Getting your first credit card as a student can be difficult. Most students do not have a regular salary, income proof, or an established credit history, which can make it harder to qualify for a regular unsecured credit card.
However, that does not mean students cannot get a credit card.
FD-backed credit cards can be a practical option for students. With these cards, you place a Fixed Deposit with the bank and receive a credit card against that deposit. This can allow you to start using a credit card and build a responsible credit history without needing a traditional income-based credit card.
Another option is an add-on credit card from a parent. If your parents already have a credit card, they may be able to issue an additional card for you under their existing account.
In this article, we will look at some of the credit card options available to students in India, including their FD requirements, fees, rewards, and key features.
Best Credit Cards for Students in India
| Credit Card | Type | Minimum FD | Key Feature |
| IDFC FIRST WOW | FD-backed | ₹20,000 | Zero forex markup and zero annual fee |
| Kotak 811 DreamDifferent | FD-backed | ₹10,000 | Lower FD requirement and cashback |
| ICICI Instant Platinum | FD-backed | ₹50,000 | Secured credit card against FD |
| Niyo Student Credit Card | FD-backed | ₹5,000 | Zero forex markup and low FD requirement |
| Parents’ Add-On Card | Add-on card | No separate FD | Can be issued against a parent’s existing card |
1. IDFC FIRST WOW Credit Card
The IDFC FIRST WOW Credit Card is an FD-backed credit card that can be particularly relevant for students who do not have an established credit history.
According to the current eligibility information, the card does not require income proof or a previous credit history. The minimum age is 18 years, and a minimum Fixed Deposit of ₹20,000 is required. The credit limit can be up to 100% of the FD amount.
One of the biggest advantages of this card is its zero forex markup.
This can be useful if you make payments on international websites, pay for foreign subscriptions, or expect to spend internationally in the future.
The card also comes with zero joining fee and zero annual fee.
Eligible transactions can earn up to 4X reward points, although this should not be interpreted as a flat 4% cashback. The actual value of the rewards depends on the applicable reward structure and redemption method.
The Fixed Deposit also continues to earn applicable interest.
Who should consider IDFC FIRST WOW?
This card can be considered by students who:
- Have ₹20,000 available for an FD
- Do not have an established credit history
- Want a card without an annual fee
- Make international transactions
- Want a secured card with a relatively straightforward structure
The combination of a ₹20,000 FD requirement, zero annual fee, and zero forex markup makes it an interesting option for students.
2. Kotak 811 DreamDifferent Credit Card
The Kotak 811 DreamDifferent Credit Card is another FD-backed credit card that can be considered by students.
One of its main advantages is the relatively low entry requirement. The current requirement starts with a ₹10,000 Fixed Deposit, and the credit limit can be up to 90% of the FD amount.
The card offers 2% cashback on eligible transactions, including eligible UPI transactions.
However, there is an important condition attached to the cashback.
To earn the 2% cashback, you need to meet the applicable ₹15,000 minimum spending requirement during the billing cycle. The cashback is capped at ₹500 per billing cycle, with a maximum of ₹200 cashback from UPI transactions.
The current annual fee is zero, while the joining fee is ₹500 including GST from September 1, 2026.
This makes the card more relevant for students who want to start with a relatively lower FD amount.
However, students should not increase their spending just to qualify for cashback. If you normally spend only ₹5,000 or ₹8,000 per month, spending ₹15,000 simply to unlock a cashback benefit may not make financial sense.
Who should consider Kotak 811 DreamDifferent?
It may be suitable for students who:
- Want to start with a ₹10,000 FD
- Prefer a secured credit card
- Have regular UPI and card spending
- Can naturally meet the required spending threshold
The lower FD requirement is its main attraction, but the cashback conditions should be considered before applying.
3. ICICI Bank Instant Platinum Credit Card
The ICICI Bank Instant Platinum Credit Card is another secured credit card option.
According to the current ICICI information, an FD-backed credit card requires a minimum Fixed Deposit of ₹50,000. The credit limit can be up to 90% of the FD amount, and the FD must have a minimum tenure of 180 days.
The Fixed Deposit continues to earn interest at the applicable FD rate while being used as security for the credit card.
The main drawback for students is the relatively high FD requirement.
You may find older articles or videos online mentioning ₹10,000 or ₹20,000 as the minimum FD for this card. However, the current ICICI information lists the minimum FD at ₹50,000, so students should check the latest terms before applying.
Who should consider ICICI Instant Platinum?
This card may be relevant for students who:
- Can comfortably maintain a ₹50,000 FD
- Prefer an ICICI Bank credit card
- Want a secured credit card
- Are looking to establish their credit history
However, locking ₹50,000 in an FD solely to obtain a first credit card may not be practical for every student.
4. Niyo Student Credit Card
The Niyo Student Credit Card is another FD-backed option specifically positioned for students.
According to Niyo’s current student-card information, no credit history or income proof is required, and the card can be obtained against a small Fixed Deposit. The minimum FD starts at ₹5,000, with a credit limit of up to 90% of the FD. The minimum age is 18 years.
One of the biggest advantages of the Niyo Student Credit Card is zero forex markup on international transactions.
Niyo says the card can be used in 180+ countries and 130+ currencies, making it particularly relevant for students who make international payments, pay for overseas exams or courses, use international subscriptions, or travel abroad.
The current student-card page lists zero joining and annual fees.
