Want to get your first credit card but have no CIBIL score? This beginner’s guide covers everything you need to know to successfully apply for your first credit card, even with zero credit history.
Nowadays, credit cards are no longer a luxury but a necessity. It is a great financial tool that unlocks a series of benefits and privileges across shopping, dining, entertainment, travel, etc. In FY24 alone, over 16.5 million new credit cards were issued in India. Yet getting a first credit card with no credit history is still daunting for many. In this post, we will talk about how to get your first credit card with no credit score.
So, if you’re someone looking to get a credit card for the first time to unlock a new world of rewards and facilitate building a strong credit history, this post is for you. As a beginner, choosing the right 1st credit card will not only offer you financial freedom but also the opportunity to build a strong credit history.
Why Should You Get Your First Credit Card?
A credit card is a financial tool that allows you to access funds immediately to make any purchase within the predetermined credit limit, and pay it later. It is a widely used form of payment that is accepted worldwide. Here are the reasons why you should get your first credit card
1. Building a Credit History
No credit history means no access to the best loan or credit card offers. A CIBIL score is a three-digit number ranging from 300 to 900 which reflects your creditworthiness. The higher the CIBIL score, the quicker the approval and the better deals you get when applying for a new credit card or a loan. Therefore, as a ‘New-to-credit’ borrower, you just got the opportunity to build a strong CIBIL score with your first credit card.
2. Benefits & Privileges
Credit cards come with exclusive benefits and privileges like reward points, cashback, shopping discounts, lounge access, etc. There are also various joining and annual benefits, milestone rewards, gift vouchers, fuel surcharge waivers, movie ticket benefits and much more to make every financial journey even more rewarding.
3. Interest-Free Period (Grace Period)
A credit card’s interest-free period, also known as the Grace Period, is the time between the date of transaction and the payment due date. It is usually between 18-55 days, depending on the date of transaction. When you get your first credit card, you can also enjoy this interest-free period of 18-55 days.
4. Flexible Payments
Need a new television or a washing machine? Credit cards also offer a flexible payment feature (EMI facility), thus enabling you to split the cost into small monthly payments or instalments that fit your budget.
7 Best Credit Cards to Start Building Credit Score for First Time Users
If you want to apply for your first credit card with no credit history, you can opt for one of these secured credit cards that require reasonable eligibility criteria and an easy application process.
Pro tip: apply for these credit cards via GoPaisa and earn extra GP Rewards on your card approval.
1. IDFC First WOW Credit Card
The IDFC First WOW is the best secured credit card option you can choose as a first credit card. Unlike other credit cards, this card does not require any income proof or a credit score for approval. Also, you can apply for this IDFC First WOW credit card with a minimum FD of ₹5,000 only. The higher the amount you’ll invest in Fixed Deposits, the higher your credit limit you’ll get. It offers up to 100% of the FD amount as your credit card limit.
IDFC First WOW Credit Card: Features & Benefits
Zero Joining and Annual fees
4x reward points on every spend (1RP = ₹0.25)
Zero foreign markup fees
Credit Card backed by FD with FD returns starting @6.25% p.a.
IDFC First WOW Credit Card: Eligibility Criteria
You must meet the following criteria to be eligible for Ithe DFC First WOW credit card:
You must be 18 years old or above
You are a resident of India
Need a Fixed Deposit of ₹5,000 or above
Overall, IDFC First WOW credit card is the best option for no CIBIL score holders. The zero joining and annual fees, no foreign markup fee, and low interest rates further adds high value to this credit card. Moreover, this Lifetime Free credit card is backed by FD, which will also assist you in building a financial history effortlessly.
So, if you’re looking to get your first credit card with no credit, then the IDFC First WOW credit card is the best option for you. Apply for this IDFC WOW credit card via GoPaisa and earn extra ₹300 GP Rewards on your card approval.
Apply IDFC First WOW Credit Card Here
2. SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card
The SBI SimplyCLICK is another best secured credit card that you can apply as your first credit card online. It is one of the most used credit cards for earning rewards on online shopping. Apart from regular rewards, the card also offers milestone based rewards, annual fee reversal and fuel surcharge for each transaction between ₹300 to ₹3000. You can apply for this credit card with a minimum FD of ₹25,000.
SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card: Features & Benefits
Amazon gift card worth ₹500 as a welcome gift.
10x Reward Points on online spends with Apollo 24x7, BookMyShow, Cleartrip, Dominos, IGP, Myntra, Netmeds, and Yatra.
5x Reward Points on all other online spends
Earn 1 reward point per ₹100 on all other spends
E-Vouchers worth ₹2,000 each on reaching annual online spends of 1 Lakh and 2 Lakh, respectively.
1% fuel surcharge waiver (max ₹100 per statement cycle)
Annual fee reversal on spending ₹1 Lakh in the previous year.
SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card: Eligibility Criteria
The following criteria must be fulfilled by you to be eligible for SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card:
Your age must be 18 years or above
You must be a resident of India
You need an FD (Fixed Deposit) of ₹25,000 or above
Bank may perform some internal checks to determine your eligibility
The SBI SimplyCLICK credit card is an excellent choice for first-time users, especially for those who frequently shop online. It offers accelerated reward points for purchases made on popular e-commerce platforms such as Myntra, BookMyShow, Cleartrip, and others. With lower annual fees, convenient EMI options, and additional benefits like fuel surcharge waivers, this card provides significant savings for avid online shoppers.
Apply it today via GoPaisa and get an extra ₹1400 GP Rewards on your credit card approval and dispatch.
Apply For SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card Here
3. IndianOil Axis Bank Credit Card
IndianOil credit card, co-branded with Axis Bank, is another best secured credit card best-suited for individuals with no credit history. It offers seamless benefits across IndianOil fuel purchases, accelerated rewards on online shopping, discounts on movies, dining and much more. The best thing about this credit card is that you get 90% of the FD amount as your credit limit. Also, minimal documents are required for this credit card.
IndianOil Axis Bank Credit Card: Features & Benefits
4% value-back on fuel transactions by earning 20 EDGE Reward Points on every ₹100 spent at IOCL fuel stations.
1% value-back by earning 5 EDGE reward points per ₹100 spent on online shopping
1 EDGE reward point on every ₹100 spent on other categories, excluding payments for rent, education, wallet, insurance, gold, silver, utilities, etc.
Get a welcome gift of EDGE reward points equivalent to the value of 1st fuel transaction. Complete your purchase within 30 days of card issuance to avail the offer.
10% discount on movie tickets through BookMyShow.
1% fuel surcharge waiver (up to ₹50).
15% OFF on dining bills with EazyDiner. (Max. up to ₹500)
Annual fee waiver on spending ₹3.5 lakh in the previous year.
IndianOil Axis Bank Credit Card: Eligibility Criteria
The following criteria must be fulfilled by you to get eligible for IndianOil Axis Bank Credit Card:
Your age must be 18 years or above
You must be a resident of India
You need a Fixed Deposit of ₹20000 or above
Overall, the IndianOil Axis Bank credit card is another best option to apply for your first credit card. This is also a secured credit card that offers excellent savings on fuel purchases at IOCL outlets, along with a decent reward rate across other shopping categories.
Moreover, apply for this Axis Bank credit card via GoPaisa to earn ₹1500 GP rewards upon your card approval.
Apply for IndianOil Axis Bank Credit Card Here
4. Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card
The Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card is an excellent option for those looking to build credit history for the first time without applying for a traditional credit card. This card functions as a shopping card with a pre-approved loan amount, which can be used at over 1.5 lakh online stores for various purchases, including groceries, electronics, appliances, furniture, and more.
One of the standout features of the Bajaj Finserv EMI Card is the ability to convert your purchases into easy EMIs, with a flexible repayment tenure of up to 60 months. This can be a highly beneficial way to establish a strong credit history without needing a dedicated credit card.
Bajaj Finserv EMI Card: Features & Benefits
Zero annual fees on your card.
Build credit score when paying your monthly EMIs timely.
Shop for daily groceries, mobiles, electronics, appliances and more and pay in easy monthly EMIs between 3 to 30 months.
Accepted across 1.5 lakh+ stores across 4000+ cities across India.
100% digital process, minimum documentation required, and quick approval.
Bajaj Finserv EMI Card: Eligibility Criteria
You must meet the following eligibility criteria to apply for Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card online:
Your age must be between 21 and 65 years.
