BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* for students review
Jan 13, 2026
While we adhere to strict editorial guidelines, partners on this page may provide us earnings.
Jan 13, 2026
While we adhere to strict editorial guidelines, partners on this page may provide us earnings.
Overall rating
First year value
$401
Get this card if you:
Scores by category
Student 3.0
Cash Back 2.7
No Annual Fee 2.7
At a glance
The BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* for Students is a no-annual-fee credit card tailored for students, offering cash back on everyday purchases, with elevated rates for categories such as groceries and recurring bill payments. It also includes benefits like purchase protection and extended warranty.
$401
First year value
5% cash back
Welcome bonus
$0
Annual fee
21.99%
Purchase APR
23.99%
Balance transfer APR
23.99%
Cash advance APR
Good
Recommended credit score
Note: This review is for the student credit card version of the CashBack Mastercard. For the basic version, check out our comprehensive BMO CashBack Mastercard review.
The BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* for students is a popular choice for college and university students looking to build their credit history and earn rewards on their everyday purchases. The card is a good option for the following types of student:
With $0 annual fee and a competitive cash back rate on various categories, it’s a cost-effective way for students who want to explore the land of credit cards. While the BMO student cash back card regularly makes the list of best student credit cards, to get direct deposits, you’ll need a BMO chequing, savings or InvestorLine account.
This card is ideal for students who are new to credit cards and want to build their credit score. It’s a great card if you prefer simplicity and value, with a straightforward cash back program and no fee. The card is a good option for the following types of student:
The BMO student credit card is a cash back credit card that allows you to earn rewards with every purchase. Combined with it's welcome bonus, the cash back with this card is impressive. How impressive? Here's our estimates for the ongoing value of the card:
Our methodology places a first-year value of $326 on the card thanks to the welcome bonus, while the ongoing annual value is $276.
Earn up to 5% cash back on every purchase for the first three months. On a qualified spend of up to $2,500, you can earn a maximum $125 cash back.
Plus, enjoy three months of Instacart+ and a $5 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
With everyday use, the student-version of the BMO Student Mastercard earns the following rewards on purchases:
Redeeming cash back with the BMO CashBack Mastercard for students is straightforward. You can redeem cash back for:
You can redeem whenever you want. Your cash back never expires as long as your account is open and in good standing. Alternatively, you can set up recurring redemptions for as little as $25.
* Estimated value based average monthly spend. See our methodology for more info.
Bills don't pay themselves. But with 1% cash back on recurring payments, you can at least soften the blow. Set up your phone bill, streaming services, and other regular expenses on this card. It's like getting a small rebate on life's necessities.
While these protections are nice to have, especially for a student card with no annual fee, the insurance coverage isn't exactly mind-blowing. You're not getting any travel insurance perks like trip cancellation or medical coverage. But let's be real, as a student, you're probably more worried about protecting your textbooks and tech than jetting off to exotic locales. Plus, keep in mind that the insurance offered is pretty standard for a no-fee student card.
While you're earning cash back with the BMO CashBack Mastercard for students, you're also building your credit history. Just remember – always pay your balance in full and on time. Future you will thank present you when it's time to rent an apartment, purchase a home or finance that dream car.
$150 in groceries†
Welcome Bonus
$606
First Year Value
$456
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get up to $150 in groceries, including 14,000 Avion points and 6,250 Moi points†. Expires Mar 31, 2026
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$48
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The RBC ION+ Visa is a rewards credit card offering elevated Avion points on categories such as groceries, dining, gas, rideshare, public transit, EV charging, streaming services, digital gaming, and online subscriptions, with a standard earn rate on all other purchases. Cardholders benefit from a welcome bonus, mobile device insurance, and savings on fuel at Petro-Canada; however, the card carries a modest annual fee, which is waived for students with an RBC Advantage Banking account.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$48
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
3.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
Rewards Avion Premium
3
Avion points† per $1 on qualifying grocery, dining, food delivery, gas, rideshare, public transit, EV charging, streaming, digital gaming and online subscriptions
1
Avion point per $1 on all other purchases
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
Get up to $150 in groceries† (offer ends March 31, 2026). Here's how:
Get 14,000 Avion points on approval, $100 gift card value
Get 6,250 Moi points upon linking to Moi Rewards card within 30 days of approval ($50 value)
See RBC site for full terms and conditions.
