The Best Student Credit Cards in Canada
Summary: Best credit cards for students in Canada
We’ve organized our picks into three groups: cash back, travel rewards and Scene+ rewards.
| Card | NerdWallet rating | Picked for: | Apply Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| TD Cash Back Visa* Card | APPLY NOW on TD's website | ||
 APPLY NOW on TD's website | 4.2/5 | Cash back | |
| BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* for Students | APPLY NOW on BMO's website | ||
 APPLY NOW on BMO's website | 4.9/5 | Cash back | |
| TD Rewards Visa* Card | APPLY NOW on TD's website | ||
 APPLY NOW on TD's website | 4.2/5 | Travel | |
| RBC ION+ Visa Credit Card | APPLY NOW on RBC's website | ||
 APPLY NOW on RBC's website | 4.7/5 | Travel | |
The best cash-back student credit cards
What student couldn’t use a little more cash in their pocket? These cards reward your everyday purchases with cash back and come with a few useful benefits.
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Cash back on grocery purchases.
Cash back on recurring bill payments.
Cash back on all other purchases.*
This card sports an impressive grocery earn rate of 3% and keeps things simple for student budgets with no annual fee. Beyond cash-back rewards, there aren’t many bells and whistles to speak of, but students seeking budget-friendly simplicity may not mind. Best for: Students who want to earn cash-back where it counts on daily essentials.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- Redeem cash-back rewards of as little as $1 whenever you want.
- Up to 20% off car rentals are National, Alamo and Enterprise.
Cons
- No travel insurance.
- Welcome offer: Get 5% cash back in your first 3 months.*
- Then get 3% cash back on grocery purchases, 1% cash back on recurring bill payments and 0.5% unlimited cash back on all other purchases!*
- Now earn the highest cash back on groceries in Canada without paying an annual fee!†
- Get cash back every time you spend, plus start building a healthy credit history.
- Want to get your cash back ASAP? Now you can redeem your cash back anytime through direct deposit, as a credit on your statement or into your BMO InvestorLine account.*
- No Annual fee.*
- Extended Warranty.*
- Purchase Protection.*
- Receive a discount on car rentals.*
- Enjoy three months of Instacart+ and a $5 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
- *Terms and conditions apply.
- BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
If you’re looking for a student credit card with cash-back rewards, the BMO CashBack Mastercard for Students is an excellent choice. This card has no annual fee and offers up to 3% cash back on purchases — although most spending will earn you a basic rate of just 0.5% cash back.
Other cash-back student credit cards to consider
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Cash back on eligible grocery purchases.
Cash back on eligible gas & EV charging.
Cash back on eligible transportation.
Cash back on eligible dining purchases.
Cash back on eligible recurring payments.
Cash back on all other purchases.
This beginner-friendly credit card keeps it simple for first-time cardholders with boosted cash back where it counts for students: 2% on groceries and 1% on other daily essentials. Best for: Students who want a straightforward cash-back card with extra earning power on groceries.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- No minimum income requirements.
- 12-month Skip+ free trial.
Cons
- No travel insurance.
- Credit limits are capped at $5,000 for domestic students and $2,000 for international students.
- Welcome Offer: Join and earn up to $125 in value† Here’s how it adds up–
- Get $25 cash back after you make your first purchase within the first 4 monthly statements.†
- Get a 10% cash back welcome bonus for the first 4 monthly statements (up to $100 cash back).†
- Plus, get 2% cash back on eligible grocery purchases!†
- 1% cash back on eligible gas, EV charging, transportation, dining purchases and recurring payments†
- 0.5% cash back on all other purchases†
- Get cash back on demand - redeem your cash back at any time when you have a minimum of $10 through CIBC Online and Mobile Banking®†
- Get a free Skip+ membership when you link your eligible CIBC credit card. Plus, enjoy $0 delivery fees and earn a $10 monthly voucher.†
- Fuel up for less - Link your card with Journie Rewards to save up to 10 cents per litre at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.†
- Get all the student-life essentials on a budget – Eligible student clients can get a free SPC+ membership, and receive over 450 deals on everyday purchases, bigger discounts, special experiences and exclusive giveaways. Start banking with CIBC and make student life more rewarding.†
- This is a digital-exclusive offer.† To be eligible for this offer: 1) this offer must have been directly communicated to you from CIBC or from a partner/affiliate; and 2) you must apply for the eligible card through the link provided in the CIBC or partner/affiliate communication to you.† This offer is reserved for you. Please do not forward it to anyone else.
