How to Get a Credit Card with Low CIBIL score

Last Updated on September 24, 2025 by Lubhanshi Lamba

Getting a credit card with low CIBIL score might seem like an uphill battle, but it’s not impossible. A high credit score can help secure instant approval and access to premium cards. However, some Banks consider multiple factors beyond your credit score. From income to Fixed deposit investment, various factors help them make the final decision. Entry-level credit cards are specifically designed for individuals with low scores. It opens the door for beginners to start saving money on their everyday purchases. 

There are various ways to get a credit card with low CIBIL score. With the right approach and smart financial decisions, you can secure a card and establish a strong credit history. This article includes everything you need to know about CIBIL Score and securing a credit card without it. 

What is a CIBIL Score?  

A CIBIL Score is a 3-digit number that represents an individual’s creditworthiness. This is a three digit numeric summary of your overall credit history that ranges from 300 to 900. This number helps the lender understand your credit responsibility and behaviour in managing finances. A higher credit score indicates better creditworthiness, and vice versa. Several factors contribute to your CIBIL score. Your CIBIL score is calculated based on the following factors. 

• Payment History: It tracks whether you’ve paid your loans and credit card bills on time.
• Credit Utilization: This indicates the amount you owe to the bank.  You should use less than 30–40% of your credit limit. High outstanding balances can negatively impact your credit score.
• Length of Credit History: Measures how long you’ve been using credit. Longer and responsibly managed credit accounts positively impact your score.
• Credit Mix: A variety of credit types are shown in this head. It can include credit cards, personal loans, home loans, auto loans, etc.
• New Credit: This metric indicates the frequency of new credit card applications. Multiple credit applications can signal financial stress and negatively impact your credit score. 

Why do Banks check your CIBIL Score?

Banks and other financial institutions rely on your CIBIL score to determine whether they should lend you money or not. It helps them understand the risks associated with lending you a specific amount for the period. A higher CIBIL score indicates a good credit history that lowers the risk of the borrower. Here are some key reasos why banks check your CIBIL score. 

1. Loan Eligibility: Your credit score serves as a testament to your creditworthiness when applying for unsecured loans. The credit reports give them access to your credit history and help them determine whether you’re eligible for a loan or not. 
2. Credit History: Just like Google history, it shows your credit history from the first day till the present time. It is essential to maintain a good credit history by repaying loans and bills on time. 
3. Loan Approval: A low credit score may reduce your chances of the loan approval on time. However, a good CIBIL score ensures instant loan approval with minimal paperwork requirements. 
4. Rate of Interest: Your CIBIL score has a direct impact on loan amount, interest rate and tenure. An excellent interest rate can help you get a high loan amount at a low interest rate. 

How to Improve Your Credit Score? 

From home loans to personal loans, a good credit score allows you to get instant approval on credit or borrow from banks and other financial institutions. The credit information bureau generates your credit score based on different factors. Here are some ways to improve your credit score for varied reasons.

1. Paying Bills on Time 
2. Build your credit history from an early time. 
3. Lower your debt-to-credit ratio
4. No need to apply for a variety of credit cards. 
5. Thoroughly analyze your credit reports.
6. Clear your existing debt. 

Ways to get a Credit Card with Low CIBIL Score

Follow this simple procedure to get a credit card with no credit score. 

1. Secured credit cards: You can go with a credit card that requires a cash deposit as collateral to avoid the hustle of building a CIBIL score. The secured deposit will act as the collateral for the credit limit. Your application will be easily approved and there’s no risk of repayment to the lender. 
2. Add-on credit card: If you have a relative or friend with a poor credit score, you can get an “add-on” credit card with low CIBIL score. The primary cardholder is responsible for paying the bill.  It is a great credit card for beginners because the issuer may be lenient in approving your application.
3. Credit Card against Salary Account: You can get a credit card with low CIBIL score, based on your salary account. The banks offer various types of credit cards without a CIBIL score to the salary account holders. The regular income of individuals acts as a testament to creditworthiness. 
4. Credit Card against Fixed Deposit: In this case, you need to pledge a certain amount of money as collateral to receive a credit card from the bank or financial institution. The credit card limit aligns with the corresponding security amount to ensure no risk. This way, you can get a credit card with low CIBIL score. 

Best Credit Cards for Beginners with Poor Credit Score

1. HDFC Money Back Credit Card

A popular entry-level option, the HDFC credit card offers higher benefits and cashback on everyday expenses. You can earn additional reward points through online shopping. Its key features include cash points, gift vouchers, and an annual fee waiver for meeting the minimum spending threshold. It allows you to convert your accumulated reward points into cash back to pay your outstanding credit bill. It is one of the best credit cards for beginners because of low joining fee and significant value on online shopping. 

Key Features of HDFC Money Back Credit Card

• Reward Points: 10X CashPoints (3.3% valueback) on top brands like Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, Reliance Smart, and BigBasket.
• Get 2 CashPoints per Rs. 150 on all other spends.
• Quarterly Benefit: Spend ₹50,000 in a quarter to receive a Rs. 500 gift voucher.
• Dining Benefit: Enjoy 10% extra off on Swiggy Dineout with code HDFCCARDS.

