October 12, 2025 · 14 mins read
Santosh Kumar
Student credit cards are made for fulfilling financial needs of university students. They usually have basic features of a credit card like lower limits, limited fees, reward earning or discounts. These cards are unsecured, government-backed or FD-backed and are a great tool for students to understand basic finance. Here is a list of credit cards to understand which is the best student credit card available in India
These credit cards are perfect for students without a credit history because they are issued against a Fixed Deposit (FD).These credit cards help students build a credit history while earning an interest on their deposits.
1: Usually, fixed deposit value is the maximum credit limit.
2: Students can earn reward points for both offline and online purchases, including daily and educational costs.
3: A limited interest-free cash withdrawal during the 20–50 day interest-free period.
4: Enhanced security via fraud monitoring systems, OTP verification, and Chip & PIN.
5: Access to digital banking for managing fixed deposits, blocking cards, establishing limits and tracking transactions.
6: Students also get some extra perks like student discounts, exclusive deals and waivers on fuel surcharges.
These credit cards do not require a fixed deposit or any type of collateral. They are available to students who can provide minimal proof of income or an eligible co-applicant. Student credit cards allow students to create a credit history without having to provide collateral in the form of a security deposit.
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1: Credit limits will be approved based on criteria such as age, student status, and a co-signer’s income or credit history.
2: Rewards points or cashback with respect to purchases in categories including shopping, travel, dining etc
3: Interest-free grace period on purchases ranging from 15 - 50 days.
4: Cash withdrawal option within the assigned credit limit.
5: Secured with Chip and PIN technology and OTP.
6: Control spending on the card and manage access with mobile banking
Also Read: What Is a Grace Period on a Credit Card?
These cards are provided through government programs to increase financial inclusion for students and have moderate credit limits along with other educational benefits or incentives based on the program.
1: Limit on spending designed to encourage good uses of the credit.
2: Rewards, cash back and other incentives related to a particular government program.
3: No-interest period on purchases and selected withdrawals.
4: Enhanced protection and security under government regulations
5: Some programs also include financial literacy programs and other student-focused benefits.
Also Read: Contactless Credit Cards – Are They Safe?
Add-On cards are an additional card provided under an original student credit card account. They allow family members or others who you have authorized to pay using the same credit limit while receiving some of the same benefits.
1: Shared credit limit with your primary student card.
2: The same loyalty program rewarded points under the user’s name.
3: A similar interest-free period and same security measures as the original card.
4: Easier visibility of all transactions through online or mobile banking.
5: No separate fixed deposit proof or income verification is needed
6: Proof of Identity, proof of address, and proof of relationship to the primary cardholder may be required
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Credit Limit: Student credit cards generally offer a limited amount typically about Rs.15,000 to promote the development of healthy money habits and discourage overspending.
Validity of Card: Student credit cards are usually valid for up to 5 years compared to regular credit cards that may be valid for a lesser period of time, that is around 3 years.
Duplicate Card Facility: If the student credit card is stolen or misplaced, a duplicate card is usually issued without charge or for nominal fees.
Low/No Fees: Most student credit cards have an annual or joining fee of zero or little making a credit card very cheap to obtain or have.
Minimal Documentation: The application process is simple, requiring only basic proof of identity and proof of being a student.
Discounts and Incentive: The student credit cards provide the student with reward points, cashback, and special discounts on educational services, online shopping and lifestyle spending.
Students may upgrade their student credit card to a regular credit card any time inside of the validity, contingent on the bank's requirements.
Also Read: How to Set Limits for UPI Transactions on Credit Cards
The IDFC FIRST WOW! Student Credit Card is a secured card for students who may lack consistent income or a credit history. It is linked to a fixed deposit and offers students an uncomplicated and dependable way to create their credit profile. There is no joining or annual fee. The card also has features including rewards points, no foreign exchange markup and ease of use for both domestic and foreign purchases.
1: This card is available to anyone who is 18 years old and above who has a fixed deposit with the IDFC FIRST Bank
2: The deposits earn regular interest and the credit limit is up to the FD amount
3: No proof of income or credit history is required for the application of this card
4: The cardholders can redeem reward points at anytime as they never expire
5: Students can withdraw cash whenever they need up to the amount of their FD
6: Offers and discounts are are available for cardholders
7: The card limit can be increased by opening additional fixed deposits
8: There is no joining fees, annual charges or hidden costs and the card ensures transparency and long-term convenience
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The Kotak 811 DreamDIfferent Credit Card is designed for students and young adults who want credit and who may not have a steady income or a credit history. It is a secured credit card that requires a fixed deposit which serves as a collateral with a credit limit that is based on the deposited amount. There are no joining fees or annual charges. It also offers interest free cash withdrawals to the cardholders. This card helps students to gain financial independence and ensures responsible spending.
1: Students can withdraw cash or transfer funds upto 90% of their credit limit which are interest free for up to 48 days having a minimal processing fee
2: The fixed deposit that is linked to the card earns interest while serving as collateral for the card that ensures full benefit of savings for students
3: Students can apply for other supplementary cards for trusted individuals like family members with a customization on spending limits and tracking expenses separately.
4: The card provides protection and security in case of loss or misuse.