- CIBC may approve your application, but you are not eligible to receive this Offer if you have opened, transferred or cancelled another Dividend card within the last 12 months.†
- †Terms and Conditions Apply. Select Apply Now to learn more.
The CIBC Dividend Visa Card for Students has one of the best welcome bonuses in this category, offering up to $125 in bonus cash back. This card also offers up to 2% cash back on purchases and offers savings at select gas stations with Journie Rewards.
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Cash back on gas.
Cash back on groceries.
Cash back at drug stores.
Cash back on recurring payments.
Cash back on everything else.
Students looking for a simple cash-back card with no annual fee will get the most out of this card. It also offers rental car discounts at participating AVIS and Budget locations, but that’s where the perks end. Best for: Students who want a no-fee credit card that earns a little cash back.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- Rental car discounts.
Cons
- Low cash-back rate (0.5% to 1%).
- No insurance coverage included.
- 5% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases).
- 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months.
- Earn 1% on gas, groceries, drug stores, and recurring payments. Earn 0.5% on everything else.
- $500 minimum credit limit.
- Free supplementary cards.
- Get 25% off at Avis and Budget car rentals.
- Optional insurance coverage available, such as life, critical illness and hospitalization coverage.
The Scotia Momentum® No-Fee Visa* Card (for students) is another great choice. This card comes with a welcome bonus worth up to $100 and comes with an introductory balance transfer offer to save interest on transferred credit card debt. It also offers up to 1% cash back on purchases and a discount at Shell gas stations.
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In Cash Back Dollars on Grocery, Gas & Electric Vehicle Charging, Public Transit, Recurring Bill Payments, and Streaming, Digital Gaming & Media Purchases†.
In Cash Back Dollars on all other Purchases made with your Card†.
This no-fee card is a solid pick for anyone seeking a no-frills way to get a little back on everything they spend. The cash-back rates won’t blow you out of the water, but for a free-to-carry card, the TD Cash Back Visa delivers its own flavour of simple, uncomplicated value. Best for: First-time or budget-focused cardholders who want to earn cash back.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- Discounts of at least 5%-10% on Avis and Budget rentals.
- Cash back on all purchases.
Cons
- Low 0.5% base cash-back rate.
- Earn 1% in Cash Back Dollars on Grocery, Gas & Electric Vehicle Charging, Public Transit, Recurring Bill Payments, and Streaming, Digital Gaming & Media Purchases†.
- Earn 0.5% in Cash Back Dollars on all other Purchases made with your Card†.
- Once your Cash Back Dollars balance hits $25, you can redeem those Cash Back Dollars as credit towards your account balance†.
- Your Cash Back Dollars never expire as long as your account is open and in good standing.
- Earn more at Starbucks: Link your eligible Card to earn more Starbucks Stars at participating Starbucks stores. Conditions apply.
- Save with Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car: Use your Canadian TD Credit Card to save a minimum of 10% off the lowest available base rates† in Canada and the U.S., and a minimum of 5% off the lowest available base rates† internationally, on qualifying car rentals at participating Avis and Budget locations.
- Option to purchase TD Auto Club Membership† and be covered 24 hours a day for emergency roadside assistance services in case something goes wrong when you are out on the road.
- Purchase Security and Extended Warranty Protection†: You automatically have access to Purchase Security and Extended Warranty Protection, which includes coverage for most eligible new items you’ve purchased with your Card, should they be stolen or damaged within 90 days of purchase.
- Eligibility is restricted to Canadian residents who are the age of majority in their province/territory of residence.
- †Terms and conditions apply.
- This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
- The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button.
The TD Cash Back Visa* Card pays up to 1% cash back on purchases. The cash back you earn can also be redeemed at any time.
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Cash back for every $1 you spend on all eligible gas stations, grocery stores, drug stores and recurring bill payments (up to $25,000 annual spend).
Cash back on all other eligible purchases.
The Scotia Momentum Visa Card (for students) offers an elevated cashback rate on essentials, like gas, groceries and bills—putting a little extra cash in the pockets of cardholders. Plus, the card’s welcome offer can help temporarily lower interest payments on transferred debt, allowing more time to pay it down.
Pros
- Low annual fee.
- Up to 2% cash back on gas, groceries, drug store purchases and recurring bill payments.
Cons
- Additional cards are not free ($15 each).
- Limited insurance coverage.
- Earn 2% cash back for every $1 you spend on all eligible gas stations, grocery stores, drug stores and recurring bill payments (up to $25,000 annual spend).
- Earn 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
- Pay off your eligible Scotiabank Visa credit card purchases of $100 or more, with low interest rates on your plan and no installment plan fee, with Scotia SelectPay.
