Managing finances is an essential skill for students, and having a student credit card can be a great way to start their financial journey. A student credit card helps young individuals build credit history, manage expenses, and enjoy exclusive benefits like cashback, discounts, and low interest rates.
In India, banks offer specialized student credit cards that come with lower credit limits, minimal fees, and exciting rewards. Whether you’re looking for the best student credit card or a good student credit card with maximum benefits, this guide will help you make the right choice.
What is a Student Credit Card?
A student credit card is designed specifically for students who may not have a stable income but require a credit facility for their daily expenses. These cards come with lower credit limits, making them easy to manage and reducing the risk of overspending.
Key Features of Student Credit Cards:
- No Income Proof Required – Most student credit cards do not require income proof.
- Lower Credit Limits – The credit limit usually ranges between ₹5,000 to ₹30,000.
- Minimal Fees – No annual charges or very low fees.
- Cashback & Rewards – Special offers on online shopping, dining, and travel.
- Easy Approval – Students can get these cards with an education loan or as an add-on to their parent’s card.
Benefits of a Student Credit Card
A good student credit card offers multiple advantages for students. Here’s why you should consider getting one:
1. Builds Credit Score Early
Using a credit card responsibly helps students build their credit score, which is useful for future loans like home loans, car loans, or personal loans.
2. Emergency Fund
A student credit card acts as a backup during emergencies, such as medical expenses or urgent travel needs.
3. Discounts & Cashback
Many student credit cards offer cashback and discounts on food delivery, online shopping, and travel bookings.
4. No Need for a Salary Slip
Unlike regular credit cards, students don’t need to show a salary slip or stable income to qualify.
5. International Transactions
Some student credit cards allow international transactions, making them useful for students studying abroad.
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How to Choose the Best Student Credit Card in India?
When selecting a student credit card, consider the following factors to ensure you get the best benefits:
1. Low or Zero Annual Fees
Since students have limited financial resources, choosing a card with zero annual fees or a low maintenance cost is ideal.
2. Credit Limit Flexibility
A higher credit limit can be beneficial, but it’s also important to choose a card with a limit that encourages responsible spending. Most student credit cards in India offer a credit limit of ₹5,000 – ₹30,000.
3. Cashback & Rewards
Look for a card that offers cashback on online shopping, food delivery, and travel bookings. Some cards also provide reward points that can be redeemed for discounts.
4. International Usage
If you plan to study abroad, consider a card that allows international transactions with low forex charges. The HDFC Bank ISIC ForexPlus Card is a great option for students studying overseas.
5. Interest Rates & Charges
A good student credit card should have low-interest rates and minimal late payment charges. Some banks even offer 0% interest if you repay the amount on time.
Top Banks Offering Student Credit Cards in India (2025)
Here’s a list of major banks in India that provide student credit cards:
| Bank Name | Student Credit Card Offered | Annual Fees |
|---|---|---|
| State Bank of India (SBI) | SBI Student Plus Advantage Card | ₹499 (Waived on spending ₹35,000/year) |
| HDFC Bank | ISIC ForexPlus Student Card | ₹0 |
| ICICI Bank | Student Forex Prepaid Card | ₹150 |
| Axis Bank | Insta Easy Credit Card (FD-backed) | ₹0 |
| Punjab National Bank (PNB) | PNB Student Credit Card | ₹0 |
| Bank of Baroda (BoB) | BoB Student Credit Card | ₹0 |
How to Increase Your Credit Limit as a Student?
If you want a higher credit limit, follow these strategies:
- Use Your Card Regularly – Make small purchases and repay them on time.
- Pay Bills on Time – Timely repayments help banks trust you with a higher limit.
- Request an Increase – After 6-12 months of responsible usage, you can request the bank to increase your limit.
- Maintain a Fixed Deposit (FD) – Some student credit cards allow higher limits if linked to an FD.
Best Student Credit Card for Online Shopping
If you frequently shop online, here are some of the best student credit cards:
| Credit Card | Best For | Cashback/Discounts |
|---|---|---|
| SBI Student Plus Advantage Card | Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra | 5% cashback |
| HDFC Bank ISIC ForexPlus Card | International shopping | No forex charges |
| ICICI Bank Student Forex Card | Travel, food delivery | 10% discount on selected platforms |
| Axis Bank Insta Easy Card | Utility payments | 1% cashback on bill payments |
How to Use a Student Credit Card Wisely
🔹 Set a Monthly Budget – Plan how much you’ll spend using your card.
