Enjoy Rewards or Cash Back Credits with a Student Credit Card

Q: How do student credit cards work?

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.

Q: I’m an International Student looking for an RBC credit card. How do I apply?

If you are an International student, please visit an RBC Branch to speak with an advisor to learn more about this offer and how to apply.

What is a Student Credit Card?

A student credit card is a card specifically designed for students—and sometimes require proof of enrolment. It can help you build a credit history while you pay for the things you already need, like books, groceries and transportation. Some cards offer cash back or rewards points you can redeem for gift cards, merchandise or travel. With low or no annual fees and often including built-in purchase protection, these credit cards make it easier for students to build credit and use it responsibly.

Compare Student Credit Cards

Discover the best RBC student credit cards for first-time cardholders. Earn rewards points for travel, gift cards, and merchandise, or choose a cash back credit card for everyday student purchases or expenses.

Choosing the Student Credit Card That Best Meets Your Needs

Explore our low and no annual fee cards

Many of our student credit cards have either low or no annual fees, so you can choose a card that’s both affordable and rewarding.

Consider what you spend money on

Every RBC student credit card earns you different rewards, depending what you spend your money on. From groceries and dining, to gas, travel and transit, choose a credit card that rewards you for your lifestyle.

Choose how you want to be rewarded

Want to earn points to redeem for merchandise, gift cards, or your next reading week vacation? Maybe you’re more interested in saving by earning cash back on your purchases? No matter what, we’ve got a student credit card for everyone.

Making the Most of Student Life in Canada

Discover a range of content, tools and resources to help you thrive as a student new to Canada.

Explore Useful Financial Resources for Students

How to Apply for a Student Credit Card

Find the Perfect Fit

Use our RBC Card Selector to find the best student credit card for you.

Help Me Choose

Compare Credit Card Rewards

Compare the different types of rewards our credit cards offer.

Compare Rewards

Apply Online Today

Once you find the right card, apply in five simple steps, and get a result in less than a minute.

Find the Right Student Credit Card for You

Student Credit Card - Responsive Table
	RBC ION+ Visa	RBC ION Visa	RBC Cash Back Mastercard	WestJet RBC Mastercard	RBC Avion Visa Platinum
Best For	Earning even more Avion points on everyday purchases like groceries, dining, gas, and more.	Earning Avion points on everyday essentials with no annual fee.	Earning unlimited cash back² on all purchases¹ with no annual fee.	The WestJet flier who wants added perks and no minimum income required to apply	Those who want to start travelling, no minimum income required to apply
Welcome Offer	Get up to 21,000 Avion points^{^} - that’s up to $150 of value in gift cards!^† Apply by May 6, 2026.	Get up to 11,000 Avion points^{^} - that's up to $75 of value in gift cards^†! Apply by May 6, 2026.	Get Unlimited Cash Back on Your Purchases² with our no annual fee Cash Back credit card	Get up to 10,000 WestJet points^{1 Legal Disclaimer}, that's a value of up to $100 off travel.	Get up to 55,000 Avion points¹ (max travel value of $1,100^†), that’s up to 3 round trip flights^{^}
Annual Fee	$48	$0	$0	$39	$120
Rewards	Earn 3X Avion points for every $1 spent on groceries, gas, dining, food delivery, rideshare, streaming services and more¹ Earn 1X Avion point for every $1 spent on all other qualifying purchases¹	Earn 1.5X Avion points for every $1 spent on groceries, gas, streaming services and more.¹ Earn 1X Avion point for every $1 spent on all other qualifying purchases¹	Earn up to 2% cash back on grocery store purchases¹ Earn up to 1% cash back on all other qualifying purchases¹	Earn 1.5 WestJet points for every dollar you spend on WestJet flights, WestJet Vacations, and Sunwing Vacations^{2 Legal Disclaimer} Earn 1.5 WestJet points for every dollar you spend on restaurants, food delivery, digital subscriptions, streaming services and digital games^{3 Legal Disclaimer} Earn 1 WestJet point for every dollar you spend on everyday purchases^{2 Legal Disclaimer}	Earn 1 Avion point on everyday purchases²

Additional Card	$0	$0	$0	$19	$50
Purchase Rate	20.99%	20.99%	20.99%	20.99%	20.99%
Cash Advance Rate	22.99%^*	22.99%^*	22.99%^*	22.99%^*	22.99%^*

FAQs

Why should I get a credit card as a student?

A credit card is a great way to start building credit history as using your card and paying it off before the due date every month shows you’re responsible with credit. Building a good credit history may make it easier to qualify for a car loan or a line of credit in the future.

How do student credit cards work?

They work like most other credit cards. You use them to make everyday purchases, and then make regular payments on the balance owing. The minimum payment amount showing on your statement is required to be paid each month. To avoid interest charges, you should pay your balance in full by your statement date.

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. Note that you will be charged interest for a cash advance starting the day the advance is made and at a higher interest rate than your card’s purchase interest rate. You may also be charged an additional fee for each cash advance taken.

What should I consider before getting a credit card?

Are you interested in a no annual fee card? Do you want to earn points to redeem for travel, merchandise or gift cards? How about earning cash back on purchases like groceries, textbooks and more? Try our Credit Card Selector Tool to help narrow down what kind of credit card is most important to you.

Do I get any additional discounts if I am a student?

If you have an RBC Advantage Banking account for students, you could benefit from discounts or rebates on your monthly or annual fees. Learn more about student banking accounts.

What is the minimum age to get a credit card?

The minimum age to get a credit card depends on the province you live in. In Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec and PEI, the minimum age is 18. In all other provinces and territories, the minimum age is 19.

I’m an International Student looking for an RBC credit card. How do I apply?

If you are an International Student, please visit an RBC Branch or call to speak with an advisor to learn more about this offer and how to apply. Learn more here.