Student Credit Cards in India

Types of Student Credit Cards

Student credit cards come in various forms, such as FD-backed, scheme-based, and add-on cards, each designed to build financial responsibility and offer rewards. Here’s a detailed look.

FD-Backed Student Credit Cards 

These cards are secured against a fixed deposit, making them ideal for students with little or no prior credit history. They allow students to build credit safely while continuing to earn interest on the deposit. 

Features and benefits of FD-Backed Student Credit Cards are:  

1. Credit Limit & Interest Benefits: Credit limit of up to 90% of the fixed deposit, with an interest-free period of 20–50 days and limited interest-free cash withdrawals.

1. Rewards & Perks: Earn reward points or cashback on online, offline, educational, and everyday purchases, along with additional benefits like fuel surcharge waivers, student discounts, and special offers.

1. Security & Digital Management: Equipped with Chip & PIN, OTP verification, and fraud monitoring, plus digital banking tools to track transactions, set limits, block the card, and manage the fixed deposit.

Unsecured Student Credit Cards

These cards do not require a fixed deposit and are designed for students who can demonstrate minimal income or have a co-signer. They help students start building a credit history without collateral. 

Features and benefits of Unsecured Student Credit Cards:  

1. Credit Limit & Cash Access: Credit limit determined by age, student status, and co-signer income, with ATM cash withdrawals allowed within the limit.

1. Rewards & Interest Benefits: Earn reward points or cashback on shopping, travel, dining, and more, with an interest-free period of 20–50 days on purchases.

1. Security & Digital Banking: Protected by Chip & PIN and OTP verification, with mobile and internet banking for tracking transactions, setting limits, and managing the card.

Government-Backed Student Credit Cards

Offered under government schemes, these cards provide students with access to credit at moderate limits and often include additional benefits like financial literacy programs or scheme-specific incentives. 

Features of Government-Backed Student Credit Card are listed below: 

1. Credit Limits & Financial Benefits: Moderate credit limits encourage responsible spending, with interest-free periods on purchases and select cash withdrawals.

1. Rewards & Incentives: Offers reward points, cashback, or scheme-specific benefits to enhance value.

1. Protection & Education: Provides enhanced protections under scheme regulations and may include financial literacy or educational programs.

Add-On Cards

Add-on cards are supplementary cards linked to a primary student credit card. They allow family members or other authorized users to access the credit limit and earn rewards under the same program. 

Features and benefits of Add-On Cards: 

1. Linked Credit & Rewards: Shares the credit limit and reward program of the primary card, with identical interest-free periods and security features.

1. Easy Access & Monitoring: No separate FD or income proof required; the primary cardholder can track transactions through mobile or internet banking.

1. Documentation & Verification: Requires identity, address, and relationship proof linking the holder to the primary cardholder.

Benefits of Student Credit Cards

Best Student Credit Card in India 2025

Here are some top student-friendly credit cards in India for 2025 — each is designed for students to build credit, spend responsibly and gain useful perks with minimal income proof.

IDFC FIRST WOW! Student Credit Card

The IDFC FIRST WOW! Student Credit Card is a secured credit card made for students who do not have a regular income or credit history. It is backed by a fixed deposit and gives students a simple way to start their credit journey. With no joining or annual fee, it offers rewards, zero forex charges, and flexibility for both domestic and international use. 

Key Highlights of IDFC FIRST WOW! Student Credit Card

1. Available to students with a fixed deposit at IDFC FIRST Bank. 

1. Earns reward points on every spend and has no forex markup fee. 

1. Provides a credit limit linked to the student’s FD value. 

1. Joining Fee: Rs. 0 

1. Annual Fee: Rs. 0 

Features and Benefits of IDFC FIRST WOW! Student Credit Card

1. The card can be taken by anyone above 18 years of age who holds a fixed deposit with the bank. 

1. The credit limit is usually equal to the FD amount, and the deposit continues to earn interest. 

1. There is no need for income proof or previous credit history, making it easier for students to qualify. 

1. Reward points earned on purchases never expire, so they can be collected and redeemed later. 

1. Zero forex markup means international transactions are cost effective. 

1. Students can withdraw cash up to 100 percent of the FD value if required. 

1. The card gives discounts on dining, shopping and partner merchants across India. 

1. Lost card liability cover provides security against misuse. 

1. Credit limit can be increased by opening additional fixed deposits. 

1. The card is lifetime free and has no hidden charges for membership. 

MBSSBY Bihar Student Credit Card

The Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme is part of the state government’s Saat Nischay Yojana under the youth empowerment pillar Aarthik Hal, Yuvaon Ko Bal. Along with MNSSBY (monthly allowance for unemployed youth), this scheme helps students pursue higher education by providing affordable financial support. It allows eligible students from Bihar to access loans up to Rs. 4,00,000 for professional, technical, and academic courses in India or abroad. 

