Build Credit, Earn Rewards & Spend Smart While You Study
Whether you’re in college or prepping for your career, getting your first credit card can feel both exciting and intimidating. The good news? In India, several banks now offer student-friendly credit cards that help you build a credit score, earn rewards, and manage your expenses—without needing a regular income.
Discover the best credit cards for students that suit your needs and financial goals.
When looking for the best credit cards for students, consider features like rewards, fees, and eligibility.
In this post, we break down the top 5 best credit cards for students in India (2025), compare features like fees, eligibility, and rewards, and help you figure out which student credit card suits you best.
Having the best credit cards for students can significantly enhance your financial experience.
Why Should Students Get a Credit Card?
Here’s why a student credit card makes sense:
- ✅ Helps build credit history
- 💰 Offers rewards, cashback, and discounts
- 📱 Ideal for online transactions and bills
- 🧠 Helps build financial discipline
- 🌎 Some offer forex benefits for international use


Top 5 Best Credit Cards for Students in India (2025)
1. 🥇 IDFC FIRST WoW! Credit Card
Best For: Students with no income who want zero fees and international perks
We’ll share insights on the best credit cards for students based on varied spending patterns.
This is one of the best credit cards for students, ideal for those seeking international perks.
- Annual Fee: ₹0 (Lifetime Free)
- Eligibility: FD of ₹20K–₹25K
- Credit Limit: Up to 100% of FD
- Forex Markup: 0% – great for international spends
- Rewards:
- 4× reward points per ₹150
- Fuel surcharge waiver
- Interest paid on FD (~7.5%)
✅ Pros:
- No annual or joining fee
- Zero forex markup (rare in student cards)
- Earns interest on your FD
❌ Cons:
- Requires a fixed deposit
- Not ideal if you want unsecured credit
👉 Apply for IDFC FIRST WoW! Credit Card Here
2. 🥈 Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent Credit Card
Best For: Digital-savvy students who want bonus rewards and easy access
- Annual Fee: ₹0
- Eligibility: Kotak 811 account + FD (~₹15K)
- Rewards:
- 1 point per ₹100
- 500 bonus points on ₹5,000 in 45 days
- 2× points on online spends
- Railway & fuel surcharge waivers
✅ Pros:
- Instant approval via Kotak 811 digital banking
- Good for online shoppers
- Low FD requirement
❌ Cons:
- No forex benefits
- Lower reward rate on offline spends
👉 Apply for Kotak 811 Credit Card Now
Related Read: 👉 How to Check Credit Score for Free & Fix It Fast!
Learn how to move from zero credit to a strong score in under a year.
3. 🥉 SBI Student Plus Advantage Credit Card
Best For: Students with SBI education loans or FDs
- Annual Fee: ₹500 (Waived if you spend ₹35K/year)
- Eligibility: SBI FD or Education Loan customer
- Rewards:
- 1 point per ₹100
- Points can pay your bill
- 2.5% fuel surcharge waiver
- Balance transfer available
✅ Pros:
- Reliable card from SBI
- Fee waived on reasonable spending
- Ideal for SBI customers
❌ Cons:
The Kotak 811 option is among the best credit cards for students with digital needs.
