Scotiabank L’earn Visa Card Review No-Annual-Fee Cash-Back Starter for Students and Newcomers in Canada
Scotiabank L’earn Visa for students and newcomers in Canada, a no annual fee starter card that helps build credit while earning up to 1% cash back
The Scotiabank L’earn Visa is a popular no-annual-fee starter card for students and newcomers across Canada, offering a simple path to build credit while earning cash back. With straightforward earning tiers and broad Scotiabank support from coast to coast, this card is tailored to Canadians who need an accessible first card without extra costs.
Who should consider the Scotiabank L’earn Visa
Students studying in Ontario, British Columbia or any other province will find this card easy to qualify for, and newcomers to Canada can use it to begin establishing a Canadian credit history. Scotiabank accepts applicants with limited credit history, requiring a Canadian address and, for international students, typically at least six months remaining on study authorization.
The card works well for everyday spending such as groceries, transit passes and online subscriptions where a modest cash-back return still adds up. Because there is no annual fee, cardholders avoid a recurring cost while they learn responsible credit habits.
Rewards, rates and practical benefits
Scotiabank L’earn Visa pays cash back in tiers: 0.25% on the first $500, 0.50% on the next $500 and 1.00% on amounts over $1,000 annually, making it simple to understand how rewards grow with your spending. The card also supports contactless payments, Apple Pay and Google Pay, so tapping is convenient when you are out running errands in your city.
Interest rates are typical for a beginner card, with prime purchase rates set by Scotiabank. Cardholders should be aware of purchase APRs and cash advance APRs and avoid carrying a balance to benefit fully from the no-fee structure and cash-back program.
Perks, limits and real-world trade-offs
Additional benefits include discounts at participating car rental partners and access to Scotiabank ATMs nationwide, which is handy when you are settling in a new city. The card does not include travel insurance or extensive purchase protection, so travellers may need a secondary card for those specific coverages.
Rewards are steady but conservative compared to some competitors that offer 2% or higher in select categories. For students and newcomers focused on building credit rather than maximizing rewards, the predictability and lack of fees can be a smarter starting point.
How to apply and next steps
Applying for the Scotiabank L’earn Visa is straightforward online or at a local Scotiabank branch. Prepare your Canadian ID, proof of address and, if applicable, study permit details to speed up approval. Pay bills on time and keep credit utilization low to build a healthy credit score.
If you later qualify for higher-tier cards, you can compare alternatives like Tangerine Money-Back or SimplyCash from American Express for stronger cash-back opportunities. For now, the Scotiabank L’earn Visa offers a practical, no-cost way for students and newcomers in Canada to start building credit while earning cash back.