Key Highlights of MBSSBY Bihar Student Credit Card

1. Education loan facility up to Rs.4,00,000 for approved courses. 

1. The government guarantees access to loans without heavy collateral. 

1. Covers a wide range of professional and technical programmes. 

1. There are no joining or annual fees as this is a government-backed scheme. 

Eligibility for MBSSBY Bihar Student Credit Card

1. Must be a resident of Bihar. 

1. Should have passed 10th or 12th in Bihar. 

1. Applicant’s age must be below 25 years at the time of application. 

1. Annual family income must be less than Rs. 50,000. 

1. Admission must be secured in a government-approved or recognised institute. 

1. Courses under management quota are not covered. 

Features and Benefits of MBSSBY Bihar Student Credit Card

1. Loan of up to Rs.4,00,000 can be used for tuition, books, lodging, meals, and other academic needs. 

1. Can be availed for both studies in India and abroad if eligibility criteria are met. 

1. Loan is provided by the bank under the guarantee of the Government of Bihar. 

1. Covers a broad list of courses like B.Tech, BBA, BCA, MBA, MCA, B.Sc Agriculture, B.Sc Nursing, B.Pharm, and other technical and professional streams. 

1. Removes financial barriers for meritorious students, giving them equal opportunity to join reputed institutions. 

1. Complements other youth-focused schemes like MNSSBY, creating a safety net and growth opportunities for Bihar’s youth. 

West Bengal Student Credit Card

The West Bengal Student Credit Card Scheme is a government initiative to make education affordable for all students of the state. It allows eligible students to access easy and low-interest credit to cover the costs of higher education in India or abroad. The scheme is designed to remove financial worries so that students can focus on studies and skill building. 

Key Highlights of West Bengal Student Credit Card

1. Students can get an education loan of up to Rs. 10,00,000. 

1. Repayment period is long and flexible, giving students time to complete studies before repayment begins. 

1. The scheme covers both institutional and non-institutional education expenses. 

1. There is no joining fee. 

1. There is no annual fee. 

Eligibility for West Bengal Student Credit Card

1. The applicant must be an Indian national and a resident of West Bengal for at least 10 years. 

1. The maximum age limit to apply is 40 years. 

1. The scheme is open to students pursuing higher secondary, undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, doctoral, diploma courses, and even coaching for competitive examinations. 

Features and Benefits of West Bengal Student Credit Card

1. Students can avail loans up to Rs.10,00,000 to meet education-related expenses. 

1. The scheme covers costs such as tuition fees, books, study material, computers or laptops, hostel charges, project work, research work, and educational tours. 

1. Both institutional expenses (fees, library charges, lab fees, etc.) and non-institutional expenses (books, laptops, accommodation, living costs) are included. 

1. The repayment tenure is up to 15 years after completion of studies, which includes a one-year moratorium period. 

1. Loans are offered at a low interest rate, making repayment affordable. 

1. No collateral security is needed since the government provides support.

Kotak 811 DreamDifferent Credit Card

The Kotak 811 DreamDifferent Credit Card is a student‑friendly credit card that allows young adults to start building a credit history even if they do not have regular income or prior credit. It is backed by a fixed deposit, which acts as collateral, and the credit limit is determined by the value of the deposit. The card comes with zero joining and annual fees and provides convenient features such as interest‑free cash withdrawals and rewards on both online and offline transactions. It is designed to give students financial independence while maintaining safety and control over spending. 

Key Highlights of Kotak 811 DreamDifferent Credit Card

1. Credit limit is linked to a fixed deposit, up to 90 percent of the deposit value, giving students a predictable and secure spending limit. 

1. Zero joining fee and zero annual fee make the card accessible without any upfront cost. 

1. Offers interest‑free cash withdrawals for up to 48 days, providing short-term liquidity when needed. 

1. Joining Fee: Nil

1. Annual Fee: Nil

Eligibility of Kotak 811 DreamDifferent Credit Card

1. Applicant must be 18 years or older to apply for the card. 

1. Students without a regular income can still apply, as the fixed deposit serves as collateral in place of income proof. 

1. To be eligible, the applicant must hold a Kotak account: a standard 811 account requires a minimum fixed deposit of Rs. 10,000, while a Uni Student Bank Account requires a minimum deposit of Rs. 15,000. 

Features and Benefits of Kotak 811 DreamDifferent Credit Card

1. Earn 4 reward points for every Rs. 100 spent online and 1 reward point for every Rs. 100 spent on offline transactions. These points do not expire, allowing students to redeem them at their convenience. 

