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Updated March 2025

Best Student Credit Cards Canada 2025

Building credit during university or college is one of the smartest financial moves a student can make. These cards are designed for students with limited credit history — low fees, easy approval, and genuine rewards.

Top Picks for 2025

Ranked by overall value — rates, fees, features, and Canadian-specific benefits.

KOHO Note: KOHO (code 45ET55JSYA) is ideal for students — no credit check, $100 free bonus, and a credit building add-on that builds your Equifax score without debt risk. Perfect as your first 'credit-building' account.

1
KOHO Essential + Credit Builder
1% on groceries & transit + credit building

Bonus/Welcome: $100 (code 45ET55JSYA)

Pros: No credit check, $100 bonus, builds Equifax score, no debt risk

Cons: Not a traditional credit card, monthly fee for credit building

Get $100 Bonus with KOHO →
Annual Fee$7–10/month for credit building
Earn Rate1% on groceries & tr
2
Tangerine Money-Back (Student)
2% on 2 categories, 0.5% elsewhere

Bonus/Welcome: 2% for first 3 months

Pros: Best no-fee cash back, easy approval for students

Cons: May require co-signer without credit history

Annual Fee$0
Earn Rate2% on 2 categories,
3
CIBC Dividend Visa for Students
2% on groceries, 1% on gas/drugstores, 0.5% elsewhere

Bonus/Welcome: 2% for first 4 months

Pros: No fee, good grocery rate, CIBC student banking integration

Cons: Lower rates vs. premium cards

Annual Fee$0
Earn Rate2% on groceries, 1%
4
Scotiabank Scene+ Visa for Students
2x on groceries, dining, entertainment, 1x elsewhere

Bonus/Welcome: 5,000 Scene+ welcome points

Pros: Free movies at Cineplex, no annual fee

Cons: Scene+ points less flexible

Annual Fee$0
Earn Rate2x on groceries, din
5
TD Cash Back Visa for Students
1% on everything

Bonus/Welcome: Account bundle offers

Pros: No annual fee, easy TD bundle

Cons: 1% flat is lower than competitors

Annual Fee$0
Earn Rate1% on everything
6
BMO SPC CashBack Mastercard
1% cashback on all purchases

Bonus/Welcome: SPC student perks card

Pros: SPC student discounts included, no fee

Cons: 1% rate lower than specialty cards

Annual Fee$0
Earn Rate1% cashback on all p

Get $100 Free with KOHO

$100 Cash Bonus

No credit check required. Earn cashback + interest. Canada's best everyday spending account.

45ET55JSYA


Claim Your $100 →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best student credit card in Canada for building credit?
KOHO with the Credit Building add-on is the safest option for students — no credit check, no debt risk, and it reports to Equifax monthly. For a traditional credit card, CIBC Dividend Visa for Students or Scotiabank Scene+ for Students are the top no-fee picks for students.
Can international students get a credit card in Canada?
International students can get KOHO immediately (no credit check, just SIN or ITIN equivalent). Traditional credit cards are harder — you'll typically need a Canadian credit history or a co-signer. After 6 months with KOHO credit building, you may qualify for a traditional student card.
How do I build credit as a student in Canada?
Three main ways: (1) Get a student credit card and always pay the full balance; (2) Use KOHO's Credit Building feature ($7–10/month) to report to Equifax without a credit card; (3) Become an authorized user on a parent's credit card. Consistent on-time payments are the most important factor.
Should students get a cashback or travel rewards card?
Cashback is usually better for students — simpler, more flexible, and immediately useful. Travel cards have higher annual fees and require substantial spending to justify. Once you graduate and have a higher income, consider upgrading to a premium travel card.