Top 5 Student Credit Cards with Cashback & Reward Points

As a student, the right credit card can be a small but powerful tool: it builds your credit history, gives you useful cashback and reward points on everyday spends, and can even offer safety nets (fraud protection, EMIs) while you learn to manage money. Below are five strong student-friendly card options available in India in 2025 that combine meaningful cashback or reward points with student-focused eligibility (no or minimal income proof, FD-backed options, or special student programs). Each pick includes what it’s best for, key benefits, eligibility highlights, and a quick tip so you can choose the right fit.

1) SBI Student Plus Advantage Card — Best low-fee rewards for bank-linked students

Why it stands out: SBI’s student offering is tailored to students who already have a relationship with SBI (education loan or fixed deposit). It gives reward points on routine spends and useful conversion options for paying bills or redeeming vouchers — meaning small, frequent purchases turn into tangible perks. 

Key benefits

Earn reward points on every ₹100 spent (points can be redeemed against the bill or for vouchers).


Annual fee waivers based on spending thresholds; fuel surcharge waivers; special categories with higher point multipliers. 

Who should pick it

Students who already bank with SBI or can place the small FD required; those who want a straightforward rewards card without complicated category tracking.

Quick tip

Use it for recurring online subscriptions or grocery spends where reward conversion is simple — and track your quarterly spend to maintain the fee waiver. 

2) IDFC FIRST — “WOW” / Secured student-style card — Best for no-income-proof entry + steady cashback

Why it stands out: IDFC FIRST’s student/secured card options let students get access to a real credit line (often secured against a deposit) without income proof or existing credit history. That makes it ideal for beginners who want a card that rewards them and helps build discipline. 

Key benefits

No income proof required for the secured/student variant; credit limit tied to FD (so overspend risk is low).


Rewards/cashback on routine transactions and offers targeted to online/mobile spends — good for students who primarily spend digitally. 

Who should pick it

First-time credit users, international students who need a simple secured entry, and anyone who prefers a capped, safe limit while building credit.

Quick tip

Treat it like a debit+credit hybrid: only use what you can repay monthly to build score without incurring interest. 

3) SBI Cashback / Flipkart SBI (co-branded options) — Best for frequent online shoppers

Why it stands out: Co-branded cashback cards (SBI–Flipkart, and other similar bank–marketplace tie-ups) frequently deliver very high percentage cashback on partner platforms (e-commerce, food, rides) — making them attractive if you buy online regularly. Recent launches continue to push generous partner-category cashback. 
Key benefits

Elevated cashback rates (often tiered) on partner platforms such as Flipkart, Myntra, food delivery and entertainment.


Useful for students who primarily spend on shopping apps, OTT, and food delivery. 
Who should pick it

Students who make most of their spends on one or two marketplaces/partner apps and can fully utilize the partner categories.

Quick tip

Read the T&Cs for “max cashback cap” and category exclusions — partner cards give big returns only if your spending fits the partner categories. 

4) Tata Neu / HDFC student-linked offers — Best for mixed cashback + lifestyle rewards

Why it stands out: Bank–ecosystem cards (for example cards linked to Tata Neu/HDFC ecosystem) blend cashback on platform spends with reward points useful across shopping, dining and subscriptions. These cards often include bonus points on educational spends or select lifestyle categories appealing to students. 

Key benefits

Combo of cashback and rewards (points) that can be redeemed within a broad retail/brand ecosystem.


Additional student-focused promotional offers or discounts on course platforms or learning subscriptions. 

Who should pick it

Students who want flexibility (both cashback and point-redemption options) and who use ecosystem services (shopping, dining, travel) frequently.

Quick tip

Convert reward points strategically — platform vouchers or credit against your bill often have better value than one-to-one point-to-rupee redemptions. 

5) UPI-linked / new-entrant cards (Slice, fintech-driven) — Best for beginners who prefer app-first, modern controls

Why it stands out: Newer fintech cards (UPI-linked credit-like products and app-first cards) offer simple onboarding, app controls, and cashback on popular digital spends. While not traditional bank cards, they’re increasingly student-friendly and often present creative cashback offers across bill payments and subscriptions. 
Key benefits

Easy digital application, strong mobile controls, rewards/cashback focused on everyday digital spends.


Lower barrier to entry and often simpler fee structures for young users.

Who should pick it

Tech-first students who prefer managing everything via an app, want instant UPI+credit convenience, and value simple cashback mechanics.

Quick tip

Check whether the product is a true credit card or a UPI-linked credit facility — reward structures and consumer protections can differ. 
Final checklist before you apply

Confirm eligibility and documentation — student offerings often require an FD, bonafide student proof, or a bank relationship. Check the exact requirements on the bank’s page. 


Read the reward T&Cs — caps, excluded merchants, and expiry of points or cashback change how valuable a card is in practice. 


Avoid overspending — build credit by paying full statements whenever possible. Interest and late fees will erode any cashback you earn.

Watch for scams — festival-season or “too-good-to-be-true” upgrade/higher-cashback messages can be phishing attempts; never share OTPs or install unknown apps. 

Closing note

There’s no single “best” student credit card — the right one depends on where you spend (marketplaces, groceries, food delivery), how you’ll repay (full payment monthly vs. occasional EMI), and whether you need a secured/FD-backed entry. The five options above span conservative, rewards-focused, marketplace-centric, ecosystem-flexible, and app-first choices so you can match a card to your lifestyle. Apply after checking the issuer’s latest offer page and the small-print (reward caps, exclusions, and annual fees) so the card works for you — not the other way round. 

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