1. Students can withdraw cash from ATMs or make fund transfers up to 90 percent of their credit limit. Withdrawals are interest-free for up to 48 days, with a nominal processing fee. 

1. The card waives fuel surcharges and railway transaction surcharges within the applicable limits, making routine spends more economical. 

1. The linked fixed deposit continues to earn interest even while it serves as security for the credit card, so students do not lose the benefits of their deposit. 

1. The card provides protection against misuse or theft, giving students confidence while making payments or cash withdrawals. 

1. Students can get additional cards for family members or trusted individuals, with customizable spending limits and independent tracking of expenses. 

ICICI Bank Platinum Credit Card

The ICICI Bank Platinum Credit Card is a student‑oriented credit card designed to help young adults begin building a credit history, even if they do not have a regular income or prior credit experience. The card is secured by a fixed deposit, which determines the available credit limit and acts as collateral. It comes with no joining or annual fees and offers useful features such as interest‑free purchases, rewards on transactions, and access to global payment networks. The card is created to give students financial independence while maintaining security and control over spending. 

Key Highlights of ICICI Bank Platinum Credit Card

1. Credit limit is determined by the fixed deposit, giving students a secure and predictable spending capacity. 

1. Zero joining and annual fees make the card accessible with no upfront or recurring costs. 

1. Provides rewards on everyday online and offline transactions, along with discounts on movies and fuel purchases. 

1. Joining Fee: Nil

1. Annual Fee: Nil 

Eligibility for ICICI Bank Platinum Credit Card

1. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. 

1. A fixed deposit of Rs. 50,000 or more with a tenure of at least 180 days is required. The FD must be in auto-renewal mode and cannot be tax-saving or linked under Section 80C. 

1. The applicant must be an Indian resident. Minors and foreign nationals are not eligible. 

1. Standard identity and address proof documents, such as Aadhaar or Passport, are required. 

Features and Benefits of ICICI Bank Platinum Credit Card

1. Earn 2 reward points for every Rs. 100 spent, redeemable for products, services, or gift vouchers. 

1. 25% discount (up to Rs. 100) on purchasing two movie tickets via BookMyShow. 

1. 2.5% fuel surcharge waiver at HPCL petrol pumps on transactions up to Rs. 4,000. 

1. Interest-free period of 20–50 days on purchases if the balance is paid in full. 

1. Contactless payment feature for faster and more secure transactions. 

1. Global acceptance at over 2 million outlets, making it suitable for domestic and international use. 

1. Digital banking access to track transactions, set limits, and block the card if needed. 

HDFC Bank Regalia Add-On Credit Card

The HDFC Bank Regalia Add-On Credit Card is a premium student-friendly card that allows students to access a credit facility while being linked to a family member’s primary card. It provides an excellent way for young adults to start building their credit history with the security of a primary cardholder overseeing the account. The card comes with zero joining and annual fees and offers attractive features such as reward points on retail and educational spends, complimentary lounge access, and comprehensive insurance coverage. It is designed to give students financial independence while maintaining safety and control over spending. 

Key Highlights of HDFC Bank Regalia Add-On Credit Card 

1. Students can use the shared credit limit of the primary card, providing a secure and predictable spending capacity. 

1. Reward points on retail, educational, and utility transactions help students earn while they spend. 

1. Complimentary airport lounge access and comprehensive insurance coverage enhance the card’s value. 

1. Joining Fee: Nil

1. Annual Fee: Nil

Eligibility of HDFC Bank Regalia Add-On Credit Card 

1. Applicant must be 18 years or older. 

1. Must be a family member of the primary cardholder. 

1. Must be an Indian resident. 

Features and Benefits of HDFC Bank Regalia Add-On Credit Card

1. Earn 4 reward points for every Rs. 150 spent on retail purchases, including educational and utility expenses. 

1. Complimentary access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide. 

1. Comprehensive insurance cover including air accident protection and lost card liability. 

1. Global acceptance for online and offline transactions. 

1. Transactions are monitored and managed by the primary cardholder via digital banking. 

How to Apply for a Student Credit Card

1. Check Eligibility: Must be a student aged 18+ and meet the bank’s specific requirements.

1. Research and Compare: Explore different student credit cards and compare rewards, fees, and benefits.

1. Understand the Process: Learn whether the bank offers online or in-branch applications.

1. Prepare Documents: Gather proof of age, student ID, and other required papers.

1. Submit Application: Apply online or offline and ensure all details are accurate.

1. Wait for Approval: The bank verifies your information before issuing the card.

Credit cards make payments easy for all expenses online and offline while offering various benefits

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