A student credit card is often the first account on a credit file, and the bank student versions are built for post-secondary students who have little or no credit history. This roundup compares the no-fee student cards from the big banks and the alternatives worth a look, as part of our credit card reviews and roundups. If you’re starting from nothing and not a student, the first credit card guide covers the wider set of starter cards.
Best Student Credit Cards Compared
| Card | Annual fee | Rewards | Extra perks | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMO CashBack Mastercard for Students | $0 | 3% groceries (capped $15/statement), 1% recurring bills (capped $5/statement), 0.5% everything else | Higher rate on groceries | Most students |
| Scotiabank Scene+ Visa for students | $0 | 2x partner groceries (Sobeys/Safeway/IGA/Foodland/Freshco), 2x Home Hardware, 2x Cineplex, 1x everything else | Cineplex and Sobeys-family points | Entertainment |
| CIBC Dividend Visa for Students | $0 | 2% groceries, 1% gas/EV charging/transportation/dining/recurring payments, 0.5% everything else | CIBC banking | CIBC customers |
| TD Rewards Visa for Students | $0 | 4x travel via Expedia For TD, 3x groceries/dining/public transit (first $5,000/yr each), 2x recurring bills/streaming/digital media (first $5,000/yr), 1x everything else | TD banking | TD customers |
| Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard | $0 | 2% cash back in 2 categories you choose (3 with rewards paid into a Tangerine Savings Account), 0.5% on everything else | No student version | Students with some income |
Best Student Card Overall: BMO CashBack Mastercard for Students
BMO’s student version of the BMO CashBack Mastercard pays its top rate on groceries, up to a spending limit each statement period.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Rewards | 3% groceries (capped $15/statement), 1% recurring bills (capped $5/statement), 0.5% everything else |
| Interest rate | 21.99% purchases / 23.99% cash advance & balance transfer |
| Minimum income | None |
What stands out:
- A grocery rate well above its base rate, on a no-fee card Who it suits: students who want straightforward cash back and spend a lot on groceries.
Best for Entertainment: Scotiabank Scene+ Visa for Students
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Rewards | 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent |
| Bonus points | 2 points per $1 at Cineplex, 2 points per $1 at Sobeys/Safeway/Foodland/participating IGA and Co-ops, 2 points per $1 at Home Hardware |
| Interest rate | 21.99% |
Scene+ points are worth the most on Cineplex and grocery redemptions; the Scene+ guide sets out what each redemption returns.
Why choose Scene+:
- Earn 2x points at Cineplex theatres and cineplex.com
- Earn 2x points at Sobeys, Safeway, Foodland, participating IGA and Co-ops
- Redeem for free movies, groceries, or travel
- Same earn structure as the regular (non-student) Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card, just with a more accessible credit tier
Who it suits: students who go to Cineplex or shop at Sobeys-family grocery stores.
Best for CIBC Customers: CIBC Dividend Visa for Students
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Rewards | 2% groceries, 1% gas/EV charging/transportation/dining/recurring payments, 0.5% everything else |
| Interest rate | 21.99% |
Why choose CIBC:
- No annual fee on the student card
- Easy integration with CIBC app
- Builds relationship for future products (credit limit increases, better cards)
Cons:
- Base rate (0.5%) outside groceries/gas/dining/transit/recurring is modest
- No major perks
Who it suits: students who already bank with CIBC.
Best for TD Customers: TD Rewards Visa for Students
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Rewards | 4x travel via Expedia For TD, 3x groceries/dining/public transit (first $5,000/yr each), 2x recurring bills/streaming/digital media (first $5,000/yr), 1x everything else |
| Interest rate | 21.99% |
TD Rewards points are worth different amounts depending on how you redeem them; the TD Rewards program guide compares the options.
Why choose TD:
- If you already bank with TD
- TD Rewards can be used for many redemption options
- Standard 21.99% purchase interest rate
Who it suits: students who bank with TD.
