Credit Cards With Low or No Minimum Income in Canada
You don't need a high salary to get a useful credit card in Canada. These cards have low published income requirements, or none at all, and still earn rewards.
By Andrew Updated How we review cards
Many Canadian credit cards have low published income requirements, and some have none at all. Student cards, many no-fee cards, and even a few cards with an annual fee list requirements of $15,000 or less. Income isn’t the only thing issuers check, though. Your credit history matters just as much.
Cards with no minimum income listed
Student cards are built for people with little income or credit history:
- CIBC Dividend Visa for Students ($0): no minimum income. 2% cash back on groceries, 1% on gas, EV charging, transportation, dining and recurring payments, 0.5% on everything else. Credit limit up to $5,000 for Canadian students and $2,000 for international students.
- CIBC Aeroplan Visa for Students ($0): no minimum income. 1 Aeroplan point per $1 on gas, EV charging, groceries and Air Canada; 1 point per $1.50 on everything else. Same credit limits as above.
- CIBC Aventura Visa for Students ($0): no minimum income.
Non-student cards with no published minimum:
- American Express cards such as the Cobalt and SimplyCash list being a Canadian resident with a Canadian credit file, and the age of majority, rather than an income figure.
- RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option ($20): RBC says no specific minimum income is required.
- Scotiabank Scene+ Visa ($0): no minimum income listed, with a $500 minimum credit limit.
“No minimum income” doesn’t mean “no credit check.” The issuer still reviews your credit report and decides your limit.
Cards with a $12,000 to $15,000 requirement
| Card | Annual fee | Listed income requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Scotiabank Gold American Express | $120 | $12,000 personal |
| Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa | $0 | $12,000 |
| Scotiabank Value Visa | $29 | $12,000 personal |
| CIBC Dividend Visa | $0 | $15,000 household |
| CIBC Aeroplan Visa | $0 | $15,000 household |
| CIBC Costco Mastercard | $0 (Costco membership required) | $15,000 |
| Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa | $0 | $15,000 household; not available in Quebec |
The Scotiabank Gold Amex stands out. It’s a mid-tier rewards card (6x Scene+ at Sobeys-family stores, 5x on other groceries, dining and entertainment, no foreign transaction fees), but Scotiabank lists a personal income requirement of only $12,000. Compare that with Visa Infinite cards, which usually ask for $60,000 personal or $100,000 household.
Household income counts
Many issuers accept household income as an alternative. CIBC’s $15,000 minimum is a household figure, and most Visa Infinite and World Elite cards list both a personal and a household number. If you live with a spouse or partner, you can often use your combined income. Be accurate: issuers can ask for proof.
What else issuers look at
- Your credit history. A thin or new file may get a lower limit, or a decline. See how credit scores work.
- Your existing debts and how much of your current limits you’re using.
- Residency and status. Some cards require citizenship or permanent residence; others accept work or study permits. Read the eligibility text, and if you’re new to Canada, see credit cards for newcomers.
- Age of majority in your province or territory (18 or 19, depending on where you live).
Tips for applying on a lower income
- Start with one no-fee card you clearly qualify for, rather than a premium card you might not get.
- Bank where you already have an account. Your existing relationship can help.
- Pay in full every month. A low limit fills up fast, and interest is expensive.
- Ask for a limit increase later, after several months of on-time payments. See how to get a credit limit increase.
FAQ
Can I get a credit card with no job? Some cards don’t list a minimum income, and students can apply for student cards. You’ll still need to state your income honestly, and the issuer will review your credit file.
Do student cards really have no income requirement? CIBC’s student cards list no minimum annual income. Other issuers may ask for some income or enrolment proof.
Is it bad to get a card with a low limit? No. A low limit is normal when you’re starting out. Keep the balance low relative to the limit and pay on time.
What to do next
Browse cards on the no annual fee hub and the student hub. If you’ve been declined before, read what to do after a declined application.
This is not financial advice. Approval is never guaranteed.