- Save up to 25% off base rates at participating AVIS locations and at participating Budget locations in Canada and the U.S. when you pay with your Scotia Momentum Visa card.
- Tap your Scotia Momentum Visa card or your smartphone for quick easy payments.
- Purchase security against theft, loss, or damage for 90 days from the purchase date.
- Extended warranty protection—manufacturer’s warranty is doubled for up to one year.
- Optional insurances can be added, such as life, critical Illness, hospitalization , disability, job loss, strike or lockout benefits.
- Introductory offer of 2.99% interest rate on balance transfers for the first six months (22.99% after that; annual fee $39). If you miss two consecutive minimum payments, a 27.99% interest rate will apply to any unpaid transferred balances.
- $500 minimum credit limit.
If you don’t mind paying a $49 annual fee, you can get more rewards using the Scotia Momentum® Visa* Card (for students). This card offers up to 2% cash back on purchases, has an attractive balance transfer offer and savings at Shell gas stations.
The best travel rewards student credit cards
For those who attend school far from home, a credit card with travel rewards can help ease the expense of your flight back. These cards have no annual fee and come with welcome bonuses that can help you reach your destination sooner.
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Point for every $1 you spend on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging.
Point for every $1 you spend on groceries.
Point for every $1 you spend directly with Air Canada.
Point for every $1.50 you spend on all other purchases.
This card offers students clean and easy entry into the Aeroplan program: no annual fee, points on everyday essentials and access to Aeroplan’s Family Sharing feature to pool rewards with loved ones. There’s no robust travel insurance or glitzy airport perks though, so it’s best for occasional flyers building credit. Best for: Students who want to access credit and earn travel rewards in tandem.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- No minimum income requirements.
- 12-month Skip+ free trial.
Cons
- No emergency medical coverage.
- Credit limits are capped at $5,000 for domestic students and $2,000 for international students.
- 1x Aeroplan points per dollar on gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries and Air Canada travel purchases, up to $40,000 annual spend.
- 1x Aeroplan points per $1.50 spent on all other purchases, including gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries and Air Canada travel purchases that exceed the $40,000 threshold.
- Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partners and 170+ online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore.
- Aeroplan Points never expire and can be redeemed for a variety of travel, merchandise, gift card, and other rewards offered by Aeroplan’s participating partners and suppliers.
- $0 annual fee.
- Get three free months of Uber Pass for discounts on rides, meals and more. Offer ends September 8, 2022.
- Earn 1 Aeroplan point for every $6 spent on CIBC Global Money Transfer, with no transaction fees or interest as long as you pay your balance on time. Offer ends June 30, 2022.
- Maximize your points by adding up to three additional cards and giving them to your spouse or other family members. Points can be shared with other Aeroplan members in your household.
- Earn points by using your CIBC Aeroplan Visa to automatically make recurring bill payments.
- Receive preferred pricing when paying for flights with your Aeroplan points.
- Save up to 25% on car rentals at participating Budget and Avis locations worldwide when paying with your card.
- Save up to 10 cents per litre at participating Chevron, Ultramar and Pioneer gas stations if you link your card with Journie Rewards.
- Use the CIBC Pace It feature to make installment payments on large purchases.
- Four types of insurance are provided: auto rental collision and loss damage insurance, purchase security, extended protection insurance, and $100,000 in common carrier accident insurance.
- Preferred rates: 20.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances.
- To be eligible, you must have full-time status in a college or university.
- The information for the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card for Students has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card for Students is a great choice for students who fly Air Canada. It comes with a welcome bonus worth up to $200 and offers up to one Aeroplan point per dollar spent on purchases. It also comes with limited travel insurance and rental car insurance for your next trip.
Other travel rewards student credit cards to consider
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Point for every $1 spent on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre†.
Point for every $1 spent at eligible gas stations, EV charging, grocery stores and drug stores†.
Point for every $2 spent on all other purchases†.
This no-fee starter card earns a flat 1 point per dollar spent on a handful of essential spending categories, including groceries, gas, EV charging and drug-store purchases. Insurance coverage and credit limits are limited but this card remains a flexible, headache-free way to earn points and establish credit. Best for: Students who want to build credit while collecting flexible rewards points on everyday purchases.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- No minimum income requirements.
- 12-month Skip+ free trial.
Cons
- Limited insurance coverage.
- Credit limits are capped at $5,000 for domestic students and $2,000 for international students.
