Why banks usually say no to students
A regular credit card is unsecured: the bank lends money with nothing to fall back on. So it checks salary slips, ITR and your CIBIL score. Students usually have none of these, so most applications are rejected automatically.
How an FD card gets around this
With an FD card, your fixed deposit is the bank's security. If you don't pay, the bank can recover the dues from the FD. Because the risk is covered, the bank doesn't need to check your income.
- You open an FD of ₹2,000 or more in your name.
- The bank gives you a card with a limit linked to the FD.
- The FD keeps earning interest.
Who can apply
| Requirement | What you need |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 or above |
| KYC | Your own PAN and Aadhaar |
| Income | Not needed |
| CIBIL score | Not needed |
| FD | ₹2,000 or more |
See the full eligibility and documents.
What to watch out for
- Fees: check the joining and annual fee shown by the bank before you confirm.
- Paying in full: interest on unpaid balances is high, so always pay the total due.
- Fake offers: nobody can give you a credit card with no deposit and no income for a "processing fee". Those are scams.
Example
Riya, 19, studies in Pune and gets ₹6,000 a month from home. She opens a ₹2,000 FD, gets a card, and uses it only for her phone recharge and one subscription, about ₹600 a month. She pays the full bill through autopay. After a few months, her CIBIL report shows a score for the first time.
What to do next
If you're new to credit, read student credit card without CIBIL, then apply with the form below.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a credit card at 18 without a job?
Yes. A card against a fixed deposit needs no job or income, only PAN, Aadhaar and the FD.
Do my parents need to give income proof?
No. The card is secured by your own FD.
Is a student FD card a real credit card?
Yes. It works like any credit card for shopping, online payments and bills, and it is reported to credit bureaus.