Looking for the Best Student Credit Cards in India? This guide is tailored for students in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana who want simple eligibility, low fees, and smart ways to build credit through secured options against Fixed Deposits (FDs).
If you’re a student in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, or anywhere in India, choosing the best student credit card in India 2025 can be a game-changer. Not only does it help you manage emergencies and everyday expenses, but it also teaches you financial discipline and builds your credit score for the future.
In this guide, we compare the top student credit cards in India, explain eligibility, benefits, fees, and share insider tips for responsible usage. Whether you need cashback, travel perks, or just a safe way to pay online, this guide has you covered.
Why Best Student Credit Cards in India Matter
The Best Student Credit Cards in India provide an early start to financial literacy. Used right, they help you build a credit history before your first job, unlock student-centric discounts, and offer practical protections like zero fraud liability on lost cards (as per issuer policy). For many college-goers in AP & Telangana, a secured student card is the easiest entry point—no salary slips required, just a Fixed Deposit.
With exam fees, online courses, travel between home and hostel, and daily digital payments, student cards consolidate spending, deliver rewards, and create a responsible payment trail. If you plan a study loan or rent a house later, a good credit score built with a student card can be a game-changer.
Best Student Credit Cards in India 2025
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Min FD | Credit Limit | Key Features | Eligibility | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IDFC FIRST WOW Student Credit Card |
₹0 | ₹20,000 | 100% of FD | 4X rewards, no forex markup, 6.3% interest on FD |
18+, student ID |
All students, travel, rewards |
| Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent | ₹0 | ₹10,000 | Up to 90% of FD | 4X rewards online, fuel/railway waivers | 18+, student ID |
Beginners, digital users |
| SBI Student Plus Advantage | ₹500 (waivable) | ₹25,000 | Up to 90% of FD | 1 reward point/₹100, fuel surcharge waiver |
18+, SBI account/FD | SBI customers, reward seekers |
| ICICI Coral Contactless | ₹500 | ₹50,000 | Up to 90% of FD | 2 reward points/₹100, lifestyle perks | 18+, ICICI account |
Lifestyle, entertainment |
| ICICI Student Forex Prepaid | ₹199 | N/A | Amount loaded | 40% excess baggage, 20% DHL discount |
18+, student ID |
Study abroad, travel |
Eligibility & Documents – AP & Telangana
- Age: Usually 18+ (minors may require add-on cards via parent/guardian).
- Status: Valid student ID/admission proof from a recognized institution.
- KYC: PAN, Aadhaar, address proof (rent agreement/hostel letter acceptable per bank rules).
- Income: Not mandatory for secured student cards (FD-backed). For regular cards, income or a co-applicant may be needed.
- Residence: Students living in hostels/PGs in AP & Telangana are usually eligible with proper proof.
Tip: Maintain an FD with the issuing bank to simplify approval. Many banks allow credit limits up to 75–85% of the FD value for student/supervised usage.
- Education Loan Interest Rates for AP & Telangana Students
- Education Loan for Students in AP & Telangana
Tips for Using Your Student Credit Card Responsibly
- Pay your bill on time to avoid interest and maintain a good credit score
- Track your spending and stay within your limit
- Check statements monthly for errors
- Use rewards and cashback to get the most value
- Never share your card details with anyone
Secured vs Regular – Which Best Student Credit Cards in India Fit You?
Secured Student Cards (FD-backed)
Ideal if you have no income history. You open a Fixed Deposit (say ₹10,000–₹25,000+), and the bank issues a card against it. Approvals are faster, and you still earn FD interest while building credit.
Regular Student Cards
Issued to students with income proof, scholarship credit, or a co-applicant. These sometimes offer higher default limits and wider reward categories—but eligibility can be stricter.
Fees, Benefits & Rewards Snapshot
| Feature | Secured Student Card | Regular Student Card |
|---|---|---|
| Joining/Annual Fee | Often Low/Refundable on spend | Low to Moderate; sometimes waived |
| Eligibility | FD with the issuing bank | Income/co-applicant as per policy |
| Rewards | Basic–Moderate (online, fuel, travel) | Basic–Good (more categories possible) |
| Foreign Use | Allowed as per issuer; markup applies | Allowed; markup varies by card |
| Credit Limit | Linked to FD (e.g., 75–85% of FD) | Bank-assessed; may start lower |
| Upgrade Path | Easy—convert to regular later | Upgrade with income & track record |
How to Apply for the Best Student Credit Cards in India (Step-by-Step)
- Choose your bank (home-branch or campus-nearby helps for KYC).
- Decide secured (FD-backed) or regular; secured is simpler for most students.
- Keep documents ready: PAN, Aadhaar, address proof, student ID, and admission letter.
- Open/pledge an FD if choosing secured; discuss the limit-to-FD ratio with the bank.
- Submit application; enable SMS/email alerts and set app-based controls.
- On approval: activate card, set PIN, add to UPI-enabled apps (if supported).
Pro Tip: Turn on domestic-only by default, enable international only when needed, and set per-transaction limits in your mobile banking app.
Best Picks & Use-Cases for Students (AP & Telangana)
1) FD-Backed Starter (Most Students)
If you’re beginning your credit journey, an FD-backed student card is typically the fastest approval path. Start with a modest FD, keep utilization near 30%, and repay before the due date to avoid interest.
2) Online Shopper
Look for cards offering higher rewards on e-commerce, OTT, and food delivery. Even basic student cards now provide accelerated points or milestone waivers on popular platforms.
3) College Commuter
Fuel surcharge waivers and co-branded transit offers can reduce overall costs for daily commuting between campus and home.
For many learners in AP & Telangana, the real value of the Best Student Credit Cards in India lies in consistent, disciplined usage: pay on time, keep limits moderate, and avoid cash withdrawals. Most banks report your repayments to bureaus, so even a low-limit card can steadily build your score.
When you graduate or land a job, request an upgrade to a mainstream rewards card. Banks often reassess limits after six to twelve months of clean repayment history, especially if you convert your secured card into a regular one by releasing the FD.
Smart Usage to Build Credit—Fast
- Keep utilization around 30% of your limit; pay in full every month.
- Automate payment via standing instruction or UPI auto-pay before the due date.
- Avoid cash advances; interest + fees start immediately.
- Review statements monthly; contest any suspicious transactions quickly.
- Enable international/Ecom/contactless selectively in your app.
FAQs on the Best Student Credit Cards in India
Can I get a student card without income?
Yes—secured student cards against an FD are designed for this use case. Approval is generally simpler.
What fees should I watch for?
Annual charges, finance charges for revolving balances, late fees, foreign markup, and cash advance fees. Many issuers waive annual fees on hitting spend milestones.
Will a student card improve my credit score?
Yes—timely payments and low utilization build a positive profile that helps with future loans and higher-limit cards.
Official Resources & Helpful Links
- Reserve Bank of India – Consumer Education
- SBI – Credit Cards (Official)
- HDFC Bank – Credit Cards (Official)
- ICICI Bank – Credit Cards (Official)
- TeluguVidya.com – Student Guides in Telugu & English
