Don’t have a CIBIL score or credit history? You can still get a credit card in India. In this video, learn how to get a credit card without a CIBIL score, including FD-backed secured credit cards, eligibility requirements, benefits, and how to use your first card to build a strong credit history.
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Getting your first credit card can feel difficult when you have no CIBIL score. However, having no credit history is not the same as having a poor credit score. Banks and card issuers have several options for people who are new to credit.
If you are a student, young professional, or someone who has never taken a loan or credit card before, here are some practical ways to get your first credit card.
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Can You Get a Credit Card Without a CIBIL Score?
Yes. You can get a credit card even if you do not have a CIBIL score.
Your chances generally depend on factors such as:
- Your income and employment status
- Your bank account relationship
- Your age and eligibility
- Your existing financial history
- The card issuer’s internal eligibility criteria
- Whether you can provide a fixed deposit as security
If you have no credit history, some issuers may simply have less information to assess your creditworthiness.
1. Get a Secured Credit Card Against an FD
One of the easiest options for someone without a CIBIL history is a secured credit card.
With this type of card, you open a fixed deposit with the bank and receive a credit card against it. The credit limit is usually linked to the FD amount.
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For example, if you create a ₹20,000 FD, the bank may provide a credit limit based on a portion of that amount, depending on its policy.
The major advantage is that approval can be easier because the FD provides security to the issuer.
Why Consider an FD-Backed Card?
- Easier approval for new-to-credit customers
- Usually does not require a long credit history
- Helps you start building a credit profile
- You continue earning interest on the FD in many cases
- Can be useful for people with limited income or no previous loans
2. Apply Through Your Existing Bank
If you already have a savings account with a bank, check whether you have a pre-approved or pre-qualified credit card offer.
Banks already have information about your account relationship, such as your balance and transaction history. Depending on the bank’s internal criteria, this may help you qualify even without an established CIBIL score.
Before applying, check your bank’s mobile app, internet banking account, or contact customer support to see whether you have an eligible offer.
3. Consider a Credit Card for New-to-Credit Customers
Some card issuers offer products specifically designed for people who are new to credit.
These cards may have simpler eligibility requirements than premium cards. However, approval is still subject to the issuer’s policies.
When choosing your first card, focus on:
- Low or manageable annual fees
- Reasonable interest rates
- Basic cashback or rewards
- Low minimum income requirements
- No unnecessary add-on charges
Avoid choosing a card simply because it has a high credit limit.
4. Use an FD-Backed Card to Build Your Credit History
If you successfully obtain a secured card, use it responsibly for several months.
For example, you could use the card for regular expenses such as:
- Groceries
- Fuel
- Online subscriptions
- Utility bills
- Small everyday purchases
The important part is to pay your credit-card bill on time and in full.
Over time, responsible repayment can help establish a credit history, subject to the issuer reporting your account activity to the credit bureaus.
5. Keep Your Credit Utilisation Low
Getting a credit card is only the first step. How you use it matters.
Suppose your credit limit is ₹30,000. You do not need to spend ₹30,000 every month.
Try to keep your outstanding balance at a comfortable level and avoid constantly using most of your available limit.
For example:
Credit limit: ₹30,000
Monthly spending: ₹5,000–₹10,000
Bill payment: Pay the full amount by the due date
This demonstrates responsible credit usage.
6. Always Pay the Full Bill on Time
This is one of the most important habits for someone building their first credit history.
Do not confuse the minimum amount due with the amount you should ideally pay.
If your bill is ₹8,000, paying only the minimum amount can result in interest being charged on the remaining balance.
Whenever possible, pay the entire statement balance before the payment deadline.
7. Avoid Applying for Multiple Cards at Once
If your first application is rejected, avoid immediately applying for several cards from different banks.
Multiple credit applications can result in multiple hard inquiries, depending on the issuer and application process.
Instead:
- Check the eligibility criteria.
- Choose a card suitable for your profile.
- Apply once.
- If rejected, understand the likely reason.
- Wait before making another application.
What If You Have No Income?
If you are unemployed or have no regular income, getting an unsecured credit card can be more difficult.
An FD-backed card may be a more practical option because the approval is supported by your fixed deposit.
Another possibility is becoming an add-on cardholder under an eligible family member’s primary credit card. However, an add-on card does not necessarily establish your own independent credit history in the same way as having your own primary credit account, so check how the issuer reports it.
No CIBIL Score vs Low CIBIL Score
These situations are different.
No CIBIL score:
You have little or no reported credit history, so there may not be enough information to calculate a conventional score.
Low CIBIL score:
You have a credit history, but it contains information that results in a lower score.
Someone with no credit history may therefore have an easier path to building credit than someone who has a history of missed payments or defaults.
Things to Check Before Getting Your First Card
Before applying, look at:
- Annual and joining fees
- Interest rate
- Late-payment charges
- Cash withdrawal fees
- Foreign transaction charges
- Reward/cashback conditions
- Minimum income requirements
- Credit-limit policy
- Whether the issuer reports the account to credit bureaus
Do not choose a card only because it offers rewards. For your first card, building a clean repayment history should be the priority.
Final Thoughts
You do not necessarily need an existing CIBIL score to get your first credit card in India. If you are new to credit, an FD-backed secured credit card or an eligible card from your existing bank can be a practical starting point.
Once you have a card, use it responsibly: spend within your means, keep utilisation under control, and pay the full bill on time. Over time, these habits can help you establish a healthy credit history.
Important: Credit-card eligibility, fees, limits, approval rules, and credit-bureau reporting policies vary by issuer and can change. Always check the latest terms directly with the card issuer before applying.
