Apply for Credit Card with Low CIBIL and Low Income – 100% Working Methods
Introduction
Getting a credit card in India is often seen as a sign of financial health, but what if you have a low CIBIL score and a limited income? Most banks will instantly reject your application. But here’s the truth: you can still get a credit card even with a bad CIBIL score and low income — if you use the right methods.
In this detailed 3000-word guide, we’ll show you:
- Why your application gets rejected
- The types of credit cards that accept low CIBIL and low income
- Step-by-step methods to get approved
- Real bank options that work in 2025
- Tips to boost approval chances
- And how to use the card to fix your credit score fast
Let’s get started.
Chapter 1: Understanding the Problem – Why Banks Reject Your Credit Card Application
Before we show you the solution, you need to understand why your application fails.
✅ Common Reasons for Rejection:
- CIBIL Score below 650 – Indicates poor repayment history
- Monthly income less than ₹15,000 – Viewed as risky by banks
- Loan settlement/written-off history – Red flags for banks
- High credit utilization – Using over 30-40% of your credit limit
- Too many loan inquiries – Suggests financial desperation
But don’t worry — you can still qualify for the right kind of credit cards. Let’s explore how.
Chapter 2: Types of Credit Cards You Can Get with Low CIBIL and Low Income
There are 3 main types of credit cards you can apply for:
1. Secured Credit Cards (Best Option)
These are issued against a fixed deposit (FD). Your credit history doesn’t matter.
- 🔐 No CIBIL check
- 🪙 FD starts from ₹5,000 to ₹20,000
- ✅ 90% approval rate
Top Secured Cards in India 2025:
- SBI Advantage Plus
- ICICI Coral Secured Credit Card
- Axis Bank Insta Easy Credit Card
- AU Bank LIT Secured Credit Card
2. Pre-approved/Invite-only Credit Cards
Some banks offer pre-approved cards if you already have an account with regular transactions.
- No hard CIBIL pull
- Usually based on your savings/income history
- Check offers on SBI YONO, ICICI iMobile, HDFC Netbanking
3. Credit Builder Cards from NBFCs or Fintechs
New fintech companies like OneCard, Slice, or Paytm offer credit cards to people with limited credit or low income.
- Easy approval via mobile app
- Soft CIBIL check
- Lower credit limit, but perfect to rebuild score
Chapter 3: Step-by-Step Method to Get Approved with Bad CIBIL and Low Income
Here’s a foolproof 5-step strategy that works even in 2025:
✅ Step 1: Check Your CIBIL Score and Report
Go to:
- CIBIL.com
- OneScore App
- [Paytm Credit Report]
👉 Download your report. Find:
- Loan settlements
- Written-off tags
- DPD (days past due)
Fix errors first before applying.
✅ Step 2: Open FD-Based Account and Apply for Secured Credit Card
Best banks for small FDs:
- SBI: Start with ₹10,000
- ICICI: Start with ₹5,000
- AU Small Finance: Start with ₹2,000
Pro Tip: Apply for the credit card through the bank branch where you made the FD. 90% success rate.
✅ Step 3: Use a Co-Applicant or Add-on Card
If you live with someone who has a good credit score:
- Request an Add-on card
- Or apply with a co-applicant/sponsor
Banks like HDFC, SBI, and ICICI allow this route.
✅ Step 4: Try NBFC or Fintech Credit Cards (No FD Needed)
These cards often approve people with bad CIBIL:
| Fintech | Card | Income Needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slice | Slice Card | ₹0 | Soft CIBIL pull |
| OneCard | OneCard Metal | ₹12,000 | App-based KYC |
| KreditBee | Card | ₹15,000 | Quick approval |
| Paytm | SBI Card | ₹10,000 | Good for beginners |
✅ Step 5: Build Credit Slowly – 3 Month Usage Plan
Once you get the card:
- Use only 10-20% of your limit monthly
- Pay full bill before due date
- Never miss payments
After 3–6 months, your CIBIL can jump by 50–100+ points.
