International students who want a Canadian credit card must first obtain a Social Insurance Number from Service Canada. You can only get your social insurance number (SIN) if you are authorized to work while attending school. With your SIN, many of the big banks (e.g. Scotiabank, CIBC, and BMO) will extend $1,000 worth of credit for students who have recently arrived in Canada. TD will only approve a secured card application. MBNA and Tangerine required a form of Canadian ID, such as a driver’s license. 

They work like most other credit cards. You use them to purchase goods and services, and pay back your credit balance monthly. You can earn rewards or cash back on purchases based on the card you’ve chosen. Plus, you can use your student credit card for cash advances if you have available credit.

Our student friendly credit cards are generally easier to qualify for as a student compared to other credit cards and offer a great way to start building credit history.

To avoid interest charges, you should pay your credit balance in full by your statement date. Note that you will be charged interest for a cash advance starting the day the advance is made. You may also be charged an additional fee for a cash advance.

While the idea of a student credit card may raise concerns about debt and interest payments from apprehensive parents and students alike, the fact is a credit card is an easy and straightforward way of establishing a young adult’s credit history as he or she transitions into financial independence. By paying off a credit card bill on time every month, students can develop a positive payment history, and in turn, a good credit score.