June 24, 2025 · 14 mins read
Santhosh Kumar
A low credit score stops you from accessing the benefits of a credit card. Well, not anymore. Credit cards have become an almost important of today's life, allowing you to make purchases conveniently and avail of various benefits. However, most credit card issuers require a credit history to approve applications, making it hard to establish your creditworthiness. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to secure a no-credit score credit card and begin building your credit history. This blog covers how.
When you apply for a credit card, banks will review your credit report and credit score to assess your creditworthiness. Moreover, as credit cards don’t require collateral, the banks rely on your credit score, an indicator of your financial responsibility and ability to repay the borrowed amount. Your credit score also helps the banks determine the terms of your credit card, such as the interest rate and credit limit. Thus, to reduce the risk of default and possible losses, banks are wary of issuing credit cards to individuals with no credit or a low credit history.
Several options on the market cater specifically to individuals with a low or no credit history. Each of these credit cards has its own set of terms, benefits, and requirements. So let's dive into how you can apply for a no-credit score credit card:
Read More:: How To Check CIBIL Score Online On Government Website
For an individual who has no CIBIL score or has a low CIBIL score, it is quite difficult to get a regular credit card. However, it is not impossible.
To get a regular credit card without having a CIBIL score, an individual can try doing the below-mentioned things:
Get a secured credit card: This is the easiest and most convenient process that an individual can turn to while looking to get a credit card without having a CIBIL score. An unsecured credit card can be used by all those applicants who have no credit score or possess a low credit score. The secured credit card can be availed in a bid to build up the individual's CIBIL score. To avail of a secured credit card, all the individual needs to do is open a fixed deposit account with a bank from which he/she wishes to avail the secured card and make a deposit. The bank will issue a credit card to the individual with a credit limit between 50 to 100 percent of the total deposit made as per their banking terms and conditions.
Get an add-on credit card: Availing an add-on or supplementary credit card is another way for an individual to build his/her CIBIL score. An add-on credit card can be availed by the individual if he/she has a primary credit cardholder in the family. An add-on credit card comes with similar benefits and features as the primary credit card that the family member possesses. However, the credit limit that was on the primary credit card is now shared between both the cards, i, the primary and the add-on credit cards. Irrespective of that, the individual can still avail themselves of the benefits of the add-on credit card as well as use it during unforeseen times like financial emergencies.
Credit card against savings account: Credit cards are offered against savings account only by some of the major banks in the country. This is another way an individual can get himself/herself a credit card without having a CIBIL score. To get a credit card based on the savings account that the individual possesses, he/she will have to deposit a certain amount of money in the account for the bank to provide him/her with a credit card.
Avail of a prepaid credit card: Another way of getting a regular credit card from banks and financial institutions without possessing a CIBIL score is by availing of a prepaid credit card. This is a good idea for individuals who have a bad credit score. Prepaid credit cards are offered by all the major banks in India to people who possess a bad CIBIL score or are without a credit history. A prepaid credit card can be used by individuals by putting in a certain amount of money and using it just like an individual uses a prepaid mobile connection.
Doing the above-mentioned things can help an individual avail the benefits of a credit card without having a CIBIL score, as well as enable them to build their CIBIL score to help them avail of a regular credit card. Though there are ways to avail yourself of a credit card without even having a CIBIL score, it is better to use the options only to build up one's credit score to avail of other credit facilities provided by banks and financial institutions that exist in the country.
Doing the above-mentioned things can help an individual avail the benefits of a credit card without having a CIBIL score, as well as enable them to build their CIBIL score to help them avail of a regular credit card. Though there are ways to avail yourself of a credit card without even having a CIBIL score, it is better to use the options only to build up one's credit score to avail of other credit facilities provided by banks and financial institutions that exist in the country.
