Sure, it is rather a lot doable. Both a secured bank card, a fintech backed card or an add-on card might be the optimum and hassle-free option to get a bank card with a low credit score rating beneath 600. A rating beneath 600 indicators a credit score profile with points indicating delayed funds, over-utilisation, defaulted loans and even extreme inquiries. Most conventional banks will hesitate to difficulty an unsecured bank card at this vary. However that doesn’t imply there aren’t any choices. There are three viable paths:
1. Secured Credit score Playing cards
Probably the most simple option to get a bank card with a low credit score rating is by making use of for a secured bank card. These are backed by a mounted deposit (FD) that you just open with the issuing financial institution. For instance, when you open an FD of ₹20,000, the financial institution would possibly offer you a credit score restrict of ₹15,000–₹20,000. The FD acts as safety, so the financial institution isn’t too involved about your poor credit score historical past. These playing cards work similar to any common bank card and in addition report your reimbursement exercise to credit score bureaus, which implies they assist enhance your rating over time. Finest picks are SBI Benefit Plus Card, Axis Insta Simple Credit score Card, Financial institution of Baroda Prime Credit score Card, Flipkart Axis Financial institution Credit score Card.
2. Fintech and Credit score Builder Playing cards
Many fashionable fintech firms have stepped in to supply credit score merchandise to those that don’t meet the standard rating necessities. Platforms like Slice, OneCard, RuPay, and Scapia are extra versatile and use completely different standards, like your revenue, financial institution exercise and even UPI transaction patterns. These playing cards usually include smaller limits and fundamental options, however they’re simpler to get and glorious for constructing credit score. Having related options to bank cards, these playing cards work on the idea of Purchase Now Pay Later. Extremely advisable ones are Scapia Federal Credit score Card, OneCard Steel Credit score Card, Slice Tremendous Card.
3. Add-On Playing cards
An alternative choice is to ask a trusted member of the family (like a father or mother or partner) so as to add you as an add-on person on their present bank card. These are basically duplicate playing cards with entry to the identical credit score restrict. Even when it doesn’t immediately have an effect on your credit score rating, it permits you to apply accountable utilization and helps once you apply to your personal card later. Bank cards like HDFC Regalia Gold and ICICI Financial institution Plus playing cards provide the add-on facility, but it surely’s not an exhaustive listing. Practically all private bank cards provide the add on facility now, together with entry to Precedence Go for worldwide flights.
Additionally learn: Finest ICICI Credit score Playing cards in June 2025 – Are You Eligible? Discover Out!
Factors to Maintain In Thoughts
- Perceive Your Rating First: Earlier than making use of for something, it’s necessary to know the place you stand and why. Obtain your credit score report from CIBIL and have a look at the problems. Fixing small errors or settling previous dues can typically give your rating a fast increase and even 30–40 factors can open new doorways.
- Select Your Path Strategically: When you have some financial savings, go for a secured card with a serious financial institution — it’s the most secure option to rebuild your credit score. For those who don’t have the financial savings however have a gradual revenue, strive a fintech-backed credit score line or card that considers different elements past your rating. And when you’re dwelling with a financially sound member of the family who’s prepared to assist, getting an add-on card is a simple option to get began.
- Don’t Apply In all places at As soon as: One widespread mistake folks make when determined for credit score is making use of to a number of banks and fintechs in a brief span. Each utility leaves a mark in your credit score report, and too many inquiries can really make your rating drop additional. As an alternative, use platforms that supply pre-approval or tender eligibility checks so you realize the place you stand with out risking your rating.
- Use Your Card Well: When you get the cardboard, how you utilize it’s simply as necessary as getting it within the first place. Maintain your spending inside 30% of your credit score restrict, pay your payments earlier than the due date, and keep away from withdrawing money utilizing the cardboard. This sends a sign to credit score bureaus that you just’re accountable and that’s precisely what helps your rating rise once more over time.
- Monitor Your Progress: Most fashionable credit score apps, together with these by banks and fintechs, allow you to monitor your credit score rating without spending a dime. Preserving monitor of it could steadily trigger you to hunt out methods to enhance the rating.
Conclusion
Getting a bank card with a credit score rating below 600 in India isn’t not possible, you simply have to know the place to look and what to do. Secured bank cards, credit-builder merchandise, and even family-supported add-on playing cards are all sensible, practical choices. And upon getting that card in hand, do not forget that it’s not only a device for spending, however your ticket again to monetary credibility.
Written by Teertha Ravi
