Best Credit Cards for Students in India (2025)

For many students, managing finances can be tricky — balancing studies, allowances, and occasional expenses. A student credit card is an excellent way to learn financial discipline and start building a credit history early. In 2025, several Indian banks and fintech companies offer student-friendly credit cards that come with low fees, exciting rewards, and, most importantly, no income proof requirements. Let’s explore the best options available and how they can benefit you.

Why Students Should Get a Credit Card

A student credit card offers more than just convenience. It helps you:

- Build a credit score early, which makes it easier to get loans or higher-limit cards later.

- Learn financial responsibility by managing monthly payments.

- Enjoy offers like cashback, discounts, and rewards on daily expenses such as food, movies, and travel.

- Use in emergencies, especially for online transactions or travel bookings.

However, students must use credit cards wisely — always repay on time and avoid spending beyond your means.

 1. SBI Student Plus Advantage Credit Card

Why it’s great:

Issued against an SBI education loan, this card is specifically designed for students. It does not require income proof and comes with lifetime-free benefits.

Key features:

- No annual or joining fee.  

- Reward points on every purchase (1 point per ₹100 spent).  

- 2.5% fuel surcharge waiver at petrol pumps.  

- Facility to convert big purchases into EMIs.  

- Worldwide acceptance and online usability.

Eligibility:

Must be a student who has taken an SBI education loan or can provide proof of enrollment in a recognized college.

Best for:

Students who already have or plan to take an SBI education loan.

2. HDFC Bank ISIC Student ForexPlus Card

Why it’s great:

Although technically a prepaid card, it’s perfect for students studying abroad. It’s globally accepted, secure, and doesn’t require income proof.

Key features:

- Linked to the International Student Identity Card (ISIC).  

- Access to over 150 discounts on travel, shopping, and dining.  

- Competitive foreign exchange rates.  

- Free replacement in case of loss or theft.  

- Easy reloading from India by parents or guardians.

Best for:

Students pursuing higher education abroad who need a convenient global payment solution.

 3. ICICI Bank Student Credit Card

Why it’s great:

ICICI Bank offers student-friendly cards that can be issued against a fixed deposit (FD). You don’t need a salary or income proof — just open an FD account.

Key features:

- Credit limit up to 85–90% of your FD amount.  

- Reward points on every transaction.  

- Fuel surcharge waiver and dining discounts.  

- Free supplementary cards for parents or guardians.  

- Contactless payment option for added convenience.

Best for:

Students who can open a small fixed deposit and want to start building their credit history.

4. IDFC FIRST WOW Credit Card

Why it’s great:

The IDFC FIRST WOW Credit Card is a zero-fee, FD-backed credit card suitable for students and first-time users. It’s accepted everywhere and has no hidden charges.

Key features:

- No joining or annual fees.  

- 1X reward points on every ₹100 spent.  

- 5% cashback on select merchants and dining.  

- Instant digital approval with FD as security.  

- Lifetime validity.

Best for:

Students who want a credit card with zero annual fees and flexible usage.

5. Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent Credit Card

Why it’s great:

This is one of the easiest cards for students to get, as it is linked to Kotak’s digital savings account and backed by an FD.

Key features

- Secured against a minimum FD of ₹15,000.  

- 1% cashback on all online spends.  

- No joining fees.  

- Credit limit up to 90% of the FD value.  

- Easy online account management via Kotak 811 app.

Best for:

Students comfortable with digital banking who want a simple, low-maintenance credit card.

6. Axis Bank Insta Easy Credit Card

Why it’s great:

Axis Bank issues this card instantly against a fixed deposit, making it perfect for students without income documents.

Key features:

- Quick approval with FD of ₹20,000 or more.  

- Reward points on every spend.  

- Up to 100% of the FD amount as credit limit.  

- Contactless payments and fuel surcharge waiver.  

- Option to upgrade to a regular Axis Bank card later.

Best for:

Students who want instant approval and strong customer support.

7. BOB (Bank of Baroda) Prime Credit Card

Why it’s great:

The BOB Prime card is a secured credit card issued against an FD. It offers a great mix of simplicity and benefits.

Key features:

- No joining fee and low interest rate.  

- Reward points on every purchase.  

- Credit limit up to 90% of FD.  

- Accepted worldwide and usable for online payments.  

- Complimentary insurance coverage.

Best for:

Students looking for a safe, low-cost entry-level credit card.

8. HDFC MoneyBack Credit Card (Secured Version)

Why it’s great:

If you can open an FD with HDFC, you can easily get this secured MoneyBack card without income proof.

Key features:

- Earn 2 reward points per ₹150 spent.  

- 500 bonus points on card activation.  

- Annual fee waiver if yearly spending exceeds ₹50,000.  

- Cashback option for redeeming reward points.  

- Worldwide acceptance.

Best for:

Students who frequently shop online and want cashback on purchases.

9. Add-on Credit Cards (All Major Banks)

Why it’s great:

Students under 21 or without income can get an add-on credit card linked to their parents’ or guardians’ primary card.

Key features:

- Same benefits as the primary card (cashback, rewards).  

- Spending limit can be set by the parent.  

- No separate income proof required.  

- Helps build credit usage habits safely.

Best for:

Students who want to learn responsible credit use under parental supervision.

10. Prepaid or Virtual Student Cards

Why it’s great:

Prepaid student cards from banks like Axis, HDFC, or ICICI can be used for online shopping, travel bookings, and subscriptions. These cards don’t create debt and are ideal for budgeting.

Key features:

- Load only what you need.  

- Accepted across e-commerce platforms and international websites.  

- No risk of overspending or interest charges.  

- No income proof or credit check required.  

- Easy to reload via net banking or UPI.

Best for:

Students who prefer digital payments but want to avoid borrowing.

How to Apply for a Student Credit Card

1. Choose the right type: Decide between a student-specific, FD-backed, or add-on card.  

2. Prepare documents: Typically, you’ll need identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN), address proof, student ID or admission letter, and passport-sized photos.  

3. Apply online or visit a bank: Most major banks allow online applications through their websites or mobile apps.  

4. Activate and use responsibly:Once you get the card, activate it via app or ATM and start with small purchases to build a good credit record.

Smart Tips for Students Using Credit Cards

-Pay on time: Always pay the full bill amount before the due date to avoid interest.  

- Keep utilization low: Use less than 30% of your credit limit to maintain a good score.  

- Avoid cash withdrawals: They attract high interest and fees.  

- Monitor transactions: Check statements regularly to track expenses.  

- Use rewards smartly: Redeem points for vouchers, recharges, or travel.

Final Thoughts

A student credit card in 2025 is more than a financial tool — it’s your first step toward building a strong financial future. With so many no-income-proof and FD-backed options, students in India can easily access credit responsibly. Whether you study in India or abroad, there’s a card designed for your needs.  

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