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Performance test results

At DollarWise, for each credit card we test 7 different factors including the rewards, value for money, perks, insurance, strengths and weaknesses of the card.

You can see our full testing methodology here to learn why we're the most trusted source for credit card reviews.

The {{card.name}} has earned a {{ranking}} DollarWise Rating out of 5. This score is based on a weighted average of the two highest scoring factors (excluding acceptance and approval).

The highest scoring categories for the {{card.name}} are {{score_1}} and {{score_2}}.

These factors are weighted 70% to the highest scoring factor and 30% to the second highest score to get an overall review score.

This weighting allows us to judge cards on their merits and the customers they are designed for.

For the {{card.name}} the most important factors for scoring this card are its {{score_1}} and {{score_2}}.

Rewards

With the {{card.name}}, here's the rates at which you earn rewards for different spending categories per dollar you spend:

Calculating your annual rewards

We estimate that spending {{monthlyspend}} per month with the {{card.name}} would earn {{card.rewards}} in rewards over the year.

Our performance testing research uses an accurate estimation of the average Canadian households spending patterns to predict the rewards a card will earn.

We found that you'd earn this per category:

Our study investigating the value found that each dollar spent on the {{card.name}} is worth up to {{card.max_reward}}, depending on how you redeem.

This {{card.rewards}} in rewards value puts the {{card.name}} in the {{decile.annual_rewards}} of credit cards in Canada based on rewards earned.

The average credit card in our database earns {{averages.mean_annual_rewards}} in rewards for the same spend that the {{card.name}} earns {{card.rewards}} in rewards value.

We can compare this card to other options by looking at the earn rate by category.

This earn rate is the percentage return that you would get when you spend on this card, assuming you redeem at the predicted maximum value.

For example, if a card earned 5 points per dollar on gas and each point is worth up to $0.02, then the earn rate is 5 points multiplied by $0.02 each, divided by the dollar you spent.

In this example, that's a 10% earn rate on gas.

For an annual spend of {{annualspend}}, we estimated annual rewards value at up to {{total_net_rewards}}.

That's equivalent to a {{total_earn_rate}} return on spending.

The {{card.name}} has an annual fee of {{card.annualFee}}. After deducting this, we predicted net annual rewards of {{net_after_fee}}.

This puts it in the {{decile.net_annual_rewards}} of credit cards for net rewards after fees.

In comparison, the average card earns net annual rewards of {{averages.mean_net_annual_rewards}}.

Fees

The {{card.name}} has a {{card.annualFee}} annual fee.

The average card charges {{averages.mean_annual_fee}}. So, the {{card.name}} is in the {{decile.annual_fee}} of cards based on the cost of the annual fee.

Perks

We manually review the perks of each credit card to determine how they compare to other cards.

The {{card.name}} scored a {{factor_score_perks}} out of 5 for perks, putting it in the {{decile.factor_score_perks}} of cards.

The average card scores {{averages.mean_factor_score_perks}} out of 5 for perks.

Interest Rates

The average (median) credit card has a purchase interest rate of {{averages.median_purchase_interest_rate}} and so the {{card.name}} charges {{purchase_interest_diff}} than the average.

For cash advances it costs {{cash_advance_interest_rate}}% compared to the average of {{averages.mean_cash_advance_interest_rate}}.

Testing the {{card.name}} with a $2,000 starting balance, you can see in the graph how the {{purchase_interest_diff}} in interest rates impacts the interest over a year, compared to the average card.

Insurance coverage

We scored it {{factor_score_insurance}} out of 5 for insurance.

It offers {{insurance_count}} types of insurance, whereas the average card has {{averages.insurance_count}} types of coverage.

Approval and qualifying

We scored it {{factor_score_approval}} out of 5 for approval.

We predict that you will require a credit score of at least {{credit_score_low}} to qualify for the {{card.name}}, while the average card requires {{averages.mean_credit_score_low}} to qualify.

This puts it in the top {{decile.credit_score_low}} of cards by approval difficulty.

The personal income requirements are {{personal_income}}, while the average card requires {{averages.mean_personal_income}}.

