Want the best student credit cards in India without income?

Why Students Need to Get a Credit Card?

Before diving into the list, let’s understand why a credit card might be a smart move for a student:

• Build Credit History Early: This helps when you apply for loans later.
• Online Payments: Subscriptions, online shopping, and UPI payments become easier.
• Emergency Backup: Useful during medical or travel-related emergencies.
• Rewards & Cashback: Earn points even on small expenses like food delivery or books.
  

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Now, let’s explore your best options.

Who Can Apply?

Even if you don’t have a salary, you might still be eligible under these categories:

• You are a college/university student (age 18+)
• You have a fixed deposit (FD) with the bank
• You can get a card as an add-on to your parent’s credit card
• You have a savings account with good transaction history
  

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Ideal Credit Cards for Students

1. SBI Student Plus Advantage Card

Ideal if you or your parents have an FD with SBI.

• Eligibility: FD of ₹25,000 or more in SBI
• Annual Fee: ₹500 (waived on annual spend of ₹35,000)
• Rewards: 1 reward point per ₹100 spent
• Fuel Surcharge Waiver: Yes
• Extra Benefit: Convert to EMI for large purchases

 Tip: You can open an FD in your own name and get this card against it. No income proof required

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2. ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card (Against FD)

Best for students with an ICICI savings account or FD.

• Eligibility: FD of ₹20,000+
• Annual Fee: ₹500 (waived off on spending ₹150,000 per year)
• Rewards: PAYBACK points
• Airport Lounge Access: 1 complimentary access per quarter

Personal Insight: I personally helped my cousin (a 2nd-year B.Com student) apply for this card using an FD. He now uses it for Swiggy and Amazon — and gets reward points monthly!

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Read Also: Top 5 Credit Cards with Lounge Access Under ₹500 Annual Fee

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3. HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card (Secured FD Option)

Easy to get against an FD — also good cashback.

• Eligibility: FD of ₹25,000+ with HDFC
• Annual Fee: ₹500 (waived on ₹50,000 spend)
• Cashback: 2X rewards on online spending
• EMI Facility: Yes
  

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4. Add-on Credit Cards (via Parents)

Most underused method by students in India.

If your parent or elder sibling has a credit card, they can apply for an add-on card in your name.

• Eligibility: No income required
• Credit Limit: Shared with the primary cardholder
• Benefits: Same as the original card
  

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5. Axis Bank Insta Easy Credit Card

Zero income? No problem if you have FD.

• Eligibility: FD of ₹20,000+
• Annual Fee: ₹500 (lifetime free for some customers)
• Features: 1% cashback, zero documentation
• Instant Approval: Within 2 days

 Bonus Tip: If you open Axis FD online via mobile banking, you can request this card during the process.

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What is a secured credit card?

All the cards above (except add-on cards) fall under the “secured credit card” category. That means you get a credit card against a fixed deposit.

• Low Risk for Bank
• Good Start for Students
• FD continues to earn interest

The credit limit is usually 80-90% of your FD amount, and the best part—you’re not spending your FD. You’re just using it as security.

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 Best Practices for Students Using Credit Cards

1. Always Pay Full Amount Before Due Date
2. Don’t Spend More Than 30% of Limit
3. Track Your Expenses Monthly
4. Avoid Cash Withdrawals on Credit Card

 Caution: A credit card is a tool, not free money. One late payment can damage your credit score for years.

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Conclusion

You don’t need to wait until you get a job to start building your credit. With a small FD or the help of a family member, you can get a student-friendly credit card in India even with zero income.

So take the first step. Open a ₹25,000 FD with SBI, ICICI, or HDFC and apply for your secured credit card.

It’s one of the smartest early financial moves you can make — and your future self will thank you for it.

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 FAQs

Q1. Can I get a credit card without proof of income in India?
Yes, you can apply for a secured credit card against FD or an add-on card.

Q2. What is the minimum FD amount required for a secured card?
Usually ₹20,000 to ₹25,000, depending on the bank.

Q3. Do student credit cards come with rewards?
Yes, most secured cards offer reward points, cashback, and fuel waivers.

Q4. Does it improve my credit score?
Absolutely, if used responsibly.

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If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to like, share, and send it to a student friend who’s looking for their first credit card — it might just be the start of their financial journey!