Synopsis: Students have to deal with day-to-day expenses, which tend to be expensive. Credit cards help them deal with these expenses through discounts and cashback, and this article talks about the best credit cards that are available to students in India.

This article covers the best student credit cards that are available in India and the additional benefits these cards provide.  Student credit cards are designed to help students manage their finances and help build their credit sooner. They usually do not require a monthly income, have low credit limits and provide cashbacks and discounts for student-related purchases. Here are some top student-friendly credit cards in India:

IDFC FIRST WOW Credit Card 

It is a secure credit card backed by a fixed deposit of at least ₹20,000, and it’s suitable for first-time credit card users who want to build their credit profile.

image: IDFC FIRST WOW Credit Card

Credit Card: Fees

ParticularsAmount
Joining FeeNIL
Annual FeeNIL
Finance Charges0.71% to 3.85% p.m.
Late payment fee15% of the total amount due (Min. ₹100 and ₹1,300
  • It comes with a zero- forex markup fee for overseas transactions, which is suitable for frequent international travellers 
  • Up to ₹25,000 insurance coverage for card liability
  • Personal accident insurance of ₹2 Lakhs
  • Purchase protection provided by up to ₹25,000
  • Cash withdrawal of up to 100% of your FD amount. 
  • It also has its own reward point system that can be used to earn reward points 

To apply for the card, please visit the Official Website

Kotak 811 Dream Different Credit Card

It is a secured credit card that requires you to have an FD amount of ₹10,000 with a minimum tenure of 181 days, and you should be between the ages of 18 and 75. 

image: Kotak 811 Dream Different Credit Card

Credit Card: Fees

ParticularsAmount
Joining FeeNIL
Annual FeeNIL
Finance Charges3.75% p.m
Late payment feeOn outstanding balance of:Up to ₹100 – NILMore than ₹100 – 500
  • 3 months OTT Play subscription at ₹1 as a welcome offer
  • Provide Amazon vouchers worth ₹1,000 on spending ₹72,000 in a year
  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver, up to ₹3,500 in a year
  • ₹250 Woohoo voucher on spending ₹1,000 within the first 30 days of card issuance
  • It also has its own reward point system that can be used to earn reward points 

Also read: Top 5 Credit Cards to Earn High Cashback on Cleartrip Flight Bookings in 2026

ICICI Platinum Chip Credit Card

It’s a lifetime free entry-level credit card, ideal for individuals who want to start their credit journey. It is a suitable choice for someone who wants to save on everyday purchases.

Credit Card: Fees

ParticularsAmount
Joining FeeNIL
Annual FeeNIL
Finance Charges3.75% p.m
Late payment feeOn outstanding balance of:Up to ₹100 – NIL₹100 to ₹500 – ₹100₹501 to ₹1,000 – ₹500₹1,001 to ₹5,000 – ₹600₹5,001 to ₹10,000 – ₹750₹10,001 to ₹25,000 – ₹900₹25,001 to ₹50,000 – ₹1,100More than ₹50,000 – ₹1,300
  • For every ₹100 you spend, the ICICI Bank Platinum Chip Card offers
  • 6X to 12X reward points on travel spends via iShop
  • 2 Reward Points: On retail spends
  • 1 Reward Point: On insurance and utility payments
  • Note: Reward points are capped on spend of ₹40,000 on utility spend, and utility spend and there is a cap on departmental store purchase ₹20,000. These reward points can be used on the ICICI Bank Rewards platform against lifestyle products, travel and movie vouchers.
  • 1% Fuel surcharge waiver on petrol pumps on fuel transactions worth ₹400 to ₹4,000.

Conclusion

Student credit cards are a great way for students to build their credit scores. Students have to manage their expenses delicately, and these cards provide discounts on their expenses, which will be very beneficial for them. At the end of the day, if you use these cards properly without overusing them, you will find them beneficial for you. 

Written by Sagar V M

  • : Author

    Trade Brains Money’s editorial team is a dedicated group of researchers, finance writers, and editors with over 10 years of experience, committed to delivering clear, accurate, and actionable insights across banking, credit cards, loans, real estate, personal finance, and taxation to help you make informed financial decisions.