Best Credit Cards for Students in India Without Income Proof

Managing expenses as a student can feel challenging when you have limited income, irregular allowances, or sudden academic costs. That’s where credit cards for students come in. These cards are designed to help young adults build credit, access short-term funds, make secure online payments, and enjoy rewards—without high fees or strict income requirements.

Today, the Indian market offers several safe, beginner-friendly cards that students can get easily, especially through FD-backed (secured) credit cards, which do not require income proof or a credit history.​
This detailed guide covers everything you need to know - what a student credit card is, how it works, eligibility, documents, benefits, limits, interest rates, and a full review of the 5 best student credit cards in India.

Table of Contents

1. What is a Student Credit Card?
2. Best Student Credit Cards in India (Top Picks)
3. Features & Benefits of Student Credit Cards
4. Eligibility Criteria for Student Credit Cards
5. Documents Required for Student Credit Cards
6. How to Apply for a Student Credit Card
7. Which Student Credit Card Is Best for You?

What is a Student Credit Card?

A student credit card is a beginner-friendly credit card designed for individuals aged 18 and above who are studying in school, college, or pursuing higher education. These cards come with low limits, simple documentation, and easy approval, making them ideal for young adults who are just entering the financial system.​

Since most students don’t have a stable income or a credit history, the safest and most accessible option is:

FD-Backed Student Credit Cards (Secured Cards)

These are credit cards issued against a fixed deposit (FD). Students simply open a small FD—usually between ₹5,000 and ₹20,000—and the bank issues a credit card with a limit equal to 80–100% of the FD value.​

Why FD-backed student credit cards work well:

• No income proof required
• No CIBIL score needed
• Continue earning interest on the FD
• Lower risk of rejection
• Easy approval through digital banking
• Safe way to build a credit score early

These cards are simple, low-cost, and ideal for students learning financial discipline while managing everyday expenses.​

Best Student Credit Cards in India

Below are the top student credit cards in India, explained in detail.​

1. Axis Bank Insta Easy Credit Card

The Axis Bank Insta Easy Credit Card is a secured, FD-backed credit card designed for beginners, including students. It offers instant approval with minimal documentation and allows students to build credit responsibly while enjoying rewards and lifestyle benefits.​

Features & Benefits

• FD Requirement: Minimum ₹20,000
• Annual Fee: Zero
• Reward Points: 6 RP per ₹200 spent
• Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% at all petrol pumps
• Student Credit Limit: Up to 80% of FD value
• ATM Withdrawal Fee: 2.5%
• Global Acceptance: Accepted at 24+ million outlets

Why It’s Good for Students

Students can get instant approval without income proof or a CIBIL score, making it a simple, beginner-friendly credit card to manage daily expenses and start building a credit history.​

2. IDFC FIRST WOW Credit Card

The IDFC FIRST WOW Credit Card is a secured card issued against any FD of ₹2,000 or more. It comes with no annual fee, no joining fee, and zero forex markup, making it one of the most cost-effective credit cards for students. Since there is no income requirement, students can easily get the card and start building credit responsibly.​

Features & Benefits

• No Joining/Annual Fee: Lifetime free
• FD Requirement: Minimum ₹20,000
• Interest-Free Period: Up to 48 days
• Interest Rate: 0.75–3.99% per month
• Reward Program: Not applicable (this is a benefit, not a drawback—simplifies usage)
• Fuel Surcharge: Waived at select stations
• Student Credit Limit: 90–100% of FD value
• ATM Withdrawal Fee: ₹199 + GST per transaction

Why It’s Good for Students

This card is perfect for beginners who want a zero-cost, no-frills credit card primarily to build a credit score safely.​

3. SBI Unnati Credit Card

The SBI Unnati Credit Card is a secured credit card issued against a fixed deposit and is well-suited for students and first-time credit users. It allows applicants with no income or credit history to access a mainstream SBI credit card while gradually building a CIBIL score.​

Features & Benefits

• FD Requirement: Minimum ₹25,000
• Joining Fee: Nil
• Annual Fee: Nil for the first four years. From the fifth year onwards, the annual fee is ₹499 + GST, which is waived if the annual spends reach ₹50,000 or more in the preceding year.
• Rewards: 1 Reward Point per ₹100 spent
• Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% (₹500–₹3,000 annually) (max ₹100 per cycle)
• Student Credit Limit: 75–90% of FD value
• ATM Withdrawal Fee: 2.5% of the amount (minimum ₹500)
• Global Acceptance: Accepted worldwide on the Visa/Mastercard network

Why It’s Good for Students

SBI Unnati is ideal for students who want a bank-backed credit card from a trusted PSU bank to build their credit score steadily, with simple rewards and basic lifestyle benefits.​

