Starting your financial journey as a student can be daunting, especially if you have no credit history. Getting a credit card specifically designed for students can be a smart move to begin establishing your credit score. India offers a wide range of banks that offer student credit cards tailored to help young adults effectively handle their finances. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the best credit cards available for students new to building their credit. The text thoroughly analyses their benefits, charges, and unique incentives. There is a card that perfectly suits your needs, whether you’re looking to earn rewards or start building your credit.
Reasons to Consider Using Credit Cards for Students
• Building Credit History: Credit cards establish a positive credit history with credit bureaus.
• Educational Experience: Early credit management teaches financial skills like budgeting, expense tracking, and timely payments.
• Secure Online Purchases: Credit cards offer better security for online transactions than debit cards.
• Peace of Mind: Credit cards provide peace of mind when online purchases.
• Recommendations: Use responsibly, pay bills on time, and maintain low credit utilisation.
Student Credit Card Requirements:
• Age Eligibility: Must be at least 18 years old.
• Income or Co-Signer: Must demonstrate ability to make minimum monthly payments or have a co-signer.
• Over 21: Must demonstrate income, including partner’s or spouse’s income.
• Enrollment in School: May require proof of college or university enrollment.
• Choose a card that aligns with your needs and financial situation.
Requires Documents for Credit Cards for Students
•Aadhaar Card and PAN Card: Essential identity documents for financial transactions.
• Recent passport-size photograph.
• Proof of Enrollment in an Educational Institution: Confirmation may be required by banks or credit card companies.
• Income Proof or Guarantor Details: Provide relevant income proof if self-employed.
• Consider having a parent or trusted adult co-sign for under 21, if under 21.
• Check the specific requirements of the bank or issuer.
How to Apply Credit Cards for Students
• Qualify: Ensure the minimum age requirement is 18 years.
• Check Credit Report: Understand credit history for student credit cards.
• Research Different Credit Card Options: Compare features like rewards, annual fees, and interest rates.
• Gather Necessary Information: Provide personal details and proof of enrollment in an eligible educational institution.
• Apply Online or Over the Phone: Visit the issuer’s website or call in person.
• Choose a credit card that aligns with your needs and financial situation.
SBI Student Plus Advantage Card
• Qualify for a Student Credit Card: Ensure you meet the SBI Student Plus Advantage Credit Card qualifications.
• Earn Reward Points: Earn 1 reward point for every ₹100 spent on the card.
• Enjoy a 2.5% fuel surcharge waiver on all fuel transactions between ₹500 and ₹3,000.
• Save on Annual Fee: If you spend ₹35,000 or more in a year, the annual fee of ₹500 will be waived.
• Use Cash Withdrawal: Can withdraw cash from over 1 million Visa and MasterCard ATMs.
• Use Global Accessibility: Over 24 million locations worldwide accept the card for foreign transactions, including 3,25,000 in India.
• Use Flexipay Facility: Convert purchases exceeding ₹2,500 into easy EMIs.
• Transfer Balance Transfer: Transfer outstanding bills from other credit cards to the SBI Student Plus Advantage Credit Card at a lower interest rate.
• Other Benefits: Book rail tickets online through IRCTC and pay utility bills conveniently.
• Check Credit Report: Understand your credit history.
• Research Different Credit Card Options: Evaluate several aspects, such as incentives, yearly costs, and interest rates.
• Gather Necessary Information: Fill out the required fields with your personal information and provide evidence of enrollment at an approved school.
• Apply Online or Over the Phone: See the issuer in person or on their website.
Bank of Baroda Financial Prime Card
• Guaranteed Issuance: You can obtain it without income proof by securing it against a fixed deposit of ₹15,000 or more.
• Lifetime Free Card: No annual fees are required to enjoy benefits.
• Reward Points: Earn 2 reward points for every ₹100 spent, redeemable for shopping and gift vouchers.
• Fuel Surcharge Waiver: There will be no 1% fuel surcharge on transactions ranging from ₹400 to ₹5,000.
• Zero Liability Protection: Provides coverage for unauthorised transactions on lost or stolen cards.
• Insurance Coverage: Provides coverage for personal accidents.
• EMI Conversion: Allows convenient EMI transactions on purchases above ₹2,500.
Kotak Aqua Gold Credit Card
• Free Lifetime Credit Card: No fees for joining or annual charges.
• Enjoy interest-free cash withdrawals of up to 90% of your credit limit.
• Reward Points: Earn 4 points for every ₹100 spent on online transactions and 1 point for all other purchases.
• Fuel & Railway Surcharge Waiver: There is a 1% surcharge waiver on fuel transactions, 1.8% on irctc.co.in, and 2.5% at Indian railway booking counters.
• Add-On Card: Same benefits as the original card, with separate spend limits and expense tracking.
