The best student credit cards in Canada for 2025

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.

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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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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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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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.

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