Credit Card without CIBIL Score - Check How to Apply it?

10 APRIL, 2023

When you apply for a credit card, your issuing bank checks your credit score to determine whether or not you are a creditworthy person. Credit cards are a form of unsecured lending that financial institutions provide based on your creditworthiness. Generally, applicants with excellent credit scores qualify for the best credit cards in India. The minimum requirement to get a credit card that comes with reward points, cashback, bonuses, and other benefits is 750.

Also, if you have a bad credit score, you will struggle to qualify for a credit card, as it involves the risk of defaults on payments. Banks check your credit report and score when you apply for a credit card. They analyse your record of late payments and defaults as well as the record of any credit card you might currently have before making a decision.

What Is Credit History?

Credit history is a record of your borrowing and repayment activities. Your credit history starts building up when you borrow credit in the form of cards or loans. There are two types of credit history - good credit history and poor credit history. If you have a good credit history, it indicates responsible financial behaviour. But you should know you’ll get a credit card if no credit history is available and this happens in case of first time credit card users only.

Why Credit History Is Important

Credit history is important due to the following reasons.

It helps credit card issuers evaluate applicant’s creditworthiness
Lets you know your current credit standing and whether you are eligible for a new card
No credit card history will be reflected in the credit report if you are a new user. So, getting a credit card without CIBIL score is possible in that scenario

Minimum Cibil Score Required To Avail A Regular Credit Card

A CIBIL score is a three-digit number that generally ranges between 300 to 900. The closer you are to the 900 range, the greater are your chances of availing yourself of one of the best credit cards in India. As mentioned earlier, you need to maintain a minimum CIBIL score of 750 to get a credit card.

However, your credit score is not the only factor that banks consider before approving your application. Banks usually provide credit cards to individuals with low or no credit history as well. So, if you have no credit history, do not lose hope. You can still get a credit card, but you will not be able to avail maximum benefits.

The minimum CIBIL score required by the credit card issuer may vary, so do check with them before applying. Credit card history has an important relation with your minimum CIBIL score, the longer it is the more beneficial it is for you. Don’t close your old credit cards so there will be a long line of credit in your report. This way, you can go above the minimum CIBIL score and get a credit card for no credit history change.

How to Get a Credit Card with no Credit History in India?

It may be difficult to get a credit card with a low or no CIBIL score. However, it is not impossible. Here are the top ways to get a credit card without having a CIBIL score:

Secured credit card

If you are looking for a credit card without having a credit score, it would be wise to get a secured credit card. It has the easiest and most convenient process. Anyone with a low or no credit score can apply for a secured credit card. It does not come with reward programs, bonuses, and cashback. However, it is the best way to build up your credit score.

To get a secured credit card, you will need to open a fixed deposit account with a bank from which you want to get a secured credit card. The issuing bank will issue a credit card with a limit of up to even 100% of the total deposit made. Usually, the credit limit ranges between 50% to 100%.

Add-on credit card

Getting a supplementary credit card is another way to build your credit score. You can get an add-on credit card if you have a primary credit cardholder in your family. The best part about an add-on credit card is that it comes with similar features and benefits as the primary credit card, which one of your family members possesses.

It is worth noting the credit limit on the add-on credit card is half of what was assigned to the primary credit cardholder. You can use the add-on credit card to cater to your short-term financial needs.

Credit card against savings account

Some banks offer credit cards against savings accounts as well. It is another way of getting a credit card when you do not have a CIBIL score. To apply for a credit card against your savings account, you will need to deposit a certain amount in your savings account. The bank will then provide a credit card and assign the credit limit based on the amount deposited.

Prepaid credit card

Prepaid credit cards are similar to fixed deposit credit cards. If you have a bad credit score, you can get a prepaid credit card by prepaying a certain amount of money to the bank. The bank will issue a credit card with the credit limit set to the amount prepaid. It is an ideal option for individuals who have a bad credit score.

Get a credit card based on your salary statement

Your credit score is not the only factor based on which you can get a credit card. If you have been a salaried employee of a private or public company for over six months, you can apply for a credit card with a bank where your salary gets credited every month. Keep in mind that you have to provide a letter of employment from your company’s HR along with your salary statement.

You can also apply for a credit card based on your salary statement at other banks. But, if you apply for a credit card at the bank where you receive your salary, the application process is convenient, and you can get your credit card quickly.

Conclusion

If you wish to obtain one of the best credit cards in India, you will need to maintain a minimum CIBIL score of 750. Any score below the said range will not qualify you for a regular credit card. However, you can still apply for other credit cards, such as a secured credit card to build your score, and then get a card that comes with maximum benefits and features.

Getting a credit card with no credit history may sound new, but it's possible. Building credit history is important as it plays an essential role in availing credit cards. It is because when you need a high credit limit, you will not only need to meet the income requirements, but have a decent credit history as well. So build a solid credit profile and become eligible for regular credit cards with better terms and rewards.