Kotak Silk Inspire Card
• Offers 5x reward points on clothing and 1 point on other categories.
• Provides 2.5% fuel surcharge waiver at petrol pumps nationwide.
• Offers 8 complimentary PVR movie tickets annually.
• Provides insurance against fraudulent transactions up to ₹75,000 in case of card theft.
• Discover a wide range of dining, shopping, travel, and entertainment offers on Kotak Mahindra Bank’s website.
• Offers add-on cards with similar benefits.
• Can be availed without proof of income, sanctioned against fixed deposits.
Axis Bank Insta Easy Credit Card
• Eligibility: Axis Bank requires a fixed deposit (FD) to proceed.
• Interest-Free Period: Provides a generous 50-day interest-free period for purchases.
• Flexible Credit Limits: Up to 80% of FD principal amount.
• Rewards: Earn 6 points on domestic and 12 on international spend.
• Fuel Benefits: 1% fuel surcharge waiver on fuel transactions across India.
• Dining Offers: Participating establishments in the “Dining Delights” program offer a minimum 15% discount.
• Global Emergency Assistance: Access Visa International Global Card Assistance Services worldwide.
• EMI Conversion: It effortlessly divides purchases beyond ₹2,500 into cheap EMIs that are doable.
ICICI Bank Student Forex Prepaid Card
• Offers 15 currency wallets for convenient transactions in different countries.
• Offers ₹5,000 joining benefits, including ISIC membership, card insurance, and lost card coverage.
• Convenient application process is available through internet banking, the iMobile app, or the Forex branch.
• Activated card delivered within 4-5 working days.
• Provides global convenience for shopping, dining, travel, and other expenses during overseas education.
HDFC Multicurrency Platinum Forexplus Chip card
• Multicurrency Loading: Supports loading up to 22 currencies on a single card.
• Exchange Rate Protection: Safeguards against exchange rate fluctuations.
• Online Currency Management: Enables easy fund transfers between currency wallets via Prepaid Card NetBanking.
• Safety and Security: Instant card block via Prepaid Card NetBanking.
• Contactless Payments: Built-in PayWave technology for secure transactions.
• Ensures worry-free travel and financial flexibility.
HDFC Bank ForexPlus Card
• Multi-currency loading: Supports up to 22 currencies on a single card.
• Exchange rate protection: Safeguards against currency value fluctuations.
• Online currency management: Facilitates funds transfer across digital wallets via Prepaid Card NetBanking.
• Safety and security: Instant card block via Prepaid Card NetBanking.
•Complete protection against abuse, accidents, and the destruction or loss of important papers.
• Contactless payments: Includes PayWave technology for secure transactions.
IDFC FIRST WOW Credit Card
• Guaranteed Approval: No credit history or proof of income is required.
• High Credit Limit: Enjoy a credit limit of at least 100% of the fixed deposit value.
• WOW! Rewards: Earn 4X reward points for every ₹150 spent, redeemable anytime online.
• UPI Offers: Get 100% cashback on the first 4 UPI transactions.
• Exclusive Offers: Access deals and discounts from popular brands.
ICICI Coral Contactless Credit Card
• Quick and safe bill payment options at over 800 retail locations in Mumbai, Gurgaon, and Hyderabad.
• No need to enter the PIN; the reader can touch the card.
• Earn 2X cash rewards on monthly purchases of ₹5,000 or more.
• Access to select airport lounges in India for ₹5,000 or more in a quarter.
• 25% discount on at least 2 movie tickets per transaction on BookMyShow and Inox.
• Exclusive dining discounts through ICICI Bank Culinary Treats Programme.
• Fees: Joining Fee: ₹500 + GST, Annual Fee (from 2nd year onwards): ₹500 + GST.
Conclusion
A strong credit history is essential for securing a stable financial future. A great choice to kickstart your journey with affordable rates and practical benefits is opting for a student credit card. Students can enjoy various perks using the right credit card, including cash back, reduced fees, and incentives. Mastering one’s financial situation can be rewarding and offers numerous benefits. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed comparison of India’s top credit cards for students. Discover the option that perfectly suits your requirements and financial situation. Now is the perfect moment to begin establishing your credit and setting aside funds for future financial independence.
FAQs
Q. What is the SBI Student Plus Advantage Card?
The SBI Student Plus Advantage Card offers a low interest rate of 2.25% per month, EMI conversion for purchases, and rewards points for spending, making it ideal for students.
Q. What benefits does the Kotak Silk Inspire Card offer?
The Kotak Silk Inspire Card provides 5% cashback on retail shopping and 1,000 reward points as an anniversary bonus, catering to students who love shopping.
Q. Why is the HDFC Bank ForexPlus Card suitable for students?
The HDFC Bank ForexPlus Card protects students from currency fluctuations and offers multiple currencies, making it perfect for those studying abroad.