5: Waivers on fuel and railway surcharges are offered to help students save on everyday expenses
The ICICI Bank Platinum Credit Card is a student-friendly card that helps young adults and students to build their credit history without having a steady income or any credit history. It is a secured card which is backed by a fixed deposit that serves as collateral. The FD also sets a credit limit on the card. It has no annual charges or joining fees and provides interest-free purchase along with reward points on transactions carried out all around the world. It is designed to teach students responsible money management and offers financial freedom while ensuring safety.
1: Interest free periods of 20 - 50 days on purchase is provided as a benefit
2: Contactless payment feature makes it convenient for students
3: Upto 2.5% fuel surcharge waiver on transavtions at HPCL fuel stations
4: 25% discounts when booking 2 movie tickets through BookMyShow
5: Access to digital banking tools to help monitor spending or set transaction limits.
6: Convenient, as it is accepted worldwide at over 2 million merchant locations, in India and abroad
The features and benefits of all the different types of student credit cards can help understand which is the best student credit card available in India and which is the most suitable one for young adults. Student credit cards help young adults and students to become financially independent until they can get a steady source of income.
Also Read: Credit Limit vs Available Limit – What's the Difference?
Credit cards for students are specially designed financial products that are intended for students as a way to build a credit history, help manage their spending, and learn about responsible financial behaviour. The standard features of these cards are lower credit limits, fewer eligibility restrictions and documentation requirements compared to traditional credit cards. The Reserve Bank of India has created guidelines that all financial institutions in India must follow to ensure responsible lending and transparency for student credit card holders.
To be eligible for a student credit card, applicants must typically meet some basic eligibility criteria. Generally, applicants must be between 18-25 years old and must currently be enrolled in a recognized educational institution in India. In addition, some banks may require students to be enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate courses in order to apply.
In order to evaluate the applicant's financial behaviour, banks will generally prefer applicants who have savings accounts with the same bank. Therefore, in many cases students receive a student credit card by way of a fixed deposit which serves as collateral to lower the bank's risk.
A regular source of funding is key. Because students usually don’t earn, banks will often require a parent’s financial support documentation (i.e. proof of parent income, bank deposit) and may use a student’s banking transaction history to evaluate their ability to repay.
Student credit card documentation needs, again, are minimal. Students must provide some form of identity verification (e.g. Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, voter ID) and may need proof of address (e.g. Aadhaar card, utility bills, rental agreement).
In the case of students applying for a credit card, proof of enrollment will include showing a student’s identification card or a letter of enrollment or fee receipt. A student will need to provide at least one passport-sized photograph and an application form that has been printed out and completed. If a credit card is being issued against a fixed deposit, the fixed deposit documentation will also be required.
Depending on the bank’s internal policies, additional documenting may be required, but in general, banks have simplified the document process to further provide access to finances for students.
In India, students can use several different methods to get a credit card based on their financial circumstances, previous interactions with banks and eligibility for credit depending on credit score, level of income, etc. For students with no income, it may be somewhat more challenging to be approved for a credit card, however banks do provide numerous solutions so that students have access to various forms of credit.
Many banks issue student-specific credit cards which are built specifically for students. These student cards typically have lower credit limits than standard credit cards, a reasonable repayment plan, and some limited rewards programs. To apply for these types of credit cards, students can either apply for them online via the bank's website or go to their local bank branch and submit an application along with the necessary documents.
Another popular way to obtain a credit card is to apply for a secured credit card against a fixed deposit. When applying for a secured credit card the student creates a fixed deposit with the bank, and the bank agrees to issue a credit card to the student with a credit limit that is a percentage of the fixed deposit. This will improve the chances of being approved for the credit card as well as allow students to build an established credit history with minimal risk to the lender.
Finally, another option for students to obtain credit cards is to request an add-on credit card, which is issued to them by the parents' primary credit card account. Students can use the credit card while at the same time, the primary card holder is responsible for making the payments for the student. This method is great for students who do not qualify for a standalone credit card. Having a savings account at a bank is one way to increase your chances of obtaining a credit card from that bank. If a bank sees an individual's account transaction history, they may pre-approve that person for a student credit card if they have a consistent history of deposits and withdrawals.
The process to apply typically involves: completing an application form; providing proof of identification and proof of residence; providing proof of enrollment; completing a verification process. Banks differ on the length and complexity of the application process; many banks now provide a digital application option with an expedited approval process via their online verification system.
There are benefits to obtaining a student credit card that go beyond just being able to access credit; student credit cards can help students establish good credit scores, gain experience handling money responsibly; managing their educational or personal expenses; and developing good spending habits. If a student pays their bills on time and keeps their balance in check, they will have created a good credit history, which will be beneficial when applying for any future financial products, such as personal loans, student loans, or conventional credit cards.
Add-on credit cards are available for minors. Some banks give add-on credit cards to students of 15 years of age
The limit on credit is different depending on the bank and the type of credit card taken. The information regarding that will be provided after the approval of application.
It is not possible for students to have multiple credit cards as credit cards are given against a credit history and a credit card is given against a fixed deposit on which there will be an existing card already
Students usually do not need an income to apply for a student credit card. A student credit card is specifically designed for students who do not have or require any income source.
Student credit cards are usually FD-backed secured cards which students can acquire without having a steady source of income. There are unsecured student credit cards which do not require a fixed deposit; they require a minimal income or a co-signer for its application.
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