A generous welcome offer can make a new credit card much more valuable in its first year. But the headline number is only the beginning. Some bonuses arrive after one purchase, while others require several spending milestones or keeping the account open until its anniversary.
For this August 2026 comparison, ClearFin checked the issuer pages again on August 25, 2026. That matters because offers can change quickly. Always read the current terms before applying, and never spend more than you normally would just to reach a bonus.
| Card | Current advertised offer | Main hurdle |
|---|---|---|
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite | Up to 40,000 Aeroplan points plus a first-year annual-fee rebate | $12,000 in purchases during the first 12 months for the final 15,000 points |
| Scotiabank Gold American Express | Up to 50,000 Scene+ points | $7,500 in purchases during the first year for the final 20,000 points |
| BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite | Package worth up to $1,150, including up to 70,000 points | Several qualifying steps and deadlines |
| RBC Avion Visa Infinite | Up to 70,000 Avion points | $5,000 in six months plus an anniversary bonus |
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite: Strong Aeroplan Offer with a Fee Rebate
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card currently offers up to 40,000 Aeroplan points. New cardholders can earn 10,000 points after their first purchase, another 15,000 after spending $3,000 within 90 days, and a final 15,000-point anniversary bonus after spending $12,000 in the first 12 months.
TD also advertises a first-year annual-fee rebate when the card is activated and the offer conditions are met. This can be a good fit for an Aeroplan member who already has enough normal household spending to reach the annual target. If $12,000 would require extra purchases, value the card using only the earlier milestones.
Review the current TD offer before applying.
Scotiabank Gold American Express: Manageable Initial Requirement
The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card currently offers up to 50,000 Scene+ points. The first 30,000 points require $2,000 in eligible purchases during the first three months. Another 20,000 points are available after $7,500 in eligible purchases during the first year.
Scotiabank describes the combined welcome offer, first-year rewards and savings as worth up to $950. The regular annual fee is $120. The first milestone is relatively approachable, and the card can continue to be useful for eligible dining, grocery, entertainment, gas, transit and streaming purchases after the bonus period.
Review the current Scotiabank offer before applying.
BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite: A Package Beyond Bonus Points
The BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Card is currently advertised with a package worth up to $1,150. It includes up to 70,000 BMO Rewards points, monthly streaming statement credits during the first year, no annual fee in the first year, and a $50 anniversary lifestyle credit.
This card may suit households that spend heavily on dining, groceries, gas and transit. The offer has several steps, so do not treat the full “up to” value as automatic. Check the spending requirements, timing and redemption value for every part of the package before deciding what it is worth to you.
Review the current BMO offer before applying.
RBC Avion Visa Infinite: Flexible Points with Multiple Milestones
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card currently offers up to 70,000 Avion points for eligible applications received by November 25, 2026. The offer includes 35,000 points on approval, 20,000 more after $5,000 in qualifying purchases during the first six months, and a 15,000-point anniversary bonus.
Avion points can be used for eligible travel and can also be converted to selected airline programs. The offer is more useful when the card remains a good fit after the promotional points are earned. A deadline should never create pressure to apply for a card you would not otherwise keep.
Review the current RBC offer before applying.
Compare Net Value, Not Just Point Totals
Welcome offers use different reward currencies, so 50,000 points in one program may not be worth the same as 50,000 in another. Estimate the value based on a redemption you are genuinely likely to use, not an idealized premium-flight example that does not match your plans.
Subtract the annual fee and count promotional credits only when they replace an expense already in your budget. Then divide every required spending target by the number of available months. If the monthly amount is higher than your normal card spending, the full bonus may not be realistic.
Eligibility rules matter too. Issuers can exclude recent or existing cardholders, and approval is never guaranteed. Multiple applications over a short period can also affect your credit profile.
Compare the best credit cards in Canada or use the ClearFin rewards calculator to look beyond the welcome offer.
Conclusion
The strongest August 2026 offer depends on the applicant. TD can work well for an Aeroplan user who can comfortably reach its anniversary target. Scotiabank offers a practical first milestone and flexible Scene+ rewards. BMO combines points with several first-year credits, while RBC offers flexible Avion points through a promotion currently scheduled to run into November.
Choose a card for its long-term usefulness as well as its bonus. Confirm the live issuer terms, stay within your normal budget and pay the balance in full so interest does not erase the value you receive.