You must be a resident of India.
You must have a regular source of income.
Bajaj Finserv EMI Card: Required Documents
PAN Card
Aadhar Card
Address Proof
In conclusion, if you're looking to start building your credit for the first time, the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card is an outstanding option. With its completely digital application process, no annual fees, flexible EMI schemes, and exclusive benefits at partnered stores, it provides significant advantages for new credit users.
Moreover, applying through GoPaisa can offer you an additional ₹200 in GP rewards upon approval. This card not only helps you build credit but also maximizes your shopping potential.
Apply for Bajaj Insta EMI Card Here!
Other FD Based Credit Card Options
5. SBI Unnati Credit Card
The SBI Unnati Credit Card is a secured card that can be obtained by depositing a minimum FD of ₹25,000 with SBI Bank. Ideal for individuals with no or low credit history, this card offers rewards like 1 point per ₹100 spent, a ₹500 cashback on ₹50,000 spending, and a waived annual fee for the first four years.
SBI Unnati Credit Card: Features & Rewards
Zero fee credit card.
1 Reward Point per ₹100 spent, excluding cash advance, balance transfers, encash, and flexipay.
Get ₹500 cashback, within 15 days of achieving annual spends of ₹50,000 or more.
1% fuel surcharge waiver for each transaction between ₹500 and ₹3000.
Secured credit card that can be obtained on a fixed deposit of ₹25,000 on SBI Bank.
SBI Unnati Credit Card: Fees & Charges
Joining fees: Nil
Annual fees: ₹499 (waived off for first 4 years)
Renewal fees: ₹499 (5th year onwards)
SBI Unnati Credit Card: Eligibility Criteria
Your age must be between 21 years and 60 years.
A fixed deposit of ₹25,000 is required.
No CIBIL score or minimum income is required.
Check Your SBI GoPaisa Rewards Here!
6. Kotak811 #DreamDifferent Credit Card
The Kotak811 #DreamDifferent Credit Card is a lifetime-free credit card designed for individuals who are building their credit for the first time. It is a secured credit card backed by a Fixed Deposit, requiring no CIBIL score or income proof. This card offers 4X reward points on online purchases, maintains its lifetime-free status, provides waivers on fuel and rail transactions, and grants a credit limit of up to 90% of your Fixed Deposit. This makes it an excellent choice for beginners to earn rewards while improving their credit history.
Kotak811 #DreamDifferent Credit Card: Features & Benefits
Lifetime free credit card.
4 Reward Points per ₹100 spent online
1 Reward Point per ₹100 spent offline
Milestone benefits up to ₹1,000
Get Free OTT play & ₹250 Gift voucher
Kotak811 #DreamDifferent Credit Card: Fees & Charges
Joining Fees: Nil
Annual Fees: Nil
Interest Charges: 3.75% per month (Annualised 45%)
Foreign Currency Markup: 0.035%
Late Payment Charges: ₹500 for dues of ₹100 or more
Over Limit Charge: Nil
Rent Payments: 2% of the transaction amount + GST
Kotak811 #DreamDifferent Credit Card: Eligibility Criteria
Primary cardholder's age must be between 18 years and 75 years.
Minimum ₹10,000 fixed deposit (FD) is required with a minimum tenure of 181 days.
Eligible FDs must be individual term deposits only.
Updated PAN Card is required.
Check Your Kotak GoPaisa Rewards Here!
7. HDFC Pixel Credit Card
The HDFC Pixel credit card is a secured credit card backed by a fixed deposit, making it an ideal choice for individuals looking for their first credit card without a credit history. Managed by HDFC PayZapp, this credit card offers attractive cashback rewards across popular brands, merchant stores, and even for UPI transactions.
HDFC Pixel Credit Card: Features & Benefits
5% cashback on any 2 brands of your choice.
3% cashback on any 1 merchant of your choice. Choose from Amazon, Flipkart, or PayZapp.
1% cashback on all other purchases.
1% fuel surcharge waiver
Up to 10% discount on Swiggy Dineout.
1% cashback on UPI spends via Rupay variant.
5% cashback on Smartbuy spends.
