🎓 Student Cards · March 2026
Best Student Credit Cards
in Canada 2026
Whether you're at UofT, UBC, McGill, or any Canadian university — here's the best way to build credit, earn rewards, and collect a $100 bonus while you study.
Top Student Cards Ranked
Best starting point for Canadian students. No credit check, no income requirement, no enrollment verification. Works immediately. 1% cashback on everything. Add KOHO Credit Building ($7/mo) to start reporting to Equifax and build your first credit score. $100 bonus with referral code 45ET55JSYA.
Get KOHO — code 45ET55JSYA ($100) →
No annual fee student Visa. Earn Scene+ points (redeemable at Cineplex, Scotiabank partners). No minimum income — student loans and part-time income count. Builds real credit history. Available at any Scotiabank branch with student ID + proof of enrollment (or sometimes without).
See student bank guide →
5% cashback on groceries and restaurant for the first 3 months (up to $500 spend), 1% ongoing. No annual fee. No minimum income requirement for students. Available online. Good for students who want real cashback on their grocery and food spending.
No income requirement. $50 deposit required as security. Reports to Equifax monthly — builds real credit history. 5%+ cashback at Neo partner stores. Good alternative to KOHO Credit Building if you want a real Mastercard instead of a prepaid. Zero annual fee.
TD's no-fee student Visa. TD Rewards points on every purchase. No minimum income. Available online or in-branch. Best for students who already bank with TD. Points can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, or statement credits.
Student Card Comparison Table
| Card | Annual Fee | Signup Bonus | Income Req | Builds Credit |
|---|
| KOHO Free | $0 | $100 (code 45ET55JSYA) | None | Via add-on ($7/mo) |
| Scotiabank Scene+ Visa | $0 | Scene+ points | None (student) | ✅ Yes |
| BMO CashBack Student | $0 | 5% cash first 3mo | None (student) | ✅ Yes |
| Neo Secured | $0 | None | None | ✅ Yes |
| TD Rewards Visa Student | $0 | TD points | None (student) | ✅ Yes |
| RBC ION Visa Student | $0 | Avion points | None (student) | ✅ Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a credit card as a student with no income?
Yes. KOHO has zero income requirement (it's prepaid, not credit). Student credit cards from Scotiabank, BMO, and TD accept student status without minimum income — student loans and part-time income count. Secured credit cards (like Neo) require a deposit instead of income, making them available to any student with $50+.
What is the best credit card for a first-year university student?
Start with KOHO for immediate $100 bonus and daily cashback (no credit check). Simultaneously apply for the Scotiabank Scene+ Visa or BMO CashBack Student card to start building real credit history. Using KOHO + one student credit card together gives you both the bonus and a growing credit score within months.
How does a student build credit in Canada?
Get a student credit card (or secured card or KOHO Credit Building). Use it monthly and pay it in full. Keep utilization below 30% of the credit limit. Never miss a payment. Your credit score will appear in 3–6 months and reach 650+ in about a year. Then you can qualify for better cards.
Related guides
Start earning cashback as a student — $100 free
KOHO code 45ET55JSYA · $100 bonus · No income required · No credit check
Get KOHO — code 45ET55JSYA →
Disclosure: Bremo earns referral commissions on KOHO signups. Credit card terms subject to change. Information as of March 2026.