- Welcome Offer: Join and get up to $200 in value† for no annual fee.† Here’s how it adds up–
- Get up to 12,500 Aventura Points (up to $200 in travel value†):
- 2,500 Aventura Points when you complete all five activities within 60 days of your CIBC Aventura® Visa* account approval.†
- 10,000 Aventura Points after you make your first purchase within first 4 months.†
- As an eligible CIBC Cardholder, take advantage of a free Skip+ membership (first year value of $110).†
- Travel when it’s right for you – your Aventura Points don’t expire†
- Redeem your Aventura Points for more than travel with our Shop With Points/Pay with Points features†
- Travel local - Aventura Points can be redeemed for more than just flights – use your points for hotels and car rentals for a weekend getaway
- 1 point for every $1 spent on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre†
- 1 point for every $1 spent at eligible gas stations, EV charging, grocery stores and drug stores†
- 1 point for every $2 spent on all other purchases†
- Get a free Skip+ membership when you link your eligible CIBC credit card. Plus, enjoy $0 delivery fees and earn a $10 monthly voucher.†
- Fuel up for less - Link your card with Journie Rewards to save up to 10 cents per litre at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.†
- Get all the student-life essentials on a budget
- Eligible student clients can get a free SPC+ membership, and receive over 450 deals on everyday purchases, bigger discounts, special experiences and exclusive giveaways. Start banking with CIBC and make student life more rewarding.†
- This is a digital-exclusive offer.† To be eligible for this offer: 1) this offer must have been directly communicated to you from CIBC or from a partner/affiliate; and 2) you must apply for the eligible card through the link provided in the CIBC or partner/affiliate communication to you.† This offer is reserved for you. Please do not forward it to anyone else.
- CIBC may approve your application, but you are not eligible to receive this Offer if you have opened, transferred or cancelled another Aventura card within the last 12 months.†
The CIBC Aventura® Visa Card for Students is another student travel credit card worthy of your attention. This card comes with a welcome bonus worth up to $200 and offers up to one Aventura point perpre dollar spent on purchases.
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Points for every $1 you spend when you book travel through Expedia® For TD†.
Points for every $1 you spend on Groceries, Dining, and Public Transit†.
Points for every $1 you spend on Recurring Bill Payments and Streaming, Digital Gaming & Media†.
Points for every $1 you spend on other Purchases made using your Card†.
With earn rates of up to 4x TD Rewards Points and flexibility in how points can be redeemed, this card provides a respectable amount of value for a card with no annual fee. Just don’t expect extras like travel perks or insurance. Best for: Expedia aficionados on a budget.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- Earns points on a variety of everyday spending categories.
- Discounts of at least 5%-10% on Avis and Budget rentals.
Cons
- Highest earn rate restricted to Expedia travel bookings.
- Earn a value of $50† in TD Rewards Points† to use on eligible Amazon.ca purchases plus, no Annual Fee. Conditions Apply.
- Offer may be changed, withdrawn, or extended at any time and cannot be combined with any other offer unless otherwise indicated.
- Earn 4 TD Rewards Points for every $1 you spend when you book travel through Expedia® For TD†.
- Earn 3 TD Rewards Points for every $1 you spend on Groceries, Dining, and Public Transit†.
- Earn 2 TD Rewards Points for every $1 you spend on Recurring Bill Payments and Streaming, Digital Gaming & Media†.
- Earn 1 TD Rewards Points for every $1 you spend on other Purchases made using your Card†.
- Link your eligible Card to earn 50% more TD Rewards Points plus more Starbucks Stars. Redeem points for even more Stars. Conditions apply.
- Your Points are worth more when you redeem through Expedia For TD: Search over a million flights, hotels, packages and more! When you’re ready to book, you can redeem† your TD Rewards Points towards your travel purchase right away.
- Or Book Any Way†: You can also choose to book your trip through any other travel agency or website. This gives you the flexibility to use your TD Rewards Points towards all kinds of travel expenses – including excursions and taxes – within 90 days of your purchase.
- No travel blackouts†, no seat restrictions† and no expiry† for your TD Rewards Points as long as your account is open and in good standing.
- Shop online through TDRewards.com Redeem your TD Rewards Points for great deals on a wide selection of merchandise and gift card.
- Redeem your TD Rewards Points towards making purchases at Amazon.ca with Amazon Shop with Points. Conditions apply.
- Pay With Rewards: Redeem TD Rewards Points to help pay down your credit card balance.
- Cardholders must be Canadian residents of the age of majority in their province/territory of residence.
- †Terms and conditions apply.
- This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
- The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button.
The TD Rewards Visa* Card comes with a welcome bonus worth up to $100 and pays up to 4 points per dollar spent on purchases. This card also comes with mobile device insurance, which can covers your phone up to $1,000 if it’s lost, stolen or damaged.
