Annual fee
$120
Primary cardholder
Best Student Credit Cards in Canada
Your first card should feel manageable, not intimidating
Student cards can be a helpful first step toward building credit, but it is still important to compare fees, rates, rewards, eligibility, and responsible-use features. RateBuddy helps organize the basics so students can choose with more confidence.
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Compare Top Cards for Students
Use the filters to shape the card results below. Adjust your monthly spend, narrow by provider, or highlight no-fee and welcome-bonus options — RateBuddy will quietly refresh the list so the results stay connected to your choices.
Ready to refine
Annual fee
$120
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
RBC Royal Bank
Best for
Travel Rewards
Student
Best for
Travel Rewards
Student
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$1,100
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$180
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$120
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$1,160
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 1% | $54 |
| Dining | $300 | 1% | $36 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1% | $18 |
| Travel | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
Avion Rewards
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Purchase APR
20.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$50
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
—
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$0
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
Scotiabank
Best for
No Annual Fee
Student
Rewards
Best for
No Annual Fee
Student
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$50
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$351
First-year annual fee
No annual fee
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$401
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 3% | $162 |
| Dining | $300 | 2% | $72 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 2% | $36 |
| Travel | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 2% | $18 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
Scene+
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$0
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
$12,000
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
RateBuddy Choice for Newcomers and Young Adults
Annual fee
$0
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
Simplii Financial
Best for
Cash Back
No Annual Fee
Student
Best for
Cash Back
No Annual Fee
Student
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$100
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$297
First-year annual fee
No annual fee
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$397
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 1.5% | $81 |
| Dining | $300 | 4% | $144 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1.5% | $27 |
| Travel | $75 | 0.5% | $4.50 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1.5% | $13.50 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 0.5% | $27 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
Cash Back
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$0
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
—
Minimum household income
$15,000
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$0
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
CIBC
Best for
No Annual Fee
Student
Rewards
Best for
No Annual Fee
Student
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$150
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$243
First-year annual fee
No annual fee
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$393
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 1.5% | $81 |
| Dining | $300 | 1.5% | $54 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1.5% | $27 |
| Travel | $75 | 2% | $18 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
—
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
$0
Minimum household income
$0
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$48
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
RBC Royal Bank
Best for
Student
Rewards
Best for
Student
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
The expired $150 published estimate was excluded
$0
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$414
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$48
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$366
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 3% | $162 |
| Dining | $300 | 3% | $108 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 3% | $54 |
| Travel | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 3% | $27 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
Estimate notes
- The published welcome-offer estimate was excluded because its expiry date has passed.
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
Avion Rewards
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$48
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
20.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$0
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
—
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$0
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
Scotiabank
Best for
Cash Back
No Annual Fee
Balance Transfer
Best for
Cash Back
No Annual Fee
Balance Transfer
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$200
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$153
First-year annual fee
No annual fee
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$353
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 1% | $54 |
| Dining | $300 | 1% | $36 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1% | $18 |
| Travel | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 0.5% | $27 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
Cash Back
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
20.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$0
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
—
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$0
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
Scotiabank
Best for
Cash Back
No Annual Fee
Balance Transfer
Best for
Cash Back
No Annual Fee
Balance Transfer
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$200
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$153
First-year annual fee
No annual fee
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$353
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 1% | $54 |
| Dining | $300 | 1% | $36 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1% | $18 |
| Travel | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 0.5% | $27 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
Cash Back
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
20.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$0
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
$0
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$0
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
Scotiabank
Best for
No Annual Fee
Student
Rewards
Best for
No Annual Fee
Student
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$100
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$234
First-year annual fee
No annual fee
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$334
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 2% | $108 |
| Dining | $300 | 1% | $36 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1% | $18 |
| Travel | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
Scene+
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$0
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
$0
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$0
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
CIBC
Best for
Cash Back
No Annual Fee
Student
Best for
Cash Back
No Annual Fee
Student
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$125
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$207
First-year annual fee
No annual fee
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$332
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 2% | $108 |
| Dining | $300 | 1% | $36 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1% | $18 |
| Travel | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 0.5% | $27 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
Cash Back
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
—
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
$0
Minimum household income
$0
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$0
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
23.99%
BMO Bank of Montreal
Best for
Cash Back
No Annual Fee
Student
Best for
Cash Back
No Annual Fee
Student
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$100
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$229.50
First-year annual fee
No annual fee
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$329.50
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 3% | $162 |
| Dining | $300 | 0.5% | $18 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 0.5% | $9 |
| Travel | $75 | 0.5% | $4.50 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 0.5% | $27 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
23.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
—
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
—
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Showing 10 of 25 cards
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KOHO
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Earn money on daily spend.
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Best for frequent flyers.
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KNOWLEDGE BASE
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Compare Top Cards for Students Cards and financial strategy.
Disclaimer: Information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Terms subject to change by issuers.
Most Canadian credit cards charge a fee (typically 2.5%) on top of the exchange rate for any transaction made in a currency other than Canadian dollars. Cards marketed as 'No Foreign Transaction Fee' generally waive this 2.5% surcharge, though the exchange rate itself is still determined by the card network (Visa/Mastercard/Amex).
Many student cards have more flexible income requirements compared to premium cards, sometimes requiring no specific annual income. However, applicants must typically be the age of majority in their province and provide proof of enrollment in a post-secondary institution.
In Canada, you will often see AIR (Annual Interest Rate) used. It represents the yearly cost of borrowing on the card. Standard cards typically have purchase interest rates around 20.99%, while Low Interest cards can be significantly lower. Cash advances often carry higher interest rates than purchases.
Major networks like Visa, Mastercard, and Amex have 'Zero Liability' policies. This generally means that cardholders are not held responsible for unauthorized transactions if they have taken reasonable care of their card and PIN, and report the loss or theft promptly to the issuer.
Contactless payments use encryption technology similar to Chip & PIN transactions. Limits are typically placed on the amount allowed per tap (e.g., $100-$250) to minimize risk. If a thief exceeds this limit, a PIN is required. You are also protected by the issuer's Zero Liability policy for fraudulent tap transactions.
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