Our Take
The RBC ION+ Visa is a rewards credit card offering elevated Avion points on categories such as groceries, dining, gas, rideshare, public transit, EV charging, streaming services, digital gaming, and online subscriptions, with a standard earn rate on all other purchases. Cardholders benefit from a welcome bonus, mobile device insurance, and savings on fuel at Petro-Canada; however, the card carries a modest annual fee, which is waived for students with an RBC Advantage Banking account.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$48
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
3.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
Rewards Avion Premium
3
Avion points† per $1 on qualifying grocery, dining, food delivery, gas, rideshare, public transit, EV charging, streaming, digital gaming and online subscriptions
1
Avion point per $1 on all other purchases
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
Get up to $150 in groceries† (offer ends March 31, 2026). Here's how:
Get 14,000 Avion points on approval, $100 gift card value
Get 6,250 Moi points upon linking to Moi Rewards card within 30 days of approval ($50 value)
See RBC site for full terms and conditions.
RBC Ion+ Visa -🏆 Winner, best student card in the Money.ca Credit Card Awards
The BMO CashBack Mastercard for students is like that reliable study buddy who's always got your back. It offers a sweet 3% cash back on groceries, which is music to any student's ears (or stomach). Plus, with no income requirement, it's accessible even if your part-time job is more "part" than "time".
On the other hand, the RBC Ion+ Visa is like that cool friend who's always up for anything. It offers a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases, no categories to worry about. It's simple, straightforward, and doesn't make you do mental gymnastics while you're trying to remember if toothpaste counts as a grocery item.
Where the Ion+ shines is the the student-friendly perks like mobile device insurance. Students with the Ion+ enjoy $1,000 of mobile device coverage - something not found with the BMO student credit card.
Disclosures:
Refer to RBC page for up to date offer terms and conditions.
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2.7
CIBC Aventura® Visa* Card for Students
2.7
up to 10,000 points
Welcome Bonus
$265
First Year Value
$165
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 10,000 Aventura Points† for no annual fee.
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$0
Annual Fee
20.99%†
Purchase
22.99%†
Cash Advance
22.99%†
Balance Transfer
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%†
Purchase
22.99%†
Cash Advance
22.99%†
Balance Transfer
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%†
Foreign Transaction
5.00%†
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$42.5
Return Penalty
Rewards Aventura
1 point
for every $1 spent at eligible gas stations, EV charging, grocery stores and drug stores†
1 point
for every $1 spent on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre†
1 point
for every $2 spent on all other purchases†
Insurance Benefits
$100,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to 10,000 Aventura Points (up to $100 in travel value)†:
2,500 Aventura Points when you complete all five of these activities within 60 days of your CIBC Aventura® Visa* card account approval†
1. Share your email address with CIBC.
2. Sign up for eStatements for your new Aventura Visa* card.
3. Add an authorized user on your new Aventura Visa* card.
4. Hold any eligible CIBC Chequing Account.
5. Add your Aventura Visa card with Apple Pay® or Samsung Pay or Google Pay™
7,500 Aventura Points after you make your first purchase within the first 4 monthly statement periods†
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%†
Purchase
22.99%†
Cash Advance
22.99%†
Balance Transfer
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%†
Foreign Transaction
5.00%†
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$42.5
Return Penalty
Rewards Aventura
1 point
for every $1 spent at eligible gas stations, EV charging, grocery stores and drug stores†
1 point
for every $1 spent on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre†
1 point
for every $2 spent on all other purchases†
Insurance Benefits
$100,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to 10,000 Aventura Points (up to $100 in travel value)†:
2,500 Aventura Points when you complete all five of these activities within 60 days of your CIBC Aventura® Visa* card account approval†
1. Share your email address with CIBC.
2. Sign up for eStatements for your new Aventura Visa* card.
3. Add an authorized user on your new Aventura Visa* card.
4. Hold any eligible CIBC Chequing Account.
5. Add your Aventura Visa card with Apple Pay® or Samsung Pay or Google Pay™
7,500 Aventura Points after you make your first purchase within the first 4 monthly statement periods†
Both great student cards, just tailored for different interests. Specifically, cash back vs. travel.
