Student Credit Cards in India: Eligibility, Documents & How to Apply

Last reviewed: October 2026

Most students in India have no credit history and no salary slip, which is exactly what banks look for before approving a credit card. So can a student get a credit card? Yes, but usually not a regular one. Most students get their first card in one of three ways: a card backed by a fixed deposit (FD), an add-on card on a parent's account, or a bank's own student programme.

This guide explains each route, the documents you'll need, and how to use your first card to build a strong credit score.

Who can get a student credit card?

You generally need to be:

• At least 18 years old
• An Indian resident enrolled in a college or university
• Able to meet the bank's conditions for one of the routes below (an FD, a parent with a card, or the bank's student scheme)

Eligibility differs from bank to bank, so always check the issuer's official page before applying.

3 ways a student can get a credit card in India

1. A credit card against a fixed deposit (most common)

You open an FD with the bank, and the bank issues a card with a limit linked to that deposit, typically 75–90% of the FD amount, and sometimes up to 100%. Because the FD is the security, banks usually don't ask for income proof.

• Good for: building your own credit history from scratch
• Keep in mind: the FD stays under the bank's lien while the card is active, and interest on unpaid bills can still be high

Examples of FD-backed cards include the IDFC FIRST WOW Credit Card and the Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent Credit Card. Check the current minimum FD on the bank's website. Read our full guide to secured vs unsecured credit cards.

2. An add-on card on a parent's account

A parent who already has a credit card can request an add-on card in your name. It shares the parent's credit limit, and the parent is responsible for the bill.

• Good for: emergencies and learning to use a card
• Keep in mind: an add-on card generally does not build your own credit history, because the account belongs to the primary cardholder

3. A bank's student scheme

Some banks offer cards to students who have an education loan or a deposit with them. These schemes change often, so check the bank's current offer directly.

Documents you'll usually need

• PAN card (needed by most banks)
• Address proof, such as Aadhaar, passport or voter ID
• Proof of enrolment, such as your college ID or bonafide certificate
• Passport-size photograph (if the bank asks for one)
• FD details if you're applying for an FD-backed card

Requirements vary by bank. Use the issuer's checklist as the final word.

Benefits of a student credit card

• Start your credit history early. On-time payments on your own card (route 1) are reported to credit bureaus like CIBIL, helping you qualify for better cards and loans later.
• A safety net for emergencies. Useful for urgent purchases when cash is short.
• Learn money habits early. A small limit lets you practise paying in full every month.
• Rewards and offers. Many entry-level and FD-backed cards offer cashback or reward points.

Risks to watch out for

• High interest if you don't pay in full. Paying only the minimum due cancels your interest-free period. Read why the minimum due is a trap.
• Overspending. Treat the limit as a ceiling, not a target. Try to use under 30% of it.
• Late payments hurt your score. One missed bill can stay on your credit report for years.

How to apply: step by step

1. Pick your route: FD-backed, add-on, or a bank scheme.
2. Compare 2–3 cards on fees, rewards and the minimum FD. Lifetime-free cards are ideal for a first card. See lifetime free credit cards in India.
3. Apply on the bank's official website or app. Avoid "agents" who ask for fees.
4. Read the Key Fact Statement (KFS) before you accept: check the interest rate, fees and billing date.
5. Set up autopay for the full amount so you never miss a bill.

After graduation: what next?

Once you start earning and have 6–12 months of on-time payments, you can ask your bank to upgrade to an unsecured card, or apply for one elsewhere. Our guide on how to choose the right credit card will help you pick.

The bottom line

A student credit card is one of the easiest ways to start your credit journey early, as long as you pay the full bill every month. Start with an FD-backed card in your own name, keep spending low, and turn on autopay.

Ready to start? Compare FD-backed and lifetime-free cards on PaisaSimple →

Sources

• RBI Master Direction – Credit & Debit Cards (2022, amended)
• IDFC FIRST WOW!
• Kotak 811 DreamDifferent

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not financial advice. Card features, fees and eligibility are set by the issuing bank and can change. Always check the latest Key Fact Statement and terms on the issuer's official website before applying.

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