Best Credit Cards for Students in India 2025 –Top 5 Cards
Best Credit Cards for Students in India 2025: Discover the top student-friendly credit cards in India for 2025 with benefits, rewards, and low fees. Compare SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis Bank & Kotak student cards (2025). Know eligibility, benefits, fees & how to apply online.
For students looking for financial solutions, the Best Credit Cards for Students in India 2025 are essential tools to manage expenses effectively.
INTRODUCTION
Managing finances as a student can be challenging, especially when expenses for books, food, travel, and online shopping keep increasing. In 2025, many banks in India are offering student credit cards that not only provide financial flexibility but also help build a strong credit score for the future.
Among the available options, the Best Credit Cards for Students in India 2025 are designed to meet the unique needs of college students.
In this article, we will cover:
- Why students should get a credit card
- Eligibility criteria for student credit cards in India
- Best credit cards for students in 2025 (with comparison)
- Benefits, annual fees, and how to apply
FAQs
Benefits of Student Credit Cards
1. Build Credit Score – Helps in future loans, car/house EMIs.
2. Cashless Convenience – Pay online & offline without cash.
3. Rewards & Cashback – Get discounts on shopping, food delivery, recharge, etc.
4. Emergency Backup – Useful in medical or travel emergencies.
5. Financial Discipline – Students learn money management early.
Eligibility Criteria for Student Credit Cards in India
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Must be a college/university student
- Should have a savings account / FD in the bank (some banks need this)
- Some banks require a parent/guardian co-applicant
- Basic KYC documents: Aadhaar, PAN, Student ID
Best Credit Cards for Students in India 2025
When selecting from the Best Credit Cards for Students in India 2025, consider factors such as fees, rewards, and benefits tailored for students.
Bank | Card Name | Annual Fee | Key Benefits | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|
SBI | Student Plus Advantage | Free (for SBI loan customers) | Rewards, Fuel Waiver | Daily Use in India |
HDFC | ISIC ForexPlus Card | ₹500 (approx.) | Multi-currency, ISIC benefits | Students Abroad |
ICICI | Student Travel Card | ₹500 | Travel Discounts, Insurance | Travel & International Students |
Axis Bank | Insta Easy Card | FD-backed | Easy Approval, No income proof | Beginners |
Kotak | Aqua Gold Credit Card | Free (with min spend) | EMI facility, Cash withdrawal | Shopping & EMIs |
Here is a quick comparison table before we discuss each card in detail:
- Bank Card Name Annual Fee Key Benefits Best For
- SBI Student Plus Advantage Free (for SBI loan customers) Rewards, Fuel Waiver Daily Use in India
- HDFC ISIC ForexPlus Card ₹500 (approx.) Multi-currency, ISIC benefits Students Abroad
- ICICI Student Travel Card ₹500 Travel Discounts, Insurance Travel & International Students
- Axis Bank Insta Easy Card FD-backed Easy Approval, No income proof Beginners
- Kotak Aqua Gold Credit Card Free (with min spend) EMI facility, Cash withdrawal Shopping & EMIs
1. SBI Student Plus Advantage Credit Card
- Free for students with an SBI education loan.
- Reward points on every ₹100 spent.
- 2.5% fuel surcharge waiver.
- Interest-free credit period of up to 50 days.
- Great for daily use in India.
2. HDFC ISIC Student ForexPlus Card
- Prepaid Forex card with International Student Identity Card (ISIC).
- Works in multiple currencies (USD, EUR, GBP, etc.).
- Discounts on books, software, travel & food abroad.
- 24×7 global emergency assistance.
- Best choice for students studying abroad.
3. ICICI Bank Student Travel Card
- Accepted worldwide for payments & withdrawals.
- Discounts on flight bookings, hotels & shopping.
- Comes with insurance cover (lost baggage, medical emergencies).
- Online account management via iMobile app.
- Best for travel and international students.
4. Axis Bank Insta Easy Credit Card
- Can be availed against a Fixed Deposit (FD).
- No income proof required.
- Easy approval process.
- Useful for students with no prior credit history.
- Good for building credit score from zero.
5. Kotak Aqua Gold Credit Card
- Lifetime free if minimum annual spend maintained.
- Cash withdrawal facility up to 90% of credit limit.
- Easy EMI conversion on big purchases.
- Ideal for shopping, recharges & EMI flexibility.
Tips for Students Before Applying
Always pay bills before the due date to avoid interest.
Use only 30–40% of your credit limit to maintain a good CIBIL score.
Compare fees, rewards & benefits before selecting a card.
For international study, prefer Forex/Travel cards.
How to Apply for a Student Credit Card in India
1. Visit the official website of the chosen bank.
2. Select the Student Credit Card option.
3. Fill in personal details & upload documents:
- Aadhaar & PAN
- College ID / Admission letter
- Address proof
- Income source (if applicable) or parent’s details
4. Verification & approval usually take 7–10 working days.
FAQs About Student Credit Cards in India
Q1. Can students get a credit card without income proof?
👉 Yes, some banks (like Axis Insta Easy) issue cards against a Fixed Deposit without income proof.
Q2. Which is the best credit card for students going abroad?
👉 The HDFC ISIC ForexPlus and ICICI Student Travel Card are best for international use.
Q3. Do student credit cards help in building a credit score?
👉 Yes, timely payments improve your CIBIL score, which helps in future loans.
Q4. What is the age limit for applying?
👉 You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a student credit card in India.
Conclusion:-
Student credit cards in India are a great way to start financial management early. In 2025, banks like SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis Bank, and Kotak are offering student-friendly cards with exciting benefits.
Utilizing the Best Credit Cards for Students in India 2025 can pave the way for better money management habits.
If you are studying in India and need daily use, go for SBI Student Plus.
If you are going abroad, choose HDFC ISIC ForexPlus or ICICI Student Travel Card.
For international students, the Best Credit Cards for Students in India 2025 offer benefits that cater specifically to their needs.
If you just want to build your credit score, Axis Insta Easy is the easiest option.
Overall, the Best Credit Cards for Students in India 2025 provide a solid foundation for building a healthy credit profile.
Disclaimer
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