The short answer
A credit card for students usually needs one of three routes, because most banks ask for income proof. You can open a credit card against a fixed deposit, get an add-on card on a parent's account, or wait until you have an income. The FD route needs no salary, but you must be old enough for the bank's rules.
Can a student get a credit card?
Yes, but a normal card is hard to get. A bank lends you money through a credit card, so it wants to see that you can repay. Most students have no salary and no credit history. That is why these three routes matter.
Route 1: a credit card against a fixed deposit
This is the most common route for a student with no income. You keep money in a fixed deposit (FD), and the bank gives a card against it. The deposit protects the bank, so you usually need no income proof. The money can come from your savings or a family gift.
| Card | Annual fee | Lowest deposit | Top reward | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DCB novio Credit Card | Free | ₹2,000 | 2% | Apply |
| IDFC FIRST EARN Credit Card | ₹499 | ₹5,000 | 5.5% | Apply |
| IDFC FIRST Hello Cashback Credit Card | ₹1,000 | ₹10,000 | 3% | Apply |
| Kotak 811 Dream Different Credit Card | Free | ₹10,000 | 2% | Apply |
| IDFC FIRST WOW! Black Credit Card | ₹750 | ₹20,000 | 0.67% | Apply |
| IDFC FIRST WOW! Credit Card | Free | ₹20,000 | 0.5% | Apply |
Fees are before GST. Listed by lowest deposit.
Some Apply buttons are partner links. What a bank pays us never changes the order or any figure. How we make money
Your deposit stays locked while the card is open, and the bank can use it to recover unpaid dues. Read the card page before you open one.
Route 2: an add-on card from a parent
A parent who holds a credit card can ask the bank for an add-on card in your name. You spend on their account and they get the bill. RBI rules make the main cardholder responsible for what the add-on card spends.
An add-on card is simple and needs no income from you. But it may not build your own credit history, so ask the bank how it reports the card.
Route 3: your first card when you start earning
Once you have a job or a regular income, you can apply for a normal card. Cards marked for first-time users are listed below. Each bank sets its own age and income rules.
Fees are before GST. Listed by name, not by what any bank pays us.
Some Apply buttons are partner links. What a bank pays us never changes the order or any figure. How we make money
Watch out for these
- Do not give false income details on a form. It can get your application rejected and can be fraud.
- Do not pay anyone a fee to "guarantee" a card. Banks do not ask for this.
- Each rejected application can show on your credit report, so do not apply to many banks at once.
- A debit card or UPI may be enough if you only need to pay online.
Frequently asked questions
Can a student get a credit card without income?
Yes, usually through a credit card against a fixed deposit, which does not need a salary. An add-on card from a parent is the other common route.
What is the minimum age for a credit card in India?
Each bank sets its own age limit, so check the card page. You must be an adult to hold a main card.
Can a student get a credit card without an FD?
It is hard without income. Banks usually want income proof for a normal card, so an add-on card is the main route if you have no FD.
Does a student credit card build my credit score?
A card in your own name can, if the bank reports it and you pay on time. Late payments harm your score.
Which is the best credit card for students?
It depends on how much you can keep in a deposit and how you spend. Use the credit card finder to compare cards on your own numbers.