This puts it in the {{decile.personal_income}} of cards by the income required to qualify.

The Desjardins Bonus Visa credit card is a rewards-oriented card option that allows cardholders to take advantage of an array of benefits. In this review, we will discuss the card’s earning potential, outline its four main advantages, detail two significant drawbacks, and provide any other relevant information for those considering this card.

Earning potential

With the Desjardins Bonus Visa credit card, cardholders earn points known as BONUSDOLLARS on their purchases. For every dollar spent, cardholders earn 1% back in BONUSDOLLARS. This simple earning structure applies to all spending categories, which means there are no specific rates for dining, travel, groceries, or other categories.

Benefits

1. Welcome Bonus (Up to 3% Cash Back for the First Three Months): The first major advantage of the Desjardins Bonus Visa card is its welcome bonus. New cardholders can enjoy a promotion that currently offers up to 3% cashback in BONUSDOLLARS for the first three months (up to the first $2,000 spent).
   
   This promotional rate allows users to accumulate BONUSDOLLARS even faster during the introductory period.





2. Comprehensive Travel Insurance Coverage: The second major advantage of this card is the comprehensive travel insurance coverage. Cardholders receive coverage for travel medical emergencies, trip interruption/cancellation, baggage theft or delay, rental car collisions or damages, and more.
   
   This can save users significant money and provide peace of mind when traveling.





3. Access to Exclusive Discounts and Privileges via Visa Benefits: The third major advantage of the Desjardins Bonus Visa card is the access to exclusive discounts and privileges through the Visa Benefits platform. Users can enjoy various offers, such as discounts on car rentals, dining, and leisure activities.
   
   These perks can help cardholders save money and enhance their overall experiences.





4. Compatibility with Mobile Payment Platforms: The fourth major advantage of this card is its compatibility with mobile payment platforms. Cardholders can use the Desjardins Bonus Visa credit card with most major mobile payment systems, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
   
   This compatibility offers convenience and flexibility for making purchases on the go.

Drawbacks

1. Lack of Bonus Categories for Earning Rewards: A significant drawback of the Desjardins Bonus Visa credit card is the lack of bonus categories for earning rewards.
   
   While its 1% back on all purchases is straightforward, it doesn’t provide extra incentive for users to spend in specific categories, such as dining or travel, which some other reward-based credit cards offer.





2. Annual Fee of $50: Another significant drawback of this card is the $50 annual fee. While not exorbitant, users who are looking for a no-fee rewards card may find the annual fee a deterrent. It’s essential for potential cardholders to weigh the benefits and rewards against this cost to determine if it’s the right fit for them.

Additional information

In conclusion, the Desjardins Bonus Visa credit card provides a straightforward rewards structure and several appealing benefits, particularly for those who travel frequently or enjoy the convenience of mobile payment options.

However, the card may not be the best fit for those seeking higher or category-specific earning rates or those who want to avoid an annual fee. As always, potential users should carefully evaluate their spending habits and preferences to determine if this card aligns with their needs.

Interested in other credit cards? Canadians that like the Desjardins Bonus Visa credit card also like the Desjardins Flexi Visa. If you’re looking for other options you should consider the Desjardins Cash Back Mastercard, and the Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard.

FAQ

Key benefits

• Interest Rate: 19.9% for purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers





• Foreign Currency Conversion: 2.5% fee on transactions made in a foreign currency





• Cash Advance Fee: $5 or 1% of transaction value, whichever is higher





• BONUSDOLLARS rewards: Earn 1% on eligible purchases, up to $5,000 per year





• Rewards Cap: BONUSDOLLARS capped at $75 annually





• Purchase Protection: 90-days protection against theft and damage for eligible items





• Extended Warranty: Doubles manufacturer’s warranty, up to 1 additional year





• Mobile Insurance: Covers smartphones for up to $1,000 per claim





• Visa Pay with Points: Option to use BONUSDOLLARS to pay for purchases at select retailers





• Eligibility Criteria: Must be a Canadian resident with a valid Social Insurance Number