Lifestyle Guides

Best Credit Card for Contractors and Trades in Canada

Trades and independent contractors have unique spending — high fuel, home improvement, and job-site materials. The right stack can return $2,000+/yr.

Updated July 20, 2026· 6 min read

Quick recommendation

Contractors should pair a high-earn everyday business card (Amex Business Platinum or Scotiabank Passport Visa Business) with a Home Depot Commercial account for supplier terms and expense tracking.

Who should choose what

GC / renovator: Amex Business Platinum + Home Depot Commercial + Rogers Red for Amex-declining merchants.
Sole prop trades (electrician, plumber): BMO CashBack Business Mastercard + a fuel card.
Landscaping / seasonal: Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite for 4% gas.

Common mistakes

Mixing personal and business spend — creates a CRA audit nightmare.
Financing job materials on credit cards at 20%+ instead of a business LOC.
Missing GST/HST tracking because rewards points are recorded on gross, not net.

Key takeaways

Business Platinum Card from American Express earns 2x MR on everything (Canada).
BMO CashBack World Elite offers 5% on groceries and 3% on gas.
Home Depot Commercial gives net-30 terms — critical for cash flow.
Track expenses with a dedicated business card even if you're a sole prop.

See how this fits YOUR wallet

Generic advice only goes so far. Run your Free Rewards Audit for personalized recommendations based on your cards, spending, and goals — or ask the AI Concierge a specific question.

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