When you’re at a new restaurant, do you have to see the menu before you order? Or do you eat what your foodie friend says is good, knowing it’ll be amazing? The answer can help you decide how to pick a new credit card. Some people want the ability to compare their options side-by-side, while others want just a few recommendations (from people who know what they’re talking about). This page offers both.
Best student credit cards in Canada: Our editors’ picks
There’s an abundance of credit cards in Canada. But the options are a little more limited for students, who don’t necessarily have a credit score or an annual income (both of which are common eligibility criteria). That’s not a bad thing—in fact, it makes your life easier! Once you know what you want most out of a credit card, the choice becomes pretty clear.
| Best credit card by category | It might be for you if… |
|---|---|
| Best cash back credit card for students BMO CashBack Mastercard Annual fee: $0 |
You spend most of your budget on groceries and prefer cash back to travel rewards. |
| Best travel credit card for students CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students Annual fee: $0 |
You’re saving up for a trip and want to earn points toward flights and get there for less. |
| Best low-interest credit card Flexi Visa Annual fee: $0 |
You carry a balance from time to time and want to minimize interest charges. |
| Best secured credit card Home Trust Secured Visa Annual fee: $0 |
You’re building or rebuilding credit and need a card with guaranteed approval. |
| Best store credit card for students PC Mastercard Annual fee: $0 |
You shop often at Loblaw stores and want to earn points on groceries and essentials. |
| Best student credit card for entertainment Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card for students Annual fee: $0 |
You’re a movie lover who wants to earn free tickets and discounts on snacks—or apply those points to travel, groceries, dining, and more. |
Should you get your own credit card?
Having your own credit card and being an authorized user—also known as a supplementary cardholder—on a parent or partner’s account are two different things. As an authorized user, you’re able to access the credit of the primary cardholder to make purchases, often through a credit card with your own name on it. However, those transactions do not help you establish a credit history or credit score. To build a good credit score, you’ll need your own credit card account—and to pay off the balance on time regularly.
Best cash-back credit card for students: BMO CashBack Mastercard
The BMO CashBack Mastercard is a top choice for students looking for easy cash-back earnings. Combining no annual fee with an impressive 3% cash back rate on grocery purchases, this card offers students a chance to earn cash rewards in a high-spend category.
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BMO CashBack Mastercard
Annual fee: $0
Welcome offer: Earn up to 5% cash back in your first 3 months. Conditions apply.
Card details
| Interest rates | 21.99% on purchases, 23.99% on cash advances, 23.99% on balance transfers |
| Income required | None specified |
| Credit score | None specified |
Best travel credit card for students: CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students
The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card is tailored to the needs of students—especially those who can take advantage of travel rewards. This student-friendly card has no annual fee, and it provides a free SPC+ membership that lets you enjoy savings of up to 30% across 450-plus brands.
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students
Annual fee: $0
Welcome offer: earn 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase ($200 value)
Card details
| Interest rates | 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances (21.99% in Quebec) |
| Income required | None specified |
| Credit score | None specified |
| Point value | . |
Best low-interest credit card for students: Desjardins Flexi Visa
While you won’t earn rewards with this card, the Flexi Visa from Desjardins credit union stands out as a low-interest, no-fee credit card for students looking to minimize credit card debt. It also features benefits like limited travel insurance, rental car discounts, a monthly installment payment plan, and mobile device insurance.
Desjardins Flexi Visa
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: Does not offer rewards.
Welcome offer: None at this time.
Card details
| Interest rates | 10.90% on purchases and 12.90% on cash advances |
| Income required | Not specified |
| Credit score | Not specified |
Best secured credit card for students: Home Trust Secured Visa
The Home Trust Secured Visa is an effective tool for Canadians aiming to establish or rebuild their credit history. You set your own spending limit, which can range from $500 to $10,000. If you occasionally have trouble paying off your balance, you can take advantage of selecting between two interest rates: 19.99% with no annual fee or 14.90% with a $59 annual fee.
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Home Trust Secured Visa
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: Does not offer rewards.
Welcome offer: None at this time.
Card details
| Interest rates | 19.99% on purchases and 19.99% on cash advances |
| Income required | None specified |
| Credit score | 300 or higher |
Best store credit card for students: PC Mastercard
Drugstores and grocery stores are where many students tend to spend the most. That makes the PC Mastercard a strong pick for those who shop frequently at participating stores. With earn rates ranging from 10 to 30 points per $1 depending on the store, you can accumulate rewards quickly.
