Brim Financial Review (2026)
The modern Canadian credit card with no foreign transaction fees.
Reviewed by Shaun BartonWhat is Brim Financial?
Brim Financial is a Toronto-based fintech that issues its own Mastercards. It was the first non-bank company in Canada to become a full Mastercard issuer, and it built its cards around a modern app and fair pricing.
Brim's biggest draw is that none of its cards charge foreign transaction fees, which saves you the 2.5% most Canadian cards add on purchases in other currencies. You also earn rewards on every purchase, with bonus rewards at partner merchants.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Banking
- Headquarters
- Toronto, Ontario
- Regulation
- Mastercard issuer
- Sign-up bonus
- $10 Cash Bonus
Our Brim Financial Review
An independent editorial assessment based on our hands-on experience with the platform.
The best Canadian credit card for frequent international travellers.
Brim Financial stands out in the crowded Canadian credit card space by eliminating foreign transaction fees entirely — a 2.5% saving on every purchase made outside Canada or in a foreign currency online. Combined with comprehensive travel insurance on the World and World Elite tiers and cash back on all purchases, Brim is a strong all-rounder for anyone who travels or shops across borders regularly.
- Zero foreign transaction fees — saves 2.5% on every international purchase
- Comprehensive travel insurance on World and World Elite cards
- Cash back as Brim Dollars redeemable as statement credits — no redemption complexity
- Purchase protection and extended warranty on all tiers
- Apple Pay and Google Pay supported across all cards
- Annual fee of $99 (World) or $199 (World Elite) required for best rewards rates
- Brim Dollars can only be redeemed as statement credits — no cash or travel redemption
- Smaller brand — less widely accepted promotional offers than Big 5 bank cards
The Verdict
Brim is the top Canadian credit card pick for anyone who travels internationally or shops online in USD or other foreign currencies.
What Brim Financial offers
Zero Foreign Transaction Fees
Brim charges no foreign transaction fees on any of its cards — a meaningful saving for Canadians who travel or shop online in foreign currencies. Most Canadian credit cards add a 2.5% surcharge; Brim eliminates this entirely.
Cash Back on Every Purchase
Earn 1% cash back on the Brim Free card, up to 2% on the Brim World card, and up to 2% with premium perks on the Brim World Elite. Cash back accumulates as Brim Dollars redeemable as statement credits.
Built-In Travel Insurance
Brim World and World Elite cards include comprehensive travel insurance — trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical, and lost baggage. The World Elite tier also adds flight delay and car rental collision coverage.
Purchase Protection & Extended Warranty
All Brim cardholders get purchase protection that covers new items against theft and damage for 90 days, plus an extended warranty that doubles the manufacturer's warranty on eligible purchases up to one additional year.
Apple Pay & Google Pay
Add your Brim card to Apple Pay or Google Pay and tap to pay at any contactless terminal. Digital wallets are supported across all Brim card tiers, making contactless payment convenient from day one.
Three Card Tiers to Choose From
Brim offers a no-annual-fee Free card, a World Mastercard ($99/year), and a World Elite Mastercard ($199/year). Each tier upgrades the rewards rate, insurance coverage, and perks — choose the one that fits your spending.
How Brim Financial protects your money
Brim cards run on the Mastercard network, so you get Mastercard's zero liability protection against unauthorized purchases. You can lock your card, set spending controls and get real-time notifications in the app.
Every Brim card includes purchase protection and extended warranty coverage, and the higher tiers add travel insurance such as trip cancellation, emergency medical and flight delay coverage.
Brim Financial fees
Brim offers a no-annual-fee Mastercard, plus World and World Elite cards with annual fees that come with higher rewards and more insurance. All of them have no foreign transaction fees.
The usual credit card costs apply if you carry a balance, so paying in full each month is the best way to get the most out of the rewards.
Who is Brim Financial for?
A great fit for
- Travellers and online shoppers who pay in other currencies
- People who want a no-fee card with no foreign transaction fees
- Anyone who wants travel insurance included with their card
- Shoppers who like bonus rewards at partner merchants
You might prefer another option if you are
- People who want to collect airline points
- Anyone who wants their card and bank account at the same institution
Brim Financial FAQ
Does Brim charge foreign transaction fees?
No. None of Brim's Mastercards charge foreign transaction fees, so you pay the exchange rate without the usual 2.5% markup.
Is there a Brim card with no annual fee?
Yes. The Brim Mastercard has no annual fee. The World and World Elite cards have annual fees and offer higher rewards and more insurance.
Is Brim a bank?
Brim is a Canadian financial technology company that issues its own Mastercards. It was the first non-bank company in Canada to become a full Mastercard issuer.
Does Brim work with Apple Pay and Google Pay?
Yes. Brim cards work with Apple Pay and Google Pay.
What insurance comes with Brim cards?
All Brim cards include purchase protection and extended warranty. The higher tiers add travel insurance, including trip cancellation, emergency medical and flight delay coverage.
Thinking of joining Brim Financial?
New members can get $10 cash bonus when they sign up.
Not affiliated with Brim Financial. Details can change, so check Brim Financial's site before you sign up.