Best Student Credit Cards

Best student credit cards in Canada

Fact checked by Tyler Wade

Updated Jun 4, 2025

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Top 3 student credit cards in Canada

Getting a student credit card is a great way to educate and reward students—without the income and credit score requirements of regular credit cards. Here's our expert-picked top 3 list for 2025.

Building strong credit early is essential for your financial future as a young adult. In Canada, the best student credit cards cater to both domestic and international students, offering perks such as cash back, travel rewards, and discounts—ideal for those with little to no income.

Here's our list (part of our larger best credit cards in Canada list and awards) and tips on how to make your pick.  For more options, you can also try our credit card comparison tool.

  • Why you can trust Money.ca's best student credit cards in Canada list

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    Money.ca rates all credit cards on a numeric scale of 1 to 5 stars, with 1 being the lowest and 5 the highest rating, respectively. Money.ca’s proprietary scoring formulas break down the confusing language, complex points, rewards and earn rates to give you the real data that caters to your needs first, not ours. We analyzed 28 credit card programs, considered more than 135 features, reviewed over 200 cards and sifted through approximately 27,000 data points to identify the best options available.

    Our partnerships have no impact on our ratings, which are solely determined by the merits of each card. To learn more about how we researched and ranked these cards, read our full credit card review methodology.

🏅 Gold: RBC ION+ Visa

Welcome Bonus: Get up to 7,000 Avion points^ - that’s up to $50 of value in gift cards!†

On RBC'sSecure Site

Get this card if you...

  • want to earn rewards on everyday purchases
  • want a low monthly fee
  • want mobile device protection and extended warranty

  • This card earned top marks last year and continues to perform strongly, retaining its status as our best overall student credit card.
  • The welcome bonus provides a solid head start toward rewards, especially valuable for budget-conscious students.
  • This card also gives you access to the Avion program, one of Canada's best loyalty programs. With the RBC ION+ Visa you'll earn 3x Avion points for every dollar you spent on groceries, dining and food delivery as well as commuting (gas, transit, Ubers), and streaming, digital gaming, and other subscriptions.
  • If you can afford the $48 fee (charged at $4 per month), the RBC Ion+ gives you enough Avion points to claim that money back in gift cards alone. If you sign up for an RBC Signature No Limit Bank account, they'll give you a $4 rebate each month of your credit card fee.
  • RBC gives you 2 years of coverage on your mobile device (so long as you purchased it with this card) and give you purchase security and extended warranty insurance which is invaluable for students' precious laptops with all your information.

Disclosures:

  • Refer to RBC page for up to date offer terms and conditions.

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🥈 Silver: BMO AIR MILES Mastercard for Students

Welcome Bonus: Get 800 AIR MILES Bonus Miles.† Expires Jan 31, 2026

On BMO'sSecure Site

Get this card if you...

  • are a student who wants to earn Air Miles on everyday spending
  • don't want to pay an annual fee
  • value a great welcome offer

  • BMO Air Miles Mastercard for Students performed well across multiple evaluation metrics, landing it a strong second place in our rankings.
  • Air Miles remains one of the most recognized and widely used rewards programs in Canada—especially for travel and merchandise.
  • This card offers students an accessible path to travel redemptions, even on a tight budget, by allowing rewards to be easily used for flights, car rentals and attractions.
  • Provides value and rewards with no annual fee, making it a low-risk option for students new to credit.

🥉 Bronze: CIBC Adapta™ Mastercard® for Students

Welcome Bonus: Get 3,000 Adapta Points after your first purchase† and roadside assistance. Then earn 3,000 Adapta Points when you spend $1,000 in the first 4 months.

Get this card if you...

  • Want to get bonus rewards for your top 3 spend categories
  • Prefer to earn purchase rewards without having to pay for an annual fee
  • You're a frequent commuter who values the complimentary Roadside assistance as a benefit

  • This card is fresh to the market, offering Canadian students modern features and simplified earning tailored to today’s students.
  • Earn cashback in your top three spend categories each month—no manual selection required, which is great for busy students.
  • With no annual fee, students can start building credit and earning rewards with zero upfront cost.
  • Cashback is easy to redeem and can be applied directly to the account, making this card a hassle-free choice for everyday savings.

Best TD credit card for students in Canada: TD Rewards Visa* Card

Welcome Bonus: Earn a value of $50† in TD Rewards Points† to use on eligible Amazon.ca purchases. Conditions Apply. Offer effective as of January 7, 2025.

On TD'sSecure Site

Get this card if you...

