Best Credit Cards for Students in Canada in 2025

For Canadian students, choosing the right credit card can be a game-changer. Regardless of whether you are running to pay tuition, meeting day-to-day expenses, or establishing a solid credit history, a student credit card can provide financial flexibility and benefits that suit you. The best Canadian student credit cards are free of annual fees, have competitive rewards, and lenient eligibility criteria, which makes them perfect for students with limited or no credit history. This guide examines the reasons why students require a credit card, important factors to take into consideration, and the best five student credit cards in 2025, so that you can make a wise choice to start your financial journey.

Why Students Need a Credit Card

A credit card is not only a means of payment for Canadian students but also a ladder to financial independence. Responsible use of a credit card can create a credit history, which is essential to the future, borrowing, mortgaging, or even renting an apartment. Most student credit cards have rewards such as cash back and rewards when making daily purchases like groceries or transportation. In the case of international students, a credit card can make payment in Canada easier and demonstrate financial responsibility. Additionally, having a card during emergencies is a relief, especially when one is on a tight budget as a student. To explore other cost-effective options, check out our guide on no-fee credit cards in Canada for 2025.

Features to Consider When Selecting a Student Credit Card

When selecting a student credit card in Canada, it is important to concentrate on features that match your lifestyle and financial goals. These are the main essentials to keep in mind:

• No Annual Fee: The majority of student credit cards do not charge an annual fee, which keeps the expenses low for budget-conscious students.
• Rewards Programs: Seek out cards that provide cash back, entertainment points, or travel rewards to achieve maximum value.
• Low Interest Rates: Although it is best to pay your balance in full, a lower interest rate will help reduce penalties when you have a balance.
• Easy Approval: Cards that are targeted at students usually need little credit history for easy accessibility.
• Welcome Bonuses: Some cards give you introductory rewards, such as bonus points or cash back, to attract new cardholders.

For students with no credit history, a secured credit card might be an alternative starting point. Learn more in our article on the top secured credit cards in Canada.

Top 5 Best Credit Cards for Students in Canada for 2025

The following are five of the best student credit cards in Canada in 2025, as chosen by rewards, fees, and student-friendly features. All the cards are aimed at allowing you to build credit and providing practical benefits.

1. BMO CashBack Mastercard for Students: This card is perfect and ideal for a student who spends a lot of money on groceries. The card has 3% cash back on groceries (up to $500 a month), 1% on regular bills, and 0.5% on all other purchases. It has no annual fee and a welcome bonus of $25, which makes it an excellent option for economic students who want to save on necessities. Learn more at BMO.  

2. Scotiabank Scene Visa Card Student: This card is ideal in case a student is an entertainment lover and enjoys movies, dining, or travel and gets to earn Scene points. Students receive 2 points with every dollar they spend on chosen categories and 1 point on other purchases, with a 5,000-point welcome bonus after using $1,000 within the first three months. Explore at Scotiabank.

3. CIBC Dividend Visa Card for Students: This card has simple cash back- 2% on groceries,1% on other purchases with no annual fee. The welcome bonus offers up to $125 cash back value, so it is a decent choice when it comes to daily purchases. Find out more at CIBC.  

4. TD Rewards Visa Card for Students: It is an excellent card when flexibility is desired by a student, with 1 TD Rewards point per dollar spent, which can be redeemed in the form of travel, merchandise, or gift cards. It has no annual fee and offers 3,000 points after the first purchase, equivalent to about $15 in value. See more at TD. For students planning to travel, explore our guide on the top travel credit cards for Canadians.

5. Tangerine Money- Back Credit Card: This one allows students to select three 2% cash back categories. Earn 0.5% on all other purchases (e.g., groceries, dining). A 10% cash back for two months is generous. It is flexible with students as it has a welcome bonus (up to $100) and a low interest rate of 19.95% on different consumption patterns. Learn more at Tangerine.

Selecting the Best Student Credit Card

• Align the Card with Your Spending: Select a card that earns you rewards on your frequent purchases (e.g., groceries or gas).
• Meet the Requirements: There are student cards that are simpler to obtain without earnings or a credit rating.
• Rewards vs. Fees: A card that has a good cashback and no fee usually beats a premium card that offers good rewards but charges a fee.
• Think About Your Future: In case you will study or travel abroad, a card with no foreign transaction fee could be just the right one.
• Find Student-Specific Benefits: Certain banks provide student budgeting tools, cash bonuses, or financial coaching.

For additional guidance, our article on how to choose the right secured credit card offers tips that apply to student cards as well.

Guidelines for International Students

Student credit cards are available to international students in Canada, though eligibility may be subject to a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and the enrollment certificate of a Canadian post-secondary institution. Banks such as Scotiabank and CIBC have student-friendly cards with relaxed requirements. As an example, the Scotiabank Scene Visa Card is a card that is highly used by international students because of its entertainment incentives. Eligibility should always be checked on the bank website.

Responsible Use of a Student Credit Card

• Pay On Time and In Full: Paying your full balance before the due date will help you avoid interest.
• Maintain Low Balances: Do not use more than 30 percent of your credit limit to save your credit score.
• Remember Your Budget: Do not spend more than you can afford in order to get rewards; use the card to make calculated purchases.
• Keep a Watch on Your Statements: Watch your account to detect faults or fraud.
• Build Credit History: Leave your no-fee card open over the years so that you can build a strong credit history.

Some cards also offer perks like mobile device insurance, which can protect your phone or tablet—learn more in our guide on mobile device insurance with Canadian credit cards. Track your spending to stay on top of expenses.

Conclusion

A good student credit card will not only allow you to make purchases, earn cash back, and save money on your day-to-day purchases but also help you start to build a credible credit history with no annual fees. No matter what kind of groceries you buy, the transit you pay for, or the movies you go to, there is a card that fits your lifestyle. Select a card that suits your expenditure, apply with confidence and use it wisely. When you graduate with a strong credit score and smart financial habits, you will be grateful that you took the step!

Disclaimer: Rates, fees, and offers are subject to change. Check official bank websites for the latest information.

Comparison Table

Card Name	Rewards	Annual fee	Interest rate	Welcome bonus
BMO Cashback Mastercard for students	3% cash back on groceries (up to $500/month), 1% on recurring bills, 0.5% on other purchases	$0	21.99% purchases, 23.99% cash advance	5% cashback in the first 3 months
ScotiaBank Scene Visa Card for students	2 Scene+ points per $1 on select categories (e.g., Sobeys, Home Hardware, Cineplex), 1 point on other purchases	$0	20.99% purchases, 22.99% cash advance	5,000 Scene+ points (worth approx. $50) after spending $1,000 in first 3 months
CIBC Dividend Visa card for students	2% cashback on groceries, 1% on other purchases (gas, EV charging, transportation, dining, recurring payments)	$0	20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances	Up to $125 cash back value (e.g., $25 on first purchase + 10% on first $1,000-2,000)
TD Rewards Visa Card	1 TD Rewards point per $1 spent	$0	21.99% purchases, 22.99% cash advance	3,000 TD Rewards points (worth approx. $15) after first purchase
Tangerine Money-Back Credit card	2% cash back on two chosen categories (or three with Tangerine Savings Account), 0.5% on others	$0	20.95% purchases, 22.95% cash advance	10% cash back (up to $100) on first $1,000 spent in first 2 months