Best Credit Card for Low CIBIL Score

Getting a credit card for a low CIBIL score can feel tough, but it’s definitely doable. Whether you’re just starting out with credit or trying to fix a low score, there are options for you. Many banks look for high credit scores, but there are cards made for those with poor or limited credit. Secured cards and low-fee options are out there, and picking the right one can help improve your score over time. In this guide, we’ll dive into some of the best credit card choices for low CIBIL scores and practical steps to rebuild your credit score.

What is a Poor, Bad, or Low CIBIL Score?

A CIBIL score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness, ranging between 300 and 900. The closer your score is to 900, the better it is, and it reflects your reliability in managing credit. However, if your score falls below 550, it is considered poor. This usually means you’ve had trouble with repayments or have a limited credit history, which can make it harder to get credit cards or loans. But don’t worry, scores in either range can be improved.

CIBIL Score Range

Importance of CIBIL Score in Credit Card Applications

When you apply for a credit card, your CIBIL score is key in two main ways:

1. Eligibility: Banks usually set a score of 750 and above as the target for approving credit card applications. A lower score can hurt your chances since it might suggest risk to the bank.
2. Credit Limit: Your score also affects the credit limit you receive. A high score shows good repayment habits, which can lead to a higher limit. On the other hand, a low score might result in a smaller limit or even denial. As you use your card responsibly, you might get a chance for a limit increase.

Best Credit Cards for Low CIBIL Score

If you have a low CIBIL score and are looking for credit card options, here are some cards that might be suitable:

1. IDFC FIRST WoW Credit Card: Offers minimal eligibility requirements. Earn 4X reward points on spending ₹150 and enjoy a credit limit of at least 100% of your fixed deposit value. Plus, get a 1% fuel surcharge waiver.
2. Rupicard: Enjoy lifelong membership with no annual or initiation fees. Secure the card with a fixed deposit of INR 5,000 and benefit from a 6.5% interest rate. Additionally, earn 0.5% cashback on all transactions.
3. OneCard Credit Card: No joining or annual fees. Get 5X rewards on your top 2 spending categories each month and fractional reward points on other purchases.
4. SBI Advantage Plus Credit Card: A globally accepted card secured against fixed deposits with no specific CIBIL score requirement. Access up to 85% of your fixed deposit as your credit limit, make cash withdrawals from ATMs worldwide, and apply for add-on cards for family members. Convert transactions into EMIs through Flexipay. Annual renewal fee is Rs. 500, with no charges for add-on cards. Interest is 2.25% per month or 27% per annum, with late payment fees up to Rs. 750.
5. SBI Unnati Credit Card: Requires a fixed deposit of over Rs. 2.5 lakh. No annual fee for the first four years, with contactless transactions, cash withdrawals from global ATMs, and add-on cards for family. Convert spending into EMIs via Flexipay. After four years, the annual fee is Rs. 499. Interest rate is 2.50% per month or 30% per annum, with a minimum payment of 5% of the total outstanding amount.
6. Axis Bank Insta Easy Credit Card: Requires minimal documentation based on salary or fixed deposit. Offers a credit limit of up to 80% of your deposit, waives the 1% fuel surcharge, and allows full-limit cash withdrawals. No joining or annual fees, but the interest rate is 2.50% per month or 34.49% per annum, with late payment fees up to Rs. 700.
7. Kotak Mahindra Aqua Gold Credit Card: Secured against fixed deposits with a credit limit up to 80% of the deposit amount. Features include up to 48 days of interest-free cash, fuel surcharge waivers on transactions over Rs. 500, and railway surcharge waivers on IRCTC transactions. No joining or annual fees, and no charges for add-on cards. Interest rate is 2.99% per month (35.88% p.a.), with late payment fees up to Rs. 700 and an over-limit charge of Rs. 500.
8. HDFC Money Back Credit Card: Accessible with a salary, offering 2 reward points per Rs. 150 spent. Allows spending conversion into EMIs with SmartEMI and includes no liability for lost cards once reported. Joining and annual fees are Rs. 500 each, with no charges for add-on cards. Minimum amount due is 5% of the total outstanding, with late payment fees up to Rs. 750 and an over-limit charge of Rs. 500.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Credit Cards with a Low CIBIL Score

Here are some important factors to consider when applying for a credit card on low CIBIL score:

• Focus on low annual fees: Many credit cards aimed at individuals with low credit scores may come with annual fees. Going for cards with lower or waived fees can help minimize your overall costs.
• Consider rewards programs: Some cards offer cashback or points on purchases, even if they’re designed for low credit scores. If you use your card often, one with a rewards program could provide extra value.
• Read the fine print: Thoroughly review the card’s terms and conditions, including interest rates, fees, and late payment charges. Understanding these details helps you avoid unexpected costs and fully grasp the card’s terms.

Credit Card Options for Low or Bad CIBIL Score

If your CIBIL score is low, you may still have some options to consider:

1. FD-Backed Credit Cards: To obtain one, you need to maintain an FD with the bank that acts as collateral for your credit limit. Typically, the credit limit is around 60-70% of the FD amount. For example, an FD of Rs. 1 lakh might secure a credit limit of Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 70,000.
2. Co-signed/Add-on or Family Credit Cards: Add family members as additional cardholders to leverage their good credit history. This can help if you’re unable to get a card on your own, as the family member acts as a guarantor.
3. Apply for a Credit Card with Your Primary Bank: Most banks offer free credit cards to their customers, who have an established financial history with the bank. This makes it easier for the bank to assess creditworthiness and approve a card, even with a poor credit score.
4. Secured Credit Cards: Secured credit cards require an upfront deposit as collateral against the credit limit, typically equal to or higher than the deposit value. For example, IDFC FIRST Bank offers the FIRST WOW! card, which needs no income proof or credit history, making it accessible even for those with low or no credit scores. It can be secured against a fixed deposit with returns up to 7.5% p.a., providing an option for retirees or non-salaried individuals.
5. High-Fee Unsecured Cards: Some cards come with higher fees but don’t require a deposit. Though they can be more expensive, they might be available despite a poor credit score. Using these responsibly can help improve your credit profile over time.
6. Smaller Bank Credit Cards: Regional or smaller banks may have more flexible criteria for approval.

How to Improve Your CIBIL Score

Improving your CIBIL score takes time, but with these strategies, you can make significant progress:

• Set Reminders for Payments: Delays in EMI payments can result in penalty fees and a lowered credit score. Avoid this by setting reminders to make sure your EMIs are paid on time.
• Maintain Older Credit Cards: The longer your credit history, the better. Don’t close old accounts, even if you don’t use them often.
• Customise Your Credit Limit: Increase your credit limit to lower your credit utilisation ratio, which can enhance your score. However, avoid maxing out your credit limit.
• Opt for Longer Loan Tenor: A longer loan tenor can lower your EMI amount, making it easier to make payments on time.
• Avoid Excessive Debt: To maintain a healthy credit score, avoid taking multiple loans simultaneously. Instead, repay one loan before taking another. Multiple loans can suggest financial strain and lower your credit score, while successfully repaying a loan can improve it.
• Check Your CIBIL Report for Errors: Occasionally, CIBIL might make errors in your report or delay updates, negatively impacting your score. Regularly checking your CIBIL report helps you spot and correct mistakes by submitting a dispute resolution form online.
• Build Credit History: If you have little to no credit history, work on building it by borrowing a mix of secured and unsecured loans. This can improve your credit score and help you secure better loan terms in the future.

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