Alternative: Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
Tangerine’s card isn’t a student product, but its income requirement of $12,000 personal is within reach of a student with part-time earnings. The Tangerine Money-Back review has the full detail.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Rewards | 2% cash back in 2 categories you choose (3 with rewards paid into a Tangerine Savings Account), 0.5% on everything else |
Why consider Tangerine:
- You choose the categories that earn the higher rate
- A low income requirement for a non-student card
Considerations:
- Needs rewards deposited to a Tangerine Savings Account for the 3rd category
- May have stricter approval than student-specific cards
How to Get Approved for a Student Credit Card
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 18+ (19+ in BC, NB, NS, NL, NT, NU, YT) |
| Student status | Enrolled at a recognized post-secondary school (BMO also asks for age 24 or under) |
| Income | Varies by card (CIBC sets no minimum; BMO asks for income from employment, a scholarship or grant, a student loan or family allowance) |
| Residency | Canadian resident |
| Credit history | None required |
Income Sources That Count
| Source | Counts? |
|---|---|
| Part-time job | ✅ Yes |
| Summer job | ✅ Yes |
| Work-study | ✅ Yes |
| Co-op/internship | ✅ Yes |
| Parental support (allowance) | ✅ Often yes |
| Student loans | ⚠️ Depends on the issuer (BMO lists student loans as income) |
| Scholarships | ⚠️ Sometimes |
Tip: Report all income sources. Even $500/month part-time adds up to $6,000/year, which often meets minimum requirements.
Documents to Have Ready
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Student ID card | Proves student status |
| School enrollment letter | Alternative proof |
| Government ID | Identity verification |
| Proof of address | May be requested |
| Income documents | Pay stubs if asked |
What to Do If Declined
If you’re declined for a student card:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Call the reconsideration line |
| 2 | Ask why you were declined |
| 3 | Offer additional information (income proof) |
| 4 | If still declined, try a different bank |
| 5 | Consider a secured credit card |
A secured card is the fallback if every student card declines you; the secured card comparison covers deposits and fees.
How Students Should Use Credit Cards
Monthly Strategy
| Timing | Action |
|---|---|
| Throughout month | Use for regular purchases |
| Weekly | Check balance in app |
| Before statement | Optional: pay down to 30% utilization |
| By due date | Pay full balance |
What to Charge
| Good Purchases | Why |
|---|---|
| Textbooks | Earn rewards on necessary expense |
| Groceries | Build spending history |
| Monthly subscriptions | Automated, consistent |
| Gas | If you drive |
| Small entertainment | Movies, streaming |
What NOT to Do
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Buy tuition on credit | Interest is too high |
| Max out the card | Hurts credit score |
| Pay only minimums | Builds expensive debt |
| Miss payments | Damages credit for years |
| Cash advances | Extremely high interest |
Building Credit as a Student
Timeline
| Period | Credit Score Goal |
|---|---|
| Year 1 (first card) | Establish history, aim for 650+ |
| Year 2 | Grow to 680-700 |
| Year 3 | Target 700+ |
| Graduation | 720+ for post-grad needs |
Why Credit Matters After Graduation
| Need | How Credit Helps |
|---|---|
| First apartment | Landlords check credit |
| Car loan | Good credit = lower rates |
| Credit limit increases | Better cards available |
| Future mortgage | Foundation for homeownership |
Upgrading After Graduation
After graduating, you can upgrade to better cards:
| Card Type | When to Consider |
|---|---|
| Premium cash back | Meets the card’s stated income and credit requirements |
| Travel rewards | Established credit history, want travel perks |
| Same bank premium | Often easier upgrades within bank |
Tip: Keep your student card open even after getting a new card. The account age helps your credit score.
Student Credit Card FAQ
Can I get a credit card at 18 in Canada?
Yes, once you reach the age of majority where you live. The age of majority is:
- 18: AB, MB, ON, PEI, QC, SK
- 19: BC, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, YT
Do I need a co-signer for a student card?
Whether a student card needs a co-signer depends on the issuer, so check the card’s eligibility requirements.
What credit limit will I get as a student?
Student cards often have lower credit limits than standard cards, and the issuer sets yours when it reviews your application.
Can international students get a credit card?
Yes, some banks offer cards to international students with no Canadian credit history. Requirements vary by bank; one major bank asks for the following to open an account:
- Study permit or temporary resident visa
- Proof of enrollment
Several banks run newcomer and international-student programs; the newcomer credit card guide compares them.
Should I get more than one student card?
For most students, one card is enough. Adding a second card:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Diversifies credit | Harder to manage |
| Different rewards | More temptation to overspend |
| Higher total limit | Multiple applications |
General guidance: Starting with one card and adding a second only after 6-12 months of responsible use (if there’s a specific reason to) tends to work well for most students.
Recommendation by Situation
| Situation | Best Card |
|---|---|
| Want simple cash back | BMO CashBack for Students |
| Love movies and entertainment | Scotiabank Scene+ |
| Bank with CIBC | CIBC Dividend for Students |
| Bank with TD | TD Rewards for Students |
| Want highest rewards | Tangerine Money-Back |
| Can’t get approved | Home Trust Secured Visa (not available in Quebec) |
| International student | Scotiabank (newcomer program) |
Related Resources
Sources
The figures and rules on this page come from these sources, last checked against them between October 3, 2026 and October 6, 2026. How we check facts.