- ₹500 fee if spend is low
- Less flexible eligibility (needs FD/loan)
👉 Apply for SBI Student Plus Card


4. Axis Bank Insta Easy Credit Card
Best For: Axis account holders who want shopping flexibility
- Annual Fee: ₹0 (or waived if spend ≥ ₹50K/year)
- Eligibility: FD of ₹20K+
- Rewards:
- Basic cashback
- Dining offers
- EMI conversion
- Purchase protection
✅ Pros:
- EMI conversion for large purchases
- No income proof needed
- Axis rewards ecosystem
❌ Cons:
- No 0% forex markup
- Basic rewards (not premium)
👉 Get Axis Insta Easy Credit Card Here
5. AU Bank LIT Credit Card
Best For: Lifestyle-oriented students who want OTT perks
- Annual Fee: ₹0 or ₹199 (waived with use)
- Eligibility: AU FD + under 35
- Rewards:
- 10×/5× points on chosen spends
- OTT offers (Amazon Prime, ZEE5)
- Cashback & EMI flexibility
- Fuel surcharge waiver
✅ Pros:
- Fully customizable reward structure
- Free subscriptions + lifestyle deals
- Good for utility/entertainment spending
❌ Cons:
- Must choose rewards manually
- Less known compared to big banks
👉 Apply for AU Bank LIT Credit Card
Quick Comparison Table of Best Credit Cards for Students
Credit Card | Annual Fee | FD Required | Highlights | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|
IDFC WoW! | ₹0 | Yes (₹20–25K) | 4× points, 0% forex | Beginners, travelers |
Kotak 811 | ₹0 | Yes (~₹15K) | Bonus pts, 2× online | Digital-first users |
SBI Student | ₹500 (waivable) | Yes | Bill payment via rewards | SBI users |
Axis Insta | ₹0 or waived | Yes | EMI, Axis offers | High spenders |
AU LIT | ₹0 or ₹199 | Yes | OTT + 10× rewards | Lifestyle perks |
The SBI Student Plus is highly recommended as one of the best credit cards for students looking for rewards.
How to Use Student Credit Cards Responsibly
- ✅ Always pay your full bill on time—avoid interest.
- 📉 Keep credit usage under 30% of your limit.
- 🚫 Don’t withdraw cash using your card—charges are high.
- 🎯 Use reward points smartly—pay bills, shop online, redeem gift cards.
- 🧩 Avoid stacking too many credit cards at once.
Which Credit Card Should You Get?
Here’s a quick recommendation based on your goals:
Goal | Best Card |
---|---|
No income & study abroad | IDFC FIRST WoW! |
Budget-friendly rewards | Kotak 811 DreamDifferent |
Linked to SBI education loan | SBI Student Plus |
Big-ticket purchases + EMI | Axis Insta Easy |
Cashback + OTT perks | AU Bank LIT |
FAQs of Best Credit Cards for Students
1. Can students get credit cards without income?
Yes—many cards like IDFC FIRST WoW! or Axis Insta Easy are FD-backed, so no income is required.
2. What is the minimum age to apply for a student credit card in India?
Most banks require you to be at least 18 years old.
3. Is a student credit card good for building credit?
Absolutely. Timely payments and responsible usage build your CIBIL/credit score, helping you qualify for future loans.
4. Which card is best for international spends?
The IDFC FIRST WoW! is best—0% forex markup saves big on foreign transactions.
5. Can I get a credit card without a fixed deposit?
It’s tough for students without income. Most options are secured via FD.
Get the Best Credit Card for Students Today
Choosing the best credit cards for students in India isn’t just about rewards—it’s about building your financial future, one smart swipe at a time. Whether you’re starting with a fixed deposit or want lifestyle perks like OTT subscriptions, there’s a perfect card waiting for you.
From IDFC FIRST WoW! with zero forex markup to Kotak 811 DreamDifferent for digital shoppers, and AU Bank LIT for custom rewards—your options are flexible, powerful, and student-friendly.
✅ Start building your credit
✅ Earn rewards while you study
✅ Stay in control of your spending
👉 Don’t wait to start your credit journey. Apply now for the best student credit card that matches your goals.
Check your eligibility, compare perks, and take your first step toward financial independence.
For shopping flexibility, the Axis Bank Insta Easy is one of the best credit cards for students.
📌 Ready to apply? Click on the card links above to get started with your preferred student credit card today.
💬 Still Confused?
Drop a comment below or DM us with your needs (FD amount, spending habits, etc.)—we’ll help you choose the right card!
👉 Also read: Best 5 Credit Cards for Low CIBIL Score
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