When you’re at a new restaurant, do you have to see the menu before you order? Or do you eat what your foodie friend says is good, knowing it’ll be amazing? The answer can help you decide how to pick a new credit card. Some people want the ability to compare their options side-by-side, while others want just a few recommendations (from people who know what they’re talking about). This page offers both.
Best student credit cards in Canada: Our editors’ picks
There’s an abundance of credit cards in Canada. But the options are a little more limited for students, who don’t necessarily have a credit score or an annual income (both of which are common eligibility criteria). That’s not a bad thing—in fact, it makes your life easier! Once you know what you want most out of a credit card, the choice becomes pretty clear.
| Best credit card by category | It might be for you if… |
|---|---|
| Best cash back credit card for students BMO CashBack Mastercard Annual fee: $0 |
You spend most of your budget on groceries and prefer cash back to travel rewards. |
| Best travel credit card for students CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students Annual fee: $0 |
You’re saving up for a trip and want to earn points toward flights and get there for less. |
| Best low-interest credit card Flexi Visa Annual fee: $0 |
You carry a balance from time to time and want to minimize interest charges. |
| Best secured credit card Home Trust Secured Visa Annual fee: $0 |
You’re building or rebuilding credit and need a card with guaranteed approval. |
| Best store credit card for students PC Mastercard Annual fee: $0 |
You shop often at Loblaw stores and want to earn points on groceries and essentials. |
| Best student credit card for entertainment Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card for students Annual fee: $0 |
You’re a movie lover who wants to earn free tickets and discounts on snacks—or apply those points to travel, groceries, dining, and more. |
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Should you get your own credit card?
Having your own credit card and being an authorized user—also known as a supplementary cardholder—on a parent or partner’s account are two different things. As an authorized user, you’re able to access the credit of the primary cardholder to make purchases, often through a credit card with your own name on it. However, those transactions do not help you establish a credit history or credit score. To build a good credit score, you’ll need your own credit card account—and to pay off the balance on time regularly.
Best cash-back credit card for students: BMO CashBack Mastercard
The BMO CashBack Mastercard is a top choice for students looking for easy cash-back earnings. Combining no annual fee with an impressive 3% cash back rate on grocery purchases, this card offers students a chance to earn cash rewards in a high-spend category.
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BMO CashBack Mastercard
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: 0.5% to 3% cash back
- 3% cash back on groceries
- 1% on recurring bills
- 0.5% on everything else
Welcome offer: Earn up to 5% cash back in your first 3 months. Conditions apply.
Card details
| Interest rates | 21.99% on purchases, 23.99% on cash advances, 23.99% on balance transfers |
| Income required | None specified |
| Credit score | None specified |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Highest cash back rate for groceries among no-fee credit cards in Canada at 3%
- Redeem your cash (starting with as little as $1) when you wish, and have it applied as a statement credit, added to your BMO InvestorLine account, or deposited into your BMO chequing or savings account
- Discounts on select rental cars and Cirque du Soleil shows
Cons
- Low monthly cap of $500 on groceries and recurring bills
- Low 0.5% base earn rate in non-boosted categories
- Convenience stores, bakeries, and other specialty food shops are excluded from the grocery category
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Best travel credit card for students: CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students
The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card is tailored to the needs of students—especially those who can take advantage of travel rewards. This student-friendly card has no annual fee, and it provides a free SPC+ membership that lets you enjoy savings of up to 30% across 450-plus brands.
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: 0.67 – 1 Point per dollar
- 1 point per $1 spent on gas and EV charging, groceries and Air Canada purchases
- 0.67 points per $1 on everything else
Welcome offer: earn 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase ($200 value)
Card details
| Interest rates | 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances (21.99% in Quebec) |
| Income required | None specified |
| Credit score | None specified |
| Point value | . |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Earn Aeroplan points on everyday purchases
- Flexible redemption options, including flights and merchandise
- Redeem points for any Air Canada seat without worrying about blackout dates (and pay for flights with a mix of points and cash)
- Some travel insurance, including collision and loss damage insurance for car rentals, purchase protection, and extended warranty coverage
- Free SPC+ membership
Cons
- No Status Qualifying Miles earn on everyday purchases
- Limited value if you don’t travel frequently with Air Canada or one of its partner airlines
Best low-interest credit card for students: Desjardins Flexi Visa
While you won’t earn rewards with this card, the Flexi Visa from Desjardins credit union stands out as a low-interest, no-fee credit card for students looking to minimize credit card debt. It also features benefits like limited travel insurance, rental car discounts, a monthly installment payment plan, and mobile device insurance.
Desjardins Flexi Visa
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: Does not offer rewards.
Welcome offer: None at this time.
