Student Prepaid Card FAQs

The Student Prepaid Card is a reloadable stored-value payment card for students aged 10 and above that lets users spend only the funds loaded onto the card. It supports POS, contactless tap-and-pay , OTP-secured online payments and ATM withdrawals where permitted. Guardians or students can top up the card through IMPS,NEFT, UPI, and the card remains valid for 5 years, providing a secure, controlled way to learn money management.

The card is accepted at in-store POS terminals, contactless-enabled counters and online merchants that accept domestic prepaid cards, and may permit ATM cash withdrawals where supported. It is suitable for school and college purchases, travel bookings and everyday needs. Online transactions require OTP authentication for security. Usage is intended for domestic merchants and platforms that accept local prepaid or debit-network payments.

Key features include a DI chip for secure POS transactions, PIN protection, OTP-based online authentication, contactless tap-and-pay for quick low-value payments, ATM withdrawal capability where enabled, and multiple reload options such as UPI, IMPS and NEFT. The card typically has 5 year validity, access to student offers, and customer support for blocking or replacing lost cards, making it a secure, convenient tool for controlled student spending.

The card permits a maximum stored balance of ₹100,000. This cap balances convenience and safety by limiting the amount held on a student-focused prepaid instrument while still enabling coverage for academic and personal expenses. Annual transaction limits and regulatory thresholds also apply, so periodic reloading rather than storing large sums is recommended for disciplined use and compliance.

Students aged 10 years and above are eligible to apply. Minors typically require parental or guardian consent and participation in the application and KYC process, while those above 18 can apply more independently subject to identity verification. No existing savings account is required, making the card accessible to families without bank accounts while providing a regulated, supervised payment instrument for students.

No bank account is required. The card operates independently on a load-and-use basis, allowing parents or guardians to add funds from their own accounts via digital transfers or payment apps without opening a separate account for the student. This setup increases accessibility while keeping transactions traceable and controlled.

Activation usually occurs within a few working hours after KYC verification, allowing quick access to card features. Once activated, the cardholder receives credentials for PIN-based POS use and OTP-based online transactions. Timely submission of accurate documents speeds up activation and enables immediate use for purchases and withdrawals where supported.

Issuance and activation require KYC documents such as government-issued identity and address proof; for minors, guardian identification and consent may also be required. Biometric or OTP-based Aadhaar verification may be used where applicable. After successful KYC verification, the card is activated and ready for use. Keeping accurate documents ensures smooth issuance, replacement and refund processing when needed.

An inactivity fee of Rs 25+GST may apply to expired cards that are not replaced within the permitted window, typically charged periodically until Closure or refund. Active cards with occasional use are not charged this fee. To avoid inactivity charges, monitor the card’s validity and request replacement before expiry or apply for refund/ Closure promptly if the card is no longer needed.

POS and online transactions are generally free of additional charges, encouraging digital payments over cash withdrawals. Online purchases require OTP authentication for security, but the cardholder typically does not incur per-transaction fees for normal merchant transactions. Merchant convenience fees, if any, are levied by the merchant, not the prepaid card provider.

If the card remains unused until expiry and is not replaced, inactivity fees or dormancy rules may apply and the balance may require a formal refund process. Active but infrequently used cards typically do not attract inactivity fees. Users should monitor validity and request replacement or refund to avoid charges and ensure access to stored funds.

Typical fees include a one-time issuance charge of Rs.299+GST and an annual fee of Rs.199+GST for subsequent years, along with nominal manual loading charges and ATM withdrawal fees. POS and online transactions are usually free, but service-specific charges such as replacement or refund processing may apply. All fees vary by programme rules and should be checked at the time of purchase to understand the exact cost structure.

Report a lost or stolen card immediately via the customer care helpline or designated blocking channel to prevent unauthorised use. Once blocked, request a replacement and provide requested verification documents; remaining funds are typically transferred to the new card or refunded after verification. Prompt reporting minimizes risk and secures the stored balance.

Yes, the card supports contactless tap-and-pay on compatible POS terminals, enabling fast and hygienic payments without inserting the card. Higher-value transactions may require PIN entry. Contactless payments use secure short-range communication and underlying chip-based encryption to maintain transaction safety.

When the card expires or is closed, cardholders can request a refund of the remaining balance by submitting identity verification and bank account details. After verification, the unused balance is credited to the nominated account. Alternatively, funds can be transferred to a replacement card if one is issued, ensuring retained value is not lost.

Yes, damaged or non-functional cards can be replaced by requesting a new card through customer support or designated service channels. After identity verification and any applicable replacement fee, the remaining balance is transferred to the replacement card and PIN details are provided as required, ensuring continuity of use.

