What New Year’s credit deals promise—and why you should be wary Jan 17th

The “Big Five” Canadian banks offer credit cards and include Royal Bank of Canada, Toronto Dominion Bank (TD Canada Trust), Bank of Nova Scotia, Bank of Montreal and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC). Did you know that there are many other options?
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January is for fresh starts, but too many Canadians are held back by last year’s overspending. Lenders know about new year’s debt-hangovers, so you may be seeing more credit offers in your inbox—but be wary. Used incorrectly, that deal on a balance transfer or sign-up bonus could get you into even deeper financial trouble.

Credit card debt in Canada

If your last credit card statement dampened your seasonal joy, you’re not alone. According to TransUnion, consumer credit card debt rose 1.95% year over year in 2025, with even bigger jumps for mortgages, lines of credit, and auto loans. Wealthsimple reports that Canadians hold an average of $4787 in credit card debt, which can take time to pay off. And all the while credit card interest accumulates.

Mark Kalinowski, a Financial Educator at the Credit Counselling Society, points to compound interest, or “the interest paid on the interest.” When you pay only the minimum amount due or less than the full balance, interest accumulates…

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