Naa Songs
A few years ago, Rohan started his first job in Bengaluru. He wanted a credit card to manage travel bookings, shop online during festive sales and enjoy cashless dining. When he applied, the bank told him he had “no CIBIL score” and his application could not go through. It felt like being locked out of a club without even getting the chance to prove himself. What Rohan did not know then was that there are many ways to get a credit card without a credit history.
If you are in the same situation, this guide will help you understand your options and take the first confident step towards building a healthy credit profile.
Why Banks Care About the CIBIL Score
The CIBIL score is a three-digit number between 300 and 900 that shows how responsibly you have used credit in the past. Banks use it to decide if you are a safe borrower. A score above 750 is usually considered strong. Having no score does not mean you are a bad borrower, it simply means the bank has no past data on you.
When there is no credit history, lenders look at other factors such as your income, job stability and whether you can provide collateral or guarantees.
Use Your Salary and Employment Stability
If you are a salaried professional, you already have a good starting point. Banks may approve your application based on proof of regular income, even without a CIBIL score. Many require at least six months of continuous salary credit in your account along with income proof such as salary slips or bank statements.
The approval chances are higher if you work for a reputed company or have a long-term employment contract. If you already maintain a savings account with the bank, applying through that account can make the process faster.
Apply Against an Existing Fixed Deposit
If you already have an FD, you can use it to get a credit card without breaking it. The bank keeps it as security and offers you a card with a limit linked to its value. This is a smart way to retain your savings while accessing credit.
So, if you open an FD of ₹20,000, your card limit might be ₹15,000 to ₹18,000. You earn interest on your deposit while using the card for purchases. Regular, on-time payments on this card help you build a credit history and later qualify for an unsecured card with better rewards.
This credit card on FD also works well for people who want to start building their credit score without taking on too much risk or applying for personal loans.
Get an Add-on Card from a Family Member
If someone in your family already has a credit card with a good repayment track record, you can request to become an authorised user. This is called an add-on or supplementary card. Your spending limit is part of the primary cardholder’s limit and all transactions appear on the same statement.
This allows you to enjoy the benefits of a credit card while gradually building your own credit profile. However, you must spend responsibly because any delay or default will affect both you and the primary cardholder.
Explore Prepaid Credit Cards
Prepaid cards are loaded with money in advance and you can only spend what is available on the card. While they do not directly contribute to your CIBIL score, they are useful for online payments, travel bookings and budget control.
They also help establish a transaction history with the issuing bank, which may later offer you a regular credit card if you handle the prepaid card well.
Consider a Co-signer
Some banks allow you to add a co-signer or guarantor to your application. This person could be a family member or friend with a strong credit history and steady income. The co-signer agrees to share repayment responsibility, which makes the bank more confident about approving your application.
Not all banks offer this option, so it is worth checking in advance. If you do get one, ensure you make payments on time to protect both your record and the co-signer’s.
How to Build Your Credit Score After Approval
Once you get the card, your focus should be on building a strong credit history. Simple habits go a long way:
- Pay your bill in full before the due date every month to avoid interest and penalties.
- Keep your spending below 30 percent of your credit limit to show financial discipline.
- Avoid cash withdrawals on your credit card as they attract high charges.
- Monitor your statements to track expenses and spot any unauthorised transactions.
- Keep your first card active even after getting a new one, as a longer credit history is beneficial.
Picking the Right Option for You
Your best route depends on your current financial situation. If you have a steady salary, applying directly through your salary account may work. If you want a near-certain approval, a secured credit card against an FD is the most reliable. If you have a family member willing to support you, an add-on or co-signed card could be a quick solution.
Whichever option you choose, the goal should be to handle the card wisely, build your CIBIL score and move towards premium cards with better rewards and higher limits over time.
Final Word
Not having a CIBIL score does not mean you are locked out of the credit system. By choosing the right approach and proving you can manage credit responsibly, you can get a card that suits your needs and start building a solid financial reputation. The sooner you begin, the sooner you will have access to the best credit products available.
