Why we like the TD Rewards Visa* Card

Not every card needs to be “the best card in Canada.” Sometimes you just want something that works — and doesn’t charge you for the privilege. The TD Rewards Visa* Card fits that vibe. It’s straightforward, it earns meaningful points in real life categories (groceries, dining, transit), and it gives you an easy on-ramp into TD Rewards.

What I like most is that this card doesn’t punish casual users. If you only travel once or twice a year, a premium travel card can feel like overkill. With this one, you can earn points all year, then redeem when you’re ready — with no “did I get my annual fee back?” stress.

Bottom line: For a no-fee card, the earning structure is unusually practical. It’s not glamorous — it’s just useful.

Rewards program

The TD Rewards Visa* Card earns TD Rewards Points based on what you buy. The standout here is the everyday categories — groceries and dining are where a lot of Canadians spend real money each month, so a boosted rate actually matters.

• ✈️ 4 TD Rewards Points per $1 spent on travel booked through Expedia For TD.
• 🍴 3 TD Rewards Points per $1 spent on groceries, dining, and public transit.
• 📱 2 TD Rewards Points per $1 spent on recurring bill payments and streaming/digital gaming & media.
• 💵 1 TD Rewards Point per $1 on all other eligible purchases.

Editor’s take: If you redeem mostly for travel, the points feel rewarding. If you redeem for merchandise, it can feel like “a lot of points for not much stuff.”

What are TD Rewards Points worth?

Point value depends on how you redeem. In practice, TD Rewards often land around 0.4–0.5¢ per point for travel-type redemptions (and sometimes similar value on Amazon offers), while merchandise and gift cards can be less compelling.

How to maximize rewards

You don’t need to “game” this card, but there are a few easy habits that noticeably improve your returns — especially if you’re a normal spender and not trying to track 12 different bonus categories.

1. Put groceries + dining + transit on this card. Those categories are where the accelerated earning really shows up.
2. Use it for recurring bills and subscriptions. Phone plans, internet, streaming services — these add up and earn 2x.
3. When you book travel, try Expedia For TD first. That’s where you get the 4x rate, and it’s also the simplest travel redemption loop.
4. Redeem strategically. If you have a choice, travel usually gives better value than merchandise.
5. Avoid carrying a balance. Interest charges can wipe out months of earned points.

Real-world example (what “good use” looks like)

Let’s say you spend $1,800/month like this:

The “win” here isn’t perfection — it’s consistency. This card rewards everyday life more than it rewards fancy travel spending.

Insurance & benefits

This is not a full travel-insurance card — but it does include a few protections that are genuinely useful for day-to-day purchases. Think “protect my stuff” more than “protect my trip.”

Rates & fees

Fees are where this card keeps things simple: no annual fee and no additional cardholder fee (as advertised). The trade-off is standard interest rates and a typical foreign currency conversion fee that you’ll want to avoid on big trips abroad.

Best for

• ✈️ Casual travellers who want to earn points all year and redeem occasionally.
• 🍽️ Everyday spenders who put real money into groceries, dining, and transit.
• 🎓 Students / new credit users who want rewards without a fee (approval depends on credit profile).
• 🏦 TD clients who prefer keeping banking + cards in one ecosystem.
• 🧩 People building a “two-card setup” (this as the no-fee daily driver + another card for insurance or FX).

If you like “simple, steady, and no fees,” this card matches your personality.

Where it falls short

To be fair, this card isn’t trying to be everything. But there are a few places people commonly feel disappointed — usually because they expected a travel card to include travel protections.

• No real travel insurance. If you get sick abroad or need to cancel a trip, this card likely won’t help.
• Point value depends on redemption. If you redeem for merchandise, your “return” often feels smaller.
• FX fee can sting. International trips or USD shopping can make this card less competitive.
• Welcome offer is modest. It’s nice, but it won’t fund a whole vacation.

Customer reviews

Instead of pretending we can quote every customer perfectly, here are the most common themes people mention about cards like this — written as paraphrased feedback (not direct quotes).

Community insights

In Canadian personal finance circles, this card is usually described as a “starter rewards card” or a “safe no-fee keeper card.” People tend to like it for everyday spending, especially if they already bank with TD — and they tend to critique it for the same reason they critique most bank points programs: redemption value isn’t always consistent across categories.

The consensus is pretty reasonable: it’s a solid no-fee option, but if you travel frequently or you care about travel insurance, you’re going to want a companion card. Lots of Canadians run a two-card setup: this one for groceries/subscriptions + a no-FX or insured travel card for trips.

Community vibe: “Good daily driver. Not a travel powerhouse.”

AI review (straight talk)

If you want a card that feels “worth it” without charging you a fee, the TD Rewards Visa* Card makes a strong argument. You earn accelerated points where real life happens (groceries, transit, subscriptions), and the travel booking loop is simple.

The biggest mistake is treating it like a premium travel card. It’s not designed to protect your trip — it’s designed to reward your spending. If you understand that going in, you’re much more likely to be happy with it.

Alternatives & comparison

If you’re deciding between this and other no-fee cards, the right choice mostly depends on what you value more: travel-style points or straight cash back.

FAQ

Is there an annual fee?

No — the TD Rewards Visa* Card has a $0 annual fee.

What is the welcome offer?

TD advertises a welcome offer of 15,152 TD Rewards Points when you spend $500 within 90 days of opening (conditions apply; offers can change).

What are the earn rates?

Earn 4 points per $1 on Expedia For TD travel bookings, 3 points per $1 on groceries/dining/transit, 2 points per $1 on recurring bills and streaming/digital media, and 1 point per $1 on everything else.

How do I redeem TD Rewards Points?

Most people redeem through Expedia For TD for travel. You can also use points for eligible Amazon.ca purchases, statement credits, gift cards, or merchandise. Redemption value varies by option.

Is Expedia For TD the only way to redeem for travel?

It’s the most common and simplest way within the TD ecosystem, and it’s where the card’s travel earning rate is focused. If you prefer booking directly with airlines/hotels, you may still earn base points — but you lose the Expedia For TD multiplier.

Does it include travel insurance?

This card is not positioned as a full travel insurance card. It’s best to treat it as an everyday rewards card and add separate travel coverage if you need it.

Does it charge foreign exchange fees?

Yes — TD generally applies a 2.5% foreign currency conversion fee after the payment network converts the transaction. If you travel often, consider pairing this with a no-FX card.

Final verdict & ratings

Our take The TD Rewards Visa* Card is the kind of card you can recommend to a friend who wants points but doesn’t want complications. It’s genuinely useful for everyday spending, and it’s easy to keep because it costs nothing. The trade-off is that it won’t protect your trips the way a premium travel card does.

If your priority is simple, no-fee rewards and you like the idea of redeeming for travel through Expedia For TD (or using points on Amazon), this card is a strong pick. If you want travel insurance or no FX fees, you’ll be happier with a different travel-focused card — or a two-card setup.