This roundup of the best student credit cards in Canada was last verified in August 2026. Annual fees, cash back rates, and welcome offers change periodically — confirm current details on the issuer’s official page before applying.
Most student credit cards in Canada charge no annual fee and don’t require you to already have an income, which makes them a realistic first credit card while you’re still in school. The trade-off is usually a lower credit limit and smaller earn rates than a “grown-up” rewards card — but that’s fine, since the real point of a student card is building credit history, not maximizing points.
Short answer: Nearly every good student credit card in Canada charges no annual fee, so there is no reason to pay for one. The BMO CashBack Mastercard for Students and PC Financial Mastercard have no minimum income requirement, making them accessible without a job. Match the bonus category to how you actually spend rather than the flashiest welcome offer; the real value of a student card is building a positive credit history.Key points from this guide · last reviewed Sep 11, 2026
Best Student Credit Cards in Canada: Quick Comparison
| Card | Annual Fee | Rewards | Min. Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMO CashBack Mastercard for Students | $0 | 3% groceries, 1% bills (capped), 0.5% other | None |
| PC Financial Mastercard | $0 | 10–30 PC Optimum points/$1 | None |
| TD Rewards Visa | $0 | 1–4 TD Rewards points/$1 | None |
| Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* Card | $0 | 1–2 Scene+ points/$1 | $12,000/year |
| Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard | $0 | 2% in up to 3 chosen categories | $12,000/year |
Quick Tip: A part-time job, co-op placement, or even a small allowance from a parent can usually satisfy a $12,000/year minimum income requirement — issuers rarely verify it closely at this level.
1. BMO CashBack Mastercard for Students
This is one of the few student cards with a genuinely useful earn rate: 3% cash back on groceries and 1% on recurring bill payments, both capped at a combined $500/month in bonus spending (0.5% after that), plus 0.5% unlimited on everything else. There’s no minimum income requirement and no annual fee, which makes it a strong pick if you’re buying your own groceries or paying a phone bill.
2. PC Financial Mastercard
If you already shop at Loblaws-family stores (No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore, Shoppers Drug Mart), this card earns 10 to 30 PC Optimum points per dollar depending on the merchant, with no annual fee and no income requirement. The points redeem directly for groceries, which makes the value easy to understand.
3. TD Rewards Visa
Earns 1 to 4 TD Rewards points per dollar with no annual fee, and points can be redeemed through Expedia for Canadians with no blackout dates and no point expiry — a reasonable option if you’d rather save toward a trip than cash back.
4. Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card
Earns Scene+ points on everyday spending, redeemable for movies, merchandise, gift cards, or travel. Scotiabank® sets a $12,000/year minimum income for this card, which most part-time jobs or co-op terms can meet.
5. Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard
Lets you pick up to 3 bonus categories (from options like groceries, restaurants, gas, or entertainment) to earn 2% cash back, with 0.5% on everything else — no annual fee. Tangerine also sets a $12,000/year minimum income for this card.
How to Choose a Student Credit Card
- No annual fee, always. There’s no reason for a student to pay a card fee when so many strong $0 options exist.
- Match it to real spending. If you cook most of your own meals, a grocery-focused card like BMO CashBack pays off faster than a travel card you won’t use for years.
- Start small and pay in full. A student card is really a credit-building tool — the habit of paying your full balance every month matters more than the rewards rate.
- Check the income box carefully. A few cards on this list (Scene+, Tangerine) ask for a stated minimum income even at the student level — most students clear it easily with a part-time job.
Frequently Asked Questions About Student Credit Cards
Do I need a job to get a student credit card? Not always. Cards like the BMO CashBack Mastercard for Students and the PC Financial Mastercard don’t publish a minimum income requirement, though issuers can still ask about your financial situation on the application.
Will a student credit card actually build my credit score? Yes — as long as you use it and pay on time. Issuers report your payment history to Equifax and TransUnion every month, the same as any other credit card.
What happens to my student card after I graduate? Most banks will let you keep the card as-is, or offer to upgrade you to a standard version of the same card once you have a steady income — check with your issuer once you’re working full-time.
Key Takeaways
- Nearly every good student credit card in Canada charges $0 in annual fees — there’s no reason to pay for one.
- The BMO CashBack Mastercard for Students and PC Financial Mastercard don’t require a minimum income, making them accessible even without a job.
- Match the card’s bonus category (groceries, general spending, or points) to how you actually spend, rather than picking based on the flashiest welcome offer.
- The real value of a student card is building a positive credit history for when you need a mortgage, car loan, or bigger credit card down the road.