Student Credit Cards

What is a Student Credit Card?

A student credit card is a special credit card that is designed to suit the specific needs of college students. Irrespective of whether you are studying in India or abroad, as long as you are 18 years of age or older, you can apply for a credit card for students to manage your daily expenditures, such as buying course-related books, transportation, leisure activities, etc. Such cards are valid for 5 years and have a very low-interest rate.

Here is everything you need to know about student credit cards in India.

ON THIS PAGE: How to get Student Credit Card | Application Process | Eligibility Criteria | Documents Required | Features & Benefits | Fees & Limit | Reward Points | How to Use? | Student Credit Card in India | Safety Measures | FAQs

How to Get a Student Credit Card in India?

To apply for a student credit card in India, you do not need employment or Income Tax documents as you are still a student. So, what do you need instead? Well, to answer this, we have listed out how you can get a student credit card issued in your name.

1) Apply for a student credit card against a fixed deposit

If you have a fixed deposit in your name you can use it to apply for a student credit card online or offline. However, the minimum fixed deposit amount that you must have to be eligible for such a card may vary from bank to bank.

2) Apply for a student credit card as an add-on card

If you have a family member who owns a credit card, you can get a student credit card as an add-on card against their card. However, to get approved, the primary cardholder must have a good credit history.

3) Apply for a student credit card against a savings account

Some banks issue student credit cards against savings history. If you have a savings bank account with a steady monthly average balance as specified by the issuing bank, you can use it to apply for a student credit card.

What is the Student Credit Card Application Process?

Much like any other credit card application, you can apply for a student credit card online as well as offline. However, do note that some banks may allow only online or offline applications. It is therefore wise to discuss with a bank representative before initiating the application process.

Also, you must meet the Student credit card eligibility criteria, and possess all the necessary credit card documents, along with the duly filled application form to apply for your student credit card.

What is the Eligibility Criteria for a Student Credit Card?

The student credit card eligibility criteria are as follows –

• The student credit card age limit is 18 years old and above.

• You must be enrolled in a college or university to get a student credit card.

• The credit card issuer can ask your parents/guardians of the student to open a fixed deposit account to get a student credit card.

• Some banking institutions make it mandatory to open a savings account with a minimum quarterly balance before issuing a student credit card.

• Some banking institutions only give student credit cards to people who have availed an education loan with them.

What are the Documents Required for a Student Credit Card?

Since students cannot present any income proof in the form of salary slips or IT returns, the valid student credit card documents are as follow:

What are the Features and Benefits of a Student Credit Card?

The features and benefits of student credit cards that you need to know to make an informed decision are mentioned below:

• It comes with a low credit limit so that you do not overspend and fall into a debt trap.

• It comes with a low cash withdrawal limit so that students can use the cash wisely and only for emergencies.

• Student-friendly credit cards offer convenience and quick access to funds.

• The student credit card interest rate is low to ensure you repay the debt conveniently over time.

• The card has a validity of five years.

• It can be converted into a standard credit card once you are done with your college education.

• You can increase the credit limit of the card based on their employment and income status.

The benefits of college students having credit cards are as follows –

• The card allows you to manage your day-to-day expenses on your own

• It helps you learn the importance of repaying dues on time from a very young age.

• Prompt repayment of student credit card dues helps build a good credit score.

• You earn reward points and discounts against your transactions.

• You do not have to pay a fee to apply for a student credit card.

• There are no charges applicable for availing a duplicate student credit card.

What are the Fees and Credit Limits of a Student Credit Card?

A student credit card usually comes with no annual fee which makes it an affordable financial instrument for college-going students. However, it is critical to get in touch with the issuing financial institution to check whether they offer a no-fee student credit card.

The credit limit on a student credit card is usually low, around ₹15,000 (the amount may vary from bank to bank), and the card is valid for five years. The limit is set to a minimum so that you do not overspend and get yourself into debt from a young age.

What are Student Credit Card Rewards?

The credit card offers for college students are designed in such a way that managing finances is fun and easy for you. You can enjoy some of the best credit card deals, cashback and discounts which would allow you to save more. You get access to special discounts on movie tickets and events, fuel surcharge waivers, free airport lounge access, interest-free ATM withdrawals, and more.

Also, the student credit card reward points can be redeemed against coupons and merchandise as per the bank’s reward catalogue.

How to Best Use a Student Credit Card?

When using a student credit card, there are few things you must keep in mind-

• Use the student credit card to borrow funds conveniently for a short time.

• Ensure that you only spend as much as you can pay off at the end of the month.

• Build your credit score by clearing the monthly dues on or before the payment due date.

• Always pay the total outstanding bill and not just the minimum amount due.

• Keep credit utilisation low by using only one-third of your available credit.

• Use credit card cash withdrawal only in case of emergencies so that you do not have to pay hefty charges on your student credit card.

Common Student Credit Cards Offered in India

To provide financial assistance to students who wish to pursue higher education, the state governments of various Indian states offer special credit cards for students. For example, in 2016, the Bihar government introduced the Bihar Student Credit Card for students who have cleared their Class 12 board exams and need financial help to pursue higher education in the educational institutions recognized by concerned regulatory boards/ agencies Bihar government/ other state government/ central govt. The maximum loan you can apply for using the Bihar Student Credit Card is ₹4 lakh. Similarly, in 2021, the West Bengal state government presented the West Bengal Student Credit Card scheme, under which students who have passed the Class 10 board examinations and are looking to pursue higher studies, can get access to loans worth up to ₹10 lakh.

Do note that you must be a resident of these states to apply for these student credit cards.

Which Banks Provide Student Credit Cards in India?

To make it easy for students to avail funds when they need to, a number of popular banks in the country offer student credit cards. Some of these banks are mentioned below.

• HDFC Bank

• ICICI Bank

• State Bank of India (SBI)

• Axis Bank

Which are the Best Student Credit Cards in India?

Some of the best student credit cards you can avail from the top banks in the country are as follows:

• SBI Student Plus Advantage Credit Card

The student credit card is designed especially for students who have availed an education loan from the State Bank of India.

• HDFC Bank ForexPlus Card

The student credit card offers 10 currencies for global students who need the convenience of switching between currencies seamlessly.

• ICICI Bank Student Travel Card

This student credit card offers International Student Identity Card free memberships which lets you enjoy attractive discounts at various locations in India and overseas.

• HDFC Bank ISIC Student ForexPlus Credit Card

This student credit card functions as an Identity Card and credit card in one and gives you access to special discounts and offers globally.

• HDFC Multicurrency Platinum ForexPlus Chip Card

This student credit card offers 23 currencies in one card to cater to multi-destination travelling needs of students.

How to use a Student Credit Card Safely?

While a credit card is a convenient financial instrument that gives you quick access to funds, it needs to be handled carefully, especially considering you are a student. Here are the steps you need to follow.

• Make sure that you are not sharing the ATM pin or your net banking password with anyone

• Try to avoid shopping for things from unsecured websites

• Make sure that you do not share your student credit card number with anyone.

• In case the card gets stolen or blocked, contact the student credit card customer care and raise a concern immediately.