CreditCardGuru

CIBC Select Visa Card vs MBNA True Line Mastercard

The short answer: for most people the MBNA True Line Mastercard is the better overall card — we rate it 4.1/5 and it shines if you want paying down debt with a low rate and a 0% balance transfer. Choose the CIBC Select Visa Card instead if your priority is anyone carrying a balance or consolidating credit card debt..

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Our rating
3.8
4.1
Annual fee
$29/yr
No annual fee
Welcome bonus
None
None
Foreign transaction fee
2.5%
2.5%
Rewards type
cash back
cash back
Top earn rates
  • 0% all purchases
  • 0% rewards
Purchase interest
13.99%
12.99%
Income required
None stated
None stated
Best for
Anyone carrying a balance or consolidating credit card debt.
Paying down debt with a low rate and a 0% balance transfer
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CIBC Select Visa Card

3.8

A purpose-built debt-management card: the 10-month 0% balance transfer window plus a permanent 13.99% rate can save serious interest versus a standard 21.99% card.

MBNA True Line Mastercard

Our winner
4.1

Not a rewards card — a debt-payoff tool. The low 12.99% purchase rate and 0% intro balance-transfer offer make it one of the best ways to tackle existing credit card balances.

Frequently asked questions

Is the CIBC Select Visa Card or the MBNA True Line Mastercard better?

For most Canadians, the MBNA True Line Mastercard is the better overall pick (we rate it 4.1/5 vs 3.8/5). It's especially strong if you want paying down debt with a low rate and a 0% balance transfer. The CIBC Select Visa Card can still win if you specifically want anyone carrying a balance or consolidating credit card debt..

Which card has the lower annual fee?

The MBNA True Line Mastercard has the lower annual fee (no annual fee vs a $29 annual fee).

Do either of these cards charge foreign transaction fees?

CIBC Select Visa Card: 2.5% foreign transaction fee. MBNA True Line Mastercard: 2.5% foreign transaction fee.