4. Kotak 811 Dream Different Credit Card

The Kotak 811 Dream Different Credit Card is issued against a small fixed deposit and is one of the easiest credit cards for students to get. Along with low fees, it offers a solid reward structure and milestone benefits.​

Features & Benefits

• Joining Fee: Zero
• Annual Fee: Zero
• FD Requirement: Minimum ₹10,000
• Rewards: 1 RP per ₹100 offline; 4 RP per ₹100 online
• Fuel Surcharge Waiver: Up to ₹3,500 yearly
• Student Credit Limit: 90% of FD value
• Other Benefits: Railway surcharge waiver

Why It’s Good for Students

Students get a free, reward-rich credit card with a quick approval process through 811 digital banking.​

5. ICICI Coral Contactless Credit Card

The ICICI Coral Credit Card is available as an FD-backed card through ICICI Bank. Though not a traditional student-only card, its FD-backed version is accessible to students and offers significant lifestyle and reward benefits.​

Features & Benefits

• Joining Fee: ₹500 + GST
• Rewards: 2–4 Payback Points per ₹100
• Movie Benefits: Buy-one-get-one offers
• Airport Lounge Access: 1 complimentary domestic airport lounge visit per quarter.
• Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1%
• Student Credit Limit: 80–85% of FD amount
• Security: Contactless payments enabled

Why It’s Good for Students

Perfect for students who want a feature-rich card with movie offers, lounge access, and premium rewards.​

Comparison Table – Top Student Credit Cards in India

Card Name	Type	Annual Fee	Credit Limit	Special Benefits
Axis Bank Insta Easy Credit Card	FD-backed/Secured	Zero	Up to 80% of FD	Instant approval, rewards, fuel surcharge waiver​
IDFC FIRST WOW Card	FD-backed	Lifetime free	90–100% of FD	Zero forex markup, no fees​
SBI Unnati Credit Card	FD-backed	₹499 + GST (waivable)	75–80% of FD	Builds CIBIL, fuel surcharge waiver​
Kotak 811 Dream Different Card	FD-backed	Zero	90% of FD	Fuel & railway surcharge waiver​
ICICI Coral Contactless Card	FD-backed	₹500 + GST (Waivable)	Up to 85% of FD	Lounge access, movie offers​

Want to explore secured options beyond student-specific cards? Check out the Best Credit Card Against FD to see how FD-backed credit cards can help you build credit safely and access higher limits.

Features & Benefits of Student Credit Cards

Student credit cards come with several useful features:​

1. Low Credit Limit for Safety
Credit limits usually range from ₹10,000 to ₹1 lakh for bank cards.​

2. Low Fees and Charges
Most student cards have zero joining fees, zero annual fees, or easy waivers, making them affordable for students with limited income.​

3. Builds Credit Score Early
Regular usage with timely repayment helps students build a strong credit score early, which benefits future loans and credit card approvals.​

4. Reward Points on Daily Spending
Students can earn rewards or cashback on groceries, fuel, online subscriptions, or shopping, saving money while spending.​

5. Cash Withdrawal Facility
Many cards allow cash advances up to 80–90% of the limit, providing easy access to emergency funds.​

6. Easy Approval
FD-backed or institution-linked cards simplify approval, often requiring no income proof or minimal documentation.​

7. Online Payment Convenience
Cards can be used for tuition fees, OTT subscriptions, books, travel, and exam registrations, making daily payments hassle-free.​

These benefits make credit cards for students helpful financial tools.

Eligibility Criteria for Student Credit Cards

Eligibility varies by card type, but most require:​

• Age: Minimum 18 years
• Status: Must be a student
• ID Proof: PAN card or Aadhaar
• FD: Needed for secured cards
• Institutional ID: Needed for university cards
• Residence: Needed for state-sponsored cards (Bihar or West Bengal)

Some cards also require a savings account with the issuing bank.

Documents Required for Student Credit Cards

To apply for a student credit card, banks require certain documents to verify your identity, age, student status, and financial eligibility. Submitting the correct documents ensures faster approval and a smoother application process.​

• Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card (or an undertaking if not available), Passport, or Voter ID to verify your identity for the application.
   
• Address Proof: Aadhaar Card, utility bills, Ration Card, or Voter ID to confirm your current residence for communication.
   
• Age Proof: Birth certificate or 10th standard mark sheet to ensure you meet the minimum age of 18 years.
   
• Photographs & Signatures: Recent passport-sized photos of the applicant and co-applicant, along with digital signatures for card personalisation.
   
• Student Status Proof: College/university ID, admission receipt, or bona fide certificate to confirm current enrollment and eligibility.
   
