Best Student Credit Cards in Canada for 2025

If you’re a student in Canada, the best card for you should be:

• Easy to get approved for

• Simple to use and understand

• Low (or no) annual fee

• Built to help you, not trap you in debt

For a lot of students, that means starting with a safe spending card and then adding traditional credit only when you’re ready.

A Starting Point: KOHO Essential

If you want card convenience without the risk of running up a big balance, KOHO Essential is a strong everyday option for students:

• It has a low monthly plan fee that can be waived when you set up direct deposit or add +$1,000.

• Use a prepaid Mastercard® for groceries, bills, subscriptions, and travel.

• Grow your savings with a 2% interest savings rate on your entire balance.

• Earn 1% cash back on groceries, eating & drinking, and transportation.

• You can subscribe to Credit Building for $10/month, it's an affordable way to build your credit history.

• Enjoy unlimited transactions and free e-transfers (never worry about fees when sending money to someone again).

Top Student Credit Cards in Canada

Exact rewards, income requirements, and promos can change, so these are high level summaries—students should always double check details on the issuer’s site before applying.

1. Scotiabank American Express® Card (for students)

A simple no annual fee rewards card aimed at students and newcomers to credit:

• Earns Scene+ points on everyday purchases, with the potential for higher earn rates in common categories.

• Good starter card if you want to collect points for things like movies, travel, or statement credits.

• Works best if you pay your balance in full and don’t mind using American Express.

2. CIBC Dividend® Visa* Card for Students

A student focused cash back Visa:

• Typically no annual fee, designed specifically for students.

• Earns cash back on everyday categories like groceries and recurring bills, with a lower base rate on everything else.

• Runs on the Visa network, which is widely accepted in Canada and abroad.

3. BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* for Students

A no annual fee student card focused on cash back:

• Earns higher cash back on groceries (up to a monthly cap) and a base rate on other purchases, depending on current terms.

• Uses the Mastercard network, which works at most merchants and online stores.

• Geared toward students who want a starter cash back card and can keep their spending under control.

Should You Start With Credit or Prepaid?

Ask yourself a few questions:

• Will I realistically pay my balance in full every month?

  • If yes, a student credit card can help you build credit while earning rewards.

  • If no, interest charges can quickly wipe out any cash back or points.

• Am I still learning how to budget?

  • If you’re still figuring out your spending, a prepaid setup like KOHO Essential is safer—you can only spend what you load.

• Do I need credit right now?

  • You don’t need a credit card on day one of being a student.