Lena Hayes
The Desjardins Flexi Visa is a no-fee, low-interest credit card for Canadians who value affordability over rewards. With a significantly reduced APR and practical protections, it’s built to minimize interest costs on carried balances.
Quick highlights
- 📉 Low ongoing rates: 10.9% purchases, 12.9% cash advances.
- 💳 $0 annual fee; free additional cards.
- 🛡️ Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty, and Mobile Device Insurance.
- 🧳 Travel insurance for trips up to 3 days.
Why we like the Desjardins Flexi Visa
It’s one of the few Canadian cards that combines a $0 annual fee with genuinely low interest. If you occasionally carry a balance, those lower APRs can save far more than typical cash-back rewards on higher-rate cards.
Stand-out features
- ✅ Low APR: 10.9% on purchases, 12.9% on cash advances.
- ✅ $0 annual fee; add free authorized users.
- ✅ 25-day interest-free grace period on new purchases.
- ✅ Short-trip travel insurance (up to 3 days) included.
Good to know
- ⚠️ If you miss a minimum payment, rates may increase temporarily.
- ⚠️ 2.5% foreign transaction fee on non-CAD purchases.
- ⚠️ No traditional rewards program; value comes from low interest and protections.
Pros
- One of the lowest ongoing purchase APRs among no-fee cards.
- Comprehensive purchase protections for a basic card.
- Short-trip travel coverage adds peace of mind.
- Helpful extras like balance transfers and mobile payments.
Cons
- No cash-back or points program.
- Travel insurance limited to trips up to 3 days.
- Foreign transaction fee applies to non-CAD spending.
Rewards program
This is a low-interest product and does not offer traditional rewards. Its value comes from reducing interest costs and providing key protections.
How to maximize savings
- Use this card when you may need to carry a balance—its low APR reduces interest charges.
- Pay at least the statement balance by the due date to leverage the 25-day grace period on new purchases.
- Keep the card for emergencies as a $0-fee, low-cost financing option.
- Avoid foreign transaction fees by using a no-forex-fee card when travelling.
Insurance & benefits
Included
- 🛍️ Purchase Protection (90 days) on eligible items.
- 🕒 Extended Warranty (up to +1 year) on eligible items.
- 📱 Mobile Device Insurance when eligibility conditions are met.
- 🧳 Travel insurance for trips up to 3 days.
- 🔐 Zero Liability & security alerts.
Not included
- ❌ No premium lounge access or concierge benefits.
- ❌ No comprehensive long-trip travel insurance.
Rates & fees
| Annual fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Purchase APR | 10.9% |
| Cash advance APR | 12.9% |
| Foreign transaction fee | 2.5% |
| Grace period | 25 days on new purchases |
Best for
- 💸 Canadians who occasionally carry a balance and want to minimize interest.
- 🧰 Budget-conscious users seeking a $0-fee “safety” card for emergencies.
- 🛒 Shoppers who value protections more than rewards.
Where it falls short
- No rewards on spending—purely a low-interest product.
- Short-trip insurance only (up to 3 days).
- 2.5% fee on non-CAD transactions.
Customer reviews
Positive feedback
“The low APR saved me more than any cash-back card could.”
“Purchase protection and phone insurance are great perks for a no-fee card.”
Critiques
“I miss having rewards on everyday purchases.”
“Three-day travel coverage is too short for most trips.”
Community insights
Often recommended as a companion card: keep it for low-cost financing and protections, and use a rewards card when you can pay in full every month.
AI review (straight talk)
If you ever carry a balance, the Flexi Visa’s low APR can easily outweigh rewards from higher-rate cards. Keep it as your cost-control tool, and reach for rewards cards when you’re sure you’ll pay in full.
Alternatives & comparison
| Card | Annual Fee | Top Feature | Purchase APR | Cash Advance APR | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desjardins Flexi Visa | $0 | Low, fixed interest | 10.9% | 12.9% | Low-cost carrying |
| No-Fee Cash-Back Card | $0 | Rewards on everyday spend | ~20.9% | ~21.9% | Pay-in-full users |
| Premium Travel Card | $120–$150+ | Perks & insurance | ~20.9% | ~21.9% | Frequent travellers |
| Low-Rate Visa (Bank A) | $0–$39 | Low rate alternative | ~12.99% | ~12.99%–19.99% | Balance carriers |
FAQ
Is there an annual fee?
No, the Desjardins Flexi Visa has no annual fee.
What are the interest rates?
10.9% on purchases and 12.9% on cash advances.
Is there a grace period?
Yes—25 days on new purchases when you pay the statement balance by the due date.
Does it include insurance?
Yes—Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty, Mobile Device Insurance, and short-trip travel insurance (up to 3 days).
Final verdict & ratings
Our take A standout for Canadians who prioritize low borrowing costs over rewards. Keep it for times you might carry a balance; pair with a rewards card when you won’t.
| Overall | ★★★★☆ 4.4 / 5 |
|---|---|
| Savings potential | 4.7 / 5 — excellent low APR |
| Benefits & protections | 4.1 / 5 — solid for a no-fee card |
| Fees & costs | 5.0 / 5 — $0 annual fee |
| Ease of approval | 4.2 / 5 — accessible for many Canadians |