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Points on groceries.
Points on dining & food delivery.
Points gas & electric vehicle charging.
Points on rideshare.
Points on daily public transit.
Points on all other qualifying purchases.
A solid, low-fee everyday earner with rewards rates that top out at 3x Avion points per dollar spent. Practical perks include fuel discounts and no annual fees for students, but insurance offerings are limited. Best for: Students and everyday shoppers seeking rewards on groceries, gas, entertainment and rideshares.
Pros
- Low $48 monthly fee.
- Fuel discounts of 3 cents per litre at Petro-Canada.
- Annual fee rebates for RBC Advantage Banking Account for Students account holders.
Cons
- Limited insurance coverage.
- Get up to 28,000 Avion points^ - that's up to $200 of value in gift cards†! Apply by November 4, 2026.
- Earn 3X Avion points for every $1 spent¹ on:
- Grocery, Dining & Food Delivery - Satisfy your taste buds by earning points on groceries, dining out, food delivery.ⁱ
- Rides, Gas & EV Charging – Enjoy earning points on gas, rideshare, daily public transit, electric vehicle charging.ⁱⁱ
- Streaming, Digital Gaming & Subscriptions– Stay entertained while earning points on streaming, gaming, eligible digital subscriptions, eligible digital downloads, and in-game purchases.ⁱⁱⁱ
- Earn 1 Avion point for every $1 spent on all other qualifying purchases.¹
- Annual Fee $48.
- Pay With Points – Redeem your Avion points to pay bills, your credit card balance or even send money to friends with Interac e-Transfer⁴. Minimum redemption is only $10, so you can use your points where you need them most.
- Save at Petro-Canada – Save 3¢/L on fuel and earn 20% more Petro-Points and 20% more Avion points when you pay with a linked RBC card.⁴
- Earn more Be Well points at Rexall – Earn 50 Be Well™ points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases at Rexall when you pay with your linked RBC card and scan your Be Well card.⁵
- Add your credit card to your DoorDash account and get a 6-month complimentary DashPass subscription⁶
- Earn Moi points at Metro - earn 1 extra Moi point for every $2 spent at Metro, Food Basics, Super C, Jean Coutu, Brunet and Première Moisson when you swipe your Moi Rewards card and pay with your linked RBC card (minimum purchase required)⁸
- When you shop at Metro, Food Basics or Super C, and spend at least $60, you’ll get 1 additional Moi point for every 2 dollars you spend. When you shop at Brunet or Jean Coutu and spend at least $40 you’ll get 1 extra Moi point for every 2 dollars spent and when you shop at Premiere Moisson, and spend at least $20, you’ll get 1 extra Moi point for every 2 dollars spent.
- Students or Anyone 24 and Younger Receive an Annual Fee Rebate – Get the annual fee rebated every month if you open an RBC Advantage™ Banking Account for Students⁷.
- Mobile Device Insurance³ Included – Get 2 years of coverage up to $1,000 in the event your mobile device such as your cell phone is lost, stolen, accidentally damaged or experiences mechanical failure when you purchase your mobile device with this credit card.
- Purchase Security and Extended Warranty Insurance³ – Automatically protects eligible card purchases against loss, theft or damage within 90 days of purchase, and doubles the manufacturer's original Canadian warranty by up to one additional year, to a maximum of five years.
- Corresponding legal references and product terms are available on the RBC website, which will be available and agreed upon in the customer onboarding process.