The no-annual fee CIBC Aventura® Visa* Card for Students allows you to earn Aventura points on every purchase, which can be redeemed for flights, merchandise and more.
You earn 1 point on eligible gas, EV charging, groceries and drug stores†, 1 point on travel through the CIBC Rewards Centre†, and 1 point for every $2 spent on all other purchases†
Specifically for travel, BMO Rewards points are worth about 0.67 cents whereas one CIBC Rewards point is worth 1 cent (these can fluctuate depending on distance travelled).
If travel is your goal, CIBC also gives you rental car insurance and accident insurance while travelling (and the purchase security and extended warranty insurance the BMO offers). As for bundles, you can get the CIBC bank account and pay no monthly fees with its CIBC Smart™ Start account, but there’s no advantage to bundling this account with the Aventura. However, you do get $50 for every student friend you refer to the account (up to $500).
It's odd to say, but as Canadians, we tend to stick with our banks for a long time. Carefully consider which program you like, and your goals from a credit card and choose the one that, for now, suits you best. That said, you might also try the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card for Students if you like Aeroplan points.
Because who doesn’t love a good comparison table? Here’s a quick glance at how these cards stack up:
| BMO CashBack Mastercard | CIBC Aventura® Visa* Card for Students |
|---|---|
|
Annual fee:
$0 |
Annual fee:
$0 |
|
Welcome bonus:
5% cash back (first 3 months, up to $100) |
Welcome bonus:
Up to 10,000 Aventura points |
|
Rewards:
3% on groceries, 1% on recurring bills, 0.5% on others |
Rewards:
1 point per $1 on travel, gas, groceries; 1 point per $2 on others |
|
Perks:
Purchase protection, extended warranty |
Perks:
Free SPC membership |
Disclosures:
up to 10,000 points†
Welcome Bonus
$478
First Year Value
$378
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 10,000 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months.† Expires Jul 01, 2026
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$0
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* Card is a no-annual-fee credit card designed for individuals who spend less than $10,000 annually, including students and those seeking to redeem rewards frequently without significant spending. It offers Scene+ points on everyday purchases, with elevated rates at Cineplex theatres and select grocery stores, making it ideal for moviegoers and frequent shoppers at participating retailers.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards Scene+
2x
Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, participating Co-ops, Freshco and more
2x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on Home Hardware, Home Building Center, Home Furniture locations in Canada and online at homehardware.ca
2x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend at Cineplex theatres or online at cineplex.com
4x
Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
Earn up to 10,000 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months.†
To qualify for these offers make sure to open a new Scotiabank Scene+ Visa credit card account (“Account”) between January 2, 2026 and July 1, 2026.
To qualify for the 10,000 bonus Scene+ points offer:
Earn 2,500 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $250 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months.
You are eligible to earn an additional 7,500 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $1,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months.
Once you qualify, your account will be credited in 2 instalments:
2,500 bonus Scene+ points will be credited to the applicable Scene+ membership account approximately 8 weeks after the qualifying $250 in eligible purchases being posted to your Account within the first 3 months of Account opening.
An additional 7,500 bonus Scene+ points will be credited to the applicable Scene+ membership account approximately 8 weeks after the qualifying $1,000 in eligible purchases being posted to your Account within the first 3 months of Account opening.
Note: For joint Accounts, the applicable bonus will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the Account of the borrower that completed the last transaction to meet the qualifying amount of eligible purchases in the case of the 2,500 Point Bonus and the Additional 7,500 Point Bonus.
Individuals who are currently or were previously primary or secondary cardholders of a Scotiabank personal credit card in the past 2 years, including those that switch from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card, as well as employees of Scotiabank, are not eligible for this offer.
See terms and conditions for full details.
Rates, fees and other information are effective as of January 2, 2026. Subject to change.