Chapter 4: Top Credit Cards for Bad CIBIL Score & Low Income in 2025
Here’s a hand-picked list of best cards that work even with poor credit and low salary:
1. SBI Advantage Plus (Secured)
- Against FD
- Credit limit = 85% of FD
- Annual fee: ₹500
- CIBIL: Not needed
2. ICICI Bank Coral Secured Credit Card
- FD-based
- Rewards, movie offers, fuel benefits
- No income check
3. OneCard Metal
- App-based approval
- Low salary accepted
- EMI & full-payment option
4. Slice Card
- Virtual + physical card
- No fixed income rule
- Cashback on purchases
5. AU Bank LIT Credit Card
- Customize your benefits
- Apply with just ₹2,000 FD
- Great for students, freelancers
Chapter 5: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the right approach, many people still get rejected. Avoid these:
- Applying for multiple cards in a short time – Triggers CIBIL alerts
- Using more than 40% of your credit limit
- Paying just minimum due – Hurts your score
- Closing your card early – Lowers your credit age
- Ignoring CIBIL updates – Monitor your progress every month
Chapter 6: How to Use the Credit Card to Fix Your CIBIL Score Fast
Once you get a card, use it to rebuild your score in 90 days:
Month-by-Month Plan:
- Month 1:
- Use card for groceries, recharge, petrol
- Spend ₹1,000–₹1,500
- Pay bill early
- Credit score begins adjusting
- Month 2:
- Increase spend to ₹2,000
- Set up auto-debit
- Keep utilization below 30%
- CIBIL improves by ~20–40 points
- Month 3:
- Pay before due date, not on it
- Avoid cash withdrawals
- Expect +60 to +100 score jump
👉 Keep this up for 6 months, and you can cross 700+ score easily.
Chapter 7: Real Success Stories (From Users Like You)
1. Rajeev from Delhi
- CIBIL Score: 545
- Income: ₹13,000/month
- Applied: SBI Secured Credit Card (₹10,000 FD)
- Result: Card approved in 2 days, score improved to 655 in 4 months
2. Meena from Bangalore
- Salary: ₹10,000/month
- Used OneCard after rejection from banks
- Used 15% limit, paid early
- CIBIL increased from 590 to 710 in 6 months
These stories are real proof that you don’t need a high income or perfect score to start fixing your financial future.
Conclusion: Yes, You Can Get a Credit Card with Low CIBIL and Low Income
Don’t let past mistakes or limited salary stop you. With the right steps:
- Open an FD and get a secured credit card
- Use fintech cards smartly
- Avoid high spending and always pay on time
In just 3–6 months, your CIBIL score will begin to rise, giving you access to better credit, lower interest rates, and financial freedom.
✅ Action Steps (Checklist for You)
- Check your latest CIBIL report
- Open FD in ICICI/SBI/AU Bank
- Apply for secured card
- Use card under 30% limit
- Pay early, not just on time
- Recheck CIBIL after 3 months
Top 50 Credit Cards for Low CIBIL Score in 2025 – Easy Approval Guide
Introduction
Struggling with a low CIBIL score but still want a credit card? You’re not alone. In 2025, over 40% of first-time applicants in India face rejection due to poor credit history. But here’s the good news — not all credit cards are out of reach.
We’ve created the most comprehensive list of 50 credit cards that work well for people with a low or bad CIBIL score, including:
- Secured credit cards
- Fintech and NBFC credit cards
- Prepaid credit cards
- Co-branded cards with easy approval
- Cards with minimal or zero income proof required
Let’s dive into the complete list!
What Is a Low CIBIL Score?
A CIBIL score below 650 is usually considered poor. If your score is:
- Below 600 – Most banks will reject your credit card application
- 600–650 – Limited options available, especially secured and fintech cards
- 650+ – You may qualify for entry-level cards if other criteria match
Top 50 Credit Cards for Low CIBIL Score in 2025
We’ve categorized these into Secured, Fintech, NBFC, Co-branded, and Prepaid for easy navigation.
🔒 A. Secured Credit Cards (Backed by Fixed Deposit)
These cards are the best option for low CIBIL. Almost guaranteed approval with FD security.
| Bank | Card Name | Min. FD | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. SBI | SBI Advantage Plus | ₹25,000 | ₹500 |
| 2. ICICI | Coral Secured Card | ₹20,000 | ₹500 |
| 3. Axis Bank | Insta Easy Card | ₹20,000 | ₹500 |
| 4. HDFC | MoneyBack Secured | ₹10,000 | ₹500 |
| 5. IDFC First Bank | WOW Credit Card | ₹5,000 | ₹0 |
| 6. AU Bank | LIT Secured Credit Card | ₹2,000 | ₹0 |
| 7. Yes Bank | Prosperity Edge Secured | ₹25,000 | ₹999 |
| 8. IndusInd Bank | Secured Platinum Card | ₹20,000 | ₹0 |
| 9. Kotak Mahindra | Aqua Gold Card | ₹25,000 | ₹0 |
| 10. Bank of Baroda | Prime Credit Card | ₹15,000 | ₹500 |
✅ Pro Tip: Use the secured card for 6 months and pay bills on time to increase your CIBIL score by 50–100 points.
