Eligibility · Low CIBIL score · updated 2026-09-19
Credit cards for a low CIBIL score
Cards that are approved on a fixed deposit rather than on your credit score, plus what to do next. “Likely eligible” – approval is the issuer's decision.
Credit cards for a low CIBIL score (Sept 2026): 2 options – cards that are approved on a fixed deposit rather than on your credit score, plus what to do next. Start with IDFC FIRST Bank FIRST WOW, issued against a ₹5,000 fixed deposit.
With a score under about 700, unsecured applications are mostly rejected – and each rejection is another hard enquiry. A secured card used lightly and paid in full for 6–12 months is the standard way to rebuild.
Standard profile
Scored for Entry-level profile · ₹16k/monthBills paid in full · first-year offers shown separately · set up your profile to score cards for your own spend
Your options, ranked
Kotak Mahindra BankVisa
811 #DreamDifferent
Net savings₹917/yr
Savings rate0.6%
Annual feeFree for life
Lounge✈ none
✓ 2 points/₹100 on online spends earns you about ₹498 a year on ₹99,600 of spend.
Ranked by the open CardLens engine: rewards at realistic redemption value + milestones + waivers − fee incl. 18% GST − forex, for the spend profile stated above. Figures are estimates from public issuer terms – verify on the issuer page before applying. How the score works →
By salary instead
Frequently asked questions
Which credit cards work for a low CIBIL score?
IDFC FIRST Bank FIRST WOW, Kotak Mahindra Bank 811 #DreamDifferent. With a score under about 700, unsecured applications are mostly rejected – and each rejection is another hard enquiry. A secured card used lightly and paid in full for 6–12 months is the standard way to rebuild.
Does a secured credit card build my credit score?
Yes. It reports to the bureaus like any card. Keep utilisation under 30% of the limit and pay the full statement before the due date; most people see a usable score within 6–12 months.