- ^ This offer only applies to new applications for an RBC ION+ Visa credit card received between June 16, 2026 and November 4, 2026 (“Offer Period”) and approved by Royal Bank of Canada (“Royal Bank”), subject to the conditions below. Additional cardholders(s) (co-applicant and authorized user(s)) on the RBC ION+ Visa credit card account, as well as existing cardholders on any RBC Royal Bank personal credit card transferring to an RBC ION+ Visa credit card during the Offer Period, are not eligible for this offer. 7,000 Avion points (“Welcome Points”) will appear on your monthly credit card statement within sixty (60) days after your application has been approved, provided that your RBC ION+ Visa credit card account (“Credit Card Account”) remains open and in good standing at the time the Welcome points are credited to your account, “good standing” meaning that your Credit Card Account must not be past due for more than two (2) consecutive credit card account statement periods, closed, charged off or in credit revoked status. 14,000 additional Avion points (“Additional Points”) will be awarded to you if a total of $1,500 or more (“Qualifying Transaction Amount”) in qualifying net purchases and/or pre-authorized bill payment transactions (“Qualifying Transactions”) are posted to your RBC ION+ Visa credit card account within the first 6 months from the date of your credit card account open date (“Period”), provided your account is open and in good standing at the time the Additional Points are posted to your Credit Card Account, approximately 60 days after you reached the Qualifying Transaction Amount. Qualifying Transactions exclude cash advances (including balance transfers, cash-like transactions and bill payments that are not pre-authorized charges that you set up with a merchant), interest charges, and fees. Any credits for returns and adjustments that reduce the amount of Qualifying Transactions below $1,500 will cancel your Additional Avion points. The Qualifying Transaction Amount is based on the transaction posting date of each Qualifying Transaction, not the transaction date. This means that transactions that take place prior to the last day of the Period will not be considered for the Qualifying Transaction Amount if they have not yet been posted or processed by the merchant, the payment network (Visa) or Royal Bank by the last day of the Period. 7,000 additional Avion points (“Anniversary Points”) will appear on your monthly credit card statement within twelve (12) to sixteen (16) weeks after the one- year anniversary of your Credit Card Account opening, provided that your Credit Card Account remains open and in good standing at the time the Anniversary Points are credited to your account. If you close or change your RBC ION Visa credit card for another type of RBC Royal Bank credit card before the Welcome Points, the Additional Points and/or the Anniversary Points have been credited to your account, you may lose the benefit of this offer. This offer may not be combined or used in conjunction with any other offer. Royal Bank reserves the right to cancel, modify or withdraw this offer at any time without notice, even after your application has been approved, including if we suspect that you may be manipulating or abusing it, or engaging in any suspicious or fraudulent activity, as determined by Royal Bank in its sole discretion. For complete terms and conditions that apply to the Avion Rewards Program, please visit www.avionrewards.com or call 1-800-769-2512.
- † To get $200 worth of gift cards/certificates, you will need a total of 28,000 Avion points. Minimum redemption of 1,400 Avion points for most $10 gift cards/certificates. Some exceptions apply. Point redemption values may fluctuate. For general redemption terms, conditions and restrictions that apply to the Avion Rewards program, as well as for current point redemption values, please visit https://www.avionrewards.com/terms-and-conditions.html or call 1-800-769-2512.
The RBC ION+ Visa Credit Card comes with a welcome bonus worth up to $200 and pays up to 3 points per dollar spent on purchases, but its rewards are worth less than some of the other programs offered in this roundup.
The best Scene+ student credit cards
Sometimes you just want flexible rewards that can be used for anything, and that’s exactly what you get with the Scene+ program. These cards earn you points that can be redeemed for anything from flights to movie tickets (because the newest Marvel movie isn’t going to watch itself).
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Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland and more. Plus, earn 3 Scene+ points per CAD spent on hotel and car rental bookings made through Scene+ Travel.
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on eligible restaurants, fast food, drinking establishments, other eligible grocery stores, food delivery, entertainment, gas, daily transit and streaming services.
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases, including any spending that exceeds the $50,000 annual limit for accelerated earn rates.
The Scotiabank American Express Card (for students) has no annual fee and accelerated rewards on essentials and entertainment. Plus, it includes mobile device insurance, and offers car rental discounts.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- Earn up to 3x Scene+ points on a wide range of categories, such as transit, eats, entertainment and groceries.
- Complimentary mobile device insurance.
Cons
- No complimentary travel insurance.
- Accelerated earn rates only apply to the first $50,000 made in purchases annually.
- No annual fee.
- Free supplementary cards.
- Earn 3 Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland and more. Plus, earn 3 Scene+ points per CAD spent on hotel and car rental bookings made through Scene+ Travel.
- Earn 2 Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on eligible restaurants, fast food, drinking establishments, other eligible grocery stores, food delivery, entertainment, gas, daily transit and streaming services.
- Earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases, including any spending that exceeds the $50,000 annual limit for accelerated earn rates.
- Mobile device insurance provides up to $500 of coverage for new cell phones, smartphones, or tablets purchased with the card, protecting against loss, theft, accidental damage, or mechanical failure.
- Purchase security for the first 90 days from the date of purchase.
- Extended warranty coverage doubles the original manufacturer’s warranty for up to one year.
- Optional insurance coverage includes life, critical Illness, hospitalization, disability, job loss, strike or lockout benefits.
- Access to Scene+ Travel, a full-service travel agency.
- Access to American Express Invites with offers on music, theatre, dining, film, fashion and shopping experiences.
- Save up to 25% off base rates at participating AVIS and Budget locations in Canada and the U.S. when you pay with your Scotiabank American Express Card.
