Best Travel Credit Cards for International Students in Canada

The best travel credit cards for international students in Canada allow students to earn points toward flights, hotels and car rentals without requiring a high income or an established Canadian credit history.

However, a travel rewards card is not automatically inexpensive to use abroad. Many entry-level student cards still charge a foreign currency conversion fee, and most do not include the extensive travel insurance provided by premium cards.

The right choice depends on your preferred airline, annual spending, income and ability to pay every statement in full.

Can International Students Get Travel Credit Cards in Canada?

Yes. Several banks offer travel or rewards cards through their international-student and newcomer programmes.

For example, eligible international students can apply for an RBC credit card with a limit of up to C$2,000 without Canadian credit history. CIBC also offers dedicated travel cards with no minimum-income requirement and possible limits of up to C$2,000 for international students. Approval and the actual limit remain subject to each bank’s assessment.

Banks may request:

• A valid passport.
• A Canadian study permit.
• Proof of enrolment.
• A Canadian residential address.
• Income or financial-support information.
• Details of rent and monthly expenses.
• A Canadian bank account.

Best Travel Credit Cards for International Students

1. CIBC Aventura Visa Card for Students

Best overall for flexible travel rewards

The CIBC Aventura Visa Card for Students is the strongest overall option because it combines flexible travel redemptions with student-friendly eligibility.

Its main features include:

• C$0 annual fee.
• No minimum annual-income requirement.
• Credit limits of up to C$2,000 for international students.
• Aventura points on eligible purchases.
• Points redeemable for flights, hotels, vacation packages and car rentals.
• Points that do not expire while the programme conditions are met.
• Purchase Security Insurance for eligible new purchases.

The card earns one Aventura point per C$1 at eligible grocery stores, drugstores, gas stations and electric-vehicle charging stations. CIBC’s current welcome offer may also provide bonus points after completing qualifying activities and meeting a spending requirement.

Best for: Students who want flexible travel rewards without committing to one airline.

Main drawback: Foreign-currency purchases remain subject to CIBC’s applicable conversion charges, and the card does not provide the broad travel medical and trip-cancellation insurance found on premium Aventura cards.

2. CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students

Best for Air Canada travellers

The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students is better for students who regularly fly with Air Canada or redeem through Aeroplan.

Key features include:

• C$0 annual fee.
• No minimum-income requirement.
• A limit of up to C$2,000 for international students.
• Aeroplan points on eligible everyday purchases.
• Preferred pricing on eligible Aeroplan flight rewards.
• No additional airline surcharge on Air Canada flight rewards.
• Car Rental Collision and Loss Damage Insurance.
• Purchase Security and Extended Protection Insurance.

Cardholders can earn points on eligible Air Canada purchases, groceries, gas and electric-vehicle charging. Aeroplan points may also be combined with eligible household members through Aeroplan Family Sharing.

Best for: Students who fly with Air Canada or Star Alliance partners.

Main drawback: The card does not include free checked baggage, airport lounge access or comprehensive travel medical insurance.

3. Scotiabank American Express Card for Students

Best for Scene+ points and hotel bookings

This no-annual-fee student card offers strong rewards across travel and common student expenses.

Its current terms include:

• C$0 annual fee.
• C$1,000 minimum credit limit.
• C$12,000 minimum personal income.
• 21.99% purchase interest rate.
• One Scene+ point per C$1 on eligible travel purchases.
• Up to four Scene+ points per C$1 on hotels and car rentals booked through Scene+ Travel.
• Enhanced points on eligible groceries, dining, entertainment, transit, gas and streaming services.

Scene+ points can be applied toward eligible travel purchases made with different travel providers or used directly through Scene+ Travel. International students must currently book an in-person appointment to apply.

Best for: Students earning at least C$12,000 who spend heavily on groceries, dining, transit and travel.

Main drawbacks:

• American Express is not accepted by every merchant.
• The card does not waive foreign currency conversion fees.
• The C$12,000 income condition excludes students without regular income.

4. RBC ION Visa

Best no-fee card for earning flexible points on daily spending

The RBC ION Visa is not a premium travel card, but it provides a practical way to collect Avion points without paying an annual fee.

Its features include:

• C$0 annual fee.
• 20.99% purchase rate.
• 1.5 Avion points per C$1 on eligible groceries, gas, streaming services and selected everyday categories.
• One Avion point per C$1 on other qualifying purchases.
• Purchase Security and Extended Warranty Protection.

Eligible international students can apply through RBC’s international-student programme for a credit limit of up to C$2,000 without Canadian credit history.

Best for: Students who want a no-fee Visa card and flexible points rather than airline-specific miles.

Main drawback: Its travel benefits and insurance are limited compared with dedicated premium Avion cards.

5. WestJet RBC Mastercard

Best low-fee option for WestJet travellers

The WestJet RBC Mastercard may suit students who frequently use WestJet for travel within Canada or to destinations served by the airline.

Current features include:

• C$39 annual fee.
• No minimum-income requirement.
• 20.99% purchase rate.
• WestJet points on eligible purchases.
• Points redeemable toward eligible flights, vacation packages, taxes and fees.
• A companion voucher after meeting the applicable conditions.
• WestJet points that do not expire under the programme rules.

The annual companion benefit generally requires at least C$2,500 of yearly spending after the initial voucher. Students should compare the potential saving with the C$39 annual fee.

Best for: Students who regularly fly on WestJet routes.

Main drawback: It offers less flexibility than Aventura or Avion points when WestJet does not serve the required destination.

Quick Comparison

• Best overall: CIBC Aventura Visa for Students.
• Best for Air Canada: CIBC Aeroplan Visa for Students.
• Best for Scene+ Travel: Scotiabank American Express for Students.
• Best no-fee everyday rewards: RBC ION Visa.
• Best for WestJet: WestJet RBC Mastercard.

Check Foreign Transaction Fees

A Canadian travel rewards card may still charge extra when a purchase is processed in another currency.

Before travelling, check:

• Foreign currency conversion fee.
• Overseas cash-advance fee.
• ATM operator fees.
• Interest charged on cash withdrawals.
• Dynamic currency conversion costs.

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada warns that foreign cash advances may attract a higher transaction fee, a currency-conversion charge and interest from the transaction date.

Always choose the local currency when a foreign merchant offers to convert the transaction into Canadian dollars, unless you have compared the offered exchange rate.

Does a Student Travel Card Include Travel Insurance?

Basic student cards often provide only limited coverage, such as:

• Purchase protection.
• Extended warranty.
• Rental-car collision coverage.
• Mobile-device insurance on selected cards.

Do not assume your card includes:

• Emergency travel medical insurance.
• Trip cancellation or interruption insurance.
• Flight-delay insurance.
• Delayed or lost baggage coverage.

Review the official insurance certificate before booking. Separate travel medical insurance may still be necessary.

Final Verdict

The CIBC Aventura Visa Card for Students is the best overall travel card for international students because it has no annual fee, no minimum-income requirement and flexible travel redemptions.

Choose the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students when you frequently fly with Air Canada. The Scotiabank American Express Card for Students offers stronger everyday earning rates but requires at least C$12,000 of personal income.

RBC ION Visa is a good no-fee alternative for building credit and collecting flexible points, while the WestJet RBC Mastercard is worthwhile only when you regularly use WestJet and can justify its annual fee.

Official Sources

• CIBC Aventura Visa Card for Students
• CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students
• Scotiabank American Express Card for Students
• RBC ION Visa
• WestJet RBC Mastercard
• Financial Consumer Agency of Canada – How Credit Cards Work