Read More:: How to get a 5 lakh loan without a CIBIL score
The SBM ZET Credit Card, offered by SBM Bank (India) in partnership with ZET, is specifically designed for individuals with no credit history or a low CIBIL score. This lifetime-free, FD-backed card requires a minimum fixed deposit of just ₹5,000. No income proof or prior credit score is required.
Top Features:
1: Lifetime free: zero joining or annual fee
2: No need for income proof or credit history
3: 100% digital onboarding with instant approval
4: Continue earning up to 7% FD interest while building your score
5: Rewards, partner discounts, and secure banking protections
One of the key features of this SBI Unnati Credit Card is the absence of an annual fee. This card is a secured card that can be obtained against a fixed deposit of Rs.25,000 and above.
Key features of SBI Unnati:
1: Contactless transactions can be made using this card.
2: Enjoy cash withdrawal from several ATMs across the globe.
3: Apply for add-on cards for spouses, siblings, children, or parents.
4: Convert your credit card spending into EMIs with Flexipay.
5: No annual fee for the first four years.
Fees:
1: Annual fee: Nil for the first four years
2: Renewal fee: Rs.499 from the 5th year onwards
3: Add-on fee: Nil
4: Interest charges: 2.50% per month or 30% p.a.
5: Minimum amount due: 5% of the total outstanding amount
Read More:: Benefits of 700 Credit Score
The HDFC Money-Back Credit Card can be availed on your salary. The ease of obtaining this card makes it a suitable option for individuals seeking to enhance their credit scores. The following details of the card are provided below.
Key features of the HDFC Money Back Card:
1: Earn 2 reward points for every Rs.150 spent.
2: Convert spend to EMIs using SmartEMI.
3: No lost card liability after reporting a loss of the card.
Fees:
1: Joining fee: Rs.500
2: Annual fee: Rs.500
3: Add-on charges: Nil
4: Minimum amount due: 5% of total outstanding
5: Late payment fee: Up to Rs.750
6: Over-limit charge: Rs.500 minimum
Read More:: How to Build Credit from Scratch
The WoW credit card is provided to individuals who do not have a credit history. The credit card is offered to everyone and comes with guaranteed approval. A higher interest rate can be earned against the FD account.
Key Features of the IDFC First WoW Credit Card
1: Reward points can be redeemed at any given time online.
2: No income proof is required.
Fee and Charges
1: Joining Fee: Nil
2: Annual Fee: Nil
If you want a free and instant credit card, you can opt for the ICICI Bank Instant Platinum Credit Card. You must have an FD account of Rs. 50,000 or above to apply for the card.
Key features of the ICICI Bank Instant Platinum Credit Card:
1: Earn 2 reward points for every Rs.100 spent on retail purchases.
2: Earn 1 reward point for every Rs. 100 spent on insurance and utilities.
Fee and Charges
1: Joining Fee: Nil
2: Annual Fee: Nil
Read More:: How Does Foreclosure Affect Your CIBIL Score?
You must have a term deposit with Kotak Mahindra Bank to apply for the Kotak811 Dream Different Credit Card. Up to 90% of the term deposit may be provided as the credit limit.
1: Earn 4 reward points for every Rs.100 spent online.
2: Earn 1 reward point for every Rs.100 spent offline.
Fee and Charges
1: Joining Fee: Nil
2: Annual Fee: Nil
Read More:: Which Credit Score Do Banks Use in India?
The SBM Bank Rupicard is a credit card that helps in building your credit score. You will need to have an FD with the bank to apply for the card.
Key features of the SBM Bank Rupicard:
1: No proof of income is required.
2: No credit score check is done.
Fee and Charges
1: Joining Fee: Nil
2: Annual Fee: Nil
Read More:: How to Make a Kisan Credit Card?
It is designed for new-to-credit users, individuals without income verification, and those seeking to establish or improve their credit score.
Key Features
1: Users must open a fixed deposit (FD) starting at ₹5,000 with SBM Bank.
2: The credit limit is up to 90% of the FD amount.
3: FD earns up to 7% annual interest.
