Introduction
Credit cards are a significant source to gather additional funds or cater to immediate liquidity requirements. As students enrol themselves in educational institutions, they sometimes have considerable expenses. Credit card companies recognise such struggles students face and offer credit cards with flexible features for students who do not have any source of income. Students can apply for such credit cards to cater to their daily expenses and make ends meet. This article aims to understand the steps involved in choosing a credit card for students with no income.
Credit Card for students with no income – Features and Benefits
Let us begin by examining the key features and benefits that come with applying for a credit card for students with no income
- Easy Process – Students without any source of income can avail credit cards in a simple and hassle-free manner. The documentation process is simple without the need to submit any proof of income or bank statement.
- Multiple advantages – Students can use credit cards for various purposes such as purchasing books or fuel, booking tickets, enrolling for a course etc.
- Credit score – Students can use credit cards early to build their credit score before graduating. Students can make use of such credit cards to enhance their creditworthiness for the future.
- Saving money – Multiple features associated with credit cards can help students with no current source of income to receive multiple offers that can benefit them. Such offers can include cashback, discounts, and rewards to help students save money.
- Credit limit – The credit limit of such cards is usually low. This prevents students from falling into the trap of overspending.
- Annual charges – Student credit cards have low annual charges and may not require a joining fee. This helps students maintain their cards.
Steps to select the right credit card
A credit card offers numerous advantages for students. Let us understand the steps involved in choosing a credit card for students with no income.
Step 1: Thorough Research – The first step involves conducting thorough research by various credit card providers on the offers, discounts, rewards or ongoing promotional schemes. This helps in identifying the best available option. Students can check for various card providers online to compare the benefits provided by each credit card provider.
Step 2: Eligibility Criteria – After shortlisting the best available credit card providers, the next step is understanding the eligibility requirements. Although credit card companies do not emphasise eligibility criteria much while issuing cards for students, the exact requirements may differ across companies. The eligibility constraint may only be confined to an age limit of 18 years with an ongoing degree from an educational institution. It is best to check the exact eligibility requirements of the credit card company before applying for a card.
Step 3: Documents – Various credit card companies may require a specific set of documents. However, the primary documentation required consists of the following
- Birth certificate
- Identification proof such as PAN Card or Aadhaar card
- Passport size photograph
- Proof of residential address
- Identity card issued by college or university.
It is recommended that students thoroughly evaluate the document list of various credit card providers before starting the application process.
Ways to Get Credit Card
Students with no current source of income can opt for one of the below-mentioned ways to opt for a credit card
- Add-on card – An effective way for students to get credit cards is by requesting any of their family members to apply for an add-on card in their name. However, the individual applying for an add-on card must have a good credit history. However, in case of add-on cards, the transactions are billed to the primary cardholder. Therefore, any late payments or defaults may impact the primary cardholder’s credit score. You can apply for an add-on card through any of the below-mentioned avenues.
(a) By submitting an add-on card application
(b) Through credit card net banking account
(c) Sending SMS
(d) Calling credit card customer care
- Against Fixed Deposit – Students can apply for a credit card against an existing fixed deposit account in their name. However, banks may require students to have a minimum fixed deposit amount to grant them credit cards.
- Strong savings account – A few banks offer a facility wherein students with strong savings history can apply for credit cards.
Conclusion
Credit cards present an excellent opportunity for students to gain additional funds and learn money management from a young age. It also creates a platform for students with no source of income to build their credit scores. Students facing immediate financial crises in the form of emergencies can resort to credit card minimum payment and gain additional liquidity to cater to such situations. The process of applying for such cards is simple without the need for a lengthy documentation process. Students also get a wide range of offers and benefits on account of their credit cards which helps them save money.