• FD Receipt (FD-backed Cards): Fixed deposit receipt to determine the credit limit for secured student credit cards.​

How to Apply for a Student Credit Card

Applying for a student credit card is simple, especially if you choose an FD-backed card, which is the most accessible option for students.​

Step 1: Choose the Right Card

Decide which card aligns with your spending habits and needs:

• Online Shopping: Cards offering cashback or reward points on e-commerce platforms.
• Travel & Lounge Access: Cards with airport lounge benefits or travel discounts.
• Simple Cashback or Rewards: Cards focusing on everyday expenses like groceries, fuel, or digital subscriptions.

Compare features like annual/renewal fees, reward points, fuel surcharge waivers, and ATM withdrawal limits before finalising.​

Step 2: Open a Fixed Deposit (FD)

FD-backed student cards are secured credit cards, so banks require a fixed deposit as collateral:​

• Amount typically ranges from ₹2,000 to ₹25,000, depending on the card and bank.
• The credit limit is usually 80–100% of the FD amount.
• The FD continues to earn interest while securing your credit card, making it a safe way to build credit without additional cost.​

Step 3: Apply Online or Visit a Branch

• Most banks allow instant online applications via their websites or mobile apps.
• If you prefer, you can also visit a branch for assistance.
• FD-backed cards often provide instant approval once your FD is active and documents are submitted.​

Step 4: Complete KYC & Document Submission

Banks need to verify your identity, residence, and student status. Common requirements include:​

• ID Proof: Aadhaar, PAN, or Passport
• Address Proof: Aadhaar, utility bill, or ration card
• Student Proof: College/university ID, admission letter, or bonafide certificate
• FD Details: FD receipt or account information

Upload documents digitally for online applications, or submit physical copies at a branch. Some banks may also conduct a verification call or email confirmation.​

Step 5: Receive & Activate Your Card

• Once approved, you’ll receive a digital card instantly and a physical card via courier within a few days.​
• Activate your card using the bank’s app, website, or customer care helpline.
• Start using your card responsibly and pay your bills on time to build a strong credit history.​

Extra Tips for Students

• Track your spending within the credit limit to avoid debt.
• Use the card for small everyday purchases to earn rewards and build credit history.
• Avoid unnecessary cash withdrawals as fees can be high.
• Set payment reminders to ensure timely payments and improve your CIBIL score.​

Which Student Credit Card Is Best for You?

Choosing the right credit card for students depends on your spending habits, education plans, and whether you can open an FD. The table below simplifies the decision.​

Credit Card	Best For	Benefits
Axis Bank Insta Easy Credit Card	Students wanting instant FD-backed approval.	100% FD limit, rewards, fuel waiver
IDFC FIRST WOW! Credit Card	Students preferring lifetime-free, no-income card.	Zero fees, no forex, simple rewards
SBI Unnati Credit Card	First-time users building credit via FD.	FD-backed, builds CIBIL, basic rewards, fuel waiver.
Kotak 811 Dream Different Credit Card	Students with no credit history	Lifetime free, 1% cashback, fuel waiver.
ICICI Coral Contactless Credit Card	Students looking for lifestyle perks	Free movie tickets, dining offers, and reward points on all purchases

Conclusion

Credit cards for students are an essential tool for managing expenses, earning rewards, and building a strong credit profile early. Choosing the best FD-backed student credit cards ensures access to manageable credit limits, low fees, and convenient online payments.​

Using an FD-backed student credit card responsibly allows students to cover academic and daily expenses while establishing a credit history that will support future loans, higher-limit credit cards, and long-term financial planning. Applying for a student credit card is a smart way to start building financial credibility from an early stage.​

Want to explore more options? Check out the best credit cards in India on Finology Select to find one that suits your student needs and spending habits.

FAQs

1. Which is the best credit card for students in India?
The best credit cards for students include the IDFC FIRST WOW Card & Kotak 811 Dream Different Card.​

2. Can I apply for a student credit card without income?
Yes. FD-backed cards like IDFC FIRST WOW and Kotak 811 Dream Different Card allow students to apply without any income proof, making them ideal for beginners.​

3. What is the typical student credit card limit?
Bank-issued student credit cards usually have a limit of ₹10,000 to ₹1 lakh, depending on the fixed deposit amount and card type.​

4. What is the interest rate on student credit cards?
FD-backed student credit cards generally charge 1.5%–3.5% per month if payments are not made within the interest-free period.​

5. Can a student get a credit card online?
Yes. Many banks let you apply for student credit cards online, especially FD-backed cards through digital banking apps.​

6. Are student credit cards safe?
Yes. Student credit cards have low limits, chip-enabled security, and optional spending alerts, making them safe for beginners.​