Student

The Students BMO CashBack Mastercard provides an ideal entry point for Canadian students to build credit history while earning meaningful cash back rewards, offering 3% on groceries (up to $500 monthly), 1% on recurring bill payments (up to $500 monthly), and 0.5% on all other purchases with no annual fee. The welcome bonus of up to 5% cash back during the first three months on spending up to $2,500 provides up to $125 in initial rewards, designed to align with realistic student spending patterns rather than requiring unattainable spending thresholds.

Beyond rewards earning, this card’s greatest value lies in helping students establish positive credit history through responsible use, while providing practical benefits like purchase protection on electronics, flexible redemption options, and zero liability coverage for fraud protection. With accessible eligibility requirements including $0 minimum income and basic age/residency criteria, the card recognizes the financial realities of student life while providing a foundation for future financial opportunities. Students should view this as a stepping stone toward premium cards after graduation, using it to build the credit history necessary for post-graduation financial milestones like apartment rentals and eventually mortgages.

The Scotiabank SCENE+ Visa Card offers a refreshingly simple approach to rewards with no annual fee and straightforward earning on everyday purchases, making it an ideal entry point for young Canadians and movie enthusiasts looking to earn rewards without the commitment of premium cards. With 2x Scene+ points at Cineplex theatres, Home Hardware, and participating grocery stores like Sobeys and Safeway, plus 1x points on everything else, this accessible card transforms routine spending into entertainment rewards and practical benefits.

While the Scotiabank SCENE+ Visa Card won’t impress with premium perks or travel insurance, its combination of zero fees, low income requirements of just $12,000, and a welcome bonus of 5,000 Scene+ points creates genuine value for budget-conscious consumers. The flexibility to redeem points for movies, dining, groceries, travel, and gift cards through the expanded Scene+ program means cardholders aren’t locked into a single redemption path, making this a versatile starter card that grows with your financial journey.