🔹 Always Pay on Time – Late payments affect your credit score.
🔹 Avoid Unnecessary Spending – Don’t buy things just because you have a credit card.
🔹 Use Auto-Pay – Prevent missing payment deadlines.
🔹 Keep Credit Utilization Low – Use only 30-40% of your limit to maintain a good credit score.
Best Student Credit Cards in India (2025)
Here’s a comparison of some of the top student credit cards in India:
Top 5 Best Student Credit Cards in India
| Bank & Card Name | Joining Fee | Annual Fee | Credit Limit | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBI Student Plus Advantage Card | ₹0 | ₹499 (Waived if spent ₹35,000/year) | ₹5,000 – ₹25,000 | Cashback on online spending, fuel surcharge waiver |
| HDFC Bank ISIC Student ForexPlus Card | ₹0 | ₹0 | ₹10,000 – ₹50,000 | Accepted worldwide, travel benefits, student discounts |
| ICICI Bank Student Forex Prepaid Card | ₹150 | ₹0 | ₹10,000 – ₹30,000 | Useful for studying abroad, insurance benefits |
| Axis Bank Insta Easy Card | ₹0 | ₹0 | Linked to FD | Zero annual fee, 1% fuel surcharge waiver |
| Punjab National Bank (PNB) Student Credit Card | ₹0 | ₹0 | ₹10,000 – ₹25,000 | Low interest rate, educational fee benefits |
How to Apply for a Student Credit Card in India?
Applying for a student credit card is easy. Here’s a step-by-step process:
Eligibility Criteria
🔹 Must be 18 years or older
🔹 Should be enrolled in a recognized college or university
🔹 Requires an education loan or a fixed deposit (for some banks)
🔹 Must be an Indian resident
Documents Required
- College ID Card
- Aadhar Card / PAN Card
- Residence Proof
- Bank Statement (if applicable)
Application Process
- Visit the Bank Website or Branch – Choose a bank offering student credit cards.
- Fill the Application Form – Provide personal and college details.
- Submit the Required Documents – Upload or submit the documents for verification.
- Get Your Card – Once approved, you will receive your student credit card within 7-10 working days.
Student Credit Card vs. Regular Credit Card
| Feature | Student Credit Card | Regular Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Students (18+ years) | Salaried or self-employed individuals |
| Income Requirement | No income proof required | Salary slip or IT returns needed |
| Credit Limit | ₹5,000 – ₹30,000 | ₹50,000 – ₹10,00,000 |
| Annual Fees | Zero or very low | Higher fees apply |
| Approval Process | Easy and quick | Requires credit score check |
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Best Ways to Use a Student Credit Card Wisely
💡 1. Pay Your Bills on Time – Avoid penalties and improve your credit score.
💡 2. Use Only 30% of Your Credit Limit – Keeping utilization low improves credit health.
💡 3. Avoid Cash Withdrawals – ATM withdrawals have high interest rates.
💡 4. Monitor Your Expenses – Track transactions to avoid overspending.
💡 5. Set Up Auto-Pay – Prevent late payments by setting up auto-debit.
Alternatives to Student Credit Cards in India
If you’re unable to get a student credit card, here are some alternatives:
1. Prepaid Cards
A prepaid card is similar to a credit card but requires you to load money in advance.
2. Debit Cards with Cashback
Some banks offer student debit cards with cashback and reward points.
3. Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Apps
Apps like LazyPay, Simpl, and ZestMoney offer students a credit facility without a traditional credit card.
4. Add-On Credit Cards
If your parents have a regular credit card, they can apply for an add-on credit card for you.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a student in India, compare different options, check the eligibility criteria, and apply for a good student credit card that suits your needs.
Can a student get a Discover Card Student Credit Card in India?
No, the Discover Card Student Credit Card is available only in the U.S. Indian students can apply for similar cards from Indian banks.
Which is the best student credit card in India?
The HDFC Bank ISIC ForexPlus Card and SBI Student Plus Advantage Card are among the best student credit cards for their benefits.
Is a student credit card safe to use?
Yes, as long as you use it responsibly and avoid missing payments.
What is the minimum age for a student credit card in India?
The minimum age is 18 years for a student credit card in India.
Can I upgrade my student credit card later?
Yes, after completing your studies and getting a stable income, you can upgrade to a regular credit card with a higher limit.
Can a student get a credit card without income proof?
Yes, most student credit cards do not require income proof. Instead, they may be issued against an education loan, fixed deposit (FD), or as an add-on card to a parent’s credit card.
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