  • want to earn TD Rewards on everyday purchases
  • want a flexible rewards program
  • value a good welcome offer

  • A no annual fee card that helps you rack up travel points for a weekend getaway with roommates.
  • You'll quickly earn points, with 3 TD Rewards Points on Groceries, Dining, and Public Transit†, 2 TD Rewards Points on Recurring Bill Payments and Streaming, Digital Gaming & Media† and 1 TD Rewards Point on all other purchases†.
  • Book your travel through Expedia® For TD† for the best prices and even more rewards potential.

Disclosures:

  • †Terms and conditions apply.

    This offer is not available to 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. Sponsored Content.

Best Scotiabank student credit card: Scotiabank Momentum® No-Fee Visa* Card

Welcome Bonus: Earn 5% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases); Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months (22.99% after that; annual fee $0). Expires Oct 31, 2025

On Scotiabank'sSecure Site

Get this card if you...

  • want to earn cash back with no annual fee
  • value a good welcome offer
  • don't need comprehensive insurance benefits

  • If you like cash back, look no further than Scotiabank Momentum® No-Fee Visa* Card.
  • Earn 5% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases); Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months (22.99% after that; annual fee $0). So, Scotiabank is essentially paying you to use their card—that's something we can root for.
  • After that, you'll earn 1% cash back on every day purchases from gas to groceries, drug store purchases and recurring bill payments. You'll earn 0.5% on everything else.
  • If you're currently carrying credit card debt, the Momentum is one of the best balance transfer credit cards, too. You'll pay 0% for the first 6 months which makes paying off credit card debt much easier.  

Disclosures:

  • *See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.

Best first credit card for international students in Canada: Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* Card

Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 5,000 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months. Expires Oct 31, 2025

On Scotiabank'sSecure Site

Get this card if you...

  • are a student
  • want to collect SCENE points on everyday purchases
  • want a flexible rewards program

  • The Scene+ program is super flexible in its rewards where you can redeem for travel, shopping, dining and more.
  • As a welcome bonus, get up to 5,000 bonus Scene+ points.
  • Earning is easy, too. You earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 you spend on everyday purchases and 2 Scene+ points per dollar when you spend at Cineplex theatres and at Sobey's brand grocery stores (FreshCo, Foodland, Safeway, IGA, etc.)
  • For newcomers, Scotiabank has a StartRight® Program† which approves newcomers for a credit card for up to $15k. They also have no-fee chequing accounts and high interest savings accounts which could prove useful.

Disclosures:

  • Conditions apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* Card to learn more. *See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.

Best student credit card for travel: CIBC Aeroplan Visa

Welcome Bonus: Join and get up to $200 in value in your first year!† Earn 10,000 Aeroplan points!†

On CIBC'sSecure Site

Get this card if you...

  • frequently travel with Air Canada and collect Aeroplan points
  • want travel perk like complimentary first checked bag
  • value a generous welcome offer

  • Aeroplan is one of the best loyalty travel programs in Canada, so why not foray into it with CIBC's Aeroplan card which has no minimum income requirement.
  • As a welcome bonus, get up to 10,000 Aeroplan points†.
  • You earn 1 Aeroplan point for every $1.50 you spend on gas, groceries, and Air Canada flights. You can also earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partners and online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore (a great place to look for student discounts, too!)
  • They're also throwing in purchase security and extended warranty protection insurance, travel accident insurance and rental car insurance.

Disclosures:

  • †Terms and Conditions Apply. This offer it not available to the residents of Quebec.
  • The information for the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card has been collected independently by Money.ca. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best prepaid credit card for students in Canada: KOHO Mastercard

Welcome Bonus: Get a 30-day free trial for any KOHO plan. Get a $20 sign-up bonus on your first $20 transaction.

On Koho'sSecure Site

Get this card if you...

  • prefer earning cash back with the flexibility of a prepaid card
  • want to build out your credit history
  • want to track your spending

KOHO has 3 credit card tiers, all of them are prepaid meaning you have to put money on the card to use it.

  1. 1 KOHO Essential: Your entry-level option with a low annual fee and basic cash back on key categories. It’s a solid choice if you’re dipping your toes into the world of rewards cards.
  2. 2 KOHO Extra: The middle-tier option offers higher cash back rates and eliminates foreign transaction fees, but comes with a heftier annual fee. It’s worth considering if you’re a frequent traveler or big spender in the bonus categories.
  3. 3 KOHO Everything: The premium tier that surprisingly matches the Essential’s annual fee while offering the highest cash back rates and interest on your balance. It’s a no-brainer if you can meet the spending requirements to maximize its benefits.

