09 October 2026
Have a low credit score and struggling to get a credit card? Don’t worry; we will tell you ways you can get a credit card even if your CIBIL score is low.
If your CIBIL score is low (below 600), you can get a credit card by applying for a secured credit card or a Fixed Deposit (FD)-backed credit card. While getting such cards, your CIBIL score is not that important, as the FD acts as a security.
By making small, regular spends via RuPay UPI and paying monthly bills in full, you can consistently rebuild your credit score to 720+.
Credit Score Impact: A CIBIL score below 600 is considered "Poor," making secured cards (FD-backed) your best option.
New Strategies: Using RuPay UPI credit cards and correcting errors on your CIBIL report are now the fastest ways to build credit in 2026.
Approval Tip: Smaller or newer banks are often more willing to approve "Credit-Builder" cards than larger traditional banks.
Before we talk about credit cards for low credit scores, let’s find out what is considered a high or low credit score. Here are the categories of credit scores -
|
CIBIL Score Range |
Classification |
Approval Probability |
Loan/Card Terms |
|---|---|---|---|
|
300 to 549 |
Poor / Very Low |
Very Low |
Usually requires a Fixed Deposit (FD) for approval. |
|
550 to 649 |
Fair / Average |
Moderate |
Higher interest rates; lower credit limits. |
|
650 to 749 |
Good |
High |
Standard interest rates and decent benefits. |
|
750 to 900 |
Excellent |
Very High |
Best rewards, lowest interest, and high limits. |
Now that you know which range your CIBIL score lies in, let’s check out some top credit cards you can apply for if your score is on the lower side. Most of these are secured credit cards.
|
Card Name |
Min. FD / Requirement |
Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
|
₹20,000 |
|
|
|
Ranges from ₹5,000 to ₹1 Lakh |
|
|
|
Ranges from ₹10,000 to ₹20 Lakh |
|
|
|
Ranges from ₹20,000 to ₹25 Lakh |
|
|
|
₹25,000 or more |
|
With a low credit score, your best option is a secured credit card. However, that is not the only option. Here, we will discuss some other effective strategies to get credit cards -
If you have maintained a savings or salary account with a bank for over 6 months, the bank has a clear view of your cash flow. Even if you have a low score, they may offer you a "pre-approved" card because they can see your consistent income.
Sometimes, your score is low because of clerical errors (e.g., a loan you already closed still shows as "active"). Regularly checking your report and raising a dispute with CIBIL can result in an instant score jump of 30-50 points.
Newer fintech-friendly banks are often more aggressive in acquiring new customers. They are more likely to offer "Credit-Builder" cards to users who have lower credit scores.
In 2026, UPI-on-Credit is a game-changer. By getting a secured RuPay card, you can use credit for small daily spends (like tea or groceries) via UPI. These frequent, small transactions help you build a "repayment history" much faster than one large monthly purchase.
If a family member has an excellent CIBIL score, they can get an Add-on Card for you. While the primary responsibility stays with them, some banks report the usage to your CIBIL profile, helping you establish a footprint. This will help you get a card of your own later.
Avoid applying for "Premium" or "Luxury" cards. Stick to Lifetime Free (LTF) cards. Premium cards have stricter CIBIL requirements and higher rejection rates. They require a higher minimum income and have eligibility criteria that may be harder to meet.
Stop applying for standard credit cards immediately after a rejection. Wait 3 to 6 months between applications to prevent hard inquiry cascades.
How Ramesh Got a Credit Card After CIBIL Score Drops and Rejections?
The answer to a rejected credit card application is not to apply for more cards. That will just lower your score more due to hard inquiries.
Ramesh from Gorakhpur works as a showroom supervisor earning a net monthly salary of ₹28,000. Due to a single late bike loan installment three years ago during a job switch, Ramesh’s CIBIL score dropped to 570. Needing a credit card for online train bookings and emergency medical expenses, Ramesh applied online for four traditional unsecured credit cards within one week.
All four applications were rejected automatically by bank risk filters. Worse, each rejection triggered a hard credit inquiry on his profile, causing his CIBIL score to plunge further to 542.
Ramesh was advised by his friend to stop applying for standard unsecured credit cards. Instead, he opened a ₹10,000 Fixed Deposit to get an instant, guaranteed-approval secured RuPay credit card with no CIBIL check. By spending ₹1,500 monthly on everyday groceries via UPI and clearing his full statement balance 3 days before the due date, Ramesh rebuilt his CIBIL score back to 735 within 8 months.
Before applying for new credit products, monitor your current score status by checking your credit score for free. You can also choose credit cards on the Moneyview website or app.
A low credit score is not a life sentence. You can improve it with consistency and patience. Here are some tips to build your credit score -
A secured credit card is one of the best ways to build your credit score. Use it for at least 6 months, and pay the bills on time in full every month. This way, your credit score will automatically improve.
Your credit utilisation ratio is the percentage of the total credit available to you that you have used. Never use more than 30% of your limit. If your limit is ₹10,000, don't spend more than ₹3,000.
To manage your credit card bills, never pay only the "Minimum Due." Pay the Total Amount Due 2 days before the deadline. It helps you not overspend and keep your credit card bill within your earning limits.
Once your score hits 700+, you can apply for an unsecured credit card through Moneyview with confidence.
Apply for High Limit Credit Cards upto ₹5 Lakh*
A low CIBIL score is a temporary hurdle, not a permanent barrier to your financial goals. Currently, the Indian fintech landscape offers a range of products, from secured cards backed by FDs to UPI-enabled credit-builders. Start small, be consistent. That is how you can build reliability with banks and unlock bigger credit products like high-range credit cards, home loans, business loans, etc. It can take up to 12 months to build a strong credit score and history. Just remember not to miss any payments, and plan all your loans beforehand.
Credit Card Insights
CIBIL Score Check and Boost Guide
Credit Score Basics and Full Forms
Credit Tracker Related Other Articles
Banking & Investment Tips
Fixed Deposit Insights and Guides
Disclaimer
The starting interest rate depends on factors such as credit history, financial obligations, specific lender's criteria and Terms and conditions. Moneyview is a digital lending platform; all loans are evaluated and disbursed by our lending partners, who are registered as Non-Banking Financial Companies or Banks with the Reserve Bank of India.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Always consult with your financial advisor for specific guidance.
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