Starting college or university in Canada comes with new responsibilities, and your first credit card can be a smart financial tool. The best student credit cards offer low fees, easy approval, and perks like cash back or rewards designed specifically for student life. Whether you’re managing expenses, looking to build credit, or earning rewards on everyday purchases, choosing the right card is key.
Let’s dive deeper into the best credit cards for students in Canada in 2026.
Key Points
1. Some of the best credit cards for students in Canada include the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card, the Neo Mastercard®, KOHO (with a free Core plan), and the BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* for Students.
2. The best student cards have no annual fee, generous cash back or rewards, and flexible eligibility, often with no income requirement.
3. Used responsibly, a student card is one of the easiest ways to start building credit for future loans, rentals, and even jobs.
4. Prepaid options like KOHO Core cost nothing and can build credit, which is handy if you can’t yet qualify for a traditional card.
5. Before applying, understand all the fees and be sure you can make on-time payments that cover the full balance.
What Is The Best Credit Card For Students In Canada?
The best student credit card is the one that fits your lifestyle and is easy to qualify for on a student income. Here are our top picks, each matched to a type of student:
- Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card: For the independent student
- Neo Mastercard®: For the student who loves exclusive discounts and offers
- KOHO Core Prepaid Mastercard®: For the student building credit for free
- KOHO Essential Prepaid Mastercard®: For the student on a budget
- BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* for Students: For the grocery shopper
- Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* Card: For the movie enthusiast
- CIBC Aventura® Visa* Card for Students: For the student with wanderlust
- President’s Choice Financial® Mastercard®: For the student who likes to cook
- CIBC Dividend® Visa* Card for Students: For the student who moved out
| Best Credit Card For Students In Canada | Annual Fee | Minimum Income Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card | $0 | $12,000 |
| Neo Mastercard® | $0 | No income requirement |
| KOHO Core Prepaid Mastercard® | $0 | No income requirement |
| KOHO Essential Prepaid Mastercard® | $48 (may be waived) | No income requirement |
| BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* for Students | $0 | No income requirement |
| Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* Card | $0 | $12,000 |
| CIBC Aventura® Visa* Card for Students | $0 | No income requirement |
| President’s Choice Financial® Mastercard® | $0 | Subject to credit approval |
| CIBC Dividend® Visa* Card for Students | $0 | No income requirement |
Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card: For The Independent Student
As a student who does most of your own shopping, the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card lets you earn 2% cash back in the two categories you spend the most on, whether that’s groceries, restaurants, or transportation. You can unlock a third 2% category if you open a Tangerine Savings Account and deposit your rewards into it.
With 0.5% cash back on all other everyday purchases and no limit on how much you can earn, your everyday spending adds up fast. There’s no annual fee, though you do need a modest income to qualify.
Special Offer
Apply by September 30, 2026 and, if you’re approved, you’ll earn an extra 10% (up to $100) back on everyday purchases made within your first 2 months.2
Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card Features
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Purchase rate | 20.95% |
| Cash advance rate | 22.95% |
| Income requirements | Gross annual income of $12,000 or more |
| Earn rate |
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| Extra features |
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Neo Mastercard®: For The Student Who Loves Exclusive Discounts And Offers
If you’re always hunting for a deal, the Neo Mastercard® is built for you. It’s a no-fee card that earns cash back and unlocks exclusive offers at thousands of participating stores, so the coffee shops and restaurants around campus can actually pay you back. You’ll earn 1% cash back on gas and groceries, plus up to 15% back at over 10,000 Neo partners across Canada.
If you open a Neo Chequing account, you can earn up to 4% cash back on gas and groceries and up to 1% on everything else.1 There are no income or credit score requirements, and you get instant approval with access to a virtual card you can use right away.
Neo Mastercard® Features
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Purchase rate | 19.99% to 29.99% (QC: 19.99% to 25.24%) |
| Cash advance rate | 22.99% to 31.99% (QC: 21.99% to 25.24%) |
| Income requirements | None |
| Earn rate |
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| Extra features |
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KOHO Core Prepaid Mastercard®: For The Student Building Credit For Free
As a student, KOHO Core is an easy first card because it costs nothing to hold and it helps you build credit without a monthly fee. It launched in August 2026 as KOHO’s free base account, with no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and no direct deposit requirement. You get an instant virtual card, cash back on everyday spending, interest on your balance, and free secured credit building, which is exactly what you want when you are just starting out and building a credit history on a tight budget.
Use code LOANSCANADA when you sign up for a KOHO account and get $40 FREE when you add funds to your account.
KOHO Core Prepaid Mastercard® Features
| Annual fee | $0 (no conditions) |
| Purchase rate | None (prepaid card) |
| Cash advance rate | None |
| Income requirements | None |
| Earn rate |
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| Extra features |
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KOHO Essential Prepaid Mastercard®: For The Student On A Budget
If you want a bit more cash back than Core and you’re comfortable routing your pay or student funding into your account, the KOHO Essential account is a solid budgeting tool with no monthly fee when its conditions are met. Like Core, it earns 2% interest on your balance and 1% cash back on groceries, transportation, and food and drink, and it lets you stick to a budget by spending only what you load.