HDFC Pixel Credit Card: Fees & Charges
Joining Fees: ₹500 (waived off on spending ₹20,000 in the first 90 days of card issuance)
Annual Fees: ₹500 (waived off on spending ₹1 Lakh in a year)
HDFC Pixel Credit Card: Eligibility Criteria
Your age must be minimum 21 years and maximum 60 years.
Your monthly income must be above ₹25,000. (Deposit an FD and get this credit card without any income proof)
Check Your HDFC GoPaisa Rewards Here!
Eligibility Criteria You Need to Fulfil to Get Your First Credit Card
Before applying for a credit card, verify that you meet the card issuer's eligibility requirements to improve your first credit card application approval with most banks. It will save a lot of time, and you can avoid unnecessary credit checks.
Age: To qualify for a credit card, you must be at least 18 years old, have a stable income source, and maintain a healthy credit history. While 18 is the minimum age criterion, certain card issuers prefer applicants to be at least 21 years old.
Income: Most banks and credit card issuers ask for a stable income source, with a minimum pay scale that ranges from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month to get the approval.
Credit Score: No credit history, no problem. As a first-time applicant, you may not have a credit history, but maintaining a good credit score (750 or above) will increase the chances of approval.
Nationality: You must be an Indian citizen or a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) to apply for a credit card in India.
Documents Required When Applying For First Credit Card
Before applying for your first credit card in India, you must submit the following key documents along with your application. Gather all the essential documents to streamline the process.
Identity Proof: Aadhar card, PAN card, passport, voter ID, or driving license.
Address Proof: Aadhar card, driving license, utility bills, passport, or rental agreement.
Income Proof: Salary slips (last 3 to 6 months), bank statements (last 3 to 6 months) or Income tax returns.
Photographs: recent passport-size photographs.
How to Use Your First Credit Card Responsibly?
As a first-time cardholder, it is important to utilize your credit card responsibly to create a positive credit history and to avoid falling into debt. Smart usage of a credit card is the key to managing your credit card effectively:
1. Set a Budget
Smart spending starts with a plan. Your credit limit should not be your spending target. Before purchasing, determine how much you can manage to transact every month to adhere to your budget.
Pro tip: A credit card is not free money. So, always prioritize setting a personal expense cap (20-30% of your credit card limit) that aligns with your repayment capacity.
2. Pay Credit Card Bills Before Due Date
Always make credit card payments on time to avoid costly mistakes. Pay your credit card bill in full by the due date every month to avoid late fees and interest charges. Late payments are always hurting your wallet as well as your CIBIL score. So, be sure to set an automatic payment or reminder to ensure timely payments.
3. Always Pay Your Credit Card In Full Payments
The golden rule of having a credit card is to always pay in full to keep your card purchases interest-free. If you are not able to pay in full in one go, try to pay as much as possible to avoid higher interest rates.
Pro Tip: Don’t pay only the minimum due. This will let your credit card be charged heavily with late fees, which can cost you a fortune.
4. Check Monthly Statement For Any Fraudulent Transactions
Most banks usually demand notification for fraudulent transactions within 30-60 days. Late reporting can make you liable for losses. Regularly review your credit card transactions to monitor your spending and any suspicious transactions. Immediately report any discrepancies to the bank to maximize fraud protection.
5. Avoid Cash Advances With Credit Cards
Cash advances generally come with higher interest rates compared to regular transactions. Don’t go for cash advances unless it is required.
6. Always Prioritize Smart Card Utilization
Set your credit utilization under 30% of your total credit limit. Exceeding this threshold can negatively impact your credit score. To stay under 30%, you need to know your total credit limit, and you can set SMS or phone alerts at 25% usage.
Pro tip: Mid-cycle payments can be a great way to manage your credit card payments under 30%.
How to Build a Good Credit Score?
Want to build a strong credit card score with your first credit card? Here are some key habits to maintain a positive credit history:
Always pay your credit card bills on time. You can set up autopay for the minimum due to avoid missing the payment.
Try to manage the credit card utilization under 30% of the credit limit to signify to your lenders that you are a responsible borrower.
Use your credit card consistently to make small and manageable purchases and pay them off in full every month.
Avoid applying for multiple credit cards at once. Multiple applications can trigger a hard inquiry and can reduce your credit score.