Our Take
The Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* Card is a no-annual-fee credit card designed for individuals who spend less than $10,000 annually, including students and those seeking to redeem rewards frequently without significant spending. It offers Scene+ points on everyday purchases, with elevated rates at Cineplex theatres and select grocery stores, making it ideal for moviegoers and frequent shoppers at participating retailers.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards Scene+
2x
Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, participating Co-ops, Freshco and more
2x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on Home Hardware, Home Building Center, Home Furniture locations in Canada and online at homehardware.ca
2x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend at Cineplex theatres or online at cineplex.com
4x
Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
Earn up to 10,000 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months.†
To qualify for these offers make sure to open a new Scotiabank Scene+ Visa credit card account (“Account”) between January 2, 2026 and July 1, 2026.
To qualify for the 10,000 bonus Scene+ points offer:
Earn 2,500 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $250 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months.
You are eligible to earn an additional 7,500 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $1,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months.
Once you qualify, your account will be credited in 2 instalments:
2,500 bonus Scene+ points will be credited to the applicable Scene+ membership account approximately 8 weeks after the qualifying $250 in eligible purchases being posted to your Account within the first 3 months of Account opening.
An additional 7,500 bonus Scene+ points will be credited to the applicable Scene+ membership account approximately 8 weeks after the qualifying $1,000 in eligible purchases being posted to your Account within the first 3 months of Account opening.
Note: For joint Accounts, the applicable bonus will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the Account of the borrower that completed the last transaction to meet the qualifying amount of eligible purchases in the case of the 2,500 Point Bonus and the Additional 7,500 Point Bonus.
Individuals who are currently or were previously primary or secondary cardholders of a Scotiabank personal credit card in the past 2 years, including those that switch from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card, as well as employees of Scotiabank, are not eligible for this offer.
See terms and conditions for full details.
Rates, fees and other information are effective as of January 2, 2026. Subject to change.
Both cards cater to the student crowd with no annual fees, recognizing the financial constraints many students face. This feature alone makes them attractive options for those looking to build credit without incurring additional costs.
The BMO CashBack Mastercard stands out with its cash back structure, particularly appealing to students who prioritize grocery purchases. The card's tiered rewards system offers higher returns on essential spending categories, potentially aligning well with typical student expenses.
On the other hand, the Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card takes a different approach, focusing on lifestyle rewards. Its points system may be more attractive to students who frequently enjoy entertainment activities or shop at specific partner retailers. The flexibility of the Scene+ program allows for diverse redemption options, catering to various student interests and needs.
Both cards offer additional perks that can enhance the student experience. These include purchase protection, extended warranties, and car rental discounts.
| BMO CashBack Mastercard | Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card for Students |
|---|---|
|
Annual fee:
$0 |
Annual fee:
$0 |
|
Welcome bonus:
5% cash back (first 3 months, up to $100) |
Welcome bonus:
5,000 Scene+ points |
|
Rewards:
3% on groceries, 1% on recurring bills, 0.5% on others |
Rewards:
1 Scene+ point per $1 spent |
|
Perks:
Purchase protection, extended warranty |
Perks:
Discounts on movie tickets |
Disclosures:
As Reddit user BurnOutBrighter6 puts it, having cash back rewards on a student credit card is a great perk as it can help you save money on your daily spending throughout the semester. Groceries can be costly, and having 3% cash back on daily grocery purchases through the Student BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* can be a great way to maximize your dollar value and save money for more fun experiences and school expenses.
I had a Student BMO Mastercard and loved it. The cash back is good, no fees, and very good purchase protection. I put every possible thing on it (groceries, restaurants, online purchases, travel/transit, basically anything that would accept credit).
/u/BurnOutBrighter6
Considering its no annual fee, cash back rewards program, and credit-building potential, the Student BMO CashBack® Mastercard® is a solid option for students.
However, carefully weigh the options of other cards, and its associated banking accounts, on the market to know which is best for you. Do you want cash back or travel? Do you need a brick and mortar branch to walk into? Is there a grocery store you should shop with to maximise your earning potential?
To qualify for the Student BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* you must be enrolled into a school, college or university. No income is required.
Tyler Wade has worked in personal finance for over 5 years writing for brands like Ratehub, Forbes, KOHO, and now Money.ca.
46% of Canadians say it’s harder to build credit today than it was for their parents’ generation, even when they believe they’re managing their finances responsibly
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