These come with the following benefits:

  • With their paid programs, you can access their credit building product. So, while you may find it hard to get credit, KOHO helps you build credit so you can access an unsecured credit card and unlock more rewards faster.
  • KOHO is more than just a prepaid card. It’s made up of multiple products that help you get a good overview of your finances, manage your money, and save more.
  • Your KOHO Prepaid Mastercard® connects to a digital account that can be accessed via the KOHO app. The app breaks down your spending by showing you where your money is going so you can stay on top of your financial health.
  • With their paid programs, you can access their credit building product. So, while you may find it hard to get credit, KOHO helps you build credit so you can access an unsecured credit card and unlock more rewards faster.

🛍️ Best student Mastercard in Canada: Tangerine Money-Back Card

Welcome Bonus: Earn 10% cash back for 2 months† (up to $100). Expires Aug 31, 2025

On Tangerine'sSecure Site

Get this card if you...

  • want flexible cash back categories
  • want unlimited cash back
  • want to avoid paying an annual fee

  • Unlike other credit cards, the Tangerine student credit card allows you to earn unlimited Money-Back Rewards on everyday purchases — with no annual fee.
  •   You also choose which categories where you want higher cash back. You can get 2% cash back on groceries, restaurants, gas, recurring bills, drug stores, public transportation and more. Two categories not enough? Get a third by opening a Tangerine Savings Account.
  • Tangerine's app also helps you track, organize and categorize your spending so you have a better idea of where you're spending your money.

Best American Express credit card for students: Amex SimplyCash® Card

Welcome Bonus: Earn a bonus 5% cash back on purchases in your first 3 months (up to $2,000 in purchases).

On American Express'Secure Site

Get this card if you...

  • want to earn cash back, without an annual fee
  • value purchase protection and extended warranty coverage
  • want to maximize cash back rates, with no spending caps

  • A no annual fee card that gives you 2% cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada, 2% cash back on eligible groceries in Canada (up to $300 cash back annually) and 1.25% cash back on everything else is great.
  • As a new SimplyCash® Card from American Express member, you can bonus 5% back.
  • They also give you $100,000 in travel accident insurance, $1,000 purchase protection insurance for items bought within 90 days, and buyer's assurance which gives you an additional year from the manufacturer's original warranty.
  • Throw in the Amex privilege with their Front Of The Line presale and reserved tickets, some world-class customer service, and their Plan It™ Installment program which splits large purchases into monthly payments and you've got a solid student credit card.

Disclosures:

  • Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.

    American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

How do student cards differ from other credit cards?

Student credit cards are a great way for undergraduates to build credit while getting their degree. But student cards aren't exactly the same as any other rewards, balance transfer or other regular type of credit card:

Lower credit score required: Because student cards are for students, they have simpler credit score requirements that make them easier to access. This lower eligibility requirement makes student cards a great option for those who want to build a positive credit history but don't want to be tied to a secured credit card that requires a cash deposit to open.

Smaller credit limits: Student cards typically have lower credit limits than regular credit cards from the same bank or issuer, which may restrict your overall purchasing power. These reduced credit lines help students gain experience with credit at a much lower risk level but might impact your available credit for larger purchases like textbooks, each semester.

Best first credit card for young adults: Amex Green Card

Welcome Bonus: Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards® points* when you spend $1,000 on your Card within the first 3 months as a new Cardmember.*

On American Express'Secure Site

Get this card if you...

  • want rewards without paying an annual fee
  • want to earn points on everyday spending
  • want a flexible rewards program with exclusive perks

  • While the green card isn't as loaded on benefits as the American Express The Platinum Card®, it still gets you connected to world-class customer service, and American Express Experiences like Front Of The Line Presales and Reserved tickets.
  • As a new American Express® Green Card Cardmember, you can earn a Welcome Bonus of Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards® points* when you spend $1,000 on your Card within the first 3 months as a new Cardmember.*
  • When you graduate, you can upgrade your card but stay with Amex Membership Rewards which transfer 1:1 with other great loyalty programs like Aeroplan or Marriott Bonvoy.
  • Though it’s true that AMEX isn’t accepted everywhere, the points you do earn can be redeemed toward eligible Card purchases, at Amazon.ca, and even to get gift cards and merchandise.

Disclosures:

  • Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.

    American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Expert Tip:

How to use a student credit card to build credit and earn rewards

Apply for a student credit card as soon as possible. Use it responsibly and grow your credit score to give yourself a financial step up. Applying for a credit card as a student might be daunting but it’s one of the smartest decisions you can make to help you get ahead and build credit. Student credit cards are fantastic tools to help manage your college/university and day-to-day expenses. Plus, many of these credit cards also come with perks like rewards or cash back. But, you do have to be careful. A credit card comes with a lot of responsibility that can have a big impact for many years to come. However, when used responsibly and correctly, a student credit card will teach you a lot about personal finances and help set you up for a stronger financial future.