Security features include DI chip protection for POS transactions, mandatory PIN authentication for in-store use, OTP verification for online payments, and contactless encryption for tap-and-pay. These layered controls prevent cloning and unauthorised use. Cardholders should safeguard PINs and OTPs, monitor transactions, and promptly report any suspicious activity for immediate blocking and protection.

Parents can load funds via digital transfers or apps, monitor transactions through self-care portal , and block or request replacement if needed. They typically assist with KYC and activation and can set reload frequency and amounts to guide responsible spending while maintaining oversight and security.

Yes, funds can be reloaded using digital channels such as UPI, IMPS, NEFT. Reloads usually reflect quickly, and manual branch loads may attract a small fee. Multiple reloads enable flexible budgeting for recurring or ad-hoc needs.

Yes, the card can be used for online purchases where domestic card payments are accepted, with OTP-based verification used to authorise transactions. This makes digital learning subscriptions, e-commerce and fee payments accessible while retaining security through one-time authentication.

Yes, balance inquiries can be made by calling customer care or via ATM balance inquiry using the card and PIN. These options provide access for users without app or internet access, subject to verification steps for security.

Customer support is available via a dedicated helpline and branch service for in-person assistance, as well as through digital self-care portals for routine queries. Support covers blocking lost cards, replacement requests, balance and transaction enquiries, KYC updates and dispute handling.

Report the transaction immediately to customer care at 1800 1080 with details such as date, amount and merchant. The provider will log the dispute, investigate with payment networks and merchants, and request supporting documents if needed. Prompt reporting improves the chances of a favourable resolution and possible reversal.

Do not share the OTP and report the event to customer care immediately. Consider blocking the card as a precaution. Prompt action prevents unauthorised transactions and helps customer support investigate potential fraud and secure the account.

Balance and transaction history can be checked through ATMs or a self-care portal where available, or by contacting customer care. Regular monitoring helps parents and students track spending and maintain budgeting discipline.

The card typically carries a multi-year validity period—commonly five years from issuance—during which it can be used for POS, online and ATM transactions until expiry. Cardholders should request replacement before expiry to retain continuity and preserve the remaining balance.

Yes, the card is widely accepted at merchants and ATMs that support the card network used by the prepaid instrument, making it suitable for general retail, online purchases and cash withdrawals within domestic acceptance limits.

Yes, the card remains usable until its printed expiry date and is not tied to enrollment status. Cardholders can continue using it post-completion until the card expires, after which a replacement or refund process is available. In some cases, The validity depends in the arrangement with corporate.

No linked savings account is required; the card functions independently on a preloaded balance and can be funded from any bank account or payment app authorised for reloads.

Yes, institutions can coordinate bulk issuance and distribution through established onboarding and KYC processes to facilitate campus payments, canteen services and fee collections, subject to programme arrangements.

Yes, the card can be used for in-app purchases where card payments with OTP verification are accepted; cardholders should avoid saving card details on shared devices for security.

Yes, layered security—chip/PIN, OTP authentication, and balance limits—combined with parental oversight and instant blocking options, makes the card a safe way for minors to learn digital payments with limited financial exposure.

Yes, the card can be used for domestic travel bookings on merchant platforms that accept card payments, provided OTP authentication is supported for the transaction.

Yes, the card can be used for fee payments both online (with OTP authentication) and at POS terminals where educational institutions accept card payments, facilitating secure tuition and fee transactions.

Yes, the card supports purchases on e-learning platforms and apps that accept domestic card payments, with OTP-based authentication securing each transaction.

Yes. The card remains active until its expiry date irrespective of enrollment, allowing continued use for transactions until replacement or Closure is initiated.

Yes, in-app purchases are supported where the platform accepts card payments and OTP verification; parents should supervise reloading and usage to control spending.

No, it does not generate credit-card-style monthly statements; instead, transaction logs and balance details are accessible via digital portals or on request from customer care.

No, the card is intended for domestic use only and does not support overseas transactions or international merchant acceptance.

Yes, ATM withdrawals are possible at ATMs within the domestic network where cash-out is enabled, subject to available balance and per-withdrawal fees.

No, the card is a prepaid instrument and does not offer credit facilities, loans or EMI conversion; spending is limited to the preloaded balance.

Multiple incorrect PIN attempts typically result in temporary card blocking to protect against fraud; contacting customer support or using the self-service portal can restore access after identity verification and PIN reset procedures.

Student-focused discounts and promotional offers may be available from partner merchants across shopping, dining and other categories. Offers change periodically and are communicated through official channels; checking current promotions helps maximise card value.