The National Bank Student Mastercard is National Bank’s no-annual-fee entry credit card for Canadian post-secondary students. It earns À la carte Rewards Points on eligible purchases, requires no income (or minimal income) to qualify, and provides an entry into National Bank’s rewards ecosystem with a natural upgrade path to the National Bank World Mastercard and World Elite Mastercard after graduation.
Quick Verdict
Best for: Canadian students (especially at Quebec universities) who bank with National Bank and want a no-fee Mastercard to start building credit history while earning À la carte Rewards Points.
Not ideal for: Students who prefer cash back (BMO Student CashBack is stronger for this) or Scene+ grocery/movie rewards (Scotiabank Learn Visa).
Key Card Details
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Network | Mastercard |
| Rewards | À la carte Rewards Points |
| Eligibility | Canadian post-secondary students |
| Income requirement | None or minimal — verify at nbc.ca |
| Welcome bonus | Verify current offer at nbc.ca |
| Province | Strongest in Quebec; available across Canada |
Card terms, earn rates, and eligibility are subject to change. Verify all current details at nbc.ca before applying.
À la carte Rewards Overview
| Redemption | Details |
|---|---|
| À la carte Travel (flights, hotels) | Best value redemption |
| Gift cards | Verify value at nbc.ca |
| Statement credit | Lower value |
| Merchandise | Varies |
À la carte Rewards Points are National Bank’s proprietary currency — redeemable through National Bank’s travel portal. Less flexible than Aeroplan or Scene+, but functional for student-level travel needs.
Student Credit Card Comparison
| Card | Annual Fee | Rewards | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| NB Student Mastercard | $0 | À la carte Points | NB banking students |
| BMO Student CashBack MC | $0 | 3% grocery cash back | Cash back |
| Scotiabank Learn Visa | $0 | Scene+ Points | Grocery + movies |
| CIBC Student Visa | $0 | Aventura Points | CIBC banking students |
| TD Student Visa | $0 | TD Rewards | TD banking students |
| RBC Student Visa | $0 | RBC Rewards | RBC banking students |
Credit Building Milestones for Students
| Timeline | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Month 1 | Apply — first Canadian credit account established |
| Month 3–6 | First credit score appears on Equifax/TransUnion |
| Year 1 | Score typically 650–720 with responsible use |
| Graduation | Upgrade to NB World Mastercard or World Elite MC |
| 2–3 years post-graduation | Premium travel card, mortgage-ready credit profile |
National Bank Student to Premium Upgrade Path
| Stage | Card | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Student | NB Student Mastercard | $0 |
| Post-grad, basic | NB mycredit Mastercard | $0 |
| Post-grad, mid-tier | NB World Mastercard | $0 |
| Premium | NB World Elite Mastercard | $150 |
Who Is the National Bank Student Mastercard Best For?
Ideal cardholders:
- Students at Quebec universities who bank with National Bank (or plan to)
- Students who want a Mastercard (accepted at Costco; better international acceptance in some markets)
- Those building their first Canadian credit history at the start of post-secondary studies
Less suitable if:
- You prefer cash back — BMO Student CashBack Mastercard offers 3% grocery cash back (no fee)
- You want Scene+ grocery discounts — Scotiabank Learn Visa (no fee) is better
- You attend university outside Quebec and bank with a different institution — choose that bank’s student card for integrated banking
Bottom Line
The National Bank Student Mastercard is a solid no-fee student credit card for those who bank with National Bank — particularly students in Quebec where National Bank has its deepest branch and advisor network. The À la carte Rewards Points accumulate toward the National Bank World Elite Mastercard’s travel portal, providing a consistent rewards programme from student card through to premium cardholder.
Card terms, eligibility, and features are subject to change. Verify all current details at nbc.ca before applying.