Card details
| Interest rates | 10.90% on purchases and 12.90% on cash advances |
| Income required | Not specified |
| Credit score | Not specified |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Lowest regular purchase interest rate in Canada for a no-fee card (the exception may be cards with a variable interest rate that fluctuates with changes in the prime rate)
- $5 million in emergency medical coverage for trips up to three days, plus trip cancellation and baggage coverage
- Installment plans available for purchases of $200 or more (with participating merchants)
Cons
- Lower interest rates available with other cards if you’re willing to pay an annual fee
- Desjardins only has physical branches in Ontario and Quebec
- No rewards program
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Best secured credit card for students: Home Trust Secured Visa
The Home Trust Secured Visa is an effective tool for Canadians aiming to establish or rebuild their credit history. You set your own spending limit, which can range from $500 to $10,000. If you occasionally have trouble paying off your balance, you can take advantage of selecting between two interest rates: 19.99% with no annual fee or 14.90% with a $59 annual fee.
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Home Trust Secured Visa
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: Does not offer rewards.
Welcome offer: None at this time.
Card details
| Interest rates | 19.99% on purchases and 19.99% on cash advances |
| Income required | None specified |
| Credit score | 300 or higher |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Option to choose a higher or lower interest rate—purchase APR of 19.99% with no annual fee or 14.90% with $59 annual fee
- Home Trust reports payments to both TransUnion and Equifax, which helps you build credit rating
- Compatible with digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay
Cons
- No rewards on your spending (though this is typical for secured cards and cards that prioritize low interest)
- Minimum security deposit of $500
- Card not available to residents of Quebec
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Best store credit card for students: PC Mastercard
Drugstores and grocery stores are where many students tend to spend the most. That makes the PC Mastercard a strong pick for those who shop frequently at participating stores. With earn rates ranging from 10 to 30 points per $1 depending on the store, you can accumulate rewards quickly.
PC Mastercard
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: 10 – 25 Points per dollar
- 25 points per $1 spent at Shoppers Drug Mart
- At least 30 points per litre at Esso and Mobil gas stations
- 10 points per $1 on everything else
Card details
| Interest rates | 21.99% on purchases, 22.97% on cash advances and % on balance transfers |
| Income required | None specified |
| Credit score | 560 or higher |
| Point value | 1 PC Optimum point is worth $0.001 (redeem 10,000 points for $10) |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Generous returns of 25 points for every $1 spent at Shoppers Drug Mart and 30 points per litre of gas at Esso and Mobil, translating to a return of 2.5% and 3%, respectively
- Flexibility to use PC Optimum points at various Loblaw-affiliated stores
- No cap on how many PC Optimum points you can earn
Cons
- Not as versatile as cash back rewards—redemptions restricted to specific retailers
- Must redeem a minimum of $10 at a time
- Relatively high standard purchase interest rate of 21.99%
Best student credit card for entertainment: Scotiabank Scene+ Visa
If you go to movie theatres to get away from dorm drama or to take a break from studying, consider this card. What you spend at the cinema can turn into some nice perks.
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Scotiabank Scene+ Visa card
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: 1 – 2 Points per dollar
- 2 Scene+ points for every $1 spent at Sobeys banner stores and Cineplex
- 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent everywhere else
Welcome offer: Earn up to 5,000 bonus Scene+ points within the first 3 months. Offer ends Oct. 31, 2025.
Card details
| Interest rates | 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances, 22.99% on balance transfers |
| Income required | $12,000 per year |
| Credit score | 660 or higher |
| Point value | 1 Scene+ point = $0.01 when redeemed for travel, store purchases and food and drink at Cineplex and Scene partners |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Earns verstile Scene+ rewards with flexible redemption options, including movies, takeout, retailer gift cards, flights, hotels, and more
- Save 25% off base rates for car rentals at participating Avis and Budget rental locations in Canada and the U.S.
Cons
- No boosted earn rate for common spending categories, like gas or dining
- Not as flexible as a cash back program, but redeeming is straightforward for travel items
How we determine the best student credit cards
Our editors apply their credit card expertise and knowledge of Canadians’ financial goals to come up with selection criteria that matches the needs of the intended cardholder. For students, we look for cards that have no annual fee, as well as low income and credit score requirements—because building a credit history is a common goal for people who use these cards. Beyond that, we consider the return on spending (for rewards cards), the purchase APR (for low-interest cards), and other factors based on the category. The addition of links from affiliate partners has no bearing on the results. Read more about our selection process and how MoneySense makes money.
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Why trust us
MoneySense is an award-winning magazine, helping Canadians navigate money matters since 1999. Our editorial team of trained journalists works closely with leading personal finance experts in Canada. To help you find the best financial products, we compare the offerings of major institutions, including banks, credit unions and card issuers. Learn more about our advertising and trusted partners.
FAQs
How do I apply for a student credit card?
Applying for a student credit card is pretty straightforward, although there are a few eligibility requirements to keep in mind. You must be the age of majority in your province and provide proof of income or financial support, if required.
As a new credit card holder, it’s a smart idea to review your options before you apply. Check out what different banks are offering and choose a card that best matches your lifestyle and spending habits. Each application does affect your credit score, so you’ll want to avoid applying for multiple credit cards needlessly. Stick with one card as you learn the ropes and start building your credit history.
Is opening a student credit card a good idea?
Opening a student credit card is