Account longevity is mandatory. Manage your credit cards for the long term to strengthen your credit age. This is one of the major factors in building your credit score.
Conclusion
Credit cards are great financial tools, not liabilities when used wisely. With responsible habits like timely payments and monitoring spending, they offer far more than just payment convenience.
Getting your first credit card in India assists you in building healthy financial habits while offering exciting rewards on everyday expenses. Keep in mind that you consider the credit card as a financial milestone and use it in a disciplined way to avoid falling in a debt trap.
For a seamless start and to earn extra GP rewards, apply for your first credit card with GoPaisa. GoPaisa, India’s best cashback and coupon platform, benefits you with extra GP rewards up to ₹1500 when applying for your first credit card online. So, don’t wait! Get your first credit card today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I apply for a credit card with no credit history in India?
You can easily apply for a credit card with no history in India through secured credit cards backed by FDs, credit cards linked to your salary/savings account, and EMI-based cards from Fintech platforms like Bajaj Finserv.
There are also some student credit cards in India that focus on building positive repayment habits to establish your CIBIL score.
What are the best starter credit cards for beginners with no credit?
The best starter credit cards for beginners with no credit history include the lifetime free IDFC First WOW, SBI SimplyCLICK, and Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI card.
Which banks offer credit cards for people with no prior credit?
IDFC First Bank, AXIS, ICICI, SBI, and Bajaj Finserv are the major banks and fintech platforms that offer credit cards for individuals with no prior credit history or CIBIL score.
These typically offer secured credit cards based on FDs, or entry-level unsecured credit cards/student credit cards, which help you build a strong credit history through responsible use and timely bill payments.
How to build credit history from scratch using a credit card?
Here are a few things you keep in mind to build credit history from scratch using a credit card.
Always pay your credit card on time and in full.
Keep your credit card utilization under 30%.
Check credit card statements for errors, signs of fraud, and dispute any inaccuracies.
Monitor your credit score regularly.
Are secured credit cards available in India for first-time users?
Yes, secured credit cards from banks like IDFC, SBI, HDFC, AXIS, and Kotak are available in India for first-time users. These are an excellent choice to apply for your first credit card, as they are issued against a fixed deposit, making credit card approval easy for banks.
What documents do I need to get my first credit card without credit history?
Here is the list of documents that banks may ask you for verification to get your first credit card with no history.
Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driver's License.
Address Proof: Aadhaar, Passport, Utility Bills (electricity, phone), Rental Agreement.
Income Proof: Recent 3-6 months' Bank Statements showing regular income, Salary Slips, Income Tax Returns (ITR).
Photograph: Recent passport-size photo.
For secured credit cards or student credit cards, you need to submit the basic ID and address proof, plus a deposit or student status proof.
Can I get a credit card with no income proof in India?
Yes, it is possible to get a credit card in India without the need for traditional income verification, such as salary slips or income tax returns (ITR). Several banks offer options like secured credit cards that require a fixed deposit, student credit cards, or add-on cards that can be obtained through family members.
For example, IDFC First WOW and various FD-based credit cards from SBI, HDFC, ICICI, and Axis Bank allow you to establish a credit history using your savings.
How to check eligibility for a credit card with zero credit score?
To check your eligibility for a credit card, visit the bank's website for their specific criteria. You can also utilize pre-qualification tools to see if you are likely eligible for a credit card. Additionally, you'll need to submit the details like Aadhar card, PAN Card, and fixed deposit or income proof to check your eligibility.
What is the process to get a credit card with no credit score online?
Here are the steps to apply for a credit card with no CIBIL score:
Get a credit card against your fixed deposit. Leading banks like IDFC, SBI, AXIS, and Kotak offer secured credit cards with limits of up to 90% of your fixed deposit amount.
Check for EMI cards that come with a pre-approved loan limit. These EMI cards are beneficial for large purchases, which can be repaid in easy monthly installments.
Salaried employees can provide proof of income to get approval for credit cards.
Which credit card providers have easy approval for first-timers?
Banks like IDFC, SBI, Axis, HDFC, and Kotak offer secured credit cards backed by Fixed Deposits, and generally provide easy approval for first-time credit card users.
