Are you looking for the best credit card for students in India? Navigating the world of finances as a student can be easier with a credit card designed to suit your needs. A credit card for students offers financial flexibility and helps in building responsible spending habits from an early age. These student credit cards are uniquely designed with attractive features like rewards, cash back, discounts, and an interest-free period.
With simplified eligibility and often requiring no proof of income, these cards make applying for a student credit card easy. Whether you’re aiming for convenience or establishing creditworthiness, the best student credit cards in India can be a great tool for college students looking to learn financial management and build their credit.
Top Credit Cards for Students in India
| Sl.No | Student Credit Cards | Annual Fees |
| 1. | SBI Student Plus Advantage Credit Card | Rs.500 |
| 2. | IDFC FIRST WOW Credit Card | Nil |
| 3. | Kotak 811 DreamDifferent Credit Card | Nil |
| 4. | ICICI Coral Contactless Credit Card | Rs.500 |
| 5. | West Bengal Student Credit Card | Nil |
| 6. | HDFC Bank ISIC Student ForexPlus Chip Card | Nil |
| 7. | ICICI Bank Student Forex Prepaid Card | Rs. 499 + GST |
| 8. | MNSBBY Bihar Student Credit Card | Nil |
1. SBI Student Plus Advantage Credit Card
The SBI Student Plus Advantage Credit Card is a standout credit card for students in India, especially for those looking for benefits on daily expenses and travel. Specifically designed for SBI education loan customers or FD holders, this card offers features like the ability to convert purchases to EMIs and a 2.5% fuel surcharge waiver.
As one of the best student credit cards and best credit cards for college students, it includes a rewards program where students earn one cash point for every Rs. 100 spent, redeemable for gifts or credit balance payments. With a low interest rate of just 2.25% per month and convenient perks like doorstep delivery of railway tickets, this student credit card India option helps students manage finances responsibly and enjoy extra travel ease.
Features and Benefits:
- Reward points on the expenditure of every Rs.100 and International spends.
- Can be used for online railway ticket bookings.
- A low interest rate of just 2.25%.
- Waiver of annual fees when spent above Rs.35000 in the previous quarter.
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2. IDFC FIRST WOW Credit Card
The IDFC FIRST WOW Credit Card is a smart credit card for students and young adults looking to start their financial journey. It’s among the best student credit cards in India, especially for those without credit history or proof of income. This card for students comes with zero joining or annual fees, an attractive interest rate starting at 9% p.a., and an interest-free period of up to 48 days.
Students enjoy 4X reward points on spending, discounts at 300+ merchants and 1,500+ restaurants, and protection against fraud. The credit limit is 100% of a linked fixed deposit, making it ideal for college students aiming to build financial credibility.
Features and Benefits:
- No Annual Fees
- 4x Reward points on spending which can be converted to cash.
- Discounts in merchants and restaurants.
- 7.5% interest rate on your fixed deposit
- No forex conversion fee.
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3. Kotak 811 DreamDifferent Credit Card
The Kotak 811 DreamDifferent Credit Card is a standout credit card for students in India, offering valuable perks tailored to young adults and college-goers. As one of the best student credit cards, it provides a welcome bonus of 500 reward points on spending Rs. 5,000 in the first 45 days, with 2X rewards on online spending and a low interest rate of 2.99% per month.
Students benefit from up to 90% credit limit cash withdrawals, an interest-free period of up to 45 days, and no annual income requirement. Plus, it includes exciting extras like fuel surcharge and railway surcharge waivers, lost card liability cover, and rewards on annual spending, making it one of the best credit cards for college students to manage finances smartly.
Features and Benefits:
- No Annual and Joining Fees
- Reward point on every Rs.100 spent on online purchases and other transactions.
- 1% waiver on fuel surcharges and a 1.8% waiver on railway surcharges
- 90% of withdrawals are available on your credit limit.
4. ICICI Coral Contactless Credit Card
The ICICI Coral Contactless Credit Card is an attractive option for students and young professionals who want a versatile card with added perks. It offers 2 Payback Points per Rs. 100 spent on regular purchases and 1 point per Rs. 100 on utilities and insurance. Cardholders enjoy a 25% movie discount on BookMyShow and Inox, twice a month, and a 1% fuel surcharge waiver at HPCL fuel stations.
With complimentary lounge access at select airports and domestic lounges each quarter, students can enjoy a premium travel experience. Additional benefits include 2,000 Payback Points on spending Rs. 2 Lakh and dining discounts of up to 15% at 2,500+ restaurants. This best student credit card in India is a smart choice for students with no income, providing valuable perks and rewards.
Features and Benefits:
- 2 reward points on every Rs.100 spent.
- 25% discounts on booking online movie tickets.
- Lounge Access at selective airports.
- 15% discounts in restaurants.