📱 B. Fintech Credit Cards (App-Based, Easy Approval)
These cards use alternate data (not just CIBIL) and offer easy sign-up via mobile apps.
| Brand | Card Name | Monthly Income | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11. OneCard | Metal Card | ₹12,000 | ₹0 |
| 12. Slice | Slice Super Card | ₹0 | ₹0 |
| 13. Uni | Uni Pay 1/3 Card | ₹10,000 | ₹0 |
| 14. Paytm | Paytm SBI Card | ₹10,000 | ₹500 |
| 15. KreditBee | KreditBee Card | ₹12,000 | ₹500 |
| 16. LazyPay | LazyCard | ₹8,000 | ₹0 |
| 17. FPL Technologies | OneScore Credit Line | ₹0 | ₹0 |
| 18. Zolve | Zolve Credit Card | Students & Freelancers | ₹0 |
| 19. Jupiter | Jupiter Edge Card | Salary A/C users | ₹0 |
| 20. Fi Money | Fi Credit Card | Active users | ₹0 |
✅ Best For: Students, freelancers, and low-income users.
🏦 C. NBFC Credit Cards (Non-Bank Financial Institutions)
NBFCs have flexible approval rules, often better than traditional banks.
| NBFC | Card Name | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 21. Bajaj Finserv | RBL SuperCard | EMI feature |
| 22. Tata Capital | Tata Card | Easy installment |
| 23. Muthoot Finance | Gold-Backed Card | No CIBIL |
| 24. Manappuram | Secured Credit Card | Gold FD |
| 25. L&T Finance | L&T Insta Credit | Salary card |
| 26. Hero Fincorp | Two-Wheeler Credit Card | Bikers |
| 27. Capital Float | Amazon Pay ICICI | Co-branded |
| 28. InCred | InCred Card | Fintech hybrid |
| 29. Navi | Navi Credit Card | Fully app-based |
| 30. MoneyTap | MoneyTap Card | Credit line + card |
🤝 D. Co-branded or Partner Credit Cards (High Approval Rate)
Partner cards linked with major brands that sometimes relax CIBIL rules.
| Partner | Bank | Card Name |
|---|---|---|
| 31. Amazon | ICICI Bank | Amazon Pay ICICI Card |
| 32. Flipkart | Axis Bank | Flipkart Axis Card |
| 33. Ola | SBI | Ola Money SBI Card |
| 34. Swiggy | HDFC | Swiggy HDFC Card |
| 35. IRCTC | SBI | IRCTC Rupay Card |
| 36. IndianOil | Axis Bank | IndianOil Axis Card |
| 37. BookMyShow | RBL | BMS Play Credit Card |
| 38. Airtel | SBI | Airtel Axis Bank Card |
| 39. Tata Neu | HDFC | Tata Neu Infinity Card |
| 40. MakeMyTrip | ICICI | MMT ICICI Platinum Card |
💳 E. Prepaid and Virtual Credit Cards (No CIBIL, No Income Proof)
These cards offer you credit or spending control without a formal credit check.
| Card Type | Issuer | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 41. Niyo Global | SBM Bank | Virtual card |
| 42. Forex Card | HDFC | Multi-currency |
| 43. FamPay Card | IDFC | Teen card |
| 44. Akudo Card | RBL | Student card |
| 45. Freecharge Card | Axis Bank | Prepaid credit |
| 46. PayZapp | HDFC | Virtual prepaid |
| 47. Mobikwik ZIP | NBFC | ₹30,000 limit |
| 48. Ola Postpaid+ | IDFC | Credit line card |
| 49. Amazon Pay Later | Capital Float | Buy now, pay later |
| 50. Simpl Pay | Simpl | No CIBIL check |
✅ Note: These cards don’t directly improve your CIBIL but help build financial discipline.
Who Should Use These Credit Cards?
- 🧑🎓 Students – Use prepaid or fintech cards like FamPay, Slice
- 🧑💼 Low Income Professionals – Use secured or fintech cards like OneCard, AU Bank
- 🚫 Rejected Applicants – Try SBI Secured, Paytm SBI, or Zolve
- 👨👩👧👦 Homemakers – Try add-on cards or co-branded options
- 🧑💻 Freelancers – NBFCs and app-based cards like KreditBee or LazyPay work well
Tips to Boost Approval Chances
- ✅ Apply for secured cards first
- ✅ Avoid applying for 5+ cards in a short period
- ✅ Use only 20–30% of credit limit monthly
- ✅ Pay full bill before due date
- ✅ Monitor your credit score every month
Final Thoughts
Just because you have a low CIBIL score doesn’t mean you have to live without a credit card. With over 50+ active credit card options in India that approve users with low income or poor credit history, you can easily:
- Get approved in 2025
- Rebuild your credit score
- Regain financial control
Start with a secured card or a fintech solution, manage your spending wisely, and you’ll see your score improve in just a few months.