Credit cards designed for students. Build credit history, earn rewards, and enjoy no annual fee.
The CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card for Students has no annual fee, making it risk-free to hold. It comes with a welcome bonus of 10,000 pts. You earn 1x on groceries and 0.67x at restaurants. Estimated first-year value is $538.
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards rate
0.67x
Aeroplan
Welcome Bonus
10,000 pts
1st Year Value
$538
The CIBC Dividend® Visa* Card for Students has no annual fee, making it risk-free to hold. It comes with a welcome bonus of 150 pts. You earn 2x on groceries and 1x at restaurants. Estimated first-year value is $385.
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards rate
0.5x
Cashback
Welcome Bonus
150 pts
1st Year Value
$385
The BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* for students has no annual fee, making it risk-free to hold. It comes with a welcome bonus of 100 pts. You earn 3x on groceries and 0.5x at restaurants. Estimated first-year value is $358.
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards rate
0.5x
Cashback
Welcome Bonus
100 pts
1st Year Value
$358
The CIBC Aventura® Visa* Card for Students has no annual fee, making it risk-free to hold. It comes with a welcome bonus of 10,000 pts. You earn 1x on groceries and 0.5x at restaurants. Estimated first-year value is $314.
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards rate
0.5x
Cibc Aventura
Welcome Bonus
10,000 pts
1st Year Value
$314
Complete Guide
Credit cards designed for students. Build credit history, earn rewards, and enjoy no annual fee.
Student credit cards are designed for young adults building their first credit history. They typically have no annual fee, lower credit limits, and may not require a credit score to apply.
Using a credit card responsibly in university builds the credit history you'll need for a mortgage, car loan, or apartment rental after graduation. Pay your balance in full every month and keep utilization below 30%.
4
Cards analyzed
May 2026
Last updated
100%
Independent
Our team evaluates credit cards based on overall consumer value: rewards earning rates, annual fees, welcome bonuses, insurance coverage, and additional perks. Cards are ranked by estimated first-year value. We update our picks monthly.
FAQ
Yes. Student cards have relaxed income requirements. Some accept part-time income or parental support. Secured cards are another option with a refundable deposit.
Absolutely. Responsible use (on-time payments, low utilization) builds your credit score. After 6-12 months, you'll have a strong foundation for future applications.
Compare the best credit cards in Canada or calculate which card's rewards actually fit your budget.
Cash Back
Travel
No Fee
Groceries
Restaurants
No FX Fee
1st Yr Free
Balance Transfer
Lounges
Aeroplan
PC Optimum
Scene+
Amex Membership Rewards
CIBC Aventura
RBC Avion
BMO Rewards
TD Rewards
WestJet Rewards
Marriott Bonvoy
RBC
CIBC
Scotiabank
BMO
American Express
TD
MBNA
National Bank
Neo Financial
Capital One
Desjardins
Tangerine
Rogers Bank
Laurentian Bank
Visa
Mastercard
Amex (network)
