Why Students Should Consider HDFC Credit Cards
With the evolving financial landscape, students in India are becoming increasingly financially independent. Whether it’s managing monthly expenses, paying for online courses, or booking travel tickets, having a credit card can be immensely useful. HDFC Bank, one of India’s leading private sector banks, offers several credit cards that can be suitable for students. This guide is your ultimate resource to explore the best HDFC credit card options tailored for students in India.
What sets this guide apart from the rest? We delve into specific credit card features, evaluate their relevance for students, provide actual interest rates (APR), and list minimum income requirements. By the end, you’ll know which HDFC card works best for your student lifestyle.
Key Benefits of Having a Credit Card as a Student
- Building Credit History
- Emergency Fund Access
- Online Payments & Subscriptions
- Cashback & Rewards
- Budgeting Tools & Expense Management
What Should Students Look for in a Credit Card?
- Low/No Annual Fee
- Cashback or Rewards on Essentials
- Easy Approval Process
- Student-Friendly Interest Rates
Digital Management Features
HDFC Millennia Credit Card
A trendy card for Gen Z, the HDFC Millennia Credit Card is perfect for students who shop online and love digital transactions.
Key Features:
- 5% cashback on Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, Zomato
- 1% cashback on all other spends
- Fuel surcharge waiver
- Complimentary lounge access (4 per year)
Annual Fee
- INR 1,000 (waived on spending INR 1 lakh annually)
Interest Rate (APR):
- 3.6% per month (43.2% annually)
Minimum Income Required:
- INR 25,000/month (for salaried applicants)
Why It’s Great for Students
- Highly rewarding on food and e-commerce
- Lounge access is a bonus for students who travel
HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card
If you’re looking for a no-fuss cashback card with real value, the HDFC MoneyBack+ is a solid option.
Key Features:
- 10X Reward Points on Amazon, BigBasket, Flipkart (via SmartBuy)
- 2X Reward Points on all online spends
- 500 Cash Points as welcome benefit
Annual Fee
- INR 500 (waived on INR 50,000 annual spend)
Interest Rate (APR):
- 3.6% per month (43.2% annually)
Minimum Income Required
- INR 15,000/month
Why It’s Great for Students
- Easy approval
- High value on groceries and essentials
- Affordable annual fee
HDFC Bharat Cashback Credit Card
Designed for utility spenders, this card is great for students managing household expenses.
Key Features
- 5% cashback on groceries, bill payments, recharges via PayZapp/SmartBuy
- 5% cashback on IRCTC bookings
- Fuel surcharge waiver
Annual Fee
- INR 500 (waived on spending INR 20,000 in 90 days)
Interest Rate (APR)
- 3.6% per month (43.2% annually)
Minimum Income Required:
- INR 15,000/month
Why It’s Great for Students
- Best for managing utilities and essentials
- Simple and direct cashback model
HDFC Freedom Credit Card
The Freedom card is best suited for students looking for balance between rewards and affordability.
Key Features
- 5X Reward Points on groceries, dining, and bill payments
- Milestone benefits for annual spending
Fuel surcharge waiver
Annual Fee
- INR 500 (waived on INR 60,000 annual spend)
Interest Rate (APR)
- 3.6% per month (43.2% annually)
Minimum Income Required:
- INR 12,000/month
Why It’s Great for Students
- Low income eligibility
- Rewarding for essential categories
- Waiver of annual fee is easily achievable
HDFC Regalia First Credit Card (with Caution
Although this is a premium card, some students with stable part-time jobs or family support may find value in it.
Key Features:
- 4 Reward Points per INR 150 spent
- Free lounge access (both domestic and international)
- Dining & travel benefits
Annual Fee:
- INR 1,000 (waived on spending INR 1 lakh annually)
Interest Rate (APR):
- 3.6% per month (43.2% annually)
Minimum Income Required:
- INR 30,000/month
Why It’s Great for Students:
- Ideal for students studying abroad or frequent flyers
- Premium perks on a moderate income
Additional Tips for Students Applying for HDFC Credit Cards
- Consider Applying Against an FD: HDFC offers secured credit cards against fixed deposits (minimum INR 10,000), such as the HDFC MoneyBack Secured Card.
- Maintain a Clean Bank Record: Keep a good savings account record to improve chances of approval.
- Start with a Co-Branded Card: Cards linked with universities or family joint accounts can be easier to acquire.
- Keep Utilization Low: Use less than 30% of your credit limit to maintain a good credit score.
HDFC Credit Cards for Students: A Comparison
Credit Card | Annual Fee | Interest Rate (APR) | Income Required | Best For |
Millennia | INR 1,000 | 43.2% annually | INR 25,000 | Online shopping & food |
MoneyBack+ | INR 500 | 43.2% annually | INR 15,000 | Everyday online spends |
Bharat Cashback | INR 500 | 43.2% annually | INR 15,000 | Utilities & IRCTC travel |
Freedom | INR 500 | 43.2% annually | INR 12,000 | Rewards on essentials |
Regalia First | INR 1,000 | 43.2% annually | INR 30,000 | Premium perks & travel |
Choose Smart, Spend Smart
While credit cards can be powerful financial tools for students, selecting the right one is crucial. HDFC offers a broad spectrum of student-friendly credit cards. By evaluating APR, income requirements, and benefit categories, you can find a card that not only complements your lifestyle but also sets you on the path to financial independence.
Always remember to spend wisely, pay dues on time, and monitor your credit usage to reap the full benefits of your student credit card journey.
FAQs
Q1. Can students with no income get an HDFC credit card?
Yes, through secured credit cards against fixed deposits.
Q2. Which is the easiest HDFC card for students to get?
HDFC Freedom or MoneyBack+ are the most student-friendly options.
Q3. What is the minimum CIBIL score required?
Typically 700+, but secured cards have flexible eligibility.
Q4. Can international students apply?
Yes, if they have valid visa documents and a bank account in India.
Also read this
- Fear and greed can negatively impact your investments
- Axis Bank Credit Card Limit Increase, Interest Rate, Bill Generation Date, and Billing Cycle 2026
- RBI’s FY26 GDP Forecast—Background, Context & Key Reasons
- Axis Bank Credit Card List: Guide for Every Need 2026
- Axis Bank Credit Card Bill Payments: Complete Guide for 2026