Getting your first credit card as a student is a smart way to start building your credit score and developing responsible financial habits. But if you’re just starting out—with no prior loans, credit cards, or job history—it can feel almost impossible to qualify.
Luckily, many Indian banks now offer credit cards tailored for students and first-time users, even with zero credit history.
In this guide, we’ll help you understand:
- How students can get a credit card without a credit score
- Top credit cards available in 2025
- Alternatives like secured cards and add-on cards
- Tips for building credit from scratch
💳 Can Students Get a Credit Card Without Credit History?
Yes, but you have limited options. Most traditional credit cards require:
- A steady income
- A credit score of 700+
- Existing credit history
Since students often don’t have any of the above, the best options include:
- Student credit cards
- Secured credit cards (against fixed deposit)
- Add-on cards (linked to a parent’s card)
- Prepaid or zero-limit cards with monthly top-ups
📋 Best Credit Cards for Students with No Credit History (India – 2025)
Here’s a handpicked list of the best student-friendly credit cards in India based on eligibility, features, and ease of approval.
1. 🏅 SBI Student Plus Advantage Credit Card
✅ Best student credit card for SBI education loan holders
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Must have an SBI education loan |
| Credit Limit | Linked to loan amount or FD |
| Annual Fee | ₹500 (reversed on ₹35,000 spend) |
| Reward Points | 1 RP per ₹100 spent |
| Add-ons | Global acceptance, fuel surcharge waiver |
💡 Ideal if you’re already an SBI education loan holder or have an FD.
2. 🛡️ ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card Against FD
✅ Best secured credit card for first-timers
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | No income/credit history required |
| Minimum FD | ₹20,000 |
| Annual Fee | ₹500 (waived on ₹1.5L spend) |
| Rewards | PAYBACK points on every ₹100 spent |
| Add-ons | Lounge access, movie discounts |
💬 You get a real credit card experience while securing your limit with an FD.
3. 🎟️ HDFC MoneyBack Secured Credit Card
✅ Best for beginners who want cashback
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Based on fixed deposit (₹10,000+) |
| Credit Limit | 80–90% of FD value |
| Rewards | 2 points/₹150 spent (redeem for cashback) |
| Annual Fee | ₹500 (waived on ₹50,000 spend) |
| Bonus Perks | Fuel surcharge waiver, EMI options |
🎯 Great entry-level card for students or first jobbers.
4. 👨👩👦 Add-On Credit Cards (All Major Banks)
✅ Best for students with financially active parents
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Parent must have a primary credit card |
| Credit Limit | Shared with parent’s card |
| Annual Fee | Usually ₹0 or very low |
| Best Banks Offering This | HDFC, Axis, SBI, ICICI, Kotak |
💬 This is a good way to start building credit as a dependent, but usage discipline is a must.
5. 📲 OneCard (Co-branded with SBM/IDFC)
✅ Best mobile-first credit card with easy approval
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Approval | Soft check, minimal documentation |
| Credit Limit | Starts low (₹5K–₹30K) |
| Annual Fee | ₹0 (Lifetime free) |
| Rewards | 1–5% depending on category |
| Special Feature | Fully app-managed with smart analytics |
🧠 OneCard is ideal for students with a part-time job or internship income.
📊 Comparison Table: Student-Friendly Credit Cards
| Card Name | Type | Min. Requirement | Annual Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBI Student Plus Advantage | Student Card | SBI Edu Loan/FD | ₹500 | Loan-backed cardholders |
| ICICI Coral Secured | Secured | ₹20K FD | ₹500 | FD-based beginners |
| HDFC MoneyBack Secured | Secured | ₹10K FD | ₹500 | Cashback + reward beginners |
| Add-On Cards (HDFC, SBI, etc.) | Add-on | Parent’s credit card | Usually Free | Family-supported students |
| OneCard | App-based | Soft check | ₹0 | Students with some income |
🧠 How to Apply for a Credit Card Without a Credit Score
✅ 1. Use a Secured Credit Card
- Open a fixed deposit with your bank
- Apply for a card against it (most banks allow this)
- 100% approval rate with minimal documentation
✅ 2. Start with a Prepaid or Fintech Card
Apps like FamPay, Akudo, or OneCard offer prepaid Visa or credit-style cards for 18+ users with monthly reloads.
✅ 3. Get an Add-on Card
Ask a financially responsible parent/guardian to get you a supplementary card. Your usage history contributes to your credit score.
🧾 How Students Can Use Credit Cards Responsibly
Getting your first card is exciting—but remember, bad habits early on can damage your credit score for years.
Tips:
- 💳 Pay the full bill on time every month
- 📉 Never spend more than 30% of your credit limit
- 📆 Set up auto-pay or reminders for due dates
- 🧾 Track expenses via mobile apps or card dashboard
- 🚫 Don’t use your card for cash withdrawals or EMIs
📈 How Student Credit Cards Help Build Credit History
Credit cards help you build your CIBIL score, which is critical for:
- Getting personal loans or car loans
- Applying for housing or education loans
- Buying a house with a home loan in the future
What Builds Your Credit Score:
- Timely repayment history
- Low credit utilization
- Age of credit account
- Variety in credit (credit card, loans)
💡 Even a ₹1,000 monthly spend and on-time payment is enough to build strong credit over time.
🛑 Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Paying only the minimum amount | Accrued interest (up to 42% p.a.) |
| Spending beyond your means | Debt trap |
| Missing due dates | Penalty + damage to CIBIL score |
| Taking cash advances | High fees + no rewards |
| Using the card for show-off | Financial regret later on |
🔚 Final Thoughts
Getting a credit card as a student with no credit history is not only possible—it’s a great move for your future financial independence. Start with a secured or student card, build responsible habits, and slowly move up to better credit products.
The key is to spend wisely, pay on time, and track your usage. Do that, and by the time you graduate, you’ll not only have a degree—but also a solid credit profile.