10+ Best International Student Credit Cards In Canada
Beginning your journey as an international student in Canada brings excitement and challenges. Among these, managing your finances efficiently can be one of the most crucial. The best international student credit cards can help you build a credit history, manage unexpected expenses, and access benefits such as cashback or discounts. Choosing the right credit card can seem overwhelming with so many options available. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve analyzed the best credit cards for international students in Canada.
Key Information
Before diving into the recommendations, it’s important to understand how credit cards work and why they matter. A credit card allows you to borrow up to a certain limit, which you’re expected to repay monthly. Building a solid credit history can help you in the future when applying for loans, renting apartments, or even landing a job.
Learn more about how credit cards work in Canada on the Government of Canada website. It explains essential details like interest rates, minimum payments, and how to avoid debt traps.
Best Credit Cards for International Students in Canada
1. CIBC Dividend Visa Card for Students
CIBC offers a student-focused card with attractive cashback options:
- $0 Minimum income requirement
- No annual fee
- 2% cash back on groceries
- 1% cash back on recurring bills, dining, gas, and transportation
- 0.5% cash back on all other purchases
- Learn more: CIBC Dividend Visa Card Students
2. BMO CashBack Mastercard for Students
Features include:
- No annual fee
- 3% cash back on groceries
- 1% on recurring bill payments
- 0.5% on everything else
- 25% off car rentals with select companies
- Learn more: BMO CashBack Mastercard for Students
3. Scotiabank Scene Visa Card for Students
Ideal for movie and dining enthusiasts, this card helps students earn and redeem points easily:
- No annual fee
- 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent on everyday purchases
- 5x Scene+ points at Cineplex theaters
- 25% off car rentals with select companies
- Learn more: Scotiabank Scene Visa Card for Students
4. RBC Cash Back Mastercard
While not exclusively for students, this card is accessible to them:
- No annual fee
- 2% cash back on grocery store purchases
- 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
- Purchase security and extended warranty insurance
- Learn more: RBC Cash Back Mastercard
5. American Express SimplyCash Card
This card offers:
- 4% cash back on gas
- 4% cash back on grocery
- 2% cash back on everything else
Learn more: American Express SimplyCash Card
6. TD Cash Back Visa Card
This card offers to the students:
- No annual fee
- 1% cash back on eligible grocery, gas, and recurring bill payments
- 0.5% cash back on all other purchases
- Optional TD Auto Club Membership
Learn more: TD Cash Back Visa Card
7. Neo Financial Secured Mastercard
For students who are looking to build credit:
- No credit check is required
- Earn up to 6% cash back at Neo partners
- No annual fee
- 1% cash back on groceries
- 1% cash back on gas & EV charging
- $5 Monthly Fee
- Learn more: Neo Financial Secured Mastercard
Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
This card offers to the students flexibility in choosing cashback categories:
- No annual fee
- 2% money-back rewards in up to three categories of your choice
- 0.5% money-back rewards on all other purchases
- No limit on the amount of Money-Back Rewards you can earn
- Learn more: Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
9. PC Financial Mastercard
While not student-specific, it’s accessible to many:
- No annual fee
- Earn PC Optimum points on every purchase
- 25 PC Optimum points per dollar at Shoppers Drug Mart
- 30 PC Optimum points per litre at Esso and Mobil stations
- Learn more: PC Financial Mastercard
10. KOHO Prepaid Visa
A prepaid option for those who prefer not to have a credit card:
- No annual fee
- 0.5% cash back on all purchases
- No credit check is required
- All KOHO plans come with a free 30-day trial
Learn more: KOHO Prepaid Visa
11. CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students
For all the students who are looking to earn travel rewards while managing their expenses
- No annual fee
- 1 point per $1 spent on gas, EV charging, groceries, and Air Canada purchases
- 1 point per $ 1.50 on everything else
- Welcome offer: 10,000 Aeroplan points on the first purchase
- Learn more: CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students
12. CIBC Aventura Visa Card for Students
This card is great for students looking to earn travel rewards.
Key Features:
- No annual fee
- Earn up to 10,000 Aventura points
- 1 point for every $ 1 spent at eligible gas stations, grocery stores and drug stores
- No minimum income requirement for international students
Learn more: CIBC Aventura Visa Card for Students
Choosing the right credit card as an international student in Canada can help you manage your finances effectively while building a credit history. Consider factors such as annual fees, reward programs, and additional perks when deciding. Remember to use your credit card responsibly to maintain a good credit score and avoid accumulating debt.
References:
- Financial Consumer Agency of Canada. “How credit cards work.” https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/credit-cards/credit-card-work.html
- NerdWallet. “Best Student Credit Cards in Canada.” https://www.nerdwallet.com/ca/p/best/credit-cards/best-student-credit-cards
- NerdWallet. “Best Banks for International Students in Canada.” https://www.nerdwallet.com/ca/banking/best-banks-for-international-students-in-canada
- MoneySense. “Best Student Credit Cards in Canada.” https://www.moneysense.ca/spend/credit-cards/best-student-credit-cards-in-canada/
