Are you ready to dive into the world of credit cards or the Best Student Credit Cards in India? As a Gen Z, you probably know how important it is to manage money wisely while juggling college, part-time gigs, or even chilling with friends. That’s where credit card for students come in handy—they’re like your first step toward financial freedom. But wait, is it even possible for a student to get a credit card without income? Or can a jobless person get a credit card? Let’s break it all down for you.

Best Credit Card For Students in India

What Is a Credit Card?

A credit card is a small plastic card that lets you borrow money from a bank or financial institution to make purchases or pay for services. When you use a credit card, you’re essentially borrowing money with the promise to pay it back later, either in full or through smaller monthly payments. Credit cards come with a limit, which is the maximum amount you can borrow. If you don’t pay off the full amount on time, you’ll have to pay interest on the remaining balance. Credit cards are useful for building credit, managing expenses, and providing emergency funds.

What Are Student Credit Cards?

A Credit card for students is exactly what it sounds like—a credit card designed specifically for students! It’s like a starter pack for managing your money and learning how to use credit responsibly. These cards are perfect for young adults who may not have a regular income yet but need some financial flexibility.

Here’s why they’re great:

• These cards are perfect for building your credit score, managing expenses, and learning financial discipline.
• And the best part? They come with exciting rewards, cashback, and zero annual fees in most cases.
• And also help to build credit history.

But hold on! Before you get too excited, you need to understand the students credit card eligibility criteria because not everyone can apply for one.

Students Credit Card Eligibility Criteria: Are You Eligible?

Okay, so If you’re a student wondering how to get a credit card, you’ve probably come across the term students credit card eligibility criteria. Don’t worry—it’s not as complicated as it sounds. In fact, banks make it easier for students to apply for credit cards compared to regular ones.

1. You Need to Be a Student

First, a student credit cards is designed for students only. This means you need to be enrolled in a college, university, or any other recognized educational institution. A valid student ID is usually enough to prove your status. So, if you’re a student, you’re already on the right track.

2. Age Requirement

Most banks require you to be at least 18 years old to apply for a credit card. However, some banks might ask for a minimum age of 21.

3. Proof of Identity and Address

You’ll need to provide basic documents to verify your identity and address. Like Student ID, Aadhaar Card, Passport, PAN Card.

4. Income or Fixed Deposit

Some banks might ask for a guarantor (like your parents) or a fixed deposit to back your credit.

Still thinking, “Can I get a credit card without income?” Well, the answer is YES! Some banks offer student credit cards based on your student ID or a fixed deposit instead of income proof.

Can a Jobless Person Get a Credit Card?

Let’s get real for a moment. If you’re jobless or don’t have a regular source of income, getting a regular credit card might seem impossible. But here’s the good news: Can a jobless person get a credit card? Absolutely! Student credit cards are designed for people just like you—students without a full-time job. Many banks understand that students are just starting their financial journey, so they don’t require income proof.

Instead, they might offer you a credit card based on a fixed deposit, or your parents can act as guarantors. So, yeah, you’re covered even if you’re broke right now.

1. Credit Card Based On A Fixed Deposit:

One common option is applying for a secured credit card. These cards are issued against a fixed deposit. For example, if you open a fixed deposit with a bank, they can provide you with a credit card linked to that deposit. The credit limit is usually a percentage of the deposit amount. This way, the bank is protected, and you get to enjoy the benefits of a credit card even without a job.

2. Credit Card Based On A Guarantor:

Another option is a student credit card, which is specifically designed for students who might not have a job or income yet. If you’re a student, you can get a credit card by providing proof of enrollment in a college or university. Some banks also allow a parent or guardian to act as a guarantor for your credit card application.

Who Is Not Eligible for a Credit Card?

Not everyone gets lucky when it comes to credit card approvals. Banks have specific rules about who can and can’t get a credit card. Let’s break it down in simple terms.

1. Underage Applicants
If you’re younger than 18, you’re not eligible for a credit card. Banks require you to be legally an adult to handle financial responsibilities

2. No Proof of Income or Financial Backup
If you don’t have a steady income, a guarantor, or a fixed deposit, you might not qualify for most credit cards. Banks need assurance that you can repay the money you borrow.

3. Non-Students
Student credit cards are for students only. If you’re not enrolled in a recognized institution, you may not qualify.

Still wondering, “Can I get a credit card without income?” You totally can if you go for a student credit card that doesn’t demand regular income proof.

Why Get a Student Credit Card?

• Learn How to Manage Money: It helps you understand how to budget, spend wisely, and pay bills on time.
• Build Your Credit Score: Using the card responsibly helps you build a good credit history for the future.
• No Income? No Problem!: You don’t need a full-time job to get one—student cards often don’t require regular income.
• Earn Rewards and Cashback: You can get points, discounts, or cashback on your purchases, like buying books or coffee.
• Emergency Backup: It provides a financial safety net in case of emergencies or unexpected expenses.
• Helps You With International Expenses: Some student credit cards offer special benefits for students studying abroad.

Top 3 Credit Cards in India For Students

IDFC FIRST WOW Credit Card

• Earn up to 7.5% interest rate on your fixed deposit
• Up to 48 days of interest-free period
• Minimum 100% credit limit of your fixed deposit amount
• ATM cash withdrawal limit of 100% of the FD value
• No forex conversion fee
• 4X reward points on your spends
• No credit history and income proof required
• Credit shield protection from theft & fraud
• Minimum deposit value requirement of Rs. 2,000

SBI Student Plus Advantage Credit Card

SBI Student Plus Advantage Card is a credit card exclusively designed for students. You can avail this card only if you are an education loan customer of State Bank of India or if you hold an FD at any SBI branch.

• 1 reward point on spending every Rs. 100
• Use your accumulated reward points to pay the outstanding credit card bill
• 2.5% fuel surcharge waiver at all petrol pumps in India
• Annual fee waiver on spending more than Rs. 35,000 in the previous quarter
• 10X rewards on departmental stores and grocery spends
• 10X reward points on International spends
• Online railway ticket bookings
• Worldwide acceptance at over 24 million outlets

Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent Credit Card

• Welcome Bonus of 500 reward points on spending Rs. 5,000 in the first 45 days
• 1 reward point for every Rs. 100 spent on all categories except fuel, cash withdrawals and railways
• 2X rewards on online spends
• Withdraw up to 90% of your credit limit
• Interest-free cash withdrawal for up to 45 days
• Low interest rates of 2.99% per month
• On annual spends of Rs. 75,000 get Rs. 750 cashback or 4 PVR Movie Tickets
• 1% fuel surcharge waiver for all fuel transactions between Rs. 500 and Rs. 3,000
• Up to 2.5% railway surcharge waiver when booking ticket through IRCTC online or at booking counters
• Lost Card Liability Cover of Rs. 50,000 against unauthorized usage up to 7 days prior

Getting a student credit card is a smart choice for young adults. Whether you’re buying books, getting coffee, or paying for Netflix, a student credit card can make things easier. Just make sure you check the students credit card eligibility criteria. Don’t worry if you don’t have a job or steady income—options like fixed deposits or having a guarantor can help you get approved.

So, why wait? Apply for your student credit card now and start your journey toward financial freedom. You’ve got this!

Note: Be sure to use your credit card wisely. Paying late or spending too much can lead to debt.