The Best First Credit Card for Students and Young Adults 18+

Young adults and students often need their first credit card to start building their credit and to help them manage their finances. But above all, it’s one step closer to independence!

There are several options offered by financial institutions, but some credit cards are better than others. They may offer perks and rewards, low annual fees and interest rates, as well as additional protections.

When you start wanting to build your credit history or manage your finances, applying for a credit card is a great tool.

It’s an excellent way to:

• Establish a credit file;
• Learn how to manage expenses;
• Enjoy rewards and benefits at the same time!

Before choosing a credit card, it’s crucial to understand the associated fees. Credit cards charge interest fees when the balance isn’t paid in full each month, and this can take a toll on your wallet.

That’s why young adults should use their credit card like a debit card.

In addition, some cards charge annual fees, while others may have fees for foreign transactions or cash advances.

Obtaining a credit card as a student in Canada is a relatively straightforward process, although requirements may vary depending on the financial institution you choose.

In Canada, the legal age for obtaining a credit card without a co-signer is 18. However, in some Canadian provinces, such as British Columbia, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, the legal age is 19. Some credit card issuers may also require students to have a co-signer if they can’t provide proof of income.

Before applying for a card, assess your financial needs and capabilities. Consider how you plan to use the card and your ability to pay it back. To apply, you’ll usually need to provide proof of enrolment in a post-secondary institution. This can be a copy of your student card or a letter of admission.

You can apply for a credit card online, for example by clicking on the link for the card you’re interested in, which will take you directly to the financial institution’s website, or in person at a branch of the chosen bank.

Once you’ve obtained your first card, you’ll be able to build up your credit history, and start adopting good spending and financial management habits.

Owning a credit card is a big responsibility. By using your card wisely, you’ll establish a good credit history, which will benefit you in the future when you may want to take out a car loan or mortgage. Avoid spending more than you can repay, and always pay your balance in full to avoid interest charges.

As a student or young adult, it’s essential to consider your spending habits, the benefits the card can provide and your goal in using it.

Looking at the expenses in your bank account, which are the most frequent and essential?

• Payment of monthly cell phone or internet bills
• Grocery stores, restaurants, bars, food delivery like Uber or Skip the Dishes
• School supplies
• Gas or public transportation
• Paying tuition fees (you can do this with a credit card, thanks to Chexy)

Many credit cards offer promotions to attract new customers, including reduced interest rates, cash back, or bonus points for new cardholders. However, reading the small print on these offers is essential, as they may have conditions or expire after a certain period.

Next, what do you want to do with your rewards? The most popular answers are:

• Cash back to reduce your account balance
• Use them for travel

Here are four of the best credit cards for young people (students or not) in Canada, according to their needs and goals.

For a card that’s easy to manage, the National Bank Platinum Mastercard^® is excellent for building a credit file. You must be 18 years old in Quebec or have reached the age of majority in your province of residence to get this card.

According to our Milesopedia 2025 awards, the National Bank Platinum Mastercard^® also won the title of Best Credit Card for Young Professionals. It has an annual fee of $70, but it’s well worth it with the points it gives, its advantageous rewards program and its comprehensive insurance.

What’s more, this credit card also comes with valuable mobile device insurance. So, if your cell phone or tablet purchased with this card is damaged, lost, or stolen, the warranty covers replacement or repair, up to $1,000!

The CIBC Dividend^® Visa* Card for Students is the card we voted the best credit card for students in 2025.

Very easy to use and understand, it offers:

• 2% cash back on groceries
• 1% on purchases of gas, electric vehicle recharging, transportation, restaurants and recurring payments (monthly Internet costs, gym membership, etc.)
• 0.5% on all other purchases

CIBC also offers free membership of SPC+. Plus, get a free 12-month trial of Skip+.

The CIBC Aventura^® Visa* Card for Students is one of the best Visa credit cards for students with travel points. For this card, too, you must be of the age of majority in your province to apply.

The best way to use Aventura points is for travel. So, with Aventura Points, go on an adventure for less!

It gives 1 Aventura point:

• for every $1 spent at gas stations, grocery stores and drugstores
• for every $1 spent on travel purchases through the CIBC Rewards Centre website
• for every $2 on other purchases

CIBC also provides a free membership to SPC+, which offers discounts on a ton of fashion, dining, entertainment and travel products.

The American Express^® Green Card is very flexible. Contrary to popular belief, it is accepted in many more shops than you might think. It’s a little-known card with a lot of potential.

The American Express Green Card is just as straightforward: you earn 1 Membership Rewards point for every $1 spent on all purchases.

In Quebec, you must be at least 18 years old to apply, and the card is made from 99% recycled plastic.

Then, the points can be used to:

• Reduce your credit card balance (1,000 points can be redeemed for $10 off your statement) on any purchase.
• Transfer to Aeroplan or Marriott Bonvoy, for cheaper travel

Plus, this credit card has no annual fee!

Thanks to American Express Experiences and Front Of The Line^®, cardholders get access to presale tickets for the most popular shows before the general public.

Please note that this type of card has no effect on your credit file, nor will it help to improve your credit score, as it is a prepaid card.

For someone who is just starting out or who is unsure at the outset, a prepaid card can be a good way to manage your budget. Then, when everything is under control, the next step is to move towards a credit card.

The KOHO Prepaid Mastercard^® Extra Plan is a hybrid debit/credit card offered by Canadian fintech KOHO, and is available to people who have reached the age of majority in their province. So, from the age of 18 in Quebec, it can be used as a:

• Debit card, where you only spend what’s in the account;
• Credit card with cash back rewards.

This card offers the following benefits:

• Cash back for specific purchases
• No interest charges
• Perfect for bill payment and online shopping
• Available on Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay

For your first credit card, choose one you plan to keep long term, as this helps you build a strong credit history.

One day, if you don’t want it anymore, simply downgrade to the no-annual-fee version. That way, you’ll keep your history, and your credit rating won’t be affected.

You can easily get a credit card that isn’t connected to the financial institution where you have your bank account. To pay off the balance, simply treat it as if it were a bill. See how to pay a credit card on AccèsD (which is the same principle as for other banks).

Whatever you choose, it’s very important to pay your credit card balances on time, every month and in full.