Credit Card Income Requirements in Canada: Visa Infinite, World Elite and More
Premium Canadian credit cards often come with a minimum income. The requirement usually isn't set by the bank alone: it comes from the card's network tier, such as Visa Infinite or World Elite Mastercard, which is why cards from different banks often share the same threshold.
What income do you need for each card tier?
This table groups every card in our directory that publishes an income requirement. It's built from the issuers' own eligibility statements.
| Income requirement | Cards | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| $12,000 personal | 4 | Scotiabank Amex, Scotia Gold Amex, Scotia Platinum Amex |
| $15,000 household | 9 | CIBC Adapta Mastercard, CIBC Aeroplan Visa, CIBC Aventura Gold Visa |
| $15,000 personal | 3 | CIBC bizline Visa, CIBC Costco Business, CIBC Costco Mastercard |
| $35,000 personal | 2 | CIBC Aeroplan Business, CIBC Aventura Business |
| $50,000 personal or $80,000 household | 3 | PC World Mastercard, Rogers Red World, Tangerine Money-Back World |
| $60,000 personal or $100,000 household | 14 | BMO eclipse Visa Infinite, CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite, CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite |
| $80,000 personal or $150,000 household | 17 | BMO Ascend WE Business, BMO Ascend World Elite, BMO Blue Rewards WE Business |
| $150,000 personal or $200,000 household | 7 | BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege, CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege, CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege |
Show all 9
| Income requirement | Cards | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| $200,000 personal or $200,000 household | 1 | RBC Avion Privilege |
The usual pattern:
- Visa Infinite cards share one threshold.
- World Elite Mastercard cards share a higher one.
- Visa Infinite Privilege cards set the highest.
- A few basic cards set a lower household minimum, such as the CIBC Classic Visa.
Personal or household income: which counts?
Where an issuer states both, you need to meet only one. A household figure lets a couple combine incomes, which can open a premium card to someone whose own income is below the personal threshold.
Does the bank check your income?
The application asks for your income, and the issuer can ask for proof such as a pay stub or a notice of assessment. Income is only part of the decision: your credit score, existing debts and history with the bank count too. Meeting the minimum doesn't guarantee approval.
What if your income is below the requirement?
- Choose a card without a stated minimum. Many no-fee cards, and most student cards, don't publish one. See our guide to student credit cards.
- Use household income if the card accepts it.
- Ask about other ways to qualify. Some banks consider assets held with them, or existing relationships, for premium cards. Ask the issuer directly.
- Compare benefits, not tiers. A lower-tier card can still offer the earn rate or insurance you need. Our teardowns list each card's benefits and conditions side by side.
Frequently asked questions
Do American Express cards have income requirements? Cards issued by American Express itself, such as the Cobalt, don't publish a minimum income. Scotiabank's American Express cards do, as the table shows. Approval still depends on your credit.
Does income affect my credit limit? Yes. Issuers set limits based on income and credit history, so a higher income usually means a higher limit.
Find cards you're eligible for based on your income and spending with Card Match.