BMO CashBack Mastercard
- Annual fee
- No annual fee
- Welcome bonus
- ~$125
- Top reward
- 3% groceries
- Strong no-fee grocery rate
- Easy approval, good for students
Updated June 2026 · Independently rated by the CreditCardGuru editorial team
The best student credit cards in Canada have no annual fee, easy approval for limited credit histories, and rewards on everyday student spending like groceries and dining. They're a smart way to start building credit responsibly.
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For no-fee cash back, the BMO CashBack Mastercard earns 3% on groceries and is easy to qualify for. The Scotiabank Scene+ Visa is another strong no-fee pick that earns Scene+ points on groceries and entertainment. Both make good first cards for building credit.
Yes. Most student credit cards have no minimum income requirement and are designed for limited credit histories. You'll generally need to be the age of majority in your province and a Canadian resident; some issuers ask for proof of enrolment.
Yes — using a card responsibly and paying the balance in full each month is one of the simplest ways to build a credit history. Student cards report to the credit bureaus, so on-time payments steadily improve your score.
Want to see how these stack up against every other card? Compare all credit cards or read how we rate cards.