Top Credit Cards for Students in India

A student credit card is a type of credit card intended specifically for college students. You can apply for a student credit card if you are 18+. There isn't much documentation needed to get the best student credit card in India. You can easily obtain it without showing any salary slip or an ITR. You'll also benefit from a low-interest rate, no annual fees, and the ability to earn reward points when you spend a certain amount.

Here is everything you need to know about the best student credit card in India.

• Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme

The Bihar Student Credit Card Yojana (MNSSBY) was launched on October 2, 2016. This scheme aims to give financial assistance to the students who have completed their class  12th from a government-run institution in Bihar but are unable to continue their studies due to financial restrictions. With Bihar Student Credit card, a student can get a loan of up to Rs. 4 Lakhs, which can be repaid once the student has completed their education and found a suitable job. Bihar's regular students can repay the loan with a 4% interest rate. While Bihar's girls, transgender, and physically challenged students are charged a 1% interest rate on their loans. 

• West Bengal Student Credit Card Scheme

On June 30, 2021, the West Bengal government introduced the West Bengal student credit card initiative. Students in class 10th and above can apply for a loan of up to Rs 10 Lakhs under this scheme to fund their higher education. People can take advantage of this initiative to get a hassle-free, collateral-free loan with a low-interest rate of 4%. Other than the co-obligation of parents, the loan will be supplied without any security or collateral security in a tangible or intangible form with a 15-year repayment duration. 

Below are the ways through which you can apply for the best student credit card in India.

• Apply With an FD

If you have a fixed deposit in your name, you can apply for a student credit card online or in person. The minimum fixed deposit amount necessary for such a card varies from bank to bank. 

• Apply as an Add-on Card

You can apply for the best student credit card in India as an add-on card to an existing credit card from a family member. However, to be approved, the primary cardholder must have a good credit history.

• Apply With the Help of a Savings Account

Some banks provide credit cards to students based on their savings history. You can apply for a student credit card if you have a savings bank account with a consistent monthly average amount stipulated by the issuing bank.

Here is the list of banks that provide the best credit card for students in India:

1. Student Plus Advantage Credit Card from SBI

• The credit card comes with no annual or renewal fees.

• If you spent more than Rs. 35,000 in the preceding year, you won't have to pay an annual fee. 

• You may also order railway tickets, pay all of your energy bills online, and earn 10X credit card reward points on all international purchases.

• This card may be used in over 24 million shops in India and overseas. 

• You can also transfer the remaining balance of another credit card to your SBI credit card.

2. Student Travel Card from ICICI 

• If you want to study abroad, you can pay for your application and university fees with this ICICI credit card.

• You can withdraw cash from over 1.5 million MasterCard ATMs worldwide.

• With an ICICI student credit card, you are eligible for a free International Student Identity Card membership.

• You may also get discounts and offers in India and 130 other countries, with over 120,000 merchant locations.

3. ForexPlus Card from HDFC

• This is specifically for students studying abroad and in need of funds in multiple currencies. 

• The card comes in ten different currencies that are accepted all around the world, allowing you to convert them into the currency of the country you are visiting. 

4. Multicurrency Platinum ForexPlus Chip Card from HDFC

• This card is ideal for students who need to travel to multiple destinations and wish to carry 23 currencies on one card. 

• This card offers you complete security against any future fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. 

• You'll also get an Rs. 5 Lakhs insurance policy in case of card abuse, accident, or fraud.

Here is the table listing the requirements for acquiring the best student credit card in India.

Student credit cards often come with a slew of exciting features designed to make usage easy for students, who are usually first time credit card users. Here’s a look at the key features that you can find in some of the best credit cards for students. 

• Lower Credit Limit

Most student credit cards come with far lower credit limits than traditional cards. This prevents student cardholders from falling into a debt trap due to misplaced spending habits.  

• Long Validity

Usually credit cards have a validity of about 3 years. However, student credit cards come with a validity of around 5 years from the date of issue. 

• Free Card Replacement

In the case of a lost card, banks offering student credit cards almost always issue a replacement credit card for free or for a very nominal cost. 

• Low Annual Fees 

Student credit cards often come with zero joining and annual fees. However, there are a few cards that do charge an annual fee. Even then, it is very low compared to a regular credit card.

• Minimal Documentation

Unlike other credit cards, the documents that you would have to submit to avail a student credit card is very minimal.

Student credit cards are the newest entrants in the credit card industry, designed to assist college students in managing their finances independently. If you are a student and seeking financial assistance for your higher studies, then a student credit card is the answer to all your needs. Apply today and enjoy its numerous advantages!