The card also offers rewards through Niyo Coins, although the exact rewards structure can depend on the applicable card and current terms.
Who should consider the Niyo Student Credit Card?
It may be suitable for students who:
- Want to start with a ₹5,000 FD
- Do not have an established credit history
- Do not have traditional income proof
- Make international transactions
- Want zero forex markup
The ₹5,000 starting FD is the biggest attraction here, especially for students who do not want to lock a larger amount just to get their first credit card.
5. Parents’ Add-On Credit Card
If your parents already have a credit card, an add-on credit card can be another option.
An add-on card is not an independent primary credit card. Instead, it is issued under the existing account of the primary cardholder, such as a parent.
The biggest advantage is that the student generally does not need to maintain a separate FD for the add-on card.
For example, SBI Card currently allows eligible add-on applicants aged 18 years or above. The primary cardholder remains responsible for payments, while the credit limit is shared with the add-on cardholder. The primary cardholder can also set spending limits for add-on cards.
Who should consider an add-on card?
An add-on card can be useful for students who:
- Have parents with an existing credit card
- Do not want to maintain a separate FD
- Mainly need a card for everyday expenses
- Want their parents to retain control over spending
However, an add-on card should not automatically be treated as an independent primary credit card.
If your main objective is to establish your own independent credit profile, an FD-backed primary credit card is a different proposition.
Things Students Should Know Before Getting a Credit Card
Getting a credit card is not the same as getting extra income.
If your credit limit is ₹20,000, that does not mean you should spend ₹20,000 every month.
A credit card should be used for expenses that you can comfortably afford and repay.
1. Pay the Full Bill
Try to pay the entire outstanding amount before the due date every month.
Paying only the minimum amount and carrying the remaining balance can result in significant interest charges.
2. Do Not Spend Extra Just for Cashback
Cashback should reward your existing spending, not encourage unnecessary spending.
For example, if you normally spend ₹5,000 a month, increasing your spending to ₹15,000 simply to unlock a cashback benefit may defeat the purpose.
3. Understand the FD Requirement
With an FD-backed credit card, your Fixed Deposit acts as security for the card.
Therefore, understand the bank’s rules regarding the FD before opening the card. Depending on the issuer and the outstanding card balance, you may not be able to freely withdraw or close the FD.
4. Do Not Treat the Credit Limit as Your Income
A ₹20,000 credit limit is not ₹20,000 of additional income.
It is borrowed money that needs to be repaid.
The main purpose of a first credit card should be responsible credit usage, not increasing your spending.
Which Credit Card Should a Student Choose?
The right option depends on how much money you are comfortable keeping in an FD and how you plan to use the card.
If you want a lower FD requirement, the Niyo Student Credit Card starts at ₹5,000, while the Kotak 811 DreamDifferent starts at ₹10,000.
If you have ₹20,000 available for an FD and international transactions are important to you, the IDFC FIRST WOW offers zero forex markup along with zero annual fee.
If you can comfortably maintain a ₹50,000 FD and prefer an ICICI Bank secured card, the Instant Platinum can be considered.
If your parents already have a credit card, an add-on card may provide a simpler way to access a credit card without maintaining a separate FD.
Final Thoughts
Students should not choose their first credit card based only on cashback or reward points.
Before applying, consider:
- How much money you need to keep in an FD
- Whether there is a joining or annual fee
- Whether the rewards actually match your spending
- Whether you can pay the full bill every month
- Whether your primary goal is building credit history or earning rewards
If your main goal is to start building a credit history, a simple FD-backed credit card may be enough. There is no need to chase higher cashback by increasing your spending.
And if your parents already have a suitable credit card, an add-on card can be another straightforward option.
Finally, always check the issuer’s latest fees, eligibility criteria, rewards, and terms before applying, as credit-card features and charges can change over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can students get a credit card without income proof?
Yes. FD-backed secured credit cards use a Fixed Deposit as security, so some cards do not require traditional income proof or an existing credit history.
What is an FD-backed credit card?
An FD-backed credit card is secured against a Fixed Deposit. You place an FD with the bank, and the bank issues a credit card against it. The credit limit is generally linked to the FD amount.
What is the minimum FD required for IDFC FIRST WOW?
The current minimum FD requirement is ₹20,000, with a credit limit of up to 100% of the FD amount.
What is the minimum FD required for Kotak 811 DreamDifferent?
The current minimum FD requirement is ₹10,000, with a credit limit of up to 90% of the FD amount.
What is the minimum FD required for ICICI Instant Platinum?
The current minimum FD requirement for an ICICI FD-backed credit card is ₹50,000, with a credit limit of up to 90% of the FD amount.
What is the minimum FD required for the Niyo Student Credit Card?
The current Niyo Student Credit Card starts with a ₹5,000 FD, with a credit limit of up to 90% of the FD amount.
Can parents give an add-on credit card to their child?
Yes. Depending on the issuer’s eligibility rules, parents can issue add-on cards to eligible children. For example, SBI Card currently allows add-on applicants aged 18 or above.
Does an add-on card have a separate credit limit?
Generally, the add-on card uses the primary card’s overall credit limit. The primary cardholder may also be able to set a separate spending limit for the add-on card, depending on the issuer.
I write about credit cards, personal finance, banking products, and money-saving tips for CardZen. My aim is to make financial topics easier to understand and help readers make informed decisions.