KOHO Joint is now available on all four KOHO plans. Two users can manage everyday spending and savings together, each with their own card and full access to the account. If either account holder has an Everything Plan, those premium benefits automatically apply to the Joint Account at no additional cost.
KOHO Essential Prepaid Mastercard® Features
| Annual fee | $0 when you set up a direct deposit or add $1,000 per month ($48/year otherwise) |
| Purchase rate | None (prepaid card) |
| Cash advance rate | None |
| Income requirements | None |
| Earn rate |
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| Extra features |
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New Offer: Get 50% Off Credit Building
New users can now access Credit Building monthly or with a 3-month plan for $15, a 50% discount. KOHO says users have seen their credit scores increase by +74 points on average using its credit building tools.
BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* for Students: For The Grocery Shopper
As a student who buys their own groceries, the BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* for Students is hard to beat, earning a strong 3% cash back at the grocery store. It has no annual fee and no income requirement, so it’s one of the easier cards to get approved for, and it comes with a free SPC membership for student discounts on top of your cash back.
BMO CashBack® Mastercard® for Students Features*
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Purchase rate | 20.99% |
| Cash advance rate | 22.99% (23.99% in Quebec) |
| Income requirements | None |
| Earn rate |
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| Extra features |
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Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* Card: For The Movie Enthusiast
If your idea of a perfect Friday is cooking dinner with friends and then catching a movie, the Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* Card is made for you. You’ll earn 2 Scene+ points for every dollar spent at select supermarkets, Home Hardware locations, and Cineplex, and those points turn into free movie nights.
There’s also no annual fee, which makes it a great option for students who would rather spend their money at the movies than on credit card fees. Plus, you can save when you rent a car from participating AVIS or Budget locations across Canada or the US.
Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa Card Features*
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Purchase rate | 20.99% |
| Cash advance rate | 22.99% |
| Income requirements | $12,000 annually |
| Earn rate |
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| Extra features |
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CIBC Aventura® Visa* Card for Students: For The Student With Wanderlust
If you have a thirst for travel and want to see the world on your reading breaks, the CIBC Aventura® Visa* Card for Students may be your best match. You earn Aventura points on everyday purchases, and those points never expire and can be used to book flights with any airline. You can even use them to cover taxes and fees, so with enough points, a trip home or abroad could cost you very little.
You’ll earn points when you book travel through the CIBC Rewards Centre, and the card comes with a free SPC membership so you can save at home and on the road. Best of all for students, it has no annual fee and no income requirement.
CIBC Aventura® Visa Card for Students Features*
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Purchase rate | 21.99% |
| Cash advance rate | 22.99% (21.99% for QC residents) |
| Income requirements | None |
| Earn rate |
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| Extra features |
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President’s Choice Financial® Mastercard®: For The Student Who Likes To Cook
If you love to cook or do a lot of grocery shopping to save money, this card rewards exactly that. You’ll earn 1% in PC Optimum points for every dollar spent at participating PC grocery stores, including Loblaws, No Frills, Fortinos, and Real Canadian Superstore, plus 2.5% back in points at Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix, which is handy for everything from snacks to school supplies.
You can start redeeming your points at 10,000 PC Optimum points, which equals $10.
President’s Choice Financial® Mastercard® Features
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Purchase rate | 21.99% |
| Cash advance rate | 22.97% (21.97% for QC residents) |
| Income requirements | Subject to credit approval and other eligibility criteria |
| Earn rate |
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| Extra features |
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CIBC Dividend® Visa* Card for Students: For The Student Who Moved Out
If you’ve just moved out and are buying groceries, paying for gas, and covering bills for the first time, the CIBC Dividend® Visa* Card for Students spreads its cash back across exactly those categories. You can earn 2% cash back on groceries, 1% on dining, gas, and transportation, and 0.5% on everything else, with no limit on how much you can earn.
As a cardholder, you’ll also get a free SPC membership for exclusive discounts and experiences, saving you up to 30% at over 450 partner retailers.
CIBC Dividend® Visa Card for Students Features*
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Purchase rate | 21.99% |
| Cash advance rate | 22.99% (QC: 21.99%) |
| Income requirements | None |
| Earn rate |
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| Extra features |
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Why Apply For A Student Credit Card?
Applying for a student credit card is a smart way to start building your financial foundation early.
3 Reasons A Student Credit Card Is Worth It
Easier To Get Approved
Student cards are designed for young adults with limited or no credit history, with easier approval and lower limits to encourage responsible use.
Build Positive Credit
Using your card for everyday buys like textbooks, groceries, or gas and paying on time helps you build a score for future loans, rentals, and even jobs.
Earn Rewards
Many student cards offer cash back or points, so your everyday spending works a little harder for you.