Card details
| Interest rates | 21.99% on purchases, 22.97% on cash advances and % on balance transfers |
| Income required | None specified |
| Credit score | 560 or higher |
| Point value | 1 PC Optimum point is worth $0.001 (redeem 10,000 points for $10) |
Best student credit card for entertainment: Scotiabank Scene+ Visa
If you go to movie theatres to get away from dorm drama or to take a break from studying, consider this card. What you spend at the cinema can turn into some nice perks.
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Scotiabank Scene+ Visa card
Annual fee: $0
Welcome offer: Earn up to 5,000 bonus Scene+ points within the first 3 months. Offer ends Oct. 31, 2025.
Card details
| Interest rates | 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances, 22.99% on balance transfers |
| Income required | $12,000 per year |
| Credit score | 660 or higher |
| Point value | 1 Scene+ point = $0.01 when redeemed for travel, store purchases and food and drink at Cineplex and Scene partners |
How we determine the best student credit cards
Our editors apply their credit card expertise and knowledge of Canadians’ financial goals to come up with selection criteria that matches the needs of the intended cardholder. For students, we look for cards that have no annual fee, as well as low income and credit score requirements—because building a credit history is a common goal for people who use these cards. Beyond that, we consider the return on spending (for rewards cards), the purchase APR (for low-interest cards), and other factors based on the category. The addition of links from affiliate partners has no bearing on the results. Read more about our selection process and how MoneySense makes money.
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Why trust us
MoneySense is an award-winning magazine, helping Canadians navigate money matters since 1999. Our editorial team of trained journalists works closely with leading personal finance experts in Canada. To help you find the best financial products, we compare the offerings of major institutions, including banks, credit unions and card issuers. Learn more about our advertising and trusted partners.
FAQs
Can a high school student apply for a credit card?
Credit cards have an age restriction and, often, income requirements that high school students may not be able to meet. However, that doesn’t put all credit cards entirely out of reach. If a high school student is the age of majority (18 or 19 years old, depending on their province or territory), there are some options.
Credit card applicants in high school should look for cards that don’t require a credit history and have a low or no income requirement. They can consider starting with a secured card, where they apply a deposit that they can spend, as these help build a credit history. A solid option is a secured credit card.
What does a high school student need to apply for a credit card?
In general, applicants will need a piece of government ID, a social insurance number, a mailing address, an employment status, and income information to apply for a credit card.
I was declined for a student credit card—what can I do?
If you were declined for a card, it may have to do with your credit history or your income. Consider a secured card or a credit card that’s aimed at people with bad credit, as their requirements will be more modest. While you won’t get the perks and benefits attached to other cards, responsible use can help you build up your credit score so you can access better products in the future.
Credit card tips for students
You know you need to be responsible in how you use your credit card—but what, exactly, does that mean? Read on for tips on using your credit card to improve your credit score and avoid any problems.
1. Check your payment due dates
You probably know that credit card bills arrive every month, but that doesn’t mean the due date for your payment is on the first day. The date that begins your billing cycle depends on when you are approved for the account, and it could be any day of the month. Make note of the due date and make sure you pay on time. Consider adding these dates to your school calendar, too.
2. Pay off your balance in full
If you’re going to be responsible with your credit card, you won’t use it to spend money you don’t have. Do not go into debt. It’s best practice to pay off your bill in full, on time, every month. Not only will this boost your credit score, but it will also help you avoid costly interest charges.
3. Heed the minimum balance
If you do overspend, you will still need to pay off some of your balance. Your bill will show a total balance and a minimum payment. You must pay at least the minimum payment, on time and every month, no matter what. Missing payments is one of the worst things you can do for your credit score. Paying only the minimum means that you’re accumulating interest on the unpaid balance. At an average of around 20%, this can add up quickly.
4. Don’t overspend
In case it’s not clear: Don’t overspend! Credit is borrowed money, and a credit card isn’t a debit card. All the money you charge to your card must be paid back. If you don’t or can’t, you’ll find yourself racking up interest charges in addition to wrecking your credit rating.
5. Don’t max out your credit card
Your credit card will have a credit limit; that’s the amount of money you can technically borrow on it. But spending all the way up to your limit—that is, maxing out your card—is reckless. It will be harder to pay off your balance. Use your card selectively for smaller purchases, at least initially, and consider using debit for almost everything else.
