Top Credit Cards for Students in India [2025 Edition]

Starting your credit journey as a student or first-time applicant can feel overwhelming. But with the right lifetime-free, low-fee, entry-level credit cards, you can begin building a solid credit score early, manage money responsibly, and enjoy simple rewards.

This guide lists the best beginner-friendly and entry-level cards currently available on CardMela.com, making it easy for students and young earners to apply.

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Why These Cards Suit Students & Beginners

• Low or no annual fees – Helps avoid unnecessary financial burden
• Minimal income/KYC requirements – Accepts stipend, part-time income, or FD-based applications
• Clear benefits – Cashback, reward points, fuel waivers, or lifestyle perks
• Credit building potential – Helps establish credit history with manageable limits

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1. Axis Bank Insta Easy Credit Card

Key Benefits:

• Lifetime Free, no joining or renewal charges
• Simple 2% cashback on all purchases
• Digital application, instant approval
• Low-limit for beginners, ideal for controlled spending

Why It Suits Students:
No income proof required, quick approval, and steady cashback on every transaction. A solid first card.

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2. IDFC FIRST Millennia Credit Card

Key Benefits:

• Lifetime Free
• 6X–10X reward points (redeemable for cashback)
• Fuel surcharge waiver
• No income proof for salaried students or early earners

Why It Suits Students:
Zero fees and a fair reward system, plus optional FD-based application. Great for learning credit discipline.

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3. SBI SimplySAVE Credit Card

Key Benefits:

• LTF under ₹499 fee waiver after ₹30k annual spend
• 5% rewards on dining, movies, food delivery
• 1% fuel surcharge waiver
• Easy approval with minimal banking relationship

Why It Suits Students:
Useful rewards in everyday categories like food and entertainment. Fee waiver ensures cost-efficiency.

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4. ICICI Portfolio Value Credit Card

Key Benefits:

• Lifetime Free
• 2 reward points per ₹100 spent
• Fuel surcharge waiver
• Lower eligibility criteria via account holders

Why It Suits Students:
No fees, steady reward points, and easy conversion to statement credit. Ideal for building basic credit habits.

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Quick Comparison Table

Credit Card	Annual Fee	Rewards/Cashback	Who It’s Best For
Axis Insta Easy	₹0	2% cashback on all spends	Students with no income
IDFC FIRST Millennia	₹0	6X–10X points (cash-back redeemable)	Early earners beginning credit use
SBI SimplySAVE	₹499 (waiveable)	5% rewards on food, entertainment	Students with moderate spends
ICICI Portfolio Value	₹0	2 reward pts per ₹100	Budget-conscious beginners

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Applying as a Student – What You Need

1. KYC Documents – ID, address proof, student ID or bank account details
2. Income or FD Proof (if needed) – Some cards allow FD-backed approval
3. Age Eligibility – Usually 18+
4. Application Method – Via the CardMela platform or partner bank portal

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Tips for Responsible Use

• Pay monthly bills in full and on time
• Keep credit utilization under 30% (e.g., ₹3k used from ₹10k limit)
• Track benefits monthly — redeem points or cashback regularly
• Upgrade gradually — after responsible usage, upgrade to mid-tier cards

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Final Word

While no official “student credit card” is listed on CardMela yet, these entry-level, student-friendly cards serve the same purpose—financial lessons, rewards, and credit building—while aligning with 2025’s financial environment.

If CardMela adds dedicated student credit cards (like SBI Student Plus or Axis Insta Easy Youth variant) in the future, I’ll promptly produce a targeted blog for that.

Let me know if you’d like a separate post on those beginner cards or want to cover another topic next! all credit cards and find the one that suits your student journey best.

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