In June 2017, Cardoso signed for Rangers on a three-year contract for a reported fee of around £1.3m. He made his debut for Rangers against Progès Niederkorn in the Europa League on 29 June 2017. Cardoso was picked less frequently after the departure of manager Pedro Caixinha, and was released from his contract with Rangers on 30 July 2018.

This decision was agreed mutually by the staff and the player.