Best Credit Cards for International Students With Part-Time Jobs in Canada

The best credit cards for international students with part-time jobs in Canada usually have no annual fee, no minimum income requirement and a realistic starting credit limit.

Part-time employment can strengthen an application by showing that you receive regular income. However, several Canadian banks also offer dedicated student or newcomer programs that do not require an established Canadian credit history.

Approval is never guaranteed. The bank may still review your study permit, enrolment, address, income, expenses and ability to make repayments.

Can International Students Working Part-Time Get Credit Cards?

Yes. International students can qualify for Canadian credit cards when they meet the bank’s student, newcomer and residency conditions.

Eligible international students may work off campus for up to 24 hours per week during regular academic terms and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must meet the conditions printed on your study permit and remain actively enrolled.

Your part-time wages can help demonstrate repayment capacity, but some student cards do not publish a minimum-income requirement.

Banks may ask for:

• A valid passport.
• A Canadian study permit.
• Proof of enrolment.
• A Canadian residential address.
• A Canadian bank account.
• Your Social Insurance Number when available.
• Employment and income information.
• Details of rent and other monthly expenses.

Best Credit Cards for International Students With Part-Time Jobs in Canada

1. CIBC Aventura Visa Card for Students

Best overall with no minimum-income requirement

The CIBC Aventura Visa Card for Students is one of the strongest choices for international students because it does not have a minimum annual-income requirement.

International students may qualify for a credit limit of up to C$2,000, subject to CIBC’s approval. The card also has no annual fee and earns Aventura travel points on eligible purchases.

Main benefits include:

• C$0 annual fee.
• No minimum annual income requirement.
• Credit limit of up to C$2,000 for international students.
• Aventura points that can be used toward flights, hotels, car rentals and other travel.
• Points that do not expire while the account remains open and in good standing.
• Purchase-security and extended-protection coverage, subject to policy terms.

CIBC’s student bundle generally requires international students to provide a valid passport and a Canadian study permit valid for at least 12 months.

Best for: Students who earn a modest part-time income and want flexible travel rewards.

Main drawback: Foreign-currency transactions can carry an additional conversion fee, so it may not be the cheapest card for spending outside Canada.

2. RBC Cash Back Mastercard

Best for groceries and everyday student spending

The RBC Cash Back Mastercard has no annual fee and earns cash back on everyday purchases.

Cardholders can earn up to 2% cash back on eligible grocery purchases and up to 1% on other qualifying purchases, depending on the spending thresholds and terms.

Key features include:

• C$0 annual fee.
• Unlimited cash back.
• Higher cash back on eligible grocery purchases.
• Mastercard acceptance in Canada and abroad.
• Purchase rate of 20.99%.
• Cash-advance rate of 22.99% outside Quebec.

RBC states that international students can apply for an RBC credit card with a limit of up to C$2,000 without Canadian credit history, subject to eligibility and credit criteria.

RBC’s newcomer offer may be available to international students who arrived in Canada within the previous 12 months. No-credit-history approval remains subject to RBC’s assessment.

Best for: Students using their cards mainly for groceries and regular everyday expenses.

Main drawback: The regular purchase interest rate is expensive if the monthly balance is not paid in full.

3. Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Card for Students

Best straightforward no-fee cashback card

The student version of the Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa offers cash back without charging an annual fee.

Its current standard features include:

• C$0 annual fee.
• Up to 1% cash back on eligible purchases.
• 20.99% purchase interest rate.
• 22.99% cash-advance rate.
• Access to Scotiabank’s Scene+ student banking bundle.

Scotiabank’s student-bundle requirements state that an international student may need a Canadian study permit valid for at least another six months. The applicant must also be enrolled in an eligible post-secondary program or starting one within the permitted period.

This card is a practical choice for students who want uncomplicated cash back rather than airline or travel points.

Best for: Students who already use a Scotiabank student account and want a no-fee Visa card.

Main drawback: The standard cashback rate is relatively modest.

4. CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students

Best for students who frequently fly with Air Canada

The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students may suit international students who regularly travel between Canada and their home countries.

Its principal features include:

• No annual fee.
• No minimum annual-income requirement.
• A credit limit of up to C$2,000 for eligible international students.
• Aeroplan points on eligible purchases.
• Car-rental collision and loss-damage insurance.
• Purchase-security and extended-protection insurance.

Aeroplan points can be used toward eligible flights and other rewards. The value received will depend on the chosen redemption and any taxes, fees or airline charges.

Best for: Students who use Air Canada or Aeroplan partners regularly.

Main drawback: Students who rarely travel may receive more practical value from a cashback card.

5. TD Cash Back Visa Card

Best for existing TD student-banking customers

The TD Cash Back Visa Card is a basic no-annual-fee option that earns cash back on eligible purchases.

Its published features include:

• C$0 annual fee.
• C$0 fee for additional cardholders.
• 21.99% purchase rate.
• 22.99% cash-advance rate outside Quebec.
• Cash Back Dollars that can be applied to the account balance.

Applicants must be Canadian residents and have reached the age of majority in their province or territory. TD also offers banking and credit-card support for international students and newcomers, but approval remains subject to individual assessment.

Best for: Students who already receive their wages through a TD account.

Main drawback: TD does not publicly promise automatic approval or a specific credit limit for every international student.

Does a Part-Time Job Improve Approval Chances?

A part-time job can help because it provides:

• Regular salary deposits.
• Evidence that you can make monthly repayments.
• A stronger Canadian banking record.
• Employment information the lender can verify.

However, earning more money does not guarantee approval. The bank may compare your income with:

• Monthly rent.
• Tuition commitments.
• Transportation costs.
• Existing debts.
• Other credit limits.
• General living expenses.

Several student cards have no minimum-income requirement, but you must still show that the account is affordable.

How to Improve Your Application

Before applying:

1. Open a student chequing account with the bank.
2. Deposit your wages into that account consistently.
3. Prepare your passport, study permit and proof of enrolment.
4. Apply for only one suitable card.
5. Start with a limit of C$500 to C$2,000.
6. Avoid exaggerating your income.
7. Ask whether the application will require a hard credit check.

How to Use the Card Safely

Use your first card for planned expenses such as:

• Groceries.
• Public transport.
• Mobile-phone bills.
• Textbooks.
• Streaming subscriptions.

Pay the complete statement balance by the due date. Paying only the minimum can result in substantial interest, even when the card has no annual fee.

Avoid cash advances because they normally attract fees and begin charging interest immediately.

Final Verdict

The CIBC Aventura Visa Card for Students is the best overall option because it has no annual fee, no minimum-income requirement and a possible credit limit of up to C$2,000 for international students.

The RBC Cash Back Mastercard is better for groceries and everyday purchases, while the Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa offers simple cash back through a student-focused banking package.

Students who travel frequently should compare the CIBC Aeroplan card, while existing TD customers may consider the TD Cash Back Visa.

A part-time job improves your financial profile, but responsible repayment matters more than earning rewards. Keep the limit low and pay every statement in full.

Official Sources

• Government of Canada – Working Off Campus as an International Student
• CIBC – Student Credit Cards
• CIBC Aventura Visa Card for Students
• CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students
• RBC – Banking and Credit Cards for International Students
• RBC Cash Back Mastercard
• Scotiabank – Student Credit Cards
• TD Cash Back Visa Card