Best Starter Credit Cards for New International Students in Canada

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The best starter credit cards for new international students in Canada generally have no annual fee, a manageable credit limit and a dedicated application pathway for people without Canadian credit history.

Unlike standard applications, international-student programmes may consider your study permit, enrolment and financial resources instead of expecting an established Canadian credit score.

Approval is never guaranteed. Banks may still examine your identity, immigration status, income, savings, monthly expenses and ability to repay the account.

Can New International Students Get Credit Cards in Canada?

Yes. Several major Canadian banks allow eligible international students to apply without Canadian credit history.

Current examples include:

CIBC student cards with limits of up to C$2,000 for eligible international students.
RBC cards with limits of up to C$2,000 through its international-student programme, with no Canadian credit history required.
Scotiabank StartRight applications without Canadian credit history.
TD’s international-student package, which includes access to a credit card without Canadian credit history.
BMO student cards with no annual fee and a pathway for international students.

These advertised limits are maximums, not guaranteed starting limits.

Best Starter Credit Cards for New International Students in Canada

1. CIBC Dividend Visa Card for Students

Best overall starter card

The CIBC Dividend Visa Card for Students is one of the most practical first cards because it combines simple cashback with student-friendly eligibility.

Main features include:

C$0 annual fee.
No minimum annual-income requirement.
Credit limit of up to C$2,000 for eligible international students.
Cashback on groceries, transportation, dining and recurring payments.
Online application for Canadian and international students.
Purchase-security and extended-protection coverage, subject to policy terms.

CIBC currently advertises a welcome offer of up to C$125 in cashback for qualifying new accounts. Promotional deadlines and spending requirements can change, so students should check the current offer before applying.

Best for: Groceries, transit, subscriptions and other daily student expenses.

Main drawback: Spending outside the enhanced categories may earn a lower cashback rate.

2. RBC Cash Back Mastercard

Best for students with no Canadian credit history

RBC has one of the clearest international-student credit-card pathways. Eligible students can apply for a card with a limit of up to C$2,000 without Canadian credit history.

The RBC Cash Back Mastercard offers:

C$0 annual fee.
Unlimited total cashback.
Up to 2% cashback on qualifying grocery purchases.
Up to 1% on other eligible purchases after applicable spending thresholds.
Purchase-security and extended-warranty insurance.

RBC’s current introductory offer may provide enhanced cashback for applications received by September 9, 2026. Treat this as a temporary bonus rather than a permanent card benefit.

Best for: Newly arrived students who spend heavily on groceries.

Main drawback: Many non-grocery purchases initially earn only the lower base cashback rate.

3. Student BMO CashBack Mastercard

Best for grocery cashback

The Student BMO CashBack Mastercard is designed for post-secondary students starting their Canadian credit histories.

Its key features include:

C$0 annual fee.
Cashback on every eligible purchase.
Enhanced cashback on qualifying grocery purchases.
Additional cashback on eligible recurring bill payments.
Cashback redemption starting from C$1.
A dedicated international-student banking pathway.

BMO currently advertises up to 5% cashback during the first three months, with a maximum promotional value of C$125. Welcome offers may change or end.

BMO’s international-student page states that students can obtain a no-annual-fee card and begin building credit without Canadian credit history.

Best for: Students whose largest monthly expense is groceries.

Main drawback: Bonus cashback categories usually have monthly spending limits.

4. Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card for Students

Best for flexible student rewards

Scotiabank’s StartRight programme allows eligible international students and other newcomers to apply for a credit card without Canadian credit history.

The Scene+ student card can provide:

No annual fee on eligible student products.
Scene+ points on qualifying purchases.
Enhanced rewards at selected grocery, entertainment and partner retailers.
Redemptions for groceries, travel, entertainment, gift cards and account credits.
Access through Scotiabank’s student banking bundle.

International students may need to provide proof of enrolment, such as:

A student card.
Current timetable.
Enrolment letter.
Tuition receipt.
Acceptance letter.

Best for: Students who regularly use Scene+ partner stores.

Main drawback: Rewards points may be harder to value than straightforward cashback.

5. TD Cash Back Visa or TD Rewards Visa

Best for students who want banking and credit together

TD’s International Student Package states that eligible students may obtain a credit card without Canadian credit history. Applicants generally need to be full-time post-secondary students and provide proof of their study or temporary-resident status.

TD’s student selection includes:

TD Cash Back Visa.
TD Rewards Visa.
No annual fee on eligible starter products.
App controls for locking the card and managing transaction limits.

Because international-student and standard online eligibility rules may differ, apply through the dedicated international-student package or speak with a TD advisor.

Best for: Students who already use TD for their Canadian chequing account.

Main drawback: Card eligibility and the approved limit depend on the individual application pathway.

What Documents Will You Need?

Prepare:

Identity documents
- Valid passport.
- Second identification document if requested.
Immigration documents
- Canadian study permit.
- Temporary resident visa where applicable.
Study documents
- Enrolment letter.
- Student card.
- Current timetable or tuition receipt.
Canadian information
- Residential address.
- Phone number.
- Bank-account details.
Financial information
- Part-time employment income.
- Scholarship or sponsorship documents.
- Regular family support.
- Monthly rent and living expenses.

You must also have reached the age of majority in your province or territory.

How to Choose Your First Canadian Credit Card

Choose a card with:

No annual fee.
A limit between approximately C$500 and C$2,000.
Rewards matching your normal expenses.
No requirement for existing Canadian credit history.
A bank account and app you can manage easily.

Avoid premium cards requiring:

High personal income.
Large annual fees.
Significant monthly spending.
A strong existing credit score.

How to Build Credit Responsibly

After approval:

Use the card for one or two planned expenses.
Pay every bill by the due date.
Preferably pay the complete statement balance.
Keep the balance below approximately 30% of the limit when practical.
Avoid cash advances.
Do not apply for several cards at once.

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada says payment history, credit usage and frequent new applications can affect your credit score.

Final Verdict

The CIBC Dividend Visa Card for Students is the best overall starter card because it has no annual fee, no minimum-income requirement and a clearly published international-student limit of up to C$2,000.

The RBC Cash Back Mastercard is the strongest alternative for students without Canadian credit history. BMO is particularly good for grocery cashback, while Scotiabank provides flexible Scene+ rewards.

TD is worth considering when you want to manage your first credit card and student chequing account with the same bank.

Apply for one realistic card, accept a manageable limit and pay the complete statement balance every month.

Best Starter Credit Cards for New International Students in Canada

Can New International Students Get Credit Cards in Canada?