- Tap your Scotiabank American Express Card or your smartphone for quick easy payments.
The Scotiabank American Express® Card (for students) comes with a welcome bonus worth up to $100 in Scene+ points and pays up to four points per dollar spent on purchases. Because it’s an Amex card, it may not be accepted everywhere you want to use it. It also requires a minimum income of $12,000 per year, which might be difficult for many students to achieve.
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Points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, participating Co-ops, Freshco and more.
Points for every $1 you spend on Home Hardware, Home Building Center, Home Furniture locations in Canada and online at homehardware.ca.
Points for every $1 you spend at Cineplex theatres or online at cineplex.com.
Point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases.
A great no-fee student card that earns 2x Scene+ points at Home Hardware, Cineplex and select grocery stores. Users also get discounts at eligible AVIS and Budget locations, but that’s where the perks end. Best for: Students who spend big at the big screen, shop at Home Hardware and stock up at Scene+ partner grocery stores.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- Up to 25% off base rates at eligible AVIS and Budget locations.
Cons
- No insurance coverage.
- The 2x earn rate on groceries only applies to Sobeys and its subsidiary stores.
- Earn up to 7,500 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months.
- No annual fee in the first year, including on supplementary cards¹
- Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, participating Co-ops, Freshco and more
- Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on Home Hardware, Home Building Center, Home Furniture locations in Canada and online at homehardware.ca
- Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend at Cineplex theatres or online at cineplex.com
- Plus earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of Mar 1, 2024. Subject to change.
- To be eligible, you must be a resident of Canada and the age of majority in the province or territory where you live. Credit history is not required and international students can apply.
The Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* Card for Students comes with a welcome bonus worth up to $50 and offers up to 4 Scene+ points per dollar spent on purchases. It also comes with a few benefits including savings on Shell fuel, car rental discounts and discounted roaming plans.
Methodology
BACK TO TOPBeginner’s guide to student credit cards in Canada
Student credit cards function similarly to regular credit cards: you make purchases and repay them by your statement due date. However, they are generally easier to qualify for and can help build your credit history.
How do student credit cards work?
Some financial institutions offer student-branded cards, but many general entry-level cards are also student-friendly. In other words, even if a card isn’t called a student credit card, you may still have a chance at approval.
If you have no credit history, or one with many negative marks, check eligibility requirements carefully — secured credit cards or prepaid options might be a better fit.
Student credit cards vs. regular credit cards
Student cards are typically designed for applicants with limited credit history and may have lower or no minimum-income requirements. Eligibility varies, however, and some issuers require proof of post-secondary enrollment.
Types of student credit cards
Many popular types of credit cards are available for students, including:
Cash-back cards
Low-interest cards
No-fee cards
Travel cards
Rewards cards
Is a student credit card a good idea?
Even if you already have a joint credit card with your parents, getting a student credit card can still be beneficial. When used responsibly, credit cards can help manage expenses and build credit.
To build credit as a student. Using your card and paying on time improves your credit score, making it easier to qualify for loans in the future.
To earn rewards. Some student credit cards offer cash back, travel points, or other valuable rewards that can make life a little less expensive.
To track spending. Many credit cards include budgeting tools that help monitor expenses — an important money management skill.
To gain financial flexibility. Dealing with an unexpected expense when you don’t have much cash can be extremely stressful, but a student credit card can help fill in those gaps for emergencies so you can still afford necessary expenses.
If you expect to carry a balance. Most credit cards charge around 19.99% interest if you don’t pay the full balance each month. It’s not hard to see how this can cause your debt to expand quickly if you don’t stay on top of payments.
If the spending limit is too low for your needs. Student cards typically have lower credit limits, which can prevent you from racking up a big credit card bill you can’t pay, but it can also leave you in the lurch if a major purchase becomes necessary and you’re already up against your maximum spending amount.
If you’ll end up in credit card debt. A maxed-out credit card can take years to pay off if you’re only making minimum payments, and can damage your credit score in the process. Thinking more long-term, if a situation arises where you need to take out a loan, lenders aren’t likely to give you the best interest rates or friendliest terms if you have a lot of credit card debt in comparison to your income.
If you’re not ready for a student credit card or don’t qualify, consider alternatives:
Secured credit cards
A secured credit card works like a regular credit card, but requires a refundable security deposit as collateral. Your security deposit typically acts as your credit limit.
For example, if you deposited $500 onto your secured credit card, you’d have a $500 spending limit. You can’t use that deposit to pay your credit card bill, but you’d get it back if you ever closed your account in good standing.