Ideal for first-time borrowers or users with limited or no credit history.
Lifetime free card with no joining or annual fees.
1: Operates on the RuPay network.
2: Fully UPI compatible and can be used on UPI apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, etc.
Read More:: How to Settle Credit Card Debt?
A virtual credit card is issued within minutes after online FD creation and video KYC.
1: Helps users build and maintain a credit score above 750 through responsible usage.
2: Credit behavior is reported to credit bureaus, aiding formal financial inclusion.
1: FD is insured up to ₹5 lakh under RBI’s DICGC scheme.
2: Card transactions are secured and regulated under SBM Bank’s banking license.
1: Offers rewards and discounts on partnered brands and categories.
2; Enables disciplined credit usage backed by a collateral FD.
Read More:: What is the Use of CIBIL Score?
A credit score is an essential factor when deciding whether or not you qualify for a regular credit card in India. The most popular type of credit score in India is known as the CIBIL score, which is a number that ranges from 300 to 900 and represents how likely a person will repay their debts based on how they paid their bills and how often they have used credit in the past.
Typically, a CIBIL score of 750 or higher should qualify an individual for eligibility for a regular credit card. If you have a CIBIL score of at least 750, you may be seen as a low-risk borrower, which may help you with both obtaining the credit card as well as obtaining other benefits such as higher credit limits, lower interest rates, and numerous rewards.
If you have a CIBIL score of 650-749, it is still possible to qualify for a regular credit card; however, you will likely receive limited features and benefits, lower credit limits, and may be charged higher interest rates. Those individuals who have a CIBIL score below 650 will likely have a hard time qualifying for a regular credit card because lenders would consider them high-risk borrowers.
Your CIBIL score can be influenced by various factors such as your repayment history, credit utilisation ratio, length of time you have had credit, and the number of loans or credit cards that you have applied for in the past. To improve your CIBIL score, try to pay your bills on time and maintain a low credit utilisation ratio.
It may be difficult to obtain a credit card if you have no credit history. Banks will usually check an applicant's previous borrowing behaviour before providing them with a line of credit; however, there are ways for people who do not have much credit in India.
The most common way is to get a secured credit card. This type of credit card is backed by a fixed deposit with a bank and is issued against that deposit. Most of the time the credit limit on the secured credit card will be set at a fraction of the amount of money in the fixed deposit, which reduces the risk for the lender. If you pay on time and regularly, your payment history will help you establish a good credit history.
Another option would be to apply for entry level credit cards that cater to people who are new to credit, students or earn a salary. The entry level credit cards tend to have fewer features and lower eligibility requirements.
In addition, some fintech companies partner with banks to create 'Newer' to credit cards. This type of Newer credit card can use alternative information (such as income level, employment type, transaction pattern, etc.), rather than solely relying on the credit score system, for the purposes of qualifying for credit.
If you were able to become a secondary/add-on cardholder to someone else's credit card, this can also help build up your credit history while using that credit card responsibly and making your payments in full and timely. This would allow you to gradually improve your credit profile.
CIBIL records of all defaulters will not be permanent, and you can recover from your low CIBIL Score if there is any default. The records are maintained for 5 to 7 years, after which they will no longer adversely affect your credit score.
The score requirements for a credit card can vary from one bank to another. You should note that a CIBIL score is not the only criterion to get a credit card. With a high CIBIL score, your application can still be rejected due to factors like age, banking relationship, income level, and type of employment.
Although most loans cannot be availed with a low CIBIL score, you can get a loan with a higher interest rate charged if your credit score is low.
There are two other credit reporting agencies - Experian India and Equifax India.
The closer your credit score is to 900, the better your chances of getting a credit card.
Credit scores may vary based on the credit rating company. The credit report and score will provide you with an indication of whether you have a good or bad score. A good score with a particular assessor will be more likely to have a good score with another assessor.
Build and Maintain a 750+ Credit Score