Also Read: How to transfer money from credit card to bank account
5. West Bengal Student Credit Card
The West Bengal Student Credit Card (WBSCC) is a unique initiative by the West Bengal government to support students financially. This credit card for students allows those pursuing secondary to postgraduate education to access up to Rs. 10 lakh as a loan with a low interest rate of 4% per annum. With a long repayment period of 15 years and eligibility up to age 40, the WBSCC is one of the best student credit cards in India, specially designed for students with no income. This card for students helps break financial barriers, making higher education more accessible.
Features and Benefits:
- Education Loan has a lower interest rate of 4% per annum.
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6. HDFC Bank ISIC Student ForexPlus Chip Card
The HDFC Bank ISIC Student ForexPlus Chip Card is an ideal travel card for students, combining the benefits of a Forex card with a globally recognized student identity card. Endorsed by UNESCO, this HDFC student forex card grants access to over 150,000 student discounts worldwide, making it one of the best student credit cards for those studying or travelling abroad.
Available in USD, EUR, and GBP, it’s widely accepted at VISA/MasterCard locations globally, ensuring easy and secure transactions. This credit card for students is also equipped with safety features, allowing immediate blocking through NetBanking if lost—an excellent choice for financial convenience and global recognition.
Features and Benefits:
- It is an identity card as well as a Forex card.
- Offers many students offers worldwide.
- Complimentary Insurance coverage.
7. ICICI Bank Student Forex Prepaid Card
The ICICI Bank Student Forex Prepaid Card is an ideal credit card for students heading abroad. Functioning as a prepaid student forex card, it offers essential benefits tailored for students, like ISIC membership worth Rs. 590 and a 40% discount on excess baggage.
With travel perks, including a 20% discount on DHL services and an international SIM card, this is one of the best credit cards for college students travelling overseas. Coverage benefits include lost or counterfeit card protection up to Rs. 5 lakh and a complimentary Uber voucher worth Rs. 500. Designed to ease student travel, this travel card for students combines convenience with robust protection.
Features and Benefits:
- Free India and International Airport lounge access
- 20% discounts on DHL services
- 40% discounts on Baggage.
- Rs.500 worth of Uber Vouchers.
- Free international sim card.
Also Read: How to Make Money With Credit Card
8. MNSBBY Bihar Student Credit Card
The MNSBBY Bihar Student Credit Card program, launched on October 2, 2016, is designed to financially support Bihar students who have completed 12th grade and wish to pursue higher education. Through this scheme, students can secure loans of up to Rs. 4 lakh to fund degrees like B.Sc, B.A., M.B.B.S., and B.Tech.
This initiative offers low interest rates, with a reduced rate of 1% for girls, differently-abled, and transgender students, making it one of the best student credit card options for financial assistance. This credit card for students in Bihar can be used for tuition fees, books, and laptops, allowing students to focus on education without financial barriers.
Features and Benefits:
- Low interest rate of 4% per annum for Education loans.
- Low interest rates of 1% on Education loans for girls, transgenders and different-abled.
Benefits of Student Credit Card
- Limited Credit Limits: Student credit cards generally have lower credit limits (around Rs. 15,000), promoting controlled spending and reducing the risk of debt accumulation.
- Longer Validity: These cards often have a five-year validity period, longer than standard credit cards, providing extended access to credit during the academic years.
- No Fees and Minimal Charges: Many student cards waive joining fees and have low annual charges, making them affordable and easy to maintain.
- Simple Documentation: Application requirements are minimal, making the process accessible for students without extensive paperwork.
- Rewards and Discounts: Student credit cards offer cashback, loyalty points, and discounts on education-related purchases and services, adding value to everyday expenses.
- Educational Discounts and Special Offers: Discounts on textbooks, software, and online courses make essential resources more affordable. Additional deals on dining, travel, and shopping enhance convenience.
- Emergency Financial Support: Student credit cards provide a quick solution for urgent expenses, such as sudden fees or personal emergencies.
- Credit History Building: Early use of a credit card helps students build a solid credit history, beneficial for future financial endeavours.
Top Free Credit Card for Students
- IDFC FIRST WOW Credit Card
- Kotak 811 DreamDifferent Credit Card
- HDFC Bank ISIC Student ForexPlus Chip Card
- Axis Bank Insta Easy Credit Card
- OneCard Credit Card
- AU Bank LIT Credit Card
Top International Credit Card in India
- IDFC FIRST WOW Credit Card
- HDFC Bank ForexPlus Card
- ICICI Bank Student Forex Credit Card
- SBI Student Plus Advantage Credit Card
- AU Bank Zenith+ Credit Card
- SBI Card ELITE
- Axis Atlas credit card
- Air India SBI Platinum Card
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the best credit card for students in India can make a real difference in managing college expenses while building financial responsibility. With benefits like low fees, rewards, and educational discounts, a credit card for students serves as a great tool for learning financial independence.
If you’re considering a card for students, explore options, compare features, and apply for the student credit card that best fits your needs. The best student credit cards available today are designed to help college students handle finances effectively, setting a strong foundation for a secure financial future in student credit card India.