Best Credit Cards for International Students & Workers in Canada
Starting your life in Canada as a student or foreign worker comes with many challenges—one of them is building credit. Fortunately, there are specific credit cards for international students and workers in Canada designed to help you build your credit history from scratch. Without a Canadian credit history, most banks hesitate. But there are credit card options tailored for newcomers. In this guide, you’ll discover top cards, how to choose one, and which ones make sense for your situation.
Why Having a Canadian Credit Card Matters
A credit card in Canada is more than a convenience. It helps you:
- Build a credit history, which you’ll need for renting, loans, or mortgages
- Make online and recurring payments (phone bills, subscriptions)
- Earn rewards (cash back, points) even as a newcomer
- Avoid relying solely on debit or cash
The trick is finding a card that accepts you without years of credit history.
What to Look For in a Card for Foreign Workers & Students
When comparing cards, prioritize:
- No or low credit history requirement
- No annual fee or minimal fee
- Rewards or cash back, especially on common expenses
- Introductory offers or perks for newcomers
- Accessibility—banks with newcomer or international student programs
Top Credit Card Options in Canada
Here are several credit card options that tend to work well for newcomers, foreign workers, and international students:
1. RBC Newcomer / RBC Cash Back Mastercard
RBC’s newcomer banking program allows new residents or foreigners to get a credit card even without Canadian credit history. You may qualify for up to a $15,000 limit. RBC Royal Bank
The RBC Cash Back Mastercard is a strong choice: it has no annual fee and offers cash back on groceries, everyday purchases, and more.
2. CIBC Newcomer / Foreign Worker Cards
CIBC offers a Smart Account for Foreign Workers and eligible credit card options together. CIBC
For students, they also provide the CIBC Aventura Visa Card for Students (no annual fee, rewards) and the CIBC Dividend Visa for Students. CIBC
3. TD New to Canada / TD Student Cards
TD runs special credit card offers for newcomers. They also offer student credit cards designed for people who want to build credit while studying. TD Canada Trust
4. Scotiabank StartRight Program
Scotiabank’s StartRight program supports international students and foreign workers with credit card options tailored to newcomers. startright.scotiabank.com
5. Cards for Temporary Residents and Newcomers
Apart from “named newcomer programs,” many banks offer general credit card options for temporary residents (work permit holders, international students, non-residents). Finder lists these as viable cards when you lack long credit history. finder.com
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Which Card Should You Choose?
There’s no one-size-fits-all. Here’s how to decide:
- If you’re a student: Go for zero-fee or low-fee student cards with rewards (CIBC student cards, TD student).
- If you’re a foreign worker/newcomer: Use newcomer banking programs like RBC’s or CIBC’s that waive credit history requirements.
- If you already have some income: Choose cards with better rewards or higher credit limits.
- Always check the card’s fine print (interest rates, annual fees, reward caps).
Best Credit Cards for Foreign Workers & Students in Canada
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Eligibility | Rewards / Benefits | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RBC Cash Back Mastercard (Newcomer Program) | $0 | No Canadian credit history required; designed for newcomers | 2% cash back on groceries, 1% on other purchases, occasional welcome cash back offers | Newcomers who want easy approval and straightforward cashback |
| CIBC Aventura Visa for Students | $0 | Available to students; no income requirement | Earn Aventura Points on everyday spending; welcome bonus points on signup | Students who want to start building credit and collect travel rewards |
| Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card | $0 | No credit history required for newcomers | Earn Scene+ points on groceries, dining, and entertainment; redeemable for movies, travel, and gift cards | Newcomers or students who enjoy dining out and entertainment |
| BMO CashBack Mastercard for Students | $0 | Student status required | 3% cash back on groceries, 1% on recurring bills, 0.5% on all other purchases | Students looking for strong grocery rewards and simple cash back |
| TD Cash Back Visa Card (New to Canada Program) | $0 | No Canadian credit history needed under newcomer program | 1% cash back on all purchases; special newcomer banking bundles available | Newcomers seeking a reliable first card with consistent rewards |
✅ Quick Takeaway:
- Newcomers should consider RBC or TD since both accept applicants without a Canadian credit history.
- Students will benefit most from CIBC Aventura or BMO CashBack, depending on whether they prefer travel points or grocery savings.
- For entertainment perks, Scotiabank Scene+ is a solid pick.
How to Apply & Build Your Credit
- Open a Canadian bank account through a newcomer program (RBC, TD, CIBC).
- Apply for a newcomer or student credit card via that bank’s special program.
- Start small purchases and pay them off in full each month – never carry a balance.
- Use your card regularly (bills, groceries, streaming) to demonstrate responsible usage.
- Avoid applying for many cards at once – too many credit inquiries can hurt you.
Within 6–12 months of consistent, responsible usage, you can upgrade to better cards with higher limits and premiums.
FAQs
Q1: Can foreign workers or students get credit cards in Canada without credit history?
Yes. Many Canadian banks offer specialized newcomer, foreign worker, or student credit cards that require no prior Canadian credit history.
Q2: What’s a good starter credit card for me as a newcomer?
Cards like RBC Cash Back Mastercard (via RBC’s newcomer program) or CIBC Aventura Visa for Students are good starting points—they have no annual fee and accept limited credit history.
Q3: Will using a credit card hurt me if I miss a payment?
Missing payments can damage your credit score and lead to late fees or interest. Always aim to pay your balance in full, on time.
Q4: When can I qualify for premium or higher-limit credit cards?
After 6–12 months of timely payments, your credit score should improve. Then you can apply for cards with better rewards and higher limits.
Q5: Are rewards important in my first card?
Rewards are nice, but for a first card, stability and low risk matter more. Focus first on building credit; once your score is strong, you can chase high-rewards cards.
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