Hannah Logan Money.ca writer

Read: How do student loans affect your credit score?

Pros and cons of student credit cards

Pros
  • You have the chance to build credit, which in turn will help you with future financial endeavours like renting housing
  • You can earn rewards and cash back
  • Purchase protection
  • They are useful if you’re in a financial pinch and need to purchase a necessity
  • You can track your spending
Cons
  • You might be tempted to overspend
  • Low credit limits
  • Paying your credit card or risk developing bad credit
  • Fees can sneak up on you

Applying for a student credit card is simple. As long as you have what you need ready to go, this process should run smoothly. Here’s a step by step look at how to apply for a student credit card:

  1. 1 Do your research. First things first, research student credit cards to decide which is best for you and your spending habits based on its eligibility requirements, perks, discounts, rewards and reviews.
  2. 2 Ensure you meet eligibility requirements. Typically, this means you must be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in your province, be a post-secondary student, have not declared bankruptcy in the past 7 years, and overall have a clean financial history.
  3. 3 Gather your paperwork. Make sure you have proof that you meet the eligibility requirements listed in the second step.
  4. 4 Fill out an application form. Once you’ve determined which card you’d like to apply for, you can submit an application either in person at your bank or online. Your credit card applications shouldn’t take you more than 15 minutes to submit.
  5. 5 Wait for approval. If you’ve been approved, your credit card provider should reach out to you shortly (3-5 days) to confirm your approval before sending you your new student credit card in the mail.

💰 Can you apply for a credit card without a job?

In short, yes, you can apply for a student credit card without a job. Some credit card providers may require proof of income along with your application (which will be verified with the credit bureau), but if you don’t have full- or part-time work, you can provide them with an alternate form of income to prove you’d be able to pay off any accumulated expenses. This may come from a student loan, personal savings, or help from a parent or guardian.

🌍 Can international students get credit cards in Canada?

Yes! There are currently five financial institutions that offer up to $1,000 of credit to newly arrived international students: BMO, Scotiabank, CIBC, RBC and HSBC. And while TD Canada does offer credit to international students, they will only offer secured credit cards (credit cards with a security deposit) to students who have just arrived in Canada.

🍰 What is the easiest student credit card to get?

The Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* Card, the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card, and the BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* for students are the easiest cards to get approved for as a student. Plus, none of these cards have an annual fee.

Final word on student credit cards

Being a student means you’re already busy enough with things like academics, extracurriculars and networking. Worrying about your finances is a stress you don’t need to add to the list. By choosing a credit card that suits your lifestyle and personal finances you can reap some great rewards and discounts, save yourself some money and focus on hitting the books!

You’ll also have peace of mind knowing that you don’t need to worry about switching your credit card until after you’re done with school—and even then, you have options for your student credit card after you graduate.

If you’re buying your own course books, spending money on groceries, or buying a monthly public transit pass, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be earning rewards on each purchase with a credit card. A student card can help you build credit and practice financial responsibility. And trust me, post-graduate you will thank yourself when tackling things like car leases, mortgages, rental housing and retail financing is made easier by the credit you built using your student credit card.

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Student credit card FAQs

  • How many credit cards should a student have?

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    While you can have more than one, it is recommended that you only have one credit card as a student to prevent the risk of accumulating debt or losing track of any expenses.

  • What is the average credit limit for a college student?

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    The average credit limit for a college/university student ranges from $500-$1,000.

  • How old do I have to be to get a student credit card?

    +

    You must be of the age of majority in your province.

  • What should I use a student credit card for?

    +

    You can use your student credit card for most expenses. This might include things like textbooks, groceries, transportation or your phone bill. Be sure to use your student credit card at retailers that offer points or cash rewards.

  • What’s the difference between a student credit card and a student line of credit?

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    A student line of credit allots you a certain amount of available credit and you must pay back whatever amount you end up borrowing. Typically, a line of credit offers a higher credit limit and a more flexible repayment schedule, though it doesn’t offer any rewards, perks or cash back.

Em Norton Content Editor

Em Norton is a Staff Writer for Money.ca. Em holds a B.A. in Professional Writing from York University and has been writing professionally since 2019. Em's work has previously been published by Room Magazine, IN Magazine, Our Canada and more.

Jack Lawson Freelance Writer

Jack has an undergraduate degree in journalism from Carleton University and a master's of Urban Planning from Toronto Metropolitan University. Over the years Jack has written for not-for-profits like World Vision and WE Charity, shot video content for accelerators like Techstars, and co-authored urban planning papers with organizations such as Parkdale's Neighbourhood Land Trust. Jack currently specializes in real estate and investing news.

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†Terms and Conditions apply.