Best Credit Cards for Students: Hey friends, how are you? It is so tough to manage money in college life, right? Hostel fees, books, parties, and online shopping – everything has to be managed. If you are a student and thinking of getting a credit card which has low fees, gives rewards, and is helpful for the future, then today’s post is for you.
There are some amazing credit cards available for students in India in 2025 which will suit your pocket and will give benefits like cashback, discounts. Let’s see in detail which cards are the best and why to choose them.
What to Look for in a Student Credit Card
First, let’s understand what to look for while choosing a credit card for students. Low annual fees, no income proof requirement (as students do not have a job), good rewards on shopping and fuel, and easy approval – these are all important factors. Banks like SBI, ICICI, and Kotak offer special cards for students that can also be lifetime free. Now let’s jump directly to the best options.
Best Credit Cards for Students:
Here is a simple table in which I have summarized the specs. These cards are chosen as per the trends of 2025, like low fees and high rewards.
| Card Name | Key Specifications |
|---|---|
| SBI Student Plus Advantage | Lifetime free; 5% cashback on movies; No income proof needed |
| ICICI Bank Student Card | Zero joining fee; Rewards on dining and fuel; Easy approval for students |
| Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent | Free for life; 2% cashback on online spends; Virtual card option |
| HDFC Millennia | 5% cashback on Amazon/Flipkart; Welcome bonus; Student-friendly eligibility |
| Axis Bank Neo | 10% off on movies; Fuel surcharge waiver; No annual fee if spent Rs. 50k/year |
| IDFC FIRST WOW | No fee ever; High rewards on education spends; Digital first for students |
| HSBC Cashback Card | 1.5% unlimited cashback; Dining discounts; Low threshold for students |
This table is based on latest bank offers, which match the needs of students in 2025. Now let’s talk about the cards in detail.
SBI Student Plus Advantage
SBI Student Plus Advantage card is a solid choice for students. It has lifetime free membership, and rewards up to 5% on spends like movies, books. No income proof is required, you can just apply with college ID. This card also waives fuel surcharge, which is beneficial for bikers. If you frequently watch movies, then this is the best.
ICICI Bank Student Card
ICICI Bank Student Card is also included in the top. Along with zero joining and annual fees, it gives rewards on dining and fuel. In 2025, ICICI has updated this card for students, in which extra discounts are available on online shopping. Eligibility is easy – just 18+ age and student proof. This card also offers EMI options for big purchases.
Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent
Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent card is perfect for digital-savvy students. This is a virtual card managed from the app and gives 2% cashback on online spends. Lifetime free, and no physical documents needed – everything is done online. In 2025, Kotak has added bonus points on education-related spends.
HDFC Millennia
HDFC Millennia card is the rewards king. 5% cashback on platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and 1000 points in welcome bonus. There is a low threshold of approval for students and if you spend Rs. 50k/year, annual fee is waived. This card is balanced for travel and shopping.
Axis Bank Neo
Axis Bank Neo card is for entertainment lovers. 10% off on movies, and fuel surcharge waiver. Extra rewards have been added on grocery spends in 2025 updates. With easy EMIs and low fees, it is ideal for beginner students.
IDFC FIRST WOW
The IDFC FIRST WOW card offers no-fee forever, high rewards on education and utility bills, and digital wallet integration. For students, it is simple and effective as everything is managed from the app.
HSBC Cashback Card
The HSBC Cashback Card offers unlimited 1.5% cashback on all spends. With dining discounts and low eligibility criteria, it is a versatile option. In 2025, HSBC has added student-specific offers like study abroad benefits.
While choosing these cards, look at your spending pattern. If you do a lot of online shopping, go for HDFC or Kotak. For movies and entertainment, SBI or Axis will be best. Before applying, check the bank’s website for the latest offers.
FAQs on Best Credit Cards for Students in India 2025
What documents are required to apply for a credit card for students?
Just Aadhaar, PAN, college ID, and address proof. Most banks do not ask for income proof from students.
Which is the best credit card for beginners?
SBI Student Plus or Kotak 811 – both are lifetime free and give easy rewards.
What effect does a credit card have on CIBIL score?
If you make timely payments, the score improves. Late payments can make it go down.
What are the benefits of students getting a credit card?
You get help in building rewards, cashback, EMI options, and credit history.
What are the new features of student cards in 2025?
Most cards have added digital wallet integration and extra rewards for education spenders.
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