Kisan Credit Card Apply Online: Eligibility & Benefits

What is Kisan Credit Card (KCC)?

The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme provides farmers with affordable, timely credit for their agricultural needs. Launched in 1998 by NABARD, KCC has been expanded to cover crop cultivation, post-harvest expenses, dairy, fishery, and animal husbandry.

Key features:

• Credit limit up to ₹3 lakh (can be higher based on land holding and crop)
• Interest rate: 7% per annum, effectively 4% with government subvention (for loans up to ₹3 lakh repaid on time)
• 2% interest subvention from Government of India + 3% prompt repayment incentive
• Flexible withdrawal — use the card like a credit line for farming expenses
• Crop insurance under PMFBY included automatically
• Personal accident insurance cover of ₹50,000 (death) and ₹25,000 (disability)
• Valid for 5 years with annual renewal

Over 7.5 crore KCC cards have been issued. PM-KISAN beneficiaries can apply through a simplified process.

Who is Eligible?

For Crop Loans

• All farmers — owner cultivators, tenant farmers, sharecroppers, and oral lessees
• Individual or joint borrowers
• Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) of farmers

For Dairy / Animal Husbandry

• Farmers owning dairy animals (cows, buffaloes)
• Poultry farmers, sheep/goat rearers
• Credit limit based on number and type of animals

For Fishery

• Inland fisheries — fish farmers owning/leasing ponds
• Marine fisheries — boat owners, fishermen
• Credit limit based on type and scale of activity

Not Eligible

• Defaulters of any bank loan (until cleared)
• Farmers already holding a valid KCC from another bank

Credit Limit Structure

For loans up to ₹1.6 lakh, no collateral is required. For loans between ₹1.6-₹3 lakh, banks may require collateral depending on their policy.

Interest Rate Calculation

To get the 4% effective rate, you must repay the loan within the crop season (usually within 12 months of disbursement).

Documents Required

• Application form (available at bank or online)
• Aadhaar card (mandatory)
• PAN card (for loans above ₹1.6 lakh)
• Land records — khata/khasra, land ownership/lease documents
• Passport-size photographs (2)
• Bank account details (if existing account with the bank)
• Crop sowing certificate from Patwari/Agriculture Officer (some banks)
• For dairy/fishery: Proof of animal ownership or fishing licence

How to Apply for Kisan Credit Card

Online Through PM-KISAN Portal

1. Visit pmkisan.gov.in
2. Click on "KCC Form" in the Farmers Corner section
3. Download the KCC application form
4. Fill in the form with personal, land, and crop details
5. Submit to your nearest bank branch along with documents

Through Bank Branch (Most Common)

1. Visit the nearest branch of any commercial bank, cooperative bank, or Regional Rural Bank (RRB)
2. Collect the KCC application form
3. Fill in details — name, address, land holding, crops, livestock
4. Attach required documents — Aadhaar, land records, photographs
5. Submit the application to the bank officer
6. Bank verifies land records and credit history (7-14 days)
7. KCC sanctioned — card and cheque book issued
8. Credit limit set based on your land, crops, and repayment capacity

Through CSC (Common Service Centre)

1. Visit your nearest CSC centre
2. Request KCC application under PM-KISAN
3. Provide Aadhaar, land records, and other documents
4. CSC operator submits application to the relevant bank
5. Bank processes and issues KCC

For PM-KISAN Beneficiaries (Simplified)

If you already receive PM-KISAN benefits:

1. Your data is pre-verified
2. Simplified single-page form available at banks
3. Faster processing (typically within 14 days)
4. No additional land verification needed in most cases

Fees

KCC Repayment & Renewal

• Repayment: Within 12 months of disbursement for crop loans
• Flexi-withdrawal: Draw and repay multiple times within the limit
• Annual review: Bank reviews limit each year; may increase by 10%
• 5-year validity: Card valid for 5 years with annual limit review
• After 5 years: Fresh application required, but simplified process for existing holders

Important Tips

1. Repay on time to get the 3% prompt repayment bonus — this reduces your interest from 7% to 4%
2. Apply at a bank where you already have an account for faster processing
3. Don't use KCC funds for non-agricultural purposes — it's meant for crop cultivation, dairy, and fishery expenses only
4. Keep land records updated — revenue records in your name speed up the process
5. PM-KISAN beneficiaries should apply through the simplified route for faster KCC issuance

Important Links

• PM-KISAN Portal: pmkisan.gov.in
• NABARD: nabard.org
• Interest Subvention Scheme: fasalrin.gov.in

Related Guides

• Soil Health Card — free soil testing for better crop planning
• NREGA Job Card — guaranteed rural employment
• Aadhaar Card Apply Online — required for KCC application

FAQs

What is the interest rate on Kisan Credit Card?

The base rate is 7% per annum. The Government of India provides a 2% interest subvention, and an additional 3% prompt repayment incentive — making the effective rate 4% for loans up to ₹3 lakh repaid within the crop season.

Can tenant farmers apply for KCC?

Yes. Tenant farmers, sharecroppers, and oral lessees are eligible for KCC. They need to provide proof of tenancy or a certificate from the village head/revenue officer confirming they cultivate the land.

What is the maximum loan amount under KCC?

The credit limit is based on your land holding, crops grown, and scale of finance. For interest subvention benefits, the maximum is ₹3 lakh. Banks can sanction higher limits, but the subsidized 4% rate applies only up to ₹3 lakh.

Is collateral required for KCC?

No collateral is required for KCC loans up to ₹1.6 lakh. For loans between ₹1.6-₹3 lakh, collateral requirements depend on the bank's policy. Hypothecation of crops is standard.

Can I use KCC for dairy and fishery?

Yes. KCC was extended to dairy, animal husbandry, and fishery in 2019. You can get credit for purchase of animals, feed, maintenance, and other related expenses. Separate limits apply based on the type and scale of activity.

How long does it take to get KCC?

For PM-KISAN beneficiaries using the simplified route, KCC can be issued within 14 days. For fresh applications, the process typically takes 2-4 weeks including land verification and credit appraisal.

What happens if I don't repay KCC on time?

You lose the 3% prompt repayment incentive, and interest is charged at 7% (or higher for amounts above ₹3 lakh). Continued default may lead to the account being classified as NPA (Non-Performing Asset), affecting future credit eligibility.

This guide is for informational purposes only. CitizenNest is not affiliated with the Government of India. For official information, visit pmkisan.gov.in and nabard.org. Information is accurate as of March 2026 — verify with your bank before applying.