- 2%Cash back on eligible groceries
- 1%Cash back on eligible gas and other purchases
Get $50 cash back after you make your first purchase, plus earn a 10% cash back welcome bonus.
Earn 2% cash back on eligible groceries and 1% cash back on eligible gas and other purchases.
21.99%
22.99%
The CIBC Dividend® Visa® Card for Students stands out as the top choice because it offers a straightforward cash back structure that rewards students on essential spending categories like groceries. With no annual fee and a generous welcome bonus, it's designed to help students build credit while earning rewards.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Good cash back on groceries
Cons:
- Limited to student applicants
- Lower cash back on non-grocery purchases
- 1.5Adapta points per $1 spent in top 3 categories
- 1Adapta points per $1 on all other purchases
Receive a Welcome Bonus of 3,000 Adapta Points after your first purchase.
Earn 1.5 Adapta points per $1 spent in your top 3 spend categories and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
21.99%
22.99%
What sets the CIBC Adapta™ Mastercard® for Students apart is its unique rewards structure that allows cardholders to earn more points in their top spending categories. This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for students who want to maximize their rewards based on their spending habits.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Flexible rewards structure
Cons:
- Points can be complex to redeem
- Limited to student applicants
- 1Point per $1 spent on travel purchases
Earn an additional bonus of 10,000 Aventura Points if you have at least $1,000 in net purchases posted to your account during the first 4 months.
Earn 1 point per $1 spent on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre.
21.99%
22.99%
The CIBC Aventura® Visa® Card for Students shines for its travel rewards, making it ideal for students who frequently travel or plan to do so. With no annual fee and a solid welcome bonus, it provides a great way to earn points towards future travel.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Good for travel rewards
Cons:
- Limited to travel purchases for maximum rewards
- Points can expire
- 1Point per $1 spent directly with Air Canada
A welcome bonus of 2,500 Aeroplan points after your first purchase.
Earn 1 point per $1 directly with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations.
21.99%
22.99%
The standout feature of the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa® Card for Students is its focus on travel rewards specifically tied to Air Canada, making it a great option for students who frequently fly with the airline. With no annual fee and a straightforward rewards structure, it’s a solid choice for travel enthusiasts.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Good for Air Canada purchases
Cons:
- Limited to Air Canada for maximum rewards
- Points can expire
- No rewards breakdown available
N/A
N/A
21.99%
22.99%
The CIBC Classic Visa® Card for Students is a straightforward option for students looking to build their credit without the complexities of rewards programs. While it lacks specific rewards, its no annual fee and basic benefits make it a reliable choice for those new to credit.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Simple rewards structure
Cons:
- No specific rewards program
- Limited benefits compared to other cards
6.Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite® Card
Scotiabank
- 3%Scene+ points on groceries, dining, entertainment & transit
- 1%Scene+ points on all other purchases
Earn up to 60,000 bonus Scene+ points with spending milestones.
Earn 3 Scene+ points on groceries, dining, entertainment & transit, and 1 point on everything else.
20.99%
22.99%
The Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite® Card is an exceptional choice for frequent travelers, offering extensive rewards on everyday spending and significant travel perks. Its high welcome bonus and no foreign transaction fees make it a top contender for those who travel internationally.
Pros:
- Comprehensive travel benefits
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Spending thresholds for bonuses
- 3%Points on groceries, dining, and transit
- 0.5%Points on all other purchases
Earn 15,152 TD Rewards Points after spending CA$500 within the first 90 days.
Earn 3x points on groceries, dining, and transit, and 0.5% on everything else.
19.99%
22.99%
The TD Student Credit Card is tailored for students, providing a robust rewards structure that maximizes points on essential spending categories. With no annual fee and a generous welcome bonus, it’s an excellent option for students looking to build credit while earning rewards.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- High rewards on essential categories
Cons:
- Limited to student applicants
- Lower rewards on non-eligible categories
8.Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
Tangerine
- 2%Cash back in customizable categories
- 0.5%Cash back on all other purchases
Get a bonus 10% cash back on purchases for the first two months.
Earn 2% cash back in up to three customizable categories and 0.5% on all other purchases.
20.95%
22.95%
The Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card excels with its customizable cash back categories, allowing cardholders to earn higher rewards on their preferred spending areas. With no annual fee and a generous welcome bonus, it’s a flexible option for those looking to maximize their cash back.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Customizable cash back categories
Cons:
- Limited to three categories
- Lower cash back on non-category purchases
9.Scotiabank SCENE® Visa® Card
Scotiabank
- 2%Scene+ points at participating partners
- 1%Scene+ points on all other purchases
Earn up to 10,000 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months.
Earn 2 Scene+ points on every $1 spent at participating partners and 1 point on everything else.
20.99%
22.99%
The Scotiabank SCENE® Visa® Card is a fantastic choice for movie lovers, offering generous rewards on entertainment spending. With no annual fee and a solid welcome bonus, it provides a great way to earn points towards free movies and more.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Good for movie and entertainment rewards
Cons:
- Limited to specific partners for maximum rewards
- Points can expire
10.President's Choice Financial Mastercard
President's Choice
- 1%Points on all purchases
- 2.5%Points at Shoppers Drug Mart
Earn 20,000 PC Optimum points after your first purchase.
Earn 1% back in points on all purchases and 2.5% back at Shoppers Drug Mart.
21.99%
22.97%
The President's Choice Financial Mastercard is an excellent option for those who frequently shop at Loblaw-affiliated stores, offering solid rewards on everyday purchases. With no annual fee and a straightforward rewards structure, it’s a practical choice for budget-conscious shoppers.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Good rewards at grocery stores
Cons:
- Limited to specific stores for higher rewards
- Points can expire
Final Words
As you navigate the options for credit cards this January, remember that choosing the right one can enhance your financial journey as a student. Take time to compare features, fees, and rewards to make informed decisions that best suit your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get $50 cash back after you make your first purchase, plus earn a 10% cash back welcome bonus.
Earn 2% cash back on eligible groceries and 1% cash back on eligible gas and other purchases.
Receive a Welcome Bonus of 3,000 Adapta Points after your first purchase. You can earn 1.5 Adapta points per $1 spent in your top 3 spend categories and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
Earn an additional bonus of 10,000 Aventura Points if you have at least $1,000 in net purchases posted to your account during the first 4 months.
Typically, you must be a Canadian resident, at least 18 years old, and enrolled in a post-secondary institution to qualify for student credit cards. Some banks may require proof of enrollment.
Many student credit cards, including the ones offered by CIBC, have no annual fee, making them ideal for students on a budget. However, always check the specific card details to confirm.
Consider factors like rewards structures, fees, and your spending habits. Look for cards that align with your purchases, such as cashback on groceries or points for travel.
You can typically apply online through the bank’s website. Be prepared to provide personal information, proof of income or student status, and identification.
