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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 BREMO2026) 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 BREMO2026)

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

No fee everyday banking

Set up direct deposit and skip the monthly fee. Free to open, and the Easy plan has no monthly fee. Worth doing if you will actually move your pay or your CRA deposits over, not if the card sits unused. Code BREMO2026.

See how it works

Get $120 with KOHO

$100 Cash Bonus

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

BREMO2026


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.