The best secured credit cards allow you to build credit history. Once you have a good credit score, you can try applying for a student credit card.
Prepaid cards
A prepaid card is also worth considering as they provide the flexibility of cashless payment, but because you’re not borrowing money, there’s no interest or credit card debt to worry about.
Some prepaid accounts, including Wealthsimple, may pay interest on the account balance. But using a prepaid card generally doesn’t build credit unless it includes a separate credit-building feature that explicitly reports payments to the credit bureaus.
How to get a student credit card
Getting a student credit card involves four simple steps:
Compare options first. Look at annual and incidental fees, rewards or perks that match student spending, credit-building features, and any welcome offers to find a card that fits your budget.
Check eligibility. Common requirements for Canadian residents include being at least 18 (or your province’s age of majority), and sometimes proof of income such as student loans, grants, scholarships or part-time work. Some student cards accept applicants with limited or no Canadian credit history. International students.
Apply when you’re ready. Most issuers let you apply online (many offer instant decisions) or in person. The issuer will review your application, may run a credit check, and could ask for extra documentation.
Activate and use responsibly. If approved, your card usually arrives within one to two weeks. Activate it online or by phone, keep balances low, and pay on time to build credit.
How to make the most of your student credit card
Maximize the benefits of your student credit card by following these key strategies:
Pay your bills in full and on time to avoid interest charges. If you can’t pay your full balance, at least make the minimum payment required.
Use your card strategically to earn rewards and build a positive credit history. Just make sure you’re spending within your means.
Monitor transactions by reading your credit card statement and paying attention to your purchases so you know where your money is going. Some credit cards suitable for students even have an app that analyzes your spending for you.
Take advantage of perks that come with your card, like free extended warranty, rental car discounts and purchase protection, which could help save money.
Secure your account by choosing a strong PIN and enabling alerts to protect against credit card fraud.
You can pay your bill whenever you want. Most people will wait for their bill to arrive and then pay it off all at once. Others will pay off their charges as they accumulate to help prevent overspending.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for student credit cards with a low credit score?
Absolutely! Many student credit cards don’t require a strong credit history. If you’re just starting out, look for ones that accept students with limited or no credit. You might need to show some form of income (even if it’s a part-time job, scholarship, or student loan).
Why was my student credit card application rejected?
Even though student credit cards are easier to qualify for, approval isn’t guaranteed. Common reasons for rejection include:
Not meeting the age requirements.
Not residing in Canada.
Lack of proof of income.
Insufficient income.
Being an international student without permission to work in Canada (which prevents obtaining a Social Insurance Number).
A low credit score from previous credit history.
Failure to provide proof of enrollment (if required).
Can I pay tuition with my student credit card in Canada?
Some Canadian colleges and universities accept credit card payments for tuition, but not many. Even if they do, you may not be able to use a student credit card due to lower spending limits.
Additionally, post-secondary institutions often charge significant processing fees — sometimes as high as 3% of the total transaction. For example, a $5,000 tuition payment could come with a $150 fee.
Before using a student credit card for tuition, check what credit card fees apply and explore alternative payment methods, such as direct deposit or a cheque.
What should I do with my student credit card after graduation?
You can cancel your credit card after you graduate, but you have other options:
Keep it open. A long credit history helps your credit score, so keeping your student card open (even if you don’t use it often) can be beneficial.
Request a product upgrade. Some banks will let you switch to a non-student version of your card with better perks, like higher rewards or no foreign transaction fees.
Increase your credit limit. You should update your information with your credit card provider, especially if your income has increased. Ask about a limit increase to improve your credit utilization ratio.
Avoid closing your card right away (unless the card has an annual fee you don’t want to continue paying). Keeping it open — even if you don’t use it much — can help maintain a strong credit score.
What happens if I miss a payment?
If you miss a payment, you may be charged interest, and the missed payment could hurt your credit score if it is reported to the credit bureaus. Repeated missed payments may also trigger a higher interest rate under your cardholder agreement.
If you miss a payment by mistake, pay it as soon as possible. You can also call your credit card provider to ask if they’ll waive the interest charges. To prevent future missed payments, set up automatic payments or reminders.
Can you get a student credit card with no income?
Some credit card issuers allow this, but many require proof of annual income. After all, you need some form of income to pay your bills.
Having an existing bank account with the financial institution where you’re applying may improve your chances of approval since they can verify your assets.
Can international students get a credit card in Canada?
Yes, international students can apply for credit cards in Canada. You’ll need a SIN, proof of enrollment, and government-issued ID (passport or Canadian driver’s license). Some banks offer international student-friendly credit cards.
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