Mastercard – Earn 2% in up to 3 spending categories, 0.5% on others, with no annual fee. Includes mobile device and rental car insurance.
- Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard – 1.5 % cash back on purchases in Canadian dollars. No annual fee. Includes travel insurance and lounge access.
These cards are solid entry points, and they pair well with GCR’s cash back offers across categories like clothing, electronics, and travel.
Earning on Everyday Spending
When you first start working in Canada, most of your spending goes toward living essentials. GCR makes it easier to earn rebates while building credit on those same purchases. The platform partners with over 900 Canadian retailers, including:
- Expedia Canada – for travel and hotels
- AliExpress Canada – for online shopping
- SportChek – for fitness and sports gear
- Canadian Tire – for tools, home items, and more
- Dell Canada Coupon Code – for laptops, monitors, and accessories
- Reitmans Promo Code – for workwear, basics, and seasonal clothing
- SHEIN Coupon Code Canada – for affordable fashion
By clicking through GCR before shopping, you earn a rebate, then use a credit card to earn rewards on top. These stacked benefits grow your savings without changing your shopping habits.
Choosing Between Cash Back and Travel Rewards
The right reward structure depends on your spending habits and lifestyle. Each type has its advantages.
Cash Back Cards
Cash back cards give you direct value on each purchase. The rebate either shows up as a statement credit or a deposit into your account. You get flexibility and transparency. GCR boosts this value by offering additional rebates at major retailers such as:
- Staples Canada Coupon Code
- SportChek Promo Code
- AliExpress Canada
- Dell Canada Coupon Code
Travel Rewards Cards
If you plan to visit family, attend conferences, or travel across Canada, a travel card may bring more long-term value. Cards such as:
- Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards Canada – Earn up to 110,000 points, which can be redeemed for free nights with no blackout dates.
- TD First Class Travel – Earn TD Rewards Points on all purchases and get bonus rewards when you book through Expedia for TD.
- Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite – Get up to $1,350 in first-year value, including 45,000 bonus Scene+ points, no foreign transaction fees, and six lounge passes.
These cards can deliver excellent value if you travel frequently, but they often require an annual fee and a strong credit profile.
Use Credit Cards for Recurring Payments
Some of the easiest ways to use your card regularly include:
- Paying your cell phone bill
- Loading your transit card
- Subscribing to approved services like Kobo or Audiobooks
- Making grocery runs
- Filling up on gas
- Paying tuition or school fees (if accepted)
These regular charges keep your credit card active. They also build a record of consistent, manageable use. Set up automatic payments to avoid missed due dates, and pay your full balance monthly.
Step Up to Premium Rewards
As your income and credit score grow, premium cards become available. These offer larger welcome bonuses, higher earn rates, and broader perks.
- Amex Business Platinum Card – Earn 1.25x points on most purchases, enjoy premium airport lounge access, and get up to $820 in annual business and travel credits. GCR offers a $150 rebate on approval.
- Amex Gold Credit Card – Generous points on groceries, restaurants, and gas.
- American Express Cobalt Card – Earn 5x points on groceries and dining. Get up to 15,000 points in your first year and a $100 GCR rebate upon approval.
Apply through GCR to receive cash back bonuses on top of the card’s welcome offers. For instance, the Amex Cobalt Rebate can help offset your first annual fee.
How GCR Boosts Your Rewards
Great Canadian Rebates is an online cash-back platform designed specifically for Canadians. When you sign up for free and click through the site before shopping, GCR tracks your purchase and shares the commission it earns with you.
You can use GCR to:
- Apply for credit cards and receive bonuses upon approval
- Shop at more than 900 merchants like Expedia Canada, Priceline Canada, and Roots Canada
- Stack GCR rebates with card cash back to increase total savings
- Access seasonal promotions and SHEIN Coupon Code deals in Canada
Let’s say you need a new laptop for work. By shopping on Dell Canada using the Amex Cobalt Cash Back card and clicking through GCR, you earn:
- 1x Membership Rewards point per $1
- Up to 3 % GCR cash back on your Dell purchase
- Any limited-time bonus from Dell directly
This three-layer reward stack adds real value to a business or personal tech purchase, without changing your usual buying process.
Smart Practices for Credit Success
It’s easy to misuse credit cards without a clear plan. Stick to these habits:
- Always pay on time. Automate payments so you never miss a due date.
- Pay in full. Avoid interest by clearing the balance monthly.
- Watch your credit usage. Stay below 30 % of your available limit.
- Apply strategically. Limit yourself to one application every six months.
- Keep your oldest card open. It helps maintain the length of your credit history.
- Use GCR links. Always start your shopping on the GCR site to activate the rebate.
The goal is steady, responsible growth. If you do that, you’ll qualify for better rates and rewards without paying more.
Payout Options That Match Your Lifestyle
Once your account has a minimum balance, GCR offers three payout options:
- eGift Cards – For everyday stores like LCBO, Kobo, and more
- PayPal – Send money directly to your account
- Direct Deposit – Transfer funds into your bank account
You choose the method that fits you best. Rebates are typically paid after a 58-day holding period, which allows GCR to verify returns and purchase completion.
Get More From Your First Credit Card With Great Canadian Rebates
Your first credit card for new Canadians can build your financial future and stretch your spending if you choose it wisely. By applying through Great Canadian Rebates, you add real cash back rewards to your everyday activity. Whether you’re interested in travel perks through the TD First Class Travel, banking benefits from the Simplii Financial Promo, or cash back cards like the Tangerine Cash Back Credit Card, GCR helps you earn more without changing your spending habits.