23 September 2026
The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) is a credit scheme designed to provide credit cards to farmers across India. Launched in August 1998 by Indian public sector banks, it is a scheme that protects farmers from the high interest rates of local moneylenders. It provides "anytime credit" for farming needs, like buying seeds, fertilizers, or even managing household expenses.
To ensure farmers receive credit at a highly subsidized annual rate, the Government of India offers a 2% interest subvention along with a 3% Prompt Repayment Incentive. The Kisan Credit Card scheme allows the loan repayment to be due after the harvest or sale of crops.
News Update
The RBI has proposed a revamp of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, extending its tenure to 6 years and standardizing crop seasons for more uniform loan cycles. The draft guidelines also suggest aligning credit limits with actual cultivation costs. It also plans to include modern technological expenses, such as soil testing and weather forecasting, as eligible components.
- As reported by The Economic Times on 12 February 2026
Let’s try to understand the Kisan Credit Card scheme in detail. The scheme aims to provide farmers with adequate and timely credit support from the banking system. This is done through flexible and simple procedures so that farmers can meet their cultivation and other needs.
Under the scheme, a farmer can take credit for the following:
To meet the short-term credit requirements for the cultivation of crops
Post-harvest expenses
Produce marketing loan
Consumption requirements of farmer household
Working capital for maintenance of farm assets and activities
Investment credit requirement for agriculture and allied activities
Through the Kisan Credit Card, farmers can take a loan of up to ₹5 Lakh within 3 years. Loans are available at an annual rate of 2% to 4%.
Here are some top features of the Kisan Credit Card scheme -
Interest rates range from 2.00% to 4.00%, much lower than loans from moneylenders. Timely repayment charges simple interest, but delay in payment can lead to compound interest.
Also, if farmers save money in their Kisan Credit Card account, they get good interest rates on it.
You can get a credit limit based on your landholding and cropping pattern.
A farmer can get loans up to ₹1.60 Lakh without any security.
Loan repayment is based on the crop harvesting and selling time; no repayment is needed before that.
You get a RuPay debit card to withdraw cash easily from any ATM.
The scheme offers crop insurance, providing up to ₹50,000 in cases of permanent disability or death, and up to ₹25,000 for other risks. Most cards come with crop insurance and personal accident insurance (up to ₹2 Lakh).
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The KCC scheme is regulated by NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development). It sets certain conditions that all major banks in India adhere to. These are the top banks providing KCC:
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Other banks like cooperative banks, rural banks, National Payments Corporation of India, and Industrial Development Bank of India also offer this card.
The eligibility for KCC is very broad to ensure every farmer gets help.
The eligible age is 18 to 60 years; those over 60 require a co-applicant under 60. Here are the types of farmers that can apply -
Individual Farmers: If you own and cultivate agricultural land.
Joint Borrowers: Groups of farmers cultivating together.
Tenant Farmers & Sharecroppers: Even if you don't own the land, but are farming on someone else's land.
SHGs and JLGs: Self-help groups or Joint Liability Groups of farmers.
Allied Sectors: People involved in animal husbandry, dairy, poultry, and fisheries.
You can apply for a Kisan Credit Card both online and offline. The application can be done through a bank’s website or by visiting the branch. Let’s see both procedures one by one.
Here is the step-by-step guide to apply for a KCC online -
STEP 1: Visit the bank's website from which you want to apply for a KCC.
STEP 2: Out of the list of schemes, select 'Kisan Credit Card'.
STEP 3: Click on 'Apply' or any other similar command.
STEP 4: Fill in the details and click on 'Submit'.
STEP 5: You will receive an application reference number, and the process will start in 3-4 working days.
To apply for a KCC offline:
Step 1: Download the application form and fill it out. You can also directly go to your closest bank branch and ask for an application form.
Step 2: Once you have filled it out, attach photocopies of the relevant documents.
The bank representative will help you with your application.
You only need a few basic documents to get started.
Duly filled application form
Two passport-sized photos
Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card (Highly recommended), Voter ID, or PAN Card.
Address Proof: Aadhaar Card, Utility bills, or Ration card.
Land Documents: Copies of your land records (Khasra/Khatauni) certified by revenue authorities.
Crop pattern
These are the types of cards given to farmers:
Magnetic stripe card with PIN (Personal Identification Number)
This type of card comes with an ISO IIN (International Standards Organization International Identification Number), which enables you to access all bank ATMs and micro ATMs.
Debit Cards with Magnetic Stripe with PIN and ISO IIN
In cases where the banks want to utilize the centralized biometric authentication infrastructure of the UIDAI (Aadhaar authentication), debit cards with magnetic stripe, PIN, and ISO IIN with biometric authentication of UIDAI can be provided.
Debit Cards with magnetic stripes and only biometric authentication
Debit Cards with magnetic stripes and only biometric authentication can also be provided depending on the customer base of the bank.
EMV (Europay, MasterCard and VISA) and RuPay Cards
Banks may choose to issue EMV (Europay, MasterCard and VISA) and RuPay-compliant chip cards with magnetic stripe, PIN, and ISO IIN.
The Kisan Credit Card is a financial safety net that empowers you to farm with dignity and security. With it, you can enjoy credit at the lowest possible rates while protecting your family and crops with built-in insurance. The scheme also allows farmers to meet household expenditure along with agricultural needs.
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For loans up to ₹3 Lakh, most public sector banks (like SBI) have waived the processing fee to support small farmers.
You can check your status by visiting the PM Kisan portal or contacting the bank branch where you submitted the form. Some banks also provide SMS updates to your registered mobile number.
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The starting interest rate depends on factors such as credit history, financial obligations, specific lender's criteria and Terms and conditions. Moneyview is a digital lending platform; all loans are evaluated and disbursed by our lending partners, who are registered as Non-Banking Financial Companies or Banks with the Reserve Bank of India.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Always consult with your financial advisor for specific guidance.
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