Student Credit Cards in Canada

This card sports an impressive grocery earn rate of 3% and keeps things simple for student budgets with no annual fee. Beyond cash-back rewards, there aren’t many bells and whistles to speak of, but students seeking budget-friendly simplicity may not mind. Best for: Students who want to earn cash-back where it counts on daily essentials.

With earn rates of up to 4x TD Rewards Points and flexibility in how points can be redeemed, this card provides a respectable amount of value for a card with no annual fee. Just don’t expect extras like travel perks or insurance. Best for: Expedia aficionados on a budget.

This no-frills, no-fee card earns Avion points on every dollar spent with elevated rates for eligible grocery, gas, gaming purchases and more. It may lack lavish travel perks and robust insurance coverage, but as far as no-fee cards are concerned, the RBC ION Visa has a respectable lineup of benefits for everyday spenders. Best for: Everyday shoppers who want a no-fee starter card.

With a low interest rate and a modest annual fee, the TD Low Rate Visa Credit Card is an inexpensive, no-fuss option. You won’t earn any rewards, though. Best for: Anyone who typically carries a balance and is willing to forego rewards for low interest rates.

This cash-back earning secured card offers 1% back on gas and grocery purchases alongside credit monitoring tools and ATM fee reimbursements. Less appealing is its monthly fee that amounts to near $100 annually. Neo says that you may be able to have the monthly fee waived by maintaining a minimum balance in a Neo Everyday or Neo Savings account, though it doesn’t state what the minimum is. For cash-strapped credit-builders on a budget, the cost of this card could be a dealbreaker. Best for: Anyone building their credit who doesn’t mind paying for some nice-to-have extras.

This no-fee card is a solid pick for anyone seeking a no-frills way to get a little back on everything they spend. The cash-back rates won’t blow you out of the water, but for a free-to-carry card, the TD Cash Back Visa delivers its own flavour of simple, uncomplicated value. Best for: First-time or budget-focused cardholders who want to earn cash back.

This beginner-friendly credit card keeps it simple for first-time cardholders with boosted cash back where it counts for students: 2% on groceries and 1% on other daily essentials. Best for: Students who want a straightforward cash-back card with extra earning power on groceries.

The Scotiabank American Express Card (for students) has no annual fee and accelerated rewards on essentials and entertainment. Plus, it includes mobile device insurance, and offers car rental discounts.

This card offers students clean and easy entry into the Aeroplan program: no annual fee, points on everyday essentials and access to Aeroplan’s Family Sharing feature to pool rewards with loved ones. There’s no robust travel insurance or glitzy airport perks though, so it’s best for occasional flyers building credit. Best for: Students who want to access credit and earn travel rewards in tandem.

This no-fee starter card earns a flat 1 point per dollar spent on a handful of essential spending categories, including groceries, gas, EV charging and drug-store purchases. Insurance coverage and credit limits are limited but this card remains a flexible, headache-free way to earn points and establish credit. Best for: Students who want to build credit while collecting flexible rewards points on everyday purchases.

The Wealthsimple Card offers an impressive 2% cash back on everything, no foreign transaction fees and a suite of travel insurance. While the card’s $20 monthly fee can be waived, you’ll need to have at least $4,000 deposited into a Wealthsimple chequing account monthly to do so. Best for: Wealthsimple customers who spend big abroad.

A great no-fee student card that earns 2x Scene+ points at Home Hardware, Cineplex and select grocery stores. Users also get discounts at eligible AVIS and Budget locations, but that’s where the perks end. Best for: Students who spend big at the big screen, shop at Home Hardware and stock up at Scene+ partner grocery stores.

Students looking for a simple cash-back card with no annual fee will get the most out of this card. It also offers rental car discounts at participating AVIS and Budget locations, but that’s where the perks end. Best for: Students who want a no-fee credit card that earns a little cash back.

The Scotia Momentum Visa Card (for students) offers an elevated cashback rate on essentials, like gas, groceries and bills—putting a little extra cash in the pockets of cardholders. Plus, the card’s welcome offer can help temporarily lower interest payments on transferred debt, allowing more time to pay it down.

This secured card co-branded by Tim Hortons is sure to entice Timmies enthusiasts who want to skip the credit check. It’s not all double doubles and doughnuts, though. Interest rates can be high and Quebec residents must first apply for the unsecured version, which will trigger a hard credit check. Best for: Timmies lovers who want to build credit and earn rewards.