Moving to Canada for your studies is an exciting adventure, but managing finances in a new country can feel overwhelming. One of your first financial decisions? Getting the right credit card. Whether you're arriving from India, Nigeria, the Philippines, or anywhere else in the world, having a Canadian credit card isn't just convenient—it's essential for building your financial future in Canada.
Can International Students Actually Get Credit Cards in Canada?
Yes, absolutely! International students can apply for credit cards in Canada by providing a Social Insurance Number (SIN), proof of enrollment, and government-issued ID such as a passport or Canadian driver's license.
Here's what makes student credit cards different: card issuers will not have strict income and credit score requirements, as students may not have any credit history or income—especially if moving to Canada from another country.
Top 5 Credit Cards for International Students in 2025
1. BMO CashBack Mastercard for Students
The BMO CashBack Mastercard - Student offers no annual fees and no income requirements—two critical features students should seek when considering a credit card.
Why It's Great:
- 3% cashback on groceries (your biggest expense!)
- 5% cashback for the first 3 months
- No annual fee
- Shopping and travel insurance included
Best For: Students who want simple, straightforward rewards on everyday purchases.
2. Scotiabank Scene+ Visa for Students
Perfect if you love movies and entertainment, you can earn 2x Scene+ points at selected grocery stores and Cineplex, and one point for every dollar spent on everything else.
Why It's Great:
- Up to 5,000 bonus points in first 3 months
- Redeem for movie tickets, travel, dining, and more
- $0 annual fee
- Save up to 25% on car rentals
Best For: Students who want flexible rewards beyond just cashback.
3. CIBC Dividend Visa Card for Students
Students, including international students, can get a special version of the CIBC Dividend Visa card with no annual fee and no requirement for annual income.
Why It's Great:
- 2% cashback on groceries
- 1% back on gas, dining, bills, and transportation
- Free SPC (Student Price Card) membership for extra discounts
- 0.5% on all other purchases
Best For: Students looking for well-rounded cashback across multiple categories.
4. RBC Rewards+ Visa for Students
The RBC Rewards+ Visa has no annual fee and its points system gets you 1 point per dollar on gas, groceries, and drug stores, and 1 point per 2 dollars everywhere else.
Why It's Great:
- No annual fee
- Flexible points redemption
- Optional travel insurance
- Easy to earn on everyday expenses
Best For: Students planning to travel or wanting points flexibility.
5. PC Financial Mastercard for Students
Ideal if you shop at Loblaw-owned stores (Loblaws, No Frills, Shoppers Drug Mart).
Why It's Great:
- Easy to redeem PC points at Loblaw banner stores, which includes 4,500+ locations across Canada
- 20,000 welcome bonus points
- No annual fee
- Points never expire
Best For: Budget-conscious students who grocery shop at Loblaws stores.
How to Choose the Right Card for You
International students who are unsure if they will remain in Canada should opt for a cashback credit card, as travel points can take a while to add up, while cashback rewards can be redeemed more frequently.
Ask yourself:
- Will I stay in Canada after graduation? (If unsure, choose cashback)
- Where do I shop most? (Match the card to your spending habits)
- Do I travel frequently? (Consider travel rewards cards)
- Am I worried about fees? (Stick with no-annual-fee options)
Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Research and Compare Cards Don't rush into the first option you see. Use comparison websites and read the terms carefully.
2. Gather Your Documents Have all required documentation ready before starting your application.
3. Apply Online or In-Person You can often apply online, though you may need to visit a bank branch to present information and apply for a credit card.
4. Wait for Approval Once approved, your card will be mailed within 14 business days.
5. Activate and Start Building Credit Activate it online or by phone before making purchases.
Understanding Your Initial Credit Limit
Many big banks like Scotiabank, CIBC, and BMO will extend one thousand dollars worth of credit for students who have recently arrived in Canada.
Don't be discouraged by a low initial limit. As you build your credit history by making on-time payments, your limit will increase.
Smart Credit Card Usage Tips for Students
Pay On Time, Every Time Pay your bills in full and on time to avoid interest charges. Set up automatic payments if possible to never miss a due date.
Keep Your Balance Low Try to use less than 30% of your credit limit. If your limit is $1,000, keep your balance under $300.
Track Your Spending Monitor transactions by reading your credit card statement and paying attention to your purchases so you know where your money is going.
Understand Interest Rates If you can't pay your full balance, always make at least the minimum payment. But remember, carrying a balance means paying interest—sometimes 19-22% annually.
Never Share Your PIN Keep your card information secure and report any suspicious activity immediately.
Building Your Credit Score: The Long Game
Your credit score ranges from 300 to 900 in Canada. If your credit score is anywhere between 660 to 900, you will be seen as having good credit.
For many people, student credit cards are actually the first step to building your credit history and thus your credit score.
What Affects Your Credit Score:
- Payment history (35% of your score)
- Credit utilization (30%)
- Length of credit history (15%)
- Types of credit (10%)
- Recent credit inquiries (10%)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying for Too Many Cards at Once Each application creates a "hard inquiry" on your credit report, which can temporarily lower your score.
Missing Payment Deadlines Even one late payment can significantly damage your credit score and stay on your report for years.
Maxing Out Your Card Using your entire credit limit signals financial stress to lenders.
Closing Your First Card Avoid closing your first credit card to increase your credit score over time.
Ignoring Fees Always read the fine print about foreign transaction fees, cash advance fees, and overlimit charges.
What If You Get Rejected?
Don't panic! Common reasons for rejection include not meeting age requirements, not residing in Canada, lack of proof of income, being an international student without permission to work in Canada (which prevents obtaining a Social Insurance Number), or failure to provide proof of enrollment.
Your Next Steps:
- Consider a secured credit card (requires a deposit)
- Build banking history first (open a checking/savings account)
- Get your SIN if you don't have one yet
- Try a different bank that's more international-student-friendly
Ready to Apply? Take Action Now
Don't wait until you're scrambling to pay for textbooks or groceries. Getting your credit card sorted early means you can focus on what matters: your studies and enjoying your Canadian experience.
Your Action Plan:
- Compare cards using the information above
- Check your eligibility for each option
- Gather your documents (SIN, study permit, ID)
- Apply for your top choice online or at a branch
- Start using responsibly to build your credit history
Ready to build your Canadian credit history? Choose one of the cards above and apply today. Most applications take less than 15 minutes, and you could have your card in hand within two weeks.
Final Thoughts
Getting a credit card as an international student in Canada isn't just about convenience—it's about building your financial foundation for the future. Whether you're planning to return home after graduation or hoping to build a life in Canada, establishing good credit now will pay dividends for years to come.
The cards listed above all cater specifically to students with limited or no credit history, making them perfect starting points for international students. Remember: the best credit card for you depends on your spending habits, future plans, and financial goals.
Start your credit journey today, use your card responsibly, and watch your financial opportunities in Canada grow. Your future self will thank you.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to build credit in Canada? Typically 6-12 months of responsible credit card use will establish a basic credit history.
Q: Can I use my credit card to pay tuition? Some Canadian colleges and universities accept credit card payments for tuition, but not many, and you may not be able to use a student credit card due to lower spending limits.
Q: What happens to my credit score when I leave Canada? Your Canadian credit history stays in Canada and doesn't transfer internationally, so it's worth maintaining even if you're uncertain about staying long-term.
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