Fee and Charges 

• Joining Fees: Rs. 500 + GST
• Annual Renewal Fee:  Rs. 500 + GST.

2. SBI Unnati Credit Card 

A credit card that is issued against a Fixed deposit (FD), SBI Unnati credit card. It has no annual charges for the first four years with a minimum FD of Rs. 25,000. This credit card is designed for individuals with no credit score or limited credit history. The FD continues to earn interest and serves as collateral against the amount owed by you. The SBI Unnati credit card is an ideal choice for individuals seeking to establish a strong credit history through responsible use. It provides flexible EMI options with a reward system that gives cashback on transactions. People can get this credit card with low CIBIL score and enjoy premium benefits.

Key Features of SBI Unnati Credit Card 

• Zero-Fee Card: Rs. 499, with no annual fee for the first 4 years.
• Rewards on Spends: Earn 1 Reward Point per Rs. 100 spent- redeemable for gifts from the Rewards Catalogue.
• Milestone Benefit: Get a Rs. 500 cashback on annual spends of Rs. 50,000 or more.
• Fuel Benefit: 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹500–₹3,000.
• Secured Card: Issued against an FD of ₹25,000 or more with SBI.

Fee and Charges 

• Joining Fee: Nil
• Annual Fee: Nil for first 4 years; ₹499 from 5th year
• Interest Charges: 2.75%–3.50% per month 

3. IDFC FIRST WoW Credit Card

Specifically designed for individuals with no prior credit history, anyone can obtain this credit card with no credit score, as it is backed by a fixed deposit. This lifetime free credit card helps in building your score with zero markup charges on international transactions. The FD acts as collateral, so it has an instant approval system with no income proof needed. A specified FD amount is required that acts as the credit limit for your card. Additionally, you can earn various redeemable reward points on transactions. 

Key Features of IDFC FIRST WoW Credit Card

• Instant Redemption: Redeem your reward points online anytime.
• Easy Application: No income proof required to apply.
  

Fees & Charges

• Joining Fee: Rs. 0
• Annual Fee: Rs. 0

4. ICICI Bank Instant Platinum Credit Card

The ICICI Bank credit card is secured against a fixed deposit. With no annual charges and rewards points on everyday purchases, this credit card stands out in the list. You can instantly get it issued from over 2,000 branches across India. It provides a fuel surcharge waiver and massive discounts on movie ticket bookings through BookMyShow. To be eligible for obtaining this card, you need to have an FD of a minimum of Rs. 50,000 for at least 180 days.If you’re looking to get a credit card without a CIBIL score, it is the right choice. 

Key Features of ICICI Bank Instant Platinum Credit Card

• Contactless Payments: Pay fast and securely at retail outlets with built-in contactless tech.
• Reward Points: Earn points and redeem across fashion, travel, and others. 
• Entertainment Benefit: Get 25% off (up to ₹100) on BookMyShow twice a month when booking 2+ tickets.
• Low Interest Advantage: Enjoy a low 2.49% monthly interest rate while still earning on your Fixed Deposit.

Fee and Charges

• Joining Fee: Rs. 0
• Annual Fee: Rs. 0

5. Kotak811 Dream Different Credit Card

Another secured credit card, Kotal 811 is a lifetime free option that requires FD as security. It is ideal for building a credit history and does not require a perfect score or proof of income to proceed. It gives up to 80% to 90% of the credit limit against your FD amount. It provides 4 reward points on every Rs. 100 online transaction and 1 reward point on other spends. You can enjoy fuel and railway surcharge waivers at no extra cost. Additionally, an OTT play subscription, valued at just Rs. 1, is also a remarkable welcome gift. Get this credit card with no credit score and enjoy various reward benefits. 

Key Features of Kotak811 Dream Different Credit Card

• Reward Points: 4 points/₹100 on online spends, 1 point/₹100 on others.
• Cash Withdrawal: Withdraw up to 90% limit, ₹100 fee, 48 days interest-free.
• Balance Transfer: Easy transfer by call, ₹349 per ₹10,000, interest-free on new spends.
• Surcharge Waiver: 1% off fuel (Rs. 500–Rs. 4,000, max ₹3,500/year).\
• Railway: Waiver on IRCTC 1.8% & railway counters 2.5% (max Rs. 500/year).

Fee and Charges 

• Joining Fee: Rs. 0
• Annual Fee: Rs. 0

How to Pick the Right Credit Card Based on Your CIBIL Score

Lubhanshi Lamba

Lubhanshi Lamba is a passionate and detail-oriented Content Writer Executive, skilled at creating engaging, well-researched, and SEO-friendly content across diverse niches. With a keen eye for storytelling and clarity, she combines creativity with strategy to deliver impactful write-ups that connect with audiences and drive results.