First credit cards, student cards, and secured options to help Canadian youth build credit the right way.
Getting your first credit card is a major financial milestone. Used responsibly, a credit card builds your credit score, provides fraud protection, and may earn rewards. Used poorly, it can lead to high-interest debt. This guide covers the best first credit cards for Canadian young adults in 2025 and how to use them wisely.
In most Canadian provinces, you must be the age of majority to independently apply for a credit card: 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, PEI, Quebec, and Saskatchewan; 19 in BC, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and the territories. However, a parent can add a teenager as an authorized user on their card as early as 13–15 at most banks.
Your credit score in Canada is calculated by Equifax and TransUnion. The key factors are:
Annual fee: $0 | Rewards: Scene+ points | Interest: 19.99%
No annual fee, easy approval for students, and Scene+ points redeemable for movies, groceries, and travel. One of the most popular first cards in Canada. Scotiabank's student approval criteria are among the most accessible at the Big 6 banks.
Annual fee: $0 | Rewards: 3% cashback on groceries | Interest: 19.99%
Earns 3% cashback on groceries (up to $500/month), 1% on recurring bills, 0.5% elsewhere. No annual fee. Good for students who spend primarily on food. Welcome offer typically includes a cashback bonus in the first few months.
Annual fee: $0 | Rewards: Cashback | Interest: 19.99%
CIBC's entry-level cashback card earns on everyday categories with no annual fee. Easy to get approved for as a first card if you have a CIBC bank account. Can be upgraded to higher-tier cashback cards as income grows.
Annual fee: $0 | Type: Prepaid (not credit) | Cashback: 1% on select categories
Not technically a credit card, but KOHO's prepaid Visa is ideal for young adults who want Visa acceptance everywhere without the risk of credit card debt. Spend only what you load. Earn 1% cashback on groceries and eating out. KOHO also offers a credit building feature (KOHO Credit Building) that helps users build credit history for a small monthly fee.
Annual fee: $59 | Type: Secured | Deposit required: $75–$300
If you have no credit history or poor credit, a secured card is the fastest path to building a credit score. Capital One's secured card is guaranteed approval — you provide a security deposit that becomes your credit limit. Reports to both Equifax and TransUnion. After 12+ months of responsible use, you can often graduate to an unsecured card.
Annual fee: $0 | Rewards: TD Rewards points | Interest: 19.99%
TD has specific programs for newcomers to Canada with limited credit history. The TD Rewards Visa is a solid starter card with no fee, points on all purchases, and a straightforward approval process. Good option for international students and recent immigrants.
| Card | Annual Fee | Best For | Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotiabank Scene+ Visa | $0 | Students, easy approval | Scene+ points |
| BMO CashBack MC | $0 | Grocery cashback | 3% groceries |
| CIBC Dividend Visa | $0 | Everyday use | Cashback |
| KOHO Prepaid Visa | $0 | No debt risk | 1% cashback |
| Capital One Secured | $59 | No credit history | None |
| TD Rewards Visa | $0 | Newcomers to Canada | TD points |
Canadian families save $200-$360/year by switching to KOHO's no-fee account. That's money that could go into your child's RESP instead. Use code 45ET55JSYA for a bonus when you sign up.
Get KOHO Free — Use Code 45ET55JSYAThe best first credit card for a young Canadian is a no-fee card they'll actually use responsibly. Start with your existing bank's student or entry-level card, pay it in full every month, and your credit score will grow steadily. If you're not ready for credit card discipline, KOHO's prepaid Visa gives all the Visa benefits without the debt risk.