For students in India, getting a credit card can be challenging due to the lack of a stable income. However, some banks offer student-friendly credit cards with low fees, easy approval, and cashback rewards. These cards help build a credit score, manage expenses, and earn rewards on daily spending.
Top Student-Friendly Credit Cards in India
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Best For | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBI Student Plus Advantage Credit Card | ₹0 (against FD) | First-time users | 1 Reward Point per ₹100 spent, EMI option |
| ICICI Bank Student Forex Prepaid Card | ₹499 | International students | Zero forex markup, travel benefits |
| HDFC Bank ISIC Student ForexPlus Card | ₹0 | Study Abroad | International student ID, discounts on flights, shopping |
| Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent Credit Card | ₹0 (against FD) | Beginners with no credit history | 2.5% cashback on all spending |
| Axis Bank Insta Easy Credit Card | ₹0 (against FD) | Students & freelancers | 1% fuel surcharge waiver, easy approval |
| IDFC FIRST WOW Credit Card | ₹0 | Online transactions | 4X rewards, free roadside assistance |
Types of Student Credit Cards in India
✅ Secured Credit Cards (Against Fixed Deposit) – Best for students with no income. Deposit a minimum of ₹5,000–₹10,000, and get a credit limit of 80%-90% of FD. (Example: SBI Student Plus Advantage, Kotak 811 DreamDifferent)
✅ Forex Prepaid Cards – Great for students studying abroad, these cards help manage international transactions with zero forex markup. (Example: ICICI Student Forex Card, HDFC ISIC ForexPlus)
✅ Entry-Level Credit Cards – For students with part-time jobs or scholarships, these cards offer cashback and rewards. (Example: IDFC FIRST WOW Credit Card)
How to Choose the Best Student Credit Card in India
🔹 No Income? Get a Secured Card: Apply for SBI, Kotak, or Axis Bank cards against an FD.
🔹 Studying Abroad? Get a Forex Card: Save on international fees with HDFC ISIC or ICICI Forex Card.
🔹 Need Rewards? IDFC FIRST WOW offers 4X rewards with zero fees.
🔹 Looking for Cashback? Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent gives 2.5% cashback on spending.
Final Thoughts
A student credit card is a great way to build credit, manage expenses, and earn rewards. If you’re a student in India with no income, opt for a secured credit card like SBI Student Plus or Kotak 811 DreamDifferent. For those studying abroad, ICICI or HDFC Forex Cards are ideal.
