Best Student Credit Cards Canada 2025

Best Student Credit Cards & Banking in Canada 2025

KOHO + Credit Building

No Credit Check Required

KOHO's prepaid Visa with the Credit Building add-on ($10/mo) reports to Equifax and TransUnion. No credit history needed — perfect for international students and newcomers. Plus get 5% cashback on groceries and dining.

+ No credit check · + $100 bonus (code 45ET55JSYA) · + 5% cashback promo · + OSAP deposit compatible

- Credit Building is an add-on cost ($10/mo or $84/yr) · - Prepaid (not a revolving credit card)

Get KOHO Free + $100 →

TD Student Visa

Best Big Bank Student Card

TD's student credit card requires minimal credit history. $0 annual fee for students. Earn TD Rewards points on purchases. Works with TD Student Banking account for a complete package.

+ $0 annual fee · + TD Rewards points · + In-person support at TD branches

- Requires some Canadian credit history · - Limited rewards vs. premium cards

Apply at TD →

Scotiabank Scene+ Visa for Students

Best for Entertainment

Earn Scene+ points redeemable for movies at Cineplex and groceries at Sobeys. $0 annual fee. Scotiabank student accounts are popular at Canadian universities. Easy approval for enrolled students.

+ Scene+ points · + $0 annual fee · + Cineplex movie rewards

- Scene+ less valuable than cash back · - Requires Canadian credit history

Apply at Scotiabank →

RBC Visa Classic for Students

Trusted Big Bank Option

RBC's student Visa has low rates and $0 annual fee. RBC is Canada's largest bank with branches at most Canadian campuses. Good entry point for building credit with the backing of Canada's biggest financial institution.

+ $0 annual fee · + RBC branch support · + Competitive student rates

- Basic rewards · - Requires some credit history

Apply at RBC →

BMO SPC Mastercard for Students

Best for Campus Discounts

BMO's student card includes SPC membership with discounts at hundreds of student-favourite stores. $0 annual fee. Good for students who frequently shop at Foot Locker, Levi's, and other SPC partners.

+ SPC campus discounts · + $0 annual fee · + No annual fee

- Limited cashback · - SPC less useful if not near partner stores

Apply at BMO →

CIBC Dividend Visa for Students

Best Cash Back Student Card

CIBC's student card offers 1–2% cash back on everyday spending. $0 annual fee for students enrolled at Canadian universities or colleges. CIBC has partnerships with many Canadian campuses.

+ Cash back rewards · + $0 annual fee · + Campus partnerships

- Requires Canadian credit history · - Not ideal for newcomers

Apply at CIBC →

Student Card Comparison Table

Card	Annual Fee	Rewards	Credit Check	Best For
KOHO + Credit Building	$0 (+$10/mo credit)	5% cashback (promo)	None required	Newcomers, international students
TD Student Visa	$0	TD Rewards points	Yes (minimal)	TD banking customers
Scotiabank Scene+ Student	$0	Scene+ (Cineplex/Sobeys)	Yes (minimal)	Movie lovers, Sobeys shoppers
RBC Visa Classic Student	$0	Basic rewards	Yes (minimal)	RBC banking customers
BMO SPC Mastercard	$0	SPC discounts	Yes (minimal)	Campus discount shoppers
CIBC Dividend Student Visa	$0	1–2% cash back	Yes (minimal)	Cash back seekers

Frequently Asked Questions — Student Credit Cards Canada

Can international students get a credit card in Canada?

International students with a study permit can open KOHO (no credit check) and use the Credit Building add-on to start building Canadian credit. Most bank credit cards require some Canadian credit history. KOHO is the easiest first step. After 6–12 months of KOHO Credit Building, you may qualify for a secured or student credit card at TD, RBC, or Scotiabank.

What credit score do I need for a student credit card in Canada?

Most Canadian banks approve student credit cards with no credit score or a thin credit file for enrolled students. Some require a minimum score of 560–600. KOHO requires no credit check at all. If you're just starting out, KOHO + Credit Building is the best way to establish a score before applying for a bank credit card.

Should I get a student credit card or KOHO?

Both. Use KOHO for everyday spending (no fees, 5% cashback, $100 bonus with code 45ET55JSYA) and add the Credit Building feature to build your Equifax/TransUnion score. Once you have a score of 650+, apply for a student credit card at your bank for a true revolving credit line. Having both builds credit faster through multiple account types.

How do I build credit as a student in Canada?

Start with KOHO + Credit Building ($10/mo) which reports to both major credit bureaus with no credit check needed. Pay your phone bill on time — wireless accounts report to credit bureaus. After 6 months, apply for a secured credit card or student credit card. Keep utilization under 30% and never miss a payment. Consistent on-time payments are the #1 credit score driver.

Do student credit cards affect credit score?

Yes — student credit cards report to Equifax and TransUnion just like any other card. Paying on time and keeping your balance below 30% of your limit builds your score. Missing payments severely damages it. A student card is an excellent tool if used responsibly — the goal is to demonstrate reliable credit behaviour over 6–12+ months before graduation.

Disclaimer: Rates, fees, and offers are subject to change. This page is for informational purposes only. Credit approval is subject to lender requirements. Bremo.io may earn referral compensation from partner links.

#1 for Students: KOHO — No Credit Check + $100 Bonus