Getting a credit card without a CIBIL score or income proof may seem impossible at first, but it’s not. While most banks require a good credit history and regular income documentation, there’s a smart way to start your credit journey even if you have none of that.
If you don’t have a job, steady income, or any credit history, banks usually reject your credit card application because you’re seen as a ‘high-risk’ customer.
The easy solution is getting a secured credit card that can be backed by a fixed deposit.
A secured credit card is issued against a Fixed Deposit (FD) where the bank gives you a credit limit that’s typically 80–90% of your FD amount.
In this case, no income documents are required, and even no credit history is needed. It also offers guaranteed approval of a credit card, as the FD acts as guarantor for you.
Getting a Credit Card without Income Proof
- Open a Fixed Deposit (FD) with a minimum amount of around ₹10,000 or more.
- Apply for a secured credit card against that FD.
- Use the card regularly for small expenses like groceries, mobile recharge, or bills.
- Pay your card bills on time which builds a positive repayment history.
- In a few months, your credit score will grow stronger, and then you can apply for unsecured regular credit cards.
Credit Cards against FD
Banks that offer a credit card against a fixed deposit are a few, and you can choose one based on the minimum FD amount and the benefits its credit card offers.
Usually, you’ll get 90% of the FD amount as credit limit on your credit card. Here are some of the popular credit cards that can be acquired after opening a fixed deposit.
| Credit Card | Minimum FD Amount |
| Axis Bank Myzone Easy Credit Card | ₹15,000 |
| HDFC Moneyback Credit Card | ₹15,000 |
| IDFC First WOW! Credit Card | ₹20,000 |
| ICICI Bank Instant Platinum Credit Card | ₹50,000 |
| SBI Unnati Credit Card | ₹25,000 |
| Kotak811 Dream Different Credit Card | ₹10,000 |
| AU NOMO Credit Card | ₹20,000 |
If you don’t have a CIBIL score or income proof, getting a regular credit card can be challenging, but not impossible.
Secured credit cards against a fixed deposit are the smartest and most reliable way to start your credit journey.
Options like the SBI Unnati, ICICI Instant Platinum and Coral, HDFC MoneyBac+, Axis Myzone, and Kotak811 Dream Different credit cards offer great features while helping you build your credit history.