What To Look For In The Best Credit Card For Students In Canada
The best credit card for students depends on how well it fits your life. Here are the key factors to weigh before you settle on one:
- Annual fee: A lower or no annual fee keeps more money in your pocket. A fee is only worth it if you spend enough to earn rewards that cover it.
- Minimum income: Students usually earn a modest income, if any, so look for a card you can qualify for without a sizable income.
- Rewards: Pick a rewards structure that matches your lifestyle. If you’re a movie fan, look for points you can redeem for films; if you love to travel, look for travel rewards.
- Extra perks: Perks like travel insurance can save you from buying a separate policy if you travel often.
Learn more: Best Credit Cards With Travel Insurance
Looking for the best credit card options?
Why Do Students Have A Tough Time Getting A Credit Card?
Students have specific traits that can make it harder to get a credit card, including limited or no credit history and employment hurdles. These situations can stand in the way of approval.
Can You Get A Credit Card With No Credit?
If you have no credit history, you’ll need to look at options besides a standard unsecured credit card:
- Secured credit cards: Responsible use of a secured card can improve your credit rating over time, increasing your chances of qualifying for standard cards later.
- Retail store cards: These often skip the credit check and offer rewards or discounts for purchases at a specific retailer.
- Prepaid cards: A prepaid card is loaded with funds in advance, so you spend only what’s available. On their own they don’t build credit, though some, like KOHO, add optional credit building.
Can You Get A Credit Card With No Job?
It’s possible to qualify for a credit card even if you’re unemployed, as long as you have a reliable source of income such as employment insurance, pension payments, disability support, or other financial resources. Your credit score plays a major role in approval when you’re not working. If a standard card isn’t an option, consider a secured or prepaid card, which can offer similar features and help build your credit.
Learn more: How To Get A Credit Card Without A Job
Can You Get A Credit Card With Bad Credit?
As with no credit history, a bad credit score can get in the way of a traditional credit card. In that case, consider the same options as someone starting with no credit, including secured cards, prepaid cards, and retail store cards. If your goal is to build credit, a secured credit card is usually best.
Learn more: Can You Get A Credit Card With Bad Credit?
Bottom Line
Almost all the cards mentioned here come with no annual fee, have little to no eligibility requirements, and offer rewards. Always do your research and choose a credit card based on your needs, not just a freebie. Once you have a card that matches your lifestyle, keep track of your spending and pay off your balance in full. Do that, and you’ll build the credit you need to reach your next financial goals.
FAQs On The Best Credit Card For Students In Canada
Yes. If you only pay the minimum amount, you’ll be charged interest on the rest. If you keep paying only the minimum, the interest compounds, making it even harder to pay off your balance.
Getting a credit card as a student can help build your credit history and teach responsible spending. Just use it wisely and pay off your balance in full to avoid debt. Consider whether you’re ready to manage credit before applying.
With so many student cards available, look for no annual fee, low or no minimum income requirements, a sign-up bonus, and a rewards system that matches your lifestyle and spending habits.
Several strong student cards have no annual fee, including the Neo Mastercard®, the BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* for Students, and the CIBC Dividend® Visa* Card for Students. If you want a free option that also builds credit, the KOHO Core prepaid card is worth a look.
Some of the best student bank accounts in Canada include the Neo Everyday account, the Tangerine No-Fee Daily Chequing Account, and the CIBC Smart for Students account, among others.
¹Minimum balance in a Neo Chequing account required to earn the highest rate. Cashback earn subject to monthly maximum spend limits. Cashback may be limited and varies by perks, offer, and partner. There may be monthly limits for boosted cashback offers.
* Terms & conditions apply. See the application for complete details.
2The Tangerine 10% Limited-time Promotional Offer (the “Offer”) is only available to new Tangerine Credit Card Account holders who (i) apply for a Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card (the “Account”) by September 30, 2026 (ii) activate their Account within 45 days of approval, and (iii) have up to a maximum of $1,000 in total Net Purchases posted to their Account within the 60-day period beginning on the date the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card is activated. “Net Purchases” include purchases charged to the Account (less any refunds, returns or other similar credits) but do not include payments, Cash Advances (including Balance Transfers and Cash-Like Transactions), interest, fees, insurance premiums, adjustments or other charges. The Offer Bonus of 10% (up to $100) will be credited to the Primary Cardholder’s Account within 1–2 statement cycles after the 60-day promotional period provided the Account is open and in Good Standing at time of payout. Limit of one Offer per eligible Client. This Offer is non-transferable. Offer may be changed, cancelled or extended at any time. All other Account terms, including the Tangerine Money-Back Rewards program terms, remain unchanged and continue to apply. See the Tangerine Credit Card Cardholder Agreement for more details, including definitions of any capitalized terms.
Applicants must apply for the Card and must consent to a credit check. Accounts must be in Good Standing in order to receive Money-Back Rewards. See the Tangerine Money-Back Rewards Program Terms & Conditions for full details.
